12 4 2013

VOL. 62, No. 48

November 28 - December 4, 2013

www.tsdmemphis.com

75 Cents

Wharton eyes enhanced poverty focus Says itʼs the way forward after majority slams sales tax hike

kajanaku@tri-statedefender.com

by Karanja A. Ajanaku

A gala review…

Attorney Arthur E. Horne III was among the African-American men saluted at the 2013 TSD Men of Excellence Awards and VIP Reception last Saturday.

See pages 8-9. (Photo: Brian Anderson)

Beverly Robertson to retire from National Civil Rights Museum

16 years as president Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Tony Jones

Beverly Robertson still cries sometimes when she visits Room 306, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was staying at the Lorraine Motel before he stepped outside and into the path of an assassin’s bullet.

During 16 years of what National Civil Rights Museum Board Chairman Herbert Hilliard calls “momentous progress and accomplishments,” Robertson has viewed the room Beverly untold times as Robertson the museum’s president.

Come July 1, “Leaders 2014, that will know when it end. Robertson is time to step announced her down and it’s retirement Tues(Nov. 26) and my time. day it will be effecEverything tive that day. On afterhas a season, Tuesday noon, she spoke and I’ve had with The New mine.” – Bev- Tri-State Deerly Robert- fender.

“I have been so honored to work son here, and I have seen a phenomenal amount of change in that time.

I’ve been through two major capital projects, annual fund campaigns, 16 Freedom Award events, a number of board members, employees and friends of the museum, it’s just time,” said Robertson.

“I sat and thought, what is to be done after the opening of the renovation? What more is there for me to do? Sometimes you have to quit while you’re ahead. You can reach the point of diminishing return and I would never want that for this instituSEE RETIRE ON PAGE 3

MEMPHIS WEEKEND

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

H- 5 2o - L - 2 8o Su nny

H- 5 6o - L - 3 9o P a r tl y C l ou dy

H- 5 5o - L - 4 7o Cl o udy

REGIONAL TEMPS LITTLE ROCK NASHVILLE JACKSON, MS

Friday H-53 L-29 H-50 L-27 H-55 L-29

Saturday H-56 L-40 H-55 L-34 H-61 L-39

Sunday H-56 L-47 H-53 L-42 H-64 L-51

As many suspected, the turnout was low – about 7 percent of 417,174 registered city voters. And of those concerned citizens, a dominating majority, 60 percent, wanted no part of a half-cent sales tax increase to extend pre-k and bring the property tax down.

Ordnance No. 5495 Local Option Sales Tax went down with a thud – 17,636 against; 11,659 in favor. The outcome moved opponents such as the Rev. Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum Jr., a former school board member and pastor of The New Olivet Baptist Church, to think in biblical terms of the underdog David sling-shoting down the giant Goliath.

Proponents of the referendum had much deeper pockets for their campaign but still got slammed in the Nov. 21 election.

Mayor AC Wharton Jr., a big proponent of the measure, had already turned the page the next morning. In an interview with The New Tri-State Defender, Wharton talked of “focusing on those conditions which are placing so many of children at a disadvantage and that’s poverty. And that’s what you’ll be hearing from me.

“It’s something we’ve been work-

ing on for a year, a year and half now.

Go back to the root, root cause.”

The root cause of failure in the higher grades is failure in the lower grades, said Wharton.

“And what is the cause of failure in the lower grades right now is no access to pre-K. Well, what causes that? Poverty, poverty, poverty in many instances. So dig more deeply and come up with some real programs.”

the long haul.

“We will do it the same way we do everything else.

If we bring a factory here, we invest in it. We don’t say Mayor AC we paid for the factory. We invested in the infrastrucWharton ture.”

Jr. says The strategy of linking itʼs time the proposed sales tax hike to dig and extended pre-K as an deeper and come investment in children clearly did not work, Wharup with more es- ton acknowledged.

“No one said they were cape against pre-K. It was that routes for they did not like the sales children tax (hike). So what we out of have in mind is not let’s poverty. come up with another tax (Photo: Tyrone P. to do this. We can redeploy some of our existing assets.

Easley) There is a hefty amount of grant funding out there as I’ve shown with Bloomberg … and all the Wharton said such a move would not be made with the naivety of other foundations I have been workthinking, “We will end poverty, but ing with. to provide many more escape routes, NOTE: In the race to fill the Disparticularly for the youngest out of trict 91 position left vacant with the poverty.”

That may mean addressing moth- death of Rep. Lois M. DeBerry, Deers’ needs and dads’ needs and with a mocrat Raumesh A. Akbari trounced more systemic approach, he said, James L. Tomasik, who ran as an inadding that costs associated with dependent. Raumesh came out on top such efforts must be thought of as an 3,087 votes to 369, with 16 people investment that will pay for itself in choosing write-in candidates.

NOT READY FOR PREGNANCY!

3 women and their stories

CNNMoney

by Cindy Waxer

NEW YORK – As Americans sharpen their knives for Thanksgiving dinner, a new crop of food tech startups are carving out their own niche – faux-meat products that replicate the flavor and feel of the real thing without the ethical quandaries.

Forget about the Tofurky you tried at your cousin’s vegan wedding.

Companies like Beyond Meat and Hampton Creek Farms are using high-tech processes to synthesize meat and egg textures from plant proteins. The goal isn’t replacement steak for vegans, says Beth Bloom, a food analyst with research firm Mintel, but to create an entirely new product that’s actually full of flavor.

Beyond Meat is one company hoping to take advantage of the $553 million “meat-alternatives market.”

Founded in 2009 by Ethan Brown, the son of a dairy farmer, the company manufactures low-fat, cholesterolfree, chicken-like strips that come in carnivore-friendly flavors like lightly seasoned and southwest style.

Hoping to “mimic the fiber structure of animal protein as it cuts across your teeth,” Brown teamed up with University of Missouri professor Fu-Hung Hsieh, who spent 15 years fine-tuning a process that involves feeding plantbased ingredients into a machine called an extruder. Then, using a precise com-

Special to the Tri-State Defender

by Wiley Henry

Neither Burnudecia Huey, Bonnie Stevenson nor Akilah Wofford were ready to get pregnant. Two – Huey and Stevenson – were teenagers and Wofford was 23. All were single.

Getting pregnant before they chose to be is not a road any one of them would choose to travel again.

Despite making bad decisions and grappling with a torrent of circumstances in some the expe“There are cases, riences have not extenuating derailed their aspirations of circumhieving stances some- as oc m ething times that worthwhile in cause teens to life.“I thought it make the would never wrong deci- happen to me. I was shocked,” sions.” said Huey, 18, relating her story to Minister Telisa Franklin, host of “The Telisa Franklin Show,” during a taping with Stevenson and Wofford Friday evening (Nov. 22) on the topic, “Voices of Teen Moms.”

The segment will be aired soon on Franklin’s cable TV network on Comcast 31.

“There are extenuating circumstances sometimes that cause teens to make the wrong decisions,” said Franklin. “But those problems don’t always stop teens from exceeding in life. That’s why it’s so important to address the issue.”

Although the birthrate for teenagers aged 15-19 dropped 8 percent in the United States from 2010 to 2011, the latest data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows teen pregnancy is still a major concern affecting all population groups.

Burnudecia Huey

In 2011, 90 girls were reported to be pregnant at Frayser High School, about 11 percent of the school’s approximately 800 students. The stag-

Fake meat is on the menu this Thanksgiving

Determined to succeed…

Burnudecia Huey was 17 and in her second trimester before she mustered enough nerve to tell her mother that she had gotten pregnant. Undaunted, the high school senior still plans to pursue her education while taking care of 10-month-old Jamarcous Graves. (Photos: Wiley Henry)

gering number of pregnancies received national attention and prompted local authorities and school officials to mount a campaign to urge and help young girls and boys make better decisions.

Huey had heard about the high pregnancy rate at Frayser, but never in her wildest dreams thought she would get pregnant. It happened when she was 17 and in the 11thgrade at Trezevant High School in the Raleigh-Frayser community.

“I didn’t find out that I was pregnant until I had five months to go. I wasn’t that big at all,” said Huey, now a senior at Trezevant running track, playing the French horn and

trumpet, and keeping a steady 3.0 GPA. Huey was in her second trimester and feared telling her mother. Her father is deceased. “When I asked Burnudecia if she was pregnant, she told me no,” said Laveta Huey. “But she kept sleeping a lot and gaining weight.”

Huey didn’t know how to break the news to her mother. So she wrote her a letter, which read in part: “I’m sorry. I know you’re going to be disappointed. I hope you still love me.”

Laveta Huey was disappointed, but not enough to reject her grandSEE STORIES ON PAGE 2

SEE FAKE ON PAGE 3

Beyond Meatʼs Chicken-Free Strips mimic the look and feel of the real thing. Beyond Meat and Hampton Creek Farms are using high-tech processes to synthesize meat and egg textures from plant proteins.

(Photo: Courtesy Beyond Meat)

NEWS

Page 2

Tri-State Defender

November 28 - December 4, 2013

STORIES

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

son. Instead, she gave her daughter the leeway to raise him with minimum help. “It’s her responsibility,” she said. “I have to let her be a mom.”

Jamarcous Graves is 10 months old now. His father, Huey said, is still in her life and caring for his son. Meanwhile, she is putting all the pieces together to become a nurse.

Bonnie Stevenson

Stevenson was 16 when she found out she was pregnant.

The baby’s father was 23. The news, she said, was depressing.

The expectant mother was a power forward on the basketball team at Trezevant. She played softball, too, and the French horn in the school band.

Originally from Boston, Stevenson moved to Memphis when she was 13. Shortly thereafter, she was raped, which left her devastated. On top of that, her mother was a substance abuser and her father was incarcerated.

“I didn’t blame anybody for my problems.

I “I put my k n e w trust in him what I a s (the baby’s fa- w doing,” ther). But he s a i d tevendidn’t hang Sson, who around. I was was raised vulnerable at by her randthe time.” gmother.

“I put my trust in him (the baby’s father).

But he didn’t hang around. I was vulnerable at the time.”

People started looking at her differently, being judgmental, she said. “I lost a lot of friends.

A lot of family members started looking at me in disgust.”

Stevenson dropped out in the 11th grade and was pregnant again by another man. At 18, she moved back to her hometown and back again to Memphis when she was 21. She persevered, earning her GED,

Burnudecia Huey (left), Akilah Wofford and Bonnie Stevenson recall the experience of getting pregnant before choosing to do so and the problems associated with such decisions during a recent taping with Telisa Franklin, host of “The Telisa Franklin Show” on cable TV, Comcast 31.

the equivalent of a high school diploma.

Stevenson is 23 years old now and has three children – Baija Miller, 8, Dyuana

Stevenson, 6, and Ephan Eubanks, 1. She and the children live in Bartlett with Ephan’s father.

Two weeks ago, Stevenson

lost her job. Undaunted, she is pressing on, studying to become a physical therapist at Southwest Tennessee Community College.

Akilah Wofford

Wofford and Stevenson were classmates from the 6th-grade at Brookmeade Elementary

until they matriculated together at Trezevant. She also played basketball on the team at the point guard position.

After graduating in 2008, Wofford went to Tennessee State University, majoring in communications. She left in 2011 and enrolled at the University of Memphis, this time studying journalism with a minor in communications.

“I got pregnant at 23,” said Wofford, who once considered having an abortion before deciding to go through with the pregnancy. She still has a relationship with the baby-to-be’s father.

