8 15 2012

VOL. 61, No. 32

www.tsdmemphis.com

August 9 - 15, 2012

75 Cents

Recount looms in Dist. 4 Whalum welcomes chance to prove fraud; Woods relishes win Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell Election Day (Aug. 2) unfolded with a pleasant feel for Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum Jr. and his wife, Sheila Whalum. Along the course of the day, they greeted voters, shaking hands and saying hello to old friends in what is now District 4 of the Shelby County School Board.

That evening, a gathering of family, friends and church members were in good spirits as Dr. Whalum, the

pastor of The New Olivet Baptist Church, enjoyed a consistent lead as precincts sent in election results after polls closed at 7 p.m.

Then came the final count, and challenger Kevin Woods, whose first political experience came when the Shelby County Commission appointed him to the unified school board, was credited with an 88-vote victory: Woods – 6,473; Whalum – 6,385.

“We were stunned,” said Sheila Whalum. “I just couldn’t believe it.

When those final numbers flashed on the television screen, we all gasped in disbelief. My husband was leading all day, but then the final count had him losing the race by 88 votes. It

Kenneth T. Whalum Jr.

Kevin Woods

just didn’t feel right, but Ken made the decision to graciously concede to Mr. Woods and to congratulate him.”

Meanwhile, Stand for Children, an education advocacy organization that financially funded several candi-

dates, including Woods in District 4, was celebrating its successes.

“Our successes in this election, I believe, were a reflection of the time and effort that went into our candidates,” said Kenya Kenya Bradshaw, Bradshaw executive director of Stand For Children in Tennessee. “We were delighted to see so many people show interest and become actively engaged SEE RECOUNT ON PAGE 2

Best in Black Awards update besmith@tri-statedefender.com

by Bernal E. Smith II

Well TSD family, we are out of the gates and running with the 2012 Best in Black Awards Memphis! The entire TSD staff and I are extremely excited about the community’s response to this initiative and the forthcoming awards show on Aug. 30.

I want to provide you with a quick update: Nominations: Our nomination process opened up on July 20 and ended on July 31. During that time, we received over 280 nominations across the 45 categories that we have this year. From the feedback we’ve received, if we would have had more time we would have had a lot more.

To those who wanted to nominate someone or be nominated, 2013 will be here before you know it, so mark your calendars!

Voting: As of press time we had received over 16,000 votes, with nearly 1,000 people registered on the site and over 700 casting votes over the various categories. We did have some technical difficulties, which kept some people from voting; we apologize immensely for any inconvenience. However, we want to invite you to go back now and or later and vote at www.bestinblackawards.com.

We have made it as easy as possible for you to vote with a simple registration process. We hope to reach 50,000 votes online by the end of voting at SEE BEST ON PAGE 2

- INSIDE -

• Gabriell Douglas’ hairraising experience. See Opinion, page 4.

This moment of prayer helped anchor the Progressive National Baptist Convention Youth Extravaganza, which many observers called “really unbelievable” before it got even better. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

Progressive Baptists stir activism, involvement into convention mix Special to the Tri-State Defender

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell Dr. Carroll A. Baltimore Sr., president of the Progressive National Baptist Convention (PNBC), posted a message on the organization’s website a few days before the 51st annual meeting was to convene in Memphis.

“As your 19th President, the theme I have chosen for this year is: ‘Securing Our Future: Prayer – A People of Progress,’” Dr. Balti-

• United in message, purpose & love.

See Religion, page 10.

more wrote, adding his desire that those preaching during the course of the Aug. 5-10 confab align their messages with the theme of “The Beloved Community,” drawing from Acts 2:42-47.

With a year’s worth of planning in the bag, the organization’s annual session has drawn about 4,000 delegates to the city. Progressive

• Three generations fuel body shop and towing service. See Business, page 7.

Greater crime: U.S. gun laws

• The African-American Athletes of Team USA. See Sports, page 15.

NEWS ANALYSIS

MEMPHIS WEEKEND SATURDAY

SUNDAY

H- 8 9o - L - 6 5o I so . T-St orms

H- 8 7o - L - 6 5o Mo st l y Sun ny

H- 9 2o - L - 7 0o Mo stl y Sun ny

REGIONAL TEMPS LITTLE ROCK NASHVILLE JACKSON, MS

Friday H-95 L-67 H-82 L-64 H-90 L-69

Saturday H-93 L-66 H-83 L-64 H-89 L-66

Sunday H-95 L-72 H-88 L-66 H-93 L-70

SEE BAPTISTS ON PAGE 2

Mass shootings – don’t be blinded by the ‘hate’

• ‘I Want You to Shut the F#ck Up.’ See Entertainment, page 12.

FRIDAY

Baptists count some 2.5 million members in the predominantly African-American denomination that has its history steeped in the American South.

“Not only did we want to encourage and inform our delegates on spiritual matters, but Progressive Baptists traditionally have strong ties to issues concerning civil rights and equality,” said Dr. Reginald Porter, chairman of the Host Committee.

New America Media

by Lakshmi Chaudhry Jarvis Becton, owner of A Closer Look Barbershop and Beauty Salon in Collierville, cuts a young clientʼs hair during the 4th Annual Free Cuts and Curls for Boys and Girls (Aug. 5). A team of six veteran barbers and stylists provided free haircuts and hairdos to low-income students to help them look their best for the first day of school on Monday (Aug. 6) (Courtesy photo)

EDUCATION INSIDE

• President on target with black education focus. See Opinion, page 4.

• When is a child’s backpack too heavy? See Health, page 8.

• Student-success program targets African-American males. See Nation, page 5.

• Georgian Hills’ Cougars have championship tracks. See Sports, page 14.

“The gunman is worse than the one at the theatre a couple of weeks ago because he targeted an entire community,” said a worshipper who witnessed the tragic shooting at his local gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wis., Aug. 5. The shootings killed seven people, including the gunman, and critically wounded three people, including a policeman.

As a claim, it is open to debate.

The body count was higher in Aurora, Colo., so was the number of injured. Hate crimes carry a greater penalty in the United States, but it is a fool’s game to pit one tragedy against another.

What matters more is what the two shooters shared in common: the possession of lethal weapons. The kind that allowed one individual to

wreak disproportionate harm, take multiple lives in a matter of seconds, allowed him to live out his most violent fantasies. Focusing on the “hate” angle distracts from the far greater crime: the appalling state of gun laws in the United States.

Guns don’t kill people, people kill people – or so goes the tired argument used by anti-gun control advocates to dismiss any call for stricter legislation. And their Republican supporters like Mitt Romney are quick to define every shooting rampage as the work of a “deranged person.”

Let’s focus on the man holding the gun, they insist. On his CNN program, “Global Public Square,” Fareed Zakaria exposed the emptiness of this argument, using data to devastating effect.

“The United States stands out from the rest of the world not because it has more nutcases – I think we can assume that those people are sprinkled throughout every society equally – but because it has more guns,” Zakaria pointed out. The SEE GUNS ON PAGE 6

NEWS

Page 2

Freedom Schools fortify, stimulate young scholars

by Kimberly McGrew and Jennifer Hogan

As students across the city try to find their back-to-school groove, 50 of them will be able to draw upon their summer experiences during the Memphis Urban League’s third successful run of Freedom Schools at Klondike Elementary School.

With generous contributions from the Plough Foundation, the program was provided free of charge to 50 scholars. The Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools® program provides enrichment designed to help children develop a love of reading, increase their self-esteem, and develop a more positive attitude toward learning.

“Freedom Schools is a great opportunity,” said Charity, a rising eighth grader. “It enhances my vocabulary and stimulates my mind. I like it more than my regular school.”

The six-week program used a research-based model curriculum that is crafted to support children and families around five essential components: high quality academic enrichment; parent and family involvement; civic engagement and social action; intergenerational leadership development; and nutrition, health and mental health.

The Memphis Urban League showcased a guest speaker every morning. Students sang uplifting songs and cheered energetic chants. Freedom Schools jumpstarted one morning with A motivational session called Harambee (Let’s come together!), jumpstarted one of the sessions andwas featured by Channel 5’s Kym Clark on a segment of segment “Extra Credit.”

Afterwards, the students transitioned to the Integrated Reading Curriculum, discussing books and other reading materials in a seminar group. There were no desks at Freedom Schools; all classrooms were set up with chairs in a circle to stimulate the young scholars to engage in group conversations.

During the afternoon hours on Mondays and Wednesdays, the students participated in Arts and Crafts with Kim

Tri-State Defender

August 9 - 15, 2012

The Childrenʼs Defense Fund Freedom Schools® program provides enrichment designed to help children develop a love of reading, increase their self-esteem, and build a more positive attitude toward learning. (Courtesy photos)

Myriad activities were used to keep students engaged at the Freedom Schools hosted by the Memphis Urban League.

Thomas from the Memphis College of Art. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the students learned to move to the rhythm of the beat with Tevita Dumas from Delta Fine Arts.

CDF Freedom Schools are staffed primarily by college-age young adults, who have expressed commitments to making life better for children. The Servant Leader interns played key roles in executing the

morning Integrated Reading Curriculum, focusing on being engaging thought provoking.

“I like Freedom Schools because we have fun while we learn new words everyday when we read different books,” said Kejuan, a rising fourth grader.

The Memphis Urban League program made use of guest readers and benefited from its community partners,

especially Klondike Elementary School, the United Way of the Mid-South, FedEx, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, the North Branch Memphis Public Library, WMC TV5, Rhodes College, and the University of Memphis.

For information about the summer 2013 Freedom Schools program, call the Memphis Urban League at 901-272-2491.

RECOUNT

with our work these past five years. Our members and staff did an amazing job, investing thousands of hours.

“We didn’t just enter the school board races last week,” she said. “We knew last December that the school board races would be very crucial.

We’re extremely pleased with the outcome.”

Dr. Whalum raised concerns about the influx of “outside” money into the local elections and the possibility of a clear conflict of interest. Stand For Children reportedly raised more than $300,000 for its candidates, with about $30,000 of those funds raised locally.

The Memphis Education Association endorsed Whalum, contributing $750 to its candidates in opposed races, and $500 to those who ran unopposed.

Fair and legal is how Stand for Children sees its support for candidates.

“We have been extremely transparent and very open about our funds,” said Bradshaw. “We asked our members locally to contribute $7 – $1 for each candidate. This was a grassroots effort. The larger donations from outside were contributed just like any other national organization.”

Bradshaw said Stand for Children enjoys the benefits that come with being a part of a national organization.

“I believe we are in an era now where you have to raise a large amount of money and run an effective ground campaign to be successful. Campaigns can’t be run the way they have been run for the past 100 years.

Doing the same thing over and over expecting different results is the definition of insanity,” she said.

“We are re-inventing the way local campaigns are being run. I reject the assumption that big money in some way compromises local elections.

We have never had a donor to make a donation and say to us, ‘I’m making this donation, but I want such and such in return.’

That has never happened.

Without question, I reject that implication.”

me to ask for a recount.’”

She posted an advisory on her Facebook page that she was calling a press conference for Monday (Aug. 6) morning on the steps of the Shelby County Election Commission.

At the press conference, a prepared statement was read, citing documented irregularities throughout the balloting process and the “early voting fiasco of 3,000 incorrect ballots.”

“I used an early voting ballot to cast my vote. Little did I know that mine and 3,000 early voters were issued inaccurate ballots. They could not be counted. This alone warrants a recount or a new election altogether,” said Sheila Whalum.

Dr. Whalum, who addressed the media after his wife’s statement, said that although he had conceded the race to Woods, he was choosing to retract that concession and exercise his constitutional right to a recount.

“My husband has run in a number of elections. He’s won some and lost some. That’s how it goes. But these last two elections, he has enjoyed more than 80,000 votes of support.

To lose by 88 votes just doesn’t seem right. We’ve gotten so many calls from supporters who are also calling for a recount. It’s just the right thing to do.”

Dr. Whalum said he is ready to file a lawsuit calling for a recount. Election Commissioner Richard Holden, Whalum said, “was an honorable man,” worthy of his trust as the steps to a recount process are mapped out.

“Mr. Holden said I have to prove fraud in court to obtain a recount,” said Dr. Whalum. “I welcome the opportunity. The membership list and the email content of Stand for Children becomes discoverable evidence in court.

“How many election commissioners are affiliated with this organization? How many school board commissioners are members? How many members of the TPC (Transitional Planning Committee) have ties to this organization?

I look forward to our day in court. All those questions will be answered.”

Sleepless

‘Loud and clear’

BEST

Defender, 202 Beale St., Ste. 200; call 901-523-1818. All pre-sale tickets include a $5 discount and are only available until Aug. 15. VIP reception and preferred tickets are $54.99 (orchestra seating) and $44.99 (parterre). General admission, mezzanine and lower balcony tickets are $34.99.

General admission/upper balcony tickets are $29.99.

During the pre-sale period all tickets are $5 off and only available by cash or credit card purchase at the TSD offices or via phone reservation. After Aug. 15, all tickets will be regular price and available only through Ticketmaster locations and the Cannon Center box office. The first 400 people to buy tickets for this event will get a six month home subscription to The New Tri-State Defender as part of your ticket purchase.

Sponsorships and Ads: Special sponsorship offers to include presenting roles at the event, print ads and electronic ads are available. Congratulatory ads for nominees or for others seeking to market their businesses in the show program or post event special edition are also available. Contact our sales team at 901-5231818 or at advertising@tristatedefender.com.

Volunteers: We have a few select volunteer opportunities available for the event and leading up to the event. Contact Nina Johnson at 901-6798545 if you are interested in being a volunteer/TSD Ambassador!

