6 27 2012

VOL. 61, No. 25

To Your Health!

June 21 - 27, 2012

Trayvon’s family, lawyers respond to Sanford police chief dismissal

NEW ORLEANS – After attending the opening ceremony for the 37th Annual National Association of Black Journalists Convention and Career Fair, the family of Trayvon Martin and their legal team held an exclusive news conference to respond to the firing of Sanford, Fla. Police Chief Bill Lee on Wednesday (June 20).

Under Lee’s direction, Sanford police decided not to arrest George Zimmerman, who fatally shot the 17-year-old Martin.

Martin’s family and legal team were set to participate in NABJ’s “Trayvon Martin: A Crime Story in the Digital Age,” newsmaker session on Thursday (June 21) morning.

During Wednesday’s news conference, family attorney Benjamin Crump noted that the city manager of Sanford had an internal investigation into the matter concerning Lee. “The parents of Trayvon Martin respect the decision of the city manager.

They remain vigilant in getting justice for their son and the tragedy that claimed his life,” said Crump. “Mr. Martin always thought that the killer of his son should have been arrested and he had to go, with Sabrina (Martin’s mother) and a lot of people, to great lengths to have the killer of his son arrested.

“So, it is one of those things – he has always believed that (Zimmerman) should have been arrested when he killed his son.”

Credibility, said Crump, is the issue, especially as it relates to recent develops involving jailhouse records.

“It has always been only George Zimmerman’s word and his version that Trayvon Martin attacked him,” said Crump. “All of the objective evidence in this case: the 911 tapes, George Zimmerman’s statement himself...that’s objective. That stuff we can hear with our own ears.

“The fact that (Trayvon’s) on the phone with his friend the same time SEE TRAYVON ON PAGE 6

- INSIDE -

• High air fares are ‘ice on our wings.’ See Opinion, page 4.

• Rodney King: Tragedy, triumph and tragedy. See Nation, page 5.

www.tsdmemphis.com

75 Cents

Kevin Hopson (right) goes with the flow as Okoia Uket conducts one of the health screenings offered at the TSD 2012 Community Health Fair and Family Fun Day. (Photo by Shirley Jackson)

TSD Health Fair bonds and bridges Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Karanja A. Ajanaku Gregory Douglas and Kevin Hopson did not know each other before each took a finger and placed it in the hands of a third “stranger” at The New Tri-State Defender 2012 Health Fair on Saturday (June 16).

The third party was Okoia Uket, a secondyear student at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s College of Pharmacy. She’s from Brooklyn, N.Y. Settings such as TSD’s Annual Community Health Fair and Fun Day – held this year at Douglass High School in conjunction with the Juneteenth Freedom and Heritage Festival – help her practice in her area of interest and build

• Lady Tigers land MTSU transfer, Central High alum.

See Sports, page 14.

up on local knowledge.

Douglas, noting that he and Hopson had just met, said he was there to “see what was going on with his system.” These days, he is a frontline booster for getting as much information – preferably far in advance – about your health status as possible.

It’s not just a passing thought. Over a year ago, Douglas drove himself to an emergency room, complaining of stomach pains. He’d had them for some time before seeking treatment.

After assessing the results of initial tests, the doctors returned, asking Douglas if he indeed had driven to the hospital. They could not believe it. The results showed Douglas had diabetes, and that his glucose levels were dangerously high.

INSIDE Healthy Church Challenge finale signals ‘the beginning of a new beginning.’ See Health, page 7.

Now playing: stress, but it doesn’t have to be a long run. See Chef Timothy, page 7.

Empowering the African-American community, starting with public health.

See Business, page 12.

Ryan White, local barbershop partner for National HIV Testing Day. See Community, page 13.

Group moves to put Whitehaven at front of get-fit Memphis push. See Community, page 13.

Douglas was stunned.

Much has changed since then. He’s lost 60SEE HEALTH ON PAGE 2

TECHNOLOGY

The video game revolution: Ready to come aboard?

From apps to game consoles and beyond, video games have invaded our lives – in a good way An art form deserving

by Cornelius A. Fortune of respect Real Times News Service

El DeBarge

• ‘El’ seems focused this time around. See Entertainment, page 10.

MEMPHIS WEEKEND

FRIDAY

H- 9 2o - L - 6 9o Su nny

SATURDAY

H- 9 2o - L - 6 9o S unn y

REGIONAL TEMPS LITTLE ROCK NASHVILLE JACKSON, MS

Friday H-94 L-69 H-91 L-68 H-96 L-70

SUNDAY

H- 9 5o - L - 7 2o Mo stl y Sun ny

Saturday H-94 L-70 H-93 L-67 H-94 L-71

Sunday H-96 L-73 H-95 L-70 H-97 L-71

Take a look at some of the recent video game trailers on your TV. You’ve seen them. Chances are, you might have thought at the beginning of the teaser that it was a movie.

The Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery are presenting “The Art of Video Games,” an exhibit that runs until Sept. 30 in New York at the American Art Museum. I would venture that aside from graphic novels, video games are becoming the best breeding ground for sequential storytelling; a blending of writing and illustration that’s purer than cinema, and more expansive than comics could ever be.

And you thought it was just a phase.

“Pong” seems almost prehistoric now, given the advances in video games. Each decade has spawned its own hits and has moved the characters within the gaming world closer to AI (Artificial Intelligence) status.

It’s difficult to pin down exactly why gamers are so passionate. But like sports fans, cinephiles, and comic geeks, gamers have their own network. You don’t have to be a hardcore gamer to enter this world. A game console (Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Nintendo Wii) is usually a start, though these days you can play games right on your mobile phone (“Angry Birds: Space” rules).

Here are some reasons to join the video game revolution:

Fun for the whole family

Thanks to the Xbox 360’s Kinect, and of course, the Wii, the simple idea of sitting on a couch and SEE GAMES ON PAGE 3

Active vs. passive storytelling

You can have a great time at the movies, but what if you can become the movie?

That’s the type of experience video games offer.

It’s an interactive experience far richer than sitting in a movie theater (or at home) and watching events happen.

It’s hand and eye coordination, and often times, it requires some analytical thinking (depending on the game).

“Sonic the Hedgehog” and “Super Mario Bros.” – ʼ80s staples – have crossed over into the new millennium quite gracefully.

The New Tri-State Defender is beefing up its emphasis on technology coverage in conjunction with its parent company, Real Times Media. Anchoring the coverage will be periodic reports by Cornelius A. Fortune, managing editor of the Michigan Chronicle.

Page 2

NEWS

Tri-State Defender

June 21 - 27, 2012

Juneteenth 2012

Juneteenth Freedom & Heritage Festival Founder Glynn Johns Reed, who has turned the reins over to new Executive Director Telisa Franklin, enjoys a festival moment.

Marjorie “A Womanʼs World” Johnson felt the urge to dance while listening to the Sonny Mack Band.

The Juneteenth Freedom & Heritage Festival is an annual staple in Douglass Park. This yearʼs celebration was No. 19 in Memphis. (Photos by Tyrone P. Easley)

Dancing is exercise and the groove was right for this Health Fair trio. (Photos by Shirley Jackson)

Asell Fitchpatric (right) and Glenith Bedford of UnitedHealthcare had info aplenty to share.

Gregory Douglas, his wife, Kathy (right), and her mother, Mary Shaw, got all they could out of the TSD Community Health Fair and Family Fun Day.

HEALTH

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

plus pounds and substantively changed his diet, leaning heavily on grilled and baked foods, eliminating some historical favorites completely and counting starches on the fly.

And just as importantly, he has been on a health, self-education

campaign, learning all he can, from wherever he can.

Douglas was self-employed when he first got his diagnosis.

Since then, he has taken on employment to help meet bills that escalated with his condition.

But don’t think Douglas is sad or depressed. He’s not. He’s learned that diabetes can be controlled. And he’s learned to seek help where he can find it (health fairs) and use all that he can.

Methodist Health Care volunteers were organized to serve.

Asell Fitchpatric and Glenith Bedford were at the Health Fair with service in mind. They are with UnitedHealthcare, and bother were determined to bridge the gap

between health services available and the people who need those services.

“In many instances there are people who don’t know that there

are things out there that can help them,” Bedford said.

Don’t waste any time thinking that Bedford drew the short straw at the office and wound up designated to give up a Saturday to work a health fair.

“No, not at all. It’s a privilege in many ways,” said Bedford, “You have to always be on the other side of the table. It was not so long ago that my mother was alive and well.

She was 85 when she passed. Of course, the burden fell on me, as well as my sisters, to make sure things were taken care of.

“It would have been a big help if we’d known at the time things like this were available to make us aware of what we could do for her.”

(The 2012 Community Health Fair and Family Fun Day was the fourth annual event for The New Tri-State Defender, with primary sponsorship this year by Methodist Healthcare.)

TECHNOLOGY

Tri-State Defender

Page 3

June 21 - 27, 2012

Kindle Fire beware – the Galaxy Tab 7.7 has arrived Real Times News Service

by Cornelius A. Fortune

“HITMAN: ABSOLUTION” is one of the most highly anticipated games of 2012.

GAMES

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

playing the latest “Grand Theft Auto” has morphed into games that promote exercise and physical participation.

Lucas Art’s “Star Wars: Kinect” is a fun way to fulfill your dreams of becoming a Jedi. Aspiring singers and

Do political differences reflect in wireless usage?

(PRNewswire) – Validas, a world leader in mobile intelligence, has unleashed a study linking politics and wireless data consumption habits.

Using VERA, Validas’ patented “Big Data” analytics engine, the company isolated the average data consumption per wireless user across the 50 states (including Washington, D.C.) using a sample size of over 10,000 wireless bills.

Overlaid onto a political map of America based on the 2008 Presidential election, the results suggest that Americans of all political stripes consume wireless data similarly, and may suggest trends to spot for the upcoming 2012 election.