Nearly six months pregnant now, Wofford laments the fact that she got pregnant. Her mother died three years ago and she wishes her father could be there for the birth of her child, but he died in June before Wofford learned she was pregnant.

“He raised me,” Wofford said, noting that he was an 85year-old doting father. “Three years ago I lost my mom, who was a drug addict. So I’m bringing a child in the world without grandparents.”

Wofford does have a godmother, Phyllis Thomas, whom she regards highly. Thomas, said Wofford, will step in to fill the role of a grandmother. But family, she noted, hasn’t been there to support her, “particularly on my mother’s side.”

Reflecting on her father’s love and the circumstances of her pregnancy, Wofford said, “I will persevere.”

NEWS

Tri-State Defender

Page 3

November 28 - December 4, 2013

FAKE

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

bination of heating, cooling and pressure, plant proteins are painstakingly realigned to mimic animal muscle or tissue.

“We’re doing what evolution did over a very long period of time; it’s just that we’re doing it in less than two minutes,” says Brown, whose company licenses the technology from Hsieh.

In April, Beyond Meat launched their Chicken-Free Strips in Whole Foods stores.And restaurant chain Tropical Smoothie now offers Beyond Meat as a substitute for chicken in hundreds of locations in 36 states.

The company can produce the equivalent of more than 1.5 million chickens per year – a fraction of the 8.6 billion chickens that will be sent to slaughter this year in the U.S. Yet its highly efficient production system is better for the environment (requiring less land and water while producing less waste), which has captured the attention – and pocketbooks – of big-name investors like Twitter co-founder Biz Stone.

“If you believe that it’s possible to replicate the animal protein with plant protein, it makes for a pretty compelling investment,” says Brown.

Hampton Creek Foods is another food tech start-up attracting A-list investors, including Peter Thiel and Bill Gates. The twoyear-old San Francisco-based company examined the molecular structure of over 1,500 plant species and identified 11 varieties that could replace the functions of a chicken egg, from adding volume to a pound cake to providing texture to a muffin.

The result is Beyond Eggs – a plant-based egg substitute that’s currently being sold to industrial manufacturers as a baking ingredient for their own product. And if investors have their way, it could eventually serve as an affordable source of protein in developing countries.

In October, Hampton Creek began selling its flagship product, JustMayo, in Whole Foods.

JustMayo is an egg-free mayonnaise that the company says is 10 percent cheaper to manufacture than its non-vegan counterpart. And next year, Hampton Creek plans to release JustScrambled, the world’s first plant that scrambles like an egg.

They don’t quite replace the holiday meals of turkey and Cornish game hens, but they’re getting pretty close.

Off they go…

After a service of worship celebrating the marriage of Jasmine Chauntel Noble and Noy Paris Garrett II at Riverside Missionary Baptist Church last Saturday (Nov. 23), the couple pauses for a departing photo.

Pastor Elder Dereck Tailbird delivered the nuptial blessing. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

Beverly Robertson to retire from National Civil Rights Museum RETIRE

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

tion, so I’m leaving on my own terms.”

Hilliard said the museum would conduct a national search for Robertson’s successor.

“Since 1997, Beverly has led the museum in an era characterized by exciting progress, accomplishment, and growing national and international prestige, all of which are a direct result of her special brand of leadership and her commitment to being a steward for one of America’s most hallowed historic places,” said Hilliard.

“Although she is retiring at the end of our fiscal year in July, 2014, she will remain involved through the rest of the calendar year to ensure a smooth transition and continuity in leadership.”

The announcement comes as a pre-amble to another crucially important year for the museum. Robertson and team have created and presided over

a $140 million growth model that will be revealed early next year.

The National Freedom Awards are a perfect example of the professional acumen and reputation Robertson’s known for. Luminaries such as Oprah Winfrey, former President Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela and the Dalai Lama, who declared it “this holy place,” have brought worldwide acclaim to the National Civil Rights Museum by their personal acceptance of the award.

Robertson’s down-to-earth professionalism also made sure names not as readily known to much of the public were among the honorees. That includes 2013 honoree the Rev. C. T. Vivian, who helped organize the Nashville Sit-Ins, the Freedom Riders, and the March on Washington.

So, in 10 years time, what would she like see when dropping in for a visit?

“You know I’ve thought about that and I’d like to see the museum expand its reach beyond the people that come

through our doors,” she said.

“Right now we have about 200,000 people that come here on an annual basis, with about 60,000 of those are school children. I would like to see that number double and a very real priority is to take the museum to rural areas where those who may not have the access or the ability to come here and visit.”

She also thinks it is equally important to expand internationally.

“The story told here is of global importance because it informs activism and human rights victories throughout the world. I hope some of the work we have done certainly places us in a national spotlight, but as we get more international visitors to Memphis, we are really pleased to see the mix of ethnicities and people that come to the museum.”

Absolutely committed to be

around through the end of the year “in case I’m needed to help with the transition,” Robertson is only just beginning to process a vast storehouse of memories associated with the museum.

“You cannot approach it (Room 306) without having to pause,” she said. “You feel the resonance of what occurred and you feel the resonance of what it means. I can’t help but get emotional when I hear Mahalia Jackson singing and I look over at the bed where he rested and then out the window. It’s still a powerful place.

“This is the only museum to be built upon such a pivotal event,” said Robertson. “Anytime anyone comes and passes by that room it is always emotional and I am certainly no different.

This history at the National Civil Rights Museum must always be

preserved and celebrated.”

Well, Beverly Robertson did her part.

“Every aspect of the Museum has improved as a result of Beverly’s management and leadership,” said J.R. Hyde III, chairman of the Executive Committee of the National Civil Rights Museum.

“She became president six years after the Museum opened, and she set ambitious priorities for it to achieve national stature, to be recognized as one of the best heritage museums in the world, and to improve both internal operations and external programs so they set the standard for other heritage museums.

“She has been successful on all fronts, and because of it, the Museum is strongly positioned for the future and all of us in Memphis owe her a debt of gratitude.”

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OPINION

November 28 - December 4, 2013

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

Flash Back: 2004

Eliminate gaps by empowering parents

Former Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.) is linking President Obamaʼs policies with the “knockout game.” The former congressman blamed left-wing economics, the education system and immigration policy for the alarming fad. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

How ‘knockout game’ hysteria hurts Black America theGrio

by Will Wright The hashtag “#knockoutgame” tells the story.

Social media is buzzing with fear and hysteria and the spread of antiblack sentiment. The proxy war for a host of racial agendas has a new rallying call. It is “the knockout game.”

For those who followed the so called “Central Park Jogger” case, an incident in April of 1989 when one Hispanic and four black teens from Harlem were said to be “wilding,” this ‘knockout game’ development is very troubling.

Not only were the teens falsely accused, convicted and served their full sentences in Social media prison before the rapist is buzzing actual came forward, with fear and but there was an of hysteria hysteria and air that every black the spread of man walking the anti-black city felt, someovertly, sentiment. times sometimes subtly. Black men walking in groups were branded as “wolf packs” and you could hear car door locks clicking and startled looks on the faces of white motorists whenever a black kid walked near their vehicle.

New York City police officials are struggling to determine whether they should advise the public to take precautions against the “knockout game” – whether in fact it is a growing dangerous trend, or something that has been ongoing and just recently rose to the surface.

“We’re trying to determine whether or not this is a real phenomenon,” Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly said on Friday at a press availably. “I mean, yes, something like this can happen. But we would like to have people come forward and give us any information they have.”

Jewish communities in the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Crown Heights, Borough Park and Midwood are alarmed following an attack on a 24-year-old Jewish man and the arrest of four men who Kelly told the press was “talking about ‘knockout’ just before the attack.” Three of the men were later released. The person still in custody is being charged with a hate crime.

According to reports, two weeks ago, a 78-year-old Brooklyn woman said she was punched in the head.

Her assailant reportedly fled without attempting to rob her. The indicator of “knockout” is that the assailant is not interested in property theft, as though that is something in which to take solace.

Another reported attack, this one on a 19-year-old Hasidic man, involved eight men who surrounded him while one punched him in the face. This too, according to NYPD, is being handled as a hate crime.

Across the river in Hoboken, N.J., a reported random assault in Septem-

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

ber involved a man who was attacked by three youths and died after his head became wedged in a fence between pickets.

Police Chief Anthony P. Falco Sr. of Hoboken was reluctant to link the incident to “the knockout game” saying the attack appeared to have been isolated. Gene Rubino, a spokesman and assistant prosecutor in the Hudson County prosecutor’s office agreed. “We keep getting asked that question,” he said, of “the knockout game,” “and there is no noticeable trend.”

The New York Times spoke to Jeffrey Butts, director of the Research and Evaluation Center at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Manhattan, who said racial fear is very much at the root of this “knockout game” phenomenon.

“There’s an element to who wants to see this through the lens of race,” he said. “The kids in Jersey probably set off racial alarms.”

There are videos from cities around the country purportedly showing people being punched and beaten at random. Massachusetts, Missouri, Illinois and Washington, D.C. have reported suspected “knockout game” attacks.

This week Fox News ’s Greta Van Susteren posted a commentary saying, “I beg of Reverend Jesse Jackson, Reverend Al Sharpton and even President Obama to step up right now and speak out. Your silence will speak volumes, but your voice could make a big difference. Don’t wait. Be leaders; they need you. We need you.”

On Saturday morning, the National Action Network’s Rev. Al Sharpton addressed the issue of this so called “knockout game” head on. In an address aired live on WLIB radio and streamed over the Internet, Sharpton denounced “knockout” as disturbing and despicable.

He said, “This type of behavior is deplorable and must be condemned by all of us.” The Reverend went on to say, “If someone talked about knocking out blacks, we would not be silent, if it is bigotry, violence or assault, we must denounce it.”

The Reverend called upon the black church, black newspapers and publications, community oriented radio broadcasts to start a campaign against “knockout.” Sharpton is the host of “Politics Nation” on MSNBC. In a plea to black families he said, “Parents need to talk to their kids.”

Knowing the power of peer support and celebrity influence, Sharpton called upon the entertainment community to get involved by denouncing this behavior.

“This type of behavior leads to the demise of everybody. We simply cannot have this kind of hysteria and we need to put it in check!” He closed his remarks by saying, “Everybody of influence should get in on it because it is wrong.”

(Follow Will Wright on Twitter @willjwright.)

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 2013 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.

About 1 in 6 unemployed workers are addicted to alcohol or drugs — almost twice the rate for full-time workers, according to the governmentʼs National Survey on Drug Use and Health. (Image: Dominic V. Aratari/CNNMoney)

1 in 6 unemployed are substance abusers CNNMoney

Tri-State Defender

by Annalyn Kurtz NEW YORK – About 1 in 6 unemployed workers are addicted to alcohol or drugs – almost twice the rate for full-time workers, according to the government’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

The survey shows that 17 percent of unemployed workers had a substance abuse disorder last year, whereas 9 percent of full-time workers did so. The numbers are self-reported, and therefore, could be even higher in reality.

Substance dependence is defined by several factors, including having withdrawals, repeatedly using a substance over the course of one month and witnessing adverse Are people related effects at home, unemployed work or school. to albecause of Addictions cohol, illegal their drug drugs and misand alcohol used prescription are all inuse? Or do drugs cluded. long bouts of So are people beunemploy- unemployed cause of their ment lead drug and alcohol people to use? Or do long of unemsubstance bouts ployment lead people to subabuse? stance abuse?

Some evidence could point to the latter, according to research from St. Louis Fed economists Alejandro Badel and Brian Greaney.