That does it for Best in Black Awards updates for now.

There are certainly more big ANNOUNCEMENTS to come before the big SHOW!!!

I look forward to seeing you looking your best on the black carpet on Aug. 30!

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

Sheila Whalum was unable to sleep late Saturday evening.

“My husband was asleep, and I lay there, tossing and turning, trying to get to sleep.

And the Lord said to me, ‘Ask for a recount.’ I couldn’t wait for Ken to wake up. It was 1:06 a.m. because I looked at the time on my cell phone. He woke up a little after 4:00, and I told him, ‘Ken, the Lord told CONTINUED FROM FRONT

The Rev. Phillip Pointer Sr., senior pastor of St. Mark Baptist Church in Little Rock, delivered “The Preached Word” at the PNBC Youth Extravaganza. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

BAPTISTS

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

“Activism and involvement in this year’s presidential election is crucial. We conducted voter registration drives and placed tremendous emphasis on voter education and turnout.”

While Dr. Porter stopped short of endorsing any candidate for president, the importance of voter participation permeated the convention’s political events.

“More than, perhaps, at any other time, this year’s election in November is a pivotal moment in our country,” said Porter. “We plan to

continue our legacy of civic involvement. It was a significant endeavor to inform and equip our people with the information they need to make an educated choice at the polls.”

Dr. Baltimore expressed an urgency and necessity that activism be an integral part of this year’s convention.

“The political climate of our nation, voter rights suppression issues, acts of violence equal to those against Trayvon Martin and countless other atrocities dictate that PNBC is present at the various tables of discussion to ensure justice for all,” he said.

The Michigan Chapter Operation PUSH joined PNBC in

a Tuesday afternoon press conference, which called attention to the latest acts of mass murder and advocated new and effective measures of gun control.

Dr. Noel G.L. Hutchinson, pastor of First Baptist ChurchLauderdale Street and communications director for the 51st Convention, envisions delegates returning to their communities with a renewed sense of purpose and civic responsibility.

“There is a great sense of connectedness among our members,” said Hutchinson.

“Some are Primitive Baptists, some Missionary Baptists, some Institutional Baptists, and other groups of Baptist or-

ganizations. But we are all Progressive Baptists. The Progressive National Baptist Convention brings us all together into one unified whole.”

Mayor AC Wharton Jr. and Shelby County Mayor Mark H. Luttrell Jr. welcomed the Progressive Baptist delegates on Monday evening.

“They both gave us a sense of this year’s meeting being historical and significant in context,” said Hutchinson.

“The city of Memphis will always have a meaningful place in the Baptist community.

This was Dr. King’s final stand for justice. We are committed to continuing the fight.”

midnight on Aug. 16.

Results: The purpose of the awards show is to reveal our top nominees and the number one vote getter in the most popular categories, and again we invite you to attend the event. Many of you have asked about the standings. Who is in the lead? We have decided to give a sneak preview at the midway standings on Friday (Aug. 10) at noon. We will post the current standings on the website, www.bestinblackawards.com, from noon to 1 p.m., exactly one hour! If you want to see whose leading in each category, this will be the only time you get a glimpse until the night of the big show!!

Casting Call: We are looking for dancers/performers to be a part of the opening act for the 2012 Best in Black Awards Show: The Best in Black Awards Show Casting Call for Dancers will be Sunday (Aug. 12) from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Sub Roy Studios, 644 S. Highland.

Applications to this casting call require: A phone number; a profile photo and completed profile sheet (available at the casting call); a one-minute dance piece to perform at the audition. (Bring your music in CD format.)

Experienced and versatile dancers needed: Dance ability: Intermediate – expert; Any gender, ages 16 to 30.

Questions: Contact the Best in Black Awards Show Entertainment Coordinator, Viara Boyd, at 901-721-5757 or email bibaent@gmail.com.

Tickets: Pre-sale tickets go on sale Friday (Aug. 10) at the offices of The New Tri-State

Woods said the community has spoken loud and clear, calling for a change in leadership.

“It was a hard-fought race.

We pulled together a team of dedicated Memphians committed to our message of change and who believe strongly in improving public education,” said Woods. “ I was not surprised at all by the outcome.”

OPINION

Tri-State Defender

Page 3

August 9 - 15, 2012

A word to the right: anti-poverty programs have worked NNPA News Service

by George E. Curry

George E. Curry

Conservatives continue to assert that anti-poverty prog r a m s have failed when, in fact, they have saved millions of people f r o m plunging

into poverty.

“Fox News,” the house organ for right-wingers, has led this disinformation campaign.

Let’s examine what two network contributors said on the same day (July 23, 2012): Mary Katherine in an appearance on “The O’Reilly Factor,” said: “Well, here’s the other thing. Like you noted, Bill, that we’ve spent 17 trillion dollars on the war on poverty since it began, originally the plan was to be able to lift people out of poverty. It does not feel to people like we’re getting there, and (Obama’)] out there doing other things and making the pitch that that is what’s going to solve the problem. More spending. We’re on track to spend over a trillion dollars per year on welfare programs.

We’ve spent two trillion, I believe, over the last two fiscal years. And people are looking at that and it’s not helping.”

Monica Crowley, appearing on “Your World with Neil Cavuto,” said: “Here’s the problem. Since the mid-1960s when Lyndon Johnson launched the Great Society program, and started this massive spending spree…

What we now know is that none of those social welfare programs, that we continue to pour all of this taxpayer money into, have worked. None of it has alleviated poverty. In fact the poverty rate has gotten worse instead of better.”

Media Matters, the media watchdog group, looked at a half-dozen reports that debunk the popular – though inaccurate – right-wing talking point.

“Amid reports of rising poverty, two Fox contributors claimed that anti-poverty programs have done nothing to alleviate poverty,” Media Matters stated. “In fact, federal government programs such as food stamps, Social Security, and other measures created or boosted by the stimulus bill have kept millions out of poverty and lowered the poverty rate.”

Poverty is defined by the federal government as a family of two parents and two children earning $22,113 annually or one parent and two children receiving $17,568 a year. According to the Census Bureau, 15.1 percent of Americans, or 46.2 million people, live below the poverty line. That’s the highest rate since 1993 but 7.3 percent lower than 1959 when figures were first kept.

According to the National Poverty Center at the University of Michigan, the poverty rate was 22.4 percent in the late 1950s, declined throughout the 1960s – when the Great Society anti-poverty programs were created – and reached a low of 11.1 percent in 1973 before inching back up to its current level of 15.1 percent.

The non-partisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) analyzed Census Bureau figures and found that without federal anti-poverty programs, the poverty rate would have doubled.

“Census data show that in 2012, poverty rates without government income assistance of any sort would have been nearly twice as high as they actually were: 28.6 percent rather than 15.5 percent,” the CBPP reported. “This shows the impact of public programs, including not only tax credits, unemployment insurance, and SNAP benefits (food stamps) but also Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, veterans’ benefits, public assistance (including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and housing assistance, among others, and the net effect of the tax system.”

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities also found that: Social Security kept nearly 20 million Americans out of poverty;

Stimulus programs kept nearly 7 million Americans out of poverty; The Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit lifted more than 8 million people, including 5 million children, out of poverty in 2010; Unemployment insurance benefits kept more than 3 million people out of poverty in 2010; Food stamps kept 4 million people, including 2 million children, out of poverty in

2010 and The Making Work Pay tax credit kept 1.5 million people out of poverty in 2010.

On April 9, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released a study that showed because of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), otherwise known as food stamps, between 2000 and 2009 there was “an average decline of 4.4 percent in the prevalence of poverty due to SNAP benefits.”

In addition, the study found,

SNAP’s antipoverty effect was strongest in 2009 when benefits were increased under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, also known as the stimulus package. That year, SNAP benefits reduced the poverty rate by nearly 8 percent and child poverty by 20.9 percent.

Rather than being grateful that food stamps were available to U.S. citizens during a time of need, Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich took a

slap at President Obama by calling him “the most successful food stamp president in American history.” Gingrich continued to make that charge even after it was disclosed that more people received food stamps under George W. Bush than under Obama.

Conservatives can continue to repeat the same old lie over and over, but that won’t make it true. Anti-poverty programs have worked and many of us are living proof.

(George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine, is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA) and editorial director of Heart & Soul magazine. He is a keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach.

Curry can be reached through his website, www.georgecurry. com. You can also follow him at www.twitter.com/ currygeorge.)

Page 4

OPINION

Tri-State Defender

August 9 - 15, 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

Gabriell Douglas’ hair-raising experience

Show me the money!

The ʻBlack Voteʼ again taken for granted

(Cloves Campbell Jr. is chairman of the National Newspaper Publishers Association and publisher of the Arizona Informant)

There are less than 100 days until voters throughout the country cast their votes for the next president of the United States of America as well as candidates for U.S. Senate, the House of Representatives, state legislatures and city councils. The campaign war chests for President Obama and Mitt Romney total almost $3 billion! However, as of this writing, not one dollar has been spent in the “Black Press.”

Once again the Black Press has been relegated to an “Oh, By the Way” campaign that features a single half-page ad placed two weeks before the election in all black newspapers, totaling a shameful $1.2 million dollars! That is the money placed by the Obama for America Campaign (OFA). The Romney Campaign has zero dollars allocated!

To put this all into paper perspective, let me give you some background: In January of this year, we had conversations with the OFA campaign. At that time, we were told that money was not coming in as expected so they could not talk about advertising in black newspapers. In late April, after we found out that the OFA campaign had only $800 million, we put together a very detailed advertising proposal for $21 million, which included multiple insertions in all NNPA publications from June through November.

The plan recommended a campaign that encouraged three phases of action. The first steps were “Voters registration – you can’t vote if you are not registered.” Second, “Proper ID – What to take to the polls.” Understanding that voter suppression

laws vary from state to state, it is important that voters know what to take to the polls in order to vote. The last stop is “GOTV – get out the vote.”

Mobilizing our communities to go to the polls is Cloves Campbell Jr. the key to winning the upcoming election. Our proposal also included an aggressive digital and social media campaign as well.

Today, we are once again in a position of being taken for granted. Does Jim Messina (President Obama’s campaign manager) know something about black folks that we didn’t know? I am beginning to wonder where are the black folks who are advising this campaign? Do they not see the money being spent around them? Are they not asking why are there no black pollsters, ad agencies, placement firms, or other blackowned businesses reaping the benefits of the only $3 billion being spent in this campaign season.

SHOW ME THE MONEY! At the end of the election, over $3 billion will be spent. Some people will be very happy. They will not care who wins. With the movie “Trading Places,” this quote comes to mind: “No matter what happens…..Duke and Duke still get their commission!”

What are we to do? Do we stand by and again wait four more years?

Let’s get moving now! Come on Roland Martin, Rev. Al Sharpton, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Cliff Kelly, Steve Harvey, Oprah Winfrey! Let’s talk about this now.

SHOW ME THE MONEY!

IN THE MAIL Colorado tragedy brings two needs into focus

Our entire nation is in mourning for the unfortunate victims of the Aurora, Colo. shootings. This brings out again the real need for gun law reform. It also emphasizes the need for the Affordable Health Care Act. Many of the persons injured were uninsured. The hospitals in this instance will help them, therefore they will not be saddled with huge medical bills. However, on a larger scale,

daily there are uninsured patients with large medical bills that they have to pay, the leading cause for bankruptcy in the country is due to medical bills.

The Affordable Health Care Act will help the great majority of these people. I think it is of interest that the uninsured encompasses a great number of Americans of all races and nationalities. Let us get on with accepting this new act, which finally brings us up to the other industrialized nations for concern about health care.

– Robert J. Smith M.D

FACEBOOK FAN OF THE WEEK Andre Dean

The TSD Facebook Fan of the Week is Andre Dean, a native of Nashville, where he graduated from McGavock Comprehensive High School. He grew fond of Memphis during his days at the University of Memphis (Memphis State in his day!) and secured his degree in accounting in 1989. Andre pledged and is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. In 2004, Andre and his family moved to Jacksonville, Fla. for a couple of years before bringing his talents back to Memphis in 2006. He currently serves as the vice president of Public Policy & Community Affairs for the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce, the leading economic and community development agency for the Greater Memphis area.

We are glad Andre is back in Memphis and happy to have him as part of the TSD Facebook family!

FLASHBACK: 2007

President on target with black education focus NNPA News Service

by David L. Horne, Ph.D. On Thursday, July 27, in one of the very few programs the Obama administration has specifically targeted and titled for black Americans, President Obama issued an executive order creating the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans, which will be housed in the secretary of education’s office.

It creates a new executive director of black education, a new President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans, and an interagency collaboration of staff from different departments.

Together, that new entity is supposed to identify the preventable causes of the continuing educational challenges faced by African-American students, from the “cradle to career,” as the president proclaimed, and to identify fact-based solutions to those challenges and the necessary resources to get them handled.

President Obama said, in signing the executive order, “In the less than 60 years since the Brown v. Board of Education decision put America on a path towards equal educational opportunity, America’s educational system has undergone a remarkable transformation. However, substantial obstacles to equal educational opportunity still remain in America’s educational system. African Americans lack equal access to highly effective teachers and principals, safe schools, and challenging college preparatory classes, and they disproportionally experience school discipline and referrals to special education.”

The new initiative is aimed at providing one substantive remedy to that set of circumstances and its negative impact on the thorough education of African-American youth towards contributory citizenship.

Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, the dynamic, young president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, was named as the chair of the advisory commission. The heads of the NAACP, the Urban League, and Al Sharpton’s National Black Network, all praised the president’s executive order and predicted that it would have a major positive impact.

