9 11 2013

VOL. 62, No. 36

September 5 - 11, 2013

www.tsdmemphis.com

Memphis Children’s March steps forward with purpose

No longer interim, Dorsey Hopson is ‘the superintendent’ kajanaku@tri-statedefender.com

by Karanja A. Ajanaku

Recently, while speaking to a group of Memphians committed to raising the number of college graduates in the city, Dorsey Hopson started out by saying, “thanks.”

Six months ago, he could not have envisioned standing before the attendees as the interim superintendent of the newly merged Shelby County Schools, he said.

Well, if so, that means that he did not see coming then what happened to him on Tuesday night. The Shelby County Board of Education – a sevenmember body operating one short – unanimously turned to Hopson to lead the district on a permanent basis. The move meant the end of a nationwide search to find “the right person” for the job.

The son of eduSupt. Dorsey cators and a Hopson lawyer by training, Hopson is a fresh example of what and who can come out of Memphis-area schools.

At the session before the Memphis Talent Dividend, he offered a glimpse of “where we are and where we are headed.” With Tuesday’s action by the SCS board, his earlier remarks gain weight.

Hitting on one of his recurring themes, Hopson cautioned about falling prey to the hype and said beware of the sensational-sounding news relative to the Memphis City Schools-Shelby County Schools merger, the biggest in U.S. history.

“When you hear that (the sensational), and the focus is that, it is very easy to get distracted and take focus away from student achievement,” he said. “I am committed to changing the conversation from all the operational buzz to how are we going to make better educational opportunity for all.”

Back in March, Hopson stressed, the fledgling unified school district administration was tasked with cutting the budget by $75 million and essentially adjusting to “doing more with less.” During that process, the sole focus was to make changes that would be the least disruptive to the classroom, he said.

Citing his visits to about 25 schools, Hopson said the school-year opening had been one the most smooth in some time, according to

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Kelly Martin

Fifth-graders Brittany Williams and Ronald Willis greet Education Commission Kevin Huffman, citing the Whitney Achievement Element School Creed. Principal Debra Broughton served as tour guide to a group that included school supporters from Life Line to Success. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku)

Education commissioner gets ‘We-do-what-we-do’ lesson His ʻclassroomʼ is Whitney Achievement Elementary Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Karanja A. Ajanaku The state commissioner of education’s visit to Whitney Achievement Elementary School was about over as principal Debra Broughton was asked for her reflection of the fastmoving experience.

“This visit is empowering,” Broughton said. “It is energizing and for the next quarter I can persevere knowing that we did the work and that we’ve laid a great foundation, that we can start to push harder

and begin to see the fruits of our labor.”

Commissioner Kevin Huffman’s visit was one of several stops during a busy Wednesday in Memphis that included a closed-door session with some teachers. At Whitney, the tour group included Broughton, Achievement School District (ASD) Supt. Chris Barbic and State Rep. Barbara Cooper (D-Memphis) dropping in on several classrooms.

So how do you get ready for a visit from the Commissioner of Education?

“I do what I do,” said Broughton.

“That’s all we do, just do what we do. We don’t prepare anything because we do what we do. This is no show. Our children are trained to

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• Undercapitalized: What is it? And what do you do about it? See Business, page 6.

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• The business behind the music of an independent label.

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• All children deserve teachers who care about them. See Opinion, page 4.

MEMPHIS WEEKEND SATURDAY

stand and greet people. … to stand in the classroom (and answer questions). They know their (school) creed, they say it every day.”

Whitney is among the second crop of schools to join the ASD. Huffman said he was interested in getting a sense of how things look at the start of the year. “What does the enrollment look like? And most importantly, how do the teachers and leaders feel about the start of the year in terms of the culture of the school?”

What is unfolding in Memphis is unique for the state, Huffman said.

