8 20 2014

VOL. 63, No. 32

August 14 - 20, 2014

COMMENTARY

Blow it up!

Dismal results for Shelby Democrats warrant ‘New Deal’ for African Americans

www.tsdmemphis.com

Judge Joe Brown: Rejection, reflection and projection ‘You have not heard the last of me around here’

by Bernal E. Smith II

by Kelvin Cowans

besmith@tsdmemphis.com

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Following the Great Depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, which included the Black Cabinet, opened the door for African Americans to participate widely in policy change and govBernal E. ernment. More Smith II importantly, it led to wholesale defections from the Republican Party into the Democratic Party.

Subsequent Democratic Party leaders – from the Kennedys to Lyndon Johnson – supported and signed civil rights legislation and solidified the loyalty of African Americans by and large to the Democratic Party.

Arguments have been made from time to time about the sanity of African Americans’ blind loyalty to the Democratic Party. Pundits have pondered and articles have been published debating the rightful political home for blacks in America. On Monday (August 11th) in a New York Times op-ed, Jelani Cobb posed this question: “Can the G.O.P. ever attract black voters?”

Cobb gave a solid history of political affiliation for African Americans and essentially ended with the notion that Republicans may desire to court black voters but are too heavily vested in the “reactionary politics of race.” I interpret that as a well-pointed finger to the documented strategies employed by the G.O.P. to motivate and manipulate white voters with racial fear mongering to the detriment of black and brown people.

This commentary is not about national party politics and strategies.

Nor is it crafted to give a history lesson. It is about what has happened in the last two Shelby County General Elections, the success and failures of the Democratic Party in particular and what the numbers show. Men lie, women lie and numbers generally don’t, yet in Shelby County the numbers have certainly not held true.

For the record, the Shelby County Election Commission’s recent track record has given no reason to trust that error-free, fair and true elections have or will take place in Memphis and Shelby County any time soon. I also concede that there is enough proof from various sources that the Diebold voting machines now in place have many security weaknesses that create the potential for hacking and remote manipulation that could compromise the integrity of results. I have no proof that it has happened but the research shows it is possible. Still, this ain’t about that.

West Tennessee, and primarily

I’d been with television’s iconic Judge Joe Brown off and on for the last three months, recording an exclusive and in-depth collection of interviews with him for The New TriState Defender.

I was a fly on the wall to many meetings or gatherings relative to strategies for his run for the office of Shelby County District Attorney. As with any team, there were disagreements and some outright arguments on the direction of his campaign and the messages sent forth from it.

One thing I learned – as many who have seen his television show over the last 15 years could attest – Judge Brown is strong willed. His personality is as big as the FedExForum, lending credence to reports of his epic battles with executive producers of his TV show, which was canceled in early 2013.

So there I was, watching from the angle of TV fan but real-time reporter. At times, I felt like I was listening to John Wayne atop a horse. And in other instances you couldn’t have convinced me that this man’s attention to detail of criminal justice was anything less than 500 degrees.

Up to this point, this interview is the only one that Judge Brown has given about the race he lost against incumbent D.A. Amy Weirich. Yes, he threw a local television reporter out of his campaign headquarters with a few choice words you’d hear on Beale Street after midnight, but this exchange was a bit more civil.

SEE RESULTS ON PAGE 5

MEMPHIS WEEKEND FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

H-88o - L-68o H-92o - L-71o H-89o - L-72o Mostly Sunny

REGIONAL TEMPS LITTLE ROCK NASHVILLE JACKSON, MS

Mostly Sunny

Friday H-89 L-68 H-89 L-63 H-94 L-70

Isolated T-storms

Saturday H-90 L-71 H-90 L-66 H-94 L-72

Sunday H-90 L-73 H-91 L-69 H-93 L-73

75 Cents

“The African-American community, which is the majority in this county, feels that the political process offers them scant opportunity for collective self-help.

The problem with that is that can quickly lead to social unrest.” – Judge Joe Brown (Photo: Kelvin Cowans)

Judge Brown launched our session commenting on the fact that his first wife was seen on television congratulating his opponent and we’ll round Jupiter before this thing lands.

Judge Joe Brown: I’ve been divorced from that woman for 22 or 23 years and I didn’t like her much and I don’t suppose she likes me. Unlike the rest of her family who were great people, she didn’t live up to her family. … Honestly, I haven’t really heard it (the TV interview featuring his ex-wife) because I wasn’t really interested in the foolishness.

I’m not sure why there is so much animosity with her towards me because when we split I always paid my child support on time.

In fact I thought that the child support that was imposed on me was too low, so I paid five times what I was ordered to pay. I paid $5,000 a month for over 10 years for one child. So now you have to understand that she is basically on the same level in life and finances as she was when I met her over 30 years ago.

You see some people just don’t grow.

Kelvin Cowans: Speaking of the race for Shelby County District Attorney, you fought a decent race but came up short. You were able to accumulate over 50,000 votes but still lost by a large number. Some people say that you ran on your name rather than the issues and that the attack against the sexuality of your opponent, whom by all (accounts) is a married woman who loves her children, really turned voters off.

SEE BROWN ON PAGE 2

Memphis grad out to reverse ‘brain drain’ Creates company to help young people ace interviews Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Kevin Bradshaw, local president of the International Bakery, Confection, Tobacco & Grain Millers Union, speaks at the union’s national convention in Las Vegas.

bragging about how many members your church has or how expensive a car you drive when people are going through what these workers went through, standing in the rain and the cold and yet you do nothing. Thank God they have gone back to work.”

While saying that it is important to not let unions down, Cooper challenged the unions to become more connected with the community to fight poverty.

State Rep. “It’s readily evident that we cannot Barbara depend on corporations to do what’s Cooper right all the time for workers and their families. The Kellogg’s lockout showed the three main platforms that the corporations have in these situations,” said Cooper.

“First, using the media to create a negative slant about the worker’s concerns. Second, corporate greed. And third, elected officials that support corporate greed. This

Philip Blackett is familiar with the talk about Memphis’ “brain drain.”

As the story goes, many of the city’s students graduate from Memphis and Shelby County high schools and depart for college outside of Memphis – and Tennessee – to get their degrees, with no plans of ever coming Philip back to their hometown.

Blackett A 2003 graduate of Memphis University School, Blackett is deter- “It’s all about mined to do his part to paying it forreverse the so-called ward and inbrain drain by adding spiring other value back into his up-and-coming hometown, even when young people he’s no longer in Mem- to find ways to continue conphis. tributing to our Blackett attended the University of North Car- city, regardless olina at Chapel Hill on a of their physifull academic scholar- cal location.” ship. After graduating from college, he worked on Wall Street and within the Fortune 100 in New York City.

Most recently, he worked in Memphis at FedEx. This month, he is packing his bags yet again to leave Memphis to pursue his MBA at Harvard Business School in Cambridge, Mass.

How is this unlike any other brain-drain scenario?

Earlier this summer, Blackett started a business called Magnetic Interviewing, LLC. He was inspired by his late grandmother, a retired Memphis City Schools teacher, who passed away in 2011 from a tough battle with pancreatic cancer. The mission of Magnetic Interviewing, LLC is to help at least 12,000 young people ace their interviews, so they can get accepted into their dream schools and

SEE SALUTE ON PAGE 3

SEE BRAIN DRAIN ON PAGE 3

BCTGM INTERNATIONAL President David Durkee giving Rev. Dwight Montgomery a BCTGM watch and gift bag as he thanks him, the Memphis Baptist Ministerial Association and SCLC Memphis for help throughout the lock-out of Kellogg workers. (Courtesy photos)

Local duo gets union’s Las Vegas-convention salute for backing locked-out Kellogg workers State Rep Barbara Cooper and SCLC Memphis President Rev. Dwight Montgomery honored

by Tony Jones Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The 39th Annual Convention of the International Bakery, Confection, Tobacco & Grain Millers Union (BCTGM) issued special invitations to Tennessee District 86 State Rep. Barbara Cooper and SCLC Memphis President Rev. Dwight Montgomery to attend the event in Las Vegas.

The convention highlighted the Memphis workers’ successful fight to return to work after a nine-month lockout. Cooper and Montgomery were honored for their work on behalf of the locked-out workers.

Montgomery said trying to help the workers revealed something that really made him angry.

“When you have a city such as ours where people are being criticized for being on welfare, and here are these workers locked out illegally and you are called on to support them but do not, I think that reveals that something is wrong in Memphis,” he said.

“And I mean these churches with good money. I’m not going to call any names, but it means nothing to have a large sanctuary, be living in a beautiful home, run around

BEST IN BLACK AWARDS

Show time: School desegregation is the crux of ‘Best of Enemies’

A swing in the right direction

Cook Convention Center, Aug. 30, 7 P.M.

Claire D. Kolheim transforms into a civil rights activist

First Tee of Memphis pitches golf as more than a sport

www.bestinblackawards.com

See Entertainment, page 8

See Sports, page 11

Page 2

August 14 - 20, 2014

Tri-State Defender

NEWS BROWN CONTINUED FROM FRONT Judge Brown: As far as she is concerned and the comments I made about her I will say this, where there is smoke there is fire, son. As far as this community and its politics, you have these small time local yokels that are minor league and are going to stay minor league and never make it out of this city.

The people of power of this city are petty and have insisted on polarizing this county and it most often comes from the media in this city. It is a shame.

They have not reported the news. They have done fiction with the goal in mind of backing up the play of regressive political interests. They feel justified to revert to a racist way of looking at things.

The African-American community, which is the majority in this county, feels that the political process offers them scant opportunity for collective self-help. The problem with that is that can quickly lead to social unrest. America runs in 100-year cycles and you will find in four or five years from now that this might not be a very pretty town. People will feel that they have no recourse.

Privatization of the Criminal Justice Center in this county, which is a self-driving economic engine, has run rampant in this town and it’s prospering off of poor and lower middle-class blacks and whites and there is no incentive to correct the economic and social ability of the negatively impacted groups.

K.C.: Looking back, you’ve lived in plenty of places over your lifetime, including California, Florida, Colorado, Illinois and Washington D.C. Your show, which is in syndi-

cation now, is shown in America, Canada, Australia, South Africa, France, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Holland, Germany and the Middle East. You could’ve taken up residence and political cause anywhere.

Why Memphis?

Judge Brown: Memphis could be the Chicago of the twenty-first century. It has everything that it needs. What better way to spread the word than to go into the capital? It’s a calling I guess. Life could be easier, I could be in retirement but I can’t be. This is where it’s going to happen. There are some good people here – black, white, Asian and Hispanic, Jews, Muslims, Christians and Buddhists. Memphis could be seriously great. So I’m here to make it that way.

They had me getting the lowest votes of everybody and I don’t buy it; neither does the public. What they have attempted to do is discredit me.

This is nothing new, they've done this for years. They have had negative connotations for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jesse Jackson, Thurgood Marshall, Marcus Garvey and W.E. B. Du Bois. Many of the men were jailed for some reason or another, which helped secure the efforts of their opposers to show that they were what they said they were. It didn’t work and it was a shame.

But what is wrong with our picture here with African Americans? The Jewish, Islamic, Latino communities show cohesive efforts to help each other, but not us. We often act in a cowardly fashion and refuse to take courageous stands. I also believe that there is and was a collective effort to steal this election by some way of those machines. It has already been proven twice that they can be rigged. So, you can look forward

“Life could be easier, I could be in retirement but I can’t be,” said Judge Joe Brown. “This is where it’s going to happen.” (Photos: Kelvin Cowans)

to the Democratic Party to challenge the results of this race.

K.C.: What’s next for you.

Judge Brown: You can look for me to run for yet another office right here, and I’m not sure what it will be at the moment, but I am. May be mayor, I don’t know, but I’m going to do work right here in Memphis. So they can get used to seeing me.

My immediate future is a download/CD coming out titled “Judge Joe Brown TURN UP Live from Memphis TN.,” where I touch on over 40 subjects, everything from the criminal justice system to Hol-

lywood living. Then, and a couple of months from now, I will be releasing a book. I’m going to stay busy and moving in purpose. You have not heard the last of me around here.

K.C.: Lastly judge, was it true that you threw a news reporter out of your campaign headquarters.

Judge Brown: That is the nice way of putting it, but yes, I threw him out and I would do it again. All I need is the opportunity to do so.

(Kelvin Cowans can be reached at Kelvincowans@hotmail.com.)

“You can look for me to run for yet another office right here, and I’m not sure what it will be at the moment, but I am.” – Judge Joe Brown

Tri-State Defender

Page 3

August 14 - 20, 2014

NEWS SALUTE CONTINUED FROM FRONT country was built on labor. Why do we want to mistreat the people that are holding up this country – leaving families hungry. We are only asking for fair wages and safe working places. Dr. King said ‘truth crushed to the ground will rise up,’ and that’s what the Kellogg’s workers have proven.

They were risking their families future by standing up for their rights.”

Where things stand Favorable court rulings have come down for the workers and the Kellogg Company, but the bottom line is that the regular employees returned to the jobs on Monday (August 11th).

The rulings do not mean that the issues leading to the walkout are over. Kellogg must continue the current agreement at least until Oct., 2015, according to a ruling by Judge Samuel H. Mays of the Western District of Tennessee.

