11 28 2012

VOL. 61, No. 47

November 22 - 28, 2012

www.tsdmemphis.com

75 Cents

Ole Miss sets meeting over race-laced harassment Chancellor to talk with targeted student, mother and civil rights reps Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Tony Jones

University of Mississippi Chancellor Dan Jones will meet Tuesday (Nov. 27) with Mary Woods and her son, Jamal Woods, regarding on-campus incidents of harassment made uglier by racial underpinnings.

The Rev. Dwight Montgomery, Memphis SCLC president, confirmed the meeting Tuesday (Nov. 20) after he and the Rev. L. LaSimba Gray, Rainbow PUSH Memphis president, held a press conference calling for the university to meet with the Woods family, SCLC Memphis and Rainbow PUSH. Mary Woods, who reached out to Rev. Montgomery for help, told The New Tri-State Defender that she was greatly satisfied that Jones and the university had agreed to a meeting.

“But if they had been on top of this from the beginning, none of this would have happened,” she said.

The call for a meeting rang out in the wake of incidents that occurred on the Oxford, Miss. campus on Election Night (Nov. 6). According to some student leaders, a small group of students took to the campus streets (after President Barack Obama’s Election Night victory) playing “Dixie,” shouting, “The South will rise again,” and screaming racial slurs at fellow students.

Lewis Garrison, a SCLC member and legal advisor, helped arrange the meeting. Garrison, who graduated from Ole Miss in 1958, said the university needs to send a clear signal.

“I saw the kids rioting after the Obama election and I think they can easily identify some of them and they ought to expel them,” said Garrison.

Ole Miss spokesperson Danny Blanton responded to the TSD by email. He said university officials contacted the FBI for assistance and were told there was not enough evidence available for them to consider the incident a federal crime.

The email also indicated that there have been no official reports of similar racially motivated, personal attacks.

In a short interview later, Blanton said the matter sickens the university’s administration, and not just because it is a public relations nightmare, coming as Ole Miss cele-

T.I. – holding his son – said Mayor AC Wharton Jr. and ʻthe people of Memphisʼ have given him a lot of support during his career, including the time of his incarceration in neighboring Arkansas. (Photo by Christopher Hope)

T.I. – Live in Memphis!

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Kelvin Cowans

In Memphis to film the finale of his reality TV show, “T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle,” and lending his support to the Olympic Cares Toy Drive, T.I. opened up during a press conference at Southland Mall on Tuesday (Nov. 20).

Kelvin Cowans: Welcome to Memphis T.I., and thanks for coming!

T.I.: Right on!

KC: My name is Kelvin Cowans and I’m with The New Tri-State Defender newspaper.

Everything you do is well-documented – from your music to your television show – but one thing that’s probably not as much is that you’re always giving back. Where did

SEE OLE MISS ON PAGE 2

• Looking beyond your credit score. See Business, page 6.

• Free your mind of the ‘struggle bubble’. See Religion, page 10.

MEMPHIS WEEKEND SATURDAY

SUNDAY

H- 5 9o - L - 3 4o A .M . C l o u d s

H- 4 8o - L - 3 1o S unn y

H- 5 6o - L - 4 3o S unn y

REGIONAL TEMPS LITTLE ROCK NASHVILLE JACKSON, MS

Friday H-60 L-34 H-58 L-30 H-69 L-39

Saturday H-52 L-33 H-45 L-24 H-56 L-29

Sunday H-60 L-46 H-54 L-38 H-62 L-43

Reporter: What brings you to Memphis?

T.I. Well, besides the mayor, A.C. Wharton (Jr.) right here, I just came because I’ve gotten a lot of support from the people of Memphis from the beginning of my career.

SEE T. I. ON PAGE 2

Former Mayor Dr. Willie W. Herenton (left), City Councilman Myron Lowery and TSD President/Publisher Bernal E. Smith II share a moment of accord during the 4th Annual Men of Excellence Awards Reception at the Holiday Inn-University of Memphis last Saturday (Nov. 17). (See related story and photos on pages 8,9.) (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

• Time to say ‘S.C.R.A.M.’ to child rape and molestation.

See Opinion, page 4.

FRIDAY

Reporter: You got your music career going good and you guys have your show, but

tell me what’s next on the plate for the family?

T.I. Ha! Man, right now we’re just focusing on Thanksgiving and Christmas. We’re just focusing on being a family. Of course, each of us have our own endeavors going.

Niq (Zonnique, his daughter) has the OMG Girlz. They’re working on their next single and getting ready to drop their first album. All of the kids have their own personal passions that they are following, but as a family we’re focusing on what we going to do for the holidays.

Three on one…

- INSIDE -

• A journey into the mind of a Memphis stage band. See Entertainment, page 12.

that start? At what point did it hit you that you knew that’s what you needed or wanted to do? You’re highly successful and everybody doesn’t give back, but you do.

T.I.: It came for me as soon as I began to gain a certain level of success; when I found out that I could just give my time and that it would help better people’s lives. We’ve been doing it since the beginning of my career. It started small. We’d pick up ten to twelve turkey’s from the grocery store then go ride around and drop them off in the projects. That was back in the year 2000. Then as my celebrity grew and my finances put me in a position to do more, then, I’ve been doing more. I think that me being one of those kids who didn’t have anybody to give back to them, it made me want to give back more.

Hundreds of people lined up to receive turkeys and hams for Thanksgiving courtesy of the Grizzliesʼ Zach Randolph.

Porshia Malone, a student at Booker T. Washington High School, was happy to help hand out food boxes. (Photo by Warren Roseborough)

Happy Thanksgiving • ‘A Black Thanksgiving’ is a ‘Thanksgiving’ for all. See Opinion, page 4.

• ‘Penny’ Hardaway to help Binghamton families. See Community, page 7.

• 28th Annual Memphis Thanksgiving Dinner. See Community, page 7.

• Enjoy Thanksgiving and avoid the emotional unrest. See Health, page 14.

NEWS

Page 2

OLE MISS

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

Family members of T.I. were on hand to lend support at his press conference at Southland Mall on Tuesday.

(Photo by Christopher Hope)

T.I.

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

Especially during the time that I spent locked up across the bridge over there (in Arkansas). I met a lot of Memphis people and I felt like they just had real spirits, and the people of Memphis kept me uplifted. They were a strong part of that. So I came to give back.

Reporter: Everybody goes through ups and downs in their life and I know you consider yourself a mentor to young people in this town. What would you say as a message to the youth of Memphis, especially at Thanksgiving, who may be going through some hard times right now?

T.I.: If I had to speak to them one on one, I’d tell them that hard times don’t last but hard people do. You got to really be prepared for adversity because it’s going to come.

Understand that it makes you a better person, so don’t avoid it.

You should welcome it. Welcome the challenge of adversity and come out the other side a better person. That’s my testimony because that’s my experience.

Reporter: Do you ever get uses to the camera’s being around you all the time?

T.I.: The cameras to me aren’t a big deal. I don’t do anything in front of the cameras that I wouldn’t do when they weren’t there. I’m myself, this is the only me I know how to be. I just always be myself, which is something I can remain consistent with.

Reporter: Mayor Wharton, why is it important to have T.I. here?

Mayor Wharton: First of all, just the message of caring.

Memphis is a city of caring.

Also, T.I. just said it. Everyone is going to have adversity in your life but the question is, “What are you going to do with it after you get up?” It shows that there is redemption.

Once you get out and show yourself good, as T.I. has done, then you’ll see that folks are going to be here with you.

That’s’ the key thing.

We talk so much about second chances, and actually in this world you’re going to need four, five and six more chances. This is just a living example that life does go on and if you get out do something positive then society is going to embrace you just as we’re doing here. It sends a message to those that are using their past as an excuse. You should get out and do as T.I. has done and use it as a stepping stone and build on it.