Predictably, the right wing hurled brickbats at it, some claiming it was racist by targeting black students specifically (although not exclusively), and others claiming that it would do no good anyway since it would not tackle what conservatives see as the fundamental black American problem – too many births from unwed mothers and an epidemic of dysfunctional black families.

To some other commentators, this

Tri-State Defender Platform

1. Racial prejudice worldwide must be destroyed.

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

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

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

5. Complete cessation of all school segregation.

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

initiative was simply political pandering during an election year. In reality, none of those criticisms matter.

The only real issue is whether the approach works to stop the educational bleeding of the black community, in part or in whole.

President Obama is fond of quoting Frederick Douglass’ comment that to black Americans education is freedom. He had also re-used that phrase in his 2010 re-affirmation of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), which promised more than $850 million dollars to the HBCUs. The funds are to be distributed within the next 10 years, which will substantially relieve the pressure on many of them caused by severe cuts in state funding and support.

His 2010 executive order also reaffirmed the importance of HBCUs in the 21st century and countered the argument of some in the political and academic communities that HBCUs had outlived their usefulness and value.

To a White House gathering of HBCU presidents, Obama had pledged, “In me, you have a partner in the White House.” He has since been a man of his word, holding a White House celebration on HBCU Day, and providing other tangible support.

For some hard-to-please black critics, the Initiative on Black Educational Excellence appears to be more fluff, than substance, sort of like former President Bill Clinton’s Advisory Commission on Race in America, chaired by renowned historian Dr. John Hope Franklin. That body issued excellent reports, but got no real change accomplished within the educational system. They see President Obama’s initiative as another shallow stab at something that will take long-term focus and substantial resources.

Interestingly enough, none of these critics seem to be applying to be members of the president’s new commission. There, perhaps, they could help make some real, successful change in the paradigm they complain about.

Clearly, it is much easier to throw stones at a worthy attempt than to try and help it succeed.

More things that make us go, hmmmm…when asking why certain people do and say what they do.

I say, good show, Mr. President.

Good show!

(Special to the NNPA by Our Weekly) (Professor David L. Horne is founder and executive director of PAPPEI, the Pan African Public Policy and Ethical Institute.)

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If you don’t follow Olympic gymnastics, you may not have heard about Gabrielle Douglas before this year. But the amazing grace of this 16-year-old African American propelled her Julianne to Olympic gold Malveaux last week, and she is the first African American to win an individual medal in gymnastics.

Indeed, her performance toppled the Russians, who have portrayed themselves as unbeatable. So unbeatable, as a matter of fact that the winner of the silver medal, Viktoria Komova, “sobbed uncontrollably” because she so expected to win.

This calls for unqualified celebration. Sneaking into some of the celebratory comments, though, were snarky and rude comments that many reserve to tarnish African-American accomplishment and victory. Channel surfing in the talk radio space, these comments came in two categories, equally objectionable.

First, there were comments about Gabrielle’s hair. As the young gymnast did her thing, there were many – including some self-hating AfricanAmerican women – who commented that her hair wasn’t up to par. Shades of the comments about Michelle Obama. I’m not sure what style would be appropriate for a gymnast, but let’s celebrate Gabrielle’s medal instead of railing on her hair. Are we still stuck on the Spike Lee version of “straight or nappy” as a contrast?

When Don Imus insultingly uses the word “nappy,” we “Black Folks” are up in arms, as we should be. But when sisters excoriate an accomplished young woman, there are those who nod their hair in agreement.

When will we, black women, get over this hair thing? And when will we stop playing into other people’s stereotypes? To be honest, hair was the last thing on my mind when I saw Gabrielle’s stunning performance.

Why was anyone thinking of hair?

In addition to thinking of hair, some commentators were thinking of fatherhood. Where was her dad, too many asked? One radio talk show host took a whole five minutes ruminating on absent dads. But the truth is that while Gabrielle’s mom, Natalie Hawkins, and her dad, Timothy Douglas, are divorcing, Douglas, a soldier who has served both in Iraq and Afghanistan, is very much part of her life. He was present for the Olympic trials, but had responsibilities that kept him from the rest of the games.

His presence or absence should not be the fodder for speculation.

I wouldn’t mind the commentary so much if the same folks spent any time speaking of the economic plight of African-American men. The most recent jobs report shows that while the unemployment rate ticked up from 8.2 percent in May to 8.3 percent in June, the rate for AfricanAmerican men rose from 14.2 to 14.8 percent. Unofficial rates would put African-American male employment near the 25 percent mark.

Furthermore, alternative sets of data more effectively explore the plight of African-American men.

The employment-population ratio, which measures the percentage of men aged 10 to 65 who are working, shows that 57.7 percent of AfricanAmerican men in that age group have jobs, which means that more than 40 percent do not.

More than two of three AfricanAmerican men, then, do not have work, yet this statistic is rarely discussed. In contrast, the employmentpopulation ratio for white men was 68.4 percent, a full 10 percentage points higher than the rate for black men. Timothy Douglas is employed, and he is, indeed, defending our country. Why is his presence or absence at the Olympic Games subject to mean-spirited discussion, when it is clear that he supports his daughter?

It is easy to suggest that the Tea Party attacks on President Barack Obama have made it “open season” on black people among the commemtariat. And certainly, coverage of the president and his family has been rife with stereotypes. Still, Tea Party attacks can’t explain the ways that some African-American women have talked about Gabrielle Douglas’ hair. In the face of caustic comments about black people from outsiders, must we turn on ourselves?

The only thing I want to hear about Gabrielle Douglas is how amazing her victory was, and how inspirational she will be for other young women. All of America ought to celebrate this victory because Ms. Douglas brought the gold home, not for herself, but for our nation. The stereotypes are simply unacceptable, whether African Americans or whites are wallowing in them.

(NNPA columnist Julianne Malveaux, a Washington, D.C.based economist and writer.)

Tri-State Defender

OPINION

August 9 - 15, 2012

The State of America’s Children 2012

Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis once said, “We can have democracy in this country, or we can have great wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can’t have both.” When we look at the state of our union and the state of America’s children in 2012, his words ring very true.

It’s impossible to deny that our nation’s economy, professed values of equal opportunity, future, and soul are all in danger right now.

There are 16.4 million poor children in rich America, 7.4 million living in extreme poverty.

A majority of public school students and more than three out of four black and Hispanic children, who will be a majority of our child population by 2019, are unable to read or compute at grade level in the fourth or eighth grade and will be unprepared to succeed in our increasingly competitive global economy.

Nearly eight million children are uninsured.

More children were killed by guns in 2008-09 than U.S. military personnel in both the Iraq and Afghanistan wars to date. A black boy born in 2001 has a one in three chance of going to prison in his lifetime; a Latino boy a one in six chance of the same fate.

Millions of children are living hopeless, poverty- and violence-stricken lives in the war zones of our cities; in the educational deserts of our rural areas; in the moral deserts of our corrosive culture that saturates them with violent, materialistic, and individualistic messages; and in the leadership deserts of our political and economic life where greed and self-interest trump the common good over and over.

Millions of our children are being left behind without the most basic human supports they need to survive and thrive when parents alone cannot provide for them at a time of deep economic downturn, joblessness, and low wage jobs that place a ceiling on economic mobility for millions as America’s dream dims.

Unemployment, underemployment, and economic inequality are rife and will worsen if massive cascading federal, state, and local budget cuts aimed primarily at the poor and young succeed. Homeless shelters, child hunger, and child suffering have become normalized in the richest nation on earth. It’s time to reset our moral compass and redefine how we measure success.

The Children’s Defense Fund has just released The State of America’s Children® 2012 Handbook. This report is a portrait of where our children are right now and a tool to spur us to set the vision of where we need to go to stop the downward mobility of our children and grandchildren and the diminution of America’s future. It provides key national information in a range of areas to help inform and enable anyone who cares about children to effectively stand up for them.

State tables show how children are faring state by state and how each state compares to other states in protecting children. For example, when we looked closely at poor children

across the nation, ten states plus the District of Columbia had child poverty rates of 25 percent or higher: Mississippi was the highest at 32.5 percent, followed

by D.C., New Mexico, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kentucky, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, and West VirMarian Wright ginia. Only New Hampshire had a child poverty Edelman rate of 10 percent or lower.

When it comes to ensuring Ten states plus equal chances for children the District of everywhere in our country we have a long way to go.

Columbia had And when we realize that child poverty nationwide a child is born rates of 25 into poverty every 29 secpercent or onds it should sound alarms from coast to coast. higher: Mississippi was I hope this report will be piercing siren call which the highest at awakes up our sleeping, im32.5 percent, pervious and self-confollowed by sumed nation to the lurking dangers of epidemic child D.C., New neglect, illiteracy, poverty Mexico, and violence. It’s way past Alabama, time for those of us who Arkansas, call ourselves child advoLouisiana, cates to speak and stand up Kentucky, South and do whatever is required Carolina, Texas, to close the gaping gulf beword and deed and Tennessee, and tween between what we know West Virginia. children need and what we The State of do for them. In a year filled choices for our comAmerica’s with munities, states, and nation Children 2012 – from our budgets to our Handbook leaders – please educate yourself and others about the urgent challenges facing our children and insist our nation make better investment choices to ensure their and our futures.

A transforming nonviolent movement is needed to create a just America. It must start in our homes, communities, parent and civic associations, and faith congregations across the nation. It will not come from Washington or state capitols or politicians. Every single person can and must make a difference if our voiceless, voteless children are to be prepared to lead America forward. Now is the time to close our action and courage gaps, reclaim our nation’s ideals of freedom and justice, and ensure every child the chance to survive and thrive.

(Marian Wright Edelman is president of the Children’s Defense Fund. For more information, visit www.childrensdefense.org.)

WEB POSTS

Readers weigh in on www.tsdmemphis.com

Dream fulfilled: Leviticus Pointer takes over at Melrose High School Edition: Aug. 2-8, 2012 (After graduating from Melrose High School in 1989, Leviticus Pointer is back – this time as principal.)

POST: Mr. Pointer is a fantastic administrator. I had the opportunity to work with him at Fairley High, and I must say, I applaud him for his hard work and dedication to the entire school environment.

– Dorothy Hill SEAL-sational Edition: Aug. 2-8, 2012 (International pop star Seal really impressed concertgoers during his performance at the Memphis Botanic Garden.)

POST: Seal’s show – beautiful & romantic as a rose! We enjoyed his sensational show with its spectacular, brilliant special effects.

Seal mingled with the crowd – some tried to

devour him! :) Thank you Seal for loving on Memphis as you did during your unique, energetic performance. You made us feel special and we will always love you. Your female sidekick sung so breath-takingly well. My husband danced with me twice! It was so nice! Please come again! Sealed w/ a kiss.

– Barbara King

Millions of ex-offenders given a voting ‘death sentence’ Edition: Aug. 2-8, 2012

It is time for action!!! We need to lobby for restoration of all citizenship rights once a person has satisfied the requirement of the law.

There is no incentive to do better once released, because you are still imprisoned, you can’t vote, no one will hire you, its hard to get or maintain housing, but believe me, if you manage to get something, you will be expected to pay taxes. Let’s get a movement started, across this county, let’s make it a national law, not individual states.

– Joan Blackmon

Page 5

NEWS

Page 6

Tri-State Defender

August 9 - 15, 2012

GUNS

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

United States is the only country to have more than 70 guns per 100 persons in the entire world. The precise number: 88.

Yemen is a distant second at 54.

The other numbers are just as damning: “We have 5 percent of the world’s population and 50 percent of the guns. But the sheer number of guns isn’t an isolated statistic. The data shows we compare badly on fatalities, too. The U.S. has three gun homicides per 100,000 people. That’s four times as many as Switzerland, ten times as many as India, 20 times as many as Australia and England.”

And yet, conservative commentator George Will insists: “The killer in Aurora, Colo., was very intelligent and farsighted and meticulous. I defy you to write a gun-control law that would prevent someone like this with a long time horizon and a great planning capability from getting the arms he wants. I just think that this is a mistake.”

Sikhs in Oak Creek should be grateful that their shooter wasn’t quite so “very intelligent and farsighted and meticulous.” He didn’t bother to assemble an entire arsenal before he went on a rampage. But here’s the more important point: he could easily have done so under existing U.S. law.

The legal arguments against gun control are equally specious. There is no U.S. constitutional right to carry an assault weapon that shoots 100 rounds.

“A lot of gun owners would agree that AK-47s belong in the hands of soldiers, not in the hands of criminals — that they belong on the battlefield of war, not on the streets of our cities,” declared President Obama in the aftermath of Aurora. Most polls confirm they do.

As the press watchdog group, Media Matters, points out, contrary to the conventional wisdom touted by TV talking heads, three in five Americans support reinstating the nationwide ban on assault weapons that expired in 2004.

Other polls show that 86 percent support a criminal background check for all gun buyers; 63 percent are for a ban on high capacity magazines or clips; 69 percent support limits on the number of guns a person

Mass shootings such as the Aug. 5 killing of seven people, including the gunmen, in Oak Creek, Wisc., have led to increased debates – formal and informal – about the need for more stringent gun control.

can purchase within a certain time frame; 66 percent support a national gun registry.

And yet there has been no significant effort to institute sensible limits on gun ownership in the United States.

While many see gun violence as symbolic of America’s uber-macho, cowboy culture, it is also indicative of a core flaw in modern democracy, which has become captive to minority interests. In India, most citizens agree on the urgent need for stricter measures to curb corruption – but to little avail.