Validas found that wireless consumers from Republican states averaged 447 Megabytes (MB) per month, while those in Democratic states were virtually a dead heat at 449MB per month.

“It’s striking that Democratic and Republican states could be so close in how their citizens engage the wireless technology that is integral to many people’s lives,” said Dylan Breslin-Barnhart, VP of Communications at Validas.

Besides commonalities, could the wireless usage map also point to differences that might indicate who becomes the next president?

Of the Top 10 states with the most average data usage per person, six voted Democratic (including Washington, D.C.) and four voted Republican in 2008. If those numbers switch this autumn, is that a good sign for Romney?

Or consider the two “swing” states in the Top 10: Missouri (Republican, 539MB average usage per person) and Virginia (Democratic, 654MB average usage per person). In splits like this, will the presidency again go to whoever wins the swing state with greater average usage per person?

One thing for sure – processing the complex wireless data behind these questions is something VERA was built for.

Validas serves one-third of the Fortune 500.

(For more information, visit http://www.validas.com.)

TSD NEWSPAPER LOCATIONS

dancers can have a Kinect party while they wait for the next seasons of “American Idol” and “Dancing with the Stars.”

Easily accessible

Like most entertainment, you’ll find everything from first person shooters, sci-fi (haven’t seen much romance, but it might be out there),

crime, horror, even fans of puzzle games and “Jeopardy” will find a game of interest.

If you own either an iPhone or any Android phone, you’ll find plenty of games to get into, most are free or under a dollar (the all-time $.99 crowd pleaser). You can also play titles on your computer, which doesn’t get the same love as it did in days of yore.

Having owned a Kindle Fire for nearly half year, I’ve come to the realization that with all its advances, by and large, it’s an e-reader +, not a tablet. Don’t get fooled with that phrasing. And neither is Barnes & Noble’s Nook Tablet. One thing distinguishes the Kindle Fire and the Nook from Android tablets – they only share a small portion of that marketplace. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 is the real deal.

It’s 0.7 inches larger than the Kindle Fire, but more importantly, users have full access to the Android Market. Productivity users will rejoice in the compact size and power of the device. As far as pricing, the Galaxy Tab 7.7 comes in at around $499 (The Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 retails for $249).

So, depending on how you choose to use it, the Galaxy Tab 7.7 could be a very good fit, if you’re looking for an alternative to the 10-inch tablet. Some folks prefer simplicity, ease of use, and a smaller size for portability.

The Galaxy Tab 7.7 also has a new HD screen technology dubbed Super AMOLED that is quite stunning.

Granted, if price is your biggest consideration, a Kindle Fire is adequate for content consumption: books, magazines, streaming Netflix and other things, but if you really want to get some work done, the Galaxy Tab 7.7’s a good bet.

Galaxy Tab 7.7

The tablet is available on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network.

For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com.

Page 4

OPINION

Tri-State Defender

June 21 - 27, 2012

John H. Sengstacke Publisher (1951 - 1997)

The Mid-Southʼs Best Alternative Newspaper

A Real Times Newspaper

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

Myth or reality: black fathers missing and uninvolved?

NNPA News Service

by Kaila Heard

High air fares are ‘ice on our wings’ Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Tom Jones

For Memphis businesses, every dollar spent on an exorbitantly high Delta Airlines ticket is a dollar that can’t be invested in growing the business or creating jobs. In our personal lives, because of unjustifiably expensive tickets, we accept the fact that we cannot afford to attend out-oftown activities with friends and families that are taken for granted by people in most cities.

Because of these concerns, I created a Facebook group called Delta Does Memphis as a place for Memphians to express their frustration and anger in the monopolistic practices of Delta Airlines at Memphis International Airport.

The personal stories have been consistent and at times unbelievable: airfares that make no sense and have no relationship to market forces. There are local companies who are passed over for work in other cities because potential clients won’t pay their airfares from Memphis. There are conventions and tourists that choose to go to cities with affordable airfares.

There are Jackson, Tenn., residents who now drive to Nashville rather than Memphis for their air travel.

There are special places like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital whose fundraising is inhibited and the costs of flying children in for care are testing budgets. There are CEOs for Fortune 500 companies who complain that airfares cause them to have sales meetings in other cities.

There are stories about a $1,400 ticket to a funeral for a prominent Memphian while the rest of the family flew from other cities with tickets $1,000 cheaper. There is the young Memphis mother who can’t afford to attend her friends’ weddings because of Delta’s gouging.

There are the countless stories about people driving to Little Rock and taking Southwest Airlines to their destinations, but there are also numerous stories about people who drove to Little Rock to board a Delta flight and then flew back to Memphis before departing to their destinations.

One of these boomerang flights resulted in a former Memphian flying here from Salt Lake City for more than $600 while his son flew from Salt Lake City to Little Rock for about $250. The son’s route home was Little Rock to Memphis to Salt Lake City.

The stories go on and on but one thing is clear: unfair airfares touch all parts of our economy and our lives, but in particular, it creates a hurdle for our people, our professionals, and our companies to connect with the national economy. The repercussions to our economy are pervasive.

If I have employees in Memphis, it is too expensive and now inconvenient to fly them anywhere. If I am a supplier in Memphis, it is too expensive to see my customers unless I can drive to them. If I am a professional, it is expensive to connect with a peer group elsewhere. If I am a young entrepreneur or young professional, it is an expensive place if I need easy and affordable connectivity.

In other words, at the time every city needs to connect easily and freely with the rest of the world, we have a major barrier to entry because our citizens are priced out of full participation in the global and even the national market because of air fares.

Over the years, the tendency of Airport Authority officials to mimic Delta Airlines talking points has only exacerbated widespread concern.

Meanwhile, the airline does what it does best – issuing pro forma re-

sponses about how much Memphis means to the company and that we pay a premium to have so many flights and how fuel costs are responsible for driving up the prices of Memphis airline tickets.

Cincinnati officials took airline officials at their word when they said the city was valued as a key part of the airlines’ network, when in fact, years before, the decision had been made to abandon Cincinnati. Today, Cincinnati is no longer a Delta Airlines hub and it has closed down two of its terminals.

It is a cautionary tale for Memphis International Airport. In retrospect, city officials in Cincinnati believe that the death knell was when Northwest Airlines built a $1 billion terminal in Detroit. To pay for it, airline officials moved flights from Cincinnati to Detroit to pay its costs. The question for us is what impact will the new $1.4 billion terminal in Atlanta have on Memphis flights and will Delta Airlines move more of them to Atlanta to pay for the new facility there.

It’s unlikely that Delta Airlines is going to increase the number of flights in Memphis. The smart money is that it will continue to whittle down flights here. Because of it, we need to learn from Nashville about life after a hub. When American Airlines closed its Nashville hub in 1995, Chamber of Commerce officials there bemoaned the city’s misfortune.

Now, it has multiple air carriers, lower airfares, and roughly the same number of direct flights as Memphis.

Chamber of Commerce officials credit the diversified carriers and competitive costs as keys to their successful recruitment of new businesses and economic growth.

Mayor Wharton has said: “The whole world is about competition, and we’ve got to find a way to be much more competitive. I can’t relocate my headquarters, but the business community can, as we are seeing.”

Congressional candidate Tomeka Hart has led the calls for candid discussions and assertive planning for the future. Congressman Steve Cohen has called on U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to investigate anti-trust violations by Delta Airlines in Memphis.

And yet, there’s little optimism in Memphis that things are going to get better in the near term, and it’s worth remembering that these high fares are taking place in a region with one of the lowest median household incomes of the 50 largest MSAs. Progress is being made in improving the Memphis economy, but it remains fragile, and a lot of things have to be done right for us to improve our trajectory. High air fares are ice on our wings at the exact time that we need for our economy to take off. It unlevels the playing field at the exact time that we need our best opportunity for new jobs and economic growth.

In other words, at the time every city needs to connect easily and freely with the rest of the world, we have a major obstacle, and the greatest irony of all is that in the city where FedEx invented modern global commerce, our citizens are priced out of full participation in the global and even the national market because of air fares.

In raising our voices, we are making progress. In joining together, we can do more. In calling for change, we are sending the unmistakable message that business as usual on this and so many other issues important to Memphis’ future is no longer acceptable.

(Tom Jones is the leader of Smart City Consulting.)

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IN THE MAIL

Tri-State Defender Platform

1. Racial prejudice worldwide must be destroyed.

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

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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

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Right-wingers hate Romney, but hate Obama more

What is interesting about the relationship of the extreme political Right to Mitt Romney is that they actually hate him. This is not speculation. If you review the language of the Republican primary season, it is clear that they actually despise him.

They do not believe that he is a real conservative. They do not believe that he even has a belief system.

Some of the so-called Christian elements do not trust his Mormonism.

So, one could say that there is an alignment that should result in the extreme Right sitting out the election.

Except for one thing: They hate (Barack) Obama even more.

So, November 2012 is shaping up to be something similar to November 1968. The Goldwater Republicans at that time had no love for Richard Nixon. They saw him as much too soft. But Nixon was the candidate at the moment and the Right saw in Nixon cover in order to give them more time to move their agenda.

They turned out to be quite successful, all things considered. Though the Watergate scandal got in their way, it did not block their road to power; it just delayed it.

Obama’s re-election would be difficult under the best of circumstances, but he is not facing the best of circumstances. Though he prevented total economic collapse, his overall program of responding to the economic crisis has been weak. His healthcare reform, while truly historic, was a vast compromise and even with that faces the possibility of being blown up by the Supreme Court.

And internationally, though the U.S. has largely withdrawn from Iraq, the war in Afghanistan and Pakistan continues, to name only two locations. This has demoralized much of Obama’s base. What is worse is

that that very same base was not mobilized by its leaders in the first two years of the Obama presidency to pressure the administration.