“It’s a reflection of the fact that most of the priority schools were

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75 Cents

Up and over …

Jarret Clayton of Central High School managed to maintain possession of the football and get a first down after he was rocked by Mitchell High Schoolʼs defense. Central prevailed 32 to 21, with Artavious Russell leading the way with two rushing touchdowns. For more high school football, see Sports, page 12. (Photo: Warren Roseborough)

• ‘Soul Food: The Surprising Story of an American Cuisine’ See Entertainment, page 10.

• Tigers look for the measure of progress. See Sports, page 12.

The line of marchers was not that long – about 50-plus. Down Riverside Drive it went, sounding off with lyrics from familiar standards: “Keep Your Eyes on the Prize,” “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around,” “This Little Light of Mine,” And, of course, “We Shall Overcome.”

The Memphis Children’s March was a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington.

Presented by Gilliam Communications, owners of 1340WLOK, it was a prelude to the radio station’s 39th Annual Stone Soul Picnic in Tom Lee Park.

Children of all ages were represented during an event that highlighted the importance of youthful input – then and now – in the journey toward change.

“It is time for young people to take control and fight the battle,” said Shelby County Commissioner Henri E. Brooks, “because it was young people who fought the battle during the civil rights movement.”

Brooks was among the seasoned marchers, deeply expressing how she wanted the children to understand what it meant to march 50 years ago.

“This is about jobs, fairness and SEE CHILDREN ON PAGE 2

D.C. marches inclusive – up to a point ANALYSIS NNPA News Service

by George E. Curry

Organizers of the two recent marches on Washington – one called

by Al Sharpton and Martin Luther King III and the other engineered primarily by King’s sister, Bernice – almost stumbled over one another praising the diversity of their respective marches.

However, not one addressed the elephant in the room: Why was more emphasis placed on bringing in groups that were not part of the push for jobs and freedom in 1963 than assembling a broad coalition of black leaders?

To be even more direct: How can you justify excluding Minister Louis Farrakhan? After all, he managed to draw more black men to the nation’s capital on Oct. 16, 1995 than the combined crowds at the 1963 March on Washington, the Sharpton-led march on Aug. 24 and the Aug. 28 commemorative march. In fact, the Million Man March at least doubled their combined attendance.

Regardless of your personal view of Farrakhan, he has demonstrated that he has a significant following in the black community and deserves to be part of any serious attempt to address the numerous problems facing Black America.

SEE MARCH ON PAGE 2

NEWS

Page 2

Tri-State Defender

September 5 - 11, 2013

Congressman Steve Cohen attended the Memphis Childrenʼs March, which was presented by Gilliam Communications and associated with the Man of the House mentoring event. Cohen has been a consistent sponsor of the mentoring event. (Courtesy photo)

CHILDREN

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

civil rights,” she said.

Joan Nelson and Fanny Benson were two special attendees for the day’s event. They were teenagers when they attended the 1963 March on Washington where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech.

“I am happy to say that the march was not in vain,” said Benson. “Love one another.

Treat everybody how you want to be treated regardless of race, color, or creed.”

Nelson was 14 years old when she got involved in the civil rights movement and arrested for the first time.

MARCH

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

Of course, the reason Farrakhan was excluded is because he is anathema to Jews, who view him as a virulent anti-Semite. Essentially, the choice for black leaders is that they must choose between Jews, longtime allies of the civil rights movement, and Farrakhan, who inspires and motivates some segments of the black community that establishment leaders can’t reach.

Over the years, black leaders have sided with Jews. Except for a couple of months under Kweisi Mfume, the Congressional Black Caucus, one of the strongest pro-Israel voting blocs in Congress, and the NAACP under Ben Chavis have consistently distanced themselves from Farrakhan.

At its 1993 CBC Weekend town hall meeting on “Race in America,” Mfume declared, “No longer will we allow people to divide us. We want the word to go forward today to friend and foe alike that the Congressional Black Caucus, after having entered into a saInterim Supt.

Dorsey Hopson spoke to students on the opening day of classes at one of the new charter schools run by former Supt.

Dr. Willie W. Herenton.

(Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

HOPSON

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

first-hand feedback. Still, that was before nagging lags about the delivery of paychecks to some teachers.