TSD President/Publisher Bernal E. Smith II: T.I., I want to thank you for being here and supporting the Toy Drive of Olympic Cares. You have a very successful television show and it’s about family. How important is it that men see a man in his household with his wife taking care of his family? Just how important is that to you and to the community?

T.I.: I don’t know how im-

Tri-State Defender

November 22 - 28, 2012

AT A GLANCE

Name: Clifford Joseph Harris Jr. Stage name: T.I. Profession: Hip-hop recording artist, film and music producer, actor and author.

Reality TV show: “T.I & Tiny: The Family Hustle”

portant it is for others, but it’s important to me to show you guys how I live every day because of what I experienced when I was away. I felt that I was being judged and persecuted based on a lot of false pretenses. Because people didn’t know me. All they could do is assume that I was a certain way due to the headlines. So it was important to me to make sure people saw me as I am on a daily basis and judge me from a place of understanding and knowledge, rather than a place of speculation and assumption.

Kelvin Cowans: I want to say that being an ex-convict myself, I want to say that it’s very important that we see a guy like yourself taking care of your family and handling business the way that you do. Because it inspires me and I’m older than you. But inspires me by the lyrics that you put out, to watch the show and to keep up with what you doing in your life and how you take care of your wife and kids and they are usually with you. It’s a beautiful thing, so I’m speaking on behalf of all of us who have been to prison and came out and started doing great things – like writing for a newspaper or writing a book or making music. It means a lot, it really do.

T.I.: Thank you, thank you.

Reporter: We got Mr. Larry Dotson from the Bar-Kay’s and he’d like to say hello.

Larry Dotson: I’d just like to say on behalf of the band and the great people of Memphis, Welcome T.I. and welcome Tiny (Tameka “Tiny” Cottle-Harris, his wife) and all your family. We embrace you partner, and here’s the right hand from Memphis.

T.I.: Thank you sir.

Reporter: What can we expect from your new album?

T.I.: Well, the album will be released Dec. 18th and you can expect all the things you have loved about T.I., mixed with

some new things that you will learn to love about T.I. I wanted to make sure that people got that classic sound that they have grown accustomed to but also mix it with some diversity. I like to make sure I say something that people need to hear.

I do the music that’s commonly known as “trap music” to draw people in. Once I draw them in, I trick them into learning something. So you know, right now you jamming to a CD, then when you get up, you get up with a different perspective. That’s my soul purpose and intention. To introduce people to a part of life that they didn’t consider until they pressed play on that CD player.

Reporter: What are you thankful for this season?

T.I.: I’m thankful for my health, strength and my family.

I’m thankful that the Lord hasn’t let me go yet, ya know.

Reporter: How has the music game changed?

T.I.: Well, there’s a lot less money going around. Still, you also don’t have to wait until somebody notices you or bumps into you for you to make it. Your destiny is in your own hands with Youtube and WorldStar and all these other outlets on the Internet. You can put up your own music and post your own performances and if the people like it, they will gravitate to you and you can be what they call an Internet sensation. Soldier Boy, and others have done it. You can let the people decide.

Kelvin Cowans: I got a question for Tiny. Tiny, when you see your kids sitting here and they’re all beautiful, and then your husband’s smart and doing his thang…

T.I.: I’m beautiful too!

Everyone: Lol! KC: I couldn’t do it man.

T.I.: I know, I know.

KC: How does it make your heart feel, deep down inside?

Tiny: I am complete. I’m happy. I’m blessed. I’m so blessed to have a great husband and a big family. I always wanted a big family, and I got it.

(The following sponsors brought T.I. to Memphis: The New Tri-State Defender, Olympic Tax Service, Clear Channel, Cricket and Mapco.)

(Kelvin Cowans can be reached at kelvincowans@hotmail.com.)

brates its fiftieth year of integration. He said the university had changed since the ugly confrontation that marred the attempt to integrate the school in the early ’60s.

“We want to reach out to Jamal Woods and take every measure to keep him safe. We don’t know why he was targeted,” said Blanton.

“There were others on the same floor who were victims of vandalism and racial slurs, and we’re going to take every measure to make sure their civil rights are protected. We had moved him to another dorm and periodically kept check on him and everything was fine until his truck was vandalized.”

Mary Woods recalled getting the call about the vandalism.

“They had written on it, scratched it up, flattened the tires, drilled the keyhole and stole all of his personal items and clothes. They scratched in ‘KKK and GO HOME’ on the hood, and had written N-I-GA on the tailgate,” she said.

“But I really got angry when I found out that this was not the first time it had happened. And then it got worse when he (Jamal Woods) told me what they had done after it was discovered, and that’s when I found out there had been more than one incident.”

“Ole Miss still apparently has some students who still have that old rebel, white supremacy mentality, but they’re going to have to give it up.”

Rev. Dwight Montgomery

Woods said the door to her son’s dorm room was vandalized during the same time frame that his truck was vandalized.

“I told him to report it to the dorm advisor and the police, but by the time they had, the janitor or someone had already painted over all of the writing, both times.

The first time was on August 24th and it happened again on August 26th, and each time the racial slurs had been painted over. But I had already told him to take pictures of everything.”

Woods is adamant that university officials – after three incidents – should have contacted her about what measures were being taken to keep her son safe.

“I’ve called them several times but no one ever responded to me. That’s why I contacted Rev. Montgomery.

I didn’t know what else to do,” said Woods.

Montgomery said concern number one is that Jamal Woods “stay whole so that he can remain upon the path he is on. This is a strongly motivated, positive young man, in

ROTC, going after his goals.

I think the university bears some responsibility to see that the material goods he is out of are restored. There needs to be some assurances for his protection so that he can remain at the college, because if he doesn’t, that means the students who did this have won.”

A lingering question, said Montgomery, is what can the university do to “deal with certain white students that have a problem with black students on the University of Mississippi campus.”

“What happened in Jamal’s case is just a symptom of something that needs to be dealt with. There is obviously a problem that has to be dealt with before someone is injured or loses their life,” said Montgomery.

“I don’t think anyone will really bother him. I hope not.

But everything should be done to make sure that he can continue there because it is where he has chosen to be.”

Montgomery summed up the situation this way: “To have to leave over some mess like this would be terrible. Ole Miss still apparently has some students who still have that old rebel, white supremacy mentality, but they’re going to have to give it up,” he said.

“It comes from their parents and there’s no time for any of that in 2012.”

NEWS

Tri-State Defender

Page 3

November 22 - 28, 2012

Income inequality grows in U.S. NNPA News Service

by George E. Curry

The threat of an impending fiscal cliff has sparked intense conversations about whether upper income citizens are paying their fair share of taxes. But equally important – and perhaps more important in the long term – is the issue of income inequality.

A new report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and the Economic Policy Institute, two Washington-based think tanks, documents the growing gap between rich and poor as well as the rich and middle-class families. That pattern holds true both nationally and at the state level.

The report, titled, Pulling Apart: A State-by-State Analysis of Income Trends, found: “Over the past three business cycles prior to 2007, the incomes of the country’s highestincome households climbed substantially, while middleand lower-income households saw only modest increases.

“During the recession of 2007 through 2009, households at all income levels, including the wealthiest, saw declines in real income due to widespread job losses and the loss of realized capital gains. But the incomes of the richest households have begun to grow again while the incomes of those at the bottom and middle continue to stagnate and wide gaps remain between highincome households and poor and middle-income households saw only modest increases.”

The poorest fifth of households in the U.S. had an average income of $20,510. The top fifth had eight times as much – $164,490.

“On average incomes fell by close to 6 percent among the bottom fifth of households between the late 1990s and the mid-2000s, while rising 8.6 percent among the top fifth,” the report found.

“Incomes grew even faster – 14 percent – among the top 5 percent of households.

A similar gap existed been top earners and middle-class households.

