5 7 2014

VOL. 63, No. 17

www.tsdmemphis.com

May 1 - 7, 2014

75 Cents

POLITICS 2014

Early-voting pulse faint but detectable Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Tony Jones

Woman of Excellence…

Debrah Thompson-Reid, now a messenger for breast cancer awareness, moves to accept her salute during the TSD Women of Excellence Champagne Brunch and Awards Presentation held at the Memphis Botanic Gardens last Saturday (April 26th). (Photo: Warren Roseborough). See pages 8-9.

Early voters in the Whitehaven area outpaced those in the rest of the city’s satellite voting locations by a wide margin as May 1st – the final day for early voting – approached.

Casting their ballots at Abundant Grace Fellowship Church at 1574 East Shelby Drive, 1,059 people voted, according to the Shelby County Election Commission. Next was the polling spot at Riverside Baptist Church (3560 S. Third) with 926 voters, and Bethel Church (5586 Stage Rd.) with 762.

The highest total was the downtown Shelby County Office Building

MEMPHIS WEEKEND

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

H- 7 1o - L - 4 9o Most ly Sunn y

H- 7 8o - L - 5 4o S unn y

H- 8 4o - L - 5 9o S unn y

REGIONAL TEMPS LITTLE ROCK NASHVILLE JACKSON, MS

Friday H-73 L-49 H-67 L-45 H-73 L-48

Saturday H-81 L-53 H-76 L-53 H-79 L-53

Sunday H-86 L-59 H-82 L-56 H-86 L-56

with a non-profit organization that helps ex-felons find jobs and I strongly agree with Judge Joe Brown.”

– Keisha Siggers.

“I believe that Judge Brown has brought a lot of attention to the issues. I definitely will be voting Tuesday. I think he will change some things that are Vashti Cole

SEE VOTING ON PAGE 3

National Organization of Black County Officials stresses the link

The New Tri-State Defender

SEE ʻNOʼ ON PAGE 3

out at Picadilly’s Cafeteria and McDonald’s in Whitehaven Plaza seeking a pulse that reflects interest in the Primary Elections.

“Oh yes, I will definitely be voting in the priCheryl mary. We need Campbell new representation in this area, and especially with kids. If issues keep arising within the system that makes it harder for those who need correction to straighten out, things are only going to get worse. I work

Inseparable: education, healthcare and economic development

‘No!’ say Senate Republicans to minimum wage

President Obama on Wednesday sent out a written statement saying it’s time for Congressional Republicans to “listen to the majority of Americans who say it’s time to give America a Lamar raise.”

Alexander The statement itself speaks to the fact that as a group, the Republicans are either not hearing the same thing as President Obama and his Congressional supporters.

Or, they are fundamentally aligned with anBob other thought patCorker tern.

Meanwhile, that thud coming out of the Senate chamber is the aftershock from a 5442 vote on Wednesday that signaled the failure of a proposal linked to bumping the federal minimum wage up from $7.25 to $10.10. Sixty votes were needed to derail a filibuster against a measure pushing the increase. When the votes were counted only one Republican had chosen to let the measure go forward.

U.S. Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) voted to allow the proposal to proceed to debate.

“While I think the underlying policy is problematic, I think we should always debate ways to help improve the standard of living of Americans,” Corker said in a written statement.

Corker’s position on the vote put him at odds with Tennessee’s other Republican senator, Lamar Alexander. The senior Republican on the committee that oversees labor policy, Alexander said Republicans have a “better way” to raise family incomes than the Democrats’ proposal.

“On the most important issue facing the country, surely we can do better than the stale, bankrupt idea that according to the Congressional

with 1437 votes.

Heading into the final day, 13,079 total votes had been cast ahead of the primary on Tuesday, May 6th. The Election Commission’s website had a string of Keisha zeroes for most Siggers locations, supporting Chairman Robert Myers’ assertion in last week’s edition that relatively few voters support primary elections.

With early voting winding down, The New Tri-State Defender camped

kajanaku@tri-statedefender.com

by Karanja A. Ajanaku The 30th annual Economic Development Conference of the National Organization of Black County Officials was woven with a thread that accented the inextricable tie between education, healthcare and economic development.

During the five-day conference (April 23rd-29th) held in Memphis and Tunica County, Mississippi, that link brought Soulsville Academy students in contact with White House officials and representatives of the Obama administration. The essential connection also was amplified by the presence of the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Anthony Foxx, and Dr. Eric Whitaker, a doctor-turned-financial consultant who is used to calling the President and nation’s first lady by their first names.

Dr. Whitaker, physician investor and business development consultant for Grosvenor Capital Management, was the keynote speaker during a luncheon at the Rendezvous. Known as a Chicago friend and basketball/golf buddy of the President, Whitaker said he thinks of healthcare holistically, meaning the interplay of health, education and economic development.

“The thing I am going to ask

Roy Charles Brooks, a Tarrant County, Texas commissioner and chairman of the National Organization of Black County Officials, is greeted by a Soulsville Academy student. (Photo: George Tillman Jr.)

you all to be engaged in – and a lot of you are already engaged – is making sure, in terms of the diversity of suppliers that you do business with, that you help build African-American businesses that can invest in our community,” said Whitaker.

Linking his personal history with the worth of county officials, Whitaker said he got inspired about

medicine and public health through county hospitals. While in high school, he shadowed an AfricanAmerican doctor at Cook County hospital. It was the first such doctor he knew.

“He was like Superman, going out windows, pulling in patients…trying to kill themselves…and keeping them alive,” said Whitaker.

Referencing the Affordable Care Act – so-called Obamacare, Whitaker said as a result of it there will be 9 million more African Americans with healthcare who didn’t have it before.

“It was one of those things that the president could not tout lest it be seen as reparations,” said Whitaker.

After his four-year tenure as the director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, Whitaker joined Michelle Obama at the University of Chicago Medical Center, where she was vice president of community and external relations.

Whitaker was in charge of the Urban Health Initiative, which was aimed at directing low-income residents away from the emergency room and into neighborhood clinics.

“She (Mrs. Obama) twisted my arm to come work with her. Unfortunately, after I got there, her husband started running for the presidency. So I got there and I looked around and Michelle was gone,” said Whitaker jokingly.

Back on message, Whitaker said, “Having a job is probably the most important health intervention we can do. I think it is underestimated.”

County officials, he said, have a lot of authority to help AfricanSEE NOBCO ON PAGE 2

COMMENTARY

Do corporate leaders buy or earn diversity awards? theGrio

by David A. Love The NBA’s decision to ban Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling for life and fine him $2.5 million for his racist comments is big news.

But the story behind the story is that Sterling, who had a long record of See re- discriminatory condonated lated sto- duct, money to the Los ries on Angeles NAACP pages 4 and was even honored by the organiand 14. zation with awards on two separate occasions.

In May, the Clippers owner and real estate billionaire was set to receive a lifetime achievement award — his second from the civil rights organization. But then things unraveled right before his eyes.

What gives here? Or in this case, who gives, and what do they get for it? Welcome to a dirty little secret of civil rights organizations and other nonprofits that promote diversity: Often, some of these groups leverage

Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling (Photo: Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

awards as donation bait. And we need to take a closer look at this thorny issue.

Donald Sterling deserves special recognition for a lifetime of racist

conduct. After all, he settled a $2.765 million federal lawsuit in which he allegedly refused to rent to African-Americans and Latinos in the Koreatown section of Los Ange-

les.

Plus there was the discrimination suit that NBA legend Elgin Baylor filed against Sterling after being ousted as general manager.

Apparently, the local NAACP chapter told Sterling he needed to make things right. So he invited children of color to basketball games and sent them to summer camp.

Between 2008 and 2010, according to tax records uncovered by the Huffington Post, the Los Angeles Clippers Foundation and the Donald T. Sterling Charitable Foundation bestowed at least $45,000 in grants upon the Los Angeles NAACP. Sterling had at least a 15-year relationship with the chapter. The national NAACP urged the L.A. chapter to rescind the honor to a man who reportedly said “black tenants smell and attract vermin,” but to no avail.

Nevertheless, the L.A. branch believes there is room for forgiveness from Donald Sterling, and room to forgive his money as well.

The problem is by no means limited to this particular case.

For example, take the Minority Media and Telecommunications SEE DIVERSITY ON PAGE 3

NEWS

Page 2

Tri-State Defender

May 1 - 7, 2014

NOBCO

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

American and Latino investment firms gain access to capital in terms of pension funds.

The idea then is for those firms to invest in myriad community-building ventures such as charter schools and others provided by entities such as the Urban League.

NOBCO Chairman Roy Charles Brooks, a Tarrant County, Texas commissioner, said Dr. Whitaker was correct framing health as an economic development issue.

“Providing people with access to health through the Affordable Care Act is important.

Access is important. But it has been said that the thing that will raise the level of health in the African-American community more than any other one single thing is a high school diploma,” said Brooks, who was the emcee for the luncheon.

“People who do not have a high school diploma have no hope. And if they have no hope, they are not aware that opportunity exists. We have to be in the hope business. It is our job to create both hope and opportunity.”

Secretary Foxx

Saying he and President Obama would push for funding to fix the nation’s transportation system for the long term, U.S. Secretary of Education Foxx said that includes making sure the Highway Trust Fund remains solvent.

He made those remarks during a special session in the conference room of the Shelby County Board of Commissioners.

“We also want to make sure that we grow our investments and infrastructure, and grow our ability to help communities connect in the 21st Century whether they are in urban areas, suburban areas or in rural areas. This country has to move forward,” said Foxx.

Emphasizing the importance of infrastructure investment, Foxx said his appearance at the NOBCO conference was designed to make the county leaders aware of the Adminis-

TOP: Dr. Eric Whitaker urged members of the National Organization of Black County Officials to monitor the use of suppliers in an effort to help build AfricanAmerican businesses. (Photos: George Tillman Jr.)

RIGHT: U.S. Sec. of Transportation Anthony Foxx said the Obama administration has asked the Department of Transportation to “grow our investments and infrastructure, and grow our ability to help communities connect in the 21st Century.”

tration’s thrust.

NOBCO serves more than 3,000 African American elected and appointed county officials in 50 states. Shelby County Commissioner Justin Ford, the host commissioner, lobbied hard and consistently

to get the conference in the Memphis area.

The theme for the conference was “The Grass is Greener where you water it.”

The conference elements featured the 2014 NOBCO Awards. The honorees in-

cluded: Former Mayor and now charter school operator Dr. Willie W. Herenton; Sara Lewis, former school board member and a Herenton administration appointee; Former Shelby County Commissioner Julian T. Bolton; Ernest

“Buck” Owens, president and CEO of Memphis-based Bricks, Inc.; Mississippi’s 2nd District Rep. Bennie Thompson; and Mike Espy, former U. S. Secretary of Agriculture.

Also honored were: Alisha Bell, Wayne County Commis-

sion; Michael Blake, former White House Liaison, Office of Public Engagement; Aeria Charles, chief of staff to Cook County Commissioner Deborah Sims; Craig Gregory, St. Martinville Parrish; and Helen Holton, Baltimore City Council.

NEWS

Tri-State Defender

Page 3

May 1 - 7, 2014

Sixty votes were needed to derail a filibuster against a measure pushing the increase. When the votes were counted only one Republican had chosen to let the measure go forward.

ʻNOʼ

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

Budget Office would destroy 500,000 jobs,” Alexander said in a written response to the proposal.

In a floor speech Monday, Alexander said: “A minimum wage increase is said to benefit low-income Americans, but only $1 in $5 from an increase will go to families below the poverty line. And that is not all.

In addition to cutting 500,000 jobs and providing 80 percent of the benefits to families above the poverty level, the Democrats’ jobs proposal imposes one more burden on the only Americans who are capable of solving this problem, and that is the job creators.”

Noting that Republicans

DIVERSITY

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

Council (MMTC), a nonprofit dedicated to equal opportunity and civil rights in the mass media, telecommunications and broadband industries, according to its website.

MMTC, which helps civil rights groups on FCC matters, opposed media industry consolidation and the relaxing of rules regarding media ownership on the grounds that this position benefited minorities.

However, after accepting over $440,000 in media sponsorships from Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp, Clear Channel Communications Inc., and other corporations who sought changes in the rules, the MMTC reversed its position.

In addition, in 2010, MMTC awarded Trinity Broadcasting Network and Clear Channel with its “Extraordinary Service Award” for those “who have far exceeded the call of duty in the service of the civil rights cause.” That year, TBN had donated 147 low-power television stations to MMTC. Further, Sterling is not the

Steve Cohen

have not been able to offer amendments in the labor committee, Alexander h i g h lighted several bipartisan proposals that he said would help

create jobs: • Increase the Earned Income Tax Credit.

• Change Obamacare’s definition of fulltime employment from 30 to 40 hours.

• Reform federal job training programs.

• Pass the “Scholarships for Kids Act.”

first dubious person to manipulate philanthropy to attempt to buy a new image. For example, Dan Snyder, owner of the Washington Redskins, started a foundation to benefit Native Americans when he was pressured to change the racially offensive name of his football team. The Washington Redskins Original Americans Foundation is nothing more than a gimmick to help you forget that the Redskins moniker is offensive to Native Americans.

Corporate giving is crucial and beneficial in many ways.

Simply put, nonprofits, including civil rights groups, are competing and scrambling to chase the money. They need the funding to survive.

Meanwhile, people like Sterling are looking for a tax break or an opportunity to clean up their public relations image. In any case, it is an investment.

Often, those funding sources come with strings attached for the charity receiving them.

That cash has the potential to change a civil rights organization in a bad way and compromise its mission when the money is sketchy and the donors are in conflict with the

• Build the Keystone XL Pipeline.

• Pass the Trade Promotion Authority.

• Reform the National Labor Relations Board.

• Repeal the medical device tax.

“This kind of thinking is right in line with Obamacare, Dodd-Frank and all of the other polices that have spread a big, wet blanket of rules and regulations over our free enterprise system and made it harder to create a job and harder to find a job in the United States of America,” said Alexander of the Democrats’ proposal. “That’s why we have 10.5 million unemployed in America today for an average of nine months.”

Soon after the Senate Republicans blocked the consid-

group’s mission.

When black basketball players banded together this week and threatened to shut down the entire NBA operation, they rediscovered their backbone.

And they made a civil rights statement not seen by black athletes since the black power salute of the 1968 Summer Olympics or the Muhammad Ali Summit in Cleveland in 1967.

