5 16 2012

VOL. 61, No. 19

www.tristatedefender.com

May 10 - 16, 2012

Game 5: Survival fits the Grizzlies

Justice Dept. moves to engage public in Juvenile Court remedy

Special to the Tri-State Defender

by Kelley Evans

Playing hard and not giving up kept the Memphis Grizzlies alive in a win or season-over NBA Playoffs thriller at the FedExForum on Wednesday night.

With Grizz fans tense from the outset, Memphis locked onto a success formula. It was simple. There are 48 minutes in a regulation game and the team had to go for it every second of the way. In front of a sold-out crowd, Memphis defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 92 to 80 in Game 5 of the Western Conference, first-round, best-of-seven series.

Prior to the game, Grizz head coach Lionel Hollins told his team (down three games to one) to focus on the moment.

“The first moment is the first quarter. And, so on and so forth,” Hollins said. “You can’t think about the next game or anything like that. We have to get through the first quarter, second quarter, third quarter and the last three of four minutes of the game. Now, we are talking about the next game and going out there and just playing the first quarter.”

Memphis scored 24 points in the paint in the opening quarter of Game 5 and made 15-of-21 field goal attempts. In addition, they locked down on defense and out rebounded the Clippers 42-35. The Grizzlies led by as many as 24 points in the fourth quarter, but saw the lead shrink to six points on two different occasions.

“I thought our defense was outstanding the whole game,” said Hollins. “They shot 37 percent, and we took away some of the people that have been hurting us. Offensively, we lost our poise in that third quarter. They were fussing with the officials and getting technicals, and we were getting into it

- INSIDE -

Special to the Tri-State Defender

by Tony Jones

Grizz fans felt the intensity early and often, getting loud throughout in an effort to help Memphis to a do-or-die Game 5 victory. (Photo by Warren Roseborough)

with them and kept committing fouls.

“Next thing you know, the clock is stopped and they are shooting free throws and we’re in foul trouble,” said Hollins. “But, we made enough plays and got enough stops tonight and that kept us ahead. In the past, they just kept making shots and we haven’t been able to stop them. It wasn’t perfect, but we

got enough stops.”

The Grizzlies have started strong in all five contests but have managed to lose leads down the stretch.

Memphis did not win in Los Angeles during the regular 2012 NBA season. They must get that task done on Friday to earn a Game 7 in Memphis on Sunday (May 13).

Game 5 was another grueling battle with the Clippers who logged

four technical fouls in a little over one minute in the fourth quarter.

“Some of the calls we could have argued with,” said Clippers center DeAndre Jordan.

“Some we should have gotten, period. Emotions were high because we really wanted to close this game out. Now we have to go back home, live with SEE GRIZZ ON PAGE 16

THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Worry is a measure of ‘response-ability.’ See Religion, page 10.

Registration time for City’s Summer Camp

• Beale Street Music Festival: A first-timer’s view. See Entertainment, page 13.

President Barack Obama participates in an interview with Robin Roberts of ABCʼs “Good Morning America” in the Cabinet Room of the White House on Wednesday. (White House photo by Pete Souza)

Little Richard

MEMPHIS WEEKEND SATURDAY

SUNDAY

President’s support for gay marriage heats up the issue Special to the Tri-State Defender

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell H- 8 0o - L - 5 9o Most ly Sunn y

H- 8 0o - L - 6 1o H- 7 5o - L - 6 0o C l ou dy Scat. T-Sto rms

REGIONAL TEMPS LITTLE ROCK NASHVILLE JACKSON, MS

Friday H-80 L-62 H-78 L-55 H-82 L-61

U.S. Department of Justice officials on Wednesday (May 9) confirmed plans for their own town hall meeting designed, in part, to help make sure that “people understand the next steps” in bringing Shelby County Juvenile Court up to federal standards.

The logistics for the meeting are yet to be set, with the projected time expected later this month or in early June. Last week, the Justice Department released the findings of a two-year study that concluded that the local Juvenile Court operation is unsafe, obsolete and targets African-American youth for more punitive and harmful treatment.

In a brief exchange with The New Tri-State Defender on Wednesday night, Edward L. Stanton Edward L. III, U.S. Attorney for the Stanton III Western District of Tennessee, said the planned public session would feature officials from the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and his office.

“These people have done this in New Orleans and across the country.

We want to make sure that people understand the next steps, to make sure that our juvenile Henri court system is in comBrooks pliance with constitutional safeguards and what the report means,” said Stanton.

“We plan to make the juvenile court here into a model that we can all be proud of and be a model for the rest of the nation. The U.S. Attorney’s office cannot do this alone; the U.S. Justice Department can’t do this alone. We have SEE COURTS ON PAGE 3

• New Orleans’ Ninth Ward is No ‘Jungleland.’ See Nation, page 5.

FRIDAY

75 Cents

Saturday H-76 L-60 H-78 L-59 H-77 L-63

Sunday H-79 L-61 H-70 L-58 H-75 L-61

Sitting across from Robin Roberts of ABC’s “Good Morning America,” President Barack Obama on Wednesday (May 9) uttered words that shook up a good bit of the country and immediately caused ripples in Memphis.

“I think same sex couples should be able to get married, the president told Roberts in an interview that was set to get its first full viewing on Thursday.

In the end, the president said, it’s important to “treat others the way you would want to be treated.”

Calling his view on gay marriage as “evolving,” President Obama said he “had hesitated on gay marriage in part” because civil unions seemed to be sufficient.

In Memphis, Linda F. Harris of Temple of Deliv-

erance Church of God in Christ, acknowledged being taken aback by the president’s newly-stated position on gay marriage.

“Although I am not in agreement with same-sex marriage, the issue is not a deal-breaker for me,” said Harris. “I supported his first campaign with financial contributions, and I plan to continue my support this year. My Christian values dictate opposition to gay marriage, but this is a social issue – not a political bomb. He is still the best hope this country has.”

A Memphis Police Department employee, who asked not to be identified on what is a volatile issue for many, said she and the gay partner that she has been with for almost 20 years believe President Obama will be on the right side of history.

SEE MARRIAGE ON PAGE 3

Memphis Park Services is gearing up for 2012 Camp, with regular registration on Saturday (May12) from 9 a.m. until noon at most Memphis Community Centers. The Bert Ferguson and Hickory Hill centers reached capacity during early registration.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to register their children to guarantee spots in summer camp. Spots are available on a firstcome, first-serve basis.

Over 2,100 campers are expected to attend 25 camps throughout the city this year, including one camp for special needs. Campers will participate in recreational, athletic, and educational activities, as well as attend field trips. The campers will be exposed to various activities such as arts and crafts, playground games, cultural arts, musical expression, and health and fitness programs.

Camp is open to children ages 5 to 12 years old and a Teen Camp will be held for teenagers 13 to 15 years old.

Dates: June 11 – July 27 Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, Monday – Friday, except Monday Wednesday 4th (in observance of Independence Day) City of Memphis resident fee: $162 per child or $81(discount rate) per child on verified government assistance.

City of Memphis non-resident fee: $324 per child.

Early Arrival Fee: $35 for 1 child and $55 for 2 or more children; time is 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.

Parents that enroll their child(ren) during regular registration have the option to pay in full and have a guaranteed spot or pay half of total fees and have a guaranteed spot for 30 days. The balance of partial payments must be received on or before late registration June 9.

Payment is to be made by money order or cashier’s check only. No cash will be accepted under any circumstances.

Page 2

Turning point…

NEWS

May 10 - 16, 2012

Former U.S. Atty. Gen. Nicholas Katzenbach died Tuesday May 9 at the age of 90. In 1963, then-Deputy U.S. Atty. Katzenback (front, right) faced down Gov. George C. Wallace at the University of Alabama. “…segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever,” Wallace earlier had declared, saying he would block the admission of two African-American students “at the schoolhouse door.” Katzenback later told Wallace, “Iʼm not interested in this show.” About four hours later, Wallace gave way and Katzenbach led the students to register. (Photo by Warren K. Leffler/Library of Congress.)

Tri-State Defender

Tri-State Defender

MARRIAGE

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

“He believes in equal rights for everyone. I applaud him for taking such a bold stand. Even at the risk of losing supporters, he told the world in a television interview that his personal conviction is now that same-sex couples have the right to marry,” she said. “We supported his first campaign, and of course, we were thrilled. His comments could propel a more honest and open-minded dialogue.

“Tennessee does not recognize gay marriage, but we hope that will change in years to come. We choose who we love. This issue is one some people feel requires justified discrimination. We have hope that one day, we can get married legally in Tennessee.

Memphis is our home, and we’ll someday be married here. I have so much faith in our future.”

The Rev. Faye Smith, associate minister at The Healing Center, said, “As Christians, we must always align ourselves with what the word of God says. Our president desires, I believe, to be an advocate of fairness and equality, not just with this issue, but with other important matters regarding social services to the poor and institutionalized disparity of healthcares services to indigents and people of color.”

We are never going to agree with everything anyone says, said Smith.

“President Obama has fought an uphill battle since he got in office. He deserves more than ever our unwavering support. Mr. Obama cares about people, and his policies demonstrate that he values individual well-being above corporate interests, unlike his Republican detractors. They

COURTS

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

to have the input as well as the assistance of the community. It’s going to take all of the stakeholders to make the process of moving forward work.”

Last week, Shelby County Commissioner Henri Brooks called for a unified response to the Justice Department report.

She is spearheading a town hall session set for 5:30 Thursday (May 10) at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Labor Center at 485 Beale St., the headquarters of Local 1733 of the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees. It was Brooks who (in 2007) petitioned the federal government to examine the treatment of children brought to the court.

“We will have a briefing of the report, utilizing PowerPoint presentation and detailed discussion of some of the findings,” Brooks told the TSD on Wednesday. “There is a lot of information people have brought to me that was put in the complaint that was not used, and we want to concentrate what is there and find out what can be done to go forward.”

It is absolutely crucial that the public addresses the report, said Brooks.

“There is much more to be done to fix juvenile court and it starts here. This all started with people bringing me their concerns. If it’s going to be fixed, it would take another complaint to broaden the scope, and it’s in the people’s hands.”

Stanton said the two planned town hall meetings in response to the report are entirely separate organic occurrences, sharing the same intent and the same roots.

A native Memphian sworn into office in 2010, Stanton said the report speaks for itself. It’s important, he said, to engage the public in the findings and then to gain more information from the public forums.

Please join the Tri-State Defender Fan Page on Facebook

NEWS

Page 3

May 10 - 16, 2012

are the ones making this issue a political football – not him,” said Smith.

“My opinion has not changed regarding President Obama. We will work to get him elected to a second term. I like what he has tried to do for the working poor and the middle-class families. He is still the right choice.”

A hotel general manager, who only would identify himself as Jimmy, said he and his partner have plans to move to a state that recognizes gay marriage.

“Until then, we remain in a

loving, exclusive relationship.

There is this misconception that all gay men sleep around and that we are responsible for the continued spread of HIV/AIDS,” he said. “I live with my best friend, and the love of my life. Why shouldn’t we be allowed to legally get married. We want to build a life together, maybe adopt children, raise them, and grow old together.

“Gay marriage is about equal rights. That’s it. There is so much buzz on the Internet.

We are excited about what the president said. If he evolved to

this position, then so can others. We’ll see what happens here. Maybe we won’t have to move after all.”

Soon after excerpts from President Obama’s interview began to circulate, Tennessee’s Republican Party Chair Chris Devaney released a statement accusing the president of “playing politics for years with the issue of same-sex marriage.”

In the statement, Devaney said, “President Obama has finally made his true position known. The majority of Tennesseans do not support the president on this issue, and I’m

curious if Tennessee Democrats will stand by their president on this one.”

Across the country and through various mediums, many worked into the evening to spread their take on President Obama’s new stance.

Service Employees International Union (SEIU) President Mary Kay Henry celebrated the president’s position on “marriage equality.”

Across this country, rightwing Republican politicians are seeking to divide us with attacks on immigrants, the middle class, women’s health,

the environment and the LGBT community – but the growing numbers of Americans who believe in marriage equality reminds us that we cannot live up to our promise as a nation until we extend equal rights to all, said Henry.

“To those who have chosen to stand on the wrong side of history, we say this: There is growing momentum for equality in this country. And with each American that believes in equality, we are reminded that the continued dream of equality is our birthright, our heritage and our promise.”

Page 4

OPINION

Tri-State Defender

May 10 - 16, 2012

John H. Sengstacke Publisher (1951 - 1997)

The Mid-Southʼs Best Alternative Newspaper

A Real Times Newspaper

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

Congress is drowning African jobs

Healthy relationships key to healthy brain development Special to the Tri-State Defender

by Tarrin McGhee

(The New Tri-State Defender has partnered with The Urban Child Institute to make sure every child has the best chance for optimal brain development during the critical first three years of each child’s life. This is one in a series of stories and columns in our campaign.)

Over nine months ago, I began writing this column to share information on best practices to promote optimal brain development in young children, and soon found myself immersed in the sea of information that exists on the topic.

Through my work and involvement with The Urban Child Institute, I have learned that during the first three years of a child’s life, family, home environment, and interactions with adults are the major factors in shaping the mental foundation for learning.

Making the most of children’s early upbringing has the potential to improve education and health and decrease poverty and unemployment – issues that are of great interest to me as someone who is concerned about the future of our community and our country.

Although, it may come as a surprise to know that I am not a parent of a young child.

In fact, I do not have any children at all, and at the moment my plans to take on the immense responsibility of parenthood are non-existent. I am, however, an aunt to eight nieces and nephews. And as I expect most parents feel, I will do anything within my power to protect their future wellbeing and to keep them happy and healthy.

Coupled with the fact that many of my friends and associates are parents, my interactions with children are not few and far between. So for me, it’s important to know that whenever I come into contact with a child I am prepared to make the time that we share both positive and meaningful.