“On average, incomes grew by just 1.2 percent among the middle fifth of households between the late 1990s and the mid-2000s, well below the 8.6 percent gain among the top fifth,” the report stated. “Income disparities between the top and middle fifths increased significantly in 36 states and declined significantly in only one state (New Hampshire.)”

The report contains charts that show how income equality plays out at the state level.

The state with the largest household income gap was New Mexico, where the bottom fifth averaged $16,319 annually and the top fifth of households earned $161,162, a top-to-bottom ratio of 9.9. New Mexico was followed, in order,

by Arizona, California, Georgia, New York, Louisiana, Texas, Massachusetts, Illinois and Mississippi.

New Mexico also had the greatest gap between the middle fifth of households ($51,136) and top fifth ($161,162), a ratio of 3.2. New Mexico was followed, in order, by California, Georgia, Mississippi, Arizona, New York, Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Louisiana.

Those gaps were even larger when poor and middle-class households were compared with the top 5 percent of all earners. For example, the income of the top 5 percent of households was 13.3 times the average income of the bottom fifth. The ratio was more than 15 times that in Arizona, New Mexico, California, Georgia and New York.

According to the report, the major reason for the growing economic disparity has been the stagnant wages for workers in the low and middle-income brackets while wages of the highest paid employees have grown significantly.

“The erosion weakness of wage growth for workers at the bottom and middle of the income scale reflects a variety of factors,” the report noted.

“Over the last 30 years, the nation has seen increasingly long periods of high unemployment, more intense competition from foreign firms, a shift in the mix of jobs from manufacturing to services, and advances in technology that have changed jobs.

The share of workers in unions also fell significantly.

“At the same time, the share of the workforce made up of

households headed by women – which tend to have lower incomes – has increased. Government policies such as the failure to maintain the real value of the minimum wage and to adequately fund supports for lowwage workers as well as changes to the tax code that favored the wealthy have also contributed to growing wage inequality.”

Authors of the report made the following recommendations for narrowing the inequality gap: • Raise and index the minimum wage; • Improve and extend unemployment insurance; • Make state tax systems more progressive by weighing he impact of sales tax and user fees

on low-income families; and • Strengthening the safety net.

“The consequences of growing income inequality reach beyond individual families,” the report stated. “For instance, in order to compete in the future economy, states and the nation as a whole need a highly-skilled workforce. But research shows that children

from poor families don’t perform as well in school and are likely to be less-prepared for the jobs of the future.

“Moreover, as income gaps widen, wealthy households become increasingly isolated from poor and middle-income communities. This hurts the nation’s sense of community and shared interests, for example,

undermining support for public schools and other building blocks of economic growth.”

(George E. Curry is editor-inchief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA.) He can be reached via www.georgecurry .com. You can also follow him at www.twitter.com/currygeorge.)

Page 4

OPINION

Tri-State Defender

November 22 - 28, 2012

John H. Sengstacke Publisher (1951 - 1997)

The Mid-Southʼs Best Alternative Newspaper

A Real Times Newspaper

• Bernal E. Smith II President / Publisher • Dr. Karanja A. Ajanaku Executive Editor

FLASHBACK: 2004

Time to say ‘S.C.R.A.M.’ to child rape and molestation Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Roshunda Buchanan H2D Entertainment, with founder, Sylvester McCracklin, and cofounder, Constance McCracklin, is using arts and entertainment to help power a campaign dubbed S.C.R.A.M. – Stop Child Rape And Molestation.

The objective is to build a bridge of awareness and empowerment of victims who have experienced rape and molestation. Victims are encouraged to understand that they can be healed and delivered.

Research shows that most rape victims are molested as children and that these children often grow into adulthood without ever receiving the proper counseling or treatment that is needed.

Painfully aware that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are molested before reaching age 18, the McCracklins – husband and wife – have vowed to help stop child rape and molestation nationwide.

A lot of H2D Entertainment productions deal with child molestation and domestic violence. One day Constance McCracklin shared with her husband that she wanted to start a campaign. She began to do research, partly to come with a campaign name that was unique. God, she said, gave her the name S.C.R.A.M. The McCracklins put together a Public Service Announcement to begin spreading the word about S.C.R.A.M. As the word spread, they increasingly became aware of people – someone within their inner circle – who had been dealing with the affects of molestation for years.

On victim told Constance McCracklin that the stage play “The Forgotten Son” had brought about deliverance in her life after dealing with the molestation incident for over 40 years. When the woman told her sister about the play and its healing affect, the sister revealed that she had been molested by the same man.

Sylvester McCracklin wrote “The Forgotten son.” It was therapeutic for him also. He was molested at age 13, becoming locked into a cycle that made for difficult times as a kid and later as an adult. Eventually, he dug deep, coming up with “The Forgotten Son” as a way of saying, “Hey! If these things happen to you, please tell someone.”

Through productions-plays such as “The Forgotten Son,” H2D Entertainment brings to life myriad scenarios reflecting molestation and the aftermath, including getting help and the road to recovery. There are no wa-

Scammed out of Thanksgiving

Constance and Sylvester McCracklin

tered-down versions.

For example, “The Forgotten Son” details the story of a young woman who is drugged at a college party, raped and ends up pregnant. Seven years later, she meets the rapist – whom she does not recognize with an altered appearance – and begins a relationship with him that leads to marriage. Her new husband begins to violate her son and does not realize that the boy actually is his biological son.

One of the lessons, said Constance McCracklin, is that so many women put their trust in men so quick without reservation.

After all of its productions, H2D offers free counseling through its partnership with various companies and organizations that provide trained and certified counselors to help victims. H2D funding extends into the first few months of counseling. The funds are drawn from sales of tickets, books, T-shirts and CDs. H2D is partnered with The Pursuit of God Transformation Center and the 7 P’s Outreach Program; Nicole Gates, executive director of Successful Single Moms Memphis; and CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for children. Sponsors include Aquila & Pricilla Marriage Ministries, Kingdom Living Life Center, Tammy’s Mobile Spa Service, Raffine Entertainment, G.E.M.S., Finding My Way with Kayla Padgett, The Sharen Rooks Agency, and the 2Unique Community Salvation Foundation.

(For more information, visit www.h2dentertainment.com or call 901-691-9856. S.C.R.A.M. T-shirts are now available at www.h2d entertainment.com. The cost is $10, with proceeds going to CASA and other selected child advocacy centers.)

(Roshunda Buchanan is publisher of 2Unique Magazine and founder of the 2Unqiue Community Salvation Foundation. She can be reached at thisis2unique @gmail.com. Websites: www.2uniquecsf.org; www.2ushoe.homestead.com.)

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Tri-State Defender Platform

1. Racial prejudice worldwide must be destroyed.

2. Racially unrestricted membership in all jobs, public and private.

3. Equal employment opportunities on all jobs, public and private.

4. True representation in all U.S. police forces.

5. Complete cessation of all school segregation.

6. Federal intervention to protect civil rights in all instances where civil rights compliance at the state level breaks down

DISTRIBUTION: Tri-State Defender is available at newsstands, street sales, store vendors, mail subscription and honor boxes throughout the Greater Memphis area. No person may, without prior written permission of the Tri-State Defender, reprint any part of or duplicate by electronic device any portion without written permission. Copyright 2012 by Tri-State Defender Publishing, Inc. Permission to Publisher, Tri-State Defender, 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN. 38103. Back copies can be obtained by calling the Tri-State Defender at (901) 523-1818, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

When I think of Thanksgiving Day, I think of family, gathered around a table that groans with turkey and dressing, green beans and candied yams, mac and cheese or whipped potatoes, and lots of other goodies. I look forward to seeing folks I haven’t seen in a while, savor the food and fellowship, bring in the late evening over coffee and pie. Nobody is rushing out to go shopping – most people save that for the Friday after Thanksgiving, often called, Black Friday, because many stores find themselves in the black after the profligate shopping that day.