The question is whether the process of “money laundering” is worth it — or whether the nefarious origins of the money are overcome by the noble causes the money will support.

Racial justice organizations must decide if their integrity has a price tag and if risking their reputation and legacy is worth the check. It all depends on your tolerance level and your capacity to compromise your core values.

Would Dr. King or Malcolm X have honored a racist at a chicken dinner? Could you picture SNCC or the Black Panthers doing this sort of thing back in the day? I doubt it.

(Follow David A. Love on Twitter @davidalove.)

eration of the increase in the minimum wage, Rep. Steve Cohen, who represents Tennessee’s Ninth District as a Democrat, renewed his call for Speaker John Boehner to allow the House to vote on the legislation, known as H.R. 1010, the Fair Minimum Wage Act. Increasing the minimum wage would help more than 600,000 Tennesseans and help lift as many as 4.5 million Americans out of poverty, said Cohen.

“No one who works hard and plays by the rules should have to raise their families in poverty. When I came to Congress in 2007, I was proud to vote for an increase in the federal minimum wage, but since then the cost of basic necessities has risen and the minimum wage has become less valu-

able,” said Cohen in statement released by his office.

“I am disappointed that Republicans have blocked the Senate from even debating an increase in the minimum wage, and I strongly urge Speaker Boehner to schedule an immediate vote on the Fair Minimum Wage Act. The millions of Americans working for the minimum wage – who average 35 years old – deserve a raise for their hard work.”

Tennessee Democratic Party Chairman Roy Herron released a statement in response to Alexander’s vote against the proposal.

“Senator Alexander, who has become a multi-millionaire as a politician, doesn’t think that working people should make enough to feed their families,” said Herron. “After five

VOTING

reading and hearing about the political system here, I would run.

I think Judge Joe Brown has brought a positive Augustus and negaMcKinney tive focus on the issues, but I just don’t see where Memphis is progressing.

Not every one of them, but I see so little that is Richard worth supWashington porting. I will study, and vote, but as I said, with much prayer.”

decades on the government payroll, he has lost touch with real Tennesseans and with what life is like for working people.”

The opposition to increasing the minimum wage includes business groups such as the National Council of Chain Restaurants and the International Franchise Association.

Also opposed are conservative organizations such as Heritage Action and Americans for Prosperity, which is backed by the billionaire brothers Charles and David Koch.

In his statement, President Obama said, “Change is happening whether Republicans in Congress like it or not.” He praised Hawaii lawmakers, who on Tuesday voted to raise the state’s minimum wage to $10.10 per hour over four years.

With early voting winding down, The New Tri-State Defender camped out at Picadillyʼs Cafeteria and McDonaldʼs in Whitehaven Plaza seeking a pulse that reflects interest in the Primary Elections.

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

going on with our kids in the black community. … I’ve never had to deal with the juvenile court, but I think what she (Henri Brooks) has tried to do (with Juvenile Court) is the right thing.”

– Cheryl Campbell

“Right now I’m torn, that’s why I haven’t gone to vote early. I will be voting Tuesday, but with much prayer. I’m just so disappointed with the work of the elected officials here period. There’s too much that doesn’t make sense as far as trying to effectively help and enhance the city for everyday people. You have the bike lanes, you have the Greenlines, but where are the funds going to improvement in the southern parts of the city?

“If I came from outside Memphis and came into town and from what I would be

– Vashti Cole

“I haven’t made a decision yet of whether I will vote in the primary, but I usually vote in all the elections. I consider it an obligation. I think (Judge Joe) Brown) will try to straighten things out. I don’t know much about his opponent but there have been issues down there (in the justice system) that have hurt African American people, and especially male African Americans. … I just hope and pray that whoever gets it will do something about it.”

– Augustus McKinney

“I think he (Brown) has done a lot of good work. It’s not just about black people, he represents the law properly. He always has. They were trying to get him to sit down before the judge (during a recent encounter) and he let them know he knew just as much about the law as they did. And yes, I will be voting in the primary.”

– Richard Washington

Page 4

OPINION

Tri-State Defender

May 1 - 7, 2014

John H. Sengstacke Publisher (1951 - 1997)

The Mid-Southʼs Best Alternative Newspaper

Powered by Best Media

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

‘Drunk Uncle’ Sterling should be bounced from NBA

FLASHBACK: 2009

TSD endorsements

Two of the three candidates in the Democratic race for Shelby County Mayor submitted and completed The New Tri-State Defender candidate questionnaire in time for us to evaluate and Deidre consider their anMalone swers towards our final endorsement. Those candidates were Deidre Malone and the Rev. Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum Jr. Steve Mulroy did not submit the questionnaire. All three candidates were collectively sent the questionnaire via email on April 10th.

In evaluating the questionnaires that were submitted, both candidates provided candid and thorough answers to questions on all areas of responsibility and issues, including economic development, education, crime, youth and administration.

Both candidates are well educated, dedicated, family-oriented, of high character and are passionate individuals committed to serving their com-

munity.

Whalum’s approach is myopically focused on schools/education, which while very important represents only one of many important issues that must be addressed by the next County Mayor. He provided a strong response on youth development, offering an idea to pursue a new amusement park (replacement of Libertyland) for job and skill development for young people as well as a social outlet. Otherwise, most of his responses either challenged the validity of the question or was a repetition of previous answers, mostly “Schools, Schools, Schools.”

Malone on the other hand provided a more thorough and detailed outline of her platform and approaches if elected and demonstrated a better understanding of both county government and the myriad responsibilities of the County Mayor. She was strongest on plans to increase school funding, ability to build coalitions across various lines towards progress, and using existing resources and organizations to collaborate in establishing plans for growth and economic expansion.

Considering these factors, the TSD endorses Deidre Malone as the Democratic nominee in the May 6th Primary Election.

Other contested races

Justin Ford

Shelby County Mayor

After an analysis of the responses to the TSD questionnaire, along with a review of the candidates’ websites and other information, and considering the length of the ballot, here is a list of the newspaper’s recommendations for the following contested races.

Democratic Primary

County Commissioner District 6 – Willie Brooks

County Commissioner District 7 – Melvin Burgess County Commissioner District 8 – Berlin Boyd County Commissioner District 9 –

County Commissioner District 10 – Martavius Jones County Commissioner District 11 – Donnell Cobbins

County Commissioner District 12 – Van Turner

County Trustee – Derrick Bennett

Juvenile Court Clerk – Henri Brooks Probate Court Clerk – Aaron Hall County Clerk – Yolanda Kight

Register of Deeds – Coleman Thompson

Willie Brooks

Melvin Burgess

Berlin Boyd

Justin Ford

Martavius Jones

Donnell Cobbins

Van Turner

Derrick Bennett

Henri Brooks

Aaron Hall

Yolanda Kight

Coleman Thompson

Republican Primary

County Commissioner District 3 – Kelly Price

(THE ROOT) – When we hear about the importance of multicultural toys, it’s often in the context of giving black girls dolls that look like them to support their healthy self-image. While this is no doubt important, I wonder why we don’t do more to encourage white girls to play with diverse dolls, too.

Let me explain.

As a little girl, I was the ultimate Barbie fanatic. I had at least 20 dolls; a big pink, plastic home for them; several cars; multiple Kens; and all the family members and special editions. But my favorite playtime adventures involved Barbie and her friend Christie, who, like me, was black.

It’s not just that there weren’t any race-related issues in their dollhouse friendship. (Why would there be?

The two of them, with the help of my active imagination, were much more concerned with trips, days spent at the beach, fashion shows, concerts and even careers than with cultural conflicts.) It’s that they were teammates, co-conspirators, and enjoyed a deep bond. They were equals. And I had no reason to expect to see anything other than that reflected in the world.

But as I left behind Barbie and Christie playtime for real life – college, work, and awareness of politics and social inequality – I didn’t often see such a harmonious or productive version of cross-racial friendships, especially among women.

Think about it: In real life, the grown-up Barbies and Christies are constantly being compared with and pinned against each other, and it’s the Barbies who wield more power.

This leads to complaints that some white feminists don’t allow room for the perspectives of women of color, the view among some black women that Sheryl Sandberg’s career advice doesn’t resonate, and the countless stories of black girls who are made to feel ugly in elementary school and black women who are subjected to things like unwanted hair touching in the workplace.

And there’s more. Black women have to fight to see images of themselves in a beauty industry dominated by people who don’t share their skin color. Just recently, the military implemented restrictions on appearance that cripple black women’s ability to be considered presentable.

Of course, many factors, and the actions of people of all colors, contribute to these situations. But maybe if white women had an early basis for

Kelly Price

David Lenoir

Tamara Horn

seeing black women as equals, they’d be more inclined to stand with us as sisters and support us.

To remedy this, just as black girls are encouraged to play with diverse dolls so that they can see black as fun, beautiful and worthy, maybe white girls

should be, too.

If it works, we could all win. After all, black and white women alike make up the spectrum of experiences in this country – from everyday homemaker mothers to renowned and highly respected celebrities and businesswomen. From the background to the forefront, we’re all included in the sorority of women who are constantly working on our image, our esteem, our standards, and our balance of leadership and independence.

I believe that cross-cultural friendships and partnerships among women can be genuine and productive and help us solve some of the nation’s most compelling issues, such as poverty, education, equal pay, living wages and decent health care. But if this is to happen, all women – regardless of politics, sexual orientation, race, class or culture – need to consider womanhood more of a sisterhood, a universal sorority in which everyone’s membership is equally valid.

When Barbie and Christie went joyriding, it was all fun and games, but it also laid an early foundation for a vision of partnership and a level playing field for women, regardless of color. That’s why I encourage young girls, and especially white girls, to collect multicultural dolls. I believe that we can all embrace one another’s ideas, experiences and potential to make connections. But first we have to see one another as sisters.

What starts in play could lead to real and important work.

(Tamara Horn, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science from Delaware State University and is currently pursuing her master’s in social work at Rutgers University. As a community facilitator, she is passionate about sparking conversations that affect the black community. She is in love with her two children and engaged to writing essays, poems and songs. Follow her on Twitter.)

IN THE MAIL Censor the L.A. NAACP

As a life member of the NAACP and an activist in the Civil Rights Movement, I am appalled that the Los Angeles Branch of the NAACP chose Donald Sterling to receive its Lifetime Achievement Award after he paid over 2 million dollars to settle a discrimination suit. I understand that the branch president is still willing to give Sterling the award if he makes further donations to the branch. We should mount a campaign demanding that the national organization censor the L. A. branch and prevent it from making the award.

Rosalyn Brock, step up to the plate! Benjamin Jealous never would have stood for this atrocity, and Maxine Smith is turning over in her grave!

– Miriam Decosta-Willis

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

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

IN THE MAIL

Tri-State Defender Platform

County Trustee – David Lenoir

(A summary for the information gathered from each candidate that participated in TSD questionnaire will be made available on tsdmemphis.com.)

Maybe white girls should play with black dolls

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 2013 by Tri-State Defender Publishing, Inc. Permission to Publisher, Tri-State Defender, 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN. 38103. Back copies can be obtained by calling the Tri-State Defender at (901) 523-1818, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

When I grew up I had an Uncle by the name of Bay Banks. He could sing and dance very well and talk as slick as ice in the shade of your driveway. Only problem was that he tended to do Kelvin all of these things Cowans at the most inappropriate times.

He’d sing blues songs while my mom tried to talk to him about the Lord. He’d dance in the middle of traffic and talk slick to police officers or the neighborhood dope boys who wanted their money immediately or him in a hospital.

We loved Uncle Bay and he was great entertainment to us. As kids, it was hilarious to see a 40-year-old man dancing in the middle of the street in his underwear without any music, but it was awfully embarrassing to my mother. She simply wanted to hide this Jheri-curl wearing, hot-pistol toting, Soul Train-looking, 5-foot-9, 140pound drunk distraction somewhere in the very back of our home.

Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling has become the latest drunk uncle in America’s fight against racism. In a taped phone conversation that TMZ reports is between Sterling and his girl friend (who is black and Mexican), he lashes out at her for posting photos via social media with NBA Hall of Famer Ervin “Magic” Johnson.

In a crystal clear version of the conversion on Youtube, Sterling speaks of black people as if we were lepers. As if it was our culture that invented the disease racism. As if we some how created the white-washed world that we all live in today: 50 U.S. states carved out of land first inhabited by Native Americans and now primarily controlled by white people; a fine-hair, blue-eyed, pale-skinned Jesus in every movie made about Christianity with total disregard to the Bible’s description of him in Revelation 1:14; and the imaginary fat white guy who supposedly brings all of our bad butts gifts in December..

OK, I know I’m in left field, but in baseball left field is actually close to home. I’m headed there.

I wasn’t shocked that racism still exists. It’s just that it has become as bold as terrorism, married even. Has anyone taken a moment to remind this bigot that black people not only work for him in his offices, but also pay good money to watch his team play and wear their clothing?

On the tape, Sterling, now 81, at times sounds as if he cannot fathom how his girlfriend, 38, cannot digest his ignorance in a reasonable manner. He was irate that his Negro-hating friends had to call and tell him that she had photos on Instagram of her and Magic.

This clown had the nerves to ask this lady not to bring blacks to his team’s games. What about the players on your team sir? Most of them are black.

So like my drunk Uncle Bay, may he rest in peace, racism is embarrassing and I wish someone would take Donald Sterling to the back of the house. He most definitely should be bounced out of the league.

Meanwhile, consider this: In 1946, the Nobel Prize-winning physicist Albert Einstein traveled to Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, the alma mater of Langston Hughes and Thurgood Marshall and the first school in America to grant college degrees to blacks. Einstein gave a speech in which he called racism “a disease of white people” and added, “I do not intend to be quiet about it.”

(Kelvin Cowans aka “Six~Four” is an author, freelance writer and music producer. He can be reached at kelvincowans@hotmail.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.

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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

NOTICE OF ELECTION SHELBY COUNTY REUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC PRIMARIES ELECTION ON TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014 VOTING HOURS: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM May 1 - 7, 2014

Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated, Sec. 2-12-111 (c), the Shelby County Election Commission hereby gives notice of the Shelby County Republican and Democratic Primaries Election to be held in all wards and precincts in Shelby County on Tuesday, May 6, 2014, between the hours of 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM at the voting locations listed below.

NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN, pursuant to TCA, Sec. 2-6-302 (a) (5) that the Central Absentee Counting Board location will be at the Election

PRECINCT 100 200 1100 1200 1300 1601 1603 1700 2001 2003 2100 2200 2600 2800 2901 2902 3102 3104

Operations Center, 980 Nixon Drive, Memphis, Tennessee, on Tuesday, May 6, 2014, at 9:00 PM.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, pursuant to TCA Sec. 2-6-302 (a) (5) that the Central Provisional Counting Board location will be at the Election Operations Center, 980 Nixon Drive, Memphis, Tennessee, on May 7, 2014 at 9:00 AM.

The Election Commission’s web site @ www.shelbyvote.com, will

post unofficial results for the elections after the polls close at 7:00 PM.

NEW PHOTO ID LAW Federal or Tennessee government issued photo ID is now required to vote in person, unless an exception applies. College student IDs will not be accepted. City or County employees Ids (including library cards) are explicitly excluded and will not be accepted. To learn more about the new law and its exceptions, please call (901) 222-1200 or visit GoVoteTN.com.

Shelby County Primary (5/6/2014)

LOCATION GREENLAW COMMUNITY CENTER PROGRESSIVE M B CHURCH MT. NEBO BAPTIST CHURCH KANSAS VOC-TECH CENTER GASTON COMMUNITY CENTER CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH MISSISSIPPI BLVD. CHURCH (FAMILY LIFE CENTER) MEMPHIS LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (EDUCATION BLDG.) LEWIS CENTER DAVE WELLS COMMUNITY CENTER BICKFORD COMMUNITY CENTER UNION VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCH LINDENWOOD CHRISTIAN CHURCH FAIRVIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL (GYM) HANLEY ELEM SCHOOL ROZELLE ELEM SCHOOL GLENVIEW COMMUNITY CENTER

ADDRESS 190 MILL AVE 394 VANCE ST 555 VANCE AVE 000080 W OLIVE AV 001046 S THIRD ST 000531 S MCLEAN BL 70 N BELLEVUE BLVD 001548 POPLAR AV 001738 GALLOWAY AV 001188 N PARKWAY 000915 CHELSEA 000232 BICKFORD AV 001051 E MCLEMORE AV 0040 E PARKWAY S 000750 E PARKWAY S 000680 HANLEY ST 000993 ROLAND ST 1141 S BARKSDALE ST

Page 5

MEMPHIS TN 38105 MEMPHIS TN 38126 MEMPHIS TN 38126 MEMPHIS TN 38106 MEMPHIS TN 38106 MEMPHIS TN 38104 MEMPHIS TN 38104 MEMPHIS TN 38104 MEMPHIS TN 38112 MEMPHIS TN 38104 MEMPHIS TN 38107 MEMPHIS TN 38107 MEMPHIS TN 38106 MEMPHIS TN 38104 MEMPHIS TN 38104 MEMPHIS TN 38114 MEMPHIS TN 38104 MEMPHIS TN 38114

Page 6

Tri-State Defender

May 1 - 7, 2017

3300 3402 3601 3602 3603 3700 3802 4001 4002 4101 4103 4201 4302 4401 4402 4403 4405 4501 4502 4504 4601 4602 4700 4800 4900 5001 5002 5201 5202 5203 5301 5302 5303 5400 5501 5502 5601 5603 5700 5801 5804 5901 5905 6001 6002 6003 6004 6005 6006 6007 6008 6009 6100 6200 6302 6400 6501 6600 6701 6703 6801 6803 6901 6902 7001 7002 7003 7103 7104 7203 7207 7301 7303 7304 7401 7402 7404 7405 7406 7409 7501 7506 7507 7511 7604 7605 7606 7701 7702 7703 7803 7901 7902 7903 7907 7908 8002 8101 8102 8103 8104 8105 8107 8201 8202 8203 8300 8401 8402 8600 8701 8702 8703 8704 8802 8803 8804 8805 8901 8902 9001 9002 9003 9101 9102 9104 9201 9301 9303 9402 9403 9405 9406 9407 9408 9501 9502 9503 9505 9506 9507 9508 9601 9602 ARL01 ARL02 BAR02

Shelby County Primary Continued (5/6/2014)

CARITAS COMMUNITY CHRIST MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH OPEN DOOR BIBLE CHURCH PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH VOLLINTINE EVERGREEN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION EARLY GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH NEW TYLER A.M.E. CHURCH FIRESTONE UNION HALL VOLLENTINE ELEM SCHOOL SHANNON ELEM SCHOOL SPRINGDALE BAPTIST CHURCH HOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER DOUGLAS COMMUNITY CENTER BERCLAIR CHURCH OF CHRIST IRA SAMUELSON JR. BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH LESTER COMMUNITY CENTER BOARD OF EDUCATION (AUDITORIUM) MESSICK CAREER ADULT SCHOOL DAVIS COMMUNITY CENTER ST LUKE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN BETHEL GROVE ELEM SCHOOL HAMILTON ELEM SCHOOL (ACTIVITY ROOM) PINE HILL COMMUNITY CENTER RIVERVIEW COMMUNITY CENTER MT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH SPRINGDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BREWSTER (W.H.) ELEM SCHOOL COLEMAN AVE. CHURCH OF CHRIST ST STEPHEN'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH WELLS STATION ELEM SCHOOL (CAFETERIA) KINGSBURY ELEM SCHOOL GAISMAN PARK COMMUNITY CENTER ST MICHAEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL (GYM) AVON LENOX HIGH SCHOOL WHITE STATION HIGH SCHOOL WHITE STATION CHURCH OF CHRIST SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH PRESCOTT MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH SOUTH PARK ELEM SCHOOL ANNESDALE CHEROKEE BAPTIST CHURCH CHEROKEE BRANCH LIBRARY NORRIS ROAD CHURCH OF CHRIST AIRWAYS MIDDLE SCHOOL CORRY MIDDLE SCHOOL HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL OAKHAVEN HIGH SCHOOL-AUDITORIUM ALCY ELEM SCHOOL EASTHAVEN CHURCH OF CHRIST CHRIST COVENANT CHURCH MAGNOLIA FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH ORANGE MOUND SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER NORTH AREA OFFICE-GRAGG CAMPUS NORTHEAST PREP ACADEMY WHITE STATION MIDDLE SCHOOL HARDING ACADEMY MARION HALE COMMUNITY CENTER MCWHERTER SENIOR CENTER COLONIAL PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH WHITE STATION MIDDLE SCHOOL SHADY GROVE ELEM SCHOOL WESTSIDE MIDDLE SCHOOL WORD OF LIFE SDA CHURCH FRAYSER HIGH SCHOOL (AUDITORIUM) ED RICE COMMUNITY CENTER WHITNEY ELEM SCHOOL GEORGIAN HILLS JR HIGH (CAFETERIA) CORNING ELEM SCHOOL NORTH FRAYSER COMMUNITY CENTER GRANDVIEW HEIGHTS MIDDLE SCHOOL (GYM) AMERICAN WAY MIDDLE SCHOOL SHEFFIELD HIGH SCHOOL PARKWAY VILLAGE CHURCH OF CHRIST BREATH OF LIFE SDA CHURCH WOODDALE MIDDLE SCHOOL CROMWELL ELEM SCHOOL MCFARLAND COMMUNITY CENTER RIDGEWAY HIGH SCHOOL GREATER HARVEST COGIC MITCHELL ROAD COMMUNITY CENTER WESTWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER FORD ROAD ELEM SCHOOL GEETER MIDDLE SCHOOL LANIER MIDDLE SCHOOL MANOR LAKE ELEM SCHOOL FAIRLEY HIGH SCHOOL (GYM) GRAVES ELEM SCHOOL PARKWAY GARDENS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ROBERT R CHURCH SCHOOL WINCHESTER ELEM SCHOOL WHITEHAVEN COMMUNITY CENTER HAVENVIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL HOLMES ROAD CHURCH OF CHRIST OAKSHIRE ELEM SCHOOL GARDENVIEW ELEM SCHOOL OPERA MEMPHIS CHRISTIAN BROTHERS HIGH SCHOOL BALMORAL / RIDGEWAY ELEM SCHOOL RIDGEWAY MIDDLE SCHOOL RIDGEWAY MIDDLE SCHOOL SOUTH WOODS BAPTIST CHURCH BALMORAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH MT PISGAH BAPTIST CHURCH LAKE SHORES COMMUNITY CHURCH DOUBLE TREE ELEM SCHOOL THOMAS CHAPEL BAPTIST CHURCH CUNNINGHAM COMMUNITY CENTER SHILOH CHURCH OF MEMPHIS RALEIGH COMMUNITY CENTER CRAIGMONT HIGH SCHOOL MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH HOLY NATION MINISTRIES ST STEPHEN BAPTIST CHURCH (GYM) RALEIGH BARTLETT MEADOWS ELEM SCHOOL SYCAMORE VIEW CHURCH OF CHRIST JUBILEE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST LIVING WORD FELLOWSHIP CHURCH IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH WHITTEN MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH ANTIOCH BAPTIST CHURCH FRAYSER RALEIGH SENIOR CENTER SPRINGHILL BAPT CHURCH CORDOVA COMMUNITY CENTER BERT FERGUSON COMMUNITY CENTER HOPE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HICKORY RIDGE ELEM SCHOOL RIDGEWAY ASSEMBLY OF GOD HICKORY HILL COMMUNITY CENTER CRUMP ELEM SCHOOL KIRBY MIDDLE SCHOOL ANOINTED TEMPLE OF PRAISE NEW BEGINNINGS COMMUNITY CHURCH SOUL WINNERS BAPTIST CHURCH GERMANSHIRE ELEM SCHOOL OAK GROVE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH (GYM) KATE BOND MIDDLE SCHOOL DECATUR-TRINITY CHRISTIAN CHURCH ST LUKE LUTHERAN (FELLOWSHIP HALL) BRIARWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION CORDOVA HIGH SCHOOL CALVARY CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE CHIMNEYROCK ELEM SCHOOL ARLINGTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ARLINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL ELMORE PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL

002509 HARVARD AVE 480 S PARKWAY E 001792 N PARKWAY 001542 JACKSON AV 001680 JACKSON AV 000557 LESTER ST 003300 SUMMER AV 001036 FIRESTONE AV 001682 VOLLINTINE AV 002248 SHANNON AV 001193 SPRINGDALE ST 001560 N HOLLYWOOD ST 1616 ASH ST 4536 SUMMER AVE 894 ISABELLE ST 4680 WALNUT GROVE RD 000317 TILLMAN ST 002599 AVERY AV 000703 S GREER 3371 SPOTTSWOOD AVE 000480 S HIGHLAND ST 000750 CHERRY RD 2459 ARLINGTON AVE 001378 ETHLYN AV 000973 ALICE AV 001891 KANSAS ST 60 S PARKWAY E 000880 N HOLLYWOOD ST 002605 N SAM COOPER BLVD 003380 COLEMAN AV 003981 MACON RD 001610 WELLS STATION RD 004055 BAYLISS AV 004221 MACON RD 3880 FORREST AV 000310 AVON RD 000514 S PERKINS RD 1106 COLONIAL RD 4680 WALNUT GROVE RD 000961 GETWELL RD 001736 GETWELL RD 002960 KIMBALL AV 003300 SHARPE AV 1055 NORRIS RD 3851 ADVANTAGE WAY N 002230 CORRY RD 001363 E PERSON AV 003795 BISHOPS BRIDGE RD 001750 ALCY RD 4833 TCHULAHOMA RD 002568 SPARKS RD 001518 S COOPER ST 002590 PARK AV 003782 JACKSON AV 000968 N MENDENHALL RD 5465 MASON RD 001100 CHERRY RD 004791 WILLOW RD 001355 ESTATE DR 005330 PARK AV 005465 MASON RD 005360 SHADY GROVE RD 3389 DAWN DR 001215 FLOYD AV 001530 DELLWOOD AV 002907 N WATKINS ST 001219 WHITNEY AV 003925 DENVER ST 001662 DABBS AV 002555 ST ELMO AV 2342 CLIFTON AVE 3805 AMERICAN WAY 004315 SHEFFIELD CV 004400 KNIGHT ARNOLD RD 5665 KNIGHT ARNOLD RD 3467 CASTLEMAN ST 004989 CROMWELL RD 004955 COTTONWOOD RD 2009 RIDGEWAY RD 003509 BOXDALE ST 000602 MITCHELL RD 000810 WESTERN PARK DR 003336 FORD RD 004649 HORN LAKE RD 000817 BROWNLEE RD 004900 HORN LAKE RD 4950 FAIRLEY RD 003398 GRAVES RD 1005 E SHELBY DR 4100 MILLBRANCH RD 3587 BOEINGSHIRE ST 004318 GRACELAND DR 001481 HESTER RD 001187 E HOLMES RD 1765 E HOLMES RD 004075 HARTZ DR 6745 WOLF RIVER PKWY 005900 WALNUT GROVE RD 005905 GROSVENOR AV 6333 QUINCE RD 6333 QUINCE RD 003175 S GERMANTOWN RD 006413 QUINCE RD 003636 WEAVER RD 5049 CORO RD 004560 DOUBLE TREE RD 2539 NEW RALEIGH RD 3773 OLD ALLEN RD 003121 RANGE LINE RD 003678 POWERS RD 003333 COVINGTON PIKE 003743 AUSTIN PEAY HW 003333 OLD BROWNSVILLE RD 4245 SINGLETON PKWY 005195 TWINWOODS AV 1910 SYCAMORE VIEW RD 004555 STAGE RD 004405 STAGE RD 006325 RALEIGH LAGRANGE RD 6773 MACON RD 004715 NEW ALLEN RD 003985 EGYPT CENTRAL RD 003815 HAWKINS MILL RD 001017 SANGA RD 008505 TRINITY RD 8500 WALNUT GROVE RD 3890 HICKORY HILL RD 003150 RIDGEWAY RD 3910 RIDGEWAY RD 004405 CRUMP RD 006670 E RAINES RD 003939 RIVERDALE RD 004480 KIRBY PW 004221 CRUMP RD 3965 S GERMANTOWN RD 007317 HIGHWAY 64 002737 KATE BOND RD 002449 ALTRURIA RD 002000 GERMANTOWN PKWY N 001900 N GERMANTOWN PW 008282 MACON RD 001800 BERRYHILL RD 1851 HOUSTON LEVEE RD N 008601 CHIMNEYROCK BLVD 6145 QUINTARD ST 5470 LAMB RD 006330 ALTHORNE RD