Any adult person who interacts, communicates or spends time with a child - particularly during the first three years of life – shares this responsibility.

“Kindergarten Readiness Begins at Birth,” recently published by The Urban Child Institute, is a reference guide for parents and adults that offers expert recommendations on how to ensure that a child is showing signs of healthy development. It outlines the most important steps to take to make a lasting impact during the most impressionable years of life.

The Urban Child Institute believes that investing in early childhood de-

velopment is key to addressing our city’s most pressing challenges, and through extensive research, the child advocacy organization has found that a community’s future well-being depends on the Tarrin health of its chilMcGhee dren.

One way that adults – even those who are not parents – can make a sound investment in the future of Memphis and Shelby County is by maintaining healthy relationships with our youngest residents. The children of today will become the future leaders of tomorrow.

Ensuring that children get the attention, love, and support that they need will lead to huge returns for everyone in our community.

Healthy relationships encourage healthy brain development. From conception to age three, babies’ brains are forming connections that are the foundation of later abilities. A child’s early environment influences how the brain receives, retains and processes information. In essence, what goes in (experiences, activities) will ultimately determine what comes out (language and literacy, thinking skills, self-control and selfconfidence).

Positive interactions with adults also help children develop a strong emotional foundation, and increase the likelihood that they will be adequately prepared to meet the challenges and overcome the adversities they may encounter later in life. Tension, conflict, and or violence, on the other hand, can have devastating affects on brain development. Negative experiences during the first three years of life are often cited as the root cause for learning disabilities and behavioral problems that often persist throughout childhood and adulthood.

Because parents spend the most time with their children, they are ultimately responsible for creating positive experiences that will influence how well a child is prepared to adjust and adapt in society. But while parents undoubtedly play an integral role, they should not be the only ones who take part in accomplishing this immense task. Aunts, uncles, siblings, family friends, and caregivers can all be a second line of defense to protect the future well-being of young children. They can do this by maintaining healthy relationships and offering positive reinforcement as children develop the skills needed to succeed and thrive.

FLASHBACK: 2008

FACEBOOK FAN OF THE WEEK Tamika Williams

Our Facebook Fan of the Week is Tamika Williams, who is a 2005 graduate of Southwest Tennessee Community College, with an associateʼs degree in Web/Database Development and Design. She is currently in school at Strayer University.

We wish her all the best as she celebrates her birthday (May 8th).

Here are her words of wisdom: “Cherish every day as if it were your last; approach every situation with an open mind and lastly always humble yourself and only be aggressive when you must.”

Happy birthday, Tamika! We thank you for being a member of the TSD Facebook family.

Are you a socially conscious consumer?

Here’s a news flash: consumers prefer doing business with companies that make a positive difference in the world. Are you surprised to hear this? Are you that kind of a consumer? Hopefully so.

Nielsen recently surveyed more than 28,000 online participants from 56 countries including North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East/Africa, and Latin America, and released the “Who is the Global, Socially-Conscious Consumer.” Nielsen defines the “socially-conscious consumer” as those who say they would be willing to pay extra for products and services from companies that give back to society. There are a lot of statistics here, but it’s interesting – and important – so stay with me.

Around the world, two-thirds of consumers (66 percent) say they prefer buying products and services from companies with programs that give back to society.

Sixty-two percent of respondents say they prefer to work for these socially conscious companies.

Fifty-nine percent invest in these companies.

Nearly half (46 percent) of all consumers surveyed say they would pay extra for products and services from these companies.

Eighteen causes were presented to the participants in this wide-reaching survey. Among the top 10 causes, environmental sustainability ranked as the number one, with 66 percent of consumers caring about it across the board. Improvements to science, technology and math education came in second at 56 percent; eradicating extreme hunger and poverty came in third at 53 percent.

The other top 10 causes, depending largely on the region of the world, that round out what consumers care about are: achieve universal primary education, provide relief following natural disasters, support small business and entrepreneurship, promote racial, ethnic and cultural inclusiveness, increase access to clean water, undertake development projects that benefit the communities around their offices or manufacturing units and protect animals.

Nielsen conducts this research so that our global clients better understand the socially-conscious consumer and our communities so that both benefit. But guess what?

Nielsen’s commitment to social responsibility goes beyond simply measuring what consumers feel about it. You can find us at community events around the country.

We partner with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) to bring this column to you.

Last fall, we collaborated with NNPA on the first in a series of indepth reports that will be released over the next three years titled, “The State of African – American Con-

sumer,” which as you know by now is a first-ofits-kind comprehensive study that told our story as powerful consumers in this country.Nielsen also proudly sponsors large and small organiCheryl zations around Pearsonthe nation such as McNeil the NAACP and National Urban League, as well as the annual Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Legislative Conference.

In addition to dollars, Nielsen offers workshops and brain trusts addressing issues critical to African Americans.

And let’s face it, research can sometimes be daunting. That’s why Nielsen’s Public Affairs team works to keep it fun and engaging for consumers from all walks of life. From online and mobile media consumption to consumer packaged goods purchases, Nielsen keeps a pulse on the opinions and everyday activities of our African-American, Asian-American and Hispanic consumers in order to better understand their shopping and media consumption patterns.

Nielsen’s “You Matter” campaign takes an engaging approach to demonstrate and reinforce the importance of consumers’ participation in Nielsen’s panel studies and surveys.

That’s why you can find us engaging with you at events such as the Steve Harvey Hoodie Awards in Las Vegas, the Tom Joyner Family Reunion in Orlando and Taste of Soul in Los Angeles. If you find yourself at one of our booths, prepare yourself to be informed and engaged. We promise interactive on-site booth participation.

On-air radio personalities like DJ Thump from 92.3 The Beat in Las Vegas and Wes Hall, from Hot 92.3 in Los Angeles, help us get crowds excited about Nielsen’s insights with trivia games and on-site music.

The underlying message throughout all of our consumer outreach events is simple, and you hear me talk about it routinely in this space: “If you’re ever asked to participate in a Nielsen study or survey, please say “yes,” because You Matter. So now that you know where consumers around the globe stand on social responsibility, and where Nielsen stands on giving back as a company, the question is: how socially conscious are you? How are you using your power? Hopefully, you’re using it for good.

(Cheryl Pearson-McNeil is senior vice president of public affairs and government relations for Nielsen.

For more information and studies go to www.nielsenwire.com.)

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Mail subscriptions to the Tri-State Defender are available upon request.

One Year, $30.00; Two Years, $55.00. Domestic subscriptions must be addressed to: Subscriptions, Tri-State Defender, 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN. 38103. Delivery may take one week.

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

GENERAL INFORMATION: Any and all inquiries can be made in writing, by calling (901) 523-1818 or by e-mail.

TELEPHONE: Editorial and Administration: (901) 523-1818. Display Advertising (901) 523-1818. Classified Advertising (901) 523-1818. Fax: (901) 578-5037.

E-MAIL: Editorial e-mail (press releases, news, letters to editor, etc.): editorial@tristatedefender.com; Display advertising e-mail (ads, advertising price requests, etc.): advertising@tri-statedefender.com; Classified advertising e-mail (ads, advertising price requests, etc.): classifieds@tri-statedefender.com; Subscription/Circulation e-mail (subscriptions, subscription price requests, etc.): subscriptions@tri-statedefender.com; Production e-mail (technical questions/specs, etc.): production@tri-statedefender.com.

The Tri-State Defender (USPS 780-220) is published weekly by Tri-State Defender Publishing Co., 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN 38103. Second Class postage paid at Memphis, TN.

Tri-State Defender Platform

1. Racial prejudice worldwide must be destroyed.

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

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

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

5. Complete cessation of all school segregation.

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

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

Imagine standing on the side of a river, watching a man drown.

He’s not very far from shore, and he’s pleading with you to help.

There’s a rope lying on the ground next to you. What do Melvin you do?

P. Foote The answer is simple – you throw the man a line.

Unfortunately for the African apparel industry, the answer to this question has been elusive within the halls of the U.S. Congress. More than 200,000 jobs are sinking into oblivion, all because of inactivity on a very simple, non-controversial piece of trade legislation.

The so-called “Third Country Fabric Provision” of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) created a thriving apparel sector across Sub-Saharan Africa.

In a nutshell, it allows African countries to import raw fabric from other regions in the world, assemble them into garments with African workers, and export them into the U.S. duty-free. It sounds simple, but this single provision has done arguably more for job growth in Sub-Saharan Africa than any foreign aid program in history.

And it has done so at miniscule cost to the U.S. taxpayer.

The broader AGOA legislation dates back to 2000 and has consistently enjoyed strong bipartisan Congressional and public support for the same reasons – because it is cost-effective and makes good policy sense. It is trade, not aid, that Africa needs the most, and they’ve proven that they can do it well. Consequently, the U.S. apparel buyer enjoys cheaper goods while building goodwill towards the U.S. throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

Unfortunately, the Third Country Fabric Provision’s window closes on September 30. If it is allowed to expire, hundreds of thousands of African workers (on average, 70-80 percent women) will be left to fend for themselves. Even now, factories across Africa are shedding jobs left and right, because U.S. retailers place their orders months in advance and there is grave concern over Congress’ ability to renew the provision. If the situation continues, virtually all apparel trade with Africa will grind to a halt even before the September cutoff and the U.S. will lose significant credibility as a reliable partner in the eyes of Africa’s leaders. If we cease being a reliable partner, I have no doubt they will find one elsewhere.

All of this begs the question: Why isn’t renewing the Third Country Fabric Provision a higher priority for Congress?

Not a single constituent group from the U.S. private sector or civil society opposes this provision.

To the contrary, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and numerous industry groups have already written countless letters to Congress urging an extension of this legislation. Nor is it a matter of international competitive pressure – compared to the national exports of Vietnam, Bangladesh, or Cambodia, the sum of all of sub-Saharan Africa’s exports is a mere drop in the bucket.

Even though the Third Country Fabric Provision’s renewal has broad, bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, it is simply getting lost in the cracks amid Election Year squabbles over who makes the first move, and whether the measure will become a “pile on” for other, completely unrelated measures.

Two hundred thousand African jobs, it seems, are being held hostage by procedural dysfunction.

The man in the river is drowning, and our lawmakers are checking their Blackberries to see if someone else will throw the rope first.

(NNPA columnist Melvin P. Foote is the founder, president and CEO of the Constituency for Africa (CFA), a Washington, D.C.-based education and policy advocacy organization in support of Africa’s development.)

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

Mail to: In The Mail, TriState 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

Tri-State Defender

NATION / WORLD May 10 - 16, 2012

New Orleans’ Ninth Ward is No ‘Jungleland’ NNPA News Service

NEW ORLEANS – The New York Times Magazine recently ran a story on my home, the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, a place one of the most powerful newspapers in the world insensitively dubbed a “Jungleland.” Contrary to the article, residents of this community are not reconciled to life in the wilderness and we don’t live in an untamed mess of overgrowth or in a forgotten wasteland. We are not resigned to anything; we are fighting to revive our community.

While the article cites the city government’s futile attempts to improve the neighborhood, it barely mentions the overall lack of government support before and after Hurricane Katrina and the hard work by committed citizens to improve the community.

Yes, many parts of the Lower Ninth are overgrown and neglected, but what the article missed is that many are not. Moreover, the untold story is how city, state and federal government abandoned this community.

The Times probably had good intentions – document the bad situation so our community can get help. But while writing about broken people, vacant lots and weeds may be sexy journalism, the community needs the outside world to understand how implicit and unconscious bias caused by a history of racism pummeled us.

After Katrina, millions of dollars flowed into New Orleans, and the Lower Ninth was declared the glaring example of what needed rehabilitation. Yet, nearly seven years later, the French Quarter and other areas of tourism and affluence are sparkling, while few improvements have been made in the Lower Ninth. In fact, most of the decaying properties cited in the article are owned by the city of New Orleans, not the residents.

Each day, a tour bus cruises the neighborhood showing visitors hurricane damage and poor living conditions. So tour companies are making money off our tragedy and lack of support. The people? We have become mere spectacles dehumanized in the process.

We need the media to shine a spotlight on the fact that the city, state and federal governments turned their backs on this community.

We haven’t given up. Many local organizations and churches are work-

ing hard to revitalize the Lower Ninth. Unfortunately, the Times article mentions only Brad Pitt’s Make It Right organization as the silver lining in the dark cloud that is the Lower Ninth. Churches and other groups may not offer the glitter, clout and financial resources of Brad Pitt, but they labor daily to improve the quality of life here. The Times article included more about the varieties of plant and animal life that have moved in than about the people and organizations fighting to rescue this community.

Before the Lower Ninth is judged, consider why it has become a vast wasteland. Before Katrina, nearly 15,000 people lived in this community, which had the highest homeownership rate in the city. The overwhelming majority of these owners were African Americans. After the destruction, 75 percent of the residents didn’t return because staying where they had fled was easier than the struggle and expense of returning to rebuild.

Those who did return discovered very little government support. Without nonprofits and thousands of volunteers, more of the Lower Ninth might actually be “Jungleland.”

Perhaps the biggest hurdle to restoration is that this community had fewer resources before Katrina.

Like other poor, African-American communities nationwide, it had suffered the results of structural racism.

The color of our skin had an impact on our schools, access to health care, employment opportunities, and housing and basic human rights. When resources were scarce to begin with, it’s hard to recover after tragedy.

For instance, many Lower Ninth residents had no homeowners or flood insurance. The Road Home program, designed to help people rebuild, provided payments to homeowners based on pre-Katrina property values, not actual repair costs. So whites who owned homes in affluent neighborhoods received payments that allowed them to rebuild, even though many of their homes incurred less damage than those of people in neighborhoods like the Lower Ninth.