So why do we repeatedly see the will of the majority thwarted by a small number of influential people?

One reason is that all political debates are framed in polarizing extremes by media outlets – especially television – that thrive on conflict. The damage is incalculable and became evident in the trajectory of the anti-corruption movement in India. We were either going to embrace the Hazare version of the Lokpal bill or have no anti-corruption legislation at all. The gun debate similarly sets up a false choice: either ban all guns or remove all curbs on ownership.

The media also like to reduce all politics to personality.

“The narrative almost always gets formed around the insanity, the extremism of that particular assailant and not a broader discussion of the number of firearms or number of fatalities due to firearms,” observes Dhavan Shah, a communications and political science professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

“That doesn’t do much to change public opinion. Immediately the discussion shifts back to ‘He called himself the joker and he had red hair.’”

In India, the press was only too glad to focus on Anna at the expense of the broader (and more boring) issue of corruption. Does he advocate whipping alcoholics? Is he senile?

Is he fighting with Arvind Kejriwal? Soon enough, Team Anna goes from hero to zero, and anti-corruption legislation is declared DOA. The outcome is always a stalemate that favors the status quo.

The other reason is the selfserving nature of politics and politicians. No one wants to do anything that will jeopardize their career or their party or – in India – their personal wealth.

“When there is an extraordinarily heartbreaking tragedy like the one we saw, there’s always an outcry immediately after for action. And there’s talk of new reforms, and there’s talk of new legislation.

And too often, those efforts are defeated by politics and by lobbying and eventually by the pull of our collective attention elsewhere,” said Obama in his Aurora speech.

And yet he too has no plans to propose new gun legislation in a reelection year. Be it corruption or gun control, there is a silent bipartisan consensus to do nothing.

A third reason is public apathy (as Obama gently puts it, our “attention,” or lack thereof). Sure, we all want things to be better, but not enough. Americans won’t take to the streets to change gun laws despite nearly 20 mass shootings a year.

In a democracy, those who care the most, win. And they’re often not the good guys.

(Special to New America Media from Firstpost.com)

President Barack Obama talks on the phone with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India aboard Air Force One during a flight to Colorado on Aug. 8. The President called Prime Minister Singh to express condolences for victims of the attack at the gurdwara in Wisconsin, which took the lives of Indian nationals as well as Americans, and to convey the solidarity of the American people. Ben Rhodes, Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications, is seated at right. (White House photo by Pete Souza)

Incoming members of the fall class learn success strategies during a two-week Summer Enrichment Program held at Community College of Philadelphiaʼs Center for Male Engagement. The three-year-old initiative offers male students, African Americans especially, the tools needed to navigate, communicate and thrive on campus and in class. (Courtesy photo)

‘I belong here!’

Community College of Philadelphia studentsuccess program boosts African-American males NNPA News Service

by Arlene Edmond Julius St. John wants to prove that he can be among the minority of AfricanAmerican males who start and finish college on time.

The recent George Washington High School (Philadelphia) graduate believes he will attain his goal with the help of Community College of Philadelphia’s Center for Male Engagement (CME).

Incoming members of the fall class learn success strategies during a two-week Summer Enrichment Program held at the center. The three-yearold initiative offers male students, African Americans especially, the tools needed to navigate, communicate and thrive on campus and in class.

“I think that educating African-American males about the college culture is important,” said St. John, who was among the 50 AfricanAmerican students who attended the orientation session.

“The information I got so far is helping me to understand how to be a better student. It’s important for me to have a place to get referrals and to ask questions. I am looking for-

ward to one day owning my own business, so coming here will help me stay on that goal.”

Daryl Bright, Derek Perkins, Richard Newell, Kevin Covington and Jules Thomas are program facilitators. They are all young, African-American, male college graduates. Some of the things they discussed in the opening session were classroom decorum, the importance of punctuality and being present for class, time management, a college work ethic and resources for those needing help.

The young men shouted, “I belong here!” as the facilitators urged them to stand up and chant. They did this enthusiastically before watching “Bring Your ‘A’ Game,” a video moderated by Mario Van Peebles.

In the video they were taught about the importance of education and the ways AfricanAmerican males can use the educational system to avoid trouble with the law, or prison, and becoming chronically unemployed. Among those speaking in the film were Ice Cube and Spike Lee. The Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) initiative recently won the prestigious 2012 Noel-Levitz Retention Excellence Award, which recognized four programs that

were innovative in creating student success programs.

The other recipients were the “Course Signals” program at Purdue University in Indiana, the “CCC2NAU” at Coconino Community College in Arizona and the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education’s “Project Graduate.”

“Each year these awards recognize the most successful, state-of-the-art retention programs in use today,” said Tim Culver, Noel-Levitz’s vice president. “This year’s honorees have made great strides in student retention, and we are pleased to recognize them in their efforts. The winners demonstrated measurable institutional outcomes, (and) originality and creativity, as well as excellent use of resources and adaptability for use at other institutions.”

CCP freshman Lindell Low of West Philadelphia believes the program will assist him get the foundation he needs to transfer to a four-year college.

“They have already given me a sense of direction and can serve as role models for me,” he said.

(Arlene Edmond reported this story for the Philadelphia Tribune)

BUSINESS

Tri-State Defender

Page 7

August 9 - 15, 2012

ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY

Family Business:

Three generations fuel body shop and towing service I recently had a fender bender and needed someone to tow my vehicle and tell me the extent of the damage. I remembered having been introduced to Father & Son Towing at a networking event and was fortunate to still have their card in my purse. With little time to waste, I called the number and Robert L. Hale Sr. was on the line. Shortly thereafter, my car was transported to his shop. When I say the finished product on the bodywork was incredible, I am not stretching the truth. My car looks better than before the accident.

As the name implies, Father & Son Towing has truly been fathers and sons. Until the recent passing of his father, Robert Hale Sr. worked with his father and his son in the family business of towing and custom bodywork.

Carlee M. McCullough, Esq.: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Robert L. Hale Sr.: My name is Mr. Robert L. Hale Sr. and I’m fortyseven years old. I was born and raised in Memphis, Tenn.

CM: How and when did you get involved in the custom painting & bodywork industry?

RLH: I became interested in cars at an early age. I enjoyed everything about the cars from mechanical to bodywork, so I knew this was my calling.

CM: How and why did your business add the tow truck element to the business?

RLH: Early in my custom body shop business, I had purchased a corvette. But not long after I purchased it I had an accident and the car was totaled. When the insurance paid me I took that money and purchased my first tow truck because I used to pay someone to haul cars for me for the custom body repair side of the business. Really, car shops and tow trucks go hand in hand.

CM: Did you create a business plan before starting out?

RLH: No, I didn’t create a business plan on paper. The plan was

in my head.

Carlee McCullough

CM: What has been your greatest challenge?

RLH: The greatest challenge before my son came on-board was being able to find good reliable workers.

CM: What is the greatest reward in being an entrepreneur?

RLH: The greatest reward in being an entrepreneur for me is being able to make a living at doing what I love.

CM: Your father has been involved in the business, along with your son. What is the experience of having three generations involved?

RLH: The generation experience has been priceless because of my dad’s wisdom and common sense approach to life.

CM: Do you notice any new trends in the marketplace? If so, what are they?

RLH: The one main trend in the marketplace that I’ve noticed is the Internet. We have had to incorporate these things into the business to remain competitive.

CM: What types of marketing do you employ?

RLH: We are listed in the Yellowbook. We have a website. Also, the branding of the name of the business on all of our vehicles, ink pens and key chains is another way of promoting the business.

CM: What are some daily habits that made you successful?

RLH: Being professional. Always being a man of your word. Don’t mind working hard.

CM: What books or resources would you recommend for individuals starting out?

RLH: When starting out, an individual should always research their interest through business magazines

Father & Son Towing is listed in Yellowbook, has a website and brands the name of the business on all of its vehicles, ink pens and key chains. (Courtesy photos) and/or an internship.

CM: If you could have anything to take your business to the next level, what would it be?

RLH: I could use one or two reliable workers, two more car carriers and two more towing contracts.

CM: What’s the next step for you as a business owner?

RLH: My next step as a business owner is to continue to look for additional business and to build my business team with my business attorney and my accountant to take my business even further.

CM: Any closing remarks?

RLH: Thanks Carlee and The TriState Defender for the opportunity to share my story.

(For more information, visit www.fathersonautobody.com.)

Robert L. Hale Sr. (left), Ron Hale, and Robert L. Hale Jr.

MONEY MATTERS

Inherited IRAs come with critical choices Many people who inherit a tax-deferred IRA are confronted with a complex array of rules, restrictions and deadlines that may make it difficult for them to determine how to proceed. Unfortunately, beneficiaries must often make binding decisions about inherited retirement assets before they may be prepared to do so.

Of course, beneficiaries can liquidate inherited IRA assets as they wish, but they should keep in mind that amounts withdrawn from a traditional IRA are taxed as ordinary income. A better long-term strategy might be to take only the withdrawals required by the IRS, leaving the rest of the inherited assets untouched to keep accumulating on a tax-deferred basis for as long as possible. This strategy may also help spread the tax liability over a longer period of time.

Understanding RMDs

Traditional IRAs are subject to re-

quired minimum distributions (RMDs).

For original owners, RMDs must begin no later than April 1 of the year after the year in which the investor reaches age 70½. In subsequent years, Charles RMDs must be Sims Jr., CFP taken by December 31. Annual RMD amounts are calculated based on the account value (on December 31 of the previous year) and the owner’s life expectancy. This information can be found in the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table.

IRA owners (as well as people who inherit a traditional IRA) who fail to take an RMD could be hit with a 50 percent tax penalty on the amount that should have been withdrawn. IRA beneficiaries are subject to special

distribution rules. Spouses typically have more choices than nonspouses.

Three options for spouses

1. Roll assets to a new IRA. If the surviving spouse is the sole designated beneficiary, the funds can be rolled into a new account in his or her name. In this situation, the surviving spouse does not have to take RMDs until age 70½, and he or she can name new account beneficiaries.

However, a 10 percent early-withdrawal penalty would apply to distributions prior to age 59½.

2. Transfer assets to an “inherited” or “beneficiary” IRA. If the deceased spouse died before age 70½, the survivor’s first RMD must be taken by December 31 of the year after the decedent’s death, or by December 31 of the year the deceased would have turned 70½ (whichever is later). If the deceased spouse died after age 70½, the surviving spouse must begin taking RMDs before December

31 of the year after death.

3. Pass assets to children or grandchildren. The surviving spouse (as sole beneficiary) can disclaim the IRA and allow it to pass directly to the account’s contingent beneficiaries.

Other heirs

Generally, nonspouse beneficiaries must begin taking RMDs by December 31 of the year following the year of the original account owner’s death. However, if the original owner passed away after reaching age 70½ and did not take a current-year RMD, the beneficiary must take a distribution by December 31 of the year of death. It’s important for the IRA to be properly titled with the words “beneficiary” or “inherited.”

There is no 10 percent early-distribution penalty for IRA beneficiaries.

RMD rules are even more complex when multiple beneficiaries are designated, and each choice could have

far-reaching implications. You may want to seek legal or tax counsel before making any final decisions.

The information in this article is not intended as 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. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.

(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.)

Page 8

HEALTH

August 9 - 15, 2012

CHEF TIMOTHY

Easing colonoscopy fear starts with eating right

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

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Fear of the unknown is an unpleasant emotion – much like walking into a darkened room and not knowing what lurks within. That’s the way some people feel about getting a colonoscopy. If you haven’t had one, the thought of such an invasive procedure may scare the wits out of you.

The majority of patients do well after a colonoscopy. But there could be serious side effects, if the procedure is performed improperly. For example, there have been reports of lower-extremity nerve palsy, infections as a result of badly sterilized equipment, intense spasmodic pain, soreness and bloating, excessive bleeding if a large polyp is removed, and years of irregularity.

Sound risky? The risk is minimum, however, considering that tens of thousands of individuals each year get the procedure done and walk out of the doctor’s office without any adverse reactions. To ease one’s fears, though, more information has to be provided before and after the procedure is done.

Doctors recommend a colonoscopy to make sure the colon is free of tumors, polyps, ulcers, bleeding and inflammation inside your body. It is a visual examination using a thin flexible tube called a colonoscope that has a camera and light attached to it to look at the interior lining of the large intestines and rectum.

There is something else to worry about besides adverse reactions – the dreaded hospital bill. The cost of a colonoscopy varies depending on the geographic region and provider. Uninsured patients, for example, could pay anywhere from $2,000 to nearly

When is a child’s backpack too heavy?

(PRNewswire-USNewswire) – As kids return to school, don’t wait for them to complain about back pain. Pay attention to their posture and keep an attentive eye on their backpacks.

Here are some safety tips from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Always use both shoulder straps to keep the weight of the backpack better distributed.

Tighten the straps and use waist strap if the bag has one.

Remove or organize items if too heavy and place biggest items closest to the back.

Lift properly and bend at the knees to pick up a backpack.

Carry only those items that are required for the day; leave books at home or school, if possible.

Keep walkways clear of backpacks to avoid tripping over them.

Parents also can help with backpack-related pain: Encourage your child or teenager to tell you about pain or discomfort that may be caused by a heavy backpack, like numbness or tingling in the arms or legs.

Purchase a backpack appropriate for the size of your child and look for any changes in your child’s posture when he or she wears the backpack.

Watch your child put on or take off the backpack to see if it is a struggle. Do not ignore red marks on the shoulders if your child or teenager expresses discomfort.

Talk to the school about lightening the load. Keep the load under 10-15 percent of the child’s body weight.