There have been tragedies associated with Black Friday. A few years back, a Walmart employee was trampled to death by a crowd way too eager to get to the consumer goods.

There have also been altercations, bruises, and cuts as customers have vied for some of the scarce goods available or for crazy deals (often only for the first 200 people). Lines often snake around stores as people wait for a chance for a bargain.

Now Walmart has upped the ante.

Last year, they opened at 10 p.m. and this year they will open at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Just when folks settle down from their meal and start swapping lies, someone is going to have to get up and rush to work so they can serve those consumers who want to shop on Thanksgiving Day. Many of those who will work do so out of desperation. Many Walmart employees don’t have a full 40-hour shift; some find their hours adjusted each week. Thanksgiving work will augment scarce incomes. Just this week, I talked with a couple whose joint income at Walmart is $26,000 a year, partly because neither has a full week’s schedule.

There are those who ask, “Well,

why do they work there?” as if there are easy alternatives. But Walmart is one of our nation’s largest employers, and they often set the tone for similar stores such as Best Buy, Sears and others.

Julianne With Walmart Malveaux opening at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving, their competitors will follow because they don’t want to lose momentum to Walmart.

This is why some Walmart employees are protesting the way that Walmart treats its employees. They want to inform the public of illegal actions that Walmart has taken against its employees, and have initiated a series of protests, including strikes, rallies, an online campaign, and other actions. Their organization, Making Change at Walmart, says that Walmart can help revive our economy if they will simply offer workers full-week schedules and fair pay.

Barbara Ehrenreich captured the ways that people are forced to work at a store very much like Walmart in her book, “Nickeled and Dimed.”

She wrote about the workers who were forced to work “off the clock,” after they had punched out, or before they punched in. She wrote about the low pay. And she wrote about those supervisors who had made a deal with the devil – implementing unfair policies for their own survival.

When Walmart employees speak out there is retaliation. They are fired, or their hours are cut back.

They very swiftly get the message

that speaking out will be punished.

Too many silently seethe at unfair policies; too dependent on the little pay they get to raise their voices.

This is why the Making Change at Walmart campaign is so important. It challenges the notion that economic growth is dependent on the exploitation of workers, and suggests, instead, that paying people a living wage is a way to grow a stable and secure workforce.

Walmart is not the only company that prefers to pay its workers on a part-time basis. Many fast-food operations do the same thing, varying hours each week so that workers have no way of knowing when they will work. This means they have difficulty arranging for childcare with these variable hours. Of course, this does not concern their employers.

They are more interested in their bottom line, profits.

Many who are aware of the labor exploitation at Walmart say that their prices and deals are unbeatable, and with their money tight they have no choice but to seek the best bargains they can find. Yet the price of the great deals is exploitation of another worker.

The action to inform Walmart customers about Walmart’s unfair pay and illegal actions allows people who shop on Thanksgiving Day and on other days to make informed decisions about their shopping. One of the ways consumers can make a statement is to stay home on Thanksgiving Day, enjoying family, giving thanks, and postponing shopping.

(Julianne Malveaux is a Washington, D.C.-based economist and writer. She is President Emerita of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, N.C.)

‘A Black Thanksgiving’ is a ‘Thanksgiving’ for all

Millions of Black American families observed Thanksgiving this week. We have much to be thankful and grateful for. Yet we should also be cognizant of the challenges and struggles that lie ahead in the pathway to future economic empowerment and social sustainability not only in America, but throughout a changing world. This is a time for reflection, self-assessment, self-improvement, and collective development and progress.

I know that there are some cynics even among us who prefer to see the plight of black Americans only from a pathological or from a continuously negative critique. It is true that unemployment in our communities, in particular for our youth, remains devastatingly high. Prisons and jails across the nation continue to overflow disproportionately with black American inmates and defendants.

Abject poverty continues to have an alarmingly mortal grip on too many of our families and communities. Improving the systematic quality education of our children remains one of the highest priorities.

Constructive criticism does have its place and value. But isolated and even well-intentioned criticism concerning the ongoing struggle to eliminate racism, injustice and inequality without a concomitant plan of action to advance the cause of freedom, justice and equality is just a nonproductive waste of time and energy.

A Black Thanksgiving should be focused on taking the time as family, friends, colleagues, and simply as “brothers and sisters” to adequately assess and plan for further advancement of the interests, intelligence, and institutions of the Black American community. This is also a time for the elders of the freedom movement to share wisdom with our

young emerging activists and leaders in the spirit of acknowledging that every inch of progress that has been accomplished over the past 400 years has come as a consequence of Benjamin F. struggle and sacrifice.

Chavis Jr. This is not, however, the time for carelessly taking anything for granted. We all should be first and foremost appreciative for the very breath of life to be alive in this day and time. We have come a mighty long way, and yes, we still have a long way to go toward the fulfillment of the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the realization of the aspirations and prayers of past generations. A Black Thanksgiving is the time for us to affirm the importance of giving back to help our communities to better develop and prosper.

This is the time for sharing what we have with those who are less fortunate. More than 40 million Black Americans now spend more than $1 trillion annually.

“Thanksgetting” presupposes “Thanksgiving.” Let’s assess how we spend that much money every 12 months. How much is for our empowerment as a people? How much do we spend to educate our children?

How much do we invest in our own businesses and institutions such as our Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)? How much do we give to our churches and charities that serve the interests of our communities? How much do we give back to Africa?...

A Black Thanksgiving should

show utmost respect and solidarity with our Native American brothers and sisters who still are struggling for self-determination, freedom and development. We should be more proactive in building lasting coalitions with our Latino brothers and sisters because we have mutual interests, anthropological and cultural roots, as well as sharing strategic political goals and objectives as just witnessed on Election Day. The future success of our advancement is dependent upon our unity and solidarity with others who know from history and from the present day realities the importance of standing up, speaking out, taking action, and working tirelessly for the freedom and equality of all people throughout the world.

We are very thankful for the reelection of President Barack H. Obama. This election was won by the massive voter turnout against the backdrop of voter suppression. The world is continuing to change for the better and the varied prospects for Black Americans to prosper going forward are significantly enhanced.

We just have to stay focused and to avoid the regressive temptations of hopelessness and cynicism.

Lastly, when you have an “undying love,” respect and a sense of giving for the help of your own family and community, you are clear about the necessity to have love, respect and a sense of giving for the help of others.

Thus, a Black Thanksgiving in the truest sense is a Thanksgiving for all people.

(NNPA columnist Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. is resident of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network and Education Online Services Corporation and can be reached at drbenjamin.chavis@gmail.com.)

Tri-State Defender

OPINION

November 22 - 28, 2012

Understanding why Republicans lost In the immortal words of Ronald Reagan, “W-e-l-l, there you go again.”

Post-election, the Republicans just can’t seem to get their act together. They can’t bring themselves to admit that President Obama beat them fair and square.

Karl Rove said on national TV that Republicans lost because of “voter suppression.”

That’s like saying Pee Wee Herman is bullying Shaquille O’Neal – totally implausible if not impossible.

Mitt Romney delivered this message on a conference call last week with his largest financial contributors: “The Obama campaign was following the old playbook of giving a lot of stuff to groups that they hoped they could get to vote for them and be motivated to go out to the polls, specifically the African American community, the Hispanic community and young people…In each case they were very generous in what they gave to those groups…You can imagine for somebody making $25,000 or $30,000 or $35,000 a year, being told you’re now going to get free health care, particularly if you don’t have it, getting free health care worth, what, $10,000 per family, in perpetuity – I mean, this is huge…Likewise with Hispanic voters, free health care was a big plus. But in addition with regards to Hispanic voters, the amnesty for children of illegals, the so-called Dream Act kids, was a huge plus for that voting group.”