A 2008 lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) alleged such discriminatory practices and was settled last year. HUD was to pay $62 million to Louisiana homeowners,

Page 5

AFRICA BRIEFS China invests in Africa news as Western media declines

(GIN/NNPA) – Chinese investment in Africa rose 87 percent last year, with a substantial chunk in media, writes Tom Rhodes of the Committee to Protect Journalists.

Observers are asking if the new media emperors will offer a fresh, alternative, and balanced perspective on the continent – or simply propaganda.

Since January, Kenyans have been able to hear a daily one-hour broadcast of China Central’s “Africa Live.” CCTV plans to become an all-news, 24-hour channel similar to CNN by 2015.

The expansion comes as Western media houses are laying off writers across the continent to contain costs.

Children digging in at New Orleansʼ Guerrilla Garden. (Courtesy photo) but disposition of that money is unclear.

In another setback, the city didn’t allow Lower Ninth residents to come home and start rebuilding until nine months after other New Orleans citizens returned. Faced with increased uncertainty, chaos and financial burdens, people were forced to find work and resettle in their evacuation locations.

What few services were available also caused concern. The social safety net already had gaps but was completely shattered by Katrina. Elderly residents worried about where they could receive healthcare, parents didn’t know where they would send their children to school and seven years later, the community has no grocery store. Clearly, the government didn’t want us back because the original master rebuilding plan had the Lower Ninth slated to become green space.

Rebuilding our community may not be profitable, but it’s right.

African-American lives in the Lower Ninth are just as valuable as those of whites in the French Quarter or Garden District.

Often overlooked is the role that structural racism played in destruction of our community. If the French Quarter had been in the same area as

the Lower Ninth, the government wouldn’t have allowed anything as potentially destructive as a barge to remain untethered with a storm coming. Levees would have been built to withstand a Category 4 hurricane so major tourist attractions wouldn’t be jeopardized.

The French Quarter wasn’t saved because it sits nine feet higher than the back section of the Lower Ninth but because of racism and classism.

Black residents of the Lower Ninth were deemed expendable long before Katrina.

With a new mayor in office, there is at least hope for the future. We’ve had more street repairs in the Lower Ninth, but that’s where it ends for now. I’ve heard promises and seen plans, but the community is naturally skeptical. We have become accustomed to broken promises. So we don’t hold our breath. We don’t get excited. We wait and see.

(Special to the NNPA News service from America’s Wire Writers Group) (Jenga Mwendo is an urban-agriculture, community organizer in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans and founder of the Backyard Gardeners Network, whose mission is to sustain and strengthen the community.)

BRIEFLY: Citizens of the southern African nation of Malawi woke up this week to find their value of their dollar cut by a third as demanded by the International Monetary Fund. Panic shopping set in as Malawians feared huge price increases after the devaluation. The IMF may now restore a $79 million aid program, suspended in a dispute with ex-president Bingu wa Mutharika.

BRIEFLY: Critics are taking preemptive aim at Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf whose son, Robert Sirleaf, is chairman of the Board of the national oil company, serving without pay. At a press conference this week, the critics, who want to remake Liberia’s oil laws along the lines of Ghana and Nigeria, claimed that Sirleaf’s pro bono work is just a scam to avoid paying taxes to the U.S., where he is still allegedly a citizen. Sirleaf is a banker who has worked with the oil industry, according to his mother, the President. Charges and countercharges have been flying as the country begins talks with ExxonMobil Corp. and Overseas Petroleum Ltd. The deal on the table would give Exxon 70 percent control of an offshore oil block.

NATION

Page 6

Tri-State Defender

May 10 - 16, 2012

Claims deadline looms for African-American farmers NNPA News Service

by George E. Curry

WASHINGTON – Barring an unexpected extension from a federal judge, Friday (May 11) will be the last day for African-American farmers to file claims under a landmark class-action suit known as Pigford II. More than 60 groups supporting African-American farmers sent a letter to U.S. District Judge Paul L. Friedman in Washington, D.C., dated May 2, requesting a 90day extension.

“We support their request for this modest extension to be sure the settlement reaches all eligible claimants and gives them an opportunity to participate in the lawsuit,” the letter said. “Working at the grassroots level and holding count-

less outreach meetings about the case, these organizations are finding eligible farmers everyday who are not aware of the claims process and how they go about filing a successful claim.”

It continued, “The projected 30,000 claims sent to the Claims Administrator are between a third and a half of all potential claimants. We feel Class Counsel and its partners in the case could and should do better in reaching a greater proportion of the eligible claimants. We feel an extension of ninety days in the claims period will help reach the remaining people.”

Because Judge Friedman turned down a similar request earlier, advocates for AfricanAmerican farmers are not optimistic he will grant an extension beyond Friday’s deadline.

“The projected 30,000 claims sent to the Claims Administrator are between a third and a half of all potential claimants. We feel Class Counsel and its partners in the case could and should do better in reaching a greater proportion of the eligible claimants.”

Interested farmers may contact the lawsuit administrator at 877/810-8110 or the Federation of Southern Cooperatives Land Assistance Fund at 404/765-0991 or visit their Website at www.federation.coop.

Litigation against the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Pigford v. Glickman and Brewington v. Glickman – began in August 1997 on behalf of two African-American farmers.

But the problems of racial discrimination had long predated those claims.

“For many years, black farmers had complained that they were not receiving fair treatment when they applied to local county committees (which made the decisions) for farm loans or assistance,” said a Congressional Research Service report by Tadlock Cowan and Jody Feder. “These farmers alleged that they were denied USDA farm loans or forced to wait longer for loan approval than non-minority farmers. Many black farmers contended that they were facing foreclosure and financial ruin because the USDA denied them timely loans and debt restructuring. Moreover, many claimed the USDA was not responsive to discrimination complaints. A huge agency backlog of unresolved com-

plaints began to build after the USDA’s Civil Rights Office was closed in 1983.”

The Department of Agriculture commissioned a study that found that the largest USDA loans (the top 1 percent) went to corporations (65 percent) and white male farmers (25 percent). Loans to AfricanAmerican male farmers averaged $4,000, which was 25 percent less than those awarded to White males. In addition, 97 percent of disaster payments went to White farmers, while less than 1 percent went to African-American farmers. The study attributed the discrepancies to “gross deficiencies” in USDA’s data collection and handling.

After the two suits were filed against USDA, the department acknowledged past discrimination and entered into a consent agreement with the Black

farmers. Under the terms of the agreement, one tract provides a settlement of $50,000 and loan forgiveness and a second option requires more rigorous proof of racial discrimination, with awards up to $250,000.

A large percentage of African-American farmers did not have their cases heart because of late filing. But they were later accommodated under what was known as Pigford II. After a series of false starts, Congress approved a $1.5 billion settlement appropriation in November 2010.

Judge Friedman said he was “surprised and disappointed” that USDA did not want to include a sentence in the decree saying that in the future, the agency would exert its “best efforts to ensure compliance with all applicable statues and regulations prohibiting discrimination.”

NATION

Tri-State Defender

Page 7

May 10 - 16, 2012

African Americans want better TV shows. Or do they?

NNPA News Service

by Freddie Allen WASHINGTON – Nearly all African Americans polled – 97 percent – say they are unhappy with the AfricanAmerican TV programs currently on air. Seventy-five percent say they want more documentaries, 71 percent prefer more history, 68 percent desire to see more independent films and 59 percent would like to see more news, according to a new study conducted by Target Market News, a Chicago-based organization that tracks African-American consumer market trends.

But what African Americans say they want and what they’re watching are two different things.

According to Nielsen, a leading global provider of information and insights into what consumers watch and buy, African Americans watch television seven hours, 12 minutes per day, 40 percent more than whites (five hours and two minutes per day). And they’re not watching “Mythbusters” on the Discovery Channel or “Front-

line” on PBS. After sporting events, which received high viewership among African Americans and whites, sitcoms and music awards shows dominated the list of top 10 cable programs African Americans watched between Sept. 19, 2011 and Jan. 29, 2012.

Based on data collected by Nielsen, Tyler Perry’s “For Better or Worse” (TBS) topped the list with nearly 2.5 million viewers, followed by the “Soul Train Awards” on BET (2.4 million), and “The Game” also on BET (2.1 million).

“The Soul Train Awards Pre-show” pulled in slightly more than 2 million viewers and “The BET Hip Hop Awards” attracted 1.5 million. Noticeably absent were the documentaries and history programs that, according to the Target Market News poll, African Americans say they prefer.

Meanwhile, whites were plugged into national politics over that period, with three out of five of the top viewed cable programs (excluding sporting events) going to the GOP presidential debates.

Nearly 9.7 million viewers

watched the Republican presidential debate and analysis hosted by the FOX News Channel. “Rizzoli & Isles” (TNT) drew 9 million white viewers, good enough for second place, followed by “Royal Pains” (USA) with more than 4.6 million. CNN hosted the GOP debates in Florida (4.6 million) and in Arizona (4.6 million) that were also highly viewed among the white cable audience.

The NFL danced in the end zone of broadcast TV all season, producing games that captured the highest number of viewers in the top 10 ranked shows between Sept.

19, 2011 and Jan. 29, 2012 among African Americans and whites on CBS, FOX, and NBC. It’s been 10 seasons since Kelly Clarkson captured the top prize on “American Idol” (ABC) and the show still remains wildly popular with African Americans and whites.

While episodes of “NCIS” (CBS), “Modern Family” (ABC), and “The Big Bang Theory” pulled high viewership in the white broadcast TV audience, African Americans tuned into “X-Factor,”

another singing competition similar to “Idol.”

Some industry leaders are not surprised.

“Music has always been apart of our DNA,” said Bounce TV President Ryan Glover, noting that African Americans gravitate to shows such as “Idol,” “Dancing With The Stars,” and the “X-Factor.” He explained, “Music resonates with the black audience, just like comedy as a genre and movies”.

Bounce TV, launched last September as a digital broadcast network created primarily for African Americans, features movies, live HBCU sporting events, and reruns of groundbreaking shows such as “Soul Train” and “Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids.”

The network’s first original series, “Family Time,” a sitcom about a working-class black family that wins the lottery and moves up to the middle class, is set to launch June 18.

BET’s “The Game,” a sitcom that follows a group of star athletes that play for the fictional “San Diego Sabres” and the women in their lives,

continues to be a top-rated show on cable in AfricanAmerican households, with more than 1.9 million viewers the week of April 23-29. BET is the most-watched cable network and its most popular shows are of sitcoms and movies.

Robert Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET) often reminded anyone who would listen that the “E” in “BET” stands for entertainment, not education.

“Scandal” on ABC, a political drama produced by Shonda Rhimes and starring Kerry Washington, both African Americans, made a big splash when it debuted in early April with more than 7 million viewers, including 1.88 million African-American viewers.

“Scandal” settled into the No. 2 position among most watched broadcast TV shows in African-American households, but it’s still too early to tell if the show will last.

BUSINESS

Page 8

Tri-State Defender

May 10 - 16, 2012

ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY

The ‘seed’ keeps growing at The Insurance Center Inspired by a speaker at a Boys Club of Memphis event, Ronald Meredith became intrigued by the insurance industry. While insurance is vital to any and all businesses, it too often is something that you don’t miss until you need it. Meredith, a twenty-five-year veteran in the industry, began his career in insurance part-time and is now full-time.

Carlee McCullough: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Ronald Meredith: I am a native Memphian, by way of New Orleans.

I grew up in the LeMoyne Gardens area, attended South Side High School, and from there I joined the U.S. Navy. I have 4 children. Two have graduated from college, one is a junior and one is a senior in high school. I have been in the insurance business since 1986.

CM: How and when did you become involved in the insurance business?

RM: I became involved in the insurance business in 1986, through

RM: I have great wealth building programs for families, individuals, and businesses. I have annuities that provide a bonus on deposits, mutual funds that are earning great returns, even in this economy.

Carlee McCullough

Ronald Meredith

the A.L Williams “buy term invest the difference” era. However, I actually became interested in the insurance business in the late 70’s. I was attending one of the first Steak & Burger events with the Boys Club of Memphis and one of my mentors for the day was an insurance agent. He planted enough of a seed to spark an interest in my career path. Now 25 plus years later, I have truly enjoyed growing in this business.

CM: What new business offerings do you have?

CM: Tell us about the bonding program that your firm offers.

RM: This is the most excited I have been in the commercial insurance business in quite some time.

Right now a lot of business can’t compete for the large government contracts because they cannot get bonded for one reason or the other.

This program does not look at the business owner’s credit or his/her personal or business assets; the job is the collateral. The bond company will also provide funding capital if the business owner desires to activate this option. But this program allows every business owner that wanted to bid on larger jobs to do so now.

CM: What types of insurance policies do you offer that build generational wealth?

Hendricks brings sales-executive prowess to The New Tri-State Defender The New Tri-State Defender is excited to announce the strategic hiring of DeJuan Hendricks as its newest sales executive. Hendricks will be charged with growing print and digital advertising as well as event sponsorship and the development of strategic networking events for the publication.

“DeJuan brings a wealth of experience in media sales, having been successful in radio, billboard, minor league sports, and health care sales.

He has an unmatched understanding of networking and has built a wealth of relationships that will translate well in his strategic role with the New Tri-State Defender,” said TSD President and Publisher, Bernal E. Smith II. “I am elated to bring aboard someone with his experience, skill set, and abilities as we excel parts of the strategic growth and redevelop-

ment plan that I’ve set in place for the company.

DeJuan will be an integral part of building our base of local advertisers and executing specific project related initiatives. He is already making DeJuan a difference, Hendricks complementing the work established by Deborah (Powell) Alexander our V.P. and Executive Sales Manager.”

Hendricks is a transplanted Memphian who has called Memphis home since 1996. A Tuskegee University alumnus, Hendricks has 15 years of sales experience and is actively involved in local civic and

business groups. He is most easily recognized by his involvement in the Memphis Chamber Of Commerce, where he has been a twotime Ambassador of the Year, Ambassador President and most recently elected into the Inaugural Memphis Chamber; Ambassador Hall of Fame.