Be sure the school allows students to stop at their lockers throughout the day.

Teachers can help by following these tips: When planning lessons, take into consideration ways to lighten a child’s backpack load.

Allow enough time for kids to stop by their lockers to drop off books.

Dr. Timothy Moore

$4,000, according to BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina.

In the United States, the annual cost billed to insurance companies averages about $60 billion per year in

colonoscopy services performed by some type of health care provider. I’m wondering, though, since the procedure is so expensive, do we really need one done?

Prevention should be our No. 1 goal. However, a colonoscopy is just one way of screening for cancer, abnormal growths, such as polyps, and various diseases of the colon.

Doctors generally recommend a colonoscopy after a patient reaches a certain age, or if he or she feels one is needed to restore an unhealthy colon.

I read an article recently where a couple in New York thought their insurance company would pay for two colonoscopies. To their surprise, they were billed $1,600 by an anesthesiologist. This cost was not factored in their insurance, they were told.

They were dumbfounded, not expecting to ante up any money after the procedure.

The couple had used a gastroenterologist, who was recommended by their insurance company to administer anesthesia, because they were required to use someone in their network of primary care physicians. They did just what was required but didn’t expect the outcome.

I’m not an expert in this field, but I thought there is a

difference between anesthesia and sedation. I assume most individuals who get a colonoscopy done are usually sedated to begin the procedure. The couple in New York basically took a very expensive nap.

But I will say this: If getting a colonoscopy is needed to prevent cancer and other abnormalities of the colon, then the cost of the procedure just may be an equal trade. This is not a perfect world, and trying to stay healthy can be very costly. It would be cost-effective, in my opinion, if more money were spent on prevention instead of detection. But I’m just a plant-based chef.

In his book, “The China Study,” Dr. T Colin Campbell points out that the main cause of cancer in the United States is our toxic diet. The point he is making in the book is that illnesses and diseases can be prevented with a diet of fruits and vegetables – which I’ve written extensively about in this column.

As a vegan, 90 percent of my daily calorie intake comes from a plant-based diet. With such a diet, I’ve lowered my chances of developing colon cancer and any other catastrophic disease.

The bottom line is if you eat right, you won’t have to worry much about your colon or the anesthesiologist who will put you to sleep for a whopping $1,600.

(Dr. Timothy Moore teaches nutrition, heart disease and diabetes reversal through a plantbased lifestyle. He is a professional speaker, wellness coach and personal plant-based chef.

He is the author of “47 Tips To Reverse Your Diabetes.” He can be reached by email at cheftimothy@cheftimothymoore visit him at .com, www.cheftimothymoore.com or follow him at www.twitter .com/cheftimmoore.)

Tri-State Defender

COMMUNITY

Tri-State Defender

Page 9

August 9 - 15, 2012

$225,000 federal grant for Binghampton and Frayser

The Greater Memphis Partnership – a cross-sector partnership of local agencies – has been awarded $225,000 grant to help transform neighborhoods in Binghampton and Frayser.

The grant is through the Building Neighborhood Capacity Program (BNCP), a component of the federal Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative (NRI), a White House-led federal partnership launched by the Obama Administration in 2010 to help transform distressed neighborhoods.

BNCP’s intention is to create community-driven change in neighborhoods that have been facing barriers to revitalization.

The Greater Memphis Partnership, with Community LIFT as lead agency, worked for months to secure the grant. The grant process included a detailed proposal and a two -day site visit to Frayser, Binghampton, South Memphis and Whitehaven. Ultimately, the BNCP

Review Committee selected Binghampton and Frayser as the neighborhoods to fund.

“It is critical that Frayser have a master plan and vision of where we want to go. This grant will allow the community to speak with one voice and focus and coordinate resources in the most effective manner possible,” said Steve Lockwood, executive director of the Frayser Community Development Corporation.

“I believe it will be a great benefit to the community and cause more collaboration of organizations to come together and benefit,” said Charlie Caswell, executive director for Rangeline Neighborhood Community Development Corporation of Frayser.

“This critical federal and local support will enable this historic community to accelerate and broaden the progress taking hold today and lay the groundwork for an expanded

effort in underserved areas,” said Robert Montague, executive director of the Binghampton Community Development Corporation.

“The ability to tap critical technical assistance and the coordinated federal agencies provides leverage that small communities or neighborhood organizations could not practically access directly and will help accelerate the development of this core Memphis neighborhood”.

Mayor A C Wharton Jr. said the BNCP grant joins a continuing tradition of collaboration and partnership between Memphis, the federal government, and other entities.

“We must all work together if we are to turn the tide of intergenerational poverty in our city and restore economic vitality to our distressed neighborhoods,” said Wharton. “In particular, I would like to thank the local foundation community for their support in

this effort.”

Both the Mayor’s Innovation Team and the Memphis Police Department’s COP initiative are already focusing resources on Frayser and Binghampton.

The BNCP grant was created to help low-income neighborhoods provide the foundation and resources needed to help families experience better forms of education, employment, safety, and housing in their communities. The goal is to help neighborhoods develop the knowledge, skills, relationships, interactions, and organizational resources that enable citizens, civic leaders, the public and private sectors and local organizations to create comprehensive neighborhood revitalization plans.

BNCP funds are provided by the Departments of Education, Housing & Urban Development, Health & Human Services, Justice, and Treasury, along with the Center for the

A young girl adds her creativity to the Brewster crosswalk in one of the neighborhoods tapped to receive a federal grant that will allow such neighborhoods to design and begin pursuing results-driven, sustainable revitalization plans. (Courtesy photo) Study of Social Policy, the National League of Cities, the Aspen Institute Roundtable for Community Change, the Institute for Community Peace and Living Cities.

The neighborhoods were selected based on their levels of income, poor health outcomes, struggling schools, quality of affordable housing, access to employment, and levels of crime. Memphis was one of only four cities nationwide to be selected through a compet-

itive process for the BNCP. Other cities include Flint, Michigan; Fresno, California; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Thirty cities were considered to participate in the program.

The grant includes $225,000 to provide technical assistance to meet with community members and to begin revitalization plans. It will be matched by members of the Greater Memphis Partnership, resulting in a total of $450,000 in grant money.

Joel Lyons, the CEO of Lyons Cleaners, had a message for students in the Transformational Living Centers of Memphis program – “Keep God first, go big or go home, and never let anybody stop your dream.”

Students learning to ‘take off’ via HydePark based program Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Kimberly McGrew

For some students and young adults in the Hyde Park neighborhood, the thought of one day flying an airplane or inventing a process that leads to them creating a business is a lot more real because of a program offered by Transformational Living Centers of Memphis.

Transformational Living Centers of Memphis (TLCOM) is a non-profit organization based in Hyde Park. It concentrates on empowering youth for a positive society. An open door greets children; however, young adults are welcomed, as well as those recently out of incarceration.

Michael Graham, the executive secretary for TLCOM, has a vision of restoring his childhood neighborhood (Hyde Park) to what he said it used to be 20 years ago. He wants to see young men with children being good fathers. He wants them to pull up their pants and usher in a return to the way African-American males once wore their clothes (shirts, ties and Stacey Adam boots).

“Approximately 70 percent of the African-American males in Hyde Park do not have their high school diploma or GED,” Graham said. “Twenty years ago, 85 percent of the people in Hyde Park had high school diplomas, GEDs, and had a vision to go to college.”

Graham and Jason Black, CEO of TLCOM, have set their expectations for the

program very high. They want to provide a service to the community that is “unheard of.” Along the way, they want the students’ GPAs to go from 2.5 to 4.8.

About 15 students are associated with the program, which also gives them an opportunity to learn about African-American history, classical music, aviation, HBCUs and African-American entrepreneurs.

An introductory flying course, TLCOM’s first student activity (on July 7), grabbed the students’ attention. Each took off in a Cessna 172 with a trained pilot, flew the Memphis pattern, and landed the aircraft from Downtown Aviation.

“I already told all my friends about the program for next summer,” said DeVito Ross, 15, who was selected to receive training for his private pilot’s license.

Another activity session introduced the students to Joel Lyons, the CEO of Lyons Cleaners. Lyons showed them how to restore clothes that had been damaged by fire, water or mold. He detailed growing up on the south side of Chicago, entering the U.S. Navy, and making his way to Memphis, where he attended Christian Brothers University and thought of a brilliant idea of fabric restoration for dry cleaning.

Lyons, who now operates the only African-American restoration company in the southeast United States, shared an inspirational message with the students: “Keep God first, go big or go home, and never let anybody stop your dream.”

On another occasion, the students met

Coldwater back-to-school conference makes its mark Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Coldwater, Miss. Mayor Jessie J. Edwards knows when something unusual has happened in is neck of the woods and recently took note of such an event.

The happening was the Back to School Conference in Coldwater Cultural Center.

The “unusual” wasn’t the conference, which has an eightyear history. It was the crowd.

Students, parents, teachers, friends and well-wishers turned out until the annual conference’s biggest crowd ever – standing room only at 275 – had assembled.

The theme of the conference

was “Reading, Writing and Arithmetic.” The topic presenters were Debra Steele, Tennessee Department of Education (reading); Monica BarnesWilliams, retired teacher, Tate County Schools, Memphis City Schools (writing); and Sharon Johnson, teacher, Tate County Schools, Coldwater High School ( arithmetic).

Others appearing on the program were: Robert Skipper, principal of Coldwater High School; Rev. W. T. Reynolds, pastor, Mt. Calm MB Church; Alderwomen, Belinda Sandridge and Donzella Jefferies; Erica Walters of Health Help; Ozella Ward, Coldwater PTA; Maurice Robinson, the Tate

County Chapter of the NAACP; Mattie Watkins, the Mississippi Industrial College Alumni Assoc., Inc.’ Tasha Sow, the Jessie J. Edwards Public Library; and Wert Spiva, COLD, Inc. The keynote address was delivered by Federal Judge Bernice B. Donald, who sits on the United States Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. Donald a native of Olive Branch, focused on history, self-discipline, good study habits, and perseverance.

The first 125 students to enter the building received free school supplies and a book bag. Several gift certificates were given away, with lunch provided for all participants.

TLCOM students get some on-the-spot experience with airplane maintenance. (Photos by Michael Graham) former NFL player, Marcus Bell, a member of coaching staff for The University of Memphis. He pitched the value of a good education and the importance of always having a Plan B. “It was good that the students got to meet Marcus Bell because it lets our kids know that they can be pro athletes too, but education is more important,” said Cori Hill, a parent. “Not too many people can say they came from the hood and say they’re a millionaire.”

Graham and Black have partnered with organizations such as Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, and Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority to educate the students about musical genres including classical, jazz, orchestra and ragtime.

“They don’t always have to know about rap. Why not know some Chopin,

Beethoven, or Bach?” Graham asked.

TLCOM is free to students and young adults. The Black Hawk Pilots Association is providing scholarship opportunities for eligible students to get their private pilot’s license. For eligibility, you must have a GPA of 3.0 or above and have completed 30 hours of community service.

“We want this to grow bigger and better, and with the help of doctors, lawyers, engineers, home health care, and insurance agents, it can,” Graham said.

“Our future is in our hands. If we don’t let the children know what’s there, they can’t reach for it.”

(For more information on Transformational Living Centers of Memphis, contact Michael Graham at 901-210-3691 or email him at mjgraham1965@ yahoo.com.)

Judge Bernice B. Donald reaped a gift basket and a Certificate of Commendation from the Office of the Mayor during the Back to School Conference in Coldwater, Miss..

Pictured (l-r): Alderwoman Belinda Sandridge, Donald, Dr. Jessie J. Edwards, mayor, and Alderwoman Donzella Jefferies.

(Courtesy photo)

RELIGION

Page 10

Tri-State Defender

August 9 - 15, 2012

These are exciting times for Christians everywhere, with extraordinary opportunities for building Godʼs kingdom and spreading the Gospel of Jesus to the ends of the earth,” said Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr. of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC). (Photos by Tyrone P. Easley)

Merdean Gales, a legend in gospel music circles and long-serving chief of protocol for the Progressive National Baptist Convention, adds her voice to the 51st annual session.

Dr. Reginald Porter (right), pastor of Metropolitan Baptist Church and chairman of the conventionʼs Host Committee, confers with Dr. Carroll A. Baltimore Sr., president of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.,

The Progressive National Baptist Convention spearheaded a march from historic Clayborn Temple to the National Civil Rights Museum, which incorporates the old Lorraine Motel.

Progressive National Baptist Convention:

United in message, purpose & love Special to the Tri-State Defender

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

– Psalms 133:1

The scene: Progressive National Baptist Convention attendees settle into seats at Cook Convention Center in downtown Memphis in anticipation of the opening worship service for the 51st annual gathering.

On tap for the keynote sermon?

Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr. of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC). He did not disappoint.

The scene evoked thoughts of unity and brotherhood – past and present. A few of the civil rights veterans in the crowd recalled the evening of April 3, 1968 and the feelings of unity and brotherhood that pervaded Mason Temple – COGIC’s central headquarters – as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “Mountaintop” speech.

For King, a founding member of the Progressive National Baptist Convention (PNBC), it would be the last speech he would deliver before his assassination on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel the next evening.

Hours before Blake’s sermon on Monday (April 6) evening, the PNBC had spearheaded a march from historic Clayborn Temple – a place well-known to King – to the National Civil Rights Museum, which incorporates the old Lorraine Motel.

COGICʼs Presiding Bishop Blake greets the Rev. James L. Netters, pastor of Mt. Vernon-Westwood Baptist Church, and a former Memphis City Council member.