The union highlights its position on its website and includes this reference: “The lockout, which has deprived the employees of their pay and health insurance, has been ongoing for nine months. The administrative process may continue for many months and even years to come. To allow the lockout to continue through that period would place significant hardship on employees in furtherance of Kellogg’s bargaining position, which (the NLRB) has reasonable cause to believe is unlawful. That would undermine the remedial powers of the Board.”

Kellogg’s Kris Charles cites a separate ruling by an administrative law judge as proof that the company was right in its position.

Via email, he informed The New Tri-State Defender of the company’s current posture.

“An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) in Memphis ruled late Thursday in favor of Kellogg Company, concluding that the lockout there is lawful and that our proposals are appropriate for supplemental – or local – negotiations,” Charles wrote.

“At this time, however, our number one priority is safely returning our Memphis employees to work and helping them manage through that transition. Our

business challenges have only increased – and there is much work to be done by both parties – but it is our belief that the immediate path forward will be determined in partnership with the union and we expect that our good-faith efforts, in this regard, will be matched by theirs.”

Tennessee District 86 State Rep. Barbara Cooper in Las Vegas where the International Bakery, Confection, Tobacco & Grain Millers Union recognized her organizing efforts to increase community awareness of the issues behind the lockout of Kellogg workers. (Courtesy photo)

‘The goal is to be fair to all’ Cooper was saluted for her organizing efforts to increase community awareness of the issues behind the lockout. Montgomery, who was asked to open the convention with an invocation, was honored for his effort with the faithbased community. Montgomery petitioned for and delivered financial support from the Memphis Baptist Ministerial Association for the union’s hardship fund.

Local BCTGM President Kevin Bradshaw said Cooper and Montgomery provided invaluable support.

“We were brought together by a wonderful man, Mr. Lorenzo Banks, who recently passed. He was one of the original sanitation workers from the 1968 strike and he called both of them and said we needed their help to get our message out. And he was right. They were very effective.”

Banks made the call from his hospital bed “back in December,” Bradshaw recalled, “and when he got out of the hospital in January he called me and made sure we got together with our community coordinator, Ron Baker, and we all just clicked on what was ahead of us. Not just about Kellogg’s, but how this city has become overly pro-business.”

Bradshaw said the Kellogg’s situation is a lesson for citizens across the nation.

“People have a misconception about unions, saying that we try to break companies, but that’s not true. What we faced at Kellogg’s illustrates the value of collective bargaining. I attended the Jobs & Justice For All convention in Washington, D.C. a few months ago and it’s happening all over the country,” he said.

“Nobody’s saying you have to pay everybody $20 an hour.

We expect companies to thrive and make a lot of money, but people just wanted to be treated right. People need to be treated right and paid fairly, not oppress people and fine them for every little violation you

can come up with.”

‘Give the people a voice’ Cooper was asked whether she was afraid that Kellogg might shut the plant down.

“If so, Tony The Tiger will be dead and we’ll have to go back to eating more oatmeal and grits,” she said. “But no, the company needs the workers just as bad as the workers need the company.

The goal is to be fair to all.”

Montgomery, who credited Memphis Baptist Ministerial Association President Luther Williams for his work in garnering support for the locked-out workers, said it was exactly the type of issue that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a national SCLC founder, would have supported.

“But I have to express how profoundly disappointed I am.

SCLC sent letters to some of the larger churches of all faiths, black and white, and the only responses were from the BMAA and Pastor Bartholomew Orr of Brown Baptist Church.”

After commending the workers for their fortitude to stick to what’s right, Montgomery, talked about what he calls “Robbing The Hood.”

“You have corporations all over America wanting to upsize their salaries and downsize workers’ salaries, paying women less, busting unions, cutting the benefits of persons who have earned benefits. The faith institutions and unions joining together can stop this trend.”

The mutual community effort has led to a new local umbrella

civil rights coalition called the Coalition for Organizational Protection of People and Equal Rights (COPPER), Bradshaw said.

“We requested by resolution that the BCTGM support it, and we have over 100,000 members.

We also have the vocal support of the AFL-CIO, and they have 12 million members. Our goal is to become a link for organizations representing workers to better link with their communities. Not to set the agenda, but to give the people a voice.”

Meanwhile, an earlier statement to media by Kellogg spokesperson Charles points to the company’s perceived need for change.

“In all of this, Kellogg continues to fight to remain competitive in a tough cereal category, and we have more capacity in our U.S. cereal network than is necessary to meet customer and consumer demand,” said Charles. “This creates higher operating costs at each of our U.S. RTEC facilities, compresses our profit margins and as a result, hampers our ability to fund innovation and brand building to grow our business.”

According to Charles, Kellogg must ensure its operating costs are competitive – including the wages and benefits of current and future employees, adding that is something the company has tried to do in cooperation with the union, through negotiations.

“For our employees and for this company, we must optimize our capacity-heavy network. We cannot continue the way we are with the significant gap between costs and capacity across our cereal network.

BRAIN DRAIN CONTINUED FROM FRONT get hired by their dream jobs and internships.

“I see this venture as an opportunity to pay it forward to the next generation the same way that many people – like my grandmother – helped me to succeed when I was younger,” said Blackett. “I want to be able to help my hometown that has given so much to me by helping young people in Memphis achieve their dreams too.”

Blackett is now running a crowd-funding campaign on www.Help12K.com to help raise funds in preparation for the fall when high school seniors start preparing for college applications.

“Because the application process has become much more competitive than when I was in high school, the interview has become a much more important factor than ever before. I want to help equip our young people with strategies and best practices that I used to ace my interviews, so they can do the same thing too,” Blackett said.

He has quite a strong track record when it comes to interviews. Not only did he do well enough in his interview at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to get accepted with a full scholarship, Blackett also aced his interviews to get accepted into such schools as Harvard University, Brown University, the University of Pennsylvania and Yale University.

However, his interview preparation isn’t limited to only high school seniors applying to college.

“Interviews are becoming more of a staple in our lives.

Whether applying to college, graduate school, scholarships, summer internships or jobs, we more than likely have to go through the interview first to become successful,” he said.

While Blackett is studying at Harvard Business School, his business will be able to teach young people regardless of their location because his interviewing-skills training will primarily be based online.

“In 2014, more people are connected to the Internet whether at home or through their mobile devices. We want to make it easy for young people to access our trainings, so

they can learn what it takes to ace their interviews and achieve what they want.”

Magnetic Interviewing, LLC seeks to help improve young people’s interviewing skills through an interactive strategy guide, over 40 tutorial videos & audios, a group coaching webinar series, and personalized mock interviews by Blackett and his team.

“Enjoyed the presentation!

Concise and to-the-point advice (that’s) easy to remember,” said Stephen Crawford, talking about the benefit he received. “Conversational speaking tone. It was ‘real’ – not your typical interview speech.”

A.J. Hafele said more people to hear Blackett’s presentation.

“I thought that the style of presentation was excellent (using personal examples, group interactions and humor).

Excellent session…”

Young people can access a free 7-Video “How to ACE Your Interview” boot camp that is accessible via email and smartphone.

Why offer the free boot camp?

“One of the main goals is to be able to provide significant value whether someone can afford our offerings or not. With this free video boot camp, I’m sharing some of my best content where someone who may be short on funds can still learn some valuable strategies to ace their upcoming interview.”

He also plans to deliver keynotes and advanced interviewing workshops to schools, career centers and non-profits when he’s available. And he hopes that Memphis becomes a significant portion of the 12,000 young people that he is trying to help.

“Magnetic Interviewing is here for the long term. We’re focused on building and sustaining our business to help thousands of young people in cities like Memphis for years to come, whether I’m in Memphis, Boston or another city.

My commitment is helping our young people become more competitive and achieve their academic and professional dreams,” he said.

“It’s all about paying it forward and inspiring other upand-coming young people to find ways to continue contributing to our city, regardless of their physical location.”

Page 4

Tri-State Defender

August 14 - 20, 2014

OPINION John H. Sengstacke Publisher (1951 - 1997)

The Mid-South’s Best Alternative Newspaper

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

Riots, destruction won’t bring justice for Michael Brown

FLASHBACK: 2005

Powered by Best Media

Missing: Blacks at U.S. -Africa Business Forum

Nurturing independence in young children – parenting’s critical component When a baby is first born, he is totally dependent on his parents to take care of his every need. But parents are also responsible for establishing the foundation for future learning and adaptability. Nurturing independence in young children is a critical component of parenting. It promotes later self-sufficiency and self-reliance, and the process should begin during the earliest years of life.

Certainly, during the first few months after a child is born, there are no outward signs of independence, yet a baby is already developing the skills that will support later independence.

As time progresses, your baby learns to hold a bottle, to sit up on her own, to feed herself, and to crawl and walk. These are all sure signs of budding independence that you want your child to achieve.

As she becomes more aware of her surroundings and develops a greater sense of self, you will find that she wants to do certain things without your assistance.

Extensive research on early childhood development shows that during their second year, infants begin to develop a sense of empowerment and competence that is spurred by language and speech development. They acquire a greater understanding of how to express themselves and how to meet some of their own needs.

During this period, children often express their innate desire to become more independent. “Let ME do it!” is a common request of young children who are discovering their own ability to navigate the world around them.

At this stage, different parenting approaches can either nurture or hinder a child’s spirit of independence and sense of self-reliance.

According to The Urban Child Institute, there are two major types of parenting – authoritative and authoritarian.

Authoritative parenting is firm and consistent. It encourages respect, but also encourages communication and feedback from your child. Parents who take an authoritative approach will promote positive outcomes in young children like independence, cooperation and motivation.

Authoritarian parenting, on the other hand, is high in control but low in warmth. It values obedience and order but not communication and flexibility. Authoritarian parenting can interfere with a child’s willingness to explore and impair the development of independence.

As a result, parents who adopt an authoritarian approach are actually setting the stage for negative outcomes like low self-esteem, social withdrawal, and behavior problems.

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

According to The Urban Child Institute, the foundation for later independence is built in early infancy, and is strengthened by sensitive, responsive, and authoritative parenting throughTarrin out the early McGhee years. Warmth and sensitivity help your child acquire the confidence and problem-solving skills to confront and overcome challenges later in life.

Some parents may find it difficult to “let go” and to let their child become independent. Others will want to expedite the process of your child learning how to overcome obstacles on his own. Research suggests that both extremes can be harmful. Being overly protective or overly harsh with your child can cause fear and self-doubt, and undermine children’s growing independence.

No parent wants to raise a helpless and totally dependent child. As such, it is important to keep in mind how positive parenting can nurture the development of life skills and coping traits.

The Urban Child Institute has found that parental behaviors that promote independence include: showing sensitivity; helping your child remain goal-oriented; and helping him maintain a positive view of himself and his abilities.

Obstacles are easier to face if he is confident in his ability to succeed – independent of his parents’ assistance – yet secure in knowing that their support is available if he needs it.

Parenting is a delicate balancing act of being attentive to children’s need for attention and care, while also promoting the skills that will later help them rely on their own abilities.

The first years of a child’s life are all about ensuring that your baby feels loved, and doing whatever it takes to provide everything that he needs. However, as he matures, it becomes just as important to nurture independence through sensitive, responsive, and authoritative parenting.

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

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President Obama hosted the first ever U.S.-Africa Business forum last week here in Washington, DC. Leading up to the conference, the U.S. Commerce Department made this announcement: “On August 5, 2014, Bloomberg Philanthropies and the U.S. Department of Commerce will co-host the first-ever U.S.-Africa Business Forum, a day focused on trade and investment opportunities on the continent. The U.S.-Africa Business Forum will be part of President Obama’s U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, the first summit of its kind, and the largest event that any U.S. president has ever convened with African heads of state or government.”

I must admit that the various panels consisted of executives who all had a track record of great achievement. Panelists included Americans, Indians, Africans, and women. But, I couldn’t help but notice that there was not one black American on any of the panels.

Not only has the first black president continued to ignore his most loyal voting block, the black community, but by his actions he has made it perfectly clear to African leaders that black business leaders are totally irrelevant within the U.S. There was no shortage of blacks who could have fit the bill: Ken Chenault, CEO of American Express; Dick Parson, former CEO of Time Warner; Dave Steward, CEO of World Wide Technology ($ 6 billion in annual revenue); Junior Bridgeman, owner of 195 Wendys (doing more than $ 500 million in annual revenue); Bob Johnson, CEO of RLJ Holdings, who has already invested money in hotels in Liberia.

There was one panel that had five African presidents: Macky Sall (Senegal), Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Jacob Zuma (South Africa), Jakaya Kikwete ( Tanzania), and Moncef Marzouki (Tunisia). The panel was moderated

by Charlie Rose. I guess the White House has never heard of black interviewers such as Charlayne HunterGault, Michelle Norris, or Gwen Ifill.

The first question Rose asked was about the ebola virus. The presidents seemed to have been quite offended by the question and pushed back that America only views Africa in terms of the negative.

The blame is totally Africa’s fault for the negative portrayal they receive in U.S. media. African presidents come to the U.S. and rarely, if ever, engage with the American media and definitely not with the black media.