Hendricks is a member of St Andrew AME Church, where he is an active member of the FORCE security ministry and Usher Board.

I am excited to be working at such an iconic institution in the MidSouth community, particularly the African-American community,” said Hendricks. “I look forward to advancing our publisher’s vision by being a professional marketing consultant for our advertisers, particularly locally-owned businesses throughout Greater Memphis and the Mid-South.”

MONEY MATTERS

The business of transition: Preparing to turn the corner What happens to a multiple-owner business when one of them chooses to retire or must leave suddenly for some other reason? Death, disability, divorce, and bankruptcy are just a few of the distressing kinds of events that can affect one owner and threaten the future of the entire business. In the midst of an unsettling transition, it may be difficult or even impossible for all interested parties to come to terms.

It’s often easier to decide exactly how a business should proceed long before something life changing happens, when the potential effects are still hypothetical and reciprocal. A properly drafted buy-sell agreement is a binding contract that establishes how ownership shares should be transferred when specified triggering events occur, and it may provide a mechanism for determining the value of transferred shares.

Several ways to go

A buy-sell agreement can be structured to fit a business’s unique circumstances and typically may be used by any business entity, including corporations, partnerships,

LLCs, and even proprietorships.

Basic buy-sell agreements include:

Cross-purchase agreement: Stipulates that the remaining owners Charles Sims will purchase the interest of Jr., CFP the departing owner.

Redemption agreement: Provides for the business entity to purchase the interest of the departing owner.

Hybrid agreement: The business itself has the first option to buy, but if it declines because it is more advantageous for the shareholders to buy, then the shareholders are the purchasers.

Execution is everything

Pre-arranging for the business or the partners to buy out a departing owner may be a good idea, but it could prove fruitless if the sale is

unexpected and the buyers don’t have the money to close a transaction. For that reason, it may be helpful to fund a buy-sell agreement with life insurance and/or disability income insurance. The guaranteed liquidity from the policies may help prevent survivors from being forced to sell assets or borrow money.

The cost and availability of insurance depend on factors such as age, health, and the type and amount of insurance purchased. Before implementing an insurance strategy, it would be prudent to make sure that you are insurable. Any guarantees are contingent on the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.

(Charles Sims Jr. is President/ CEO of The Sims Financial Group.

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

RM: I always recommend a term policy basically because the price on average for $100,000 of coverage is $20 per month for men and less for women. Now keep in mind age and health conditions also play a factor in the pricing as well. But there is no reason for anyone not to have this type of policy. Can you imagine if 80 percent of the African-American homes had a $100,000 policy on each of their parents what our race would look like in one generation? I ask you how many times this month have you wasted $20.

CM: What key types of insurance should a business hold?

RM: Each business should have general liability insurance, business owners protection, workman’s comprehensive insurance if required. If the business has multiple owners, each owner should have a life insurance policy in the amount of the value of the business at least to buy out the member that dies. They should have business overhead protection in the event of a disability. This will

provide income to continue to pay the salaries until the owner can return back to work. This is the basic insurance package each business should have in place.

CM: Any closing remarks?

RM: I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to share with the community the dynamics and vision of my company. I think each person reading this should give starting your own business a chance.

If they surround themselves with a good team (attorney, CPA, insurance broker, banker), in America you can have anything you plan for and set your mind on. Go for it and may God bless.

(For more information, contact: The Insurance Center at 1331 Union Ave, Suite 742; call 901-272-2259; fax 901-272-2298; Email: Ronald@theinsurancecenter.net.)

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

BUSINESS EXCHANGE

Full plate for AfricanAmerican restaurant CEO A petition is circulating asking that the country’s largest restaurant company treat and pay its African-American employees “equally.” The petition is a result of the suit Restaurant Opportunities Center United (ROC) has filed against Darden Restaurants, claiming the company systemically favors white workers over minorities.

The suit alleges that minority workers at The Capital Grille job sites in New York, Chicago and Washington, D.C. “are shunted away from front-of-house jobs like waiters and hosts towards lower-paying kitchen jobs” and that Darden discriminates against African-Americans “by not offering a clear path” from their low fare restaurants (Red Lobster and Olive Garden) to their high-brow The Capital Grille.

A Darden representative described the allegations as “baseless.” The irony of the situation is that the chief cook and bottle washer at Darden is an African American, Clarence Otis Jr., the chairman of the board and chief executive officer. The Darden family of restaurants features recognizable and successful full-service brands such as: Red Lobster, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, Bahama Breeze, Seasons 52 and Eddie V’s. Darden owns and/or operates more than 1,900 restaurants that employ 180,000 people and serve more than 400 million meals a year.

The ROC union campaign is asking the public to “join us in calling on Darden to … institute a promotions policy that that allows black workers to compete for jobs as servers, bartenders and chefs at the company’s fine-dining facilities.” The nationwide campaign asks that “black workers be able to advance to livable wages” at Darden’s Capital Grille sites and not be relegated to the lowest-wage work.

The critics say, “Black workers in the restaurant industry are routinely relegated to fast food outlets” while whites more readily climb the ranks to earn upwards of $50,000 a year.

They say that The Capital Grille is “the only place within the company where workers can earn a living wage.” They want Darden to provide clear pipelines … to higher-paid work at Capital Grille restaurants.

Darden acquired The Capital Grill chain from Rare Hospitality in 2007.

The Capital Grille operates upscale steakhouse locations in 20 states and the District of Columbia and is considered “the big leagues” across Darden properties and in the industry. The union wants William African AmeriReed cans to be put on the path that would lead more of them to Capital Grille locations, strategic moves that would make their career paths and pay equitable with Whites.

“Darden Restaurants is very proud of the work environment that it creates for employees,” said spokesperson Rich Jeffers. The company is an industry leader. Fortune magazine ranks Darden among its “Top 100 Places to Work.” Darden has a wellestablished history of promoting minority workers to managerial positions, getting high marks for a diverse workforce.

Otis has been with Darden for 17 years. In his capacity as CEO, in the last seven years he’s guided the company to a $400 million annual net income. Otis came to Darden during its spin-off from General Mills. His only previous restaurant experience had been in college when he waited tables during summer breaks.

The group’s allegation that “Black workers are routinely discriminated against throughout the restaurant industry” merits the public’s attention and concern. Beyond Darden, restaurants account for one of every 12 private sector jobs and are the nation’s second-largest private sector employer. The industry has a workforce of nearly 13 million and is one of the country’s strongest job creators.

National Restaurant Association President Dawn Sweeny says, “The industry provides millions with rewarding career and employment opportunities…and whether in the kitchen or the corporate office, restaurants offer a variety of career paths.”

The Darden discrimination case bears further watching.

(William Reed is head of the Business Exchange Network.)

COMMUNITY

Tri-State Defender

Page 9

May 10 - 16, 2012

BRIEFS & THINGS LOC graduation to feature Nontombi Naomi Tutu

The LeMoyne-Owen College will host commencement exercises on Saturday (May 12) at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church-Westwood at 620 Parkrose.

There are more than 150 prospective baccalaureate degree earning graduates for the College’s Class of 2012.

In addition, LOC will confer Honorary Doctorates for two individuals – Nontombi Naomi Tutu, international human rights activist and daughter of Nobel Laureate Desmond Tutu; and Velma Lois Jones, local community rights activist and education pioneer Commencement seating is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.

Contact Dean of Students Edythe Cobb at (901) 435-1731 for more information.

LeMoyne-Owen College alumni are invited to the campus for reunion festivities. Contact Frankie Jefferies in the Office of Alumni Relations at 901-435-1530 for more information.

Mid-South Motorcycle Ride For Prostate Cancer

The West Clinic in partnership with the Tennessee Men’s Health Network will jointly host the First Annual Mid-South Motorcycle Ride for Prostate Cancer on May 19. The purpose of the event is to raise public awareness of the importance of prostate cancer screening, early detection and treatment.

The event is a precursor to a community-wide family health screening event that the Tennessee Men’s Health Network will conduct at the Raleigh Springs Mall on Sept. 15.

The Ride will be comprised of three local bike clubs: River City Bikers, Buffalo Soldiers, and Trinity Bikers. Over 100 riders are expected to participate in the ride. The first stop will be The West Clinic Midtown location, 1588 Union Avenue, for a brief presentation. One of the bike riders, also a prostate cancer survivor, will talk about his personal experience and encourage men in the audience to receive early and regular screenings.

The riders will then travel en masse to The West Clinic Humphreys location, 100 N. Humphreys Blvd., where Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell will make opening remarks.

For more information, visit www.westclinic.com or www.menshealthnetwork.org

BRIEFLY: The LeMoyne-Owen College has been awarded a $700,000 grant designed to prepare a special group of students to compete for jobs in science and engineering.

Congressman Steve Cohen and LOC will announce the grant at 9 a.m. on Friday at Brownlee Hall on the campus at 807 Walker Ave. LOC is the only school in Tennessee to win the highly competitive Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program (MSEIP) grant.

BRIEFLY: The Rev. Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum Jr., a school board commissioner, will speak at the Hanley Elementary School Fifth Grade Graduation beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Friday (May 11) at The New Olivet Baptist Church, 3084 Southern Avenue, where Whalum is the pastor.

BRIEFLY: The Motley Internal Medicine group will host its 15th Monthly HealthWalk to End Domestic Violence this Saturday (May 12) at Oak Court Mall from 10 a.m. to noon. The medical organization is linked with the Taffi Crawford Foundation, Cumulus Broadcasting and the 110 Institute for an awareness campaign aimed at Domestic Violence Prevention. Donations of personal hygiene items are made each month to Abused Women’s Shelters in the metro area, with this month’s donation being given to the new Family Safety Center. Call 901-3362399, for more information.

BRIEFLY: Friends of the Library will host its Spring Book Sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 11-12 at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library at 3030 Poplar Ave. A pre-sale for Friends of the Library will be May 11 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Call 901-4152840 for more information.

BRIEFLY: The Stax Museum of American Soul Music will hold a special fund-raising reception for The Soulsville Charter School on May 23 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with special guests Kirk Whalum and legendary ESPN analyst and former Notre Dame basketball coach Digger Phelps! RSVP by calling Mark Wender at 901-261-6345 or via email at mark.wender@ soulsvillefoundation.org.

BRIEFLY: The National Douglass Alumni Corporation will hold its 34th National Convention July 5-8 at the Hilton Hotel, 939 Ridgelake Blvd. For registration information, call 901-502-7364.

BRIEFLY: The Douglass High School Class of 1972 will celebrate its 40th Year Class Reunion/Banquet on July 8, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Hilton Hotel, 939 Ridgelake Blvd. Tickets are $60 per person. The deadline for ticket purchase is June 20. For more information, call 901598-0716 or 901-502-7364.

Public service recognition…

Edward L. Stanton III, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District, was the keynote speaker during the 2012 Federal Executive Association 31st Annual Employees of Year Awards program. There were about 330 attendees, mostly military and civilian federal employees. The event was held in recognition of Public Service Recognition Week. (Photo courtesy of Audrey Bonner)

In support of the Tigers…

Mayor A C Wharton Jr. makes remarks on Wednesday at a University of Memphis gathering as Cato Johnson (left), senior vice president at Methodist Healthcare, U of M Athletic Director R.C. Johnson and head basketball coach Josh Pastner tune in. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

Shaping up with purpose…

The NAACP Youth Council 5K Fund Run/Walk was held last Saturday (May 5) at Audubon Park.

Participants were encouraged to run for freedom, commemorating the Supreme Court decision outlawing segregation in public education. (Photos

by Tyrone P. Easley)

Addictions, recovery and college: Do they mix?

Collegiate Recovery Community helps students stay in school

OXFORD, Miss. – With relapse rates ranging from 50 percent to 90 percent among individuals recovering from addictions, support communities can play a vital role in sober living, especially in a university setting, which presents its own challenges.

To help students overcoming addictions, the University of Mississippi’s Collegiate Recovery Community, in its second year, offers support and opportunities for students who may not have had access to those resources otherwise.

“Traditionally – and this is very much changing – the treatment industry has strongly recommended that people in early recovery try not to attend college,” said Amy Fisher, a counselor at the UM Counseling Center and founder of the community.

“Going into that environment can present many triggers for past behavior. It’s important for recovering students to know they’re not broken, that they’re entitled to an education just like everybody else. Our goal is to ensure those students graduate from college and get the support to make that happen.”

UM’s program is one of a small

but growing number of recovery communities across the nation on university campuses and was the first university program in the state.

Established in August 2010, the program has grown from two students the first year to five students, all of whom are now on track to graduate.

The recovery community was created through a grant awarded to Texas Tech University by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to replicate its own successful program and to reach out and support other schools.

Students in the recovery community attend weekly, one-hour meetings and have access to academic and career support as well as service opportunities.

For one UM student, a junior liberal studies major, the program is the difference between today’s plans of law school and a past that involved leaving UM for two semesters because of addiction and being placed on academic probation after struggling through her first sober semester.

“First and foremost, it’s a support group,” said the student, who has been involved in the UM Recovery Community since its planning stages. “But there’s more to it than that. Although we’re in recovery, how we dealt with school in our years before we got sober kind of set

a pattern. For me, that meant I skipped class, skipped homework, procrastinated and rarely studied.

“When I got sober, I didn’t want to do that anymore because I actually cared about doing well in school, but I didn’t really know how to get out of that pattern. I thought everything was supposed to fall into place after getting sober,

“I thought everything was supposed to fall into place after getting sober, and it doesn’t.

This helps with that transition.”

and it doesn’t. This helps with that transition.”’

Each recovery community, while based on a general model, is tailored to the university’s specific needs.

UM’s group hosts sober social events and focuses on service, a request of the students involved. Students in the program facilitate meetings at local treatment centers, Fisher said.