“I would just urge each and everyone of you … when you hear the noise, when you hear the rumors, I would urge you all to work to dispel them,” Hopson said to the group.

“The march in 1963 was for you! Today’s march is for you!

Our history is for you!” she proclaimed.

Other words were shared by representatives from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the Memphis Ambassadors Program, Man of the House Mentoring Program, the Memphis Shelby County Education Association, and the American Federal of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 1733 – the union that represented the striking sanitation workers that Dr. King was in Memphis to support when he was assassinated in 1968 .

Darryl Harrington, poised and speaking with passion, delivered a stirring excerpt from

The Memphis Childrenʼs March did not lack in energy nor commitment. (Courtesy photo) Dr. King’s now iconic ’63 speech.

Tony Nichelson, founder of the 110 Institute, which annually hosts the Man of the House mentoring event, coor-

dinated the march. He acknowledged that the numbers for the Memphis Children’s March were lower than expected, but not lacking in energy and commitment.

“We’ll turn this first effort into a crusade aimed at slowing the genocide that’s underway in urban centers across America,” he said.

“We look back over the past

50 years, and ask ourselves whether we have done our best to continue the mission and the legacy of generations past. The answer is probably a resounding ‘No!’ “

cred covenant with the NAACP to work for real and meaningful change, will enter into that same covenant with the Nation of Islam” and other black organizations, such as fraternities, sororities and professional groups.

But after Farrakhan assistant Khalid Abdul Muhammad gave a speech at Keene College in New Jersey denouncing Jews as “blood suckers” and the Pope as a “no good cracker,” CBC members pressured Mfume to withdraw the offer of a covenant.

Non-blacks never understood that Mfume wasn’t endorsing Farrakhan’s or Muhammad’s views of Jews.

Rather he was advocating what civil rights leaders call “operational unity,” meaning that they will cooperate to collectively address some of the ills in the African-American community while maintaining their independence.

Democratic pollster Mark Mellman told the Los Angeles Times, “There is a failure of many Jews to understand the sense of crisis in the black community.” But he added, “There is a lack of appreciation by blacks of Jewish anxieties over their embracing people

like Farrakhan who are vicious anti-Semites.”

Although he spoke at Sharpton’s rally, Jesse Jackson was noticeably absent from the array of speakers at the Aug. 28 observation that featured President Barack Obama and former presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. Jackson, who had his own share of problems with Jews after he referred to New York City as “Hymietown” during his 1984 presidential campaign, was probably omitted from the program because of his strained relationship with Obama.

Jackson alienated Obama supporters when he was caught on tape disparaging then-candidate Obama. As Jackson prepared to be interviewed on “Fox & Friends Weekend,” he was overheard saying Obama had been talking down to black people. Jackson told a fellow guest that he wanted to cut off Obama’s testicles. He quickly apologized for what he called “crude and hurtful comments.”

Jackson’s comments hurt his standing in the black community more than it hurt Obama, who accepted Jackson’s apology before going on to win the general election.

Although Obama accepted

Jackson’s apology, Jackson has not been among the civil rights leaders who meet regularly with the president or Valerie Jarrett, a top White House adviser.

And many African Americans, who overwhelmingly support the nation’s first black president, have yet to forgive Jackson for his comments. Few will admit that in one respect, Jackson was right – Obama sometimes comes across as lecturing black audiences while not doing the same when speak-

ing to mostly white groups.

Jackson acknowledges that he was wrong for saying he wanted to dismember a certain part of Obama’s lower body.

However, that was five years ago and the civil rights leader has contributed too much over the past four decades to be forever excommunicated from the black race.

The two recent marches on Washington are over and shouldn’t be the yardstick by which we judge the value of

black leaders. The black community is in a crisis and needs all of the help it can get, regardless of how unpopular that might be with others.

“I am extraordinarily open and transparent and available. If you hear something, call me.”