Karl Rove was quite correct in pointing out that Bill the Romney road Fletcher Jr. to victory, should it happen, is brought about through a demoralization of the Obama base. It is also the case that it comes through playing the race card and voter suppression tactics.

Yet it is the strategy of the political Right that is quite noteworthy. Their aim is to destroy the Obama presidency, but more importantly, to destroy the possibility of a two-party system. While it is absolutely the case that Obama has done all that he can do to save capitalism, and in that sense is nothing approaching a socialist, the political Right wants to remove obstacles to the extension and possible completion of their political agenda. Their attitude towards Romney, therefore, is an alliance of convenience rather than an alliance of trust and respect. He serves as their battering ram.

Therefore, do not rest any significant hope in a split on the Right because Romney is not the candidate that enthralls the Right (the way that the Right was taken with Ronald Reagan). All that the Right is concerned with at the moment is electing Romney, not re-electing Obama.

(NNPA columnist Bill Fletcher Jr. is a senior scholar with the Institute for Policy Studies. He can be reached at papaq54@hotmail.com.)

FLASHBACK: 2009

One of the most popular statistics about the black family that is currently being touted is how 72 percent of black children are being raised in a single-parent household.

The prevailing assumption being that because of the lack of wedded couples, children from these unions are being raised without their fathers.

However, does the dearth of marriages in black communities mean that there is also an epidemic of missing, uninvolved fathers?

Recent research suggests that this is not necessarily the case, according to Dr. Waldo Johnson, a professor at the University of Chicago who studies the black family.

“One thing that we don’t give young African-American fathers credit for is that even when they don’t get married they are still more involved with their children than white and Latino fathers,” Johnson said.

However, “It is certain across the board that there are perhaps far fewer fathers involved in their children’s lives than ideally we would like it,” he said.

One of the groups of fathers that may have the biggest uphill battle to be involved parents are young fathers, teens and young adults who become fathers when they are between the ages of 13 to 24 years old.

“For young African-American fathers, they are much less likely to get jobs, and for all fathers across the board, that is considered a very important part of being a father,” Jackson explained.

An increasing awareness of the need to educate fathers about essential parenting and life skills has led to fatherhood supportive services, initiatives and classes being offered in local communities.

In Miami, the Fatherhood Task Force of South Florida, Inc. promotes the importance of fathers and advocates for “father-friendly” training, programs and even marketing.

“We’re a hub for resources and we were developed to help and guide them because all fathers need some kind of guidance,” said J. Phillip Tavernier, a founding member of the task force’s board of directors.

Sheldon L. Smith, 23, founded Chicago’s Dove Tail Project in 2010, when he noticed the lack of support for himself and other young fathers in his neighborhood.

“The first lesson of fatherhood that I learned was that fatherhood didn’t come with a manual,” said Smith, who became a single father when he was 20 years old. “Everything was really like a test pilot, I had to learn how do you hold the baby in your arms and how would I provide for her.”

His experiences helped him develop the Dove Tail Project, a voluntary 12-week course where young fathers meet once a week to learn more about topics such as parenting, life skills and even job training. So far, the program has had 79 graduates.

Over the course of the two years that his program has been in operation, Smith has learned a profound lesson about black fathers. “(What) I really learned from (my students) is that society has it wrong about African American fathers,” he said. “It’s not that they don’t want to be fathers because we’re lazy, it’s because of our upbringing and not having our own fathers around.”

(Special to the NNPA from The Miami Times. Contact Kaila Heard at kheard@miamitimesonline.com.)

FACEBOOK FAN OF THE WEEK Shayna Rattler

This weekʼs FBF (Facebook Fan) of the Week is Shayna Rattler, who grew up in Jacksonville, Ill., and has been in the Memphis area for a number of years. She attended the University of Tennessee Center for the Health Sciences and graduated with a degree in Occupational Therapy.

A business owner and experienced real estate investor, Rattler serves as the President of Success Unlimited (formerly the Growth Coach) in partnership with her business partner, Natasha Bowen.

Says Rattler: “I am an entrepreneur that is outgoing and full of life!”

She enjoys R&B and gospel music and is also an avid Dallas Cowboy fan. When not running her business, she enjoys cooking and traveling. Rattler appears poised to be a leading lady in Memphis in the areas of business and civic engagement for years to come and we are glad to say she is a part of the TSD Facebook family!

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NATION

Tri-State Defender

Page 5

June 21 - 27, 2012

Rodney King: Tragedy, triumph and tragedy

by Earl Ofari Hutchinson New America Media

Less than two weeks before his death, I was scheduled to interview Rodney King on the public stage at the annual Leimert Park Book festival in Los Angeles. I had two conflicting thoughts about the interview.

One was that if the wellworn term accident of history ever applied to anyone, it was King. The second was what made King such an enduring figure and most importantly, a symbol: the shockingly detailed video-taped beating by four white Los Angeles Police officers 21 years earlier.

It was not simply that King was the center of recent press attention with the commemoration of the twentieth anniversary of the L.A. riots.

And it was certainly not because he had just published a modestly successful book, “The Riot Within: My Journey from Rebellion to Redemption.” King was the near classic protean tragic figure of interest and curiosity precisely because there was so much tragedy, followed by triumph, and in the end tragedy in the way his life ended.

The tragedy was the beating. Those few brutal, savage, and violent moments, catapulted King, a marginally employed, poorly educated excon into a virtual global household name. It cast the spotlight on one of the nation’s deepest sore spots, police abuse, brutality and misconduct against African Americans, minorities and the poor.

It turned the LAPD into the national poster symbol of a lawless, out of control, big city racist police force.

King was the most unlikely of unlikely figures to spotlight this deep national sore, to launch a painful national soul search, and in the coming months become the trigger for the most destructive urban riot in modern U.S. history. King, of course, was only the centerpiece for the colossal tragedy that engulfed a city and nation.

The warning signs that L.A. was a powder keg were there long before the Simi Valley jury with no African Americans acquitted the four LAPD cops that beat King. There was the crushingly high poverty rate in South L.A., a spiraling crime and drug epidemic, neighborhoods that were among the most racially balkanized in the nation, anger over the hand slap sentence for a Korean grocer that murdered a black teenage girl in an altercation, and black-Korean tensions that had reached a boiling point.

The triumph was that King lived long enough to see the issue of police misconduct especially that of the LAPD, become the focus of intense discussion, debate, and ultimately reform measures that transformed some police agencies into better models of control, accountability, the reduction of use of force violence, and more emphasis on community partnership. The recent spate of police shootings of young unarmed black and Hispanic males in some cities under dubious circumstances shows that the job of full police reform is still very much a work and progress, and there is wide room for backsliding.

The irony here is that the very day that King died thousands took to the streets in New York City in a silent march sponsored by the NAACP to protest the stop and frisk tactics of the New

Rodney King was found dead at his homeʼs swimming pool in Southern California early on Sunday, June 18. (Photo by Morgan St. John/ “The Riot Within: My Journey from Rebellion to Redemption)

York Police Department that allegedly targets mostly African Americans and Latinos for unwarranted stops and searches.

But the fact remains that the King beating and the subsequent riots permanently raised awareness that police abuse is a cancer that must be excised.

There was personal triumph for King as well. His magnan-

imous statement, “People, I just want to say, can we all get along? Can we get along?” at a press conference the third day of the riots helped stanch the violence. King’s utter lack of any expression of public bitterness toward the LAPD and with the exception of a few minor scrapes with the law, his relatively low profile, softened some of the anger

and vilification, some of it borderline racist, that King got from a wide swatch of the public. This was capped by the publication of his autobiography, and the relatively warm rush of favorable reviews it got.

The final tragedy was King’s surprising and untimely death. He was only 47. He had attained a partial rehabili-

tation in terms of his bad guy image. He was a recognized author. His name was eternally synonymous with a pantheon of transformative figures at the center of the many monumental events in the nation’s history. This indeed was the tragedy, triumph and final tragedy of Rodney King.

(Earl Ofari Hutchinson, an

associate editor of New America Media, is a frequent political commentator on MSNBC and a weekly co-host of the “Al Sharpton Show” on American Urban Radio Network.

He is the host of the weekly Hutchinson Report on KPFKRadio and the Pacifica Network.

Follow him at h t t p : / / t w i t t e r. c o m / e a r l hutchinson.)

NATION

Page 6

June 21 - 27, 2012

TRAYVON

D.C. residents dispute harassment of AfricanAmerican politicians

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

that Zimmerman is on the phone with the 911 operator, that’s objective evidence because phone records are objective.”

The special prosecutor in the case has sent a strong message that you have to tell the truth when you’re in the court of law, said Crump.

Martin’s mother, Sabrina Fulton, pointed to the ongoing support the family receives, including people who just walk up and give them a hug.

“It does the heart good,” Fulton said. “Yes, we still are hurting. We just had to go through a Mother’s Day and a Father’s Day and it hurts. It just hurts.

It’s just good to know that there are good people and there are people who support us. We just want to say thank you and keep praying for us.

Attorney Daryl Parks said, “It’s important that we really believe that, as all of this has unfolded, we’ve continued to move closer to justice.”

Tri-State Defender

NNPA News Service

by James Wright

Trayvon Martinʼs family, including his father, Tracy Martin (left), and his mother, Sabrina Fulton, and attorneys at Wednesdayʼs news conference in New Orleans.

(Photo by Velvet S. McNeil)

Lunch and a smile…

First Lady Michelle Obama greets patrons before eating lunch at Nachoʼs Restaurant in Pueblo, Colo., on June 20. (White House photo by Sonya N. Hebert)

While the mayor of the District, the chairman of the D.C. Council and a former D.C. Council member have been prosecuted or are under investigation by federal authorities, some D.C. residents don’t believe they’re being targeted because of their race.