Kagame admitted as much when he told Rose, “We (must be) able to own up to our weaknesses, our mistakes and own up to our solutions and contribute to our solutions. We can’t even tell our story. We even depend on others to tell our stories which leads to distortions.”

When the president of Cameroon landed in the U.S. on his presidential jet at Andrews Air Force Base (where Obama’s presidential jet is stored), there was a huge story written about his arrival in the Washington Post.

No, no it was not on the front page.

No, not in the business section, But on the gossip page. There was not one mention of the president’s name. The full page story was all about the hair of the president’s Raynard wife’s. Yes, you Jackson heard right, her hair; and the author of the story was a black female (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blo g s / r e l i a b l e source/wp/2014/08/04/the-first-ladyof-cameroon-and-her-hair-havetouched-down-in-d-c/).

This is how irrelevant Africa is viewed by the U.S. media. This is what happens when African presidents and their U.S. based ambassadors have no meaningful engagement with the media.

African can’t continue to demand to be a player on the world’s stage in the 21st. century and yet govern and lead with a 20th century mentality.

In many ways, having a media strategy is just as important as having a military strategy.

Controlling how you are perceived in the global market place has a direct impact on the investment community throughout the world. One needs to look no further than Equatorial Guinea to prove my point. It is one of the most corrupt countries on the planet; and outside of the oil industry, it’s almost impossible for them to get investment in their country.

I didn’t see or hear one media interview with any of the presidents during their stay in the U.S. The daily media coverage was focused on all the traffic problems being created by the street closures because of the various presidential motorcades.

Obama spent more time discussing the unemployment rate in Africa than he has the unemployment rate within the black community here in the U.S. He talked about targeted incentives for investment and job creation on the continent of Africa; but can’t find the time to create opportunities for blacks here at home.

Obama even created the Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. According to the White House, “through this initiative, young African leaders are gaining the skills and connections they need to accelerate their own career trajectories and contribute more robustly to strengthening democratic institutions, spurring economic growth, and enhancing peace and security in Africa.”

How about a similar program for blacks in the U.S.?

(Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a Washington, D.C.based public relations/government affairs firm. He can be reached through his Web site, www.raynardjackson.com. You can also follow him on Twitter at raynard1223.)

FACEBOOK FAN OF THE WEEK Name: Curtis Braden Curtis Braden is this week’s TSD Facebook Fan of the Week!

A native Memphian, Braden is a proud alumnus of Trezevant High School and The University of Memphis.

Braden also loves hanging out at Memphis’ hot spots and investing.

Thanks Curtis Braden for excelling in Memphis and for being a part of the TSD Facebook family!

(theGrio) – Stop me if you’ve heard this one before.

Police violence occurs against an unarmed black man. The black community is outraged. The anger leads to more violence, except this is selfmutilation: local businesses get smashed and looted. The city tensely awaits the next act in the play.

Of course, the headlines can’t give you the backstory – that narrative that drives this cycle of violence – partly because it’s assumed we know that story already but partly because knowing the story – and how it keeps repeating, doesn’t change the facts.

The latest installment in our refusal to overcome violence, racism, or police brutality occurred Sunday in Ferguson, Mo. A candlelight vigil was being held for Michael Brown, an 18 year old who had been slain in an altercation with police the night before.

While many were there for a peaceful vigil, some used the excuse of grief to cause mayhem, smashing windows and breaking into local stores around the area. No injuries or deaths were reported in the violence. Some of the stores affected included AutoZone, Family Dollar, Walgreens, Taco Bell, QuikTrip, and a Phillips 66 station, among others.

Details of the incident that led to Brown’s death are unclear, with eyewitness reports varying greatly from the accounts of the police.

The police say that Brown, while unarmed, had been struggling for one of the police officer’s guns prior to the shooting. Witnesses to the scene say that the youth had his hands in the air while fleeing from the police car and was shot in the back.

Showing just how much things have changed in the media landscape since the 1992 riots in Los Angeles, another example of community violence following perceived injustice behind police violence, the St. Louis County Police Department put out a message on Facebook yesterday, the day after the shootings and the same day they held a press conference.

The message read: “The FBI will be contacted today and notified of the incident. If they choose, they may conduct a separate use-of-force investigation on this incident directly with the Ferguson Police Department.”

Such a message seems designed to pre-empt the implications laid out by Lesley McSpadden, the mother of the slain boy. She reminded reporters that her son was due to start college next week and wondered aloud why police didn’t use Tasers or clubs to subdue her son. Her remedy to the situation was clear: “I would like to see him (the officer in question) fired. I would like to see him go to jail with the death penalty.

Twenty-two years ago, Rodney King tearfully asked why we couldn’t all just get along. The question is a fair one and implies its own shortterm solution: a peace without understanding.

Whether the verdict of a potential case that follows this incident pleases either side in this tragedy is unclear. What is clear is that we still have to confront the realities of our shared history together, namely the ongoing problem of confrontations between young black men and the police and the corresponding deficit of leadership among the black communities in which violence occurs as a response to injustice, perceived or actual.

Until cooler heads encourage and lead, we will continue to have senseless reactions like those in Ferguson.

We can only hope there will not be more riots and violence in the days to come and that the community can start to come together and try to heal, even as it vigorously seeks justice and truth.

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Tri-State Defender

Page 5

August 14 - 20, 2014

NEWS Given the dismal performance in each of the past two countywide general elections and the long-term challenges in winning countywide office, Democratic Party voters and specifically blacks in Shelby County must clearly call for a new deal, a new way and a new day.

RESULTS CONTINUED FROM FRONT Shelby County, is truly the only bastion of blue in a sea of red that is Tennessee. President Obama won Shelby County in 2008 and 2012, one of only four counties in Tennessee where that was the case (five counties in 2008). Democrats, of course, make up a majority of the registered voters in Shelby County, outweighing Republican voters based upon the number of voters that historically have chosen to cast ballots as Democrats in primary elections.

Evaluating early-voting numbers from the August 7th election from both the Shelby County Election Commission and those numbers synthesized and analyzed by Bennie Smith, one of Shelby County’s brightest minds and statistical analysts, interesting facts are revealed.

Smith used a number of statistical factors to convert over half (13,000 plus) of those that voted as others to either black or white.

Evaluating the parties by race and looking just at early voting in the most recent election, only 620 blacks declared and voted in the Republican primary out of a total of 36,395 that voted, with 6,717 listed as others.

This means that the remaining 29,058 voters were white and an indication that the Republican Party in Shelby

County is primarily made up of white voters. Of the Democratic Party voters that cast ballots early for the August 7th election, 32,576 were black, 5,135 were white and 6,706 were listed as others.

So what conclusions can be drawn from the numbers?

Democrats make up a majority of voters in Memphis and Shelby County.

African Americans make up the majority of the population in Memphis and Shelby County and the vast majority of Democratic voters.

African Americans in Shelby County have put all of their proverbial eggs in the Democratic basket.

Democrats should dominate Shelby County politics But let’s evaluate the results.

Democrats offered a slate of predominantly black candidates versus a Republican slate of all white candidates and took – in the words of some – an old fashioned woodshed whipping, losing six of seven major county offices for the second time in as many county election cycles. Notably, an African American has never held the positions of District Attorney, Sheriff, Juvenile Court Judge or Juvenile Court Clerk, County Register or County Trustee in the searchable history of the County.

Given the dismal performance in each of the past two countywide general elections and the long-term

challenges in winning countywide office, Democratic Party voters and specifically blacks in Shelby County must clearly call for a new deal, a new way and a new day.

From the numbers, many Democratic Party voters, both black and white, chose to establish a new deal for themselves this election cycle by voting for Republican candidates. Obviously, one option is that more African Americans choose to affiliate with the Republican Party. But even that must be approached with a real agenda and plan that addresses our issues and not just going along to get along.

The Shelby County Democratic Party, as it has operated recently, has failed to deliver results for its major constituent base and on many fronts has simply failed. It has not developed the strategies that leverage the one strength that has existed for some time now, the numbers.

Despite more Democratic Party voters casting ballots in this election, Republicans again won handily in most cases to the tune of 60 percent to 40 percent or better. Previously conceding the issues with the Election Commission and the machines, this beat down is deeper than that. It is about a lack of understanding for the root causes of voter apathy and a lack of strategies that restores, reinvigorates, reignites and rejuvenates the large base of African-American voters and eligible registrants to par-

For Joshua Owten, bringing home a bronze medal from the Junior Olympics is proof that focus and hard work bring rewards. (Courtesy photo)

Focus and hard work make Memphis athlete a junior-sized Olympian

by Brittney Gathen Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Memphis athlete Joshua Owten competed in the United States of America Track and Field (USATF) National Junior Olympic Track and Field Championship in Turner Stadium in Humble, Texas and won the bronze medal.

The soon to be Central High School freshman and member of Youth Track and Field of Memphis racked a time of 26.16 in the boys (13-14) 200 meter hurdles final, finishing third to Caleb Roberson of Cal Rising Stars and Jaylon Robinson of 2NDWIND Athletics. Owten also competed in the boys (13-14) long jump flight 2, where he placed 17th.

The 2014 Junior Olympics – held July 21-27 – were the third for Owten. And although participating in track and field opened the door to the Junior Olympics, Owten said his interest in track and field came while he was trying to prepare for another sport.

“I wanted to participate (in track and field), at first, to get in shape for football,” Owten said.

His track-and-field journey has included competing in the Middle School TN State Meet, where he placed first in the 400-meter dash and third in the 100-meter hurdles, and the Area 1 Kirby final, where he placed first in the 100meter preliminaries, second in the 400-meter dash preliminaries, and 10th in the high jump, according to tn.milesplit.com.

While Owten has been participating in track

for three years, this was his first year being involved with Youth Track and Field of Memphis – a nonprofit organization and USATF club.

“I just did what my coach told me in practice, and it (preparing for the event) wasn’t really hard. I was calm because I did this last year, and I was confident that I would succeed,” Owten said.

Owten also plays football, plays the trumpet in the band and bowls. Once while injured and unable to compete, he took part in a missionary trip to the Dominican Republic.

Even with his various activities and accomplishments, Owten still believes there’s room for improvement and he has learned to be open to constructive advice.

“The best advice (I received) is that I should just listen to authority, and always go for my goal,” Owten said. As far as improvement goes, Owten said, “In track and football, I need to work on my technique and balance.”

Owten would like to compete in the World Olympics some day. He plans on attending college in Alabama, studying music and continuing to participate in sports during his college career. He’s open to a professional career in sports, but if it doesn’t happen he’ll be fine with that as well.

Asked what advice he would give to others who may dream of participating in the Junior Olympics or the World Olympics, Owten stressed focus and hard work.

“It’s possible for anybody,” he said. “You just have to put your mind to it, and just work hard.”

ticipate in the electoral process. It’s a failure to conduct a simple SWOT analysis, (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) to determine a way forward.

The one primary strength is simply the numbers. As I mentioned earlier, the numbers show that the parties in Shelby County are clearly segregated by race and resources.

The Democratic Party is heavily African American and resource poor except for one of its candidates. The Republican Party is virtually all white and resource rich. The primary advantage to Democrats is the numbers. A massive turnout can beat money with the right effort and strategy, but it takes consistent effort, particularly when there are no elections. Championships and elections are won in the off-season.

The weaknesses include a lack of resources, lack of cohesion, candidates that fail to inspire and in many instances deflate or turn off voters, failure to connect with the issues of would-be voters and a failure to understand the sources of voter apathy.

The opportunities are wide and vast. One can only go up from this point, which is arguably as low as you can go. Even the best positioned and qualified candidates, such as Judge Tarik Sugarmon, suffered defeat due to the lack of cohesive strategy and execution in the other areas and willingness to identify weak-

nesses and cut them off.

Lastly, the threats are as they’ve always been: an opponent with more resources, better strategies and better execution. Add in a constituent base struggling with life issues and a damaged psyche from the vestiges of Tennessee Waltz, the public shenanigans of a hand full of elected officials, Election Commission issues and the false notion that after all their vote simply won’t make a difference.

It is time to overhaul the Democratic Party in Shelby County. Time to usher in a new day of relevance and reach. New leadership must rise and be embraced. There must surface a new brand of candidate to inspire and serve with clear competency as well as passion. The people must be heard and embraced not just prior to and during an election, but year round. A process for listening to and regaining the trust of the people has to be put in motion.

The party has reached a crossroads and can no longer keep doing the same things the same way, running the same candidates, raising the same money and engaging the community in the same lackluster ways.

As FDR’s New Deal created a paradigm shift for African-American voters, there must be a paradigm shift with the Shelby County Democratic Party that brings about balance and equity, establishing a new deal for this community.

Page 6

Tri-State Defender

August 14 - 20, 2014

BUSINESS ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY

The Business of Weddings Women are conditioned to think about their Prince Charming. After hearing all of the happy endings in nursery rhymes, women desire the same outcome. Cinderella seemed to have things altogether with her fella. The story of Cinderella has been adapted from so many different perspectives, but ultimately the ending is always the same: The girl gets a wonderful gentleman who has scoured the world looking for her. So it is only fitting that we talk about the business of weddings.