While the session was focused specifically on addressing the achievement gap dividing African-American males from success, Hopson said African-American males’ achievement would be aided by three-strategies that would benefit all students: • A focus on having highquality teachers and principals

in every school; • The need to be sure that all of the students and schools in the bottom five percent of state achievement have some intentional treatment designed to raise student achievement; • A push to raise the literacy rate for all students.

He concluded with this: “We are looking for different ways to partner with anyone who wants to partner and help.”

(George E. Curry is editorin-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA.) He can be reached via www.georgecurry.com. Follow him at www.twitter.com/currygeorge and George E. Curry Fan Page on Facebook.)

Tri-State Defender

NEWS

September 5 - 11, 2013

KKK, NAACP leaders meet in Wyoming The Grio

by Carrie Healey

Leaders from local branches of the Ku Klux Klan and NAACP met in Casper, Wyoming last Saturday in what could be the first time members of the two groups “met in peace.”

President of the Casper branch of the NAACP Jimmy Simmons asked for a meeting between the two groups in June following reports of black men in Gillette allegedly being beaten up for being in the company of white women, according to the Casper Star-Tribune.

An organizer for the United Klans of America in Great Falls, Montana, John Abarr agreed to meet with Simmons

to discuss accusations of violence against black men and KKK pamphlets that were being distributed.

The Star-Tribune reported after a brief introduction, Abarr made a point to prove he was apart of anti-racism groups.

However, he then continued to express his desire to secede from the United States.

“The northwest U.S. – Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon – should secede and form a territory.”

Blacks can stay there, he supposes, but no more should be allowed in, to keep the region white. “States such as Georgia, which are primarily black, should secede from the union and become a black state,” he said.

Abarr continued, “A certain amount of segregation is a good thing, he says. White police should stay in white neighborhoods and black officers in black neighborhoods. Colorblindness doesn’t even make sense. Interracial marriage?

No. It’s better if the races are kept separate. Completely opposed.”

“Because we want white babies,” he added.

During the conversation, Abarr expressed his views on marriage, saying he feels gay marriage and polygamy should both be legal.

The KKK organizer said he disagrees with violence against black men and that new recruits have left the Klan because it is not hateful enough.

Keep your shoes, jackets on: prescreening program expands CNN

by Aaron Cooper

WASHINGTON – More airports around the United States will soon allow passengers to go through security without removing their shoes, light jackets, and belts.

The Transportation Security Administration is expanding its expedited screening program called PreCheck to 60 new airports by the end of the year and is increasing the number of lanes for the program at the 40 airports that currently offer it.

PreCheck passengers also can leave laptops and small liquids in their carry-on luggage.

Right now only very frequent fliers invited by their airlines and passengers who are members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s trusted traveler programs can participate.

TSA says later this year it will launch an application process to allow passengers who want to join PreCheck to pay $85, verify their identity and provide fingerprints at an

Security checkpoint lanes for departing passengers at the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal at Atlantaʼs Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. (Photo: Robert Johnson/CNN enrollment center.

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways and Virgin America currently participate in the program. JetBlue and Southwest will begin taking part when they are “operationally ready,” according to the TSA. PreCheck is part of a larger effort by TSA to move to security based more on risks that certain passengers may pose.

“As TSA continues to move

away from a one-size-fits-all approach to transportation security, we are looking for more opportunities to provide the most effective security in the most efficient way possible,” TSA Administrator John Pistole said in the news release announcing the expansion.

In Tennessee, McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville is set for the expansion process.

Memphis International Airport and Nashville International each has the designation of a current TSA Pre ™ location.

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OPINION

John H. Sengstacke Publisher (1951 - 1997)

The Mid-Southʼs Best Alternative Newspaper

A Real Times Newspaper

Equal employment for all must be addressed

SPECIAL REPORT

All children deserve teachers who care about them

“You see a lot of teachers judge and stigmatize their students based on where they come from. A lot of my teachers thought that since I was from the South End of Louisville and I grew up in Section 8 housing that I wasn’t capable of doing all the things that I did, and the first time that I really felt like I was someone, it was the first time my fifth grade teacher actually pulled me to the side and said, ‘What can I do for you to help you as a student?’ And I ask my students that now. I pull them to the side and I say, ‘What can I do as an adult to help you?’… I feel like every time I talk to someone, I should instill something in them, and I want that in return. And that happens just through treating people with love.”