D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray is a subject of a federal investigation into his 2010 mayoral campaign activities. Former D.C. Council Chairman Kwame Brown pleaded guilty to bank-loan fraud in federal court and violation of campaign laws in D.C. Superior court on June 8. Harry Thomas Jr., a former Ward 5 D.C. Council member, is set to spend 38 months in prison for criminal misuse of $350,000 of public money.

Michael Hudgins, a resident of Northwest, said race had nothing to do with the men’s legal problems.

“I do understand why African Americans might feel that way,” said Hudgins, 41. “With the way that the population of African Americans in the city is decreasing there is a sense among some that black people are being pushed out of the city. I do know that there is tension surrounding Vincent Gray and some African Americans in the city.”

Black political office holders, activists and observers often talk about how black politicians are held to higher standards than their white counterparts. Renee Perry, a resident of Northeast, agrees in principle.

“Why do you have the investigations of Gray and Brown right now?” Perry, 52, asked rhetorically. “Look at what is happening on H Street (Northeast) and look at all of those Republicans in the U.S. Congress. Everything is connected and we are not hearing the whole truth about why Mayor Gray and Kwame Brown are being targeted.”

Perry said Vincent Gray’s character has been under attack since he was sworn in.

“I like Vincent Gray and I think he is doing a good job and nobody is perfect,” she said. “I think his predecessor, Adrian Fenty, was more to the liking of white people. Black people who do what white people want them to do tend to be left alone.”

However, Chuck Thies, a political analyst who is white, said that whites are not out to get

black elected officials.

“I don’t think there is a conspiracy to get Vince Gray out so that the city can have a white mayor,” said Thies, 47.

“Since Home Rule, D.C. has always had a black mayor and even though blacks are no longer the majority in the city, they are the plurality.

Vincent I do understand that there Gray are concerns about gentrification and older, working-class black neighborhoods becoming whiter.”

Thies, a resident of Northwest, said that whites in the District tend to be progressive and “are not tea party members.”

Hudgins thinks Thies is right.

“I think that white people are trying to change Kwame the city for the better,” he Brown said. “It is the way that they approach it, (that’s) “Nobody taught the problem.” them how to be Dorothy Lee, a resident of Northwest, said that evil. White public officials whites are not the problem but the inept behavior of have a black elected officials. doctorate on “I think that they (Gray, doing evil while Brown and Thomas) are blacks just have inexperienced (opposed to) their white counterGEDs.” when it comes to Dorothy Lee parts doing evil,” Lee said.

“Nobody taught them how to be evil. White public officials have a doctorate on doing evil while blacks just have GEDs.” Lee, a native of Vicksburg, Miss., said she witnessed ugly racial politics “upfront.” Still, she said, “if Vincent Gray and Kwame Brown had integrity, they would not (have fallen) so low….

“We get caught up stealing money from kids and stuffing money in our panties,” she said.

“We entrap our dumb selves.”

HEALTH

Tri-State Defender

Page 7

June 21 - 27, 2012

CHEF TIMOTHY

Now playing: stress, but it doesn’t have to be a long run

by Chef Timothy Moore Ph.D, N.M.D, C.N.

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Barbara Jackson (second from right, background), who won first place and received a $500 gift certificate after losing the most weight in the individual category, thanked the sponsor BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and the staff of The Carter Malone Group for making the Healthy Church Challenge 100-day weight loss competition possible for her to lose weight. She lost 32.2 pounds.

Healthy Church Challenge signals ‘the beginning of a new beginning’ Churches, weightloss participants ecstatic

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Wiley Henry

Barbara Jackson was shocked and ecstatic after a representative from BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee announced that she had won first place and received a $500 gift certificate after losing the most weight during the Healthy Church Challenge 100-day weight loss competition.

The announcement of individual winners and churches that loss the greatest percentage of weight was delivered before hundreds on June 17 at the 19th Annual Juneteenth Freedom & Heritage Festival in historic Douglass Park in the North Memphis community.

Jackson, a member of One Way Church of God in Christ, lost 32.2 pounds, followed by second place winner Anita Banks of St. Andrew A.M.E. Church, who lost 29 pounds.

Marcus Maxwell Ross, a member of Mt. Sinai M.B. Church, lost a total of 27.6 pounds. (All participants who attended each monthly weighin received an additional 2 lb. credit at the final weigh-in on June 9.)

“I was so excited, I forgot how much I really lost,” said Jackson, still feeling euphoric several days later. “When I got home, I told my brother that I’d won and he said, ‘Shut your mouth.’ I said, ‘I got it open now.’”

Brenda Thornton said she’s still “pumped” after learning that her church, Fullview M.B. Church in Bartlett, Tenn., won first place, which included a $5,000 gift certificate to the Sports Authority and nutritional counseling from Baptist Memorial Health Care. She also said she was “shocked, excited, overwhelmed and happy for the whole group.”

“I was like, oh my good-

Donna Richardson Joyner, internationally renowned fitness expert, was one of two keynote speakers for The Obesity Summit Saturday (June 16) at the Holiday Inn University of Memphis. Nearly 400 people were in attendance and joined Joyner and Rosalind Kurita, policy advisor to the Tennessee Department of Health, talk about ways in which participants can improve their health. (Photos by Wiley Henry/The Carter Malone Group) ness! I got home and couldn’t go to sleep,” said Thornton, who stayed the course until the competition ended. “I am so excited. This is the beginning of a new beginning.”

The second place winner, The Healing Cathedral Christian Church, received a $2,500 gift certificate to the Sports Authority as well, followed by third-place winner St. Andrew A.M.E. Church, which received a $1,500 gift certificate.

Hundreds of Mid-Southerners from 36 churches participated in the weight loss competition and many of them participated in The Obesity Summit as well at the Holiday Inn University of Memphis, which preceded the Healthy Church Challenge announcement of winners.

Internationally renowned fitness expert Donna Richardson Joyner keynoted the Summit along with Rosalind Kuri-

ta, policy advisor to the Tennessee Commissioner of Health. More than 275 people interested in losing weight and preventing the onset of obesity listened intently as Joyner and Kurita encouraged participants to eat healthy and exercise. Joyner started her presentation with a five-minute light workout.

The Healthy Church Challenge was sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, along with Baptist Memorial Health Care, News Channel 3, Hallelujah 95.7 FM, The New Tri-State Defender, and the Juneteenth Freedom and Heritage Festival.

(For updates and photos of The Obesity Summit and winners of the Healthy Church Challenge, visit Facebook.com/TheHealthyChurch Challenge.)

Stress is a killer. The devastating effects from stress will creep up on you like a thief in the night and rob you of your life. If you’re not careful, you won’t be around to enjoy life’s golden years or dote on your grandchildren. I hate to be this blunt, but this is a wakeup call.

What is stress? Your body is a unique construction of bones, muscles, blood vessels and an intricate nervous system that responds to interior and exterior threats. If a threat is perceived, your nervous system will release a stream of stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol. You become aroused and your body is now ready for action.

Here’s what generally happens: Your heart revs, beating much faster than normal.

Your blood pressure rises, muscles become tensed and breathing quickens. Your senses even become sharper, acute. Your body increases in stamina and is now prepared to meet any physical challenges or danger.

Essentially, your body has a defense mechanism that sounds an alarm when you’re upset, feel threatened, or experience impending danger.

Stress can save your life in an emergency situation by keeping you focused, alert and energetic. But then there’s a downside to stress: It can cause major damage to your health, reduce your quality of life and cause death.

One out of 10 people is affected by stress in some way at any given moment. Stress can overtake you as well when there is change in your routine or environment.

Nowadays, stress is more prevalent on jobs due to the uncertainty of the economy.

The nation’s unemployment rate hovers around 9 percent and jobs are scarce. There are

m a n y stressors, however, that can trigger ill health.

I can tell, in some cases, when people are struggling with stress.

They tend Dr. Timothy to wear a contorted Moore facial expression, Stress can save your life smile less frequentin an ly, anger emergency easily and situation by wallow in a sad keeping you focused, alert f u n k . e and energetic. Sp eoo m ple But then there’s are natua downside to r a l l y stress: It can s t r e s s e d over any cause major i t t l e damage to your lchange in health, reduce t h e i r your quality of lives. But life and cause then you may wondeath. der: Is it possible for mankind to be stress-free?

I think so – even if we’re faced with the unexpected.

Why can’t we just be happy and avoid the dangers of stress? Kind of reminds me of musician Bobby McFerrin’s 1988 a cappella hit song, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.”

One verse of the lyrics goes like this: “Ain’t got no place to lay your head/ Somebody came and took your bed/ But don’t worry, be happy/ The land lord say your rent is late/ He may have to litigate but don’t worry, be happy/ Look at me I am happy/ Don’t worry, be happy.”

Sounds like a 21st century problem to me. However, it’s easier to sing about it than to actually eradicate the problem. McFerrin was on point in 1988, but the stressors of

today can be too much of a burden for the shoulders of men and women who believe they have little reason to be happy.

Too many people are unhappy for any number of reasons and need a stress reliever. Stress, as I’ve mentioned earlier, can cause ill health and a number of catastrophic diseases, such as diabetes, strokes, cancer, obesity, lupus, high blood pressure and more.

I’m convinced that a lot of life’s problems can be fixed if we tackle them when they arise. I know it’s hard to do.

But nothing beats a failure but a try, the old folks would say. It is not possible to eliminate stress altogether, but we should at least try to control, if you will, the unnecessary stressors.

So how do I respond to stress? I eat a daily portion of fresh fruits and vegetables and try to squeeze in time for exercise and relaxation despite having a busy schedule.

Stress may not affect you the same as it does me. But it’ll get better if you change your diet, exercise, drink plenty of water, and learn to relax. It might even help if you laugh a little.

Stress creates unbalanced emotions and instability.

Many people have paid the ultimate price for not taking stress seriously. I cannot be any more forthright than I’ve been. Just eat right, exercise and find a way to relax. But most importantly, be happy and don’t worry.