The Rev. Samuel “Billy” Kyles, the iconic Progressive National Baptist preacher, addressed marchers from the balcony, just a few feet from where he rushed to the fallen Dr. King on April 4, 1968.

From PBS documentaries to venues throughout the nation, Kyles has relived the events of that last evening with his friend, “Martin.”

Progressives listened intently as he recounted in vivid detail what that experience was like.

Dr. Carroll A. Baltimore Sr., president of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc., remarked,

“In the words of the late Dr. King, ‘Our goal is to create a beloved community, and this will require a qualitative change in our souls as well as a quantitative change in our lives.”

It was that same spirit of unity and focus on “The Beloved Community” that settled upon Monday’s opening worship service. Themes of unity, brotherhood and Christian outreach were touted throughout Bishop Blake’s address.

“These are exciting times for Christians everywhere,” said Blake.

“More than ever before, we have been presented with extraordinary

The Rev. Samuel “Billy” Kyles, the iconic Progressive National Baptist preacher, addressed marchers from just a few feet from where he rushed to the fallen Dr. King on April 4, 1968. opportunities for building God’s kingdom and spreading the Gospel of Jesus to the ends of the earth. We are all brothers and sisters in this great commission. We are united in our message. We are united in purpose, united in love. We are one people.”

Dr. Reginald Porter, pastor of Metropolitan Baptist Church and chairman of the convention’s Host Committee, acknowledged the significance of Bishop Blake’s participation in the opening service, but said it was not uncommon for faith leaders from other denominations to address the annual conventions.

“Certainly, a great spirit of brotherhood was fostered in our opening service with Bishop Blake,” said Dr. Porter. “This was all the work of our president, Dr. Baltimore. Since we

were hosting the convention here, it seemed fitting to have Bishop Blake join us. Memphis was the founding place of the Church of God in Christ, and so much of its history took place right here.”

In addition to annual elections and business meetings of committees and appointees, the five-day convention was packed with preachers from throughout the city and around the country. Themes of missions, community outreach and evangelism were replete in daily workshops, seminars and worship services.

St. Jude Children’s Hospital was also presented with a $10,000 gift – partial payment on a $25,000 pledge made by the Progressive Baptist National Convention.

RELIGION

Tri-State Defender

RELIGION BRIEFS Annual Wailing Women’s Conference on Aug. 9-12

The Fourth Annual Wailing Women’s Conference will be held Aug. 9-12 at Inner Changing Souls Church International at 3180 Old Getwell Rd. Guest speakers include the Rev. Luella Patrick of Memphis (7 p.m.

Aug. 9), Dr. Janet Floyd of Monroe, La. (7 p.m. Aug. 10), and Dr. Patricia Lewis of Memphis (noon, Aug. 11).

The conference will highlight the “Women’s Day of Beauty” (Aug. 11), which will include a $25 registration fee and feature brunch, a facial makeup demonstration, a fashion show and a health fair.

The host pastor is the Rev. Romalic M. Jones. For more information, call 901-628-4889.

BRIEFLY: Greater Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Alpha Eta Zeta – DOVE Foundation, Inc. and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority will sponsor their Annual Communitywide Health Fair and School Supply Give-away on Aug. 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Potter’s House Life Center, 489 Edith St. The event, which is open to the public, will include a give-away of school supplies to children.

BRIEFLY: It’s revival time at Oak Hill M.B.C., 1725 Ragan St., through Aug. 10 beginning at 7 p.m. The revival speaker is the Rev. Dr. Anthony E. Bell. The host pastor is the Rev. Alfred Mays Jr. BRIEFLY: Pastor Elliot R. Shelton Sr. and the Promise Land Church will celebrate 102 years of service on Sunday (Aug. 19) at 10 a.m. Promise Land Church is located at 3430 Overton Crossing.

BRIEFLY: “Rock for Love 6,” the sixth-annual Church Health Center benefit concert, is set for Sept. 6-9 at the Hi-Tone, Overton Square and the Levitt Shell.

Bands set to perform include Booker T. Jones, Larry Raspberry and the High Steppers, with members of the original Gentry’s, Star & Micey and more. For more information, visit ChurchHealth Center.org/RockforLove.

Page 11

August 9 - 15, 2012

LIVING THE LIFE I LOVE

When your get up and go is off and running, ease up and check your hands

Dear Lucy: I’m just not what I used to be. I know that we all change, but I have lost my fire. I don’t want to go anywhere or do anything. I just noticed that my favorite answer to every request is “no.” No, I don’t want to cook, clean, go out, listen to your problem...

I am not depressed. It’s just that my get up and go has gone. Help.

– CH

Dear CH: That’s funny. I have this picture of the get up and go running off into the sunset waving goodbye!

I was sitting in a meeting recently and looked down at my hands. I noticed that they were the hands of an older woman. I don’t exactly remember when they changed but they are different in a very subtle way. The skin is not as tight, the knuckles seem larger, they seem to have gotten darker. Maybe it’s my imagination.

In the language of the Bible, hands refer to purpose. As my hands have changed in their outward appearance, so has my day to-day purpose. Yet, the overriding purpose of my life has not. I know with clarity that my purpose on this great planet, in this great country and this great city is to learn – to add to my understanding.

And as I allow learning into my life, my purpose is to share it with others. This is how we grow and make ourselves useful. It is also how we follow Jesus’ admonition to “love your neighbor as you Lucy love your self.”

Shaw Often we forget the loving ourselves part and end up unable to love others. When this happens, we get on a guilt trip about it and start saying “no” to life. We start saying no to learning new ways of using our hands.

So yes, I have grown older, my hands look different, my outlook is different. Yet, the purpose of my hands has not changed. They are for reaching out and taking hold of life, learning, loving and living full throttle. My hands are open when they need to be. That turns out to be most of the time. But they are also closed when they need to be. There are times when “no” is the right answer.

There are more times when “yes” is

an invitation to feel, to share, to learn.

Cook and invite someone over. It doesn’t have to be fancy. My friend Charlesetta invited me to eat pinto beans and salad the other night.

Clean that one little corner, not the whole house. I did that recently and found a treasure that had been missing for months. Go out to the movie, the mall or wherever. Heck, go next door!

Don’t allow your thinking to constrict or restrict your joy. It’s not depression. It’s just a habit. Responsibility sometimes gets us into the rut of being responsible people who stop saying “yes” so we can look responsible! I know that sounds silly, but it’s true.

Surprise yourself. Do something that just feels good. Maybe you haven’t done what you really want to do in so long you have forgotten what it feels like. Give yourself permission to remember what the fire felt like and say YES. Trust yourself...you won’t become an irresponsible fool. You will remember what it means to love, respect and honor the wonderful, valuable, useful Being that God made you to be. And the only way to be useful and bring joy to

—John 13:34

For the 20th year, the congregation of St. Andrew AME Church will distribute more than 1,200 pairs of brand new tennis shoes to needy children from all over the Memphis area.

The congregation and friends have donated the funds and purchased shoes for the free giveaway.

Hundreds of volunteers will tend to the lines, register families, distribute water and fit shoes to hundreds of children’s feet during the Saturday (Aug. 11) event, which will run from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the St. Andrew Community Life Center, 1472 Mississippi.

All school-age children will receive school supplies. Free haircuts will be available on site. Community volunteers will also provide information about social services, affordable housing and financial counseling.

The Back-to-School Shoe Ministry at St. Andrew was originated by

a teacher who noticed that students delayed coming to school at the beginning of the school year because they had inadequate shoes. Each year, the church works with the teachers and guidance counselors of Memphis City Schools to identify families who are experiencing financial hardships.

Any family in need of shoes is welcome to the shoe ministry. Parents must bring the children with them to receive the shoes and school supplies.

There is still a need for additional funds to complete purchasing shoes for the giveaway. Contributions from the community are welcome. Donations may be brought to the church or made via the church website: www.saintandrewamec.org At St. Andrew, the host pastors are the Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson, M.D. and the Rev. Marilynn S. Robinson.

Point well made & received…

The Rev. David Boyle, pastor of Antioch Baptist Church in Whiteville, Tenn., was the revival evangelist during the Mid Summer Christian Convocation hosted by the Rev. Dr. Melvin Charles Smith and Mt. Moriah-East Baptist Church, 1248 Haynes. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

PRAISE CONNECT

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

TEMPLE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST

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

—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

“Ministering to Memphis-Spirit, Soul and Body”

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

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

(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.)

Back-to-School shoe giveaway reaches year 20 at St. Andrew

-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.

others is to bring yourself some joy first. Get back in practice.

I like pinto beans, hot water cornbread, southern fried chicken, fresh tomatoes, spring onions and sweet tea with lemon. Feel free to invite me over. But I am not waiting for you.

When I want some, I get up, look as cute as I feel like looking and go down to Miss Peggy’s or Stein’s and get the hook up, watch some people and come home full. I have learned that there are hundreds of ways to say YES. We just have to choose to start somewhere. The fact that you wrote to me says that you are ready!

Hope I made you hungry!

Lucy

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

ENTERTAINMENT Tri-State Defender, Thursday, August 9 - 15, 2012, Page 12

WHAT’S HAPPENING MYRON?

Get ready for a Classic weekend

Southern Heritage Classic Weekend is quickly approaching and it is gearing up to be another exciting year.

Memphis will be the prime destination the weekend of Sept.

6-9. Each year two sets of Tigers battle Myron it out at the Liberty Mays Bowl Memorial Stadium, that’s Jackson State and Tennessee State.

In addition to the game, there are many more events to take advantage of such as the Classic R&B Concert with the O’Jays at the Harrah’s Tunica Event Center and the Classic Comedy Jam with Rickey Smiley and Friends at the Orpheum. Then there’s the Greek Show, the Golf Tournament, the parade and more.

There’s plenty to do!

You can get your tickets at all Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000. For a listing of all of the events surrounding the Classic, visit the website at www.southernheritageclassic.com.

According to Forbes Magazine, Jay Z and Beyoncé make up the highest paid celebrity couple…in the world. And this notwithstanding that they took a little “baby” time as well.

Combined, Jay Z and Beyoncé brought in about $78 million, beating out the New England Patriots’ Tom Brady and his wife, model Gisele Bundgen, by about $6 million. Also on the list is Will and Jada PinkettSmith, who rounded out the top five with $40 million.

Highest Paid Celebrity Couple

Actor Sherman Hemsley’s death certificate shows that he passed away due to lung cancer. The death certificate officially reads that he died from “superior vena cava syndrome,” a condition developed from a mass on the lung. Hemsley passed away last month in El Paso, Texas at the age of 74.

Sherman Hemsley update

The Hank Aaron Celebrity Sports Weekend kicks off at 7 p.m. on Aug. 24 with the News Channel 3 Celebrity 5K Run/Walk at The LeMoyne Owen College (LOC).

The next morning at 8, the celebrity Sports Breakfast gets underway.

The weekend’s wrap-up begins at 6 p.m. with the 42nd Annual United Negro College Fund Gala Reception at Minglewood Hall, featuring Harold Melvins Blue Notes.

All proceeds benefit the UNCF and LOC. For more information, call 901-435-1527 or visit www.loc.edu.

Celebrity Sports Weekend

Xclusive Memphis and BG Magazine present Ladies Night, every Thursday at the newly remodeled Cocktails Lounge! Free admission from 6 until 8! Ladies free all night long. Happy Hour food and drink specials until 10 p.m. Hosted by Partikingz. To reserve your table, call 901-319-2774.

Ladies Night at Cocktails

My good friend Karen Brown is at it again! This time she presents “The Golden Time of Day” Another Sunday evening with Karen Brown Live!

Hosted by Comedienne Mzzz. Kecia and Entertainer Mark Baker. You know how Karen does it right? This is an evening you don’t want to miss.

It’s gonna happen at the Rumba Room located at 303 South Main.

Tickets are $15 in advance. Call 901573-6092 to get yours today!

Karen Brown

Looking for a little something to do in the afternoon? E. Massey presents “The Happening” on Saturday (Aug. 11) at the newly remodeled Cocktails Restaurant and Lounge.

The event kicks off at 3 p.m., yes 3 p.m.! Admission is free from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. but the party continues until you stop coming! Music provided by DJ Spyderman.

E Massey Presents

I’ll see you at the Evergreen Grill for the Book Club meeting this Saturday (Aug. 11) at 4 p.m. Until then, that’s what’s happening.

Parting shot

(Got an event you’d like for me to cover or attend, email me at Myron@ whatshappeningmyron.com.)

Danielle Colding: The ‘Design Star’ Interview Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Kam Williams

At 36, Danielle Colding is an interior designer with her own residential and commercial design firm in New York City. A former professional modern dancer, she also has a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Stanford University as well as an associate’s degree in Interior Design from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandise.

As a self-described problem-solver, Danielle uses her open, friendly and quirky personality to connect with her clients. She characterizes her design style as global chic, classic modern and edited traditional. Here, she talks about participating as a contestant on the new season of “Design Star,” which airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. Central on HGTV Kam Williams: Hi, Danielle, thanks for the interview.

Danielle Colding: Hi, Kam. It’s my pleasure.

KW: What interested you in appearing on “Design Star?”

DC: My friends convinced me to go, thinking I’d have a good chance. To tell you the truth, I wasn’t so sure. I went to the open call just to see what happened, and it just snowballed from there. The next step became the next step and I found myself on the show.

KW: How has the competition surprised you?

DC: The competition surprised me in that it was truly a supportive environment. I was skeptical about doing a completion show because I’m not into that kind of drama. But this experience was the opposite, sure we had our moments but for the most part I made friends for life and we supported each other every step of the way. We felt like we were experiencing something very special together….