Romney has lost his mind?

The first rule of politics is: Reward your friends and punish your enemies. Republicans tend to be more friendly towards corporate America and Democrats tend to be more friendly towards big labor.

That’s just the way it is. Romney is beginning to sound more and more like Donald Trump; and I, for one, am beginning to tune him out like I do Trump.

Romney is better than this, or so I thought. In his two presidential campaigns, Obama has come as close as possible to run-

ning near perfect campaigns.

His campaign staff is second to none.

Obama is magnificent when it comes to campaignRaynard ing, but terJackson rible when it comes to governing.

So, Romney, a bit of unsolicited advice, say the words: “Obama won fair and square.”

Then, move on with your life while you still have a shred of respect from the public. You have spent more time talking about the minority vote postelection than you did during your entire two campaigns for president combined. Is that Obama’s fault also? Just a question.

Obviously Romney sees nothing wrong when he promised gifts to the wealthy (tax cuts), oil companies (tax credits), pro-lifers (overturning Roe v. Wade), etc. So, let me see if I understand Romney’s position correctly. If it’s for the poor or minorities, it’s a gift because by definition a gift is something that is not earned; but if it’s for the wealthy or whites, it’s a right – because God would have it no other way? Now I understand!

The tragedy of all this is

Rove, Romney et al do not possess the political sensibilities to understand why people are offended at these comments – and not just minorities either.

New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte came out forcefully against what Romney said. “I don’t agree with the comments. I think the campaign is over, and what the voters are looking for us to do is to accept their votes and then go forward, and we’ve got some big challenges that need to be resolved.” You can’t get much whiter than the state of New Hampshire.

I think there are a lot of whites in the party with good hearts who are going to force change from within. They are finally taking a public stand to say in no uncertain terms that the status quo is no longer an option.

Romney and Rove can play a very constructive role in the reshaping of the party. But they must accept that the American people roundly rejected their view of America and their brand of politics. But, if they chose not to, they will become as the tinkling cymbal or the sounding brass; full of sound and fury signifying nothing.

(Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a Washington, D.C.-based public relations/government affairs firm. He can be reached via www.raynardjackson.com.)

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BUSINESS

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Tri-State Defender

November 22 - 28, 2012

Looking beyond your credit score

There’s an old saying that some things get better with age, and apparently one of those things is the ability to manage personal credit. A consumer reporting agency study indicated that people aged 66 and older had the highest average credit scores, followed by those aged 47 to 65.

Your credit score can affect your ability to obtain credit and the interest rate you pay. So having a high score could be helpful to your overall financial strategy. But a good credit rating doesn’t always mean you are in a strong financial position. Consider these other factors for each age group.

Ages 66 and older. The average total debt for this group is about 51 percent

MONEY MATTERS

below the national average.

That’s good news and may reflect the fact that many people have paid down their mortgages and are less likely to have student loans. The not-so-good news is that this age group carries credCharles Sims Jr., CFP it-card debt that is 43 percent higher than the national average. This trend is of particular concern for those who are retired and living on a reduced or fixed income.

Ages 47 to 65. The average total debt for baby boomers is about 30 percent above the national average, which is not surprising considering that many people of this age have mortgages and may be helping to pay for their children’s college educations. However, second mortgages for baby boomers are also well above the national average, which could prove to be a burden as they transition to retirement. The good news is that many baby boomers are in their prime earning years, and their other consumer debt (such as credit cards and auto loans) is at or below the national average.

Regardless of your age or personal situation, it would be wise to monitor

your credit report on a regular basis.

You can order a free report annually from each of the three major consumer reporting agencies at annualcreditreport.com or by calling 877-322-8228.

You’ll typically have to pay to see your actual credit score.

(Charles Sims Jr. is President/ CEO of The Sims Financial Group. Contact him at 901-682-2410 or visit www.Sims FinancialGroup.com. The information in this article is not intended to be tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor.)

ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY

Bankruptcy: Chapter 13 Wage earner advantages

Few people are immune to the financial pitfalls that have resulted from the recession. If you have a regular income, Chapter 13, which is frequently referred to as a wage earner, can be an effective way to help you save your home, car or business. Used by individuals as well as certain small businesses, a Chapter 13 can provide much-needed relief in difficult times.

Key players/ benefits

Trustee In a Chapter 13, the trustee will be primarily responsible for evaluating the bankruptcy petition, receiving payments under the plan, and distributing the payments to creditors. Remember, the trustee also oversees the meeting of creditors and the confirmation hearing.

The Chapter 13 plan Under a Chapter 13 plan, the debtor agrees to pay priority, secured and unsecured creditors at certain percentages approved by the court over a time period of between three to five years.

Stop home foreclosure When attempting to stop foreclosure, Chapter 13 may be a viable option. While a Chapter 7 may provide a stay, the stay is only temporary and the secured creditor can ask the Bankruptcy Court to lift the stay. In addition to offering an automatic stay, Chapter 13 can offer options such as making arrangements to repay over a three- to five-year period without penalties. But you must remain current with future payments.

Lien stripping second mortgages In addition to enduring the recession, many homeowners had to face the fact that the value of their real property was less than the mortgage. If a second mortgage or lien was on the property, the situation became even worse. Under a Chapter 13 filing, the homeowner may be entitled to “lien strip” the second mortgage.

This means that the second mortgage is no longer secured by the value of the home and will be treated as unsecured debt. If the debt is treated as unsecured, then the debtor may only be required to pay a certain percentage and at the end of the bankruptcy the debt will be discharged.

Keep your car Filing bankruptcy will start the automatic stay and stop creditors from repossessing your car or other property. A Chapter 7 Bankruptcy can stop repossession temporarily. The debtor will have to pay all arrears in full and up front to keep the car, or turn the vehicle in to the creditor.

There are certain advantages that exist under Chapter 13 with a vehicle. If the vehicle was purchased more than 910 days prior to the bankruptcy filing, the debtor may be entitled to repay only the value of the vehicle instead of the amount that is truly owed.

Even if the vehicle has been repossessed,

Chapter 13 may be a tool to get it back. Creditors will hold a repossessed vehicle for a certain length of time before sending it to auction or selling it again.

Chapter 13 eligibility If the debtor has enough of a dependable source of income to pay basic living expenses plus the payments Carlee McCullough under the bankruptcy plan, the debtor may qualify for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Basic living expenses include rent, food, utilities, insurance, clothing and transportation. After paying these expenses, if the debtor can afford, then Chapter 13 is a possibility. A regular source of income includes income from a job or unemployment just to name a few possibilities.

Meeting of creditors Just like in a Chapter 7, under a Chapter 13 it will be necessary for the debtor to attend credit counseling as well as a brief hearing before the Trustee. This hearing is very professional, organized, and designed to verify under oath what is in the petition.

Confirmation hearing The specifics of the bankruptcy plan are confirmed at this hearing.

Discharge A “discharge” occurs under Chapter 13 when the debtor completes the plan. Discharge refers to releasing the debtor from repayment of certain debts. Bankruptcy does not wipe out all debts, only certain debts. No more calls or letters may be sent in an effort to collect from the debtor. Additionally, the discharge does not apply to any co-debtor or guarantor’s liability.

Post-discharge debts Certain debts are not discharged upon the completion of a Chapter 13. Those debts include: debts not listed on the schedules filed on the petition; most student loans, unless in the case of undue hardship; recent federal, state and local taxes; child support and alimony; government imposed restitution, fines and penalties; court fees; debts resulting from driving while intoxicated; and debts because of the debtor’s fraud, willful and malicious acts, embezzlement, larceny or breach of fiduciary duty, and frequently debts from a divorce settlement agreement or court decree.

Chapter 13 to Chapter 7 In some instances it is not possible for the debtor to complete a Chapter 13 plan. Frequently the case is either dismissed or converted to Chapter 7.