Everything associated with weddings can be a profitable business enterprise when performed in volume. From the engagement ring to the honeymoon, the process requires some level of budget.

Rings Traditionally the man asks the female for her hand in marriage, preferably after he has asked her family for permission. The man usually purchases a ring for his fiancé and presents it to her at the time he proposes. So begins the first hit to the checking account. Rings come in all shapes, sizes, cuts and designs. There is a ring for every budget and preference.

Carlee McCullough

On the wedding day a band or ring is e x changed.

So the woman typically purchases a wedding ring for the man and vice versa.

Invitations Once the date and place of the wedding have been confirmed, invitations are designed, printed and mailed. Invitations can be as creative or as a simple as possible. They can be self made or purchased at stationary store. Recently, a celebrity couple with an endless budget used iPads as invitations. So the level of creativity is solely up to the couple and the budget parameters.

Venue The venue will include where the wedding ceremony and the reception will take place. Both are not necessarily in the same location. Again, budget comes into play when

deciding between the various venues. Churches are popular locations for wedding ceremonies. As for the reception, hotels and reception halls are most frequently used.

Whichever venue is chosen, get ready to pull out the checkbook because this item can be one of the most costly.

at a hotel, the hotel’s catering department will typically handle the food. Most hotels do not allow outside caterers on premise. So this has to be taken into consideration when selecting the venue. Buffet, plated, courses, chicken, beef or seafood are all decisions that have to be made.

Catering

Attire

Weddings can be a nice source of income for caterers.

Feeding hundreds of people at one time is exactly what caters desire. When the reception is

The wedding dress is the one item that brides look forward to most of their life. It goes back to the story of Cinderella and the ball gown. The dress

can also be one of the costly items. It may take a few months to get the dress depending upon whether it is custom made or purchased at a boutique. Shoes, undergarments and accessories are all on the list of purchases for the bride. Bridesmaids’ dresses are also high on the list of items to pick out and purchase.

As for the groom and his groomsmen, tuxedos and suits tend to be the attire of choice.

Color coordination with the bride is a must to assure cohesiveness. Stores that specialize in wedding attire look forward to the opportunity to serve and make money off of that special day.

Entertainment

Flowers

From Tunica to Tahiti, the honeymoon is the cherry on the sundae. The wedding celebration culminates with the happy couple exiting the party to go on the trip of a lifetime. Travel agents provide complete packages for honeymoons that include airfare, hotel, and ground transportation.

Florists live for weddings because flowers are plentiful on the wedding day. From the bride’s bouquet to the bridesmaids’ flowers, flowers are a highlight. The church is usually decorated with flowers; even the flower girls drop petals down the aisle. Flower centerpieces are usually part of the reception as well.

Don’t forget the groom and the groomsmen tend to have flowers on their lapels. ChaChing!

At the reception, most of the time there is entertainment. A singer, band or DJ is usually the top choice for weddings.

At any rate, the entertainment is important to complete the celebration.

Photography and Video Professional photographers focus on capturing just the right moments on film. Videographers put forth every effort to get the bride and groom a wedding keepsake that can be viewed over and over again.

Honeymoon

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

MONEY MATTERS

Catch up for a more comfortable retirement Seven out of 10 workers age 50 and older are confident that they will have enough money to cover basic expenses in retirement. When it comes to the prospect of living comfortably in retirement, however, the percentage expressing confidence drops to 53 percent – and only 14 percent are “very confident.”

If your retirement account balance is lagging and you are 50 or older, you can give your savings a boost by taking advantage of catch-up

contributions that are available for IRAs and employersponsored retirement plans.

In 2014, the IRA Charles Sims f e d e r a l contribuJr., CFP tion limit is $5,500.

Investors 50 and older can

also make a $1,000 catch-up contribution for a total of $6,500. An extra $1,000 might not seem like much, but it could make a big difference by the time you’re ready to retire (see chart).

You have until the April 15, 2015, tax-filing deadline to make IRA contributions for 2014. Of course, the sooner you contribute, the more time the funds will have to pursue potential growth.

The 2014 contribution limit for most employer-sponsored

retirement plans – including 401(k), 403(b), and 457 plans – is $17,500. Investors aged 50 and older can also make a $5,500 catch-up contribution for a total of $23,000. However, some employer-sponsored plans may have maximums that are lower than the federal contribution limit, so be sure you understand your plan’s rules.

Unlike the case with IRAs, 2014 contributions to employer-sponsored plans must be made by the end of the year,

so now would be a good time to adjust your contributions to take advantage of the catch-up opportunity.

Contributions to a traditional IRA are generally taxdeductible (income limits apply to active participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans); your contributions and any earnings accumulate tax deferred. Distributions from traditional IRAs and most employersponsored retirement plans are taxed as ordinary in-

come.

Early withdrawals taken prior to age 59½ may be subject to a 10 percent federal income tax penalty. Generally, required minimum distributions from tax-deferred plans must begin once you reach age 70½.

(Charles Sims Jr., CFP, is President/ CEO of The Sims Financial Group. Contact him at 901-682-2410 or visit www.SimsFinancialGroup.co m.)

Demo Day 2014 set for Aug. 21 at the Orpheum Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Sixteen startup teams will present their companies to the entrepreneurial ecosystem – including community leaders – at Demo Day Aug. 21, Start Co. announced recently. Demo Day is the culmination of a nationally recognized intensive 14-week startup training and mentoring program, which is specially recognized by the Global Accelerator Network.

Mayor A C Wharton Jr. has proclaimed Aug. 21 to be “Demo Day 2014,” which recognizes the efforts of Start Co. to serve the community and citizens of Memphis. Each team will pitch their business on stage at the Orpheum Theater to investors and community members to celebrate progress to date and to seek additional funding.

The event will begin at 1 p.m. with pitches from the

first group of teams. The keynote address will then take place at 4 p.m. followed by the remaining pitches.

Edward B. Montgomery, dean of the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University, professor of economics, and former chief economist to the White House, will keynote the event. He plans to discuss the importance of entrepreneurial activities as key to the future economic success of the country, and especially in communities such as Memphis.

More than 750 attendees are expected, ranging from successful entrepreneurs to regional and community leaders and investors from throughout the Mid-South and even areas such as St. Louis, San Francisco and Singapore.

Start Co. operates four accelerator programs: Seed Hatchery, Upstart, Sparkgap and Sky

Graduates to present business plans to more than 750 investors, entrepreneurs and community leaders High. Each is a 14-week intensive program created for entrepreneurs with high-growth startup ideas. This year’s cohort included a diverse cross-section of sectors and services.

“I’m looking forward to seeing this cohort of early stage entrepreneurs take the stage at the Orpheum Theater to showcase their work and share their experiences from the Summer of Acceleration with the community,” said Eric Mathews, Start Co. founder & CEO. “Each year we invest time and energy to set the stage for the next year; and after more than seven years of hard work, it’s gratifying that the startup community here in Memphis has been nationally recognized by CNN as one of the top 10 best places for founders to

launch in the country.”

In addition to unveiling their businesses, several of the teams are expected to provide updates on points of progress in developing their networks, including fundraising events, major strategic and corporate partnerships, as well as significant traction and user adoption.

“It was inspiring to see how each of the teams developed and refined their ideas over the summer,” said Mara Lewis, managing director at Start Co. “We feel confident that they now have a solid skillset to build post-acceleration.”

Lewis, an experienced Bayarea entrepreneur who has been splitting her time between San Francisco and Memphis, Mathews, President Andre Fowlkes,

and about 100 business and community leader mentors who lent their time and expertise to the founders, guided Start Co. teams.

Many local organizations came together as believers in the power of entrepreneurship.

More than 10 local community partners are dedicated Demo Day Champions. This year’s sponsors include the Downtown Memphis Commission, Launch TN and Softlayer.

Additional companies have also invested time or resources during the summer. AutoZone has invested time and talent from their IT division to support the teams in scaling infrastructures and FedEx has offered monetary support.

Groups like Mosaik and

SoftLayer have contributed office hours on product management and product development strategies for the teams.

Start Co. partners archer>malmo, Baker Donelson, the Marston Group, Softlayer, Orion Federal Credit Union and Mosiak Solutions continue to offer professional service support for the cohort teams.

More than 25 local businesses and community leaders also relayed their support of entrepreneurship and helped underwrite Demo Day. “We’re supportive of the creative class and downtown businesses such as Start Co. that cultivate entrepreneurial businesses and culture here in Memphis,” said Paul Morris, president of the Downtown Memphis Commission.

More information on Demo Day can be found at www.neverstop.co/demoday.

Tri-State Defender

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August 14 - 20, 2014

RELIGION RELIGION BRIEFS ‘The Greatest Gift’ stage play set for two-day run Step of Faith Mission Church, 208 S. 8th St. in West Memphis, Ark., will host the upcoming stage play “The Greatest Gift” Saturday, Aug. 30, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 31 at 5 p.m.

The Christian-based comedy/musical drama is about a family man who falls from grace because of drug addiction and poor decisions. He ultimately faces consequences that lead him to a new revelation.

Admission is $10 in advance and $12 at the door. For Further information, call (901) 214-8859 or visit gwmpro.webs.com.

Dr. R. B. Holmes will speak on school choice at luncheon Dr. R. B. Holmes, a leading candidate for the National Baptist Convention U.S.A. Inc., will be the guest of the Southern Leadership Conference Memphis Chapter and the Memphis Baptist Ministerial Association at a special ministers’ luncheon Aug. 18th and 19th at Greater Mt. Moriah Fellowship Hall, 1098 S. Wellington.

Holmes will speak at 2 p.m. on Aug. 19th to promote school choice for low-income children, which is the purpose of the luncheon. Also, the National Baptist Convention U.S.A., Inc. will be in Memphis the first week in September 2015.

For more information, contact the Rev. Dwight Montgomery, president, SCLC Memphis Chapter, at (901) 488-4798 or email him at sclcmemphis@yahoo.com.

Traditional gospel music has kept BRAVOF out front for 35 years Billy Rivers and The Angelic Voices of Faith slates reunion concert Aug. 31st with old and new members

by Wiley Henry whenry@tsdmemphis.com

Community choirs come and go, but the Stellar Aw a r d nominated B i l l y Rivers and The Angelic Voices of F a i t h Rev. Darius (BRAVOF) Brooks has been a mainstay in traditional gospel music. In fact the choir will celebrate its 35th anniversary with a reunion concert Sunday, Aug. 31st at Golden Gate Cathedral, 3240 James Rd. The doors will open at 6 p.m. BRAVOF also will host a banquet gala Friday, Aug. 29.

The location wasn’t announced by press-time.

“We’re doing different things this year. This will be the first time that we’ll have a featured artist,” said Gwendolyn Turner, who co-founded the choir in 1977 with James Polk at Southside High School when the group was known as the Southside High School Gospel Choir. The name was changed to The Angelic Voices of Faith in 1979.

BRAVOF fans, she said, will be privy to the music ministry of the Rev. Darius Brooks, a songwriter, music

Stellar Award nominated Billy Rivers and The Angelic Voices of Faith celebrated their 30th aniversay in 2009 at Golden Gate Cathedral. On Aug. 31st, the community choir will celebrate its 35th anniversary with a reunion concert at the Cathedral. (Photo: Wiley Henry) arranger, producer, music director and pastor of Grace Central Church in Chicago.

He is the former music director of the Melvin Brunson & Thompson Community Singers, also in Chicago.

Brooks is known for such gospel renditions as “Lord I Believe,” “Over and Over,” and others.

“Before we started recording, we did all the music of Melvin Brunson & Thompson Community Singers,” Turner noted.

“We want to pay homage to the Thompson Community Singers…because they are a legendary choir that produced good gospel music,” added Minister Billy Rivers, who led

the choir for more than a decade before the name was changed in 1989 to Billy Rivers and The Angelic Voices of Faith.

Turner also will launch that evening The Angelic Voices of Faith Foundation with part of the proceeds going to the Family Safety Center of Memphis and Shelby County

to benefit domestic abuse victims.

“What better way to start the Foundation kick-off than give to the Family Safety Center of Memphis and Shelby County, a charity already doing work to help victims of domestic abuse,” said Turner.

“Hopefully we can help women and children who’ve gone through domestic violence situations.”

More than 100 past and present choir members are expected to participate, but 65-75 of them will take the choir stand and perform a compilation of old and new songs.

Remember “He Knows,” “Blessed Jesus,” “Never” (He’ll Never Leave You), “Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone,” and “Waymaker”?

“The Angelic Voices of Faith has always been known for traditional gospel music that can be utilized during Sunday morning worship. So we want to bring a deeper appreciation for choir music in the gospel music community,” Rivers said.

“We’re a little different than any other choir in the city,” said Turner. “People know we can sing, but the reunion concert will be 35 years of music.”

For more information, or to purchase tickets to the concert and banquet gala, contact Stanley Smith at (901) 8324721. Concert tickets are $5.

The banquet gala is $35.

Three-day confab designed to help those with problems The South Germantown Road Church of Christ, 3825 S. Germantown Rd., will host a threeday conference Sept. 28th-30th entitled “From Old Me to New Me.” The conference is designed to release the participant from the pain, problems and bad practices that could cause problems over and over again.