(Dr. Timothy Moore teaches nutrition, heart disease and diabetes reversal through a plant-based lifestyle. He is a professional speaker, wellness coach and personal plant-based chef. He’s the author of “47 Tips To Reverse Your Diabetes.’” He can be reached by email at cheftimothy@cheftimothymoore.co m. Visit him at www. cheftimothymoore.com or follow him at www.twitter.com/ cheftimmoore.)

RELIGION

Page 8

Tri-State Defender

June 21 - 27, 2012

LIVING THE LIFE I LOVE

Give thanks in all things and watch what happens

Dear Lucy: I work for a woman who has no idea how to give a compliment! She looks for the slightest error in all of my work. I am constantly on pins and needles, waiting for her to criticize my work. My last boss was the same way. I know that I do good work and pretty soon I am going to go off on this woman and probably lose my job. Help!

Signed: CW

Dear CW: Three words…gratitude, expectancy, worthiness. This morning I went to the dentist. I had a temporary crown in the front of my mouth for three weeks. I did not like the way it felt or looked. As my dentist prepared to remove the thing, he asked if I had experienced any trouble with it. I said it felt heavy and was the ugliest temporary I had ever had! (Actually, in retrospect it was neither of these things in a way that was noticeable or painful!) Much to my surprise, he simply said, “thank you” and kept right on talking. I was shocked and profoundly amused.

Why? I had been meditating on the power of gratitude for several weeks and thus became very alert to acts of

thanksgiving. It was as if the Universe smacked me in the face with a quick lesson on gratitude.

The dentist could have engaged me in a conversation about just why and how ugly I Lucy thought the temShaw porary crown was. He could have defended it on the basis that it was only temporary, he could have become indignant and pouted for the rest of my visit. Instead, he simply said “thank you” with a smile and moved on to the real reason for the visit, which was to remove the temporary and install the permanent crown. He expressed gratitude for my feedback and moved on to something that he could do something about it. His capacity to be thankful diffused what could have escalated into a fight about the quality of his work or spoiled my appreciation for the beautiful work that was to come.

I needed this lesson and it came from a professional who has learned how to make gratitude work in his life and business. The other important word here is “temporary.” Like all things in our physical existence, that crown was temporary! How often we choose to get upset over issues of life that simply “came to pass.” So many Bible verses begin with this statement: “And it came to pass.” So, first, begin to express gratitude for this opportunity that life is giving you to learn why and how you may improve so that it can pass!

The second word is expectancy.

The Law of Attraction simply means that we pretty much get what we expect in life. Have you grown to expect to be criticized and therefore draw it to yourself? Have you such low expectancy of your own selfworth that it gives others permission to criticize you? What are your expectancies regarding people in authority?

When lessons repeat themselves in our lives, it’s time to look at ourselves and take some responsibility.

Really look at how you are feeling

and thinking about these questions and your willingness to change these feelings. Otherwise, when you leave this job you will find this same lesson waiting for you again.

Learn to anticipate your boss’s needs and make yourself and your work indispensable. Pay attention to what pleases her. This is not manipulation…it is the art of giving your very best with someone else in mind and not yourself. Be very careful that you are not blaming or criticizing others. This will always lead to your getting the same treatment in return.

The third word is worthiness. Perform an honest appraisal of the quality of your work. Is there room for improvement, attention to detail? Are you performing your work with attention to quality and not in anticipation of being criticized? And here is something that some of us just won’t do…make an honest list of your accomplishments, what you are good at, what you have excelled at in the past. When you complete the list, go over it and pat yourself on the back.

Give yourself credit where credit is due. That’s not vanity, that’s honesty

and self-appreciation. Don’t wait for someone else to do it.

Another good question to ask is this, “do you enjoy the work that you do?” If you don’t, one way to learn to do so is by being grateful. Not the kind of gratitude that says you should be glad that you have a job. I am talking about the gratitude that is a sincere whisper of thanks for the opportunity to give, to use your hands, to use your presence to bless. As we appreciate, worthiness becomes unquestionable. “In all things give thanks” and watch what happens.

Thank you for the question!

Lucy

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

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

Survivors…

RELIGION BRIEFS Annual Holy St. Johns’ Day draws Prince Hall Masonry focus

Prince Hall Masonry is preparing to celebrate its Annual Holy St. Johns’ Day Program on Sunday, June 24 at 3 p.m. at New Life Missionary Baptist Church. The theme for the program: “Taking It To The Next Level: Are We There Yet?” Prince Hall Masonry in Tennessee celebrates St. Johns Day in memory of St. John the Baptist, and St. John the Evangelist. The two patron saints are recognized based upon the goals of Freemasonry, to make good men better.

In addition to the program, The Memphis District Past Masters Council will recognize Judge Otis Higgs for his long contributions to community service, and Paul Mondie Jr. for his long-term contributions to Masonry. Both men are 33rd Degree Prince Hall Masons.

“As we strive to move Prince Hall Masonry in the State of Tennessee to the Next Level, we continue to promote and grow our projects within

our communities,” said The Most Worshipful Grand Master Arvin W. Glass. “ We further honor the stalwarts in our regions by recognizing individuals that have made vast contributions to their community, as well as to Masonry. Our mission is to make good men better, promote brotherhood, and provide service to our community.”

A reception will immediately follow the program in the Fellowship Hall of the church.

Fatherʼs Day at Greater Middle Baptist Church, 4982 Knight Arnold Rd., was an occasion to recognize cancer survivors such as Robert Mayweather and Overtis Nelson and stress the importance of screening/testing for prostate cancer.

Also pictured (left): Dr. Clyde Brown.

(Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

BRIEFLY: The Leading Ladies Awards annual gala will be held June 22 at the Hilton Hotel. Christian women from around the country will be honored for “diligence in serving others in their church, community and nationally.” For more information, contact kirsha@leadingladiesawards.org, and visit www.leadingladiesawards.org.

BRIEFLY: The Jehovah’s Witnesses 2012 “Safeguard Your Heart” District Convention continues June 29-July 1 and July 6-8 at the Memphis Cook Convention. Admission is free and the public is invited.

PRAISE CONNECT -A WEEKLY DIRECTORY OF MINISTERS & CHURCHES-

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

—John 13:34

METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH

767 Walker Avenue Memphis, TN 38126

ASSOCIATE MINISTERS

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

Dr. Reginald L. Porter Sr., Pastor

901-946-4095 fax 948-8311

(901) 948-3441

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dr. & Rev. Mrs. Reginald Porter

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

Dr. Frank A. Thomas Senior Servant

“Ministering to Memphis-Spirit, Soul and Body”

TEMPLE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST

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

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

WEEKLY SERVICES

Sunday Sunday School 9:00 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Night YPWW 5:00 p.m.

Night Service 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday Night Prayer 6:00 p.m.

Bible Study 7:15 p.m.

Wednesday Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m.

Friday Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m.

Night Service 7:30 p.m.

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

No Telecast Service

— Proverbs 1:7

Dr. David Allen Hall Pastor

“The Founder’s Church”

First Pastor: Senior Bishop C.H. Mason

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

—Ecclesiastes 3:1

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

Worship Services Sunday Sunday School Worship Service

Clarence Kelby Heath Wednesday Pastor

Noon - 1 p.m.

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

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

9 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

—Revelation 1:8

Tri-State Defender

RELIGION

June 21 - 27, 2012

Gabriel Hardeman chose faith

Singer-songwriter Gabriel S. Hardeman, best-known for co-writing R&B star Stephanie Mills’ 1987 No. 1 hit “I Feel Good All Over” and Teddy Pendergrass’ “Truly Blessed,” died Saturday (June 16th) in the Philadelphia area from complications of interstitial fibrosis. He was 68.

Born in College Park, Ga., where his father was an African Methodist Episcopal pastor, Hardeman sang and played piano at his dad’s church. His parents later settled in Philadelphia.

After graduation, he briefly joined the R&B band, the El Dantes, before going off to West Virginia State College as a physical education major.

Upon graduation, he worked as a physical education teacher and it’s during that period that The Gabriel Hardeman Delegation was born.

“There was a talent show, and I wanted to get some kids together and do some gospel music,” he told Rashod Ollison of the Philadelphia Inquirer in 2001. “‘Oh Happy Day’ was hot then. I had about 40 kids and the next thing you know, word got around and we

had like, 80 kids in the choir.”

T h e y started performing throughout the year but he’d lose his best singers as they graduGabriel S. ated from Hardeman h i g h school, so he decided to create an independent group and named it The Delegation in 1973.

“We were doing then what folks like Kirk Franklin are doing now,” he told the Inquirer.

“We would go into these conservative churches, and they would tell us we were doing the devil’s music.” The group signed to Savoy Records where they recorded hit albums such as the self-titled LP that featured the radio hit “Feels Like Fire” and earned a Grammy Award nomination.

Hardeman became disenchanted with the politics of the gospel world and retired from recording for a while. However, he and his wife, Annette Harde-

man (from the disco era trio, First Choice, best known for “Dr. Love”), began to write songs together. They wrote Stephanie Mills’ “I Feel Good All Over”, Mikki Howard’s No. 2 R&B smash “Love Under New Management” and “This is the Last Time” and “Truly Blessed” for Teddy Pendergrass.

Eventually, the industry demand for them to write more salacious R&B music conflicted with their faith and they devoted themselves to writing and producing gospel music.

Aside from writing for gospel acts such as Edwin Hawkins and the Wilmington-Chester Mass Choir, Hardeman recorded his own albums for the Messiah and Birthright labels before making a comeback with the Stellar Award nominated, “To the Chief Musician,” CD in 2001. Hardeman returned to Atlanta in 2003 to take care of his elderly parents and he became a pastor in the Belleview Circuit AME Churches in the city. He returned to Philadelphia in 2008 to take advantage of the better medical facilities.

He also leaves his son, Michael.