The trends for drug use have held relatively steady for a decade, even in spite of the recession. One would think that as millions of “clean” workers suddenly lost their jobs and joined the unemployment rolls, the rate of drug use among that group should have fallen pretty dramatically. Instead, it barely changed.

Badel and Greaney say the data aren’t completely conclusive, but the results could be consistent with the idea that previously drug-free workers could have turned to drugs after losing their jobs.

‘During episodes of large increases in unemployment, the number of drug users can increase dramatically,” their paper reads.

Another study, conducted by University of Miami sociologist Michael French and Nova Southeastern University economist Ioana Popovici, came to a similar conclusion about alcohol.

As people become unemployed, they’re faced with competing challenges, French says: On one hand, their income falls and they’re less able to afford alcohol or drugs. But at the same time, they’re faced with more idle time to fill with recreational activities.

As it turns out, the loss in income isn’t enough to stop them from drowning out their sorrows with alcohol.

“Among those who are unemployed, the leisure effect is dominating the income effect,” French said.

“We find that when the unemployment rate increases, all else equal, drinking increases.”

It’s not just the unemployed who are indulging. A surprising number of addicts are employed.

About 21 million American adults were dependent on alcohol or drugs in 2012, the highest number on record, according to the government’s data. Half of them had fulltime jobs.

Among them, alcoholism is the most common form of substance abuse.

But taking alcohol out of the mix, about 40 percent of people who are addicted to illicit drugs like marijuana, cocaine and heroine, are holding down full-time jobs too.

Casual use of illegal drugs is also fairly common among full-time workers. About 9 percent of workers used at least one illicit drug in the prior month, when the survey was conducted in 2012.

Slightly older government data – from 2002 to 2004 – shows casual drug use tends to be most common among workers in food service, construction and creative industries like arts, design, entertainment and media.

Workers in security, education and legal professions are least likely to have used an illicit drug.

“Drug use cuts across all employment groups,” French said. “It’s remained relatively constant over the last 10 years, and despite all our efforts (every president has a war on drugs) we’re not making a lot of progress in that area.”

Your letters to the editor are welcome. For verification, please include your name, address and telephone number.

Mail to: In The Mail, Tri-State Defender, 203 Beale St., Ste. 200, Memphis, TN 38103 E-mail: inthemail@tri-statedefender.com Maximum length: 300 words (subject to editing for clarity)

IN THE MAIL

As a father and longtime education advocate, I know that children are our most important resource.

And, because it takes a village to raise a child, our community must be responsible for nurturing and providing support for the generation that follows. Part of this task means ensuring that our kids get access to a quality education.

Recently, the 2013 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) – also known as The Nation’s Report Card – released scores on 4th and 8th grade reading and math assessments.

According to the results, Tennessee students posted record gains in student improvement. These scores, combined with the meaningful education reforms put in place by Gov. Bill Haslam and Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman, present further proof that Tennessee is moving in the right direction.

However, while we rightfully applaud these achievements, there still remain sizeable achievement gaps between black and white students, especially at the 4th grade level.

Faced with this sobering data, I still believe every child has the ability to learn and achieve, no matter race or economic status. But, kids must have access to the great schools they deserve.

Unfortunately, our communities have been plagued with struggling schools that fail our children. And what’s worse, many hardworking parents realize this, but often lack the means to attain a better Mario education for their King kids. What are cash-strapped families to do when there’s no room in their tight budgets to pay for private school, and they can’t afford the cost of homes in higher-performing districts?

No parent deserves to have a child trapped in a low-performing school, but sadly this is the plight dealt to many families in Memphis.

Because of this, I encourage leaders in our community to empower parents with quality school choices.

Until Tennessee can guarantee equal access to an excellent public school for every student, we must find a way to provide better choices for all families. Further, voucher programs can provide additional options for ensuring all children get the great education they need to succeed in life.

Today, there are many myths that are being passed around our community about vouchers. Even some of my close friends and family asked why I support such a measure. To me it’s simple: I support anything that empowers my community in a positive way. Furthermore, when did it become unprogressive to provide the powerless with power and put lowincome families in charge of school choices for their children?

As parents, the greatest legacy or inheritance I could leave my daughter is a fair shot to achieve the impossible.

Now is not the time to turn our back on the meaningful education reforms that have taken place in Tennessee. We must continue pushing for transformative measures. I urge you to educate yourself, and become active by joining me in the reform efforts in your community.

Our kids should not be trapped in low-performing schools with no way out. This needs to change now. Our future is way too important to wait.

(Mario King is a parent and field coordinator for StudentsFirst. He resides in Memphis.)

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OPINION

Tri-State Defender

Page 5

November 28 - December 4, 2013

What a tale of 2 ‘Johns’ teaches us about the n-word The Root

by Jack White

The death of a dear friend last week reminded me of a small incident, a long time ago, that might shed some fresh light on the seemingly endless debate over racial respect and who can and can’t use the word “nigger.”

The friend was John Egerton, with whom I worked during the early 1970s at the now disbanded Race Relations Reporter in Nashville, Tenn. – a foundationsupported newsletter that covered the dramatic transformation that swept over the South after the passage of the civil rights laws and the murder of Martin Luther King Jr. In addition to being a superb journalist who went on to write acclaimed books on the emergence of the civil rights movement and the roots of the South’s multifaceted culture and cuisine, Egerton was one of the most decent men I’ve ever known.

He also happened to have been white.

In any case, one of our other co-workers in the rambling house where the Reporter was

headquartered was the custodian, a courtly black gentleman in his 60s who was known as “John.”

For the longest time I believed that was his name, since that’s what everyone had called him for the decade or more he had worked in the building. He was unfailingly cheerful and courteous to the almost all-white staff of the newsletter, who in turn treated him affectionately.

It came as a shock when one of my two black co-workers informed me that “John” wasn’t his name at all. He had been called that only because one of the white women who worked at the Reporter claimed to be unable to pronounce his real name and so had given him a nickname of her own choosing. And it just stuck.

When I quietly asked him about it, he said he had never liked being called John and would prefer to be called by the name his parents had given him, which was “Ewing Cole.”

But he didn’t want to make an issue of it because he liked the people at the Reporter and didn’t want to inconvenience them.

That wasn’t good enough for me and the two other black professionals on the staff.

We thought that calling the man John was dehumanizing and disrespectful, a hangover from the revolting practice among some Southern whites of calling grown black men “boys” and elderly black men and women “uncle” and “auntie.” We weren’t going to stand for it, so we took to addressing him as Mr. Cole out of respect for his age—and insisted that our co-workers do the same.

A mock funeral to symbolically bury the n-word is held at the 98th Annual NAACP National Convention in 2007 in Detroit. The use of it is not dead yet.

(Photo: Bill Pugliano/Get ty Images)

Most of our white colleagues, including Egerton, got it right away and began addressing him as Mr. Cole or, in some cases, Ewing.

But some of them, including the woman who had dubbed him John in the first place, just couldn’t kick the habit. She kept calling him John until she quit the job a few months later.And although I never thought she was a bad person, or that she meant any harm, I was glad when she left. She was just too immersed in the lazy stereotypes that white Southerners had developed to justify the indignities

they imposed on black fellow Southerners to recognize the arrogance that underlay her behavior.

I’m convinced that she went to her grave without ever understanding what was wrong with calling him John.

And in that, her attitude had a lot in common with that of present-day white people who high-handedly insist that they are justified in using the word “nigger” because some black people also use it. They are, of course, dead wrong.

As Ta-Nehisi Coates pointed out in a nuanced New York Times column the other day, “within the boundaries of community relationships, words – often ironic and self-deprecating – aare always spoken that take on other meanings when uttered by others.” Which simply means that what we choose to call ourselves when we are communicating with one another has little to do with what we will allow those who are not in the group to call us.

The ability to name is one of the most potent powers in the human toolkit. And to be called out of

one’s name is among the gravest of insults. It’s the reason civil rights activists insisted that black people be addressed as Mr. and Mrs., instead of simply by their first names, when they were called to testify in court. It is the reason we have so often updated our preferred name for the ethnic group we belong to – going from colored to Negro to black to African American over the decades – each shift signifying a change in our political and social relationship to the rest of the country. The rapid changes in self-definition are indicative of a people on the move.

And sometimes it comes down to a little thing, like being called what you want to be called, not what someone else chooses to call you. Ewing Cole understood that. So did John Egerton. They were both good men, and they’re both gone now. Remember their names and cherish them.

(Jack White, a former columnist for Time magazine, is a freelance writer in Richmond, Va., and a contributing editor at The Root.)

Why it matters that Angelina Jolie’s white child plays with black dolls The Root

by Keli Goff Angelina Jolie is known for her unconventional family, which includes three biological children with longtime partner Brad Pitt and adopted children from Cambodia, Ethiopia and Vietnam. Her multiracial and multicultural family has generated headlines, most notably when critics have felt the need to weigh in on her Ethiopian daughter Zahara’s hair. Some challenged Jolie’s ability to style and comb it, while others had a problem with her daughter wearing braided extensions.

But the Jolie-Pitt family should be commended for their efforts to be culturally conscious, particularly when it comes to their diverse brood.

Pitt once acknowle d g e d u s i n g Carol’s Daughter products on Zahara’s hair and recently explained Angelina why he deJolie clined the role of a cruel slave owner in “12 Years a Slave,” which his company produced, saying, “I didn’t want my kids to see me in this role.”

A recent photo of the JoliePitt kids seems to reinforce that Jolie and Pitt may be more conscious of racial and cultural diversity than the average parent.

The widely published photo

captured the couple’s biological daughter Vivienne carrying a black doll with short, tightly curled hair. This may not seem like a big deal but it is.

Dolls have long been a source of angst when it comes to the self-esteem of girls, particularly young girls of color.

The role of dolls in serving as symbols of beauty, racial stereotypes and racism is so significant that dolls played a key role in one of America’s landmark civil rights cases, Brown v. Board of Education in 1954.

Psychologists Kenneth and Mamie Clark conducted experiments with black children, who were asked questions regarding which doll was bad or ugly and given an option between a black doll and white doll. Most children associated positive qualities with the white

doll, and 63 percent preferred playing with the white doll, leading the Clarks to conclude that black children “indicate a clear-cut preference for white and some of them evidence emotional conflict when requested to indicate a color preference. It is clear that the Negro child, by the age of 5, is aware of the fact that to be colored in contemporary American society is a mark of inferior status.

A child accepts as early as 6, 7 or 8 the negative stereotypes about his own group.”

Six decades later the experiment was revisited. When 19 black children, ranging from age 5 to 9, were asked which doll was nice, according to “Good Morning America,” “Sixty years ago, 56 percent of the children chose the white doll. The majority of our kids

chose black or both and 32 percent chose the white doll,” an improvement, or so it seemed.

But according to those administering the experiment, some of the black girls still struggled to see positive qualities in the black dolls.

As a testament to how sensitive the issue of doll color remains, particularly for black girls, the rapper Ludacris’ longtime companion, Eudoxie, faced heavy criticism for publishing photos of toys she was planning to distribute in Africa, which included many white dolls.

When asked about Jolie’s daughter playing with a black doll and whether it is culturally significant, Jeff Gardere, a psychologist who has treated children, told The Root that black children playing with white dolls can have a negative impact on their self-esteem,

but when it comes to white children playing with black dolls, “I think that’s an amazing thing, because it has an opposite effect.”

Gardere explained that “white is still considered to be a preferential color and preferential status in our society, so to put a white doll with a black child will have a negative impact for most black children but to put a black doll for a white child might make that white child more sympathetic to or more open to having a black person in their lives and loving and respecting black people.”