NEXT WEEK: Chapter 11.

(Contact Carlee McCullough, Esq., at 5308 Cottonwood Road, Suite 1A, Memphis, TN 38118, or email her at jstce4all@aol.com.)

“If you want to accomplish something great, you must take the time to talk with and take counsel from those that have done it before. That is how you avoid mistakes, and allow yourself a clear path to success.” – Mary L. Bright, Esq., the Cityʼs Contract Compliance Officer. (Photo by Isaac Singleton)

Legislative Forum focus on ‘environment of inclusion’ Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The City of Memphis’ declared commitment to “an environment of inclusion” was the backdrop for a recent Legislative Forum that put the spotlight on doing businesses with “minority and women-owned” firms.

Local stakeholders were invited to City Hall (Nov. 13) for an update on MWBE (Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise) programs generally and the city’s program in particular.

“One of our greatest assets in this city is our diversity,” said Mayor AC Wharton Jr. “My administration is committed and dedicated to creating an environment of inclusion and we must start with changing a mind-set, which begins with educating and informing those on the frontlines (that this) is a critical issue.

“And that’s why the Legislative Forum was so essential,” said Wharton. “We have made great progress with increasing opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses and we will continue to expand those opportunities.”

The forum included a panel discussion led by national experts on MWBE programs.

Memphis’ MWBE program, which is administered through the Office of Contract Compliance, assists certified minority and women-owned businesses with participation on City contracts.

“If you want to accomplish something great, you must take the time to talk with and take counsel from those, that have done it before. That is how you avoid mistakes, and allow yourself a clear path to success,” said Mary L. Bright, Esq., the City’s Contract

Compliance Officer.

“And that is why the Legislative Forum was so important. It was imperative to include those that have successfully developed and defended diversity programs nationally.”

The panelists included Anthony Robinson, Esq., a civil rights lawyer and president of the Washington, D.C.-based Minority Business Enterprise Legal Defense and Education Fund. He provided a historical perspective of diversity programs.

Best practices as it relates to diversity programs was the focus of Sarah C. von der Lippe, Esq., a Washington, D.C. sole practitioner lawyer who primarily focuses on programs to assist minority and women-owned businesses, especially in the area of government contracting and the transportation industry.

Memphian Rodney Strong, Esq., chairman of Griffin & Strong, P.C., a law and public policy consulting firm in Atlanta, structured his presentation to provide a broader-context view of Memphis’ MWBE program.

The City of Memphis adopted its first MWBE program in 1995 following the city’s 1994 Disparity Study conducted by D.J. Miller & Associates. The current MWBE program – now titled the Equal Business Opportunity (EBO) Program – was adopted in 2010.

It’s based on a study conducted by Griffin & Strong, P.C., which included all City divisions except for Memphis Light, Gas & Water.

Elected officials, division directors and city employees attended the forum.

(For more information MWBE program, contact the Office of Contract Compliance at 901-636-6210.)

Tri-State Defender

COMMUNITY

Page 7

November 22 - 28, 2012

BRIEFS & THINGS

COMMUNITY SNAPS

28TH Annual Memphis Thanksgiving Dinner

The 28th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner for the Homeless and Hungry will be held on Thanksgiving Day, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Memphis Cook Convention Center.

MATA will provide free transportation on a special route to and from the event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Baptist Health Care Systems will provide free health screenings, including cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes. For participants who are separated from their families, Verizon Wireless will provide free long distance long distance calls to anywhere in the continental United States.

The City of Memphis and the Cook Convention Center donated the venue for the event. Longtime event sponsor Cargill will again donate the actual meal, which is prepared in the kitchen of the Downtown Memphis Marriott.

Memphians can help by donating new caps, scarves, gloves and especially blankets, which can be dropped off at any area Ashley Furniture Home Store location or at the Cook Convention Center, or by making a cash donation. Make checks payable to Memphis Thanksgiving Dinner, C/O Cargill Inc., ATTN: Cary Brown, PO Box 13368, Memphis TN 38113. All donations are tax deductible.

Retired Memphian named AARP state president

Cleophes Owens, a former executive with the Federal Reserve Bank and veteran volunteer leader from Memphis, has been appointed as AARP Tennessee’s highest-ranking volunteer. He is the first African American to serve as state president for AARP Tennessee.

“I want AARP Tennessee to be the go-to source for resources and information about caring for parents and other loved ones, and to help ensure that when we work hard and retire, we have the money, health care coverage and choices that allow us to live our best lives, ” said Cleophes Owens, calling upon Owens the help of AARP members, volunteers and all 50+ Tennesseans to accomplish the goals.

“Cleo has the respect and admiration of AARP volunteers and staff from across the state – and in many parts of the country – for his passion, professionalism, dedication and desire to help us get the information and resources we need to live our lives with dignity and purpose,” said AARP Tennessee State Director Rebecca Kelly.

Owens is a native of Arkansas but spent most of his life in Memphis. He graduated from The LeMoyne-Owen College and is a U.S. Army vet. He retired from the Federal Reserve bank after 32 years of service.

For more information, email tnaarp@aarp.org or call 1-866-295-7274.

Celebrating ‘Memphis Blues’

The finale of the 2012 W.C. Handy Heritage Awards at the Historic Daisy Theater on Beale Street last Sunday (Nov. 18) was a rousing performance by the Authentic Beale Street Prevention Band. Honorees for the 16th annual awards included: Lifetime Achievement Award recipients – Otis Clay and Denise LaSalle; and four seasoned Beale St. regulars: guitarist Mark Anthony, keyboardist Solomon McDaniel, saxophonist Homer Hamilton, and bassist James Jackson. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

Linked with cause…

The River City Chapter of the Links, Incorporated recently held its annual HBCU Fair and Parent Youth Summit at First Baptist Church-Broad St. Front Row: (l-r) Michelle Fowlkes, Shelia Horton-Mother, Dr. Inetta Rogers (President River City Links), Raven Boyce, Harriet Halmon, Patrice Myers. Second row: (lr)Chan Douglas, Jermaine Johnson, Pastor Keith Norman, and Gregory Douthard. (Photo by Angela Myers)

Supporting Zion…

The Fourth Annual Benefit Program for The Zion Community Project was held (Nov. 8) at Rhodes College with awards to several Memphis Trailblazers. The project is centered around the restoration of Zion Christian Cemetery – the oldest AfricanAmerican cemetery in Memphis – located on the north side of the 1400 block of S. Parkway East. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

Ben F. Jones Chapter of National Bar Association Awards Scholarship

Corey Strong, recipient of the Wyatt/Hooks Scholarship at the University of Memphis School of Law, has been awarded the National Bar Association’s Ben F. Jones Chapter Scholarship for second-year law students.

Strong, a summer associate with the Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs law firm, received the honor based on academic excellence, community service, and his dedication to the goals and objectives of the National Bar Association. He was presented the ScholCorey arship during the Ben Strong F. Jones Chapter’s recent annual Barrister’s Ball/Scholarship Award Program.

The National Bar Association is the nation’s oldest and largest professional association of predominantly African-American lawyers and judges, with affiliate chapters throughout the United States.

Strong is a graduate of White Station High School and the U.S. Naval Academy. He served a tour of duty in Afghanistan before returning home to Memphis last year to attend law school.

He is the first recipient of the Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs-Benjamin L. Hooks Law Scholarship, which was created by the Wyatt law firm in honor of the late Benjamin L. Hooks, who was the head of Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs’ diversity practice group until his death in 2010.

BRIEFLY: Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway is donating 100 Thanksgiving dinners to needy families in the Binghamton community. Hardaway, along with his mom, will be at Lester Community Center (317 Tillman) on Wednesday (Nov. 21) from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. to give a complete meal, including a Honeybaked Ham turkey or ham and all of the trimmings.