Page 9

ENTERTAINMENT Tri-State Defender, Thursday, June 21 - 27, 2012, Page 10

WHAT’S HAPPENING MYRON?

Farewell to another ‘Moesha’ show star

If I didn’t have to write about the death of actress and comedian Yvette Wilson, I would never have to admit that “Moesha” was one of my favorite TV shows. Not because I really loved Brandy, but Myron because I liked the Mays entire cast.

One of my cast favorites was Wilson’s character, Andell, the role she was best known for not only on “Moesha,” but also on it’s spin off, “The Parkers.” Wilson died of cervical cancer last week. She was 48 years old.

I landed on the Oxygen Channel recently and watched “Friday,” a movie in which Wilson had a short but memorable role. Remember the blind date Smokey was fixed up with

by Nia Long’s character? She said she looked like Janet Jackson, but Smokey said she looked like Freddie Jackson? That was her. Many who only knew her from TV didn’t know that she was also a comedian, as well as appearing on “Def Comedy Jam.” Wilson was actually the fourth cast member from “Moesha” to have died in the last decade. Merlin Santana, who was also a cast member on “The Steve Harvey Show,” played Moesha’s first boyfriend on the show. He was killed in 2002. Bernie Mac, who played the part of Andell’s boyfriend, passed away in 2008. And Lamont Bentley, who played the part of Moesha’s friend Hakeem, was killed in a car crash in 2005.

Stax and Brooks

Art & Soul Family Fun Day – a reflection of the budding partnership between the Stax Museum and the Brooks Museum of Art – is set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday (June 23) at the Brooks.

The fun-for-the-whole-family event is an opportunity to experience African American art, with art-making, music and theater. It is designed to celebrate the exhibition, “The Soul of a City: Memphis Collects African American Art. Admission is free.

The day will include music by the Stax Music Academy, a performance of “Little Red Riding Hood” by Hattiloo Theatre, and artist demonstrations by Anthony Lee and Shove It Designs. Children who bring their drawing of Little Red Riding Hood will receive a free red backpack (as long as supplies last).

‘El’ seems focused this time around Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Nona Allen

Listening to the title cut from El DeBarge’s 2010 release, it is clear that the song is about a second chance at love. Scratch below the surface of “Second Chances” and a deeper meaning emerges for the R&B crooner.

I spoke with El on Saturday (June 16) before his Mud Island Amphitheater appearance at Funk Fest 2012 at the Mud Island Amphitheater. (Yes, I got a hug!)

With a widely-publicized history of drug abuse and a host of related concert cancellations, many fans were not confident that he would show for the Funk Fest. Feeling that vibe, I asked El if he had a message for his fans. His message was twofold and simple.

Thanks for the continued support, he said, adding that he was eager to perform for the Memphis-area crowd.

El (Eldra Patrick) has a well-established performance pedigree. He is known by many as the cofounder and lead singer for the family-based group DeBarge, which began wowing audiences in the early 1980s. The DeBarge Family was the first feature on the TV One original show, “Unsung.”

Recently, songstress Stephanie Mills declined an invitation to be featured on “Unsung,” so I asked El about Mills’ decision. He made me realize something – that neither he nor his, brother Chico Debarge, were interviewed for the show.

The other family members told the story as best they could and revealed lots of things, some good and some bad, he said. In the sense that “unsung” means not honored, praised or celebrated, El did not view DeBarge that way. Perhaps the story was unsung, he said.

The DeBarges family has been busy, with an effort underway to get a DeBarge Family Reunion tour together for late this year or early 2013. Also ahead is a reality show featuring the entire family – from Mama Dee to brother Tommy (Switch) to Bunny to El. In addition to the family events, El has plans for more musical collaborations with artists such as Faith Evans, Fantasia and Patty Labelle.

Noting that the Funk Fest tour also features legends such as Charlie Wilson and Frankie Beverly and Maze, El said is learning so much from the musical icons.

Later that evening, El putting on a fantastic set! For many of us, it was an opportunity to be transported back to a special time in our lives; a time of love and a time of joy!

EL DeBarge dances across the Mud Island Amphitheater stage at Funk Fest, singing “Rhythm of the Night.” (Photos by Warren Roseborough)

Rock The Block

The annual Hattiloo Block Party unfolds on Saturday (June 23) in the rear parking lot of the theatre at 656 Marshall Ave. The fun runs from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. and admission is free.

Featured performers include Michael Joyner, The Glo, C C Hill, Inner City South, Barbara Lester, Red Planet, Jamille “Jam” Hunter, Tonya Dyson, Black Rock Revival, Artistik Approach, and Damion “Yella P” Pearson.

For more information, call 901525-0009.

Red, White and Jazz!

Come out and celebrate Independence Day early with musical fireworks at Jazz-A-F!RE on Sunday, June 24, from 3-5 p.m. at the Memphis Black Arts Alliance FireHouse, 985 South Bellevue.

The lineup features Naomi Williams Moody, William “Nokie” Taylor, Kent Suggs, Lance Thompson, plus Stephen Lee and James Sexton.

Donations are requested. Bring your own instrument and play!

Call 901-948-9522 for more information.

Or visit info@ memphisblackartsalliance.org.

On another note

Thanks to Charlotte Freeman and the fine ladies of Delta Sigma Theta for the opportunity to host “Cater to You: A Gentleman’s Way.” I had a ball. I had no idea that there would be so much great food. I also had no idea I was capable of eating so much.

Thanks again and congrats to all of the winners.

Parting shot

Much love to Families Matters and Carol Jackson for my “Father of the Year” award. I am eternally grateful for being chosen. Thanks to my wonderful children, both biological and non-biological, and also to Roby Williams for nominating me.

Charlie Wilson and crew stepped through a high-energy performance punctuated by multiple costume changes.

Frankie Beverly singing his hit song, “I Want To Feel Iʼm Wanted.”

Make mine F-U-N-K-Y, and leave room to dance!

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Warren Roseborough I left my house knowing that funk was in my near future, fully expecting it to fill my camera lenses to overflow.

Yes it was Funky in Memphis on Saturday (June 16), particularly at the Mud Island Amphitheatre, where a capacity crowd gathered to get funked up at Funk Fest 2012.

It was a show of stars, from hip hop to R&B crooners to some nasty funk. You want names? OK, try these: Frankie Beverly & Maze, Charlie Wilson, El DeBarge and Slick Rick.

Announced as a two-day affair with many more acts, the Funk Fest was slimmed into one day, with four acts. The finished product – the work of Variety Entertainment – was soul satisfying.

EL DeBarge showed that the “ladies’ man” label still fits him, as most of the ladies screamed and cooed from the beginning of his performance until the end.

I’ve seen Charlie Wilson on several occasions in recent years, and he literally seems to be getting better each time. The crowded was dancing all over the amphitheatre. The high-energy performance was punctuated by at least four costume changes. At one point, Wilson and crew even performed in a fluorescent scene with only the colors on their clothes showing.

Slick Rick performed a short set before Frankie Beverly. He threw down on a medley of his hits, including “The Show,” “La-Di-Da-Di,” and “Children’s Story.”

Is there a better festival anchor than Frankie Beverly and Maze? I think not. Frankie came out in his usual white. I had to

At Funk Fest, dancing was allowed and enjoyed by those who felt the music soul deep.

go change my batteries between acts and all I heard was that funky introduction to “Laid Back Guy” and the group being announced: “Ladies and gentlemen, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Maze, Maze!”

Funktastic!

Radio personalities Stan Bell, Stormy and Angela Jackson of V103 did a great job emcing the show. Bell did his roll call, and with the music playing, he had the crowd doing the “Wobble” and myriad other dances. Memphis represented well.

ENTERTAINMENT

Tri-State Defender

Page 11

June 21 - 27, 2012

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 June 22, 2012

BIG BUDGET FILMS

“Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” (R for brief sexuality and pervasive violence) Screen adaptation of Seth Grahame-Smith’s revisionist historical novel based on Honest Abe’s (Benjamin Walker) supposed secret diary relating how he saved the day when bloodthirsty vampires attempted to enslave the people of the United States. With Anthony Mackie, Dominic Cooper and Mary Elizabeth Winstead.

“Brave” (PG for scary action and rude humor) Animated Pixar adventure, set in a mythical Scottish kingdom, about a headstrong princess (Kelly Macdonald) who discovers the true meaning of bravery while undoing a curse on her family. Voice cast includes Julie Walters, Emma Thompson and Craig Ferguson.

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS

‘The Invisible War” (Unrated) Investigative expose’ uncovering the rape epidemic inside the U.S. military, including interviews with some of the approximately 30 percent of female soldiers who have been victims of a sexual assault.

Anthony Mackie (left) and Benjamin Walker in the revisionist take on the life of our 16th president in “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.” (Photo courtesy Twentieth Century Fox)

“Kumare’” (Unrated) Blind faith documentary about an Arizona con man who cultivated a devoted following by posing as an Indian guru until he decided to reveal his real identity to his disappointed disciples at the peak of his popularity.

“The Last Ride” (PG-13 for profanity, fighting, smoking and mature themes) Musicdriven bio-pic dedicated to the last days in the life of the late, country music icon Hank Williams (Henry Thomas). With Kaley Cuoco, Jesse James and Senator Fred Thompson.

“Nate & Margaret” (Unrated) Fact-based drama about the unlikely friendship which blossomed between a 19 year-old, gay film student (Tyler Ross) and a matronly, 52 year-old waitress-turned-standup comic (Natalie West).

Supporting cast includes Conor McCahill, Gaby Hoffmann and Charles Solomon, Jr. “Ordinary Miracles” (Unrated) Shutterbug documentary, narrated by Campbell Scott, paying tribute to members of the Photo League who captured life in New York neighborhoods by camera over the fifteen year period from 1936-1951.