Janol Vinson

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

IN THE MAIL

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

Janol Vinson

As children across the country are returning to their classrooms, Janol Vinson is part of the next generation of educators and administrators who will be shaping our children’s future.

He recently received his bachelor’s degree in middle grades education from Northern Kentucky University and is now pursuing a master’s degree in higher education administration at Florida International University.

Janol spoke at a recent symposium convened by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and the Children’s Defense Fund on “Black Male Teens: Moving to Success in the High School Years” on how he found his own calling in education and his passionate belief in the need for training teachers who love, respect, and set high expectations for every child.

Janol explained that his grandfather, a pastor, helped set the stage for Janol’s success in school with high expectations. His grandfather didn’t have the opportunity to go to college until he was in his mid-40s: “Hearing the stories from my grandfather talking about the (Civil Rights) movement and talking about the things that he sacrificed for my education …

He set that expectation for me, just saying, ‘You owe this to your family. You owe this to your community. It’s not this is what you should do’ – he sat down and said, ‘this is what you are going to do.’ … So by the time I did get to high school, I knew … I need to make an A in this class because that’s what my grandfather expected from me.”

Janol’s good grades allowed him to attend an excellent magnet high school but he realized he didn’t have any black male role models there or see his own experience reflected in the curriculum, where, he says, “the first time I saw an African-American male in my textbook was as a slave.”

He didn’t get to see how a school could go beyond providing an education to transforming lives. When as a young college student he attended a week-long training to serve as a servant leader intern teaching children in the Children Defense Fund’s Freedom Schools® summer enrichment program, the light bulb went off: “What I saw changed my life forever. Seeing thousands of young people who were excited about enriching the lives of students in grades K through 12 excited me, and the fact that it was all based around reading really just changed my whole mindset on how I viewed education, how I viewed the movement. And by the end of that summer, during my first year of Freedom Schools, I real-

Tri-State Defender

September 5 - 11, 2013

ized that my calling really was to give back to my community and help young people love to read.”

Now, “(I) make sure that I set the (high) expectations. So now with my students Marian Wright at my site, I don’t say, ‘This is what Edelman you should do’…

I say, ‘This is what you’re going to do.’”

Janol is now an Ella Baker Trainer in the Freedom Schools program teaching others how to inspire a love for learning in children and he wants to see a new kind of teacher training become a priority throughout the educational system.

“We need to put more emphasis on helping teachers become better educators – not just teaching a curriculum, but actually educating a child and showing them ways to critically think not only about their curriculum, but about their community and being change agents through academia.

“We need more trainings for teachers to understand how to analyze curriculum and instruct it and facilitate it in a way where it’s actually connecting to their students. And that’s what is lacking so much in our school system today, the fact that students are not connecting to what they see . . .

“Students are getting punished based on a teacher who either doesn’t care about them or just doesn’t know what they’re doing. And a lot of these teachers have great degrees – and I think it’s great if you go to an Ivy League (university) and you get a degree in education, but . . . Your credentials cannot educate a child.

It’s your heart and your love for that child to get an education.

“And once we realize that teachers are the main vehicles to help children as a whole, that’s when we’re going to honestly see a change, when we have equitable funding for all teachers and all school systems, because all children deserve a valuable education, and all children deserve teachers who care about them.”

(Marian Wright Edelman is president of the Children’s Defense Fund.

For more information, go to www.childrensdefense.org.)