He concluded, “I think it’s a courageous thing (Jolie has) done. I’d like to see more of that happening.”

(Keli Goff is The Root’s special correspondent. Follow her on Twitter.)

BUSINESS

Page 6

Tri-State Defender

November 28 - December 4, 2013

ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY

The business of childcare:

The Academy of Creative Learning, Inc. Quality childcare is not just about babysitting and entertaining the child. As competition amongst centers increases, so does the need to offer a creative and learning environment where a child’s appetite for learning is stimulated.

Tiffany Glover, owner of The Academy of Creative Learning, makes it her mission to challenge and develop young minds at her three-star academy. Equipped with an advanced degree and credentials, Glover prides herself on heading up a staff of like-minded professionals that use every opportunity to educate and motivate the children in their care.

Carlee McCullough: Tell me about yourself?

Tiffany Glover: I am the owner of The Academy of Creative Learning. I hold an MBA and I have over 18 years of professional experience as a human resources professional, entrepreneur, leader, early childhood educator and consultant. Additionally, I have a credential as a Tennessee Early Childhood Administrator (master level).

CM: What inspired you to go into the childcare business?

TG: As a working parent of

small children at the time, I faced challenges finding childcare that offered a safe environment while proCarlee McCullough viding a preparatory curriculum with exposure to the arts.

The need for solid early childhood education in the community along with exposure to all of the arts created the need for such a facility. I was inspired to answer the challenge for not only my children but for all children in the community.

CM: How long has the center been in business?

TG: We have been serving the community for eight years.

CM: What are your hours?

TG: We are open for 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

CM: How flexible are you with pickup and drop-off times?

TG: We are flexible and

The Three-Star goal

According to the State of Tennessee website, the quality of childcare has a direct impact on a child’s ability to learn, to build healthy relationships and to become the best they can be. The critical decision of where to place their child is often difficult and confusing for parents.

Because the quality of childcare and a positive future for children depends on parents having tools necessary for making informed choices for their family, the Department of Human Services is helping parents with this very important decision through Tennessees Child Care Report Card System.

willing to accommodate parents as needed with drop-off and pick-up times that are most convenient.

CM: Do you offer scholarships or sibling discounts?

TG: We offer sibling discounts.

CM: What makes your childcare center different or unique from other centers?

TG: We are a high quality NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) Accredited, Three-Star rated center providing phenomenal childcare in a creative, academically

Per the Tennessee Department of Human Services, under Tennessee’s Child Care Report Card System, every licensed childcare agency must undergo an annual evaluation and post a report card of the results. Agencies are required to post their report card with their renewal license Tiffany where parents can clearly Glover see them. With three being the highest rating, centers strive for Three-Stars.

challenging environment that encourages social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth of the child as a whole.

CM: Do you encourage visits from parents?

TG: We encourage visits from parents and welcome parental participation. We believe in a collaborative approach to learning that includes the family and the community.

CM: Are the kids grouped by age or are the ages mixed?

TG: Children are grouped by their age.

CM: What are the staff’s

credentials and training?

TG: Our teachers have degrees and certifications in early childhood education and have experience working with young children. All employees complete ongoing training and development.

CM: Does the staff have emergency training in first aid and/or CPR? TG: All employees are CPR and first-aid trained.

CM: Do you provide breakfast, lunch, and/or snack?

TG: We offer nutritious daily-prepared meals for breakfast, lunch and snack.

CM: What advice can you offer those interested in entering into the childcare business?

TG: Be strategic in location selection and offer diversity and creativity in the program.

Be flexible and willing to meet the customer’s needs.

CM: What is the most challenging part of the business?

TG: As a center that strives to meet the needs of each individual child on a daily basis, we want to be confident that we are not only meeting but exceeding that goal.

CM: What is the most rewarding part of the business?

TG: Providing services that support and contribute to the success and well-being of both children and their families is by far the most rewarding part of the child care business.

(For more information, visit www.aclinc.net; email info@aclinc.net; call 901-3669973; fax 901-386-9974.)

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

Racial wealth gap growing

NNPA

by Charlene Crowell Although most Sunday school children are warned against the “love of money,” by adulthood it is the lack of it that becomes the source of many problems. When finances are so fragile that even a small shortfall presents a big problem – a few hundred dollars might as well be a million – you do not have what you need.

Now new research finds that the ability to reach some level of financial security or well-being can be like a chicken and the egg question: Which comes first – the problem or the lack of money?

To determine how family financial assets changed over time, researchers at Brandeis University’s Institute on Assets and Social Policy (IASP) interviewed a group of families in 1998 and again 12 years later. The original sample of participants was evenly split between blacks and whites. All were working or middle class, had children ages three to 10 years old, had similar life aspirations and were selected from the same three cities.

At the beginning of the study, the wealth gap between blacks and whites was clearly evident. In 1998, the median net financial wealth, excluding home equity, for blacks in the sample was more than $16,000 lower than for white families.

Additionally, the gap in median net worth, which does include home equity, was $108,000.

These disparities only grew over time.

By 2010, the gap in net financial wealth had grown to more t h a n $80,000, Charlene while the Crowell gap in median net worth grew to almost $280,000. Importantly, the exacerbation of the racial wealth gap happened despite the fact that Blacks gained ground in income and Brandeis educational attainment. study proFor exin vides new ample, 1998 black details. family median income was $48,106 compared to the median white family income of $80,400. By 2010, the racial income gap had narrowed to $28,000, with black median income at $56,000 and white median income slightly less at $84,000.

Similarly, although the proportion of blacks achieving a college education consistently lagged behind that of Whites, the size of that disparity decreased over time. The gap between the proportions of blacks and whites receiving at least a college education shrank from 28 percentage points in 1998 to 22 percent-

age points in 2010.

IASP found that among the black families followed, few or no financial assets were a result of the frequency of three factors: Financially assisting family members – extending beyond the nuclear family unit to include adult siblings, parents, nieces and nephews; Increased periods of unemployment and work in occupations with fewer benefits; and falling or stagnated home values.

The tough choices that these families face often lead to decisions to early use retirement assets, particularly to manage periods of unemployment, health care costs or a child’s college education.

However, their premature usage forces more financial stress in later years.

Conversely, when families are able to secure stable jobs with non-wage benefits for present and future financial security, the ability to build wealth is significantly enhanced. Family inheritance and/or financial assistance to purchase a home were also cited as benefits to growing wealth.

Earlier research by the Center for Responsible Lending found that communities of color, both Black and Latino, experienced disproportionate losses of wealth because of foreclosures.

These were also the same communities that were targeted for high-cost, unsustainable subprime mortgages.

The irony of these findings is that owning a home has been the traditional gateway to building family wealth. In

many instances a home purchase also represents the single largest investment that many families make in their lifetimes. But for homeowners still living in areas heavily hit by foreclosures, many now owe more than their homes are worth. For these unfortu-

nate families, homeownership has lost, not grown wealth.

At the time of year when family and loved ones gather in thanksgiving, it can be difficult to celebrate the season. Yet if nothing else, let us be thankful for the resilient spirit that enables us to survive – in spite of

lingering financial challenges (NNPA Columnist Charlene Crowell is a communications manager with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelend ing.org.)

RELIGION

Tri-State Defender

Page 7

November 28 - December 4, 2013

RELIGION BRIEFS

Xmas benefit concert to feature Personal Praise

‘Simply Wonderful’ Xmas concert at Mississippi Blvd. to feature Ledisi

“Simply Wonderful,” a Christmas concert featuring the Grammy-nominated Ledisi, will be held at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church at 70 N. Bellevue in Midtown on Dec. 8.

The free concert is being presented to help the community “to rediscover the miracle of Christmas.” It is set to begin at 4 p.m.

The host pastor is the Rev. Jason L. Turner.

BRIEFLY: At the Dixon Gallery & Gardens, Ashe to Amen: African Americans and Biblical Imagery is running now through Jan. 5. The exhibit – organized by the Museum of Biblical Art, New York – examines the breadth of African American artists’ interpretations of Biblical stories and traditions in historic and contemporary art. The exhibition includes 59 works of art and design that date from the late nineteenth century to the present with nearly 50 artists, many of whom are still active today.

BRIEFLY: New Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church will serve a Thanksgiving Day meal to the homeless & needy on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 28) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at the church at 1559 South Third St. The phone number is 901775-0925. The pastor is the Rev. Agnes Henderson.

In concert…

Songwriter and performer Earl Randle put on a three-part concert at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception (Marion Hall) last Saturday (Nov. 23.) evening. Monsignor Valentine Handwerker is the rector. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

Solidarity…

Dr. Fred C. Lofton, pastor of Greater New Shiloh Baptist Church, was the guest speaker last Sunday (Nov. 24) as St. John Baptist Church, 640 Vance Ave., celebrated its 145th Anniversary. The Rev. Henry Key is the pastor.

(Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

A Timeless Christmas Benefit Concert and Silent Auction, featuring national recording artists Personal Praise, will kick off the holiday season on Sunday (Dec. 8.)

Hosted by community leader and music industry icon B. Jackson at Lake Grove Missionary Baptist Church at 265 Leath Street downtown, the event will begin at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Presented by Person2Person Management, the focus of the event is to build community and fellowship with people of all backgrounds throughout Memphis, especially the youth.

The underlying idea is that music transcends age, race, culture and time. This is the first year for what is projected as an annual family-oriented concert.

The two-hour Christmas concert will feature young and talented Personal Praise. The group has been topping the local ReverbNation charts for their singing abilities, but also have dance moves that many consider just as fascinating. Concert attendees will be the first to experience new music from Personal Praise’s Christmas album debut, “A Timeless Christmas.”

Friends of Personal Praise are also set to bring some holiday cheer, with performances by the teen girl group, Together, and Christian hip hop artist and dancer, D3.

Donations will be accepted in lieu of admission as a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Glenview Junior Tennis Program of Memphis, which is a non-profit organization created to provide access to tennis for inner-city youth. All attendees must have a ticket to enter.

Tickets are available at Brinson Tax Service at 1864 Madison in Midtown, Gentlemen’s Academy at 8014 Club Center Drive, Suite 11 in Cordova and 3053 Thomas St. in Frayser.

During intermission, attendees will have the opportunity to bid on products and services from gift certificates to specialty items donated by a variety of local businesses.

A Timeless Christmas is sponsored by Brinson Tax Service, Creative Blessings, The Neely Agency, Control ALT Designs, Chick-Fil-A, The Byrd Nest and other friends and supporters of Person2Person Management and Glenview Junior Tennis Program of Memphis.

Pope calls for big changes in the church CNN

by Daniel Burke Pope Francis on Tuesday called for big changes in the Roman Catholic Church – including at the very top – saying he knows it will be a messy business but he expects his flock to dive in feet first.

“I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security,” the Pope said in a major new statement.

“I do not want a Church concerned with being at the center and then ends by being caught up in a web of obsessions and procedures.”

The Pope’s address, called an “apostolic exhortation,” is basically a pep talk from the throne of St. Peter. But Francis’ bold language and sweeping call for change are likely to surprise even those accustomed to his unconventional papacy.

“Not everyone will like this document,” said the Rev. James Martin, a Jesuit priest

and author in New York. “For it poses a fierce challenge to the status quo.”

Officially known in Latin as “Evangelii Gaudium” (The Joy of the Gospel), the 85page document is the first official papal document written entirely by Francis. (An earlier document was co-written

by Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.) Although Francis sprinkles the statement with citations of previous popes and Catholic luminaries like St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Augustine, the new pontiff makes a bold call for the church to rethink even long-held traditions.