“Seeking a Friend for the End of the World” (R for profanity, sexual references, drug use and brief violence) Apocalyptic road flick

about a just-abandoned married man (Steve Carell) who falls in love with a neighbor (Keira Knightley) while searching for his high school sweetheart in anticipation of the imminent impact of an approaching asteroid. With Melanie Lynskey, Adam Brody and Gillian Jacobs.

“To Rome with Love” (R for sexuality) Woody Allen wrote, directed and stars in this serendipitous comedy, set in Italy, revolving around an ensemble embroiled in a variety of predicaments. Cast includes Ellen Page, Jesse Eisenberg, Greta Gerwig, Penelope Cruz, Alec Baldwin, Roberto Benigni and Carol Alt. (In English and Italian with subtitles)

HOROSCOPES

June 21-27, 2012

ARIES The time has come to forgive and forget.

Take the first step in reconciling a friendship.

You thought no one knew, but you may be romantically attracted to an old pal.

TAURUS When you let go of pain and fear you are a force to be reckoned with. Use your talents for regeneration to create a new reality for yourself, one that is filled with joy and happiness.

Turn away from inner thoughts that are anything less than positive.

GEMINI Treat yourself with kindness, and let love be your guiding light. The past few weeks have been rather hard on your personality, but you’ve come through a troubled time with flying colors.

CANCER Critical voices should be tuned out this week.

You are in the mood for a pleasant week and you shouldn’t let anyone keep you from your just rewards. Relax with friends who you can share positive vibes with.

LEO Unexpected company may arrive, or an invitation may be extended. Use good judgment and set realistic boundless to protect your valuable personal time. Drive carefully.

VIRGO Your rewards come not only from what you do, but from who you are! Give yourself a welldeserved pat on the back and work some wonders. You are full of positive energy this week; use it to your advantage.

LIBRA Practical matters may seem like nuisances that are only there to spite your sunny mood this week. The vibration has its place though, and if you apply yourself to practical things, you’ll have a lot accomplished by the end of the week. Avoid spinning your wheels on impossible projects or relationships.

SCORPIO Excellent vibrations accompany you to meetings and appointments or anywhere where your gifts of communication can be used. You’ll have managers eating out of your hand if you choose to exercise a little charm.

SAGITTARIUS Charming, simply charming! You have everything going for you this week, so make the most of it. You are capable of handling many projects, and equally capable of asking for help if you need it.

CAPRICORN If you acknowledge your need to be with someone this afternoon, the universe will probably provide. Ask for help if you need it. There are many resources available to you that you could be drawing from. All you have to do is ask.

AQUARIUS Watching the sunrise will help quell any impatience that may arise within you this week.

As you watch the sun kiss the sky, imagine that the universe is embracing you with love.

PISCES A surge in your personal power enables you to slay any dragons that you happen to meet this week. If you keep your attention on your own personal dragons, you’ll be advancing your own best self by knocking out some less than healthy habits. Use the force for good!

Source: NNPA News Service

Page 12

Church Leaders:

BUSINESS

ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY

Empowering the African-American community, starting with public health Part 1

The Rev. Dr. Kenneth S. Robinson, pastor/CEO of Saint Andrew African Methodist Episcopal Church, guides an enterprise of ministries, funded programs and corporations that stretch the traditional concept of a “church.”

As a multifaceted, faith-based, social service and community development agency, a major part of St. Andrew’s mission is to actively demonstrate faith by works.

Carlee McCullough: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Rev. Dr. Kenneth S. Robinson: I have been in Memphis about 20 years. I was assigned to St. Andrew in the fall of 1991. My background is that of an urban pastor and physician. I am trained in internal medicine. Over the last 30 years I have been very involved in creating opportunities to improve the health of underserved populations, particularly African Americans that experience such great health inequities and disparities. I am married for 33 years and have two 31-year-old daughters that are also physicians. My wife is senior vice president at St. Francis Hospital in Memphis in addition to being the co-pastor at St. Andrew.

CM: How important is it for church leaders to address issues in our community, such as the current social economic condition, which includes education, crime, drug addiction, income, wealth, housing and poor health?

Rev. Dr. Robinson: It is vitally important because the church, and particularly the black church, is the preeminent institution, which has a long and critical history in providing services, but also providing the biblical, moral, and intellectual guidance to our members and to the community in terms of making good life style choices and living healthy and abundant lives. The black church has become a critical partner and institution in both building healthy communities and helping the persons that we serve live healthy lives.

When we begin to think about the role of church leaders it is important for us to be present in all of those arenas. We must focus on the social de-

Carlee McCullough

terminates of health and our economic situation, which would involve education and employment, overcoming poverty. But it also involves addressing basic needs – clothing, food, providing services and counseling around those areas of economic development and community development.

CM: How do we raise the social consciousness of our Kenneth S. community, esRobinson pecially the business community in terms of staying focused by supporting minority- and women-owned businesses?

Rev. Dr. Robinson: We make minority- and women-owned businesses a priority. We do that by both intentionally identifying those entrepreneurial initiatives and recognizing those businesses in our congregations. It involves practicing what we preach and trying to hire, employ and engage minority- and womenowned businesses. We raise the consciousness by lifting up the importance of creating and maintaining the business base in those communities. To some extent, it is about developing new businesses and facilitating the growth of new enterprises. They may be birthed in our own congregations but certainly supported across the board.

CM: What have you done for the economic position of our community that is different from others?

Rev. Dr. Robinson: To me, economics revolve around health. To have a healthy sustainable community you have to have the healthy component, individuals, families and structures in which people can live.

Twelve years ago I became aware of

the fact that as we were addressing health and clothing issues, many of our residents didn’t have adequate or standard housing in which to live.

So we spun off the community development corporation called The Works Inc. Wear Works is our clothing ministry. Food Works is our food ministry. Body Works is our health ministry. We are delighted about The Works because we have developed over 114 units of affordable housing that have allowed people to move out of substandard housing, which didn’t have heat in the winter or cooling in the summertime. Alpha Renaissance Housing is the first multi-family development in South Memphis in decades. We also have 34 units of single-family housing.

We offered home ownership for low- to moderate-income individuals that were first time homebuyers. It is a huge economic development project. Those families have instant equity in their homes, which is economic development for the family as well as the community. We also provide housing education counseling services to help people get mortgages. Over 4500 people have received counseling. Over 450 families have been able to avoid foreclosure because of our HUD counseling services. We are a pretty robust, economic-development engine. We have been responsible for over $12 million in economic development, not including the housing. If you add the housing and our church community, we have over $21 million in economic development in South Memphis.

We have a new child care center located at 1492 Mississippi Blvd. that we just cut the ribbon on a few weeks ago. We believe that early childhood education provides the foundation for children, adolescents and young adults to be appropriately involved to break the cycle of poverty and interdependence. We have a K-5 elementary school consisting of 360 children. We are helping these children have a high quality education from the start, which changes their future.

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

MONEY MATTERS

The split-annuity strategy The split-annuity strategy involves purchasing two types of annuity contracts: immediate and deferred. The immediate annuity would provide a current income stream during the early years of retirement, and the deferred annuity would have the potential to provide a future income stream.

An immediate fixed annuity earns a guaranteed rate of return and immediately pays a regular income for the duration specified in the contract.

Meanwhile, the funds in a deferred fixed annuity accumulate tax deferred until they are needed. Once the immediate fixed annuity has been depleted, the deferred fixed annuity can be used to generate a regular income stream. Of course, any earnings withdrawn from the deferred annuity would be taxed as ordinary income.

By combining an immediate annuity with a deferred annuity, you can receive both current retirement income and tax-deferred growth potential. Of course, the guarantees of

annuity contracts are contingent on the claimspaying ability of the issuing insurance company.

An annuity is a financial vehicle used for ret i r e m e n t purposes. It is a contract with an Charles insurance comSims Jr. pany that can be funded either with a lump sum or through regular payments over time. In exchange, the insurance company will pay an income that can last for a specific period or for life, depending on the terms of the contract.

In retirement, most people rely on a combination of Social Security, retirement plans, and personal savings for income. A split-annuity strategy can help supplement these income sources. This is one way to add some

CLASSIFIEDS

Tri-State Defender

June 21 - 27, 2012

stability to your financial future and may help ensure that you don’t outlive your assets.

Variable annuities are sold by prospectus. Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus, which contains this and other information about the variable annuity contract and the underlying investment options, can be obtained from your financial professional. Be sure to read the prospectus carefully before deciding whether to invest.

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

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

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Employment

Drivers: Local West Memphis $1,000.00 Sign-On Bonus, Home Daily!

If you have a personal vehicle call Werner Enterprises today!

1-888-880-5902 (AA) sales professional needed. Must have experience. Clayton Manufactured housing has an immediate opening for a professional home consultant. Call Arthur for questions, pre interview screening and details. You must have sales experience. 4 year degree is preferred. Call today for the sales career that could change your life.(662)526-9200

Legal notices Legal Notice Memphis City Schools has received an offer to purchase a 6.83 acre tract located at 2300 Hernando Road, Memphis, TN (Tax Parcel No. 000-012-0001) for a sale price of $210,000.00. The property is the former Prospect Elementary School.

Memphis City Schools invites interested bidders to submit competitive offers to purchase the property. Upon receipt of offers, Memphis City Schools will negotiate among competing bidders the sale of the property deemed to be in the best interest of the school district. Bidders must be prepared to close on the sale of the property within thirty (30) days of Memphis City

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Schoolsʼ acceptance of an offer. Interested bidders should submit a sealed offer to Sybille Noble, Chief Contracting Officer, Memphis City Schools, 2597 Avery Avenue, Memphis, TN 38112, by no later than 4:00 pm Tuesday, June 26, 2012.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS The Board of Education of the Memphis City Schools District will be accepting written proposals for Online Supplemental Science and Math Resource.