(To hear Janol Vinson on “Black Male Teens: Moving to Success in the High School Years,” http://bit.ly/19guD7O.) DISTRIBUTION: Tri-State Defender is available at newsstands, street sales, store vendors, mail subscription and honor boxes throughout the Greater Memphis area. No person may, without prior written permission of the Tri-State Defender, reprint any part of or duplicate by electronic device any portion without written permission. Copyright 2013 by Tri-State Defender Publishing, Inc. Permission to Publisher, Tri-State Defender, 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN. 38103. Back copies can be obtained by calling the Tri-State Defender at (901) 523-1818, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

Faulty FBI files that can ruin your life CNN

by Madeline Neighly (Madeline Neighly is a staff attorney with the National Employment Law Project and lead author of the new report, “Wanted: Accurate FBI Background Checks for Employment.”)

No amount of economic growth will land you a job if you get unfairly snagged in the FBI’s faulty background check system. And you can lose your job because of the FBI file inaccuracies, too.

After working without incident at a Philadelphia port for 33 years, Russ F. was told he was out of a job when a newly required post-9/11 security clearance check found an arrest dating back to 1971. Charges were never filed, and Russ was never prosecuted.

But the nearly 40-year-old arrest was reported on his FBI background check with no additional information, and Russ needed months to track down documentation to prove he had never been convicted or even charged with a crime. Only then could he regain his job.

A National Employment Law Project report found the FBI ran a record 16.9 million employment background checks – a six-fold increase from a decade ago – for jobs ranging from child care to truck driving, port workers to mortgage processors. Although background checks can contribute to workplace safety, inaccuracies in the FBI database mean that these checks are blocking about 600,000 Americans a year from jobs for which they may be perfectly qualified. This unfair barrier to employment can and must be fixed.

The glitch is that FBI records often fail to report the final outcomes of arrests. The case might have been dismissed or the charges reduced, but a prospective employer might not know it from the FBI background check. Roughly one-third of all felony arrests don’t result in conviction, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, and many more are reduced to misdemeanors. By the Justice Department’s own count, roughly 50 percent of FBI background records are incomplete and don’t include the final outcome of an arrest.

In the face of such errors, only a fraction of job seekers successfully correct their FBI records – and then only with great effort and expense.

Those unable to correct their reports are often trapped in a cycle of poverty that U.S. Atty. Gen. Eric Holder decried in a recent speech.

Raquel Vanderpool, a nurse’s aide in Newport, Mich., with nearly a decade of experience, was fired when an FBI background check inaccurately reported a youthful conviction that

had been dismissed and sealed. Vanderpool was fired and unable to find employment while she struggled – for four years – to clear her record.

During that time, she exhausted her unemployment benefits, relied on food assistance to feed her children, lost a family vehicle and was forced to short sale her home after entering foreclosure. Now re-employed, Vanderpool will have to spend years digging out of the financial hole that the FBI’s inaccuracies left her in.

The burden of these errors comes with sharp racial disparities.

Just as African Americans and Latinos are disproportionately affected by the criminal justice system, so are they disproportionately harmed when records are incomplete. Denying employment based on faulty records puts more African Americans and Latinos out of work for longer while they struggle to clear their name.

What can be done?

The FBI, which gathers records from the states, must provide accurate and up-to-date information when potential employers come asking for them.

A successful and well-established federal precedent for this exists in the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, the federal program for firearm background checks. Under the Brady Act, when the FBI receives background check requests for gun purchases, it contacts the appropriate federal, state and local agencies to get any missing disposition information and is able to clean up two-thirds of faulty records within just three days of the request. The system is quick, efficient and accurate.

If a similar system were applied to employment background checks, we estimate that 390,000 workers a year would be assisted – able to get a job – because of the timely, accurate information. Employers and licensing agencies would benefit from clean records, too.

Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., introduced a bill to clean up incomplete FBI background checks for employment. Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., has also introduced the Accurate Background Check bill, specifically focusing on federal employment.

These bills are coming not a moment too soon.

In addition to these critical legislative fixes, the FBI can do a lot immediately to address this problem, including accepting updated records from fellow federal and state agencies.

The seal of the FBI is intended to mark these records as official, legitimate and trustworthy. Until they are made so, the records pose an unacceptable barrier to employment for thousands of Americans. That’s something our economy and our workers cannot afford.