MEMPHIS TN 38117 MEMPHIS TN 38106 MEMPHIS TN 38112 MEMPHIS TN 38107 MEMPHIS TN 38107 MEMPHIS TN 38112 MEMPHIS TN 38122 MEMPHIS TN 38107 MEMPHIS TN 38107 MEMPHIS TN 38108 MEMPHIS TN 38108 MEMPHIS TN 38108 MEMPHIS TN 38108 MEMPHIS TN 38122 MEMPHIS TN 38122 MEMPHIS TN 38111 MEMPHIS TN 38112 MEMPHIS TN 38112 MEMPHIS TN 38111 MEMPHIS TN 38111 MEMPHIS TN 38111 MEMPHIS TN 38117 MEMPHIS TN 38114 MEMPHIS TN 38106 MEMPHIS TN 38106 MEMPHIS TN 38109 MEMPHIS TN 38106 MEMPHIS TN 38108 MEMPHIS TN 38112 MEMPHIS TN 38122 MEMPHIS TN 38122 MEMPHIS TN 38108 MEMPHIS TN 38122 MEMPHIS TN 38122 MEMPHIS TN 38122 MEMPHIS TN 38117 MEMPHIS TN 38117 MEMPHIS TN 38117 MEMPHIS TN 38117 MEMPHIS TN 38111 MEMPHIS TN 38111 MEMPHIS TN 38114 MEMPHIS TN 38111 MEMPHIS TN 38106 MEMPHIS TN 38128 MEMPHIS TN 38106 MEMPHIS TN 38106 MEMPHIS TN 38118 MEMPHIS TN 38114 MEMPHIS TN 38118 MEMPHIS TN 38106 MEMPHIS TN 38114 MEMPHIS TN 38114 MEMPHIS TN 38108 MEMPHIS TN 38122 MEMPHIS TN 38120 MEMPHIS TN 38117 MEMPHIS TN 38117 MEMPHIS TN 38119 MEMPHIS TN 38119 MEMPHIS TN 38120 MEMPHIS TN 38119 MEMPHIS TN 38127 MEMPHIS TN 38127 MEMPHIS TN 38127 MEMPHIS TN 38127 MEMPHIS TN 38127 MEMPHIS TN 38127 MEMPHIS TN 38127 MEMPHIS TN 38127 MEMPHIS TN 38127 MEMPHIS TN 38118 MEMPHIS TN 38118 MEMPHIS TN 38118 MEMPHIS TN 38115 MEMPHIS TN 38118 MEMPHIS TN 38118 MEMPHIS TN 38118 MEMPHIS TN 38115 MEMPHIS TN 38118 MEMPHIS TN 38109 MEMPHIS TN 38109 MEMPHIS TN 38109 MEMPHIS TN 38109 MEMPHIS TN 38116 MEMPHIS TN 38109 MEMPHIS TN 38109 MEMPHIS TN 38116 MEMPHIS TN 38116 MEMPHIS TN 38116 MEMPHIS TN 38116 MEMPHIS TN 38116 MEMPHIS TN 38116 MEMPHIS TN 38116 MEMPHIS TN 38116 MEMPHIS TN 38116 MEMPHIS TN 38120 MEMPHIS TN 38120 MEMPHIS TN 38119 MEMPHIS TN 38119 MEMPHIS TN 38119 MEMPHIS TN 38119 MEMPHIS TN 38119 MEMPHIS TN 38109 MEMPHIS TN 38109 MEMPHIS TN 38109 MEMPHIS TN 38128 MEMPHIS TN 38128 MEMPHIS TN 38127 MEMPHIS TN 38128 MEMPHIS TN 38128 MEMPHIS TN 38128 MEMPHIS TN 38134 MEMPHIS TN 38128 MEMPHIS TN 38134 MEMPHIS TN 38134 MEMPHIS TN 38134 MEMPHIS TN 38128 MEMPHIS TN 38128 MEMPHIS TN 38134 MEMPHIS TN 38168 MEMPHIS TN 38128 MEMPHIS TN 38128 CORDOVA TN 38018 CORDOVA TN 38139 CORDOVA TN 38018 MEMPHIS TN 38115 MEMPHIS TN 38115 MEMPHIS TN 38115 MEMPHIS TN 38115 MEMPHIS TN 38115 MEMPHIS TN 38115 MEMPHIS TN 38115 MEMPHIS TN 38115 MEMPHIS TN 38125 MEMPHIS TN 38133 BARTLETT TN 38133 BARTLETT TN 38134 CORDOVA TN 38016 CORDOVA TN 38018 CORDOVA TN 38018 CORDOVA TN 38018 CORDOVA TN 38016 CORDOVA TN 38018 ARLINGTON TN 38002 ARLINGTON TN 38002 BARTLETT TN 38134

Tri-State Defender BAR03 BAR04 BAR05 BAR06 BAR08 BAR09 BAR11 BAR12 BAR13 BRU01 BRU02 COL01 COL02 COL03 COL04 COL05 COL06 COL07 COL08 COL09 COR03 COR04 COR05 EAD00 FOR01 FOR02 FOR03 GER01 GER02 GER03 GER04 GER05 GER06 GER08 GER09 GER10 GER11 GER12 LAK01 LAK02 LUC01 LUC03 MCC00 MIL01 MIL02 MOR01 MOR02 ROS01 ROS05 ROS13 ROS14 ROS15 ROS16 STE00

Page 7

May 1 - 7, 2017

Shelby County Primary Continued (5/6/2014)

ALTRURIA ELEM SCHOOL ELLENDALE ELEM SCHOOL ELLENDALE CHURCH OF CHRIST BARTLETT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (GYM) CHRIST CHURCH BARTLETT FIRE STATION #1 SINGLETON COMMUNITY CENTER BARTLETT ELEM SCHOOL RIVERCREST ELEM SCHOOL ST PHILIP EPISCOPAL CHURCH (GYM) BARTLETT WOODS CHURCH OF CHRIST COLLIERVILLE ELEM SCHOOL YMCA AT SCHILLING FARMS COLLIERVILLE CHURCH OF CHRIST COLLIERVILLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH COLLIERVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH COVENANT BAPTIST CHURCH SYCAMORE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (GYM) COLLIERVILLE BIBLE CHURCH NEW SHELBY MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH MEMPHIS JEWISH HOME (AUDITORIUM) DEXTER MIDDLE SCHOOL SPIRIT LIFE WORSHIP CENTER FISHERVILLE CIVIC CLUB HARVEST CHURCH SOUTHWIND ELEM SCHOOL (GYM) GRACE CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE RIVERDALE ELEM SCHOOL GERMANTOWN PRESBYTERIAN GERMANTOWN PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE FARMINGTON ELEM SCHOOL RIVEROAKS REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH GERMANTOWN MIDDLE SCHOOL DOGWOOD ELEM SCHOOL NEW BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH FAITH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HOUSTON MIDDLE SCH (GYM) HOUSTON HIGH SCHOOL FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF LAKELAND ST PAUL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ST ANNE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH LUCY ELEM SCHOOL NORTHAVEN ELEM SCHOOL BAKER COMMUNITY CENTER MILLINGTON CIVIC CENTER MT PISGAH M. B. CHURCH MT PISGAH M.B. CHURCH ROSS ROAD ELEM SCHOOL MEMPHIS PUBLIC LIBRARY E. SHELBY LABELLE HAVEN BAPTIST CHURCH HIGHLAND OAKS ELEM SCHOOL EAST WIN CHRISTIAN CHURCH NEW GROWTH IN CHRIST CHRISTIAN CENTER OAK SPRING BAPTIST CHURCH

006641 DEERMONT DR 006950 DAWNHILL RD 007365 HIGHWAY 70 005676 STAGE RD 005955 YALE RD 002939 ALTRURIA RD. 007266 THIRD RD 003932 BILLY MAHER RD 4825 RIVERCREST LN 009380 DAVIES PLANTATION RD 7900 E OLD BROWNSVILLE RD 00590 PETERSON LAKE RD 1185 SCHILLING BLVD E 575 W SHELTON RD 740 GUNNISON DR 000202 W POPLAR ST 3170 S HOUSTON LEVEE RD 001155 SYCAMORE RD 806 WOLF RIVER BLVD 1059 BRAY STATION RD 000036 BAZEBERRY RD 6998 E RALEIGH LAGRANGE RD 001130 WHITTEN RD 012017 MACON RD 3645 FOREST HILL IRENE RD 008155 MEADOW VALE LN 8979 E SHELBY DR 007391 NESHOBA RD 002363 S GERMANTOWN RD 1801 EXETER RD 002085 CORDES RD 001665 S GERMANTOWN RD 007925 C D SMITH RD 8945 DOGWOOD RD 007786 POPLAR PIKE 008816 POPLAR PIKE 9400 WOLF RIVER BLVD 009755 WOLF RIVER BLVD 004500 CANADA RD 002949 DAVIES PLANTATION RD 004063 SYKES RD 006269 AMHERST RD 5157 N CIRCLE RD 007942 CHURCH ST 8077 WILKINSVILLE RD 1234 PISGAH RD 1234 PISGAH RD 004890 ROSS RD 7200 SHELBY DR 006825 E HOLMES RD 005252 ANNANDALE DR 004350 HACKS CROSS RD 7550 E SHELBY DR 10250 GODWIN RD

BARTLETT TN 38134 BARTLETT TN 38134 BARTLETT TN 38134 BARTLETT TN 38134 BARTLETT TN 38134 BARTLETT TN 38134 BARTLETT TN 38134 BARTLETT TN 38134 BARTLETT TN 38135 BARTLETT TN 38134 ARLINGTON TN 38002 COLLIERVILLE TN 38017 COLLIERVILLE TN 38017 COLLIERVILLE TN 38017 COLLIERVILLE TN 38017 COLLIERVILLE TN 38017 COLLIERVILLE TN 38027 COLLIERVILLE TN 38017 COLLIERVILLE TN 38017 COLLIERVILLE TN 38017 CORDOVA TN 38018 CORDOVA TN 38018 CORDOVA TN 38018 COLLIERVILLE TN 38017 GERMANTOWN TN 38138 MEMPHIS TN 38125 MEMPHIS TN 38125 GERMANTOWN TN 38138 GERMANTOWN TN 38138 GERMANTOWN TN 38138 GERMANTOWN TN 38138 GERMANTOWN TN 38138 GERMANTOWN TN 38138 GERMANTOWN TN 38139 GERMANTOWN TN 38138 GERMANTOWN TN 38138 GERMANTOWN TN 38139 GERMANTOWN TN 38139 LAKELAND TN 38002 LAKELAND TN 38002 MILLINGTON TN 38053 MILLINGTON TN 38053 MEMPHIS TN 38127 MILLINGTON TN 38053 MILLINGTON TN 38053 MEMPHIS TN 38018 MEMPHIS TN 38018 MEMPHIS TN 38115 MEMPHIS TN 38125 MEMPHIS TN 38141 MEMPHIS TN 38125 MEMPHIS TN 38125 MEMPHIS TN 38125 ARLINGTON TN 38002

SHELBY COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION Robert D. Meyers, Chairman Norma Lester, Secretary Dee Nollner, Member Steve Stamson, Member Anthony Tate, Member

The Temprees.

The Mad Lads.

STAX TO THE MAX

ArtsMemphis Presents Stax to Max, drew a festive crowd and a first-class musical lineup to its annual music and arts festival held behind the Stax Museum last Saturday (April 26th).

William Bell.

Toni Green.

Soulsville Academy performers.

This crew of Stax to the Max attendees were right at home at Saturday始s festival.

Page 8

Tri-State Defender

May 1 - 7, 2014

Page 9

May 1 - 7, 2014

No. 7 a winner for 2014 Women of Excellence!

TSD delivers with Champagne Brunch and Awards Celebration

besmith@tri-statedefender.com

by Bernal E. Smith II

On this past Saturday, April 26th, we had a fantastic celebration of the achievements and contributions of 51 fabulous African-American women during The New Tri-State Defender’s 7th Annual Women of Excellence.

Sponsored by FedEx, the event brought together women from all backgrounds and experiences with at least one common thread: a consistent commitment to excellence in serving, giving and building to the benefits of those around them.

The 400 attendees at the celebration

The New Tri-State Defender Publisher Bernal E. Smith ll.

showed significant excitement and expressed deep appreciation for the salute.

It was our aim to create an elegant, tasteful and timely event that was fitting for such a distinguished group of honorees.

The adulations from our guests indicate that we certainly achieved those goals, establishing an ambience and environment full of positive energy and connectivity for many of Memphis’ finest.

From the elegant entrance and lobby, to the fantastic collection of vendors there for the benefit of our guests, it was our intention to create a welcoming and fitting environment for celebrating the essence of positive womanhood. A feeling of enthusiasm and positivity filled the Memphis Botanic Garden on a gor-

geous morning. Our guests mingled, snapped pictures, extended congratulations to honorees and exchanged goodwill wishes as we ushered in the spring season.

Dynamic R&B crooner Devin Crutcher and Family set the tone as our guests entered into Hardin Hall to begin the brunch. A spirit-filled opening prayer was delivered by Dr. James L. Netters, the 58-year Senior Pastor of Mount Vernon Baptist Church, who is now 86 years young!

As TSD President and Publisher, I briefly recognized and edified the honorees as phenomenal women making a difference in Memphis and Shelby County during my opening remarks.

Later, I reiterated a challenge issued by FedEx’s Rose Flenorl for them to be role models and examples for today’s young girls to become tomorrow’s young women.

The 2014 Women of Excellence and all in attendance were treated to two phenomenal spoken word performances

by Emerald “LoveJones” Liggins. The last piece was entitled “Women of Excellence” and is included in this week’s special, two-page reflection of the event.

If you would like to nominate candidates for the 2015 Women of Excellence class or are interested in being a sponsor of next year’s awards, email tsdevents@tri-statedefender.com or call our offices at 90-523-1818.

Master of Ceremony Rodney Dunigan, ABC 24 news anchor.

Tribute to Women of Excellence

By Emerald Liggins

It is more than her walk It is more than her fashion It is more than the texture of her hair that makes her beautiful

For it is in the grace of her walk; The elegance of her fashion And the health of her hair that she carries molds her beauty It’s in the words she chooses…

When reaching and teaching another It’s in the works of her hands that she perfects…

When strengthen the land that surrounds her She knows her morals and she is that She knows her worth and she earns that She knows her knowledge and she shares that She knows her love and she does that

Rose Flenorl, Manager of Social Responsibility at FedEx Corporation, gives remarks on behalf of FedEx, sponsors of the Women of Excellence Champagne Bruch and Awards Program.