Students also joined Fisher this year for the third annual National Collegiate Recovery Conference in Atlanta, where they met representatives from other recovery communities and experienced the broader world of addiction and recovery.

The junior liberal studies major said it was encouraging to see firsthand

the success of other recovery communities, and she hopes that students in need of support at UM take advantage of the community on their own campus.

“I really like being able to help people who come into the group,” the student said. “A big part of my recovery is helping others. There’s something great in knowing that you’re not the only student on this campus going through this. If this had been here when I first came back to school, I think I probably would have done a lot better. I honestly don’t really want anyone else to struggle through that transition back to school like I did.”

A major goal of the group is to raise awareness about its services and continue to help students in need, Fisher said.

“Our current focus is trying to increase the knowledge of college students in that the possibility of being a college student and being in recovery does exist,” she explained. “This program provides students with a safe haven; a safe haven that allows them to be students. It’s a place at Ole Miss where they belong.”

(Source: University of Mississipppi. For more information about the UM Collegiate Recovery Community, visit http://www.olemiss .edu/recovery.)

RELIGION

Page 10

Tri-State Defender

May 10 - 16, 2012

LIVING THE LIFE I LOVE

Worry is a measure of ‘response-ability’

Dear Lucy: I have so many things that I worry about and so many things that I am afraid will happen.

My friends try to tell me to stop. My doctor says stop. My pastor says stop. I have constant heartburn and I can’t sleep. I know that this is silly but I just feel like if I don’t think about these things, then who will? I believe that a sign of being a responsible person is the ability to show concern and to think about the things that others are not willing to face. I want to know what you have to say.

– Mack C. Dear Mack: At the risk of sounding disrespectful, I will say what Dr. Phil of television fame might say...”and how is that working for you?” Has this “thinking” or worry changed anything, helped you or anyone else or brought you peace?

Since you didn’t mention any specific worry I can’t talk about specifics.

Worry is a funny thing. Some-

where along the way we learn that to worry is noble and proves that we care. Then again, some might learn to go to another extreme with a belief that says, “why worry, you can’t change anyLucy thing anyway?”

Shaw I would like to introduce another possibility. We read in the Bible “…and which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit to your stature.” And in another place it says, “take no thought for what you shall wear, eat or drink for your Father in heaven knows what you have need of.” (This one I paraphrased and they are all contained in chapter 6 of Matthew.)

I don’t think either of these verses

gives us license to stop thinking, or working or caring. But we do need a working definition of the word worry or anxious. Generally, when we worry, we are spending time thinking about what we don’t want to happen.

When we do that, we are also placing all of the power for it happening outside of our own power and even outside of God’s power. Just think about this! If it was pleasant, then it wouldn’t be worry, huh?

The opposite of worry is responsibility. I prefer to spell it responseability; the ability or capacity to respond. To respond consciously, honestly, considerately, allowing for the infinite possibilities of Grace. Response-ability means that we are fully engaged and awake to our own greatness. We give ourselves credit for being able to reason, to pay attention and to act with self-respect.

The opposite of response-ability is reacting. When we react, we harbor a belief in helplessness. We wait for

environmental circumstances to push us into movement, decisions or re-actions. If you spend all of your time thinking about what you don’t want to happen, when could you possibly have time to bring about all of the wonderful things that you desire?

There is simply no power in worry.

Unless you count the power to give you heartburn, ulcers, heart attacks, insomnia, and the list goes on.

Here is one of my favorite verses, Psalms 127:2: “It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.”

God has given us the precious gift of sleep as a respite from anxiety. We can choose it or not. Before falling asleep tonight, try taking just one of those things you worry about. Using your wonderful gift of imaging, create a marvelous movie of how you would really like for this situation to be. Make yourself the star in your

RELIGION BRIEFS

Brown Baptist to host Mother’s Day book signing

Dedicated to your service…

The Rev. S.H. Mickens of Lake Grove Missionary Baptist Church and First Lady Patricia Griffin Mickens enjoy a presentation during the Pastor & Wifeʼs 11th Anniversary Celebration at Lake Grove at 265 Leath St. last Sunday (May 6). (Photo by Tyrone E. Easley)

Native Mississippian, author Velma Benson-Wilson, will be signing her recently published book, “What’s in the Water on Mother’s Day,” on Sunday (May 13) following the 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. services at Brown Baptist Missionary Church located at 980 Stateline Road East in Southaven, Miss.

Wilson’s book is a tribute to her mother, who raised 17 “productive children,” most born during the tumultuous times of the 1950s and ’60s in rural Mississippi. It’s a story about faith, family, moral core values and the parental principles that helped mold her.

The book also speaks to her Velma m o t h e r ’s Bensonstrength, reWilson silience and tenacity when faced with adversity. Wilson hopes all those who read the book will be “inspired to take a personal journey to the well and experience the power of the water. Some will find rest and relaxation. Others will find endurance and deliverance. Hopefully all will be empowered to seek personal growth by tapping into God’s promise of an endless water supply.”

(For more information, visit www.velmabensonwilson.co.)

Religious studies professor nets Rhodes College honor

This far by faith…

Religious Studies Professor Dr. Luther Ivory at Rhodes College is the recipient of the Clarence Day Award for Outstanding Teaching – the college’s highest faculty honor for outstanding teaching. Ivory was

recognized April 27 at the college’s annual Awards Convocation.

Established by businessman and Rhodes alumnus Clarence Day in 1981 and now provided by the Day Foundation, the Clarence Day Award for Outstanding Teaching is given to a member of the faculty who has demonstrated excellence in teaching over the previous three years. The honoree is determined by the assessments of students and colleagues, the effective use of imaginative and creative pedagogy, and motivating students to embrace a life of continuing study.

Since joining Rhodes in 1997, Ivory has taught courses on theological tradition, contemporary theology, the texts and context of the Bible, religion and racism, African American religions, liberation Dr. Luther theologies, and Ivory Dr. Martin Luther King and civil rights. In presenting the award, Dean Michael Drompp said, “If one were to seek a single word to describe Professor Ivory’s manner of teaching, it would be ‘exuberant.’ ” Ivory received his B.S. degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and his doctorates from Union Theological Seminary and Emory University. He serves as director of Rhodes’ African American Studies Program.

BRIEFLY: The LOVE Ministry of New Macedonia Baptist Church will host the 2nd Annual Mother & Daughter Tea on May 12, beginning at 11 a.m. at the St. John Baptist Church Fellowship Hall at 3131 Chelsea. Tickets are $10. For more information, contact Doris Embery at 901-452-5818.

BRIEFLY: Greater Faith Tabernacle will host Community Outreach

PRAISE CONNECT

The Rev. Stanford L. Hunt on Sunday (May 6) was installed as pastor of Salem Gilfield Baptist Church at 3176 Kimball Ave. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

-A WEEKLY DIRECTORY OF MINISTERS & CHURCHES-

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

Clarence Kelby Heath Wednesday Pastor

Noon - 1 p.m.

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

767 Walker Avenue Memphis, TN 38126

9 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

901-946-4095 fax 948-8311

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

Dr. & Rev. Mrs. Reginald Porter

TEMPLE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST

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

Sunday Sunday School 9:00 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Night YPWW 5:00 p.m.

Night Service 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday Night Prayer 6:00 p.m.

Bible Study 7:15 p.m.

Wednesday Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m.

Friday Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m.

Night Service 7:30 p.m.

No Telecast Service

ST. ANDREW A.M.E. CHURCH

Bible Study For Youth and Adults Tuesday - 7:00 PM “Spirit, Soul, and Body!”

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

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

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

Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church at 905 E. Shelby Drive at Fairfield on May 12. The day will include a health fair, with information on diabetes, lupus, cholesterol and smoking. Blood pressure and HIV/AIDS screening will be offered, along with massages. The host pastor is the Rev. Orlester Johnson.

For more info, call 901-346-4429 or 345-9959.

BRIEFLY: St. Augustine Catholic Church located at 1169 Kerr Ave., will sponsor a Career and Job Readiness Fair from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday (May 12). The event will be held in the W. P. Porter Gymnasium and allow participants the opportunity to meet with representatives from local agencies and businesses to discuss proper etiquette to secure gainful employment. The representatives will provide information and/or conduct sessions on issues related to “Getting The Job.” BRIEFLY: The Youth Choir of St. James AME Church, directed by Reva Marshall, will present an afternoon of worship and praise for protection during the summer break.

The concert will be May 20, beginning at 3 p.m. at St. James African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, 600 North Fourth St. The Rev. Walter Winstead Reid Jr., is p BRIEFLY: The Church Health Center’s next free Congregational Health Promoter class, which helps people start or strengthen a health ministry in their congregation, begins June 5 and meets for eight consecutive Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. at Church Health Center Wellness, 1115 Union Ave. For information or to sign up, call 901261-8833 or email fco@church healthcenter.org.

BRIEFLY: The 5th Annual Men’s Health Summit will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 9 at THE UT Alumni Center, 800 Madison Ave. The event is for ages 12 and up, participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, call 901-2618833.

(901) 948-3441

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

FRIDAY Cable Channel 17 ............... 8:00pm

(Check out Lucy Shaw’s website at http://www.heartworks4u.com. You may send your questions to her by U.S. mail to: Heartworks4U, LLC; 4646 Poplar Ave. Ste 201, Memphis, TN 38117 or by e-mail to lucy@heartworks4u.com.)

(For help with the feelings that get in the way of prayer and peace of mind, get Lucy’s new book, “BE NOT ANXIOUS.” Order it directly from her at 901-907-0260 or go to her web site www.heartworks4u.com.)

Early Morning..........7:45 AM Church School..........9:45 AM Morning Worship......11:00 AM

Rev. Davena Young Porter Rev. Linda A Paige Rev. Luecretia Matthews

WEDNESDAY Bible Study .........................10:30 am Mid-Day Prayer Meeting .....12 noon Evening Prayer Meeting........7:00pm

Lucy

867 SOUTH PARKWAY EAST Memphis, TN 38106

Dr. Reginald L. Porter Sr., Pastor

ASSOCIATE MINISTERS

Worship Services

Sunday Sunday School Worship Service

METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH

movie. Turn this vision over to the Lord in prayer and go to sleep. During the day, when you catch yourself in worry, practice immediately creating a picture of what you really want.

You cannot stop worrying by telling yourself not to worry! Instead, begin to make new streets for your thoughts to walk upon.

Be Not Anxious,

Dr. David Allen Hall Pastor

“The Founder’s Church”

First Pastor: Senior Bishop C.H. Mason

THE BLVD Ea s t 6745 Wol f Ri v e r B oule v a r d @ Ki r by Pa r k wa y ( i n t he Cl a rk Ope r a Me mphi s Ce nte r ) Me mp h i s T N 3 8 1 2 0

Dr. Frank A. Thomas Senior Servant

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

“Ministering to Memphis-Spirit, Soul and Body”

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

— Proverbs 1:7

RELIGION

Tri-State Defender

LEGACY: Leon Lynch He looked for the union label

Leon Lynch was a union man through and through. Organized labor and trade unionism were his life’s passion for nearly his entire working career. For more than 47 years, he reveled in standing up for working people, advocating for men and women who might otherwise not have had a chance at a fair, living wage.

Mr. Lynch, the first African American to ever serve among the most senior ranks of any labor union in the country, died Friday (May 6) at the Methodist Hospice Residence after a bout with prostate cancer. He was 76.

In his career, Mr. Lynch was a negotiator who didn’t shy away from hoisting a sign, wielding a microphone, and picketing when times called for it. He was a firm believer in the balance between management profits, secure employment opportunities and a safe environment for every worker.

A former International Vice President of the United Steelworkers (USW), AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations), Mr. Lynch looked for the union label and encouraged everyone around

him to do the same.

Mr. Lynch is the namesake of the Leon Lynch Learning Center in East Chicago, Ind. The center serves USW Local 1011 members and offers a career development program to prepare steelworkers for opportunities outside the employment of the steel mill, rounding out their skill sets and equipping them to meet the demands of today’s job market. Some 56 years ago, Mr. Lynch started working at the Youngstown Sheet & Tube mill in East Chicago, and that’s where he became a member of the United Steelworkers – joining Local 1011.

In 1968, he launched a fulltime career with the union that would last for more than four decades. His first position was as a staff representative, and he was promoted to international representative a few years later.

Mr. Lynch’s first assignment was to work with Local 7655, which represented employees of the Carrier air conditioner plant in Memphis. Although the wounds Memphis suffered following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., on April 4, 1968, were still raw,

May 10 - 16, 2012

he became known as a leader who could conciliate black and w h i t e workers.

When the local built its first union hall, Leon its memLynch bers put a sign in front that read, “Leon Lynch Union Hall.”

At its 1976 convention, the Steelworkers created the position of Vice President for Human Affairs and Mr. Lynch was appointed, subsequently being elected and re-elected for six terms until he retired from the union in 2006.

He was national chairman of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, an executive committee member of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights and a leader in the U.S. struggle against South African apartheid.

Mr. Lynch was elected to the AFL-CIO Executive Council in 1995. Active in many political and human rights organizations, he was a member of the executive committee of the Democratic National Committee, president of the Workers Defense League, a board member of the National Endowment for Democracy,

OBITUARIES

Samuel Adams, 83 – DOD: 5/4/12; Funeral Services on Friday, May 11, at 1 p.m. at Hammond Grove Baptist Church at 7924 Osborntown Rd., in Arlington. Interment following at Hammond Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

Irvin Patrick Grice, 67 – DOD: 5/4/12; Funeral Services on Friday, May 11, at noon at Mt. Zion Baptist Church at 60 S. Parkway E. Interment following at New Park Cemetery at 4536 Horn Lake Rd. Vancie Hardy, 83 – DOD: 5/7/12; Funeral Services on Friday, May 11 at 11 a.m. at New Life Church at 1275 Latham. Interment following at New Park Cemetery at 4536 Horn Lake Rd.