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I was reading your article (“50 Years later – What do we do NOW?, Bernal E. Smith II, Aug. 29-Sept. 4) and I was very impressed with your thoughts and the truth of where we are today. Yes, the state of black unemployment remains (in) double digits and (we have remained) in a perpetual recession during the last fifty years.

I am a victim of unemployment since 2010, and I also fall into a bracket of 55 and older. I was on a town hall conference call Wednesday evening (Sept. 3) with Congressman Seven Cohen. Unfortunately, I was not able to get my question answered. So Congressman Cohen said if you did not get your question answered that you could call his office and leave the question and (it) might be addressed in the future.

I called Congressman Cohen’s office (and) spoke with his assistant that works with unemployment. I gave her the question that I wanted to ask the congressmen. It was, “Is there any way Congressman Cohen could address the issue of companies – private, federal, state, non-profits – to be open to (equality for) all people seeking employment in every area, age, race, religion, etc.

She started to speak to me as if I had said something taboo. She stated “you should not complain.” All I wanted was to ask this simple question. I told her working for non-profit temporary is good, but I needed benefits and to make a real salary.

She kept talking about all of these job fairs, and I have been through them all.

And I (asked) her to look at a real picture, of not working for almost four years, no vacation, no benefits.

She acted like I had offended her and ended the call, saying thank your for your support. She also told me to call (my) state senator but did not know the name or number to call. …

I explained to her that I had been to Tennessee Career Center, gone through interview and resume training. I was appreciative of the congressman’s office for keeping me informed on all unemployment tiers.

Since being unemployed I have just about completed my MBA, with less than two classes to complete. Finding a job is not about experience, skills or education because I have all of that. I believe companies are doing age discrimination, but you know that is a hard one to prove.

I am not in a position to start a conspiracy, and make any trouble, but I would like to know your viewpoint (about) if this could be addressed publicly in a way, (with the) right word choice and not start a war or get sued for asking a question. Because the 55-year olds and older need good jobs, good salaries and benefits like any body else. …

Barbara Hawthorne (Toody)

When do we challenge these lenders/servicers?

(The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee recently dropped charges, including fraud, against Bernal E. Smith II, now president/publisher of The New Tri-State Defender. This letter references that development.)

It is amazing to me that they want to indict you. But who’s indicting these lenders/servicers and foreclosure trustees when they record and utilize fraudulent documents to foreclose on the homeowners?

(Shelby County Register) Tom Letterwood’s office doesn’t confirm the information. Memphis Area Legal Services doesn’t confirm the information. Most black attorneys do not confirm the information.

What agency private or public audits the standings of these lenders/servicers and foreclosure trustees that are just fraudulent, putting our families out on the streets, forcing them into bankruptcy? It amazes me that this issue has not been addressed on a broader scale, if any at all.

Most of the homeowners, due to PRIDE, won’t seek assistance, other than the normal avenues, which don’t challenge the lenders/servicers’ or foreclosure trustees’ standings or rights to accelerate their loan!.

Most Mid-South homeowners once they receive the foreclosure notice: A). Panic and file bankruptcy.

B). Abandon the property not realizing per their deed of trust after 30 or 60 days of abandonment of the property they loose all rights. C). They don’t communicate with the lenders/servicers in writing as to any options other than foreclosure.

The foreclosure notice on face value gives the homeowner 30 days to dispute it. We must do better as a community educating and providing services that will inform homeowners of their options and not keep allowing the lenders/servicers and foreclosure trustees to destroy our community’s with very questionable foreclosures.

Lee Gaston Memphis Foreclosure Solutions Foreclosureforensicservices@ gmail.com

Tri-State Defender

Page 5

September 5 - 11, 2013

NOTICE OF ELECTION COMMISSION OFFICE LOCATIONS, TELEPHONE NUMBER AND HOURS TENNESSEE STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 91 REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY ELECTIONS – OCTOBER 8, 2013

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Shelby County Election Commission office located at 150 Washington Ave., Suite 205, Memphis, TN, 38103, telephone number 222-1200, and Election Operations Center located at 980 Nixon Drive, Memphis, TN, 38134, telephone number 222-6821 is open for voter registration and transfer of registration from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, except for holidays. Registration is closed for 29 days prior to any election.