TSD Executive Editor Karanja A. Ajanaku is passionate about the purpose of the WOE awards program.

Holding many gifts and wears many hats From being a daughter; a mother; a wife; a sister A friend; a teacher; a nurturer; a lover And Most Important

a Soldier

She is a creation that the Most High took his time with to create specifically for a man; Because he knows that her strength and wisdom is much needed to plow the land A woman beautifully made internally as well as externally For she use what’s between her ears, instead her thighs To reach the desires of her heart And a woman that excels in feeding her brain; Will be a woman that brings more light to her name So to the Women of Excellence, be proud of every gift God gave you Because a woman that thinks Excellent and speak excellent will become excellent

For she is a symbol of supremacy that understands That it is not about the title before her name she proclaims But it is about the action that comes after it she should sustain So remain beautiful; live beautiful; feel beautiful To the Women of Excellence!! Thank You!

Spoken word artist Emerald “LoveJones” Liggins

Honoree Phyllis Fickling flanked by TSD Executive Editor Karanja A. Ajanaku, and TSD publisher Bernal E. Smith ll.

Honoree Florence Howard pauses for an impromptu photo after her salute.

(Photo: Shirley Jackson)

The Champagne Brunch and Awards Presentation unfolded at the Memphis Botanic Gardens, featuring 51 of Memphisʼ leading ladies.

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen gives remarks.

THE 2014 WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE HONOREES: Takeisha Berry-Brooks, Joy Bowen, Erika Cain, Karen Camper, Lexie Carter, Shirley Cobbins, Barbara Cooper, Alice Davis, Ashley Dean-Parson, Mary Dortch Smith, Adrian Douglas, Phyllis Fickling, Mimi Fifer, Erma Foster, Doretha Franklin, Janice Fullilove, Briggette Green, Audrey Gregory, Sheila Guerrero, Karen Harrell, Evelyn Harris, Mary Hines, Florence Howard, Janas Jackson, Vicki Johnson, Nicole Jones, Audrey P. Jones, Sherila Jones-Tuggle, Yolanda Kight, Terica Lamb, Jennifer Littlejohn, Marlene McGhee, Alfunsia Merriwether, Monice Moore-Hagler, Raygene Paige, Shayna Rattler, Lea Ester Redmond-Terrell, Carolyn Rudley, Elaine Sanford, Tonja Sesley-Baymon, Regina Smith, Bianca J. Sweeten, Debrah Thompson-Reid, Vequita Todd-Barnes, Carolyn Wade-Blackett, Regina Walker, Tracee Walls, Angela Washington, Lucille White, Jeani Williams, and Velma Williams.

(Photos: Warren Roseborough)

The WOE Champagne Bruch and Awards Presentation recognized the contributions of African-American women in Memphis and Shelby County.

Shirley Jackson, TSD Office Manager and Assistant to the President, poses for a snapshot with Spoken word artist Emerald “LoveJones” Liggins.

(Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku)

Wiley Henry, Assistant to the Executive Editor, is accompanied to the WOE Champaign Brunch and Awards Presentation by his niece, Miriam McWright.

Special food was prepared by Felicia Bean Catering.

Devin Crutcher & Family provided entertainment for the gala event.

Honoree Lucille White, a retired nurse, home maker and caregiver, is greeted by Nina Allen-Johnson, TSDʼs Executive Sales Assistant and Special Events Manager, after receiving her WOE award. (Photo: Shirley Jackson)

BUSINESS

Page 10

Tri-State Defender

May 1 - 7, 2014

ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY

Many people live paycheck to paycheck. This means that there is no savings and most of the previous check is gone before the next check is received.

The goal of most should be to save as much as possible for a rainy day. However, saving eludes most people because folks buy today and figure out how to pay for it later. Unfortunately later comes faster than many expected. Understanding how to start the saving process is the first step to establishing and growing savings.

Create a budget

The first step is to create a budget. The budget will help identify all of the bills that have to be paid monthly and the associated income available to do so. Determine if there is enough income to pay the bills with anything left over. Then evaluate the bills and expenses to see if there are any that can be eliminated immediately and not have an ongoing expense. If so, eliminate those bills. Now

How to start savings

calculate what we have left over that can be earmarked for savings or debt reduction.

After documenting your inCarlee McCullough come and expenses, evaluate to see if there are any places where the income can be increased or the expenses decreased. Be sure to include all of the little purchases as well including coffee, gas and fast food. This allows you to fully identify where every cent is spent in order to ascertain the potential cutbacks.

Emergency fund

Prior to paying off any debts, an emergency fund should be established just in case something happens to the regular income. The emergency fund

should equal enough money to live on for three to six months.

Pay off your debt first

Begin the process by calculating the total amount of your debt. If possible do not pay the minimum on the account. Pay more than the minimum balance to expedite the payoff. The quicker the debts are paid off, the less in interest payments are paid as well. When the debts are paid in full, the money can then continue to be placed into a separate account for savings.

Set goals

Label the goals as short term and long term. Examples of short-term goals would be saving to purchase smaller items such as furniture, clothes, or a down payment for a house.

Long-term goals would be saving enough for retirement, pay off the mortgage on a home, etc. Attach an attainable date to accomplish the goals. Determine how much to save per

MONEY MATTERS

An interest in lending

Like most consumers, you have probably paid interest on a loan, whether it was a credit card, student loan, auto loan, or home mortgage. As an investor, it might be advantageous to be on the other side of the lending equation by purchasing bonds.

When you invest in a bond, you are loaning money to the bond issuer in exchange for the issuer’s promise to repay the principal on the specified maturity date, plus the interest, which is usually paid every six months. Bond maturities typically range from 30 days to 30

Charles Sims Jr., CFP

Types of bonds

y e a r s .

B o n d s w i t h longer maturities generally pay higher interest rates than do similar bonds with shorter maturities.

Bond issuers typically fall into three categories: U.S.

Treasury bonds, municipal bonds, and corporate bonds.

U.S. Treasury bonds are generally considered to be among the safest investments because they are guaranteed by the federal government as to the timely payment of principal and interest. Even though the recent government shutdown and debt-ceiling crisis led to volatility in the Treasury market, the effect was relatively mild and the market settled once the crisis was averted.

Municipal bonds are issued by state and local govern-

week, month or paycheck to accomplish the established goal by the date set and go for it.

Determine the level of sacrifice

The savings goal and level of income will determine how much sacrifice will be required to achieve the goal. How important is accomplishment of the goal? Is it high enough on the priority list to downsize living accommodations, to stop shopping in the malls or on the Internet, to go without a landline telephone, to forgo cable, to limit dining out, or to use coupons? All of these options are available and it just depends on the level of commitment to the goal the individual is willing to invest in savings.

Eliminate credit cards

During the savings process, credit cards are not your friend.

The interest rates on credit cards outweigh any interest revments. The return on municipal bonds may be higher than Treasury bonds but lower than corporate bonds with comparable maturities. However, the interest on bonds issued by your own state or local government is typically free of federal income tax. Because municipal bonds tend to have lower yields than other bonds, tax benefits tend to accrue to investors in the highest tax brackets.

Corporate bonds may offer higher interest rates than Treasuries and municipal bonds with comparable maturities, but they are associated with a higher degree of risk, which varies based on the creditworthiness of the companies that offer them.

All bondholders will receive the bond’s interest and principal, unless the bond is-

enue that can be made on a savings account. Therefore, remove credit cards from your reach and forget they are even accessible. Cash is now king in the process. Use cash for everything possible. By using cash, it is easier to monitor that the funds are running low because there is a visual.

Open the savings account

The funds that are identified as savings should not be commingled with operating funds and other fund that used for regular spending. Try to obtain the form of savings account with the highest interest available.

This may entail regular savings accounts, certificates of deposits, and money market accounts. Allocate an amount that will go to savings regularly.

Starting with 10 percent is a good guide. If it is good enough for church it should be good enough for you. So every paycheck try to put aside 10 percent for savings and forget that it is suer defaults.

Discounts and premiums

Individual bonds are typically sold with a face value of $1,000 and a minimum purchase of $5,000. If a bond is held to maturity, interest-rate volatility should not affect the bond’s principal value or yield. However, bonds bought or sold on the secondary market can be highly sensitive to changing interest rates; the principal value and yield may fluctuate with market conditions. Bonds redeemed prior to maturity may be worth more or less than their original cost.

As interest rates rise, bond prices typically fall, because prospective buyers can theoretically obtain a new bond at

there. It will start to accumulate faster than expected.

Retirement savings

If your employer has any type of savings plan like a 401K plan, invest immediately at the maximum level available. Retirement has a way of sneaking up on folks that are not prepared. The earlier participation begins in a retirement savings plan the less you miss the funds that are earmarked for it.

Do not give up

Life happens and occasionally the savings may need to be used. Do not get discouraged just get back on track and keep saving. Just do not use the savings for frivolous items. Remember we are ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY.

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

a higher rate. To attract buyers in this situation, a seller may need to offer an existing bond at a discount. The reverse also holds true. As interest rates fall, bond prices typically rise, and a seller may be able to obtain a premium for an existing bond with a higher rate than is currently available.

Investors who buy a municipal bond issued by another state usually have to pay income taxes. Although some municipal bonds may not be subject to ordinary income taxes, they may be subject to federal or state alternative minimum taxes. If a tax-exempt bond is sold for a profit, investors could incur capital gains taxes.

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

Contacthimat901-682-2410orvisit www.SimsFinancialGroup.com.)

RELIGION

Tri-State Defender

Page 11

May 1 - 7, 2014

Outstanding Boy Scout gives back to the church Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Julia Griggs

Thomas Y. Norton, a 17-yearold senior patrol leader of Boy Scout Troop #144, netted the highest award any scout can earn – the Eagle Scout Court of Honor Award. It is a sign of his leadership ability, which he drew upon to spearhead the renovation of the children’s nursery at his place of worship, Mississippi Blvd Christian Church.

With the help of Troop #144, friends and church and family members, Norton was able to go beyond the $1,500 budgeted to renovate the nursery. The nursery enhancements feature new paint and upgrades, including the electronics. The result is a more inviting learning space for the children at MBCC. “This project has inspired me to become a better leader and businessman, which I believe will help me in my future endeavors,” said Thomas, a senior at Memphis University School, who plans to attend the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and major in Supply Chain Management.

“The Eagle Scout Court of Honor has awarded me college scholarship money, the opportunity to explore new adventures, and having fun,” said Thomas.

“I feel good about myself because I earned and worked hard for this award. It was not given to me.”

Scout Master Elzie Rosebud said Norton did and outstanding job on his Eagle Scout leadership project.

“The scouting program here at Mississippi Blvd Christian Church is a worthy program be-

Thomas Y. Nortonʼs parents said the Boy Scouts have helped make their son “a selfless young man that puts God first and loves helping others.” (Courtesy photos)

cause we teach our boys to live the scout oath, scout law, and develop a relationship with God. Overall we have fun and we are very proud of our boys here at MBCC,” said Rosebud.

Dr. Leroy Norton and his wife, Carla Norton, said, “Boy scouts have made Thomas a selfless young man that puts

God first and loves helping others. We support and encourage him to follow his passion to accomplish the goals he sets for himself.”

Being a Boy Scout has been a great experience, said Thomas.

“It has taught me how to be a good man and to assess the community.

The childrenʼs nursery at Mississippi Blvd Christian Church is largely a testament to a collective effort spearhead by Thomas Y. Norton, a 17-year-old senior patrol leader of Boy Scout Troop #144.

PRAISE CONNECT

Revival moments…

The Memphis Baptist Ministerial Association hosted the 2014 City Wide Revival April 20th through April 25th, with praise offered through song and the preached “Word.” (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

-A WEEKLY DIRECTORY OF MINISTERS & CHURCHES-

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

767 Walker Avenue Memphis, TN 38126

ASSOCIATE MINISTERS

901-946-4095 fax 948-8311

No Cross...

No Crown

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

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

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

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

Dr. & Rev. Mrs. Reginald Porter

“Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”

– Psalm 55:22

Attend the church of your choice

Attend the Church of your choice

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

—Phillipians 4:13

ENTERTAINMENT Tri-State Defender, Thursday, May 1 - 7, 2014, Page 12

STUFF HAPPENS, THEN WHAT?

The P.E.O.P.L.E. need your help!

Flirtatious co-worker, overbearing aunt & a boyfriend who’s a felon all in the mix

The Dilemma: My coworker is very flirtatious, he’s married & I’m not interested.

I have a boyfriend and my co-worker Yvette goes too far George sometimes.

What should I do?

The response: First, you should have a discussion with your co-worker to make sure that your assumptions are valid. If they are, then shut him down graciously concerning his intentions. Do not lead him on or partake in any situations that may be construed questionable.

If the problem persists, then you may need to mention it to your boyfriend. This should be a last resort, because this could lead to an altercation.

Let your co-worker know that you are going to inform your boyfriend about his advances toward you. See if this warning is enough to get him to back down.

If not, tell your boyfriend.

Then ask him if he has a peaceful solution in which you all come to a diplomatic understanding? I’m sure that you all will come up with a positive resolution.

The Dilemma: My Aunt serves as the matriarch of the family. She is the oldest living sister of our mother. She feels she has the right to pass judgment on the men/women in our lives (nieces, children), because she gives out our monthly allowance. She is wealthy and was designated “executor” of our mother’s estate. We are all 25 and older.

None of my four siblings and six cousins seems to be upset.

They choose to live their lives and don’t care what my aunt thinks; which causes so much conflict within our family.

I don’t want to be disrespectful, but it has gotten out of hand. Our Aunt wrote a declaration and expects us to live by it. My boyfriend is a convicted felon. He just got released and we have been together 7 months. I have a history of dating bad men. Do you think I am wasting my time and should move on? Or stick with him, even though his ambition and self esteem are low. Is it worth taking on my Aunt over him?

The response: Heck no!

This is not a battle you need to fight. Where did you meet a convicted felon? I’m sorry you have given this man seven months of your life. But it’s time to move on. This is just a (bad girl) whim. Since you stated that you were older than 25, you’ve lived a little. It’s time to grow up and secure a career and/or a family.

Your aunt is not going to approve of this choice. One of the best questions to ask – “Is this man husband material or a toy boy?

He is not the one. You will know; don’t just do it because you are scared and lonely.