Calvin Miller, 57 – DOD: 5/7/12; Funeral Service on Saturday, May 12 at 1 p.m. at Monumental Baptist Church, 704 S.

Parkway E. Interment following at New Park Memorial Gardens on Swanee Rd.

Vera Taylor, 72 – DOD: 5/7/12; Funeral Services on Saturday, May 12 at 11 a.m. at New Salem MB Church at 2237 S. Parkway E.. Interment on Monday, May 14, 2012 at West TN Veterans Cemetery.

Doris Watson, 57 – DOD: 5/9/12; Funeral Services on Saturday, May 12 at 1 p.m. at R. S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home at 374 Vance Avenue. Interment following at Elmwood Cemetery at 824 S. Dudley, Memphis.

Funeral Arrangements incomplete: Gregory Wallace, 54 – DOD: 5/7/12.

R. S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home 374 Vance Avenue Memphis, TN 38126 901-526-3264

and a member of the Labor Roundtable of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators. He was appointed by President Clinton to the Advisory Council on Unemployment Compensation in 1994, and to the Air Traffic Service Board of the Federal Aviation Administration in 2000. on which he served until 2008.

A receipient of many awards, in March 2009, during the Southern Regional Meeting of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, which was held in Memphis, he was among those recognized in a resolution from the Memphis City Council.

Mr. Lynch is survived by his wife, Doris Tindal-Lynch of Bullhead City, Ariz.; his two brothers, James W. Lynch (Shirley) of Navarre, Fla., and Vincent K. Lynch (Karen) of Macon, Ga.; and his four daughters, Tina Lynch and Tammy Dunn (David) of Pittsburgh, Pa.; Sheila Champlin (Michael) of Germantown; and Maxine Lynch of Alexandria, Va. He also leaves five grandchildren – Austin, Brice, Sullivan and Isabella Dunn and Paige Champlin.

Mr. Lynch will be buried in Fern Oak Cemetery in Griffith, Ind.

Page 11

HEALTH

Page 12

‘Fattest city’ challenged to become less so

by Chef Timothy Moore Ph.D, N.M.D, C.N. Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Special to the Tri-State Defender

A ‘biggest loser’ speaks out

Even if his church doesn’t walk away on June 17th with the contest’s top prize, Grady Cowley has already won big. Weighing in initially at 330 lbs., he has lost a whopping 25 lbs. in only 60 days. He accepted the challenge for all the right reasons.

“For me, it was all a matter of improving my health. I have high blood pressure and diabetes. I choose to live. I choose to makes the lifestyle changes that will help me get healthy and enjoy a more fulfilling life,” said Cowley.

“I don’t want to be a statistic, so when I heard about the challenge, I knew this was something I really wanted to do, something I had to do if I wanted to get back down to a healthy weight.”

It really wasn’t that hard to do,” said Cowley.

Employment

Memphis Theological Seminary is seeking a special event organizer to fill a p/t position to coordinate and implement a major dinner event and two supporting events.

Requires knowledge and demonstrated exp in fund dev, developing community networks, and special event coord.; excellent comm., volunteer and fiscal mgmnt skills; degree in mktg, PR, NP-mgmnt or a related field or equiv work exp. Flex hours; 8/1/12 start date. EOE M/F/H/V. Send resume and cover letter to Cathi Johnson at chjohnson@memphisseminary.edu. No phone calls.

Legal notices

NOTICE OF SUNSET PUBLIC HEARING In accordance with Title 4, Chapter 29, Tennessee Code Annotated, the Government Operations Committees of the Tennessee General Assembly will conduct a public hearing to receive testimony on whether the entity listed below should be continued, restructured, or terminated.

The hearing will be held in the Legislative Plaza, Nashville, Tennessee, as indicated below. Pertinent public testimony is invited.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012, at 9:00 a.m., in Room 12 Southern States Energy Board and Southern States Nuclear Compact Industrial Development Division, Building Finance Committee Surplus Lines Insurance Multi-State Compliance Compact Agriculture Hall of Fame, Board of Governors Viticulture Advisory Board Tuesday, May 22, 2012, at 1:00 p.m., in Room 12 Drycleaner Environmental Response Board Tennessee Historical Commission Tennessee Wars Commission

Wednesday, May 23, 2012, at 9:00 a.m., in Room 16 Statewide Planning and Policy Council for the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Standards Committee of the Department of Human Services Child Care Agency Licensing Board of Review Standards Committee of the Department of Childrenʼs Services Energy Efficient Schools Council Compact for Education Genetics Advisory Committee Any changes in the above schedule

CHEF TIMOTHY

Whittling away childhood obesity requires parental help

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

For nearly a decade, cities in the south have led the nation in highest obesity numbers. But when Memphis topped the list recently, according to Newsweek magazine, the self-proclaimed prophet of “healthy living for African-Americans” came out fighting.

“We’ve always been a few places down the list, ”said Dr. Clarence Davis of Blue Cross Blue Shield.

“Several cities in Mississippi generally dominate the top spots. But this year, Memphis was named the fattest city. Mississippi has been on their game, and it was time to get on ours.”

The Healthy Church Challenge threw down the gauntlet, challenging local African-American congregations to a 100-day weight-loss challenge.

“The church in my thinking was the natural place to start,” said Dr. Davis.

“It has always been a place of mobilizing our community and inspiring unity concerning issues of importance. And you can just look at those church dinners and see how unhealthy our diets have become.”

According to the Office of Minority Health, African Americans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes and high blood pressure. Renal failure, stroke, blindness, and heart disease are chronic conditions linked to obesity. The other two major risk factors are genetics and harmful lifestyle choices, namely, unhealthy diet and lack of exercise.

Tri-State Defender

May 10 - 16, 2012

Since The Healthy Church Challenge 100-day weight loss competition first began, nearly 1,000 participants have lost collectively more than 1,700 pounds. The competition attracted men and women, including family members such as Nygel Yancey, 15, who continues to work out and weigh in with his parents, Johnny and Marcquinne Yancey. The Yanceys are members of Spirit of Life Church. (Photo by Wiley Henry/The Carter Malone Group)

“I have eliminated fried foods from my diet and paid closer attention to the size of my portions. I had been so sedentary, and I knew I had to make some real changes. My life depends on it. So I walk every evening after having a snack. I substituted dinner for a snack, a piece of fruit, a serving of vegetables, or a cup of fat-free yogurt.

“I feel better and the weight just began to drop off,” said Cowley. “My wife, Shirley, keeps me in line and walks with me. After the challenge is over, I plan to continue these healthy habits. These changes are long overdue, and participating in this weightloss challenge was just the help I needed to do what I should have done.”

A pastor leads by example

The Rev. Patrick Lewis, pastor of St. Matthew Baptist Church-Pendleton Street, joined 20 members of his church in accepting the challenge. At the 60-day weigh-in this past Saturday, Rev. Lewis had lost 13lbs.

“We have all become so excessive and undisciplined in our eating habits and failing to exercise. In the early 1900’s, we lived on the land. We worked in the field, and all that unhealthy pork and fatback our people

which may become necessary will be announced at the Government Operations Committeesʼ website at www.capitol.tn.gov/joint/committees/govopps/. For additional information or to request special accommodations for individuals with disabilities, contact: Deborah V. Loveless, CPA, Assistant Director, Division of State Audit, Nashville, Tennessee; telephone: (615) 747-5258; e-mail: Deborah.Loveless@cot.tn.gov. Request for special accommodations should be made at least 24 hours prior to the meeting whenever possible.

LEGAL NOTICE TO BIDDERS Upper/Inner Structure Seismic Upgrades Memphis International Airport MSCAA Project Numbers 07-1235-06 Sealed bids for the Upper/Inner Structure Seismic Upgrades, MSCAA Project No. 07-1235-06, will be received by the Staff Services Division of the MemphisShelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA), 3505 Tchulahoma Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38118, until 2 P.M. on Thursday, June 14, 2012, and immediately thereafter will be opened and publicly read. BIDS WILL NOT BE RECEIVED AT ANY OTHER LOCATION. The scope of work generally consists of seismic retrofit upgrades to the Upper/Inner Structure. Scope of work includes, but is not limited to, fiber reinforced polymer column wraps, steel fabrication and installation, structural concrete installation, deep foundations, electrical modifications, traffic control, and other efforts as necessary.

Bid Documents may be obtained and found on our website (www.mscaa.com) on or after Monday, May 7, 2012. Bid documents may be examined at the following locations in Memphis, TN: Builderʼs Exchange Plans Room, McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge Plans Room, Memphis Area Minority Contractorʼs Association, Mid-South Minority Business Council, National Association of Minority Contractors, and Renaissance Business Center Bid Room. Information regarding obtaining bid documents, addenda to these documents and any other additional information may be found on our website (www.mscaa.com).

All Respondents are hereby notified that all updates, addenda and additional information, if any, shall be posted to the MSCAA website and Respondents are responsible for checking the MSCAA website up to the time of the Bid opening.

A MANDATORY Pre-Bid Meeting will be held Thursday, May 17, 2012, at 9:00 AM Local Time at the Airport Project Center, 4225 Airways Boulevard, Memphis, TN 38116. Only Prime Contractors who attend the Pre-Bid Meeting will be permitted to submit a bid.

ate was sweated off working all day,” said Lewis.

“Our people must begin making changes in how we live. I didn’t get in this condition overnight, and I know it’s going to take some time to come out of it. This is where perseverance and a made-up mind come in.

“This contest has helped me to return to the healthy eating habits I have neglected,” said Lewis.

“I now walk in the morning a couple of miles, and one or two in the evening. I weighed in at 215 lbs. I’d like to lose 30 altogether and maintain the healthy habits I have developed. It is very encouraging to see some of my members join me, but this decision was an individual thing.

“I want to be the best I can be for the Lord. Remaining healthy is crucial.”

Others will be motivated

More than 1,000 participants from 50 churches have taken up the challenge. Dr. Davis hopes that others will be motivated to make similar lifestyle changes. Challengers are boasting a total of nearly 1,700 lbs.

The winner will be announced on June 17 at the upcoming Juneteenth celebration.

CLASSIFIEDS

The MSCAA hereby notifies that it will review and award contracts in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4a and Title 49, Part 26, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act. MSCAA further notifies all Bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, Disadvantaged, Minority and Women Business Enterprises (D/M/WBE) 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, sex, color, national origin, creed, religion, sexual orientation or disability in its hiring and employment practices, or in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services and activities. The D/M/WBE participation goal for this contract is 13% in accordance with the requirements of the Contract Documents. This project is Federal Grant Funded. Therefore, the only participation that will be counted toward meeting this goal will be participation by certified DBEs, the owners of which have been certified as having a personal net worth less than $1.32 million. MBE and WBE participation is encouraged but may NOT be counted toward the goal.

Each bid must be by a contractor licensed in Tennessee and accompanied by a 5% Bid Guarantee. In accordance with TCA §62-6-119, the Bidder, and where applicable, one contractor/subcontractor performing electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, ventilation or masonry work must have its license number, expiration date of the license, and that part of the classification applying to the bid shown on the outside of the envelope containing the bid. Failure to supply all information on the outside of the envelope will result in the return of the unopened envelope to the Bidder. The successful Bidder will be required to execute a Performance Bond and a Payment Bond, each in the amount of 100% of the Contract Price. Liquidated damages for delay in contract completion shall be as stated in the Contract Documents.

No Bidder may withdraw an opened bid within the defined period following actual bid opening without MSCAAʼs consent.

Award will be made to the lowest and best responsible qualified Bidder, if any contract is awarded. MSCAA reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any informalities, technicalities or omissions therein. MSCAA also reserves the right to reject bids from bidders that have pending litigation or claims with MSCAA, or if such bid includes a proposed subcontractor or supplier that has pending litigation or claims with MSCAA, if MSCAA determines, in its sole discretion, such litigation or

Childhood obesity is on the rise in America, which prompted first lady Michelle Obama to do something about it. In 2010, she launched the “Let’s Move” initiative to combat this burgeoning menace to America’s children. But Mrs. Obama can’t do it alone. It’s going to take a collective effort from all of us – and, of course, from the parents too – to steer children toward healthier lifestyles.

“We want to eliminate this problem of childhood obesity in a generation. We want to get that done,” the first lady told a reporter during an exclusive interview on “Good Morning America” that year. But getting parents to encourage their children to eat healthy and exercise may prove futile if parents themselves are obese and living sedentary lifestyles.

A few days are left before school is out for the summer. It’s getting hot already and the thermostat will continue to register temperatures, more than likely, above normal. When summer finally arrives, Twinkies, cupcakes, potato chips and sodas will literally walk off the shelves.

They will be eaten and guzzled by children who have nothing better to do this summer than sit around in a lazy stupor and add more pounds to their girth.

But parents, since you’re the breadwinner, it’s up to you to provide nutritious foods for your children to eat while they’re on summer break. And there is no excuse for not getting them involved in some kind of physical activity to keep them from lapsing in lethargy this time of year. Mrs. Obama has taken the lead. Now it’s up to you.

If you don’t believe that childhood obesity is on the rise, you might want to follow the latest statistics: One of three children is obese. Experts have also reported that if a parent is obese, there is a 50 percent chance that their children will be obese as well.

The main thing to change when your child is on summer break is his/her poor, unhealthy eating habits. Start by getting rid of the Twinkies, cupcakes and potato chips. Stay away from highly processed fatty foods, fast foods, sugary sodas, packaged sweets, candy and the like. And learn to read the ingredients on food labels as well.

Summer is not the only time of year when children overeat. In fact, they tend to overeat throughout the year, particularly during summer when there is too much spare time

claims may adversely affect the ability of the parties to work efficiently and effectively under this contract, or for any other reason as determined by MSCAA. Any such bid will be returned to the bidder. See Instructions to Bidders in the project specifications for a further description of this and other reservations of rights.