• On Sunday, Sept 28th, at 10:30 a.m., there will be an “Emphasis on Changing Our Spirit.”

• On Monday, Sept 29th, at 7 p.m., there will be an “Emphasis on Changing Our Soul.”

• On Tuesday, Sept 30th, at 7 p.m., there will be an “Emphasis on Changing Our Behavior.”

Registration will begin Saturday, Sept. 27th, during the “Germantown Taste” event and a reminder gift will be given that evening for those who sign up for the conference.

The conference is free to the public. For more information, call (901) 309-9809 or visit the church website at www.sgrcoc.org. Interested persons also can follow the church on Facebook and register at South Germantown Road.

A ‘degree’ of excellence...

Commencement excercises were held Sunday (Aug. 10th) at St. John Baptist Church, 1565 Pendleton Ave., for 14 students (standing) graduating from the Brewster Theological Clinic and School of Religion, Inc. Dr. Samuel Turner Jr., president of the seminary, conferred degrees on the graduates while his wife, Elder Sharon Turner from the Class of 2005, provided music. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

Celebrating three years...

Bishop Designee Charles H. Mason Patterson Sr. (right) and first lady Lashaundra C. Patterson celebrated their third “Pastor and Wife’s Anniversary” Sunday (Aug. 10th) at Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ, 229 S. Danny Thomas Blvd. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

PRAISE CONNECT -A WEEKLY DIRECTORY OF MINISTERS & CHURCHESMETROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH Dr. Reginald L. Porter Sr., Pastor 767 Walker Avenue Memphis, TN 38126

901-946-4095 fax 948-8311

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

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES SUNDAY Sunday School .....................8:30 am Morning Worship Service ....10:00am WEDNESDAY Bible Study .........................10:30 am Mid-Day Prayer Meeting .....12 noon Evening Prayer Meeting........7:00pm FRIDAY Cable Channel 17 ............... 8:00pm

Dr. & Rev. Mrs. Reginald Porter

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

– Psalm 55:22

Attend the Church of your choice

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

—Phillipians 4:13

ENTERTAINMENT Tri-State Defender, Thursday, August 14 - 20, 2014, Page 8

Claire D. Kolheim stars as Ann Atwater alongside Greg Bolton, who plays the exalted Grand Cyclops C.P. Ellis in Mark St. Germain’s upcoming play, “Best of Enemies,” at Playhouse on the Square, Aug. 22 through Sept. 14. (Courtesy photo)

School desegregation issue is the crux of ‘Best of Enemies’ Claire D. Kolheim has the title role in this captivating play at Playhouse on the Square

by Wiley Henry whenry@tsdmemphis.com

Claire D. Kolheim will have no trouble transforming herself into civil rights activist Ann Atwater in Mark St. Germain’s upcoming play, “Best of Enemies,” at Playhouse on the Square, Aug. 22 through Sept. 14.

“I put a lot of work into the character and role,” said Kolheim, who researched the activist, watched several videos of her, and read Osha Gray Davidson’s best-selling book, “The Best of Enemies,” “to get a feel for who she is, her mannerism, and how she talks.”

Directed by John Maness and based on Davidson’s book, the play is about an African-American civil rights activist who is forced to work alongside the exalted Grand Cyclops C.P. Ellis (Greg Bolton, making his debut at Playhouse on the Square) of the Klu Klux Klan.

Other cast members include Erin Shelton (“God of Carnage”), who plays Mary Ellis; and Jerry Rogers (“The Color Purple”), who plays Bill Riddick.

Both Atwater and Ellis – diametrically opposite on matters of race and schools for black and white children – served as cochairs on a committee at the behest of a mediator sent by the Department of Education in 1971 to debate the court-ordered desegregation of public schools in Durham, N.C.

The stark differences between Atwater and Ellis are quite apparent – as it was during that turbulent era – and brings out their worst before they ultimately discover the real enemy. They make amends and build a lasting friendship.

Though such idiosyncrasies as the color of one’s skin no doubt kept Atwater and Ellis apart, it becomes the building blocks that solidify their relationship. They’d soon discover the common humanity within themselves.

Can you imagine a black woman and a Klansman forming a lasting friendship after undergoing a contentious battle in 1971 over public schools? If you’re having problems imagining it, you’re already ahead in this real-life story, the crux of this colorful play.

“This wasn’t just a racial issue, but a socio-economic issue that had to be addressed,” said Kolheim, who is in her third year as a resident company member of Playhouse on the Square.

Kolheim has been acting since 2008 and has won the Ostrander Award three consecutive years for the type of roles that she can study and jump right into character licketysplit. Acting and singing, she pointed out, is her love.

She played Sarah in “Ragtime” and won her first Ostrander Award in 2011 for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical. The following year, in 2012, she won another Ostrander Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama for her role as Elizabeth in “In

the Next Room”…or the vibrator play. She won another Ostrander Award in 2013 for Best Lead Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Celie in “The Color Purple.”

“I thought I wanted to be a doctor and contemplated a career in medicine,” said Kolheim, born and raised in Miami, Fla., and who has been a resident of Memphis since 2009. “As an actress, I feel I’m helping many people and touching just as many lives.”

Kolheim met her idol, the late actor James Whitmore, in 2009 while performing in the play “Our Town” at the Peterborough Theatre in New Hampshire. She was smitten by his advice. “I told him I wanted to be in action movies. He said, ‘You should act just for the sake of acting.’”

Wasting no time following the legendary actor’s advice, the highly sought after actress would develop her acting chops playing a number of coveted roles throughout the United States, including the Midwest, New England and recently the South.

“I’m not opposed to anything. I’m just scratching the surface in my career,” said Kolheim, whose career spans only six years. Her dream role, she said, would be to play Celie in a movie musical version of “The Color Purple.”

While acting is Kolheim’s lifeline, she said she’d love to create a foundation for actors in Memphis that would include locating funding for actors, training them, and giving them the necessary tools to cata-

pult their careers.

For more information about “Best of Enemies” or to make reservations, call (901) 726-4656 or purchase tickets online at playhouseonthesquare.org.

About Claire D. Kolheim…

Born to Haitian parents in Miami, Fla., Kolheim started acting at a young age and became involved in music, dramatic arts, and other performing arts while attending grade school, high school and college. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics at Florida A&M University in 2001 and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix.

In 2007, Kolheim enrolled at Boston Conservatory for Music and studied musical theatre. She is a member of both Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority and Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity for Women.

Kolheim is married to Kendall, whom she met at Florida A&M University. He works in sales and finance. She works for The Consortium MMT (Memphis Music Town), a nonprofit started by legendary songwriter David Porter. The couple has two pooches, Kingston “the King” Kolheim and Gabby “No one's Slipper is Safe” Kolheim.

You can follow Kolheim’s career at www.cdkolheim.com.

‘CBS Sunday Morning’ to profile Sam Moore Tune in Aug. 17th for the interview from Memphis For years, Sam Moore was best known for lending his unmistakable lead vocals to the historic soul duo Sam & Dave that hailed from Miami, Fla., but found their fame tied to the Memphis-based Stax Records. The rapid fire call and response fashioned

by Sam from his gospel roots became the trademark style of the duo and can be heard in the vocals of hits including “Hold On, I’m Comin’,” “I Thank You,” “When Something Is Wrong With My Baby,” and of course the song legends are made of “Soul Man.” The year, Sam returned to Memphis – where his recording career exploded – to interview with “CBS Sunday Morning’s” Anthony Mason. Tune in on Sunday, Aug. 17.

Moore’s latest solo recording, “They Killed A King,” honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s memory and reminds us all of his important message. Sam knew and traveled with Dr. King, performing with duo partner

Dave at many of Dr. King’s speeches and rallies in both the North and South. “Sam and Dave” actually served as an opening act, setting the crowds up for Dr. King to take the pulpit or stage and preach his message during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960’s.

The Grammy award-winning, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member is no stranger to collaborations. He recorded “Rainy Night In Georgia” with Conway Twitty, which earned them a platinum record as well as two Country Music Association Award® nominations.

His last solo recording project “Overnight Sensational,” produced by Randy Jackson, includes collaborations with friends and fans like Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, Sting, Vince Gill, Travis Tritt, Paul Rodgers, Eric Clapton, Billy Preston, Billy Gibbons, and Wynonna.

In Moore’s latest recording, he

teams with bluegrass group Nu-Blu to record a duet on “Jesus and Jones,” a song paying tribute to the iconic George Jones. This is the first time Moore, or any artist with a legacy similar to his, has crossed genres to record a bluegrass song.

Moore has received the coveted NARAS Heroes Award, been inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame for "Soul Man," earned the ETAM Living Legend Award and received a Pioneer Award from the Rhythm & Blues Foundation.

He is one of few recording artists alive who has performed for all five (5) living Presidents of the United States. Rolling Stone magazine named Sam Moore among the Top 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.

(Resource Sam Moore: sammoore.net; Facebook: /legendarysoulmansammoore; Twitter: @SoulManSamMoore.)

Sam Moore returned to Memphis, where his recording career exploded, to interview with “CBS Sunday Morning’s” Anthony Mason. (Courtesy photo)

Page 9

Tri-State Defender

August 14 - 20, 2014

ENTERTAINMENT A REVIEW

OPENING THIS WEEK

‘The Giver’ masquerades as heaven on earth

Kam’s Kapsules: Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun

by Kam Williams For movies opening August 15, 2014

by Kam Williams

BIG BUDGET FILMS

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

“The Expendables 3” (PG-13 for profanity and violence) Third installment in the highimpact franchise finds the guys reuniting to rescue a former team member (Wesley Snipes) before squaring off with another (Mel Gibson) who has gone rogue with malevolent intentions. Beefcake cast featuring Sly Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Terry Crews, Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, Kellan Lutz and Jet Li, along with Harrison Ford, Antonio Banderas and Kelsey Grammer.

Despite being born in the same year and enjoying overlapping enduring careers, Oscar-winners Meryl Streep (for “Kramer vs. Kramer,” “Sophie’s Choice” and “The Iron Lady”) and Jeff Bridges (for “Crazy Heart”) never made a movie together prior to “The Giver.” Such a long overdue collaboration proves well worth the wait in this haunting, sci-fi adventure set in a deceptive dystopia masquerading as heaven on Earth.

The film is based on the Lois Lowry bestseller of the same name which won the Newbery Award as America’s best children’s book of 1994. This author-approved adaptation was directed by Phillip Noyce (“Patriot Games”) who tapped fellow Aussie Brenton Thwaites to portray the young hero, Jonas.

The picture’s point of departure is the young protagonist’s graduation day, when he participates in a coming-of-age ritual during which 18-year-olds are assigned a profession by the elders of their idyllic community. Jonas’ BFFs Asher (Cameron Monaghan) and Fiona (Odeya Rush) soon learn that they’ll be trained as a drone pilot and a nurturer, respectively.

Jonas, however, long recognized as special, because of an uncanny ability to see things differently, is designated the “Receiver of Memories,” the protégé of the “Giver” (Bridges). In that capacity, he quickly becomes aware that the whole society is a charade which shields its citizens from the fact that there is suffering in the world by injecting them once a day with a drug which keeps them naïve, obedient and blissfully content.

Truth be told, evil does exist in their midst, though invariably veiled, such as how the sick and the old are “Released” in a fashion that gives no hint that they’re actually being euthanized. And Jonas experiences a crisis of conscience in choosing whether to obediently follow in the Giver’s footsteps or to upset the apple cart by letting the cat out of the bag about how everybody’s mind is being controlled.

Among the factors influencing his critical decision is the unexpected pleasure associated with the “Stirrings,” the formerly-suppressed pangs of sexual awakening he suddenly feels for Fiona. Another involves the impending euthanizing of a baby with a birth defect (Alexander Jillings) he’s already bonded with.

Besides the historic pairing of Streep and Bridges, the film features sterling performances by the trio of emerging thespians playing the leads, as well as by Katie Holmes and Taylor Swift in support roles. A thought-provoking meditation on mind control offering a valuable lesson about the virtue of challenging any totalitarian authority.

“The Giver” (PG-13 for action, violence and mature themes) Adaptation of Lois Lowry’s Newbery Award-winning children’s novel about a teen (Brenton Thwaites) who becomes disillusioned upon learning the truth about his supposed utopia upon becoming the protégé of the one person (Jeff Bridges) living there aware of the existence of pain, sadness, war and other woes. Ensemble includes Meryl Streep, Katie Holmes, Odeya Rush, Taylor Swift and Alexander Skarsgard.

“Let’s Be Cops” (R for profanity, violence, drug use, sexuality and graphic nudity) Crime comedy about pals (Damon Wayans Jr. and Jake Johnson) pretending to be police officers at a costume party who later become entangled in a real life web of intrigue involving mobsters and crooked detectives. With Andy Garcia, Angela Kerecz and Nina Dobrev.

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS “Abuse of Weakness” (Unrated) Catherine Breillat wrote and directed this semi-autobiopic about a filmmaker (Isabelle Huppert) who finds herself manipulated by a cruel con artist (Kool Shen) after suffering a stroke.