Each basket is valued at $100.

BRIEFLY: Chow Time Buffet & Grill, 4207 Hacks Cross Rd., is having its annual Christmas Seniors Celebration Day on Dec. 10, beginning at 2 p.m. The event includes the giveaway of 200-plus turkeys and is open to other local vendors.

Thumbs up…

A recent Crosstown gathering drew this artist to the parking lot of the old Sears building on Cleveland where items on display included her likeness of the building. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

On tour…

Rust College professor Dr. Alisea McLeodʼs Composition II classes toured the City of Holly Springs in early November.

Students visited several historic places in the city, including the Ida B. Wells Museum and Rust at Airliewood.

The tour was led by LaKisha MitchellBuffington of the Holly Springs Tourism and Recreation Bureau.

(Courtesy photo)

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Tri-State Defender

November 22 - 28, 2012

November 22 - 28, 2012

Page 9

Joshua and Jordan Gray, who represented their father, Leon Gray, spoke on behalf of the honorees at the urging of TSD President/Publisher Bernal E. Smith II.

Karanja A. Ajanaku, TSD Executive Editor, delivered the “purpose.”

The 2012 Men of Excellence: Charles E. Barnes, LaDell R. Beamon, Tyrone Burroughs, Donnell R. Cobbins, Jr., Albert C. Cousins, Jr., Willie Curry, Roderick DeBerry, Michael J. Dones, David H. Doyle, Rick Farwell, Dennis L. Fisher, Herman A. ʻArtʼ Gilliam, Leon Gray, Frederick O. Hardeman, Lee Harris, Robert E. Hill, Clayton L. Jones, Jessie Jones, Samuel S. King, Emmanuel T. Kpabitey, Earl (EJ) LeFlore, Jr., Dr. Perry C. Little, John D. Lovelace, Myron Lowery, Jerome A. Luke, Willie E. Martin, Jr., Myron Mays, Chris McNeil, William Mitchell, Rev. Keith Norman, Dr. Leroy Norton, Jr., Donald OʼConner, Bobby OʼJay, Deano Orr, Vincent C. Perry, Dr. Reginald M. Peyton, Ronald E. Purifoy, Ronald B. ʻRonʼ Redwing, Dr. Howard G. Scott, Jefferey B. Shelton, Ed L. Stanton, Jr., Clint Story, John Thomas, Fred A. Towler, Mack Tuggle, Lee Warren, Alton R. Williams, Ron D. Willis, Frazer Windless, James Wright. (Photos by Tyrone P. Easley)

Shirley Jackson, TSD Office Manager/ Assistant to the President introduces Kontji Anthony, Mistress of Ceremonies.

Recognition & Inspiration besmith@tri-statedefender.com

by Bernal E. Smith II

Honoree Ronald B. “Ron” Redwing with supporters.

Honoree Roderick DeBerry

Honoree Lee Warren

A tangible sense of family gripped The New Tri-State Defender’s 4th Annual Men of Excellence Reception and Awards Dinner at the University of Memphis Holiday Inn last Saturday (Nov. 17.)

That sensation was made all the more real by the evening’s keynote speaker, Dr. Willie W. Herenton, the first African American elected mayor of Memphis and the city’s longest-serving mayor. He did not disappoint, delivering an address that added context to a dynamic event recognizing and honoring area African-American men for their contributions and achievements.

The TSD gala has become an annual Memphis tradition, with nearly 400 attendees on hand on what was a jammedpacked, social-calendar Saturday evening.

The event continues to grow in both scope and impact, serving as a platform of recognition and inspiration for young and old alike.

Dr. Herenton spoke eloquently, passionately and direct about the role of men in the changing landscape of public education and in improving the community. He referenced W.E.B. Dubois’ concept of the “talented tenth” as the framework for his challenge to our 2012 Men of Excellence as well as previous classes.

Dr. Herenton painted a picture of contrast, juxtaposing his early childhood in a singleparent, female-headed household with the experiences of those who are living in similar family conditions today (and in far greater numbers).

“I grew up without a father, but I had a strong grandmother and a strong mother.

Young women are having children now that are still children themselves mentally and emotionally. We can’t allow the children to suffer because of their parents’ shortcomings, ” Herenton said.

“The true measure of a man is not where he stands in times of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy,” said Herenton, quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “What will you do? What will be your contribution, your legacy? It is up to you, Men of Excellence, to help change the landscape for our young people, to be that talented tenth of which Dubois spoke for the city of Memphis.”

As the TSD Men of Excellence continue their evolution, we will be there to tell their stories. Our transformation into a dynamic 21st Century multi-media outlet demands that we travel the course of highlighting the daily contributions of African Americans to the growth and well-being of the Greater Memphis community. It is our role and responsibility to inform, inspire and elevate through our various portals, giving the entire Memphis community an opportunity to embrace and recognize the diverse contributions made each day by people from all

Dr. Willie W. Herenton gave attendees a glimpse of his vision for the new charter school operation he is spearheading.

At A Glance

• The New Tri-State Defender 4th Annual Men of Excellence Reception and Awards Dinner was held at the University of Memphis-Holiday Inn on Nov. 17.

• Purpose: recognize and honor area African-American men for their contributions and achievements.

• Nearly 400 attendees.

• Sponsors: The New Tri-State Defender; AT&T; FedEx; Allstate Cynthia Scales; Horne & Wells, PLLC; and Real Times Media, Inc. • Special thanks: Nina Allen-Johnson and Jamila Webb – event coordination.

walks of life.

It is my sincere hope that events such as the Men of Excellence Awards and the accompanying editorial coverage serve to inspire action, moving readers to contribute, invest, work and commit themselves to principals and values that lead to greater stories of triumph and victory rather than those of defeat and despair.

I concur with the words that Dr. Herenton shared. The recognition, pomp and circumstance are simply not enough. We must put in to action the aggregated talent that was assembled on Saturday and in previous years to affect positive change throughout the community. We will be announcing plans to activate our Men and Women of Excellence in ways that leverage their collective talent and influence.

Our MOE and WOE platforms must be ongoing think tanks of talent moving forward with action plans to collectively transform our community in a comprehensive way.

I thank all of this year’s honorees and encourage them to continue the great work and contributions they are making in the city. I envision them working more cooperatively and remaining engaged with the TSD as we move to inform, inspire and elevate the quality of life for our readers, particularly those in the Tri-State area.

Clearly, the need for MENtors is great.

The need for real men to give real time beyond the confines of the corporate and business walls, beyond their own homes and beyond even their own churches and places of refuge is more evident and necessary than ever before.

(Bernal E. Smith II is President/ Publisher of The New Tri-State Defender.)

Tonya Dyson and Memfist 10 supplied the gala entertainment.

Cynthia Scales of Allstate in the sponsorsʼ spotlight.

TSD Vice President of Sales/Marketing Deborah Powell Alexander and her husband, Edward.

Family supporting family was an underpinning theme.

RELIGION

Page 10

Tri-State Defender

November 22 - 28, 2012

LIVING THE LIFE I LOVE

Free your mind of the ‘struggle bubble’

Dear Lucy: I read your article last week where you told the lady to change her thinking in order to help herself get well. How are you supposed to do that when the facts are staring you in the face? The rent has to get paid, food has to get on the table and the car breaks down, the light bill is due, I’m sick and I still have to go to work. These are facts! I just don’t know how they can be ignored.

– PT Dear PT: What a wonderful question and thank you for it. You are correct. When you feel like you are at the mercy of the emergencies of the moment all you think you can and should do is pay attention to the things going on in your life that you don’t want and try to fix them! You don’t want any of this and it’s all you can see.

But here is part of the problem.

You get so caught up in your story about struggle that you tell it over and over with your struggling buddies. Now you are trapped in the

“struggle bubble.” If someone tries to tell you to change the story you say they are crazy, can’t see your story, don’t understand or care about your story. I am not suggesting that you ignore the Lucy facts of your life.