“In her ongoing discernment, the Church can also come to see that certain customs not directly connected to the heart of the Gospel, even some which have deep historical roots, are no longer properly understood and appreciated,” the Pope said.

“Some of these customs may be beautiful, but they no longer serve as means of communicating the Gospel. We should not be afraid to re-examine them. At the same time,

the Church has rules or precepts which may have been quite effective in their time, but no longer have the same usefulness for directing and shaping people’s lives.”

Such statements mark a sharp break from Benedict XVI, a more tradition-bound pope who focused on cleaning up cobwebs of unorthodoxy in the church.

By contrast, in “Evangelii” Francis repeats his calls for Catholics to stop “obsessing” about culture war issues and enforcing church rules, and to focus more on spreading the Gospel, especially to the poor and marginalized.

The Pope hinted that he wants to see an end to the socalled “wafer wars,” in which Catholic politicians who support abortion rights are denied Holy Communion. His comments could also be taken as another sign that he plans to reform church rules that prevent divorced Catholics from receiving the Eucharist.

“Everyone can share in some way in the life of the Church; everyone can be part of the community, nor should

the doors of the sacraments be closed for simply any reason,” Francis said.

“The Eucharist, although it is the fullness of sacramental life, is not a prize for the perfect but a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak.”

Even so, Francis reiterated the church’s traditional stand against abortion, defending that position against critics who call it “ideological, obscurantist and conservative.”

“Precisely because this involves the internal consistency of our message about the value of the human person, the Church cannot be expected to

Pope Francis is presented with the symbolic Fisherman’s Ring and shawl during his inauguration. He’s been breaking new ground repeatedly ever since.

(Photo: Vatican TV)

change her position on this question,” Francis said.

The Pope said he expects other parts of the church to change, however, and called on Catholics to be unafraid of trying new things.

“More than by fear of going astray, my hope is that we will be moved by the fear of remaining shut up within structures which give us a false sense of security, within rules which make us harsh judges, within habits which make us feel safe, while at our door people are starving.”

Francis didn’t mention specific changes, but made it clear he expects them to start

PRAISE CONNECT

at the top and include even long-held Catholic practices.

“Since I am called to put into practice what I ask of others, I too must think about a conversion of the papacy,” he said.

The church’s centralization, where all roads lead to Rome, and the “we’ve always done it this way” type of thinking have hindered Catholics’ ability to minister to local people in far-flung places, Francis suggested.

“I invite everyone to be bold and creative in this task of rethinking the goals, structures, style and methods of evangelization in their respective communities,” the Pope said.

Martin, who is also an editor, said, “I cannot remember ever reading a papal document that was so thought-provoking, surprising and invigorating.”

“The document’s main message is that Catholics should be unafraid of new ways of proclaiming the Gospel and new ways of thinking about the church.”

(Daniel Burke is CNN’s Belief Blog co-editor. Follow @BurkeCNN.)

-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

Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

—Matthew 7: 1-2

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

—Phillipians 4:13

Page 8

November 28 - December 4, 2013

Tri-State Defender

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November 28 - December 4, 2013

The New Tri-State Defender President/Publisher Bernal E. Smith II welcomed everyone to the 5th annual Men of Excellence awards program at The Holiday Inn - University of Memphis and recognized those who contributed to its success.

(Photo: Brian Anderson)

Judge Joe Brown, the Men of Excellence keynote speaker, delivered a powerpacked message that wowed the audience.

His delivery was just as direct as the “tough love” approach that he administered on the nationally syndicated “The Judge Joe Brown Show,” which ran for a record breaking 15 years. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

The 2013 Men of Excellence: Adrian Baskin, Dr. Jerry M. Bobo, Jacque BoNéy, Kenneth Bradshaw, Ronnie Gerald Brooks, Jr., Timo-

thy J. Clifton, Kerry V.Cobb, Clifton Davis, Marcus Dorris, Timothy Dunlap, Reginald L. Eskridge, Esq., Dr. Edmund Ford, Jr., Jaske Goff, Eric Goodrich, DeSean Grayson, Rod Hall, Darrick D. Harris, Kelly D. Henderson, Reginald Henderson, Anthony Holder, Michael Hooks Jr., Dorsey Hopson, II, Arthur Horne, III, Tavarski Hughes, Tony James, Romalic M. Jones, Ross Kerr, Tshomba LaMont Mayers, John M. Payne, John Keith Perry Jr., Al Pickett, Andrew Porter, Lorenzo Renfroe, Dr. Marco T. Robinson, Kevin M. Rooks, Michael Joseph Smith, Jack Steele, Marron D. Thomas, Coleman Thompson, Andre Turner, Jonathan R. Watkins, Jamal Whitlow, Dewayne Williams, Kevin L. Wren. (Photo: Brian Anderson)

Men of Excellence gala sows seeds to ‘step up the game!’ besmith@tri-statedefender.com

by Bernal E. Smith II

TSD Executive Editor Karanja A. Ajanaku noted the purpose of the Men of Excellence. (Photo: Brian Anderson)

Keynote speaker Judge Joe Brown shows off the award that TSD President/Publisher Bernal E. Smith II presented to him.

(Photo: Brian Anderson)

Mayor A C Wharton Jr. saluted the Men of Excellence, particularly his son, Tavarski Hughes. (Photo: Brian Anderson)

Mayor AC Wharton Jr. observes the Men of Excellence tabloid while his wife, Atty.

Ruby Wharton, focuses on the program.

(Photo: Brian Anderson)

TSD staff: Wiley Henry, assistant to the editor; Shirley Jackson, office manager/assistant to the president/publisher; and Kenneth Worles, digital content/social media manager. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

The 5th Annual Tri-State Defender Men of Excellence Awards Dinner and VIP Reception was truly one for the records. With 300-plus in attendance, including Memphis dignitaries such as Mayor AC Wharton Jr. and his wife Ruby, Downtown Commission President, Paul Morris and Judge Carolyn Wade Blackett, it was certainly a grand occasion to celebrate the contributions of this year’s MOE honorees.

The event consisted of various layers of positive expression and connection.

During the dinner and awards presenta-

tion, The Sidney Kirk ensemble provided a music tribute to our honorees singing many jazz and soul classics.

Aided by the super soulful voice of Cidney Joy Kirk (daughter of band leader Sidney Kirk), the ensemble left an impression on our guest with tunes such as “Route 66,” “Unforgettable,” “Summertime,” and “God Bless the Child.”

During the reception, our guests mingled and made connections. Saxophonist Cameron Ross set an elegant and festive atmosphere with his mellow and melodic tunes.

“This was phenomenal in the sense that new relationships have been formed and ideas shared that will lead to greater positive impact in the city down the line,” commented one member of the 2013 class. “I truly appreciate your vision and The New Tri-State Defender not only for honoring me, but for bringing us all together.”

This was the spirit that prevailed throughout the evening, the collective power of black men coming together for common purpose and effectual action. In his keynote, Judge Joe Brown amplified the theme.

Bold, challenging and ever insightful, Judge Brown shared his insights and observations on myriad topics from local government to national policy.

Causing many to cheer and some to squirm in their chairs, he pulled no punches in his nearly 40 minutes of energized sharing and teaching. The take away was that the community needs informed, inspired and courageous men to stand up, step forward and make a

difference.

A special word of thanks to our Mistress of Ceremony, Fox 13’s Brooke Thomas, who was funny, personable and very professional in leading us through a great evening. We welcome Brooke to Memphis and the TSD family and hope to have her back at one of our 2014 events.

I want to personally thank Mayor Wharton, who during his comments referenced and commended my personal triumph over controversy and boldness in moving the TSD forward.

It is always good to be acknowledged for overcoming adversity, focusing on the positive and progression.

We had a great group of sponsors this year. They provided essential support that allowed an event of this magnitude to transpire as it did. Our lead sponsor was FedEx. Now in its third year of support for MOE, FedEx stepped up big time as always. I appreciate Rose Jackson Flenorl, Janas Jackson and Pam Roberson for their support of TSD and all that we endeavor to do to inform, inspire and elevate.

Likewise, I thank Cynthia Scales of Allstate Insurance for her continued support and for being a 2013 MOE sponsor. I also give special thanks and recognition to Rick Farwell of Pyramid Wine and Spirits, as well as Olympic Tax Service and Christian Davis for their sponsorship and support.

MOE 2013 is a phenomenal class of superstar men who are doing it big in their career endeavors, for their families and for the community; they certainly deserve the recognition and

honor. I congratulate each of them.

However, it is important that we collectively understand that the community is thirsty for greater leadership, commitment and conviction from its leaders. Therein lies the true opportunity for this class and past classes of TSD Men (and Women) of Excellence.

There is a need to aggregate the gifts and talents of these individuals towards the betterment of generations to come and towards greater overall outcomes in our community. That is the next phase of work for our MOE. For it is our collective service that has the chance to change the course of lives. So with a spirit of work, we look forward to 2014. Time to step up the game!

Saxophonist Cameron Ross set an elegant and festive atmosphere with his mellow and melodic tunes. (Photo: Brian Anderson)

Brooke Thomas of Fox 13 WHBQ steered the program as the mistress of ceremony.

(Photo: Brian Anderson)

Sidney Kirk of The Sidney Kirk Ensemble provided gala entertainment.

(Photo: Brian Anderson)

Janas Jackson of the FedEx Corporation spoke on behalf of MOEʼs sponsors.

(Photo: Brian Anderson)

The 5th Annual Men of Excellence Gala yielded myriad images and the center of attention was the 2013 class of honorees.

(Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

ENTERTAINMENT Tri-State Defender, Thursday, November 28 - December 4, 2013, Page 10

Tis the season for smart shopping

I’ve spent the last three years of this column sharing with you important facts about AfricanAmericans’ consumer power.

And, I know those of us who are certified black-belts in the time-honCheryl ored martial art of Pearsonshopping, are McNeil fired up for the Black Friday super sales with our artillery of cash and/or credit cards in hand.

But first, let’s breathe deeply and think about this, especially in light of recent allegations of retail establishments questioning purchases made by blacks, which have brought the very essence of our purchasing power under assault. Now, more than ever, it’s important for us to understand what it means to be a Conscious Consumer – particularly during the busiest shopping season of the year.

These are a few important questions you should ask yourself before making any consumer decision: 1. Did I find this service or product in my neighborhood?

2. Does this company, network or business hire people who look like me?

3. Do I see positive images of myself reflected in the content this company or program promotes?

4. Does this company have a history of supporting causes that better my community?

5. Am I still willing to spend my limited time or hard earned dollars with this company if the answer to any of the above questions is no?

With that in mind, Nielsen’s Holiday Spending Forecast expects this shopping season to be financially stronger than last year, with dollar sales up about 2 percent. Even though an increase in sales is predicted, 68 percent of shoppers who responded to the survey still feel as though they’re in a recession. Twenty percent of U.S. consumers say they have no cash to spare. Forty-eight percent report living comfortably or spending freely.

Fifty-two percent of consumers are only buying on the basics.

Thirty percent of us across all income ranges say we’ll spend between $250 – $500 on gifts this year.

Twenty percent of consumers estimate they will spend between $500 – $1,000, with just 6 percent predicting that they’ll drop more than $1,000.

How, where and on what are we expected to spend our money? Dollar stores are expected to enjoy a banner season, with 12 percent of consumers in households earning $50,000 or less, reporting plans to shop in these channels, versus 4 percent of consumers in households earning $100,000 and up. Twenty percent of those consumers in the $100,000-plus category say they will be shopping more online, compared to 15 percent of consumers in households earning less than $50,000.