With Laurence Ursino, Christophe Sermet and Ronald Leclercq. (In French with subtitles) “Coldwater” (Unrated) Harrowing nightmare chronicling the mistreatment of juvenile inmates at a privatized prison located in the California wilderness. Starring P.J. Boudousque’, James C. Burns, Chris Petrovski and Octavius J. Johnson.

“Dinosaur 13” (PG for mature themes, mild epithets and brief smoking) Archeology documentary about a dig in the South Dakota Badlands, led by paleontologist Peter Larson, which unearthed the bones of the biggest Tyrannosaurus Rex ever found.

“Fort McCoy” (R for violence) Fact-based World War II saga, set in Wisconsin in the summer of ‘44, about a barber (Eric Stoltz) who set up shop nearby a U.S. Army base al-

Wesley Snipes stars in the third installment of “The Expendables 3” with a cast of characters.

(Courtesy photo) so serving as a German POW camp. Co-starring Kate Connor, Camryn Manheim, Seymour Cassel, Brendan Fehr and Andy Hirsch.

“Frank” (R for profanity and some sexuality) Musical comedy about an aspiring musician (Domhnall Gleeson) with second thoughts after joining a rock band whose mysterious lead singer (Michael Fassbender) wears a bubblehead mask 24/7. With Maggie Gyllenhaal, Scoot McNairy and Tess Harper.

“Jake Squared” (R for profanity) Elias Koteas stars as the title character of this romantic dramedy about a 50 year-old loser at love who decides to make a movie about his life in order to figure out why he’s screwed up every romantic relationship he’s ever had.

Cast includes Virginia Madsen, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Kevin Railsback.

“Life after Beth” (R for violence, sexuality, nudity, brief drug use and pervasive profanity) Horror comedy about a grief-stricken guy (Dane DeHaan) who gets more than he wished for when his recently-deceased girlfriend (Aubrey Plaza) comes back to life as a maneating zombie. Supporting cast includes John C. Reilly, Anna Kendrick, Paul Reiser, Molly Shannon and Cheryl Hines.

“Moebius” (Unrated) Oedipal drama revolving around a housewife (Eun-woo Lee) who becomes so enraged about her philandering husband’s (Jae-hyeon Jo) having an affair that she considers performing a taboo act while crying on her son’s (Young-ju Seo) shoulder for support. (In Korean with subtitles) “Mr. X” (Unrated) Cat’s out of the bag biopic about Leos Carax, aka Mr. X, a mysterious French filmmaker who enjoys a cult following despite the fact that he does his best to hide his identity. (In French, English and Japanese with subtitles) “The One I Love” (R for profanity, sexuality

and drug use) Romantic comedy revolving around a couple (Mark Duplass and Elisabeth Moss) whose weekend getaway intended to revitalize their flagging marriage instead has them confronting an unexpected dilemma.

With Ted Danson, and Oscar-winners Marlee Matlin (Children of a Lesser God) and Mary Steenburgen (Melvin and Howard).

“Ragnarok” (PG-13 for frightening images) Historical adventure about an archaeologist (Pal Sverre Hagen) who leads an expedition to Finnmark, a no man’s land between Norway and Russia, in search of the true meaning of the ancient runes. Featuring Nicolai Cleve Broch, Bjorn Sundquist and Sofia Helin. (In Norwegian with subtitles) “Septic Tank” (R for violence, profanity and gory images) Gruesome horror flick about a sewer worker (Jason David Brown) who mutates into a hideous monster after getting trapped in a septic tank while searching underground for the source of the city’s water contamination. With Molly Dunsworth, Robert Maillet and Tim Burd.

“The Trip to Italy” (Unrated) Road-oriented sequel to The Trip takes the two BFF foodies (Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon) on a six-city tour to sample the cuisine at leading restaurants all around Italy. With Rosie Fellner, Claire Keelan and Marta Barrio.

“A Will for the Woods” (Unrated) Final wish documentary about a psychiatrist suffering from lymphoma’s plan to minimize his corpse’s carbon footprint by being buried in the forest.

“The Word” (Unrated) Revenge drama about a corporate executive (Kevin O’Donnell) who is torn between taking the law into his own hands and moving on with his life in the wake of his son’s (Vincent Pavonetti) kidnap and murder. With James Naughton, Maggie Lacey and Natalia Payne.

Very Good (3 stars) Rated PG-13 for action, violence and mature themes Running time: 94 minutes Distributor: The Weinstein Company

Page 10

August 14 - 20, 2014

Tri-State Defender

COMMUNITY Southwest going grassroots to help 2015 high school grads with Tennessee Promise opportunity Southwest Tennessee Community College has developed an aggressive grassroots promotional strategy to ensure that all of the Mid-South’s 2015 graduating seniors can fulfill the Tennessee Promise (TN Promise) at Southwest.

Effective Fall 2015, the TN Promise will provide Tennessee May 2015 high school graduates the opportunity to attend Southwest for two years free of tuition and fees, regardless of socioeconomic status.

Southwest launched its awareness campaign during the Fall 2014 registration period at local high schools and plans to continue to inform students, parents and community organizations about the future benefits of TN Promise.

Both a scholarship and mentoring program, TN Promise will provide students a last-dollar scholarship, meaning the scholarship will cover tuition and fees not covered by the Pell grant, the Hope scholarship, or the Tennessee Student Assistance Award Program (TSAA). The Tennessee Department of Education expects that more than 25,000 students will apply, which represent 40 percent of graduating seniors.

The enrollment period starts early fall for high school seniors, who will be required to work with an assigned mentor and attend mandatory meetings in their counties by January.

Student requirements: • Apply to the Promise program at www.tnpromise.gov before November 1.

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 15 each year at www.fafsa.gov.

• Attend all scheduled team meetings and a mandatory college orientation.

• Maintain at least 12 hours per semester.

• Maintain satisfactory academic progress (2.0 GPA).

• Complete at least eight hours of community service each semester.

Important dates: • Aug. 18 through Nov. 1, 2014 – Apply to the Tennessee Promise program at www.tnpromise.gov.

• By Feb. 15, 2015 – Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at www.fafsa.gov • For other requirements and deadlines, visit www.tnpromise.gov (For more information, contact the Southwest Student Recruitment Office at 901- 333-4399 or online at: www.southwest.tn.edu/recruitment.)

Students at Sharpe Elementary. (Photo: Tajuana Cheshier/Chalkbeat TN)

Pre-K money – Where’s it going?

Funds will be split between two suburbs, ASD and Shelby County Schools

by Oliver Morrison Chalkbeat Tennessee

More pre-K classrooms will be coming to four districts across Shelby County by Sept. 2.

Shelby County Schools, the Achievement School District, Bartlett City Schools and Millington Municipal Schools will each receive money for new pre-K classrooms, according to the Shelby County Schools Education Foundation, which is administering the funds.

The Shelby County Commission approved $3 million for pre-K expansion on July 21 but gave it to the Shelby County Schools Education Foundation, a small non-profit with a long history of supporting suburban schools. There was conflicting information coming from several commissioners, articles in the press and among the districts themselves in the days and weeks after the vote about where the money was going to go.

The foundation has decided that the money will be divided up proportionally according to how many students were enrolled in pre-K programs last year, according to commissioner Terry Roland. The only suburban districts to run pre-K last year were Bartlett and Millington.

Bartlett has already started advertising spots in a new classroom and Millington’s superintendent said if Millington received enough money it would also add a classroom.

Bartlett decided to add another class once it learned that the district was eligible and that the programs would be fully funded. David Stephens, the superintendent of Bartlett, hadn’t been invited to the foundation’s first meeting and had heard that the foundation wanted Bartlett to

start two new pre-K classrooms. He thought Bartlett only had the capacity get only one new class off the ground this year.

“When they had their first meeting we hadn’t sat at the table,” said Stephens.. “Once we got to the table and saw what was proposed, we saw that it was doable.”

Bartlett has two already existing pre-K classrooms that are funded by the state, but those programs require that the district provides matching funds. The money from the county commission will fully fund its new pre-K class without requiring matching funds.

In addition, the county’s money will go to wrap-around services for Bartlett’s students – which can include services such as health care and counseling – in both its new pre-K classroom and its already existing state-funded pre-K classrooms, according to Stephens.

The new programs must give priority to children from low-income backgrounds and the money has to be spent on new classrooms and can’t go to pay for already-existing programs, according to Chris Price, president of the Shelby County Schools Education Foundation.

When the county commission initially granted the money, it wasn’t clear which districts would receive it. The Memphis Daily News and The Commercial Appeal initially both reported that the money was headed for Shelby County Schools. Representatives from Bartlett and Millington said they weren’t expecting new preK money and were not looking to expand this year beyond the state funds they had already secured.

“That’s not us,” said Georgia Dawson, Millington’s preschool coordinator, just after the

$3 million had been voted on by the commission. “Ours are voluntary pre-Ks from the state.

You need to talk to Shelby Unified about their pre-K program. We have no involvement with that whatsoever.”

But commissioner Roland, who made one of the deciding votes on the issue, wanted to make sure the suburbs received their fare share.

“I’m not really even in favor of pre-K because a lot of people use it for a daycare,” said commissioner Roland, whose district covers the suburbs. “But I knew if Shelby County Schools was going to get some of that money, then the other suburbs deserved some too.”

The foundation will receive $50,000 of the $3 million to administer the pre-K funds. The grant application that each of the four districts have to fill out will be available on Wednesday, according to Price. Some districts, such as the Achievement School District, still aren’t sure how many new classrooms the money will allow them to fund, according to Letita Aaron.

Shelby County Schools is expected to discuss the new pre-K classrooms at its board work session next week.

The foundation has just recently begun to play an intermediary role for distributing funds for educational purposes accross the county. Between 2001 and 2011 the foundation awarded less than $100,000 per year in money it raised to support suburban schools. But in 2011 and 2012 it raised more than $1 million each year, according to its tax filings. It spent most of the money in 2012 just before the Shelby County Schools merger, when it was responsible for funding the transition committee for the merger of Memphis City Schools and Shelby County Schools.

Building minority leaders in the world of construction Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Memphis is experiencing a metamorphosis in the entrepreneurial space, with advocacy, incubation and acceleration entities for start-ups and existing businesses growing and becoming more accessible.

For example, the Greater Memphis Chamber Chairman’s Circle has created its Moon Missions and the Economic Development Growth Engine has a small business loan fund. And while the change is welcomed, Memphis still is experiencing a gap between business owners that are minority owned and their counterparts.

The current status of entrepreneur wealth creation does not reflect the demographics of Memphis. The total “minority” population is 73 percent and the total female population is 52.5 percent but the total business receipts of Minority and Women Business Enterprises (MWBEs) in Memphis is a mere 1.3 percent based on the latest U.S. Census data.

More specifically, there is a lack of AfricanAmerican owned prime contractors in Memphis.

Although there are many sub-contractors and residential general contractors that are minorityowned and woman-owned, there is a clearly identified demand for increasing the presence of black-owned general contractors in the commercial realm.

Enter the Contractor’s Construction Class cre-

ated by Stephanie Alexander of the Memphis Area Minority Contractors Association (MAMCA), and Alandas Dobbins of the Memphis Office of Resources and Enterprise (MORE).

Alexander is executive director of MAMCA, a nonprofit organization with 40plus years of experience dedicated to wealth creation Alandas among minority contractors.

Dobbins “We strive to assist minority companies in transforming their ideas, dreams, and talents into tomorrow’s great businesses,” said Alexander, who recognizes the key struggles of minority contractors and has been passionate in bringing about a positive change for over 7 years.

“The prior generation has paved the way.

They’re retiring and leaving many openings in the commercial construction field to be filled,” said Alexander. “The time is now for the next wave of local contractors to take the torch and create more successful general contractors.”

Alexander partnered with MORE to create a pilot program designed to help guide and transform diamonds in the rough into the future stars in commercial contracting.

“Having a diverse and well-skilled group of

companies to choose from increases competition and heightens performance in our community,” said MORE’s Dobbins. “Strong minority and women entrepreneurship is a form of wealth creation in a city that sorely needs it.”

MORE is a resource agency created by Mayor A C Wharton Jr. to help grow minority and women-owned Stephanie businesses in Memphis.

Alexander MORE works daily with locally-owned companies to share the multitude of resources to help the targeted businesses grow. Dobbins and her team have worked diligently in creating the new office over the last 2 and ½ years.

No stranger to the challenges that small businesses may encounter, Dobbins is able to draw upon her experiences as a prior business owner with her father, George Dobbins, before he passed in 2006.

“By strengthening all businesses in our community, the entire community can prosper,” said Dobbins. “Small, minority and women-owned businesses can continue to positively change the current entrepreneur landscape and help create a thriving and vibrant business sector. Every challenge becomes an opportunity for exponential

growth, particularly in construction.”

Alexander and Dobbins created a 12-month class for contractors that addresses common business woes from credit repair to OSHA certification to purchasing the right financial software to make a business successful. The program is crafted to help give companies the tools needed to transform from small residential companies into strong general contractors.

The program takes a comprehensive look at areas that are needed to produce the ideal prime contractor. Realizing that most small businesses become stagnant against their will, the city of Memphis is moving to ensure that the stagnation is not caused by lack of guidance and available resources. By creating solid sub-contractors through rigorous training, the end goal is to create companies that can easily transition to become prime contractors.