Rise to meet the challenge, make sure you know what type of man you want. Find a new group of friends, get out and socialize. It’s OK to attend events alone. Talk to relatives; SEE MIX ON PAGE 13

Greenvilleʼs Southern Fried Poetry Slam beckons Memphis Poetry Slam Team

Timothy “Urban Thoughts” Moore

Aisha Raison

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

he Memphis Poetry Slam Team better known as The P.E.O.P.L.E. (Poets Embodying Only Perfected Live Entertainment) needs your help to send six amazing local poets to the Southern Fried Poetry Slam this June in Greenville, S.C.!

Our journeys have all come together to take Memphis back to a place where we have not gone in over a decade. We as a collective decided that we would join together to combat illiteracy through poetry. Now, the time is here! We are rehearsing, spending time away from families, editing our poems and preparing them to get ready for the regional stage. We are so excited to represent Memphis – the home of the blues – in South Carolina, but we need help to raise the money to get there before we have the blues.

Spoken word poetry is one of many branches of the ancient oral tradition.

Young and old alike are empowered to speak their own truths and also learn to listen to what other people are trying to convey. That is true communication and unity, which for The P.E.O.P.L.E. equates to Community. This idea of community drives us to want to develop a blueprint for younger poets in Memphis to go and compete in various competitions. Yes, competing on a national scale is a wonderful endeavor, but our ultimate goal is to represent our city in a positive light and show the world that Memphis is still a viable factor in the art of poetry today.

The P.E.O.P.L.E. slam team is led by the slam master: Timothy “Urban Thoughts” Moore, who is the Founder of Speak LIFE Society and the low-level literacy educator at The Soulsville Charter School. Timothy has sought to return a team to The Southern Fried Poetry Regional Slam in an attempt to bring Memphis back to the national scene. As the 2013-2014 Stone Awards Mtenzi Spoken Word Artist of the Year, he was saddened that year after year Memphis did not yield a team. He decided to seek out kindred artists who wanted to compete and over time, a team was formed.

The P.E.O.P.L.E. is comprised of the following spoken word artists: Aisha Raison is a national poetess who competed and excelled at the 2013 Southern Fried Slam with stunning scores of over 28 points. Aisha agreed to become the first member of the team. She has been featured all over the nation in some of the most highlighted poetry moments, most recently, the re-opening of the National Civil Rights Museum.

Elliott “Hardface” Nelson is one of the most dynamic poets in the country.

Elliott is the “King of Cometry,” which is a blend of comedy and socio-political poetry. Truly a master of performance and skill, Hardface electrifies and stuns the crowd.

Erica “Arekah da Goddess” Dunlap is a powerful being of immense light, which she focuses through frames of poetry and photography. She is a powerhouse of performance and art.

Carin “Writeous Soul” Malone is an inspirational poetess, who is a threetime poetry slam winner. She embodies both grace and lyrical punch lines.

Emerald “LoveJones” Liggins is the president and fellow Speak LIFE Society member. She is an extraordinary example of cultural awareness and womanist theory.

The P.E.O.P.L.E is supported by poetess Tundrea Lyons, who controls all administrative duties and by Dr. Ernest Gibson III, who serves as a mentor coach to the team.

Attending Southern Fried Slam is about more than mere competition. Though it will be exciting to go head-to-head with other poets and showcase the content of the writing that we are so proud of, Southern Fried is about the journey. We are a diverse group of fathers, mothers, broken homes, lost friends, rookie competitors, religions, backgrounds and lifestyles. What is absolutely special is that this journey has bonded us to the art. This is an opportunity to be exposed to all kinds of poets, new ways of expressing ourselves, and to see if we can conquer the stage. We will come home even more excited about this art form and its possibilities to share with the next generation of slam poets. Our ultimate goal is to start a legacy and true revitalization of the slam scene in Memphis.

The main expenses for our trip are registration, transportation and lodging.

Registration has been paid for out of our own pockets. We are also covering our meals, pooling our resources for practice space and travel. We are working individuals who understand the value of the dollar.

Your contribution to the campaign will go directly to expenses for travel and lodging and will open the way for us to reach the goal we’ve worked toward since our inception, which is the development of literacy through poetry for the youth of Memphis. With the support of Memphis, we aim to show that Memphis never stopped “doing poetry,” we were just rehearsing.

Make all donations at IndieGOGO: http://igg.me/p/739820/x/6970676 for cool prizes or to find out more information in regards to local fundraising performances and our mission to enlighten and encourage the youth of Memphis.

(For more information on The P.E.O.P.L.E, visit: https://www.facebook.com/thepeopleslamteam or email SpeakLifeSociety@gmail.com.)

T

Emerald “LoveJones” Liggins

Carin “Writeous Soul” Malone

Elliott “Hardface” Nelson

Erica “Arekah da Goddess” Dunlap

ENTERTAINMENT

Tri-State Defender

Page 13

May 1 - 7, 2014

OPENING THIS WEEK

Kam’s Kapsules:

Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Kam Williams

For movies opening May 2, 2014

BIG BUDGET FILMS

“The Amazing Spider-Man 2” (PG-13 for action and sci-fi violence) Second installment in re-booted Marvel Comics franchise finds your friendly neighborhood superhero (Andrew Garfield) wooing Gwen (Emma Stone) while protecting New York from a few, formidable new foes (Jamie Foxx, Dane DeHaan and Paul Giamatti). With Sally Field, Chris Cooper, Denis Leary, Colm Feore and Embeth Davidtz.

“Belle” (PG for mature themes, mild epithets and brief smoking) Gugu Mbatha-Raw stars in this biopic about the life of Dido Elizabeth Belle (1761-1804), the illegitimate offspring of an African slave and a British ship captain (Matthew Goode) who sent his daughter to England to be raised in polite society by his aristocratic aunt (Emily Watson) and uncle (Tom Wilkinson). Cast includes Penelope Wilton, Sarah Gadon, Miranda Richardson, Tom Felton and Bethan MaryJames.

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS

“Altered States of Plaine” (Unrated) Sci-fi thriller revolving around a young fugitive (George Gallagher) on the run from the government who is desperate for a cure from a mysterious affliction that has him waking up in a different place whenever he falls asleep.

(In English and French with subtitles) With Kether Donohue, Michael P. Mathis and Donald Pritt.

“The Bachelor Weekend” (Unrated) Buddy comedy, set in Dublin, about a bride-to-be (Amy Huberman) who recruits her ex (Andrew Scott) to plan her fiance’s bachelor party, an overnight camping trip to the Irish countryside (Hugh O’Conor) with his friends and her obnoxious brother (Peter McDonald). Featuring Brian Gleeson, Michael Legge and Andrew Bennett.

“Bad Johnson” (Unrated) Battle-of-thesexes comedy about a charming womanizer (Cam Gigandet) who finally gets what’s coming when his penis leaves his body and takes human form. Cast includes Jamie Chung, Nick Thune and Katherine Cunningham.

“Decoding Annie Parker” (R for profanity and sexuality) Samantha Morton handles the title role in this fact-based drama about a woman’s fight against the same hereditary form of breast cancer that claimed the life of her mother and sister. With Helen Hunt, Rashida Jones, Marley Shelton, Maggie Grace and Alice Eve.

Jamie Foxx as “Electro” in “Amazing Spider-Man 2”

“Farmland” (Unrated) Generation Next documentary taking a look at the lives of some farmers and ranchers who have assumed the reins of the family business while still in their twenties.

“For a Woman” (Unrated) Romance drama, exploring the mystery of undying love from the perspective of a daughter (Sylvie Testud) deconstructing her parents’ (Benoit Magimel and Melanie Thierry) enduring marriage. Cast includes Nicolas Duvauchelle, Julie Ferrier and Denis Podalydes. (In French with subtitles) “Friended to Death” (R for profanity and crude sexual references) Dark comedy revolving around a social media junkie (Ryan Hansen) who fakes his own death online just to see whether any of his supposed friends come to the funeral. With James Immekus, Zach McGowan, Pancho Moler and Angela Bullock.

“Ida” (PG-13 for mature themes, sexuality and smoking) Skeleton-out-of-the-closet drama, set in Poland in 1962, about an orphan (Agata Trzebuchowska) raised in a Catholic convent who learns that she was born Jewish just as she’s set to take her vows as a nun. Costarring Jerzy Trela, Halina Skoczynska and Agata Kulesza. In Polish with subtitles) “Jobriath A.D.” (Unrated) “It’s better to flame out than to fade away” biopic recounting the brief career of Bruce Wayne Campbell (1946-1983), aka Jobriath, the first openlygay rock star, and the first to die of AIDS.

“The M Word” (R for profanity and sexual references) Ensemble comedy, written and directed by the legendary Henry Jaglom, following three middle-aged sisters (Frances Fisher, Mary Crosby and Eliza Roberts) as they make the awkward adjustment to the onset of menopause. Co-starring Corey Feldman, Tanna Frederick and Gregory Harrison.

“More than the Rainbow” (Unrated) Shutterbug retrospective highlighting the eclectic portfolio of eccentric cabbie-turned-NYC street photographer Matt Weber.

“Mr. Jones” (PG-13 for terror, frightening images, sexuality and brief profanity) Harrowing horror flick about an aspiring filmmaker (Jon Foster) who moves to the country with his girlfriend (Sarah Jones) where they get more than they bargain for when they sneak into the home of their new next-door neighbor (Mark Steger), a reclusive sculptor with a weird agenda. With Faran Tahir, Stanley B. Herman, Jordan Byrne and Ethan Sawyer.

MIX

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

check the media. There are many events posted and lots of them are free.

Maybe you could volunteer, visit a religious facility, or join a club. I could go on, but you get the message.

As far as your Aunt, the fact that you don’t want to disrespect her should go a long way. Ask her for advice; see if she knows any eligible young men.

That will definitely impress her and let her know that you are taking her wishes seriously. In her own way I think she is trying to protect you all; especially since you have money. There are many freeloaders and scammers just ready to spend your money. Show her that you appreciate her concern, but enjoy life, wisely.

(Stuff Happens, Then What? is an advice and relationship column that answers questions about life issues, situations and challenges. Send questions and dilemmas to StuffHappensThenWhat@yahoo.com.)

FACEBOOK FAN OF THE WEEK

“The Protector 2” (R for profanity and violence) Tony Jaa reprises the title role in this martial arts sequel, set in Thailand, as a retired Royal Guard now enlisted to crack a terrorist conspiracy to disrupt peace talks in Bangkok.

With RZA, Marreese Crump and JeeJa Yanin.

(InThai with subtitles) “Speak the Music” (Unrated) Reverential biopic chronicling the 51-year career of classical violinist Robert Mann, a founding member of the Juilliard String Quartet.

“Walk of Shame” (R for profanity and sexuality) Elizabeth Banks stars in this romantic comedy, set in L.A., as an ambitious reporter whose dream of becoming a news anchor is imperiled after a one-night stand which leaves her stranded downtown without a phone, cash or car. With James Marsden, Gillian Jacobs and Sarah Wright.

“Whitewash” (Unrated) Convoluted crime thriller, set in the wintry woods of rural Quebec, about a drunk snowplow operator (Thomas Haden Church) who decides to hide in the forest the body of a man he accidentally hit while driving under the influence. Costarring Anie Pascale, Marc Labreche and Isabelle Nelissse.

Name: Wyvonia Woods Harris Wyvonia Woods Harris is this week’s TSD Facebook Fan of the Week!

Harris is a Memphis native who graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. She received degrees from the University of Memphis and Memphis Theological Seminary.

An Associate Minister at Mount Vernon Church-Westwood, Harris’ favorite quote is Galatians 5: 22 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.”

Thanks Wyvonia Woods Harris for excelling in Memphis and for being a part of the TSD Facebook family!

Page 14

BRIEFS & THINGS

Mothers of the NILE dinner on May 8th

“Juvenile Court: A New Day” is the theme for the Mothers of the NILE Annual Mother’s Day Banquet on May 8th at First Baptist Church-Broad located at 2835 Broad Avenue from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

“This is a celebratory event that we are using to inform the public of issues affecting the lives of our young people,” says Veronica Coleman-Davis, president/CEO of Mothers of the NILE. “We hope to highlight the responsibility that we all share in reducing the number of children entering the juvenile and criminal justice systems. This year we recognize that there is a new day in juvenile justice.”

Stephen Bush, Shelby County Chief Public Defender, will be the keynote speaker.

“Our annual dinner is held to recognize and honor those who work consistently and diligently to support our youth. Our key note speaker, Stephen Bush, will help us not only reflect on but also re-ignite our individual commitments,” said Davis.

The group’s purpose is to find ways to reach children before they fall through the cracks of the justice system.

The dinner is open to the public. Individual tickets: $30.

Space is limited and reservations must be made. For more information, call 901-292-5817 or email mothersofthenile@aol.com.

MLGW now accepts credit cards at community offices

Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division on Tuesday began accepting accepting Mastercard, Visa and Discover cards as forms of payment.

Memphis City Councilman Myron Lowery made the inaugural credit card payment at MLGW’s Downtown Community Office located at 245 South Main St. MLGW’s other community office locations start accepting payments on Thursday (May 1st).

The new payment method expands the services offered for residential customers who visit the community offices to make a bill payment. Customers can visit offices located at 2935 Lamar Ave. (South Community Office), 5131 Navy Road (Millington Community Office), and 1111 East Shelby Dr. (Whitehaven Community Office). The North Community Office located at 2424 Summer Ave. is temporarily closed for remodeling.

Airport to announce high school art contest winners

Memphis International Airport will host an art exhibition and announce the winners of its 7th annual High School Visual Arts Competition at an art exhibition on Thursday (May 1st) from 8 p.m. to 10 pm. The event, which is open to the public, will take place in the B Ticket Lobby.

All Shelby County public high schools were invited to participate in the contest. The airport received 273 entries from local students, with 45 finalists chosen. The top three entries will be announced at the conclusion of Thursday evening’s event.

“This event is part of our ‘Arts in the Airport’ program,” said Scott Brockman, president and CEO of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority. “‘Arts in the Airport’ is our way of showcasing local high school artists and musicians, and providing a genuine Memphis feel to our airport. We are proud to display this outstanding example of our local students’ creativity.”

For the contest, students are provided art supplies by the airport’s community foundation, and the finalists’ pieces are put on display between the A and B concourses for one year. The pieces are available for purchase and all proceeds go to the student artist. Some of the retail businesses in the airport sell items that feature the artwork. The funds from the sale of these items are used to purchase the art supplies for the contest.

This year’s event will also recognize the winners of the airport’s first-ever high school photography contest, which took place earlier this year. The winners’ photos will also be on display.