The 10 hottest holiday items for 2013 are: 1. Gift cards 2. Tech products 3. Toys 4. Food 5. Apparel 6. Video games 7. Cookware 8. Sporting goods 9. Jewelry 10. Alcoholic beverages.

Nielsen’s information is gathered from consumer surveys of more than 22,000 households of all demographic groups across the country and an analysis of 92 product categories with over $99 billion in sales.

Now that we’ve talked about this year’s holiday shopping trends, are you among the 22 percent of U.S. consumers who have already begun holiday shopping? Or, do you find yourself among the 60 percent who love the adrenalin rush of crowds and last minute deals – or, just master procrastinators?

African-Americans are frequent shoppers, savvy digital users, high volume owners of smartphones and users of social media and voracious consumers of media – in other words, powerful consumers. We cannot expect different results if our consumption patterns and habits don’t change. It’s just that simple; no matter what time of year it is.

So, happy holiday shopping, but remember, the final decision to be a Conscious Consumer is yours to make. As always, I encourage you to choose wisely. And, don’t forget to chat with us on Twitter or Facebook so we can keep the conversation going.

(Cheryl Pearson-McNeil is senior vice president of Public Affairs and Government Relations for Nielsen.)

The headliners of the show – Maze featuring Frankie Beverly – are no strangers to Greater Memphis, coming through with another top-shelf performance. (Photos: Warren Roseborough)

Old-school rules at pre-Thanksgiving concert Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Warren Roseborough Music legends Maze, featuring Frankie Beverly, The Isley Brothers, featuring Ronald Isley, and Bobby Womack transformed the Landers Center in Southaven, Miss. into “Old-school Haven” on Saturday night. came Maze, The outWomack dressed in red – leather Isley Broth- pants, jacket and a cap – launched into his deep ers and and bag of hit songs, including Bobby Wom- “Across 110th Street,” “I ack rock Can Understand it,” The Way I Feel the Landers “That’s About You,” “Harry HipCenter pie” and many more. He also did a tribute to Sam Cooke, singing “A Change Is Going To Come,” and introduced his daughter, who sings backup for him. He gave her an opening to sing a song and it’s safe to say talent runs in the family.

Next up was The Isley Brothers and their presence triggered a surge toward the stage as they reeled off hits such as “Fight The Power,” “It’s Your thing,” and “For the Love of You.” As always, eye-grabbing dancers performing precision moves accented the performance that was punctuated by the distinctive voice of Ronald

Ernie Isley still is a lead-guitar master.

Isley and the lead-guitar prowess of Ernie Isley.

The headliners of the show – Maze featuring Frankie Beverly – are no strangers to Greater Memphis, coming through with another top-shelf performance. Dressed in his usual all-white attire, Beverly kicked it off with “Back in Stride Again” followed up

Bobby Womack performing at the preThanksgiving Concert held at the Landers Center.

with “Southern Girl” and it was on from there.

It was a dancing night for the crowd, which Beverly thanked for ongoing support.

Acknowledging that he would be 67 years old in a few days, he asked for a show of hands from those who were seeing their first Maze show. a “That’s damn shame, we have been performing for 45 years and out to see us,”

y’all are just now coming Beverly joked.

Maze closed out with their hit, “I want to Thank You.” The old-school show brought out a mix of old and young to party with the music legends and it was ushered in by Julius Jones of Heritage Entertainment.

Jennifer Hudson steals show in ‘Black Nativity’ Screen adaptation of Langston Hughes Musical

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Kam Williams

Naima (Jennifer Hudson) is a single-mom struggling to pay the rent on the apartment she shares with son Langston (Jacob Latimore), 15, who’s the same age she was when she had him. Back then, she was as headstrong as he is now, which explains why she ran away from a good home in Harlem to raise him alone in Baltimore.

Today, upon receiving an eviction notice, cash-strapped Naima reluctantly sends the rebellious adolescent in need of a father figure to New York to live with her parents, Aretha (Angela Bassett) and the Rev. Cornell Cobbs (Forest Whitaker), prominent members of the black community. But Langston lands in trouble even before they have a chance to pick him up at the bus station, so they end-up having to bail him out of jail.

Is it too late for anyone to make a difference in the rebellious juvenile delinquent’s life? Can the Cobbs mend the fractured relationship with their long-estranged daughter?

Will Langston belatedly bond with the absentee father he’s never known?

These are the pivotal questions raised in “Black Nativity,” a modern morality play based on the Langston Hughes musical of the same name. Adapted and directed

by Kasi Lemmons (“Eve’s Bayou”), the film features an engaging soundtrack sprinkled with evocative onscreen performances by principal cast members as well as by Mary J. Blige, Nas and Tyrese in support roles. All pale in comparison to Jennifer Hudson’s emotional spirituals.

Fair warning to theatergoers ordinarily operating on CPT. Don’t take

Black Nativity, a contemporary adaptation of Langston Hughes' celebrated play, stars Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Tyrese Gibson, Jacob Latimore, Mary J. Blige, Nasir Jones.

(Courtesy photo)

FILM REVIEW

the risk of arriving too late to catch the incomparable diva’s unforgettable opener, “Test of Faith,” a showstopper every bit as memorable as her heartfelt rendition of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” as Effie in “Dreamgirls.”

A moving parable as memorable for its music as for its timeless message about the importance of faith and family.

Excellent (4 stars) Rated PG for menacing, mature themes and mild epithets Running time: 93 minutes Distributor: Fox Searchlight

(To see a trailer for Black Nativity: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yf hupIQ1JnE)

Jennifer Hudson (Naima), who won an Academy Award as Effie in “Dreamgirls,” also stars alongside of teen heartthrob Jacob Latimore (Langston) in this Thanksgiving day movie.

ENTERTAINMENT

Tri-State Defender

Page 11

November 28 - December 4, 2013

HOROSCOPES

Nov. 28-Dec. 4, 2013

OPENING THIS WEEK

Kam’s Kapsules:

Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun

Spike Leeʼs remake of the Korean film “Oldboy” stars Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Olsen, Sharlto Copley, Michael Imperioli and Samuel Jackson. (Courtesy photo)

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Kam Williams

For movies opening Nov. 29, 2013

BIG BUDGET FILMS

“Frozen” (PG for action and mild rude humor) Disney animated adventure about a fearless princess (Kristen Bell) who embarks on an epic journey with a gruff mountain man (Josh Gad) in order to reverse the curse of eternal winter accidentally inflicted upon the kingdom by her queen-to-be sister (Idina Menzel) with cryogenic powers. Voice cast includes Ciaran Hinds, Jonathan Groff and Edie McClurg.

“Homefront” (R for graphic violence, drug use, pervasive profanity and brief sexuality) Sly Stallone wrote the screenplay for this adaptation of the Chuck Logan novel of the same name about a DEA Agent (Jason Statham) who retires to a quiet town for the sake of his family only to have their lives turned upside-down by a ruthless meth dealer (James Franco). With Winona Ryder, Kate Bosworth, Izabela Vidovic and Omar Benson Miller.

“Oldboy” (R for nudity, profanity, graphic sexuality, brutal violence and disturbing images) Spike Lee directed this remake of the Korean revenge thriller revolving around an advertising exec’s (Josh Brolin) quest for vengeance after being kidnapped and held hostage for 20 years. With Samuel L. Jackson,

Elizabeth Olsen, Sharlto Copley and Michael Imperioli.

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS

“Black Nativity” (PG for menacing, mature themes and mild epithets) Kasi Lemmons wrote and directed this adaptation of the Langston Hughes musical of the same name about a single-mom (Jennifer Hudson) who sends her teenage son (Jacob Latimore) to Harlem to stay with her long-estranged parents (Forest Whitaker and Angela Bassett) when she’s evicted from her Baltimore apartment. Supporting cast includes Mary J. Blige, Vondie Curtis-Hall, Tyrese Gibson and Nas Jones.

“Bullett Raja” (Unrated) Saif Ali Khan stars in the title role of this action adventure, set in the Hindi heartland, about a mild-mannered Average Joe’s transformation into an anti-establishment outlaw in response to India’s corruption. With Raj Babbar, Gulshan Grover and Vidyut Jamwal.

“Caught in the Web” (Unrated) Cultural evolution drama about a young Chinese woman (Yuanyuan Gao) who’s ostracized after a cell phone video of her failing to yield her bus seat to a senior citizen goes viral. Costarring Chen Yao, Mark Chao and Xueqi Wang. (in Mandarin with subtitles) “The End of Time” (Unrated) Tick-tock documentary exploring our perception of the elusive subject of time.

“Journey to the South Pacific” (G) Ecodocumentary, narrated by Cate Blanchett, advocating the preservation of such undersea creatures as whale sharks and giant rays.

“Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” (PG13 for sexuality, intense violence, disturbing images and brief profanity) Epic biopic based on the autobiography of Nelson Mandela (Idris Elba) chronicling the South African leader’s transition from outlawed freedom fighter to political prisoner to president. With Naomie Harris, Tony Kgoroge and Riaad Moosa. (In English, Afrikaans and Xhosa with subtitles)

“Pad Yatra: A Green Odyssey” (Unrated) Daryl Hannah narrates this climate change documentary lamenting the melting of the Himalayan glacial region as a consequence of global warming.

“The Punk Singer” (Unrated) Retrospective rockumentary revisiting the 20-year career of activist and musical pioneer Kathleen Hanna, lead singer of the band Bikini Kill.

Featuring commentary by Joan Jett, Kim Gordon and Carrie Brownstein.

“Reaching for the Moon” (Unrated) Bittersweet biopic recounting the tragic love affair between American poet Elizabeth Bishop (Miranda Otto) and Brazilian architect Lota de Macedo Soares (Gloria Pires). Featuring Tracy Middendorf, Marcello Airoldi and Lola Kirke. (In English and Portuguese with subtitles)

ARIES A humanitarian cause may get you out to a meeting with others of like-mindedness this week. You’ll meet some interesting people, and also get a new view of how you are perceived by others if you go. Enjoy!

TAURUS Everybody’s in a full-moon frenzy regarding relationship issues. Listen to what others are saying, and chart your own course through this week. If you are in a relationship, remember what brought you together with this person in the first place, and be glad for what you’ve had.

GEMINI Your intuition is trying to tell you something. Be still for a bit and let the message come. You know when to exercise caution, and when to let go and revel in pleasure. There’s much pleasure in your life this week.

CANCER Put one of your new ideas into action this week and see how it feels as you work through your routine. You are in command of how you think this week, so use this beneficial energy to accomplish some of the things you’ve been wanting to do.

LEO Every positive idea you have is likely to be challenged this week, so you may want to keep your brilliance under wraps until at least tomorrow. Your ideas are sound and good; don’t take others’ rude behavior personally.

VIRGO This week’s the week to communicate those ideas. People will seem to be much more receptive and less grouchy. Make sure that your ideas have some practical actions that can be taken, so that people will know how to respond to you.

LIBRA You are the messenger of freedom this week, and if you are not careful with your words, you’ll find that some people don’t want to be liberated. Not to worry, just go your merry way and enjoy yourself. Others will learn from what you are doing.

SCORPIO Your creativity is pulling you in a wonderful direction. Act on your impulse to create beauty in your life. Pay attention when your nearest, dearest friend is trying to tell you something. Your impatience to get to the next project could cause you to miss a valuable signal.

SAGITTARIUS Keep a low profile at a family get-together.