“The huge thirst for knowledge among this focus group of businesses is a clear indication for a thirst of knowledge and guidance that exists in the Memphis MWBE community,” said Alexander.

Once this pilot program concludes, the class will be open to the next wave of local companies that want to take their company to the next level.

(For more information, visit the MORE website at: www.morememphis.org, the MAMCA website at www.memphisminoritycontractors.com or call Stephanie Alexander at 901-526-9300.)

BRIEFS & THINGS Hooks Jobs Corps Center celebration to include visit

by U.S. Labor Secretary The Benjamin L. Hooks Jobs Corps Center will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Job Corps with a series of events, including an Aug. 20th event visit by U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez.

“Celebrate Job Corps 50 Week” is the theme for the observation, which will include a commencement address on Aug. 22nd by City Councilman Lee Harris, who recently won the Democratic Primary for state Senate District 29, which is tantamount to victory given the district’s demographics.

Sec. Perez will tour the center prior to his remarks during an assembly that also will feature Mayor A C Wharton Jr. On August 18th, there will be the presentations of the proclamations declaring the week

of August 18th “Celebrate Job Corps 50 Week,” with Shelby County Mayor Mark H. Luttrell Jr..

On August 21st, there will be a health fair and blood drive at the center. To end the celebration week on August 22nd we will have our graduation with commencement speaker City Councilman Lee Harris.

Walgreens, National Urban League team up for Way to Well Health Tour The Walgreens Way to Well Health Tour with the National Urban League (NUL) will be in the Memphis area from Aug. 19-22 providing free health tests, assessments, education and consulting services.

The screenings measure 10 key health indicators that include: total cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure, body mass index, body compo-

sition, skeletal muscle, resting metabolism, visceral fat, real body age and weight. The tests, valued at over $100, are administered to adults age 18 years and older by certified wellness staff and can be completed in approximately 20 minutes.

Tour stop locations: Aug. 19, 11 p.m. to 5 p.m. – 1800 N. Missouri St #2, West Memphis; Aug. 20, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – 2 N. Main St.; Aug. 21, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., 1863 Union Ave.; Aug. 22, noon to 6 p.m., 4154 Elvis Presley Blvd.

All visitors will also receive a free AARP membership that can be transferred to a friend or family member.

The 2014 tour marks the eighth year Walgreens and NUL have joined together to provide free health tests and services to urban and minority communities.

BRIEFLY: Just after 9 a.m. on Tuesday (Aug. 12th), Shelby County Sheriff’s detectives responded to a weapon law violations

felony at White Station High School. An anonymous tip led to a 15-year-old male juvenile, who was in class with a .32-caliber Colt revolver, along with six live rounds. The youth, who said he brought the gun to school for protection, was taken into custody for Possession of a Weapon on School Property and transported to Juvenile Court.

BRIEFLY: On Thursday (Aug. 14th) from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., bring a family photograph or document and National Civil Rights Museum Registrar Leila Hamdan will guide you through a “white glove” activity to teach how to preserve your family history for future generations. The event will be at the museum’s Links Education & Cultural Center. Cost: members, free; non-members, $10; family (2 adults, up to 5 children), $25. For event registration or membership info, visit civilrightsmuseum.org or contact Jeanette O’Bryant at 901-521-9699 x2237, jobryant@civilrightsmuseum.org.

SPORTS Tri-State Defender, Thursday, August 14 - 20, 2014, Page 11

GRIZZ TRACK

Grizz unveil 2014-15 schedule Coming off a franchise-record fourth consecutive playoff appearance, the Memphis Grizzlies will tip-off the 2014-15 season, their 14th season in Memphis (20th overall), against the Minnesota Timberwolves at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29 at FedExForum.

Memphis will be featured on national television nine times this season (one on ESPN, eight on NBA TV), including the 13th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Game against Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks on NBA TV on Monday, Jan. 19 at 4 p.m. at FedExForum.

Single game tickets for all regular season and preseason contests will go on sale Saturday, Sept. 27 at 10 a.m. Tickets for all games start at $10 and will be available for purchase by calling 1-800-4NBA-TIX, at all Ticketmaster locations, Ticketmaster.com, the FedExForum Box Office or online at grizzlies.com.

The Grizzlies will play five of their first seven games of the season on the road, before returning home for a four game home stand at FedExForum from Nov. 11-17 that will feature matchups against Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, Nov. 11 and Dwight Howard, James Harden and the Houston Rockets on Monday, Nov. 17. All games during the home stand will tip-off at 7 p.m. at FedExForum. The Grizzlies longest home stand of the season runs from Saturday, January 17-Monday, January 26. Thr home stretch will feature contests against LaMarcus Aldridge and the Portland Trail Blazers and the contest against the Mavs on MLK Day. The Grizzlies will renew their rivalry with 2013-14 NBA MVP Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder, hosting their 2014 postseason opponent twice at FedExForum on Saturday, Jan. 31 and Friday, April 3, both games at 7 p.m. Memphis and Oklahoma City met in the opening round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs in a seven-game series that featured a league postseason-record four consecutive overtime contests.

In addition, Memphis will host the two teams that advanced to the 2014 NBA Finals in back-to-back home games, welcoming the reigning NBA Champion San Antonio Spurs to FedExForum on Friday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. and the 2014 Eastern Conference Champion Miami Heat on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. The Grizzlies will wrap up the 2014 calendar year with another home tilt against the Spurs on Tuesday, Dec. 30 at 7 p.m.

FedExForum will host several other marquee matchups throughout the season, including matchups with Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls on Friday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m., Deron Williams and the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. and meetings against Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and the rest of the L.A. Clippers on Sunday, Nov. 23 at 5 p.m. and Friday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m.

The Grizzlies also will take on LeBron James and the new-look Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, March 25 at 7 p.m. at FedExForum. Including this tilt, Memphis will push for its fifth consecutive postseason berth by playing eight of its final 13 games at home.

The Grizzlies will host the Indiana Pacers in their regular season finale on Wednesday, April 15 at 7 p.m.

Overall, Memphis will play 20 of its 41 home games on the weekend (nine on Friday, seven on Saturday and four on Sunday) and have 20 back-to-back sets during the season, including 15 home games and 25 road games.

Memphis will play nine of 12 games on the road following the 2015 NBA All-Star Game, which will be played on Sunday, Feb. 15 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, including a season-high four-game road trip from March 7-12.

Fans who want to support the Memphis Grizzlies by purchasing 2014-15 Season Tickets can do so by calling 901-888-HOOP or going online to grizzlies.com.

(For more information on the Grizzlies, ‘like’ Memphis Grizzlies on Facebook or follow on Twitter (@memgrizz).

S o u r c e : h t t p : / / w w w. n b a . c o m / g r i z zlies/news/2014-15-regular-seasonschedule

During the 2014 FedEx St. Jude Golf Classic, First Tee graduate Mirrissa Anderson (left) served as a caddy to professional golfer Phil Mickelson. Also pictured is Bethany Dockery. (Courtesy photos)

First Tee Executive Director Nyrone Hawkins with (l-r) Malik Luckett, Marissa Buford and Mirrissa Anderson.

A swing in the right direction First Tee of Memphis pitches golf as more than a sport

by Kelley Evans Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The First Tee of Memphis – a program designed to combine etiquette with the game of golf – incorporates life skills through golf while creating an allinclusive, future-oriented environment.

What is golf?

Ask anyone familiar with the sport and they may give you the formal Kelley definition – “a game Evans played on a large open-air course, in which a small hard ball is struck with a club into a series of small holes in the ground, the object being to use the fewest possible strokes to complete the course.”

But if you ask one of the students participating in the First Tee program they will tell you this: “Golf is Integrity, Sportsmanship, Respect, Confidence, Responsibility, Perseverance, Courtesy, Judgment and Honesty.”

These are the organization’s “Nine Core Values.”

“The kid is so much more important than the golf swing” reads a quote from Charles Hudson, founder of the Mid-South Junior Golf Association, that’s front and center on the First Tee website. Hudson founded MidSouth Junior Golf Association (MSJGA) in 1991 at the Pine Hill Golf Course, where Hudson was the golf pro. In 1998, the MSJGA – initially set up for juniors ages 5-18 – signed a letter of intent to become the Memphis First Tee chapter.

Today, about 350 kids are committed to live daily by First Tee values and there is evidence that suggests they will be successful. The organization touts a 100 percent graduation rate at the high-school level. About 80 percent continue on to college, with the other approximately 20 percent entering into the work world or going into trade programs. In addition, participants have earned $16,000-plus in scholarships.

“We think we’re the best kept secret in Memphis,” said First Tee of Memphis Executive Director Nyrone Hawkins.

First Tee participants (l-r) Greg Odom, Magen Tang, Bethany Dockery and Daniel Tang.

“Over the past 12 to 15 years in Memphis, I’ve been working for non-profits in the inner city with kids,” Hawkins said of his roles before joining the staff at First Tee of Memphis.

“I was attracted to the position at First Tee of Memphis because it gave me the opportunity to work with a broader and more diverse group.”

In 2001, the Bridgestone Firestone Trust Fund partnered with the city and county and First Tee to create an ambitious project on the old Firestone plant site located in the North Memphis community known as New Chicago. With a challenge gift of $3.5 million, First Tee set out to build a world-class life skills and leadership training facility featuring a computer lab, club repair shop, classrooms, full swing machine, library, 9-hole golf course and a complete golf learning center.

Mission accomplished.

Since then, First Tee has gained significant support from the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour and the USGA. Its graduates have received academic and athletic scholarships and have come back to help the local program and programs across the country. Its students and the program have been featured in national golf magazines and sports pages. And one of the program’s graduates, Mirrissa Anderson, will be entering college early. During the 2014 FedEx

St. Jude Golf Classic, Anderson served as a caddy to professional golfer Phil Mickelson.

“They get to play a sport that they will have in their lives forever,” Hawkins said.

The life of the program for students ranges from five to seven years, depending on their entrance date. They come from myriad walks of life around the Memphis area and no child is turned away. Hawkins and the First-Tee family believe that maintaining a relationship that extends beyond the program is important and many of the participants form life-long friendships.

“We’ve created a unique bond – a family environment. My motto is you’ll always be family. We’ve surrounded our organization with other adults who care about kids,” Hawkins said. “When kids know you care about them, they will come back.”

Attorney Arthur E. Horne III spent time as a youth in the Mid-South Junior Golf Association, now First Tee. “The main thing that it did is it exposed me not only to the game of golf but to older African-American men who were professional (doctors, lawyers, accountants, politicians, etc.) people. A lot of them worked closely with the program because they were golfers themselves,” Horne said.

“I was active with the program years after I became a lawyer. I still mentor some of the kids in the program.”

Horne said “the whole program of being around educated positive individuals” influenced him to strive for greatness and to excel in everything that her tried to do, whether it was golf or school or business or his law career.

“I think it is a great introduction for children to the game of golf and I think that children, particularly African-American children, need to be exposed to the game because most people that go into business play golf,” said Horne.

“Business deals are made on the golf course. Business contacts are made on the golf course. Relationships are built on the golf course. So having golf in your arsenal of things that you can do and do well will help any of these young people succeed in their lives.

“It’s a great way to network,” he said.

“From a cultural standpoint, it’s great to know how to do some non-traditional sports and golf is one of those non-traditional sports.”

Non-conference schedule released for U of M women’s basketball A pair of games against Big 10 members, a trio of games against 2014 post season participants and a two-game trip to Washington, D.C. highlight the 2014-15 University of Memphis women’s basketball non-conference schedule that was released Monday.

The Tigers will also face five regional opponents in preparation for their second season in the American Athletic Conference.

“With no seniors on our roster, the nucleus of our team remains intact for the next two complete seasons,” head coach Melissa McFerrin said.

“We expect to become highly competitive. This schedule has a great mix of home games, regional rivalries and nationally-significant teams to grow the confidence and competitive intensity of our developing team.”

Memphis will begin its season with a pair of home

2014-15 UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL NON-CONFERENCE SCHEDULE Sat., Nov. 8 Fri., Nov. 14 Sun., Nov. 16 Thurs., Nov. 20 Sun., Nov. 23 Wed., Nov. 26 Sat., Nov. 29 Tues., Dec. 2 Sat., Dec. 6 Sat., Dec. 13 Mon., Dec. 15 Fri., Dec. 19

RHODES COLLEGE (Exhibition) MISSOURI STATE SAMFORD UNIVERSITY at Illinois MINNESOTA at Southern Illinois UALR AUSTIN PEAY STATE CENTRAL MICHIGAN at Georgetown at George Washington MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE

MEMPHIS 2 p.m.

MEMPHIS 4:30 p.m.

MEMPHIS 4 p.m.

Champaign, Ill. TBA MEMPHIS 2 p.m.

Carbondale, Ill. TBA MEMPHIS TBA MEMPHIS 7 p.m.

MEMPHIS 2 p.m.

Washington, D.C. TBA (ET) Washington, D.C. 7 p.m. (ET) MEMPHIS 7 p.m.