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

ALL INTERESTED BIDDERS The Board of Education of the Memphis City Schools District will accept, Request for Proposal for iZone Turnaround – Professional Development.

Visit our website for additional information: http://www.mcsk12.net /aboutmcs_procurements_bids.asp Questions concerning submission of this proposal should be addressed to Rennaʼ Green (901)416-5833 or emailed to greenr@mcsk12.net Thank you for supporting Memphis City Schools.

Jacqueline Saunders, Director Memphis City Schools – Procurement Services

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BRIEFS & THINGS 100 Black Women plan “Sisters’ Keeper” Financial Bootcamp

The National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW), Inc., Memphis Chapter is sponsoring its first “Sisters’ Keeper” Financial Bootcamp for African-American women, beginning July 2 at Literacy Mid-South.

The Sisters’ Keeper program is a six-week, structured financial bootcamp designed to assist African-American women with establishing and living on a budget, developing good saving and investment practices, and understanding and managing credit and debt. There also will be instruction on determining adequate insurance coverage and business development strategies.

The program will be held at the Literacy Mid-South building, 902 South Cooper Street (Cooper Young area) each Tuesday beginning July 2 through Aug. 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Registration, along with a $20 commitment fee, is required for participation.

The commitment fee will be returned to the participant upon successful completion of the program, making this a FREE opportunity for those who are committed to changing their financial destiny. The program is limited to the first 25-30 paid and committed African-American women who meet requirements.

To apply or get additional information, contact NCBW Memphis Chapter President Bettye Boone at 901-831-8739 or email NCBWMemphis@yahoo.com or visit www.ncbwmemphis.org. Application deadline is June 29.

Retired educator gives back to community

Darius Mabon and CeAira Smith of Trezevant High School are the inaugural recipients of the The Cleveland and Wilhelen Haynes Wright Scholarship Fund. Mabon and Smith may use their $500 awards to cover books or other college-related expenses.

The Cleveland and Wilhelen Haynes Wright Scholarship Fund was established in 2012 by Wilhelen Haynes Wright in memory of her husband of 54 years, Gunnery Sergeant Cleveland Wright, U. S. Marine Corps, retired. Wilhelen Haynes Wright has been a life-long educator in the Shelby County schools and served on the Shelby County Education Association Board of Directorsand the Tennessee Education Association Board of Directors.

“Education of our young people is of utmost importance and our future lies with them,” said Wright.

“We must ensure they get as many opportunities as possible, especially after high school.”

The recipients were evaluated on an original 500-word essay entitled “How a Higher Education Will Help Me Achieve My Life Goals,” leadership potential, financial need, community activities, letters of acceptance and letters of recommendation. They also needed a minimum 2.5 GPA, and to be accepted and enrolled in a 4-year Historically Black College or University.

Mabon will be attending Tennessee State University, and Smith is committed to The LeMoyneOwen College.

Daddy’s Little Girl program to honor youth, salute fathers

The youth auxiliaries of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Alpha Eta Zeta

Chapter will sponsor their 9th Annual Daddy’s Little Girl program on Saturday, June 30, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Victory University, 255 N. Highland St. This year’s theme is “In My Heart Always.” Alpha Eta Zeta will honor its youth auxiliary members (ages 4- 18) and recognize fathers who are committed to supporting, mentoring, and raising young girls.

New members of the youth auxiliary groups will be pinned and presented with awards.

The chapter will also present college scholarships to seven high school and collegiate students.

Michael Adrian Davis from 95.7 Hallelujah FM will be the master of ceremony. Tickets are $10.

Councilman Harold Collins and the Whitehaven French Riviera Spa are hosting a Whitehaven health and awareness event in which health, fitness and education are the focus. Whitehaven Health and Fitness Day is set for Saturday (June 23) from 8 a.m. until noon.

The parking lot of the Whitehaven Plaza will be transformed into an outdoor fitness center, where there will be spinning, line dancing, Zumba, weight lifting and Yoga classes.

Whitehaven Health and Fitness Day is a next step for a small group of diverse citizens, ranging from 20 to 74 years of age, who are determined to get fit and lead healthier lifestyles. Led by retired Memphis City Schools coach Gary DeBerry, the dedicated members of Whitehaven’s French Riviera Spa meet five days a week to exercise together. The fitness class is called “Early Bird” and it meets from

Pre-K Express 2012

AARP event in Memphis

The AARP will host a listening tour event on June 29 at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Share your thoughts about the challenges facing the futures of Medicare and Social Security. The event is from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., and will feature a light lunch.

Seats are limited, so reserve yours at http://aarp.cvent.com/MemphisYE AS or by calling 1-877-926-8300.

Future takes over at NAACP Youth Council

Memphis Branch NAACP Youth Council officers for 2012-13 were installed in a recent candlelight ceremony conducted by Madeleine Taylor, the branch’s executive director.

Retiring Youth Council President, Lindsey Burgess, presented the official gavel to the new president, Jared Jackson, who will be a senior at Houston High School this fall. Other officers installed were: Janise Mark, 1st vice president; Autumn White, 2nd vice president; Cache Truitt, secretary; Kristen Harvey, assistant secretary; Dolyn McCaster, treasurer; Marniece Harmon, assistant treasurer; Glenn Vaulx, Parliamentarian; and Sharmaine Burton, historian.

Homebuyer info is ready and waiting

A Homebuyer/ Loan Modification Education Workshop will be held from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

June 23 at the Crye-Leike Quail Hollow Office, 4th floor Training Rm., 6525 Quail Hollow.

Learn more about buying, selling and refinancing your home at this free workshop. To RSVP, call Jane Venson at 901-412-3500.

The workshop is hosted by the Beta Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

BRIEFLY: Come for a sneak peak at the final design plans for the new exhibits, visitor amenities and public spaces at a community meeting at the National Civil Rights Museum at 6 p.m. on June 26. This will be the first major renovation of the Lorraine Motel building.

BRIEFLY: In observance of National HIV Testing Day (June 27), Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region (PPGMR) will offer free, confidential HIV prevention counseling and testing and free syphilis testing on Tuesday, June 26, at its health center at 2430 Poplar Ave., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit www.plannedparenthood.org/ memphis.

Group moves to put Whitehaven at front of get-fit Memphis push The New Tri-State Defender

COMMUNITY

Page 13

June 21 - 27, 2012

7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Monday through Friday.

“These are busy people, however they show up everyday and give 100 percent,” said DeBerry. “Ask any of them and they will tell you how much weight they have lost and how better they feel.”

DeBerry and members of the “Early Bird” fitness class openly discussed the recent ranking of Memphis as the fattest city in the nation and decided to take action.

With the guidance and support of Collins, the group embarked on an audacious journey to make all of Memphis fit – beginning with Whitehaven.

French Riviera Spa Whitehaven General Manager John Brownlee fully supports the group’s efforts.

“It’s encouraging to see so many people taking steps to improve their health,” said Brownlee. “When I arrived at the French Riviera Spa Whitehaven location, I felt a sense of community and I knew there was an opportunity to make a real difference right here.”

Ticihia Thompson helped this group of youngsters demonstrate what prekindergarten students are capable of during Pre-K Express 2012 at the Memphis Cook Convention Center on Saturday (June 16). The event is designed as a one-stop shop for enrolling children in prekindergarten classes for the upcoming school year, (Photos by Tyrone P. Easley) MCS Supt. Dr. Kriner Cash (center), Pre-K Director Dr. Carolyn Harvey (fourth from right) and Pre-K Coordinator Derrick Joyce (right) with a host of others who helped with the success of Pre-K Express 2012.

Ryan White, local barber shop partner for National HIV Testing Day June 27

The Memphis Ryan White Program and First Impressions Remix, a local barber shop, are teaming up to provide free HIV and syphilis testing.

Ryan White partnered with First Impressions Remix after Memphis Ryan White Program Director Dorcas Young met the owner of First Impressions Remix, Mario Taylor, at an event for testing certification.

“One of the best ways to encourage HIV/AIDS awareness is to meet individuals where they are and where they’ll be open to learning,” Young said. “Mario realizes this and the Memphis Ryan White Program is proud to partner with him and First Impressions Remix on this testing event.”

In recognition of June 27’s National HIV Testing Day, the barber shop will offer free HIV and complimentary syphilis testing on Saturday, June 23, to help raise awareness of the

HIV problem that is affecting the area. There will be food and a live DJ outside the shop. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First Impressions Remix at 1470 Elvis Presley Blvd.

“I have incorporated community involvement into my business plan,” said Taylor. “So from that standpoint, community engagement is not optional; it’s absolutely necessary, particularly on this epidemic facing Memphis.”

First Impressions Remix is located on the corner of Elvis Presley and Kerr Avenue, in the heart of the Memphis community affected by the steep rise in new HIV and sexually transmitted disease cases. Inside the barbershop, there will be a condom demonstration as well as other educational information and giveaways that promote a safe-sex message.

This is First Impressions Remix’s fourth year holding the event, and Ryan White’s first year partnering

Author, author

with them to host the event. The Ryan White Program provides free services to those living with HIV/AIDS in the Memphis area.

Last year, First Impressions Remix tested more than 300 people in the community and looks forward to the same success this year.

Additional sponsors for the event are CAAP Inc., CFS, Friends for Life, Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center, PEAS Inc., Planned Parenthood, Project Hope, Shelby County Health Department, SMA, and The University of Memphis.

(Learn more about the Ryan White Program by visiting www.hiv memphis.org or by calling 877-HIVKNOW (877-448-5669). This project is funded as a result of grant awards from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and Shelby County Government.)

Yvonne Osborne and Bennie Nelson West hosted a booksigning on Saturday (June 16) for Florence M. Howard (right), whose book “From Sagging to Success: The Story of Emery Franklin” is available on Amazon.com. The event took place at the home of West. The book featuring paintings by Emery Franklin from his “From Sagging to Success” art exhibit was published in March.

(Courtesy photo)