Someone wants to scuffle, but won’t be able to if you don’t present yourself as a target. Your checkbook needs looking into; you’ll feel better if it’s balanced.

CAPRICORN Your home life is important to you this week. Get the family together to take care of some fall clean-up chores and make it a party that everyone will remember with joy. Take the lead on bringing happiness to the occasion.

AQUARIUS Daydreaming will work wonders for your spirit this week. Let your imagination fly freely and follow up on ideas in a leisurely way. You are able to accomplish some very rewarding and life-affirming tasks.

PISCES Congratulations on your positive attitude this week! While others may be dragging, your spirit is full of energy. Enjoy the power-surge of good feelings, and you’ll be lifting others’ spirits just by being you.

Source: NNPA News Service

COMMUNITY

Page 12

BRIEFS & THINGS

Code RED: DST Spends2Win

The members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Memphis Alumnae & Shelby County (TN) Alumnae Chapters putting their collective and economic power behind an economic development effort that unfolds on Friday (Nov. 29) – the largest shopping day of the year.

The Deltas are supporting an initiative dubbed “Code RED (Revitalizing Economic Development): DST Spends2Win” on Friday, November 29, 2013 – the largest shopping day of the year. The local effort is part of the Southern Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated “African American Economic Empowerment Initiative” and it addresses the sorority’s tenth component of its Financial Fortitude program – Entrepreneurship.The Sorority encourages entrepreneurship as an option to achieve self-sufficiency and economic survival.

Southern Regional Director Cheryl Turner said, “Although black spending power is nearly $1 Trillion annually, one the biggest issues impacting the economic success of black businesses is that they are vastly underrepresented, accounting for less than 7 percent of all small-owned businesses. So, what better day than ‘Black Friday’ – the largest shopping day of the year – to make an impact?”

A listing of member and blackowned businesses in Memphis & Shelby County can be located on each chapter’s website at www.memphisalumnaedst.org or www.shelbytndeltasigmatheta.com or by contacting Charlotte Freeman at 901-238-4728 or Necole Jones at 901-573-5205.

For more information about the “Code R.E.D.” and “DST Spends2Win,” visit the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Southern Region web site at www.dstsouthernregion.com.

Annual Feed the Need Thanksgiving Nov. 28

If the outreach workers of Telisa Franklin Ministries have their way, every homeless person on the streets of Memphis and Shelby County will enjoy a nice, traditional meal this year on Thanksgiving Day. At the fifth annual Feed the Need last year, TFM fed 500 men, women, and children, nearly a third of the local homeless population.

In addition to the Thanksgiving meal, participants were also given blankets, coats, toiletries, shoes, health screenings, haircuts, and other personal services offered by local business owners. This year’s event is slated for Thursday, Nov. 28 at the Hollywood Community Center, 1560 Hollywood Street.

Volunteers and others who would like to donate any items of clothing or food, should contact Telisa Franklin at 901-281-6337.

Market Hall Holiday Extravaganza set

On Dec. 21, the Hickory Ridge Mall will host the “Market Hall Holiday Extravaganza” consisting of live performances and a community wide fashion show.

During the course of the Market Hall event, Heal the Hood Foundation of Memphis and other local organizations are teaming together to host “The 2013 Hope Summit” – a community empowerment event.

Community leaders and business professionals are invited to share motivational stories and words while philanthropic groups give away free gifts and prizes to less fortunate families.

The day will feature holiday shopping, photos and food, as well as performances by local spoken word artists, choirs and musicians, along with a Holiday Fashion Extravaganza. The event will coincide with the Hope for the Holidays project effort to bring life to the Hickory Hill Community and rejuvenate the Hickory Ridge Mall during the holiday season.

The Elite Marketing Bureau, along with established organizations such as Heal the Hood Foundation of Memphis, B-Visible magazine, V-Rock Productions, and Young Man University are all event supporters.

The Market Hall Holiday Extravaganza will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with free admission. For more information, contact Matthew Hopson at 901-546-9756 or email holidaymarkethall2013@gmail.com.

BRIEFLY: Grace United Methodist Church, 1619 E. Raines Road, will be the setting for “Magnify! A Soulful Celebration of the Season” on Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, call 901396-5123.

November 28 - December 4, 2013

Tri-State Defender

A board’s certification and a teacher’s joy Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Tony Jones

Keisha Flowers Haley is a career educator who recently completed a task that “drove the joy of teaching deeper into me.” And that’s good news for her third-grade students at Newberry Elementary School and their circle of support.

Haley now is certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, marking her among a dedicated group advancing through the organization’s enhanced standards program.

Becoming a National Board Certified Teach is an important and rigorous accolade for career educators. Even with her 14 years of experience, Haley said she found the process daunting.

“I was a bit afraid at first,” she said. “The notice had been posted on the bulletin board at school and when I read it I thought it was a bit overwhelming, but the more I thought about it the more I was won over. Having the National Board means I will be automatically certified with any school system in the country, which is good in case I ever want to relocate.”

That, however, is not really on her mind.

“Just pursuing it brought a benefit to my students from the very beginning,” said Haley.

“For example, I had to track the growth of specific skills of two students meeting certain criteria. Not just mastery of the curriculum, but the development of their innate strengths. That builds long term confidence and value that can carry them throughout their lives.

“It drove the joy of teaching deeper into me,

Teachingʼs reciprocal relationship is very real and very personal for thirdgrade teacher Keisha Flowers Haley.

(Courtesy photo)

making me want to find more ways to help my kids develop their own particular strengths, not just recite information,” she said. “When I see that light bulb come on, when they really start grasping and engaging in what I’m teaching, that’s the joy of the Lord. And our principal’s (Jaron Carson’s) help was invaluable. ” It may seem cliché to some, but teaching’s reciprocal relationship is very real and very per-

sonal for Haley. Both of her parents were teachers, and passionate about their students’ development. Mother Mazella Flowers was named Teacher of the Year by both the Rotary and Kiwanis clubs. Her late father, Albert Flowers, was just as committed in his career. Sister Angelique Jackson is a library media specialist at Airways Middle School.

“Home is where becoming an elementary educator really sparked for me,” said Haley. “My parents would bring kids home all the time for additional studying, and watching them and how they enjoyed doing their jobs eventually took root in me.”

For a while, Haley wanted to be a pediatrician. She also explored the possibility of owning a professional day-care service. But as she pursued her education, the passion for early childhood education grew into a flame.

“Now, my joy in the morning is going over my lesson plan and watching my students grow and progress. I can’t describe how gratifying it is to see a first grader try to write a simple sentence at the start of the year and by the end of the year to see them progress into writing full sentences. It’s unimaginable,” she said.

Two girls she has been working with are good examples “Both of them were in resource training last year (to provide improvement study), but now they are on the same par as the rest of the third grade. You have to understand what it means to that child to accomplish that,” said Haley.

“Teachers have a very real impact in their students’ lives. Their potential journey in life depends on what we accomplish with them now.”

Annual ACT-SO talent search takes flight

The search for Memphis-area talent to participate in the ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics) is underway propelled a student orientation program held recently at First Baptist Church-Broad.

The ACT-SO program is a nationally recognized youth and achievement initiative sponsored by the NAACP, with high school students from the tri-state area encouraged to take part..

“The focus of a viable and effective local ACT-SO program is enrichment and mentorship,” said Madeleine Taylor, executive director of the Memphis Branch NAACP. “The benefits ACT-SO students receive from the enrichment and mentorship components include substantial assistance toward the development of their ACT-SO projects and valuable tools to assist them throughout their education.

The local competition serves to showcase the hard work students have put in all year long.”

As an enrichment program, ACT-SO is designed to recruit, stimulate, improve and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African-American high school students (grades 9-12). The Memphis NAACP recruits students from Shelby County and the surrounding counties that may not have an ACTSO program in their community. Students receive medals and prizes provided by the local

sponsors and are eligible to compete for the Maxine A. Smith Scholarship.

ACT-SO students who receive gold medals on the local level then compete at the National ACT-SO competition where they receive scholarships and other rewards provided by national sponsors. Gold medal contestants receive allexpense paid transportation and lodging to the National ACT-SO competition provided by the Memphis NAACP. Students compete in the broad categories of humanities, performing arts, visual arts, entrepreneurship, and the sciences. The Memphis chairperson of ACT-SO, M.P. Carter, has dedicated 12 years to the local competition and assembled a professional support team to guide and mentor the students.

For more information about the 35-year-old ACT-SO program, contact the Memphis Branch NAACP at 901-521-1343 or visit www.NAACPMemphis.com. The deadline for applications with completed projects is Jan. 13.

Former ACT-SO contestant, Carl, performed his dance rendition at the ACT-SO Orientation for students and parents interested in participating in the enrichment and mentorship program. (Courtesy photo)

CHEF TIMOTHY

Giving thanks is healthy and it never gets old

It’s that time of the year again when we look forward to spending time with family and friends, reflecting on the past year and looking forward to the new one. Some may feel that the year has been a total failure and hope and pray that the new year holds more for them. Others will simply feel blessed and fortunate that they have been allowed to see another year.

Everyone should realize Dr. Timothy that there is always something or someone to be Moore thankful for, no matter how bad life gets them down at times. At Thanksgiving in particular, we should not complain about what we don’t have or should have; just

be thankful for what we do have, no matter how much or how little.

Don’t be concerned about what you didn’t accomplish in the past year; be thankful for what you did accomplish and look forward to what you will accomplish in the coming year.

We see and hear about so many tragedies that occur in the world today; yet we take for granted such small things in our lives that others would love to have. There’s a saying that goes something like, “You never miss what you have until it’s gone.” There should be one that says, “Be thankful for what you have today because tomorrow it may be gone.”

As we observe this upcoming holiday period, think about those who could use some help getting through the season. So many around us have no one and are in struggles with life issues and misery every day.

Some simple things that we can do would be volunteer at a homeless shelter; take food to

someone who would otherwise have none on Thanksgiving; invite a friend or neighbor to your house for an abundance of your holiday cheer; or just be there for someone who only needs company or a shoulder to lean on.

It really doesn’t matter how much or how little you do for someone. What’s important is that you actually take the time to help others in need. By doing this, I can guarantee you will feel so blessed and fortunate that you will forget all about your problems and worries.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday this year and help others do the same.

(Dr. Timothy Moore teaches nutrition, heart disease and diabetes reversal through a plant-based lifestyle. The author of “47 Tips To Reverse Your Diabetes,’’ email him at cheftimothy@cheftimothymoore.com or visit www.cheftimothymoore.com or www.twitter.com/cheftimmoore.)

Literacy iswhat’s happening…

Entertainment personality Myron Mays (center) hosted the November meeting of the Whatʼs Happening Myron Book Club Saturday (Nov. 23rd) at TJ Mulligans at 362 North Main. The Featured Book was “The Family Business” by Carl Webber. The local featured author was Pearl “Hear Deva” Walker-Ali, who wrote “Locks, Braids & Natural Styles. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley

SPORTS

Tri-State Defender

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

White Station takes thriller; Trezevant rushes toward goal Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Christopher Hope

The Central Warriors (8-5) were playing their first quarterfinal game in school history against the Station Spartans The push White (9-4) at Crump stadium to make in a Class 6A matchup Friday (Nov. 22) state… last night. A second-half thriller ended with Central on the short end of a 31-28 battle.

The stands at Crump stadium were filled with supporters from both schools at kickoff, with many still in line to be a part of a game that was stamped with a playoff atmosphere.

The first half lacked offensive explosion and felt like it was going to be a dogfight, with a 7-3 halftime score.