BRIEFLY: The Frayser Community Association Spring Festival will be Saturday (May 3rd) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ed Rice Community Center at 2907 Watkins St. For more information, call 901-634-5554; 901-596-8362; or, email mrscarriewright@yahoo.com.

BRIEFLY: Memphis City Attorney Herman Morris HAS issued the following statement regarding the Shelby County election: “Since there are no City of Memphis elections scheduled for this year’s ballots and since the FBI is ‘keeping a watchful eye on this year’s elections’, the City Attorney’s Office will not conduct its Election Integrity project for this year’s elections.” Citizens with questions or complaints should call the Shelby County Election Commission at 901-222-1200 or visit http://www.shelbyvote.com/index.aspx?NID=181

Bee-ing Unique…

COMMUNITY

Tri-State Defender

May 1 - 7, 2014

R.I.D.D. poised to rid streets of distracted, texting drivers

Special to the New Tri-State Defender

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

“I really didn’t think it was that big a deal – you know, texting and driving. All my friends text or check their email. We all do it. To me, it seemed like doing them both at the same time wasn’t really hard. Actually, it’s pretty easy to me. But I don’t want to get caught doing it. I know it’s against the law. I’m stopping because I’m just scared of getting stopped by the police.”

Jackie, 17 Southwind High School

Deputies assigned to the R.I.D.D. Unit and Traffic Bureau receive training on how to identify distracted driving evidence and how to preserve it for prosecution purposes.

(Courtesy photo)

“Jackie,” who feels that texting and driving is an easy prospect, is not alone. According to textinganddrivingsafety.com, about 55 percent of teens nationwide also feel, “It’s easy to text and drive.”

Apparently, it is not. The numbers don’t lie. Distracted driving, or texting while driving, is the number one killer of teens nationwide, according to the Tennessee Governor’s Highway Safety Office, headed up by Director Kendell Poole.

And as if that is not enough, Tennessee has the highest percentage of fatalities attributed to cell phone use in the nation, said the 2013 National Safety Council’s report. In Shelby County last year, there were 5,251 distracted driving crashes as opposed to 727 alcohol-related crashes, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety, Office of Research, Statistics, and Analysis Report.

Enough said. If Shelby County Sheriff Bill Oldham has his way, Shelby County’s distracted crash numbers will be way down by the year’s end. April was declared Distracted Driving Awareness Month by the National Safety Council. Oldham marked the NSC’s declaration with one of his own. The Re-

duce Impaired Distracted Driving (RIDD) initiative was launched with a four-pronged attack: education, enforcement, media, and investigation.

“I tried to take a look at highway safety in Shelby County, and when we track the distracted driving crashes, they are causing many more injuries than impaired driving,” said Oldham.

“And the fatality numbers are climbing rapidly. It is alarming, and we had to act to make the streets safer. Many of our Shelby County kids are texting and driving. They just don’t realize how dangerous it is.”

RIDD is designed to put teeth in state laws prohibiting the use of cell phones by drivers. While talking on a cell phone when driving is not outlawed, texting while driving is prohibited for all drivers in all vehicles in the state of Tennessee. Even reading a text message is considered “texting.” Drivers with a learner’s permit or an intermediate license are not allowed to use a cell phone while driving under

any circumstances.

Up to this point, drivers who have been stopped by law enforcement have been issued warnings rather than tickets. No more warnings, said Oldham.

“You have been duly warned.”

A fleet of RIDD vehicles will be trolling the streets of Shelby County looking for distracted driving behaviors, such as driving outside of the lane or swerving, following too closely, texting, impeding traffic, and aggressive maneuvering. Distracted driving is now a ticketed offense in Shelby County. Offenders could also be arrested. Injury and fatality numbers must come down, said county officials.

To educate young drivers, an impaired driving tabletop simulator and the golf cart driving program will be used in Shelby County Schools to demonstrate the real life dangers that impaired driving and distracted driving pose for teens behind the wheel.

Also, the RIDD Unit and Community Services Bureau will provide educational training

and awareness to Neighborhood Watch Programs, churches, businesses and community organizations.

Investigation will be a major component of the RIDD Unit as Traffic Bureau personnel will be trained on how to identify distracted driving evidence for prosecution.

“When a driver is traveling 50 to 55 miles an hour and texting on a cell phone, just taking their eyes off the road for a fraction of a second can be fatal,” said Oldham.

“We hope to reach more kids through our education programs.

When they realize what the statistics are, how many teens have actually lost their lives in distracted driver crashes, I believe we will see a marked change in behavior. Ticketing reinforces our strategy.”

(For more information on the RIDD Unit, or to schedule an officer for an educational session on distracted driving, call the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office at: 901-222-5500.)

At 89, Omega’s Epsilon Phi Chapter is in full stride Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The eclectic brothers of the Epsilon Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. recently came together to celebrate the chapter’s rich and full 89-year history.

The celebration (April 19th) was held at the historic Four Way Grill, which was well suited for the recognition and reverence of an Omega chapter that has meant much to the Mid-South. Filled with fellowship and the sharing of stories (some even true), the outing included special recognition of the Episilon Phi Chapter’s Golden Ques (GQ).

The GQ are men of Omega who have attained 65 years of age; have met financial requirements as set forth by the chapter; embrace the cardinal principles of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; and readily fraternize with like-minded brothers of the fraternity.

“We are grateful for having the opportunity to play a role in writing the history of the

A salute to the Golden Ques

counsel to the Epsilon Phi Chapter leadership.

With enthusiasm for the chapter’s past, GQ members are thoroughly immersed in the present direction of the chapter and instrumental in helping forge the future. In addition, they are legacy resources, bridging what would otherwise be a gap between the chapter’s past and new brothers.

During chapter meetings, a GQ member provides the Brotherhood with a brief account of the fraternity’s history, as well as shares his personal experiences in Omega Psi Phi. The 89-year history of Epsilon Phi Chapter is filled with The Golded Ques of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. myriad successes, with the GQ Episilon Phi Chapter rendezvous outside of the Four members serving as real-life testaments to the level and deWay during a recent celebration. (Courtesy photo) gree of commitment that is required to bring potential sucOmega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. rence Jones. cess to fruition.

Epsilon Phi Chapter,” said GQ members were not recWillie Earl Bates, owner of Floyd Harrison, GQ Lead. ognized solely for tenure. They the Four Way and a GQ mem“(A) tremendous event high- also were heralded for their en- ber, said, “(It was) a great lighting the importance of hon- during service and commit- event to celebrate two of the oring those on whose shoulders ment to duty to her cause. It is Mid-South’s most iconic estabwe continue to stand, said Ter- the GQ charge to provide sage lishments.”

THE THIRD ANNUAL V & E ART WALK

Artists and craftsmen, including Deborah Towns Armour, displayed and sold their original creations during the third annual V & E Art Walk from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday (April 26) on the grounds along Tutwiler Avenue. The event benefits the V & E Greenline, a community-funded trail that extends through the heart of Midtown and the Vollintine Evergreen Community. Armour, a Shelby County Schools teacher, drew admirers to her booth of personalized functional art – faux metal art, towel origami and custom-made greeting cards. She calls the collection “Bee Unique.” (Photos: Wiley Henry)

Family artists and craftsmen…

Sisters Gloria Singleton (left) and Vickie Fulton (camera in hand), both respected artists in the community, show their creations to these inquisitive young ladies – including the baby in the stroller – who stepped inside their both for a closer look.

Singleton is known for furniture upholstering, fabric painting, painted Roman shades, sewing and alterations, and whimsical art. Fulton, a former Shelby County Schools teacher, spends her time sewing colorful mini quilts using various designs. Their brother, Jerome Fulton, displayed his mixed media artwork in the booth next to his sisters. He incorporates bits and pieces of what heʼs known and experienced in life into his work, such as history and music. Some of them are paintings on discarded wood and windowpanes.

Tri-State Defender

LEGAL NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Sealed bids will be received at the Office of the City of Memphis Purchasing Agent, Room 354, City Hall, 125 N. Main, Memphis, TN 38103, until 2:00 PM CT, Friday, May 23, 2014, for furnishing the City of Memphis with the following:

FOR THE DIVISION OF: ENGINEERING City of Memphis RFQ # 3236

.

FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF: CMAQ Year 2 Isolated Signal Improvements (Bid Set # 1) Federal Project No.: CM-STP-9409 (48) State PIN: 040718 Location(s): (Reese Rd at Whitten), (Summer Ave. at Raleigh Lagrange Rd.), (Walnut Grove Rd. at Yates Rd.), (Poplar Ave. at Yates Rd.)

A Pre-bid Conference will be held Monday, May 12, 2014, 10:00 AM CT; 980 S. Third St., Memphis, TN 38106 (901) 5282844

1. The Prime Contractor must pre-qualify with the Department of Transportation in accordance with Section 54-5-117 of the “Tennessee Code Annotated” and Tennessee Department of Transportation Rule 1680-5-3 prequalification of contractors before biddable proposals will be furnished. All Sub Contractors must be pre-qualified prior to starting work on the project.

2. The City of Memphis hereby notifies all bidders that a 5% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal has been set for this project and must be met or exceeded. All contractors identified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) must be on the Tennessee Uniform Certification Program (TNUCP) List at the time of the bid opening.

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

4. The City of Memphis is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drugfree with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service. For additional information contact Mary Bright, (901) 636-6210, City of Memphis, Contract Compliance Office, 125 N. Main St, Memphis, TN 38103 5. “Certification by each bidder must be made with respect to nondiscrimination in employment.”

6. A Bid Bond is required.

7. All bids must include, on the outside of the bid envelope, the name of the project, the bid due date and the bid opening time.

Plans, Specifications and attendant deposit information available, until the time set for opening bids, from: Janet Prejean, (901) 636-2462, City of Memphis, Construction Inspections, 2599 Avery Avenue, Memphis, TN 38112.

Award of contracts will be made on the basis of the lowest and best bids as determined by the City of Memphis. “Best Bid” shall be defined as the responsive quotation, that meets the contract documents, including, if applicable, any DBE Participation Goal as set out in this specification.

THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS IS RESERVED

Notice of intent of award will be issued after review of all opened bids. Any protest of award must be filed in writing with the Purchasing Agent within ten calendar days of the intent of award announcement.

By Order of the Mayor of the City of Memphis, Tennessee.

A C WHARTON, JR., MAYOR

ERIC S. MAYSE, CITY PURCHASING AGENT NOTICE TO BIDDER(S)

Shelby County Government is soliciting written proposals on a competitive basis for Construction Services for Construction of Equipment Storage Building, Shelby County Sheriffʼs Emergency Services and Reserve Building, 989 Dovecrest Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38134. Information regarding this RFP is located on the Countyʼs website at www.shelbycountytn.gov. At the top of the home page, click on the links “Department,” “P” for the Purchasing Department and “Bids” to lo-

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cate the name of the above-described RFP. Copies of the project manual and drawing are posted at this location and can be downloaded at no cost to prospective bidders.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DUE MAY 22, 2014 AT 4:00 PM RFP 14-004-60 CONSTRUCTION OF EQUIPMENT STORAGE BUILDING

A MANDATORY pre-bid conference will be held at 2:30 P.M., May 8, 2014 at the Shelby County Sheriffʼs Emergency Services and Reserve Building, 989 Dovecrest Road Memphis, Tennessee 38134.

Shelby County is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drug-free with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service.

THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS IS RESERVED By order of MARK H. LUTTRELL, JR., SHELBY COUNTY MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Employment Supervising Teacher Campus School

Requires BS or MAT in elem. educ., TN license and highly qualified status. Endorsement in library/media science, exp. in innovative strategies in grades 1-5 and willingness to take leadership role are highly desired. For more info go to https.workforum.memphis.edu. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Employment Opportunities

Ford Construction Company recruits individuals regardless of race, creed, disability, veteran status, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or genetic information with various skills as job opening occur.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and make every effort to employ minorities and females.

May Apply At:

Ford Construction Company 2353 Hwy. 104 W Dyersburg, TN 38024 90 Fiberglass Rd. Jackson, TN 38302 1697 W. Hwy. Troy, TN 38260 EOE/M/F/V/D

The University Of Memphis College of Education Instructor of Elementary Education Department of Instruction & Curriculum Leadership

QUALIFICATIONS The Department of Instruction and Curriculum Leadership at The University of Memphis seeks to fill an Instructor, nontenure track (9 month), renewable, position of Elementary Education. Applicants must have an earned doctorate (ABD is accepted) in Elementary Education, Instruction and Curriculum (or closely related field). Three years of successful experience teaching K-12 is required. The department seeks applicants with a background in teacher education and expertise in mathematics or science education.

Teaching experience at the undergraduate or graduate level is desired; as is experience in online and field-based teaching. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to excellence

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RESPONSIBILITIES • Teach courses on and off the University of Memphis main campus • Teach and supervise field-based and online ELED/ICL undergraduate and/or graduate courses • Participate in training/implementation of new program changes

SALARY & BEGINNING DATE Salary will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications. The position is a 9-month appointment renewable for a maximum of three years. The anticipated date of appointment is August 18, 2014.

The University offers an excellent benefits package, including healthcare and retirement. The state of TN currently has no state income tax and has a very reasonable cost of living.

APPLICATION The review of completed applications will begin May 8, 2014 and may continue until the position is filled. Applications are to be submitted electronically at https://workforum.memphis.edu Applicants are required to upload (1) a letter of application describing their teaching and research interests, (2) curriculum vitae, and (3) name, address, telephone numbers, and email address of three references. Refer inquiries to Dr. Duane Giannangelo (dginnngl@memphis.edu), 901.678-2373.

POSITION TITLE & NUMBER Instructor of Elementary Education in the Department of Instruction and Curriculum Leadership, Non-tenure-track, 9-month Position #016148.

Instructor of Elementary Education Department of Instruction & Curriculum Leadership

QUALIFICATIONS The Department of Instruction and Curriculum Leadership at The University of Memphis seeks to fill an Instructor, nontenure track (12 month), renewable, position of Elementary Education at the

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May 1 - 7, 2014

Lambuth Campus in Jackson, Tennessee. Applicants must have Doctorate in Elementary Education, Instruction and Curriculum (or closely related field). Three years of successful experience teaching K-12 is required. The department seeks applicants with a background in teacher education and expertise in math education. Teaching experience at the undergraduate or graduate level is desired; as is experience with Tennesseeʼs Ready2Teach program, residency, and teacher performance assessments; online, and field-based teaching. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to excellence in teaching.