Shaw I am suggesting that you stop giving those facts so much power. What you believe about your life is very strong because you are the one experiencing it. That makes it hard to step outside the story. For that reason, I don’t suggest that you deny what is going on. What I ask is that you open the door to the possibility of a new “story”.

I am asking you to change the way you feel about the story. How does it feel every time you tell your present story? It makes you feel bad. One bad

feeling leads to another bad feeling.

You do not have to have money to get money. And you definitely cannot get money while you feel poor!

By feelings I mean emotions. You can’t get well while being focused on the sadness, despair and hopelessness that comes every time you tell your story about how sick you are. I am not asking you to lie. I am asking you to find the one thing every hour that you can be thankful for or find pleasure in and let that be your new story. If you are sick, begin to notice the moments when you are not in pain, or can get out of the bed or go to work or whatever is different and positive.

This is not positive thinking. It is paying attention, looking for and expecting a ray of sunshine somewhere in your life. When you expect it and look for it you will find it. Stop looking for “struggle”.

I can remember being so sick I couldn’t get off the couch for weeks.

I got off by focusing on giving thanks for one step at a time. And I would replay the picture and story of that

step over and over in my mind. If I was able to stay awake ten of fifteen minutes longer than the day before, I added that to my story. When people would call to ask about me, my husband would say that I was just fine.

That used to make me so mad because I thought he was in denial about my illness. He challenged me to see the story that I wanted instead of the one I was living. He would insist that I tell him something I had found pleasure in every day. As I began to tell these stories to him of my small pleasures, I began to have more and more things happen that were pleasurable and brought me joy. I began to recover.

People say that “the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.” That is true and this that I am telling you is why. Jesus said in Matthew 13:12, “For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance; but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.”

If you are continually telling the

story of lack and limitation, you will continue to get lack and limitation.

I’m not talking about bragging but about agreeing with your right to all of God’s abundance. Instead of comparing yourself to others more fortunate, begin to claim your new story.

Start telling a better, more pleasant feeling story about your life and what’s important to you and watch the changes.

Feeling better already, Lucy!

(You can watch Lucy on Channel 17 (Comcast) every Thursday at 10:30 am. (Send your questions to her by U.S. mail to: Heartworks4U, LLC; 4646 Poplar Ave. Ste 201, Memphis, TN 38117 or by e-mail to lucy@heartworks4u.com. Get your free gift at http://www.heartworks4u .com/) (For help with the feelings that get in the way of prayer and peace of mind, get Lucy’s new book, “BE NOT ANXIOUS.” Order it directly from her at 901-907-0260 or from her website.)

RELIGION BRIEFS St. John Baptist Church to note 144th Anniversary

St. John Baptist Church, 640 Vance, is celebrating its 144th Anniversary this month. The church, which was organized in 1868 by former slaves, will host a special anniversary program on Sunday (Nov. 25), beginning at 3 p.m. in the church’s sanctuary.

The anniversary theme is “Building on our Past, Celebrating our Present, and Having Faith in our Future!!”

The keynote speaker is the Rev. William Young of the Healing Center.

A special committee has been appointed to conduct the celebration activities. Emma Trass and deacon Osie Lewis Jr. are o-chairs of the event. The Rev. Albert Collins is minister-on-call, with the assistance of the Rev. Marion Brown, while the church seeks a new pastor.

Several descendants of the first members are still active in the church, which was organized in August 1868.

BRIEFLY: Trinity CME Church, at 1096 Thomas, will hold its Annual Thanksgiving Day Service on Nov. 22, beginning at 10 a.m., with special guest speaker the Rev. Willa Ross, pastor of Collins Chapel CME Church. The Rev. Roland Johnson Jr. is the host pastor.

BRIEFLY: Trinity CME Church hosts its Annual Family & Friends’ Day Celebration on Nov. 25. The morning service begins at 10:30 a.m., with host pastor the Rev. Roland Johnson Jr. delivering the keynote. The guest minister for the afternoon service will be The Rev. Willie B. Boyd, Jr., pastor of Martin Temple CME Church, will speak during the 3 p.m. service.

BRIEFLY: New Friendship Missionary Baptist, 724 E. Georgia, will host the Twenty-Seventh Celebration of Love and Appreciation for its pastor, the Rev. E.D. Wright, and the church’s first lady on Dec. 2, beginning at 11:30 a.m. For more information, contact trustee Jeanette B. Jefferson at 901-332-0219; church number, 901-527-9653.

‘…after God’s own heart’…

The Rev. Dr. James L. Netters, senior pastor of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church-Westwood, receives a suit from James Clark of Eel, Etc. Fashions located at 333 Beale St. The suit was a gift from the Wednesday Night Bible Study Group and associated with Rev. Nettersʼ 56th Pastoral Anniversary, which was celebrated last Sunday (Nov. 18). Photo by Tyrone P. Easley

PRAISE CONNECT -A WEEKLY DIRECTORY OF MINISTERS & CHURCHES-

METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH Dr. Reginald L. Porter Sr., Pastor

767 Walker Avenue Memphis, TN 38126

ASSOCIATE MINISTERS

901-946-4095 fax 948-8311

Rev. Davena Young Porter Rev. Linda A Paige Rev. Luecretia Matthews SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

SUNDAY Sunday School .....................8:30 am Morning Worship Service ....10:00am

WEDNESDAY Bible Study .........................10:30 am Mid-Day Prayer Meeting .....12 noon Evening Prayer Meeting........7:00pm FRIDAY Cable Channel 17 ............... 8:00pm

Dr. & Rev. Mrs. Reginald Porter

TEMPLE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST

672 So. Lauderdale 38126 P.O. Box 314 Memphis, Tn 38101 Phone (General) 774-1572 Pastor: 775-0740 Secretary: 775-1909

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

WEEKLY SERVICES

Sunday Sunday School 9:00 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Night YPWW 5:00 p.m.

Night Service 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday Night Prayer 6:00 p.m.

Bible Study 7:15 p.m.

Wednesday Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m.

Friday Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m.

Night Service 7:30 p.m.

BROADCASTS 9:30 a.m. Sunday WDIA - 1070 AM

No Telecast Service

Dr. David Allen Hall Pastor

— Proverbs 1:7

“The Founder’s Church”

First Pastor: Senior Bishop C.H. Mason

Greenwood Christian Methodist Episcopal Church 3311 Kimball Ave. Memphis, TN 38111 (901) 744-7531 (901) 744-7664

Worship Services

THE BLVD Ea s t 6 7 4 5 Wo l f R i v e r B o u l e v a r d @ Kir by Pa r k wa y (i n t he Cla r k Ope r a M em phis Ce nt e r ) Me mp h i s T N 3 8 1 2 0

Dr. Frank A. Thomas Senior Servant

Sunday Sunday School Worship Service

Clarence Kelby Heath Wednesday Pastor

Noon - 1 p.m.

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

9 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

ST. ANDREW A.M.E. CHURCH 867 SOUTH PARKWAY EAST Memphis, TN 38106

(901) 948-3441

Early Morning..........7:45 AM Church School..........9:45 AM Morning Worship......11:00 AM Bible Study For Youth and Adults Tuesday - 7:00 PM “Spirit, Soul, and Body!”

AM 1070 WDIA Sundays, 10:00-10:30 AM

TV Cable Access Broadcast Tuesdays, 7:30 PM, Channel 17 Website:www.saintandrewamec.org

Child Care Center (901) 948-6441 Monday-Friday 6 AM- 5:30 PM Emergency Food Pantry Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson, Pastor & Clothes Closet Rev. Marilynn S. Robinson, Co-Pastor Wednesday 6 PM-8 PM

“Ministering to Memphis-Spirit, Soul and Body”