The Spartans brought injured quarterback Cedric Wilson off the bench and he threw four touchdown passes in the second half, including a 5-yard pass to Terry Wright for the winner with 57 seconds left. Wilson finished 18 of 21 passing for 209 yards.

“Cedrick Wilson is a true Spartan in every sense of the word,” said White Station coach Joe Rocconi.

“He gave us the spark we needed.”

“I’m proud of our guys and how they responded after halftime. How we played, it showed heart and confi-

Central and White Station battled throughout a thriller that ended with the Spartans on top.

(Photo: Christopher Hope)

CLASSIFIEDS

Page 13

November 28 - December 4, 2013

dence,” added Rocconi.

Jamal Jones powers Bears

Dyersburg (11-2) held Trezevant (12-1) scoreless in the first half to lead the Bears 7-0 at the break.

Starting the second half, Trezevant’s running back Jamal Jones put on a clinic en route to helping the bears earn a 12-7 victory He had the Dyersburg defense winded and frustrated as would-be tacklers constantly found themselves looking at the back of the number 9 jersey.

“We wanted to come out and be physical and be mentally tough,” said Jones, who rushed for 202 yards and one touchdown.

The Bears defense responded as well by not allowing Dyersburg to score a point in the second half and ending the game with a fourth-down stop.

“We’ve been working all season and off season and I believe our team deserves it (to advance to title game),” said Jones.

“I’m too full of emotion right now,” said Trezevant coach Teli White.

“We have reached our goal. Let me tell you about goals. When you reach your goals, guess what you gotta do?

You gotta make new ones. We got Thanksgiving. The new goal is December...state bound!”

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OF SHELBY COUNTY, ENGINEERING SERVICES PROPOSALS TO BE RECEIVED JANUARY 10, 2014

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The scope of work for this project involves providing assistance with Construction Engineering &Inspection (CE&I) services for quality control and assurance of the construction of bicycle and pedestrian trails at Shelby Farms Park. These trail systems will extend the current network and supplement the trails that are being designed as part of the Shelby Farms Parkway Project and the Patriot Lake expansion.

In order to be eligible for selection, the consulting firm must be on TDOTʼs pre-approved list with unlimited status. A Prime Contractor must prequalify with the Department of Transportation in accordance with Section 54-5-117 of the “Tennessee Code Annotated” and Tennessee Department of Transportation Rule 1680-5-3 prequalification of contractors before biddable proposals will be furnished.

Shelby County Government hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation, and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex or disability in consideration for an award.

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The Shelby County Board of Education will accept written bids for Geeter Middle School, 4649 Horn Lake road, Memphis, TN 38109, Air-Cooled Chiller and Pumps Replacement.

MANDANTORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE: Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at 9:30AM beginning in the Main Office at Geeter Middle School.

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SPORTS Tri-State Defender, Thursday, November 28 - December 4, 2013, Page 14

‘Learning-tocompete’ Tigers hunt a win over Temple’s Owls Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by J.R. Moorhead

Although the University of Memphis Tigers football team was only 3-6 headed into the Louisville game this past weekend (Nov. 23), the huge strides forward were evident.

Coach Justin Fuente has done a great job of getting the team prepared week in and week out.

Nonetheless, costly turnovers and penalties have kept the Tigers from Gritty ef- pulling out wins in close fort games. It has to against be frustrating all parties Louisville for involved, as has Mem- Memphis has phis hope- been significantly more ful competitive this season, but can’t seem to seal the deal in their tight match-ups.

Understanding the Tigers’ struggles, one realizes their margin of error isn’t very large. And when playing No. 15 Louisville (9-1) on the road, that window gets even more minuscule.

So last Saturday, when Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch fumbled in the first quarter and it was returned for a touchdown by a Cardinal defender, it looked like the Tigers might be in for a long day.

Memphis was able to score three points before halftime, yet they trailed 17-3.

Louisville scored another touchdown in the third quarter and took a 24-3 lead and the Tigers looked like they were on the verge of letting the game get out of hand.

However, the defense would buckle down in the fourth quarter and the Tiger offense was able to chip away at the lead.

The offense’s success in the fourth quarter could be attributed to Louisville playing a more vanilla defensive scheme with a three-score cushion.

All the same, Memphis was able to put together two scoring drives and cut the deficit to 24-17. Unfortunately, time was on Louisville’s side and the Cardinals handed the Tigers their seventh loss of the year.

A loss is a loss, but Memphis’ progress is becoming more and more tangible.

How does Coach Fuente feel about the moral victory?

“To me, it’s we are better, let’s prove it,” he said. “I think we have a gritty group of kids, and our coaching staff continues to push and drive.

Our kids are learning to compete. We’re focused on the next step forward. We just have to continue to learn to play smarter with a little more confidence and understanding.”

The Tigers will be back at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium on Saturday to play host to the Temple Owls. It will be senior day for Memphis and the last home game of the season.

The Owls bring a 1-10 record into the match-up and have made a recent change at quarterback. Their new QB is a freshman who has shown flashes of brilliance, even so, this should be a game the Tigers win.

Memphis’ two remaining games against Temple and UConn are both winnable and the Tigers should be favored.

If they can come away with those victories, they will finish the year 5-7, which is an improvement from 4-7 just a year ago.

In seasons passed, Memphis’ football program has been laughable at best, but they seem to be moving in the right direction. With the holiday this week, True Blue fans who choose to be thankful for the progress Memphis has made the last two years will be on solid ground.

Tayshaun Prince of the Grizzlies comes up with the loose ball as he battles with Dwight Howard of the Rockets. The Grizzlies led at half time 44-32 but fizzled in the fourth quarter.

Tony Allen is fouled by Francisco Garcia of the Rockets. (Photos: Warren Roseborough)

Gasol-less period begins with Grizz loss to Rockets Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Kelley Evans

“We have been through situations similar to this,” said Memphis center Marc Gasol, fielding questions from the media before the Grizzlies faced the Houston Rockets at FedExForum on Monday night (Nov. 25).

Gasol was referring to the fact that he will be out for the next few weeks recovering from a left knee injury he sustained in the loss to the Spurs in Memphis on Friday (Nov. 22). An MRI revealed a left MCL sprain, putting the All-Star center out indefinitely.

“It’s going to be a little difsaid Gasol. “Roles are Fourth-quar- ferent,” going to change a little bit, but ter swoon I’m confident the team is going dooms Mem- to play the way they are supposed to.” phis.

Meanwhile, the Grizzlies have to figure out how to move on without Gasol. According to Grizzlies head coach Dave Joerger, they need playmaking and scoring off the bench and guys to settle in their roles.

Chapter 1 of life on the court without Gasol unfolded Monday night with the Grizzlies fighting hard. They actually held the lead for three quarters only to succumb to the Rockets 93-86. The fourth quarter was full of telltale signs of the work that needs to be done.

Monday’s loss to Houston at home was the first defeat against the Rockets in FedExForum since Dec. 3, 2010.

The Rockets played without star guard James Harden, who missed his second straight game with a sore left foot.

The Grizzlies had a steady offense during the first half, forcing 11 Houston turnovers. They closed the second quarter on a 15-6 run to take a 44-32 halftime lead.

The Rockets came back with a plan that they executed at a very high level during the final period.

“We had a great game plan,” said Grizz guard Tony Allen. “We did it for three quarters. They just turned into a different team once they sat their starters. Those guys penetrated the basketball.

They got to our soft spot, which is the paint.”

Jerryd Bayliss of the Grizzlies steals the ball from Dwight Howard of the Rockets. It wasnʼt enough though as the Grizzlies lost to the Rockets 93-86.

The Rockets played with their bench in the final quarter. They scored 38 points on 14-of-20 shooting to Memphis’ 23 points on 5-of-15 shooting.

The Grizzlies starters were back in the game with eight minutes left to play. They were up by eight at the start of the fourth quarter before Houston went on a 20-6 run. The Grizzlies never came within four points for the rest of the game.

Gasol’s backup, Kosta Koufos, finished with eight points and a season-high 13 rebounds in his first start of the season. Tayshaun Prince led the Grizzlies with a season-high 16 points, 7-of-10 from the field. Mike Conley added 10 points and a season-high 10 assists to record his first doubledouble of the season.

The starters returned and couldn’t find their rhythm.

“I was waiting to hold out as long as I could,” said Joerger. “I was trying to win it. I didn’t want to put them in too early and they run out of gas with two minutes left to go. We ran out of gas

when I had put them in anyway. I was just trying to hold it together as long as we could.”

Memphis held the Rockets to 93 points, a season low with the team averaging a NBA-best 109.9 points-per-game on the season. Leaning on their key bench players, Houston embodied momentum in the second half, hitting five threepoint shots. Chandler Parsons led the Rockets with 17 points. Omri Casspi finished with 16 points, scoring 11 down the stretch.

“I thought our guys needed a rest, and we just kept trying to find a lineup that would really click,” said Rockets head coach Kevin McHale.

“They took care of the boards and did a great job defensively.”

NOTE: The Grizzlies will play their next seven-out-of-eight games at home facing the Boston Celtics on Wednesday in Boston, then returning to Memphis to play Jason Kidd and he Brooklyn Nets on Saturday (Nov. 30) at FedExForum.

Tigers drum Colonels after getting rolled by Cowboys Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by J.R. Moorhead

After getting run out of the gym by Oklahoma State’s Cowboys, the Memphis Tigers looked to rebound this past Saturday (Nov. 23) against the Nicholls State Colonels.

Old Spice Regardless of the emClassic of- barrassing the fers chance loss, True Blue to boost na- N a t i o n tional rep. showed its unwavering support, packing the FedExforum.

And, the fans got what they came to see. The Tigers drummed the Colonels to the tune of a 98-59 victory. It was quite clear from the onset that Nicholls was outmanned.

With the OSU loss fresh on their minds, no one should have been surprised that Memphis came out hungry and dominated the game.

Freshman forward Austin Nichols set his career high scoring mark with 20 points, adding 5 rebounds and a steal.

It was somewhat of a breakout game for the new Tiger.

However, his freshman counterpart, forward Nick King, has been the standout so far this season. On Monday, King was awarded with the

Shaq Goodman was determined to stop this move. (Photos: Christopher Hope)

American Athletic conference rookie of the week honor. He averaged 17.5 points and 7 rebounds in the Tigers’ two games last week. Even more

Memphis big man Dominic Woodson on a dunk.

impressive, King was able to convert 57.1 percent of his field goals and 66.7 percent from beyond the arc over that span.

The East High product has scored 48 points through three games, which puts him fifth all-time through three games.

With names such as Dajuan

Wagner (76), Derrick Rose (55), Shawne Williams (50), and Tyreke Evans (49) atop that list, it puts his accomplishment into perspective.

On a historic note, King is also the first Tiger basketball player to receive an individual weekly honor from the newly formed American conference.

Unfortunately, this blowout win didn’t affect the voters, as Memphis dropped 12 spots (from No. 11 to No. 23) in the poll released Monday. Although Memphis’ fans have shown they still have faith in their team, it is quite clear that the sports media and coaches around the nation definitely question the validity of the Tigers’ previous No. 11 ranking.

As they should.

With Memphis participating in the Old Spice Classic over the holiday weekend, the Tigers will look to regain some respect. They are slated to play Siena (2-4) at 5:30 p.m. CT on Thanksgiving Day. If Memphis is able to string together a couple of wins, they could end up facing Oklahoma State again in the championship game. The Tigers should always be most focused on their next game, but a rematch with the Cowboys has to be a pretty good incentive to come out firing this weekend.