RESPONSIBILITIES • Teach courses at the Lambuth Campus and/or surrounding communities • Teach and supervise field-based and online ELED/ICL undergraduate and/or graduate courses • Participate in training/implementation of new program changes

SALARY & BEGINNING DATE Salary will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications. The position is a 12-month appointment renewable for a maximum of three years. The anticipated date of appointment is August 1, 2014.

The University offers an excellent benefits package, including healthcare and retirement. The state of TN currently has no state income tax and the Jackson area has a very reasonable cost of living.

APPLICATION The review of completed applications will begin May 8, 2014 and may continue until the position is filled. Applications are to be submitted electronically at https://workforum.memphis.edu Applicants are required to upload (1) a letter of application describing their teaching and research interests, (2) curriculum vitae, and (3) name, address, telephone numbers, and email address of three references. Refer inquiries to Dr. Deborah Watlington (dkwtlngt@memphis.edu) or 901-6785083.

POSITION TITLE & NUMBER Instructor of Elementary Education in the Department of Instruction and Curriculum Leadership at the Lambuth Campus in Jackson TN. Position #16147.

Instructor of Special Education

QUALIFICATIONS The Department of Instruction and Curriculum Leadership at The University of Memphis seeks to fill an Instructor, nontenure track (12 month), renewable, position of Special Education at the Lambuth Campus in Jackson, Tennessee. Applicants must have an earned doctorate in Special Education, Instruction and Curriculum (or closely related field). Three years of successful experience teaching special education is required. The department seeks applicants with a background in teacher education and expertise in special education. Teaching experience at the undergraduate or graduate level is desired; as is experience with Tennesseeʼs Ready2Teach program, residency, and teacher performance assessments; online instruction, and fieldbased teaching. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to excellence in teaching.

RESPONSIBILITIES • Teach courses at the Lambuth Campus site and/or surrounding communities • Teach and supervise field-based and online SPED/ICL undergraduate and/or graduate courses • Participate in training/implementation of new program changes SALARY & BEGINNING DATE Salary will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications. The position is a 12-month appointment renewable for a maximum of three years. The anticipated date of appointment is July 1, 2014. The University offers an excellent benefits package, including healthcare and retirement. The state of TN currently has no state income tax and the Jackson area has a very reasonable cost of living.

APPLICATION The review of completed applications will begin May 8, 2014 and may continue until the position is filled. Applications are to be submitted electronically at https://workforum.memphis.edu Applicants are required to upload (1) a letter of application describing their teaching and research interests, (2) curriculum vitae, and (3) name, address, telephone numbers, and email address of three references. Refer inquiries to Dr. Renee Murley (renee.murley@memphis.edu or 901-678-5083).

POSITION TITLE & NUMBER Instructor of Special Education in the Department of Instruction and Curriculum Leadership at the Lambuth Campus in Jackson, TN. Non-tenure-track, 12month Position #16150.

SETTING The University of Memphis, a Tennessee Board of Regents institution, is recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as one of two public high activity research universities and the only community engaged public university in Tennessee. U of M has six colleges and three professional schools serving a diverse population of 23,000 students, 5,000 of whom are enrolled in graduate programs. The University is strongly committed to its metropolitan mission, serving urban, suburban, and rural communities in a tri-state area. We recognize the importance of the role a diverse and integrated faculty and administration play in fulfilling a comprehensive mission of research, education, and community outreach. The College of Education, with a faculty of 100 tenuretrack positions, is fully accredited by NCATE and houses more nationally recognized programs than any public university in the state. We are actively involved in school reform initiatives and are leaders in teacher education. The Department of Instruction and Curriculum Leadership, one of four departments in the college, offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Middle Grades Education, Secondary Education, Special Education, Reading Education, Instruction & Curriculum, and Instructional Design & Technology. Our MAT graduate program addresses many second career teachers with a desire to improve education in our metropolitan area. Please visit the websites of the university (http://www.memphis.edu/), the college (http://www.memphis.edu/cehhs/), and the department (http://www.memphis.edu/icl/).

SPORTS Tri-State Defender, Thursday, May 1 - 7, 2014, Page 16

Game 5 nail-biter gives Grizz chance to close out series Thunder on the ropes at FedExForum Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Kelley Evans

A one-point victory.

An NBA-record fourth consecutive overtime playoff game.

Welcome to the best-of-seven series between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

For the Grizzlies, the Game 5 win on Tuesday night at Chesapeake Energy Arena was a road victory earned by the slimmest of margins. They defeated the Thunder 100-99 in overtime to take a 3-2 lead in the series and set up a Game 6 battle Thursday night at the FedExForum.

Repeat after me: “The joint will be rocking!”

Game 5 in Oklahoma City marked the 158th consecutive home-court sellout for OKC. And at the end, silence filled the arena.

Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley made the last basket of the game with an assist from Marc Gasol. That left 2.9 seconds to play in overtime, setting the stage for a memorable sequence.

Thunder superstar and scoring-machine Kevin Durant fired up a threepointer.

He missed.

OKC’s Serge Ibaka gobbled up the rebound.

With the hand of Memphis’ Tayshaun Prince in his face, Ibaka shot. It went in. The fans screamed.

Moments later, a collective sigh engulfed the place. After a nerve-testing review, the shot was ruled no good. It left Ibaka’s hands right after the buzzer.

“I had a good look at it and I thought it was good when it left my hand,” Durant said of his three-point heave. “And then Serge’s follow shot was just late.”

Mike Miller, who has played in every game during the regular season and playoff series, led the Grizzles with 21 points off the bench. He hit five three-pointers, knocking down two biggies during OT. Zach Randolph muscled his way to 20 points and 10 rebounds.

“Nothing comes easy for us,” Randolph said. “We get it out of the mud, we grind and we’re underdogs. It’s what we do.”

Conley, who surrendered a heartwrenching steal and basket to OKC’s Russell Westbrook with Memphis clinging to a 2-point lead, finished with 17 points. Gasol pitched in 11 points and 15 rebounds.

The stat lines cannot convey the overall play of Memphis’ Tony Allen, who would not stop playing defense even when he had fallen to the floor.

Grizz head coach Dave Joerger took advantage of Allen’s defensive acumen, at times assigning him to play Durant, Westbrook and off-the-bench menace Reggie Jackson.

“We understand this team very well,” Allen said. “We’ve been playing against this team the last four years with this group. We understand their plays; we understand who

A Los Angeles Clippers fan holds up a sign referencing the Donald Sterling situation before Game 5 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Golden State Warriors at the Staples Center on Tuesday (April 28th). (Photo: Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Oprah’s name floated as possible new Clippers owner NBA owners wonʼt stand in the way of a sale The Root

by Stephen A. Crockett Jr.

Memphis fans will pack the FedExForum on Thursday night, hopeful that Zach Randolph and the Grizz can muscle up and pull out a seriesending victory over the Thunder. (Photo: Wiley Henry) The shot clock elapsed before Serge Ibakaʼs shot left his hand, giving Memphis a one-point victory in Game 5. (Photo: Screenshot)

they’re trying to run their offense through. We know Kevin Durant is going to take his shots and Russell Westbrook is going to take his shots.

We have to contest those shots and stick to our defensive coverages for 48 minutes.”

Westbrook led all scorers with 30 points, banking a triple-double with 13 assists and 10 rebounds. Durant finished with 26 points. Ibaka and Caron Butler each scored 15 points.

The Grizzlies outscored the Thun-

der in the paint, 40-32. There were only two lead changes and three ties.

The Grizzlies led by as many as 20 and the Thunder only led by one point the entire game.

The Grizzlies wore their warm ups inside out in support of the Los Angeles Clippers, who are in the eye of storm that surrounds the franchise following the revelation of racist remarks by owner Donald Sterling and his subsequent lifetime ban by new NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

No NBA owners plan to side with embattled Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling after NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the heaviest sanctions possible against the owner, including putting Sterling’s ownership rights to a vote.

Without the support of the owners, Sterling would be forced to sell his team, according to the Associated Press, which contacted a majority of NBA ownership groups on Tuesday (April 28th).

The news that a Clippers fire sale may be under way has sent the elite to their piggy banks to see if they have enough loose change to bond together to purchase the team. So far early reports have boxer Floyd Mayweather, Bad Boy CEO Sean Combs and OWN CEO Oprah Winfrey all boxing out for position to grab the Clippers’ reins. While Mayweather and Combs have merely expressed interest, ESPN has announced that Winfrey, David Geffen and Larry Ellison will join together to make a serious run at owning the team.

“Oprah is not interested in running the team,” Geffen told ESPN. “She thinks it would be a great thing for an important black American to own (another) franchise.

“The team deserves a better group of owners who want to win,” he continued. “Larry would sooner die than fail. I would sooner die than fail. Larry’s a sportsman. We’ve talked about this for a long time. Between the three of us, we have a good shot.”

According to ESPN, the music-and-movie mogul, who is worth a reported $6.2 billion, was rebuffed by Sterling in 2010 when he attempted to buy a controlling stake in the Clippers for $600 million.

But before the team could be sold, 75 percent of the current owners would have to vote for Sterling to lose his rights to the team. Of the 24 teams contacted by AP, 16 ownership groups said that they believe Sterling should be forced to sell his team, and another eight declined to say which way they planned to vote. But none of the teams contacted by AP said they would support Sterling.

With a total of 30 teams in the NBA, for Sterling to be forced to sell, three-quarters of them would have to vote in favor of it – meaning 22 yes votes if 29 teams vote, and 23 votes if the Clippers also have a vote.

Silver issued an extremely stiff series of sanctions against the league’s longest-tenured owner in response to recorded racist comments that were leaked on TMZ. Silver imposed a lifetime ban against Sterling, fined him $2.5 million, and said he will rally other teams in the NBA to support his decision to have Sterling sell the team.

Shortly after Silver’s announcement, most teams in the league – including the Clippers – issued statements supporting the move.

“The Commissioner was correct to ban Mr. Sterling from all official NBA business, to levy the stiffest allowable fine, and we will support his recommendation to press for Mr. Sterling to relinquish his ownership of the Los Angeles Clippers franchise,” read a statement from Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and team President Michael Reinsdorf, AP reports. “We believe Commissioner Silver’s decision reflects the best interests of the NBA and public civility.”

Longtime sportscaster Jim Gray, who spoke with Sterling moments before Silver’s announcement, told Fox News that Sterling has no plans to sell the club. According to AP, the league will have to present Sterling with some form of notice informing him that they intend to seek the termination of his ownership. Sterling will have an opportunity to respond. Presumably, at that point the league’s board of governors would then be called for a vote.

“I fully expect to get the support I need from the other NBA owners to remove him,” Silver said.

Boxer Bernard Hopkins continues to defy age New America Media

by Elton Hayes As Beibut Shumenov struggled to gather his wits enough to hoist himself up from the mat, Bernard Hopkins gave him a quick glance and then turned to soak up the applause and acclaim of the more than 6,800 boxing fans who packed the D.C. Armory.

As the mostly pro-Hopkins crowd chanted “B-Hop” to show their approval, the living legend took it all in.

His left jab had just lured the Kazakhstan-born Shumenov in enough to bite. A big mistake. Hopkins then countered with a powerful overhand right that crashed into the side of Shumenov’s head and sent him wobbling to the ground.

Not too shabby for a 49year-old boxer who scored an 11th-round knockdown of his 30-year-old opponent.

“I’m not done yet,” Hopkins said following his victory. “The pound-for-pound best fighter in the world right now

At, 49, Bernard Hopkins takes it to Beibut Shumenov, his 30-year-old opponent. (Photo: courtesy of Showtime Boxing)

is Floyd “Money” Mayweather. But behind Andre Ward, who I believe is second and should be, I’m not too far from the top three ... I’m not done yet.”

Hopkins won a controversial split decision over Shumenov on April. Judge Gustavo Padilla scored the fight 114-113 in Shumenov’s favor while the other two judges – Dave Moretti and Jerry Roth –

scored it 116-111 in favor of Hopkins.

Padilla’s scorecard elicited boos from those in attendance whose allegiance to Hopkins was made even more apparent when the boxer strolled to the ring in burgundy-and-gold trunks, to pay homage to the host city.

While not known to possess the hitting power of fighters such as Wladimir Klitschko

and Adonis Stevenson, Hopkins relied on the use of elusive defense and strategic, well-placed punches to set the pace early in the fight – a formula that has afforded him longevity and success over the past four decades.

“I think (Shumenov) was surprised at the way I stood there and could make him miss,” Hopkins said. “I didn’t use my legs, I didn’t run and I didn’t jump in-and-out of danger. I stayed in the pocket. I had my better moments on the ropes.”

After shaking off a sluggish start in the first few rounds Hopkins settled down and went to work. With his right hand as his preferred weapon he unloaded a barrage of jabs and power punches that riddled Shumenov’s torso. Ever the showman, Hopkins offered a few jokes about his inability to score a technical knockout during his post-fight press conference.

“I can’t get a damn knockout. I tell you, I’ll retire if I get a knockout,” he said with a laugh. “You know I’m going

to be around until I’m 80. I’ll retire when I get a knockout.”

Hopkins chose efficiency over volume as he threw 225 fewer punches than Shumenov, 19 years his junior. And while Hopkins connected on 46 percent of his jabs, his body punches proved to be most effective.

“As soon as he threw a punch, he committed himself,” Hopkins said of his strategy to punish Shumenov’s body. “I would see his ribs and I would punch them.

That takes something out of you. And after a while, you start to feel that. Once he backed up, I knew that I got him. That set up that right hand (that caused the knockdown).”

With the victory, Hopkins added yet another achievement to an already-growing list as he became the oldest fighter to unify titles. In addition to retaining his International Boxing Federation light-heavyweight belt, he also claimed Shumenov’s International Boxing Association and World Boxing Association

titles.

The Philadelphia native has changed nicknames a few times throughout his career, but his current choice of “Alien” seems about right.

The fact that he continues to defy age without showing signs of slowing is an anomaly in a sport that frequently chews up fighters half his age.

But Hopkins isn’t thinking about slowing down. In fact, he welcomes any challenger who stands between him and adding to his legacy in the sport.

“I must be the light-heavyweight undisputed champion before I leave, because no one has ever been able to do that in boxing. I want the hardest puncher and the [biggest] threat,” Hopkins said. “Because without a threat, and I’m not saying that I’m not motivated, it won’t be as spicy to all of you and it won’t be spicy to the history of boxing.”

(Elton Hayes reported this story for the Washington Informer.)