-www.gotigersgo.comgames. The Tigers will open against Missouri State on Nov. 14th, then will host another regional foe, Samford University, on Nov. 16th.

That pair of games will be followed by a pair of games against Big 10 opponents, as the Tigers venture north to Illinois to face the Illini on

Nov. 20th. Memphis then returns home to host Minnesota, a team that went 22-13 last year and advanced to the second round of the WNIT, on Nov. 23rd.

Three more regional opponents dot the Tigers’ schedule, including a road game at Southern Illinois (Nov. 26)

and home games against UALR (Nov. 29) and Austin Peay State (Dec. 2).

After that series of regional foes, the Tigers will face a second WNIT team from last season when they host Central Michigan on Dec. 6th. The Chippewas were 20-12 last season and, like Minnesota,

are a school where McFerrin has spent part of her coaching career. McFerrin was an associate head coach at Minnesota from 2002 to 2004, helping the Gophers to the Final Four in 2004. Prior to that stop, McFerrin served as an assistant coach at Central Michigan for six seasons, receiving her master’s degree from CMU in 1988.

Following the match-up with the Chippewas of Central Michigan, the Tigers will fly to the nation’s capital for a pair of non-conference games.

The trip to the D.C. area will be a trip home for rising sophomore Mooriah Rowser (Rockville, Md./St. John’s College High School). The Tigers will face Georgetown on Dec. 13th, then will face George Washington, another 20-plus win team from last year that qualified for the WNIT, on Dec. 15th.

Memphis rounds out its

non-conference slate with a home game against Mississippi Valley State on Dec. 19th.

The Tigers return seven letter winners from last season’s squad, led by juniors Asianna Fuqua-Bey and Ariel Hearn.

Hearn enters her junior campaign just five points shy of the 1,000 career point mark, while Fuqua-Bey has been a fixture in the Tigers’ starting lineup in 50 career games.

Rowser is also back for her sophomore campaign and will be joined in the back court by sophomore Breigha WilderCochran. Courtney Powell and Taylor Williams also return to the Tigers’ lineup.

Williams ranked second on the roster only to Hearn in three-point field goals made last year, knocking down 24 triples in her freshman campaign.

(Source: www.gotigersgo.com)

Page 12

Tri-State Defender

August 14 - 20, 2014

CLASSIFIEDS Legal Notices REQUEST FOR BIDS Legal Notice mSCAA Project Number 13-1360-01 Airside Electrical Vaults 1-4 Seismic Retrofit - Construction Sealed bids for the Airside Electrical Vaults 1-4 Seismic Retrofit - Construction, MSCAA Project No. 13-1360-01, will be received by the Staff Services Division of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA), 3505 Tchulahoma Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38118, until 2:00 Pm Local Time local time on Thursday, September 11, 2014, and immediately thereafter will be opened and publicly read. No bids will be accepted after the stated deadline. BIDS WILL NOT BE RECEIVED AT ANY OTHER LOCATION. The scope of work generally consists of Seismic Upgrade for Airfield Electrical Vaults 1 thru 4 which include but is not limited to the following work: Installation of approximately 20 helical piers per vault to reinforce the foundation. Structural reinforcement (rebar and grout) and roof replacement on the oldest sections of vaults 2 and 3. Structural steel work on all 4 vaults that includes tying the roof to the structure and reinforcing equipment racks and cable trays, and other efforts as required.

Bid Documents may be obtained and found on our website (www.mscaa.com) on or after Thursday, August 14, 2014. Bid documents may be examined at the following locations in Memphis, TN: Builder’s Exchange Plans Room, McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge Plans Room, Memphis Area Minority Contractor’s Association, Mid-South Minority Business Council, National Association of Minority Contractors, and Renaissance Business Center Bid Room.

All Respondents are hereby notified that all updates, addenda and additional information, if any, shall be posted to the MSCAA website (www.mscaa.com) and Respondents are responsible for checking the MSCAA website up to the time of the Bid submission deadline.

A mANDATORY Pre-Bid meeting will be held Thursday, August 21, 2014 at 2:00 Pm Local Time at the Airport Project Center, 4225 Airways Boulevard, memphis, TN 38116. Only Prime Contractors who attend the Pre-Bid meeting will be permitted to submit a bid.

The MSCAA hereby notifies that it will review and award contracts in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4a and Title 49, Part 26, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act. MSCAA further notifies all Bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, Disadvantaged, Business Enterprises (DBE) will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of age, race, sex, color, national origin, creed, religion, sexual orientation or disability in its hiring and employment practices, or in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services and activities. The DBE participation goal for this contract is 27% in accordance with the requirements of the Contract Documents. Therefore, the only participation that will be counted toward meeting this goal will be participation by certified DBEs, the owners of which have been certified as having a personal net worth less than $1.32 million.

Each bid must be by a contractor licensed in Tennessee and accompanied by a 5% Bid Guarantee. In accordance with TCA §62-6-119, the Bidder, and where applicable, one contractor/subcontractor performing electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, or masonry

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work must have its license number, expiration date of the license, and that part of the classification applying to the bid shown on the outside of the envelope containing the bid. Failure to supply all information on the outside of the envelope will result in the return of the unopened envelope to the Bidder. The successful Bidder will be required to execute a Performance Bond and a Payment Bond, each in the amount of 100% of the Contract Price. Liquidated damages for delay in contract completion shall be as stated in the Contract Documents.

envelope or container. Each envelope or container must be clearly marked on the outside with the following: 1) Request for Proposals, Elevator, Escalator and Moving Walkway Maintenance, 2) RFP Number 15-0005, and 3) Your company name and address. No responses will be accepted after the stated deadline. A complete Request for Proposals Packet with submittal instructions, additional data, and response format may be found on our website www.mscaa.com on or after August 21, 2014.

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

Award will be made to the lowest and best responsible qualified Bidder, if any contract is awarded, based on the best combination of base bid plus individual add-alternates deemed, at MSCAA’s sole discretion, to be in MSCAA’s best interests regardless of whether the individual add-alternates are ultimately constructed or not constructed.

A mandatory pre-proposal meeting will be held at the Authority’s Administration and Support Facility located at 3505 Tchulahoma Road, Memphis, TN 38118 on August 26, 2014 at 9:00 AM. Only those attending will be allowed to submit a response.

MSCAA reserves the right to reject any or all bids in whole or in part and to waive any informalities, technicalities or omissions therein. MSCAA also reserves the right to reject bids from bidders that have pending litigation or claims with MSCAA, or if such bid includes a proposed subcontractor or supplier that has pending litigation or claims with MSCAA, if MSCAA determines, in its sole discretion, such litigation or claims may adversely affect the ability of the parties to work efficiently and effectively under this contract, or for any other reason as determined by MSCAA. Any such bid will be returned to the bidder. See Instructions to Bidders in the project specifications for a further description of this and other reservations of rights.

MEMPHIS-SHELBY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY

By Scott A. Brockman, President & CEO

LEGAL NOTICE Request for Proposals RFP Number 15-0005 Elevator, Escalator and moving Walkway maintenance Responses for this Request for Proposals for providing Elevator, Escalator and Moving Walkway Maintenance will be received by the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (Authority), Staff Services Division, Memphis International Airport, Administration and Support Facility, 3505 Tchulahoma Road, Memphis, TN 38118-2718 until 11:00 AM local time, October 3, 2014. No Responses will be accepted after the stated deadline.

Responses will not be received at any other location.

INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDENTS The response to the Request for Proposals (RFP) shall be submitted in a sealed

All Respondents are hereby notified that all updates, addenda and additional information, if any, shall be posted to the Authority website www.mscaa.com and Respondents are responsible for checking the Authority website up to the time of the RFP submission deadline.

The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all responses to this Request for Proposals in whole or in part and to waive any informalities, technicalities, or omissions therein. The Authority also reserves the right to reject any response when a parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or predecessor in interest of the Respondent has pending litigation or claims with the Authority, or if any response includes a proposed subcontractor or supplier that has pending litigation or claims with the Authority, if the Authority determines, in its sole discretion, such litigation or claims may adversely affect the ability of the parties to work efficiently and effectively under this RFP, or for any other reason as determined by the Authority. Any such response will be returned to the Respondent. All Respondents must use forms provided by the Authority.

The Authority hereby notifies all Respondents that it will review and award bids/proposals in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4a (the “Act”) and Title 49, Part 26, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act. The Authority further notifies all Respondents that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, Disadvantaged Enterprises (DBEs) will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids/proposals in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of age, race, sex, color, national origin, or disability in its hiring and employment practices, or in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services,

and activities, in accordance with the Business Diversity Development Program (BDDP) promulgated under the September 2008 Disparity Study for non-discrimination in non-federally assisted programs commissioned by the Memphis-Shelby County Intergovernmental Consortium, as amended. The DBE participation goal for any contract awarded as a result of this RFP is 4% in accordance with the requirements of the RFP documents.

Effective July 1, 2013 the Authority shall give a preference to businesses located in the County of Shelby, State of Tennessee in awarding contracts and making purchases whenever the application of such a preference is reasonable in light of the valuation points/dollar-value of the proposal/bid received in relation to such valuation points/expenditures and pursuant to the terms and conditions that are outlined in the adopted policy as amended.

Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority Scott A. Brockman, A.A.E. President and CEO

LEGAL NOTICE Request for Qualifications RFQ Number 15-0003 Public Relations and marketing Services Responses for this Request for Qualifications for providing Public Relations and Marketing Services will be received by the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (Authority), Staff Services Division, Memphis International Airport, Administration and Support Facility, 3505 Tchulahoma Road, Memphis, TN 38118-2718 until 11:00 AM local time, September 10, 2014. No Responses will be accepted after the stated deadline. Responses will not be received at any other location.

INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDENTS The response to the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) shall be submitted in a sealed envelope or container. Each envelope or container must be clearly marked on the outside with the following: 1) Request for Qualifications, Public Relations and Marketing Services, 2) RFQ Number 15-0003, and 3) Your company name and address. No responses will be accepted after the stated deadline. A complete Request for Qualifications Packet with submittal instructions, additional data, and response format may be found on our website www.mscaa.com on or after August 19, 2013.

A mandatory pre-proposal meeting will be held at the Authority’s Administration and Support Facility located at 3505 Tchulahoma Road, Memphis, TN 38118 on August 26, 2014 at 2:00 PM. Only those attending will be allowed to submit a response.

All Respondents are hereby notified that all updates, addenda and additional information, if any, shall be posted to the Authority website www.mscaa.com and Respondents are responsible for checking the Authority website up to the time of the RFQ submission deadline.

The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all responses to this Request for Qualifications in whole or in part and to waive any informalities, technicalities, or omissions therein. The Authority also reserves the right to reject any response when a parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or predecessor in interest of the Respondent has pending litigation or claims with the Authority, or if any response includes a proposed subcontractor or supplier that has pending litigation or claims with the Authority, if the Authority determines, in its sole discretion, such litigation or claims may adversely affect the ability of the parties to work efficiently and effectively under this RFQ, or for any other reason as determined by the Authority. Any such response will be returned to the Respondent. All Respondents must use forms provided by the Authority.

The Authority hereby notifies all Respon-

dents that it will review and award bids/proposals in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4a (the “Act”) and Title 49, Part 26, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act. The Authority further notifies all Respondents that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, Disadvantaged Enterprises (DBEs) will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids/proposals in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of age, race, sex, color, national origin, or disability in its hiring and employment practices, or in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services, and activities, in accordance with the Business Diversity Development Program (BDDP) promulgated under the September 2008 Disparity Study for non-discrimination in non-federally assisted programs commissioned by the Memphis-Shelby County Intergovernmental Consortium, as amended. The DBE participation goal for any contract awarded as a result of this RFQ is 21% in accordance with the requirements of the RFQ documents.

Effective July 1, 2013 the Authority shall give a preference to businesses located in the County of Shelby, State of Tennessee in awarding contracts and making purchases whenever the application of such a preference is reasonable in light of the valuation points/dollar-value of the proposal/bid received in relation to such valuation points/expenditures and pursuant to the terms and conditions that are outlined in the adopted policy as amended.

Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority Scott A. Brockman, A.A.E. President and CEO

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

Tuesday, August 26, 2014, at 1:00 p.m., in Room 12 Beef Promotion Board Dairy Promotion Board Egg Promotion Board Pork Promotion Board Office of Business Enterprise Southern Growth Policy Board Soybean Promotion Board Utility Management Review Board Wednesday, August 27, 2014, at 9:00 a.m., in Room 12 Air Pollution Control Board Board of Groundwater Management Economic Council on Women Rail Service Authorities South Central Tennessee Railroad Authority Tennessee Aeronautics Commission Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Tri-County Railroad Authority Any changes in the above schedule which may become necessary will be announced at the Government Operations Committees’ website at www.capitol.tn.gov/joint/committees/gov-opps/. For additional information or to request special accommodations for individuals with disabilities, contact: Joe Schussler, CPA, Assistant Director, Division of State Audit, Nashville, Tennessee; telephone: (615) 747-5303; e-mail: Joe.Schussler@cot.tn.gov. Request for special accommodations should be made at least 24 hours prior to the meeting whenever possible.

Tri-State Defender

August 14 - 20, 2014

Page 13