MEMPHIS-SHELBY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY

By Larry D. Cox, President & CEO PUBLIC NOTICE THE MEMPHIS URBAN AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION In compliance with federal regulations 23 CFR 450, the Memphis Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is proposing to amend the 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), the FY 2011-2014 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and the FY 2011-2012 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP).

The public is hereby given notice that these documents are available for review 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM Monday through Friday in the offices of the Memphis and Shelby County Department of Regional Services located at 125 N. Main Street, Room 450, Memphis, TN 38103 or for download from the Internet at: www. memphismpo.org. The English and Spanish language copies are also available for public review in the library systems of Memphis, Shelby County, and Fayette County, Tennessee and DeSoto County, Mississippi. Written public comments on the amendments will be accepted until Wednesday, May 23, 2012. Comments may be submitted to Pragati Srivastava, Department of Regional Services, 125 N. Main Street, Room 450, Memphis, TN 38134 or via email at Pragati.Srivastava @memphistn.gov. The Memphis MPO Transportation Policy Board (TPB) will hold a public hearing on Thursday, May 24, 2012, 1:30 PM, at Central Station, MATA Board Room, 545 S. Main Street, Memphis, Tennessee, 38103 to accept oral comments and take action on the proposed items.

The proposed action items are as follows: Amendments to the 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP): A total of four (4) amendments are being proposed for the 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan. Amendment 1 to the Air Quality Conformity Report has been prepared in conjunction with these four LRTP amendments.

Amendments to the FY 2011-14 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP): A total of eleven (11) amendments are being proposed for the FY 2011-2014 Transportation Improvement Program.

Four (4) of the amendments are associated

on their hands.

If lethargy sets in, you can expect emotional discomfort, stress, binge eating and the addition of unwanted pounds.

People who are obese, I presume, live to eat rather than eat to live. EmoDr. Timothy tional eating, for example, is just Moore as bad and unhealthy as choosing the wrong foods to eat. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to point out that children tend to make the wrong food choices just like their parents. And, then too, they’re suffering from some of the same diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and sleeping disorders.

Parents, let’s get down to what really works if you want your children to drop those unnecessary pounds – exercise. It will relieve stress and make them feel a whole lot better.

Start them off by walking, jogging and swimming to get their heart rate up. Mrs. Obama said it best: “We want our kids to face a different and more optimistic future in terms of their lifespan.”

The lives of obese children may be cut short if their weight is left unchecked. The parents and their overweight children must work together on a plan to whittle away the weight pound by pound. Which brings me to my next point: The cost of obesity is at an all time high: $147 billion to $190 billion a year.

It’s escalating out of control. Mrs. Obama’s obesity campaign is creating awareness, but more education is needed.

The key, of course, is awareness.

Parents, if you get more involved in shaping your children’s lives and acquiring more information about the dangers of obesity, you and your children will be better off healthwise. Also, teach them how to prepare a simple meal at home using fresh vegetables to help them control or eliminate obesity altogether.

Mrs. Obama is on to something.

She understands the gravity of obesity.

(Dr. Timothy Moore teaches nutrition, heart disease and diabetes reversal through a plant-based lifestyle. He is a professional speaker, wellness coach and personal plant-based chef. He can be reached by email at cheftimothy@cheftimothymoore.com or visit him on the Web sites at www.cheftimothymoore.com or www.twitter.com/cheftimmoore.)

with the LRTP Amendments and are included in the Air Quality Conformity Report, Amendment 1. The remaining seven (7) amendments are for projects that qualify as being exempt from transportation conformity determination.

Amendment to the 2011-12 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP): The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) is requesting that the FY2011-12 UPWP be amended to include Section 5339 funding from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for the Midtown Connector Alternatives Analysis study that was recently awarded.

The award totals $1,000,000 in total funds to determine the feasibility of integrating higher capacity transit into a multimodal environment that will serve to connect Midtown Memphis with the Central Business District.

It is the policy of the Memphis Urban Area MPO not to discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin or disability in its hiring or employment practices, or in its admissions to or operations of its program, services, or activities. All inquiries for Title VI and/or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), or for persons with disabilities that require aids or services to participate either in the review of these documents or at the hearing may contact Carlos McCloud at 901-576-7156, fax (901) 576-7272; or email Carlos.McCloud@memphistn.gov to make accessibility arrangements no less than five days prior to the May 24, 2012 Transportation Policy Board meeting.

This public notice has been prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, and the Tennessee and Mississippi Departments of Transportation. This notice is also being funded (in part) under an agreement with the State of Tennessee, Department of Transportation, and the State of Mississippi, Department of Transportation.

ALL INTERESTED BIDDERS The Board of Education of the Memphis City Schools District will accept written bids for various food items and cafeteria supplies for the 2012-2013 school year. Bids will be advertised beginning May 4, 2012 and will be run for various food items through June, 2012. Please check our site regularly for these bids.

Visit our website for additional information: http://www.mcsk12. net/aboutmcs_procurements_bids.asp Questions concerning bids should be addressed to Procurement Services at (901) 416-5376.

Thank you for supporting Memphis City Schools.

Jacqueline Saunders, Director Memphis City Schools – Procurement Services

ENTERTAINMENT Tri-State Defender, Thursday, May 10 - 16, 2012, Page 13

WHAT’S HAPPENING MYRON?

Beastie Boy MCA helped prove power of music

The Beastie Boys were deservingly inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame just weeks ago and now the trio is without one, A d a m “ M C A ” Ya u c h , who died a cancer victim last Friday Myron (May 3).

Mays As a young hiphop fan in the 7th grade, I absolutely loved the Beastie Boys. When I first heard them, I thought they were a group of wild guys who got into a lot of shenanigans.

Little did I know that these guys were not black. There was nothing that made me think otherwise. All the rappers I had known up until that point were black. Also, on their album cover, there was nothing that anyone could use to identify these guys by their color. There was only the tail end of an airplane on it.

I later read that this was done by design to make people focus on the music instead of their skin color.

Ironically, this was actually done in the 50s and 60s to get black artists to crossover to white audiences. It worked for the Beastie Boys, with their first album, “License to Ill,” one of the greatest hip-hop albums ever recorded.

I was very shocked – along with a lot of other people – to discover that these kids were black. Not to say that it was necessarily a bad thing, but as a little black kid, this was mind blowing to say the least. However, it was too late to “unlike” the music. It only made us want more.

These guys were entertaining on record and off as well. I not only followed their music, I also followed their shenanigans and wild times (including their arrests) on and off the stage. They defied authority and broke the rules. This was very intriguing for a 13 year old.

It was like they knew who I was. I wanted to be rebellious. I wanted to be a “bad boy.” I didn’t wanna clean my room. I didn’t wanna come home when the street lights came on. I wanted to fight for my right to party…just like the Beastie Boys.

Looking back on things, it’s funny how a 7th grader from Memphis was influenced to be a bad boy by three Jewish kids from Brooklyn, N.Y. But that shows how the power of popular music works. Any message can be relayed by putting a catchy beat to it.

MCA was my favorite member of The Beastie Boys. Rest in Peace!

Sinbad at the Funny Bone

The entertainment at the Funny Bone Comedy Club at Harrah’s Casino just keeps getting better and better. This weekend you can catch Sinbad as he brings his brand of comedy to Tunica. Here’s a guy who never has to use profanities, but he is still very funny. That’s what you call “talent”. He will be performing this Friday, Saturday and Sunday (May 1113). Get your tickets by visiting funnybonetunica.com.

Free publishing workshop

Are you a songwriter? Would you like to find out how to get your music published? The New Brass Ring is a two-part educational workshop on publishing scheduled for Saturday (May 12) at the Memphis Music Resource Center, 431 South Main.

The free workshop will begin at 1 p.m. It is suggested that attendees participate in the Publishing 101 session of the workshop as a prerequisite to part two. Artists interested in participating in the event are asked to RSVP at emipublishing.Eventbrite .com.

The Christian Business Expo

The Christian Business Expo showcases businesses, non-profits, ministries & corporations that are making a difference in their local communities. It takes place July 14 at the First Memphis Plaza located at 4466 Elvis Presley Blvd. There will be Live Entertainment, Prizes & Giveaways as well as a Kid’s Zone with Face Painting!

Admission is $5 and free for children 12 and under. You can call 901451-9772 or 855-456-4475 or email thechristianbusinessexpo@gmail .com to purchase tickets.

(Got an event you’d like for me to cover or attend? Email me at myron@whatshappeningmyron.com.)

Three 6 Mafia sang all of their hit songs and kept it pretty clean at the Memphis in May Music Festival 2012. (Photos

by Warren Roseborough)

Beale Street Music Festival:

A first-timer’s view Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Levar Roseborough (These days, Waukegan, Ill., is home for Levar Roseborough, whose dad, Warren Roseborough, is a TSD freelance photographer.

Back in the Bluff City last weekend, son teamed with father to capture a first-timer’s view of the Memphis in May opening blast – – Levar the Beale Street Music Roseborough Festival.)

I was really impressed – or I should say sort of surprised (with me growing up most of my life in the North) – by how diverse the crowd was at my first time attending a Memphis in May Beale Street Music Festival.

It was a surreal experience to see a younger generation enjoy the same music that I used to listen to when I was their age.

Three 6 Mafia performed a couple of hits that I remember enjoying when I was in my late teens, and early 20’s. They mentioned throughout their performance that there were children in the audience and that they couldn’t do their usual rated X or adult show because that show mentions some things that I couldn’t mention in the newspaper.

On Saturday, I got the chance to see old school music that my Dad grew up on and that I listened to while growing up. Al Green sounded the same but looked very different from the album covers my dad still has. He came out dressed to impress, with a black suit and red tie, performing in front of a hometown crowd. He charmed the ladies by tossing red roses. While viewing the concert, I again noticed how diverse the crowd was. It appeared there were more whites than there were blacks…everyone got along well and they danced and sang to his music.

The next person due up was Anthony Hamilton. I had a little time between acts, so I ran over to the other stage to catch another home time favorite, Yo Gotti. I didn’t realize how much I have grown up until I listened to his lyrics and the vulgar language that I was hearing, but I still enjoyed some of it. Listening to the crowd response, he didn’t need my approval. They were really involved and seemed to really enjoy his performance.

As I walked around the festival, I heard a lot of people talking about how blessed and lucky we were not to have rain for the first time in years. The next artist my Dad said he was going to cover was Valerie June. I had never heard of her but I was willing to give it a try. I said to myself, ‘I hope she sounds as good as she looks.’ Once she started to sing I knew we were in the right place. That woman can sing the blues and SEE MUSIC ON PAGE 15

Al Green came out dressed to impress. He charmed the ladies by tossing red roses.

Valerie June sang the blues and folk music with intensity.

Anthony Hamilton

ENTERTAINMENT

Page 14

May 10 - 16, 2012

OPENING THIS WEEK

Kam’s Kapsules:

Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun

Rouve) who decides to investigate the alleged suicide of an attractive, aspiring actress (Sophie Quinton). Cast includes Guillaume Gouix, Olivier Rabourdin and Clara Ponsot.

(In French with subtitles)

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Kam Williams

For movies opening May 11, 2012

“Patience” (Unrated) Genre-defying biopic about W.G. Sebald (1944-2001), the iconoclastic German novelist known for his introspective writings reconciling his conscience with his country’s role in the Holocaust.

BIG BUDGET FILMS

“Dark Shadows” (PG-13 for sexuality, profanity, smoking, drug use and horror violence) Johnny Depp stars in Tim Burton’s light-hearted reinterpretation of the classic TV series about a 200 year-old vampire who returns from the dead to discover dysfunctional descendants residing inside his family’s ancestral Maine mansion. Cast includes Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter, Chloe Moretz and Jackie Earle Haley.

“Portrait of Wally” (Unrated) Courtroom documentary chronicling the 1997 legal case pitting the Museum of Modern Art against the rightful heirs of a priceless Egon Schiele painting looted by the Nazis in Vienna during World War II. “The Road” (R for terror, violence and disturbing images) Haunted highway horror flick about a decade-old, unsolved murder case reopened after three teens (Barbie Forteza, Derick Monasterio and Lexi Fernandez) go missing along the same stretch of an abandoned boulevard. With TJ Trinidad, Rhian Ramos and Alden Richards. (In Filipino, Tagalog and English with subtitles)

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS

“A Bag of Hammers” (Unrated) Redemption comedy about a couple of con men (Jason Ritter and Jake Sandvig) forced to mature after adopting the orphaned, 12 year-old son (Chandler Canterbury) of a next-door neighbor (Carrie Preston) who has just committed suicide. With Rebecca Hall, Amanda Sefried, Gabriel Macht and Sally Kirkland.

“Small, Beautifully Moving Parts” (Unrated) Baby-maybe comedy about a pregnant woman (Anna Margaret Hollyman) who is ambivalent about becoming a parent despite her boyfriend’s (Andre Holland) unbridled enthusiasm. With Sarah Rafferty, Mary Beth Peil and Richard Hoag.

“Girl in Progress” (PG-13 for sexuality, crude humor, mature themes and underage drinking) Coming-of-age dramedy about a precocious adolescent (Cierra Ramirez) who begins experiencing pangs of sexual awakening after her single-mom (Eva Medes) starts dating a very married doctor (Matthew Modine). Cast includes Raini Rodriguez, Patricia Arquette and Landon Liboiron.