KW: You studied Anthropology at Stanford. So, why did you become a professional dancer after graduating?

DC: I started dancing at the age of 6. So, it was something that was always there on the side. My mother pushed me to go an academic route but was cool about me studying something that I loved without the pressure of doing something that would land me a career.

Cultural Anthropology and my minor in African and African-American studies were simply areas of study I was drawn to.

Throughout college, I danced with a choreographer that I really loved and respected and who started a company using several dancers from Stanford. I would spend weekends in San Francisco and Oakland, rehearsing and performing. When I graduated he had a spot for me in his company, so I went for it. It was a dream come true and an incredible creative experience.

KW: How did you go from dancing to interior decorating?

DC: My years as a dancer in San Francisco were extremely taxing. I held several jobs to live there as a dancer. I was a first grade teacher for two years, taught dance in public schools, waited tables, was a Pilates instructor and, of course, rehearsed and performed. By the end of four years I was spent. I knew I needed some other way to make a living and my passion for dance wasn’t carrying me through. So, I literally went on a trip with a friend and reflected on all the things I was naturally good at and all the things that I would love to get up in the morning to do…. And interior design came from that. It is truly my passion, and I am lucky to have been on a path where I’ve been able to do what I love.

KW: What would you say characterizes your designing style?

DC: I do not have one design style. I like so much of so many different styles that I hate to claim one. My design is very intuitive and client-driven, but also there’s an eclectic approach. I like homes to feel like they reflect the people who inhabit them… that every item fits and could tell a story. That being said, I value a certain level of elegance and sophistication in all the spaces I design.

KW: Every reality series has to be edited. Do you think this one is portraying you fairly?

DC: I do. I think I am coming off the way I am in person. The tough part is that so little of what happened can be shown in a onehour show. That is frustrating. There are so many factors that shape our decision-making that the viewers don’t get to see. They see us making crazy decisions but don’t know the full story and the amount of pressure we are under….

KW: Do you need to win the competition to consider your ap-

pearing on the show a success?

DC: Not at all. I consider my participation in the show a success because it has given me a level of confidence in my abilities as a designer. It also showed me that I truly enjoy the process of making a show. Being on set and the fun of that experience was not something I was expecting.

KW: What the biggest lesson you’ve learned doing “Design Star?”

DC: The biggest lesson I learned was to trust my gut.

BOOK REVIEW

‘I Want You to Shut the F#ck Up’ ʻHow the Audacity of Dopes Is Ruining Americaʼ

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Kam Williams

“The American Dream is in dire need of a wake-up call… If only Uncle Sam could see us now. He’d roll up his sleeves, ball his hands into fists, and knock some sense into this nation of ours… But he’s not around. So some other proud American has to tell this country what it needs – not wants – to hear…

“As a stand-up, I’ve traveled this country for decades, seeing it at its best and at its worst. And what I’m seeing (now) is terrifying to me.

When I see something that’s f#cked up, I can’t remain silent. I ask why… It may sound funny, but to me this s#it ain’t no joke.”

– Excerpted from the inside cover/press release No stranger to controversy, D.L. Hughley has a knack for pushing people’s buttons while keeping his finger on the pulse of pop culture.

For instance, a few years ago, the caustic comedian landed in hot wa-

ter when he came to the partial defense of Don Imus after the shock jock had insensitively referred to members of the Rutgers University’s women’s basketball team as “nappy-headed hos.” Hughley said Imus had it half-right in that the girls were indeed “nappy-headed.”

Now, the irascible troublemaker is at it again, stirring the pot of political incorrectness by poking fun at everyone from President Obama (“big ears” and “a goofy smile”) to Tiger Woods (“a buck-toothed chigger playing a white man’s game”) to Bill Clinton (for being blacker than Obama) to Herman Cain (“He’s not bright. He’s not entertaining… Why do we need to see this clown dance?”) to Mitt Romney (“shallow… a man completely out of touch”) to Minister Farrakhan (“White people’s least favorite black person”).

“I Want You to Shut the F#ck Up: How the Audacity of Dopes Is Ruining America” is a metaphysical call to arms ostensibly designed as this election year’s answer to the 2008 presidential campaign’s “The Audacity of Hope,” as suggested by the book’s not so subtle subtitle. For, besides knocking icons off their lofty pedestals, D.L. raises a number of issues that he feels need to be addressed to preserve the union.

For example, as far as the disrespect shown the president, he believes not only that “the opposition to him is fueled by race” but that “the deference to him by his own people is also fueled by race.”

Later, Hughley blames black females for the disintegration of the black family, saying, “Our sisters have forgotten how to land a man and how to keep him,” before he takes a page out of fellow Kings of Comedy Tour alumnus Steve Harvey’s love advice primer to teach the ladies the tricks of the dating and marrying trade.

Not that D.L. lets brothers off the hook entirely. By his estimation, about 90 percent of African-American men have a “P#ssy-Now” philosophy, meaning they’re more than willing to play hooky from school or skip work for a shot at a sexual conquest. And there’s a heavy price to pay long-term for such reckless behavior.

Meanwhile, Hughley has no problem with the “N-word,” since he fervently believes that “Racism is an attitude, not a vocabulary test.” In fact, his only regret about the slur is that nobody has come up with an epithet “that makes white people just as uncomfortable.”

Overall, the talented Mr. Hughley proves himself a master at provoca-

“I Want You to Shut the F#ck Up: How the Audacity of Dopes Is Ruining America”

by D.L. Hughley with Michael Malice Crown Archetype Hardcover, $25.00 288 pages

tion, even if his intriguing tome doesn’t really provide pat answers to America’s pressing problems.

ENTERTAINMENT

Tri-State Defender

Page 13

August 9 - 15, 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 August 10, 2012

BIG BUDGET FILMS

“Bourne Legacy” (PG-13 for violence and intense action sequences) Fourth installment in the espionage series stars Jeremy Renner as a rogue spy who teams up with an attractive woman (Rachel Weisz) as he tries to clear his name while on the run from a team of assassins dispatched by the CIA. With Edward Norton, Stacy Keach and Albert Finney.

“The Campaign” (R for profanity ) Election year comedy chronicling a cutthroat political campaign pitting a disgraced, North Carolina Congressman (Will Ferrell) against a naïve contender (Zach Galifianakis) whose dirty tricks are being financed by a couple of wealthy businessman.

“Hope Springs” (PG-13 for mature themes involving sexuality) Midlife crisis comedy about a couple (Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones) who try to save their 30-year marriage at a week-long counseling session led by a renowned relationship specialist (Steve Carell).

Ensemble cast includes Jean Smart, Elisabeth Shue and Mimi Rogers.

“Nitro Circus 3-D” (PG-13 for profanity and depictions of dangerous stunts) Big screen version of the MTV series featuring a series of breathtaking, Jackass-level stunts executed by a team of adrenaline-addicted daredevils led by Travis Pastrana. With Jolene Van Vugt, Tommy Passsemante and Gregg Godfrey.

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS

“2 Days in New York” (R for profanity, sexuality, drug use and brief nudity) Chris Rock and Julie Delpy co-star in this cross-cultural comedy as a couple cohabiting in Manhattan whose domestic bliss is destroyed when her father (Albert Delpy), sister (Alexia Landeau) and ex-boyfriend (Alexandre Nahon) arrive from France unexpectedly. With Kate Burton, Dylan Baker and Malinda Williams. (In English, French and Italian with subtitles)

“Almayer’s Folly” (Unrated) Bittersweet drama loosely based on Joseph Conrad’s debut novel about an ambitious Dutchman’s (Stanislas Merher) futile search for a buried treasure for his half-Malaysian daughter (Aurora Marion) who means the world to him. With Marc Barbe, Solida Chan and Sakhna Oum. (In English, French and Central Khmer) “Drought” (Unrated) Climate change documentary examining the mass exodus in search of water now undertaken annually by the parched residents of the Cuates de Australia region of

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson (left) and Forest Whitaker star in “Freelancers. (Photo courtesy Lionsgate Entertainment) Northern Mexico. (In Spanish with subtitles)

“Freelancers” (R for nudity, violence, drug use, graphic sexuality and pervasive profanity) Crime saga starring 50 Cent as the revengeminded son of a slain police officer who joins the NYPD and teams with his father’s former partner (Robert De Niro) in search of justice.

Cast includes Forest Whitaker, Dana Delany and Beau Garrett.

“Goats” (R for profanity, nudity, sexuality, drug use and underage alcohol consumption) Culture shock comedy about a freshman’s (Graham Phillips) attempt to adjust to life at an exclusive, East Coast prep school after being raised by his flaky hippie mother (Vera Farmiga) in the foothills of Tucson, Arizona with the help of a sage goat whisperer (David Duchovny) who served as his surrogate father.

With Keri Russell, Ty Burrell and Justin Kirk.

“The Green Wave” (Unrated) Democracydeferred documentary revisiting Iran’s shortlived, student revolution of 2010 which was successfully suppressed by the Islamist regime via a combination of cracking heads and censoring the internet. (In Persian, English and German with subtitles) “It Is No Dream” (Unrated) Sir Ben Kingsley narrates this reverential biopic highlighting the life and times of Theodor Herzl (18601904), the Hungarian Jewish attorney-turnedjournalist considered the father of Zionism and the State of Israel.

“The Lion of Judah” (PG for mature themes) Faith-based animated adventure about

the attempt of a brave lamb (Georgina Cordova) along with his stable mates to avoid the sacrificial altar at Easter time. Voice cast includes Michael Madsen (Virginia’s brother), Scott Eastwood (Clint’s son), Omar Benson Miller and the late Ernest Borgnine.

“Meet the Fokkens” (Unrated) Dominatrix documentary about identical twins Louise and Martine Fokkens, 70-year-old prostitutes who are ready to retire after plying their trade in Amsterdam’s Red Light District for the past 50 years. (In Dutch with subtitles)

“Red Hook Summer” (Unrated) Spike Lee wrote and directed this coming-of-age drama about a 13 year-old boy (Jules Brown) from Atlanta who spends his summer vacation at a Brooklyn housing project with his Biblethumping grandfather (Clarke Peters). Supporting cast includes Nate Parker, Heather Simms and Thomas Jefferson Byrd.

“Supercapitalist” (Unrated) Financial thriller about an ambitious, hedge fund trader from New York (Linus Roache) who ventures to Hong Kong where his attempt to orchestrate a billion-dollar deal ends-up spiraling out of control. Featuring Kenneth Tsang, Derek Ting and Richard Ng. (In English and Mandarin with subtitles) “We Women Warriors” (Unrated) Pacifist documentary about the non-violent resistance movement spearheaded by a trio of aborigine females fed-up with the bloody, Colombian civil war which has left over a hundred native tribes on the brink of extinction. (In Spanish with subtitles)

HOROSCOPES

August 9-15, 2012

ARIES Let your creative juices flow. Advice from a child has a reward in it. On the job, coworkers will help you expand your sense of accomplishment. Only you can stand in your way. Never under estimate the power of silence.

TAURUS Opportunity knocks this week, be ready and waiting. An old love resurfaces. This week is good for you financially. Look for a special opportunity at work. Families matter, spend time with yours.

GEMINI Quit rushing around. You frequently help others so why are you troubling over asking for the help you need this week? Ask and when you receive say Thank You! You are blessed with many supportive friends.

CANCER The influence of someone close can make all the difference in the world. Don’t go alone. Your achievements are closely tied to someone who might not have agreed with you in the past.

LEO You and your honey have so much to talk about, listen! He or she is trying to come out of a whole new bag. Accept! Change is a good thing this week. Expect to travel soon.

Savor the thought.

VIRGO If nothing much is happening on the job, remember that chilling is good sometimes.

Use this week to return phone calls and answer letters. Be low key. Wonderful things flow from what you don’t do.

LIBRA You can turn that obstacle into an opportunity at work. Check out the players carefully. Watch your back and hold your tongue around workplace rivals. Aggressively seek agreement.

SCORPIO Don’t let your outer space infringe on your inner peace. Control situations that might affect your ability to get that important job done. Remember people are only human. As seldom before confidence is the key to accomplishment this week.

SAGITTARIUS Mail, e-mail, or telephone brings news of a matter that demands more attention than you might think. Opportunity knocks at work this week. This week spend some quality time with your family.

CAPRICORN Listen well for the indications that money can be found in an unusual place. Social and romantic interest should be your focus this evening. Love comes from what you do not say.

AQUARIUS Some people may not “get” where you’re coming from, but ask your family and significant other to give you time to explain your way of looking at life this week. Do it calmly and confidentially.

PISCES Now’s a better than usual time for self-reflection and meditation. Share your ideas.

They’re more valuable than you think. Appreciation comes from someone far away.

You make the call.

Source: NNPA News Service

SPORTS

Page 14

Tri-State Defender

August 9 - 15, 2012

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

Georgian Hills’ Cougars have championship tracks Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Andre Mitchell

Are you ready for some football? If you are, then great because it’s that time again and the MIAA football season is upon us.

This Saturday (Aug. 11), the 2012-13 middle school football jamboree at the Memphis Fairgrounds will get underway at 5:20 p.m., with Kate Bond scrimmaging against Chickasaw, and conclude with White Station colliding with J.P. Freeman at 8:20 p.m.

However, before we get there, The New Tri-State Defender turns its middle-school spotlight on last year’s defending Memphis city and West Tennessee state champion, Georgian Hills.

Head coach Myron Thomas has his team preparing to stay on top. In his eighth season at the helm of the Georgian Hills Cougars’ football program, Thomas has been steadfast in trying to make sure he and his staff instills positive values and productive standards in the young men playing for the squad.