“Tonight You’re Mine” (R for profanity and sexuality) Battle of the bands comedy about the argumentative lead singers (Luke Treadaway and Natalia Tena) of competing rock groups who find themselves forced to settle their differences after being handcuffed to each other by a preacher (Joseph Mydell) the day before they’re both supposed to perform at a music festival. Support cast includes Mathew Baynton, Alastair Mackenzie and Gavin Mitchell

“God Bless America” (R for profanity, sexuality and graphic violence) Vigilante comedy about a distraught, brain cancer patient (Joel Murray) who goes on a killing spree with the help of a 16 year-old sidekick (Tara Lynne Barr) in order to rid the country of reality-TV stars and other annoying people. With Mackenzie Brooke Smith, Melinda Page Hamilton and Rich McDonald.

“Hick” (R for violence, drug use, profanity and underage drinking) Screen adaptation of the Derick Martini best-seller of the same name about a pistol-packing 13 year-old (Chloe Moretz) who runs away from Nebraska to Las Vegas to escape her alcoholic parents (Juliette Lewis and Anson Mount). Support cast includes Alec Baldwin, Rory Culkin, Blake Lively and Eddie Redmayne.

“I Wish” (PG for smoking, and mild epithets) Surreal road adventure about inseparable siblings (Koki and Ohshiro Maeda) who dream-up a magical way of reuniting in the wake of their parents’ (Nene Ohtsuka and Jo Odagiri) divorce which left them living far apart from each other. With Isao Hashizume, Kirin Kiki and Cara Uchida. (In

Japanese with subtitles)

“Nesting” (PG-13 profanity, sexual references and drug use) Romantic comedy about a jaded married couple’s (Ali Hillis and Todd Grinnell) attempt to rekindle their romance by taking up residence as squatters in the same apartment they shared years before as carefree, young bohemians. With Kevin Linehan, Erin Gray and Alexi Wasser.

“Nobody Else but You” (Unrated) Quirky murder mystery about a Parisian crime novelist suffering from writer’s block (Jean-Paul

“Under African Skies” (Unrated) Paul Simon returns to South Africa for a reunion concert a quarter-century after he recorded his Graceland album there much to the chagrin of the anti-Apartheid movement trying to topple the racist regime. With commentary

by Harry Belafonte, Whoopi Goldberg, David Byrne and Maya Angelou.

“Where Do We Go Now?” (PG-13 for sensuality, violent images and drug use) Middle East dramedy about a group of Lebanese women’s effort to ease escalating tensions between Christians and Muslims in their tiny hometown by surreptitiously feeding the feuding men brownies bake with hashish.

Starring Nadine Labaki, Leyla Hakim, Antoinette Noufaily and Claude Moussawbaa.

(In Arabic, Russian and English with subtitles)

Tri-State Defender

HOROSCOPES

May 10-16, 2012

ARIES If you are unhappy with your situation this week, you have all the power you need to change it! Don’t procrastinate any longer. You can make the improvement now! Don’t worry about what others are thinking. Just do what is good for you.

TAURUS The universe is balanced and our lives will be filled with triumphs and tribulations. Don’t fret when you face turmoil this week. Keep straight on the path you are traveling and you will reach the place where you are meant to be.

GEMINI Your inner beauty is one of your greatest assets.

This week take full advantage of this gift you received from God. Hold in consciousness the truth that you are specially crafted from His hands. Allow a cheerful disposition to radiate through you.

CANCER Everything that goes around will come around for the universe is balanced. We all need to bear our crosses and accept the fate that is destined for each of us. The will of God is good and we will receive as He gives. This week is a week for finding joy in little things.

LEO This week have faith in what you know can happen and rededicate yourself to achieving your dreams.

Love yourself for who you are and this will give you a clear perspective on what you can become.

VIRGO Give yourself a chance to experience a different side of your personality this week. Keep from getting bored by doing a little acting. Choose a character who would be more effective than you in the situation in which you find yourself. Be that character. Play the role. Enjoy it.

LIBRA You are a person of action. Believe in your ability to get things done and you will find things so easy to do. Put things into perspective and obstacles will become opportunities. Put your plans into practice with confidence and your list of things to do will get done one by one.

SCORPIO This week think of yourself in ways that you have not thought of yourself recently. Find in the closet of your spirit another set of clothes. Put them on and wear them like they are your everyday apparel. Reinvent yourself and act as if the new is usual.

SAGITTARIUS You are a person of many talents. People around you count on your abilities to keep things running smoothly this week. Know that all your hard work is appreciated and even though you may not see it right away your dedication will be rewarded.

CAPRICORN Allow yourself to live your dream this week.

Don’t second guess your instincts or desires and you will find you are already the person who you always knew you could be. Be courageous as you set forth to fulfill your goals.

AQUARIUS Trust your special knowledge of yourself and the universe and use that knowledge as a guide. Not everyone will trust in what you know to be true. Do not let their lack of faith shake your belief in yourself. Knowledge of external processes is not nearly so important as knowledge of yourself this week.

PISCES It’s not always what you know, or even who you know that paves the road to success. Sometimes it’s just being in the right place at the right time that counts. Be prepared to answer when opportunity knocks this week. Accept your good fortune graciously, and share it with others.

SOURCE: NNPA News Service

ENTERTAINMENT

Tri-State Defender

Page 15

May 10 - 16, 2012

Yo Gotti, seemed to give his crowd exactly what they came to see and hear.

MUSIC

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 Little Richardʼs rock and roll legend lives on. (Photos by Warren Roseborough) The Beale Street Music Festival audience reflected the demographics of the region, not just Memphis.

On Friday (May 4) the crowd enjoy the performance of Three 6 Mafia.

Saturday (May 5), festival goers are treated to the sounds of Anthony Hamilton and his band.

folk music. She seemed to be so intense when singing, barely opening her eyes.

On the third and final day, I followed my dad around to see whom he was covering.

I heard the announcement that it was Little Richard. I’d seen the movie (about Little Richard) and I’d some of his televised performances, but I had never seen him live before. I said to myself, “So this is the rock and roll legend.” I watched how he had to be practically carried to the piano he was about to play. He waved to the crowd as they shouted his name, “Richard, Richard.” Then he started to sing and play his classic rock and roll music. The crowd danced and sang along with him.

I watched my dad do his job. I watched how he photographed the different artists, focused on capturing the essence of their performances. The next artist to perform was the legendary Herbie Hancock. He and his band captured my attention immediately. The jazz and fusion that they were playing had the crowd begging for more: “Herbie, Herbie, Herbie!”

I remember two of the songs (Hancock) played – “Chameleon” and “Rocket.” My dad has a lot of his music. I snapped my fingers and stomped my feet to the mellow groove. I looked out the corner of my eye and saw my dad, dancing and shaking his head. He stopped talking photos and seemed to really enjoy himself. I could tell that this was one of his favorite artists.

This is one of the best times I have ever had because I got a chance to hang out with my dad while he was at work. I may have to make Memphis in May an annual event

‘Rhythm, Reading & the Runway’ Trolley night event spotlights African-American, female entrepreneurs Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Memphis “Trolley Night” fans got a triple treat last Friday (April 27) at K’PreSha Boutique on South Main. The National Association of Black Female Executives in Music & Entertainment, Inc. (NABFEME) hosted a champagne-filled business networking Soirée at the boutique.

Dubbed Rhythm, Reading & the Runway, the event was overflowing with talent and professional smarts. It was designed to attract consumers while creating a marketing platform for local businesswomen and their products.

Sprinkled with a variety of entertainment and showmanship, the event drew crowds from Arkansas, Mississippi and throughout Memphis. A talented kiddie dance group called “The Edge” quickly stole the hearts of the Main Street shopping crowds. And the musical performances by Jina Govan and Tanisha Ward were on-the-spot crowd pleasers! According to NABFEME Founder and CEO Johnnie Walker, the gathering was a smashing success, particularly measured in the context of a recently launched program called BEEP, Black Entertainment Entrepreneur Power.

“The purpose of the program is to connect different businesses and show them the crossover potential of their products and services, while they compliment each other and share customers,” said Walker.

“Our Rhythm, Reading & The Runway concept brought singers, dancers, authors and models under one roof to accomplish a two goals, build customer awareness and increase sales. We invited the ladies to the boutique so that they could network, be entertained and shop at the same time!”

Memphis-based authors Megan Mottley (“Glamour Girl”), Gwen Harmon (“Love Songs”), Shayna Rattler (“Higher: 5 Power Principles for Entrepreneurs”), Jae Henderson

“The Edge” dance group quickly stole the hearts of the Main Street shopping crowds.

Memphis-based author Megan Mottley (“Glamour Girl”) presented her book and self-publishing business model.

(Courtesy photos) (“Someday Too”) and Eve Alexander (“10 Commandants of Love”) presented their books and shared their self-publishing business models.

Local Walgreen’s pharmacist, Rhonda Boutte, who owns her own cosmetics company, Pouts and Wink, treated attendees to minimakeovers. The evening concluded with a dazzling fashion display on the catwalk featuring the latest spring and summer fashions by K’PreSha Boutique.

(For more information about the National Association of Black Female Executives in Music & Entertainment, Inc (NABFEME), visit www.nabfeme.org.)

ʻRhythm, Reading & the Runwayʼ was a collaborative that included (l-r) Johnnie Walker, Erica Nason, Tanisha Ward and Terri Gordon.

SPORTS Tri-State Defender, Thursday, May 10 - 16, 2012, Page 16 GRIZZ

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

our consequences and close out at home.”

Center Marc Gasol Gasol led the Grizz with 23 points, followed by Zach Randolph, who notched a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. They combined for 27 points in the first quarter. Randolph made all six of his shots from the floor, while Gasol went 6-of-8.

“We knew they would go back to their bread and butter,” Jordan said. “He (Gasol) and Zach (Randolph) were going to force feed the ball inside. They got a lot of easy post touches at the beginning of the game.

Though, a lot of their shots were contested, once you get a groove and get comfortable, the shots become easier.”

Playing through Gasol and Randolph is a pivotal for Memphis.

“I had talked to them earlier, yesterday and today, about them needing to play better,” Hollins said. “They needed to work harder to get the ball in the post, and we needed to make sure we threw it to them when they were open. And, they got off to a good start. Marc really got us off and then it just carried forward through the whole first half.”

Gasol went into the game ready to battle.

“We did a better job executing the game plan, especially defensively,” he said. “I think we were a little more disciplined on defense than in the past, especially in the fourth quarter when they were cutting the lead that we had. I have to give a lot of credit to the guys.”

Randolph said, “We just wanted to go inside and try to play through the post….That’s what we did tonight. Marc had a great game. He was a presence tonight. He got the ball and scored. So, that’s what we need to do – play inside out.

That’s the way we’ve been playing. That’s what got us here.”

Clippers guard Chris Paul irritated his groin and All-Star forward Blake Griffin suffered a light knee sprain in the fourth quarter but returned to the game.

Grizzlies guard Mike Conley finished with nine points, but it was his ball handling O.J. Mayo forces Chris Paul of the Clippers to call a timeout. (Photos by Warren Roseborough) that kept the Grizzlies afloat in the second half. “(Mike) Conley is a good point guard,” Maurice Speights of said Clippers guard Mo Williams. “He’s by the Grizzlies takes far their best ball handler. We definitely a hard foul from want to pressure the ball. While he’s in the Kenyon Martin of game, he’s just handling it better. We tend the Clippers. to get our hands on more balls when he’s out, obviously. When he’s out, we try to take full advantage of it.”

Williams led the Clippers with a playoff season high 20 points on 8-of-21 shooting.

Paul scored 19 points, his lowest total in the series since Game 1 (14).

The Grizzlies have been one of the NBA’s best at home this season. When at FedExForum, the Grizzlies are 17-1 when leading at the end of the first quarter and have a 161 record with the lead going into halftime.

Grizz forward Rudy Gay scores over Nick Young of the Clippers late in game 5.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

The boyʼs fastest sprinter in west Tennessee goes to Ridgewayʼs Joe Hayes, followed by a student from Tipton Countyʼs Brighton Middle and Fairviewʼs DeQuan Dallas.

Ridgewayʼs Mikayla Johnson jumps past Bellevueʼs Angelica Lightfoot for 1st place in the girlʼs 100-meter hurdles.

In a flash – it’s over!

Special to the Tri-State Defender

by Andre Mitchell

West Tennessee’s Middle School Track & Field sectional (state) championships played out at Halle Stadium last week (May 3), with some of the area’s best competing for supremacy.

In the girl’s 100-meter hurdles, it was Ridgeway’s Mikayla Johnson just best-

ing Bellevue’s Angelica Lightfoot to grab the first place medal for the title of fastest female 100-meter hurdler in west Tennessee.

Johnson and Lightfoot battled for the top spot last week in the City Championships and it is likely they’ll be taking their talents to the next level, where they likely will face one another again in the near future.

As for the boy’s, it was nearly a rematch of the MIAA city championships with Bellevue’s Kerric Jones taking first place in the 100 meter hurdles.

Jones was followed closely by Wooddale’s Keedan Montgomery for second and Colonial’s LiDarrion Seymour landing a third place finish in the TMSAA sectional final.

In the 100-meter dash – straight running, no hurdle jumping – it was Ridgeway’s

Tiereny Simmons bringing home the first place medal, followed by Bellevue’s Jaylin Perry for the fastest sprinters for the 2012 season.

Among the boy’s, the fastest sprinter in west Tennessee honor goes to Ridgeway’s Joe Hayes, followed by a student from Tipton County’s Brighton Middle and Fairview’s DeQuan Dallas.

In the boy’s 4x100 relay, it was too close for comfort, so

I’m asking all readers who they think who won the race.

NOTE: As the 2011-12 school year comes to an end, the TSD concludes its coverage of middle school sports.

Thanks to Memphis’ Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA), each of the middle schools, their administrative staff members, coaches, parents and especially the student-athletes who have worked so hard and com-

peted with pride and school spirit to bring home the hardware.

GOING FORWARD: The 2012-13 athletic year looks to be full of great competition and memorable moments for the student-athletes here in Memphis, Shelby County and the Tri-State region. Please look for us next year as we build upon the now-completed middle school sports year.