For the past three years, Georgian Hills has held the city champions trophy at season’s end. Last year’s state championship is the Frayser-area middle school’s second state championship in the last six seasons, with the Cougars dropping just three games since

2009.

W e caught up w i t h Thomas, his staff and players and here’s what they shared.

T r i State Defender: Coach, with all the success you’ve had at Georgian Hills, what has been most rewarding?

Myron Thomas: Seeing the young players develop into good young men. While we’re grateful that some have developed into good student-athletes, it has been especially rewarding to see many of them who have matured into young men with good values and character.

Myron Thomas

TSD: What has been most challenging?

MT: Taking kids who might have a list of personal issues and helping them to realize and raise above some of the tough, daily adversity that they face at home, at school or just in general. Some of our young men are from broken homes where their dad might not be in the house and it has a profound impact on that kid’s level of drive and sense of responsibility….Although it’s a real challenge to get the so-called

Legal notices

Flintco will be accepting bids on the Phase II Renovations for the National Civil Rights Museum on Friday, August 17, 2012 by 11:00 a.m. Flintco is an equal opportunity employer. In keeping with the Fair Business Program, we encourage and invite bids from all Eligible Business Enterprises, including WBE, MBE, SDB, SBE, and HBE companies. Fax bids by 11:00 a.m. on bid day to 901-372-8989.

LEGAL NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids will be received at the Office of the City of Memphis Purchasing Agent, Room 354, City Hall, 125 N. Main, Memphis, TN 38103, until 2:00 PM CT, Friday, AUGUST 31, 2012 , for furnishing the City of Memphis with the following: FOR THE DIVISION OF: PUBLIC WORKS City of Memphis RFQ # 3145 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF: PW 04081 STP Curb Ramps Group 43 Bid Set 2 Federal Project No.: STP – M – 9409 (163) State PIN: 114576.01 Bid Set 2 Location(s): Various Locations City Wide State Project No: 79LPLM - F3 - 249 1. The Prime Contractor and all Sub Contractors must pre-qualify with the Department of Transportation in accordance with Section 54-5-117 of the “Tennessee Code Annotated” and Tennessee Department of Transportation Rule 1680-5-3 prequalification of contractors before biddable proposals will be furnished.

2. The City of Memphis hereby notifies all bidders that a 18.15% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal has been set for this project and must be met or exceeded. All contractors identified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) must be on the Tennessee Uniform Certification Program (TNUCP) List at the time of the bid opening.

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

4. The City of Memphis is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drugfree with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or mil-

Georgian Hillsʼ Cougars squaring off in practice. (Courtesy photo) “inner city” kids to build up enough self-esteem and desire to believe in pursuing success, let alone perfection.

At Georgian Hills, our players strive to believe and abide by the team philosophy of God first! Where we as a team, “Don’t lose because of (circumstances) and win in spite of…”

TSD: What has been key to building the program and its success?

MT: The players and their level of sacrifice to the program, the school administration, the principal, the community and the team sponsor, Youth Visions. Each year, support has gotten stronger and the results have shown in our performance on and off the football field. I think the fact the guys have been studentathletes and good citizens who come to practice and put in the

TRI-STATE DEFENDER CLASSIFIEDS 203 Beale Street, Suite 200 Memphis, TN 38103 PH (901) 523-1818 FAX (901) 578-5037 HOURS: Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm

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itary service. For additional information contact Carlee McCullough, (901) 5766210, City of Memphis, Contract Compliance Office, 125 N. Main St, Memphis, TN 38103 5. “Certification by each bidder must be made with respect to nondiscrimination in employment.”

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

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

THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL

STUDENT-ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

work has been key.

Wanya Thomas

TSD: What is your ultimate desire for the team?

MT: It is my hope and prayer that these young men become upstanding leaders of future generations. I envision these young men one day being teachers, preachers, doctors, lawyers, businessmen…positive, productive, responsible men in the community.

Grade: 8th Position(s): Cornerback, receiver, running back, linebacker GPA: 3.2 Favorite subject: Math Favorite high school team: Trezevant Bears Prospective college: Alabama Most influential role model: Coach Thomas Personal Goal: To keep God first, take responsibility and be a leader.

Career Goals: 1.) To become a professional football player; 2.) To become an attorney.

TSD: I’m sure our readers already know, but I have to ask, “What are your expectations for this season?”

MT: We expect to win city and state, on and off the field, and of course in the classroom.

We stress to our guys that they are going to be men longer than they are going to play football and we expect them to be responsible leaders in school, at home and in public.

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

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

Tuesday, August 21, 2012, at 9:00 a.m., in Room 12

Grade: 8th Position(s): Guard, full back, linebacker GPA: 2.8 Favorite subject: Math Favorite high school team: Trezevant Bears Prospective college: LSU Most influential role model: Coach Thomas Personal goal: To graduate and earn a college scholarship.

Career goals: 1.) To become a professional football player; 2.) To become an entrepreneur.

Johnathan Henderson

Department of Financial Institutions Tennessee Regulatory Authority Department of Tourist Development Soil Scientist Advisory Committee Tuesday, August 21, 2012, at 1:30 p.m., in Room 12 University of Tennessee, Board of Trustees Health Services and Development Agency Any changes in the above schedule which may become necessary will be announced at the Government Operations Committeesʼ website at www.capitol.tn.gov/joint/committees/govopps/. For additional information or to request special accommodations for individuals with disabilities, contact: Deborah V. Loveless, CPA, Assistant Director, Division of State Audit, Nashville, Tennessee; telephone: (615) 747-5258; e-mail: Deborah.Loveless@cot.tn.gov. Request for special accommodations should be made at least 24 hours prior to the meeting whenever possible.

PUBLIC NOTICE THE MEMPHIS URBAN AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION In compliance with federal regulations 23 CFR 450, the Memphis Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is proposing to amend the 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), the FY 2011-2014 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and adopt the FY 20132014 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP).

The public is hereby given notice that these documents are available for review 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM Monday through Friday in the offices of the Memphis and Shelby County Department of Regional Services located at 125 N. Main Street, Room 450, Memphis, TN 38103 or for download from the Internet at: www. memphismpo.org. The English and Spanish language copies are also available for public review in the library systems of Memphis, Shelby County, and Fayette County, Tennessee and DeSoto County, Mississippi. Written public comments on the amendments will be accepted through Thursday, August 16, 2012. Comments may be submitted to Pragati Srivastava, Department of Regional Services, 125 N. Main Street, Room 450, Memphis, TN 38134 or via email at Pragati.Srivastava @memphistn.gov. The Memphis MPO

Transportation Policy Board (TPB) will hold a public hearing on Thursday, August 23, 2012, 1:30 PM, at Central Station, MATA Board Room, 545 S. Main Street, Memphis, Tennessee, 38103 to accept oral comments and take action on the proposed items.

The proposed action items are as follows: Adoption of the FY 2013-2014 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP): This item is requesting the adoption of the Memphis MPO FY 2013-2014 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP).

Amendments to the 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP): A total of one (1) amendment is being proposed for the 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan.

Amendments to the FY 2011-14 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP): A total of four (4) amendments are being proposed for the FY 2011-2014 Transportation Improvement Program. The first amendment is associated with the LRTP Amendment described above. The second and third TIP amendments are for projects that qualify as being exempt from transportation conformity determination. The fourth and final TIP amendment has been prepared in conjunction with Air Quality Conformity Report, Amendment 7.

It is the policy of the Memphis Urban Area MPO not to discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin or disability in its hiring or employment practices, or in its admissions to or operations of its program, services, or activities. All inquiries for Title VI and/or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), or for persons with disabilities that require aids or services to participate either in the review of these documents or at the hearing may contact Carlos McCloud at 901-576-7156, fax (901) 576-7272; or email Carlos.McCloud @memphistn.gov to make accessibility arrangements no less than five days prior to the August 23, 2012 Transportation Policy Board meeting.

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

SPORTS

Tri-State Defender

Page 15

August 9 - 15, 2012

The African-American Athletes of Team USA Women’s Basketball

Seimone Augustus, age 28, studied at Louisiana State University Swin Cash, age 32, studied at University of Connecticut Tamika Catchings, age 33, studied at University of Tennessee Tina Charles, age 23, studied at University of Connecticut Sylvia Fowles, age 26, studied at Louisiana State University Asjha Jones, age 31, studied at University of Connecticut Angel McCoughtry, age 25, studied at University of Louisville Maya Moore, age 23, studied at University of Connecticut Candace Parker, age 26, studied at University of Tennessee

Men’s Basketball

Carmelo Anthony, age 28, studied at Syracuse University Kobe Bryant, age 33 Tyson Chandler, age 29 Anthony Davis, age 19, studied at University of Kentucky Kevin Durant, age 23, studied at University of Texas James Harden, age 22, studied at Arizona State University Andre Iguodala, age 28, studied at University of Arizona LeBron James, age 27 Chris Paul, age 27, studied at Wake Forest University Russell Westbrook, age 23, studied at UCLA Deron Williams, age 28, studied at the University of Illinois

lumbia University

Men’s Fencing

Miles Chamley Watson, age 22, studied at Penn State University Daryl Homer, age 22, studied at St. Johnʼs University

Taekwondo

Men’s Track and Field

Gabrielle Douglas, age 16

Men’s Gymnastics

John Orozco, age 19

Men’s Rowing

David Banks, age 28, studied at Stanford University

Women’s Soccer

Sydney Leroux, age 22, studied at UCLA

Men’s Boxing

Men’s Swimming

Women’s Fencing

Maya Lawrence, age 32, studied at Columbia University Nzingha Prescod, age 19, studied at Co-

Women’s Track and Field

Cullen Jones, age 28, studied at North Carolina State University Anthony Ervin, age 31

Women’s Gymnastics

Women’s Swimming

Marcus Browne, age 21 Dominic Breazeale, age 26, studied at University of North Colorado Michael Hunter, age 24 Terrell Gausha, age 24 Jamel Herring, age 26 Errol Spence, age 22 Rauʼ Shee Warren, age 23

Donald Young, age 23

Keisha Baker, age 24, studied at University of Oregon – 4×400 meter relay Bridgette Barrett, age 21 – High Jump Tʼerea Brown, age 22, studied at University of Miami – 400 meter hurdles Michelle Carter, age 26, studied at University of Texas – Shot Put Janet Cherobon-Bawcom, age 33 – Long Distance Running Jessica Cosby, age 30, studied at UCLA – Womenʼs Hammer Throw Sharon Clay, age 27, studied at University of California-Poly – Heptathlon Janay Deloach, age 26, studied at Colorado State University – Long Jump Diamond Dixon, age 20 – 4×400 meter Relay Allyson Felix, age 26, studied at University of Southern California – 100 meter Chelsea Hayes, age 24 – Long Jump Carmelita Jeter, age 32, studied at California State University – 100 meter Alysia Johnson Montano, age 26, studied at University of California Poly – 800 meter Chantae McMillan, age 24 – Heptathlon Aretha Thurmond, age 35, studied at University of Washington – Discus Throw Deedee Trotter, age 29, studied at University of Tennessee – 400 meter

Women’s Boxing

Quanitta Underwood, age 28

Men’s Tennis

Lia Neal, age 17

Terrance Jennings, age 25, studied at Northern Virginia Community College

Women’s Tennis

Serena Williams, age 30 Venus Williams, age 32

Kerron Clement, age 23, studied at University of Florida – 400 meter Hurdles Ashton Eaton, age 24, studied at University of Oregon – Decathlon Justin Gatlin, age 30, studied at University of Tennessee – 100 meter Hurdles Tyson Gay, age 29 – 100 meter

Marquis Goodwin, age 21 – Long Jump Reese Hoffa, age 33, studied at University of Georgia – Shot Put George Kitchens, age 29 – Menʼs Long Jump Erik Kynard, age 21, studied at Kansas State University – High Jump Lopez Lomong, age 27, studied at Northern Arizona University – 5000 meter Tony McQuay, age 22, studied at the University of Florida – 400 meter Aries Merritt, age 26, studied at University of Tennessee – 110 meter Hurdles Lashawn Merritt, age 26, studied at Old Dominion University – 400 meter Manteo Mitchell, age 25 – 4×400 meter Relay Maurice Mitchell, age 22, studied at Florida State University – 200 meter Jamie Nieto, age 35, studied at Eastern Michigan University – High Jump Darvis Patton, age 34, studied at Texas Christian University – 4×100 meter Relay Jason Richardson, age 26, studied at University of South Carolina – 110 meter Hurdles Khadevis Robinson, age 36, studied at California State – 800 meter Duane Solomon, age 27 – 800 meter Michael Tinsley, age 28, studied at Jackson State University – 400 meter Hurdles Isiah Young, age 22 – 200 meter Jason Young, age 31, studied at Texas Tech University – Discus Throw

Women’s Volleyball

Foluke Akinradewo, age 24, studied at Stanford University Tayyiba Haneef-Park, age 33, studied at Long Beach University Megan Hodge, age 23, studied at Penn State Destinee Hooker, age 24 Danielle Scott-Arruda, age 39, studied at Long Beach State University

Men’s Weightlifting

Kendrick Farris, age 26, studied at Louisiana State University

Women’s Wrestling

Kelsey Campbell, age 27, studied at Arizona State University

Men’s Wrestling

Dremiel Deshon Byers, age 37, studied at North Carolina A&T

(Special to the NNPA from the AfroAmerican Newspaper)

Page 16

August 9 - 15, 2012

Tri-State Defender