For the upcoming Tennessee State Representative, District 91, Republican and Democratic Primary Elections, the last day to register in person will be Monday, September 9, 2013, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Mail registration applications delivered in person must be submitted in the Election Commission Office by Monday, September 9, 2013, at 4:30 PM or postmarked by Monday, September 9, 2013. Registration will be closed from Tuesday, September 10, through Tuesday, October 8, 2013, for persons living in Tennessee House District 91.

Transfer of registration (change of name/address) requests will be processed for this election if received in the Shelby County Election Commission Office by Thursday, October 3, 2013, at 4:30 PM.

NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 2-3109 (e) (1) and (2), by the Shelby County Election Commission that all polling locations for the October 8, 2013 Elections meet all standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Further notice is hereby given that any elderly or handicapped voter may also vote by one of the following methods for the October 8, 2013, elections:

1. Absentee ballot, with the exception that any voter who registered by mail must vote in person for the first election they are eligible to vote; or 2. Early voting at the Shelby County Office Building located at 157 Poplar Ave., Suite 120, Memphis, TN, during the early voting period from September 18 through October 3, 2013, or 3. Early voting satellite location or 4. Election Day at the Shelby County Election Commission office. Provided such voter completes an affidavit stating that the voterʼs designated voting location, to the best of the voterʼs knowledge, does not comply with the provisions of Public Law 98-435 of the 98th Congress and of the voterʼs intention to vote at the Shelby County Election Commission office located at 150 Washington Ave., Suite 205, Memphis, TN or Election Operation Center, 980 Nixon Drive, Memphis, TN. This affidavit must be received by Monday, September 30, 2013 at 4:30 PM, not less than 10 days prior to the election.

For additional information please visit our web site at www.shelbyvote.com.

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

BUSINESS

Page 6

ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY

Undercapitalized

What is it? And what do you do about it?

The day has come for the doors of your business to open.

The paint is fresh on the walls, the business cards are professionally printed and the widgets are ready to be sold. There is a little money left in the bank but not enough to cover the rent for next month or payroll.

This means that the business is officially undercapitalized.

Undercapitalization means a business does not have and cannot obtain the funds required through equity or debt for current operational expenses or to pay creditors.

With little money remaining to cover the operational costs, the business is exposed to risk and potentially bankruptcy.

Regardless of whether the business is small, startup or traded on the stock exchange, any business can be undercapitalized. But startup and small businesses are the most com-

monly undercapitalized entities. While servicetype businesses do not typically need as much operating capital as manCarlee ufacturing McCullough type business, both need to be adequately funded.

Causes

Lack of proper financing initially: Upon the initial formation of the business there may not have been sufficient funds due to any number of reasons. But the decision was made to open the business anyway. Whether you were depending on loans, an in-

vestor, or sales to make a difference, the bottom line is more money is needed in order to make ends meet.

Lack of access to bank financing: Frequently small businesses seek financing from the bank when their back is up against the wall and this is a last resort. This rarely results in a bank loan since the best time to seek funding is when the business is fully capitalized. Acquiring a bank loan when you need one is a rare occurrence. The bank usually seeks to limit its liability and exposure to risk. They accomplish this feat by offering loans only to those that have proven that they can pay the money back or that have significant assets that can be utilized to pay the loan back in the event of default.

Financials depicting a loss or limited income: Accountants are typically engaged to

Pinpointing the true value of your business Do you know the true value of your business? I doubt it as 80 percent of all business owners do not know what their business is worth.

This creates a lot of vulnerability.

T h i s type of knowledge has been Harry an access C. Alford issue due to the time it takes and the cost of traditional offline methods. The traditional way will cost on average $8,000 and takes about five weeks,according to research firm IBISWorld. Realizing this hurdle for small businesses and especially black-owned firms, the National Black Chamber of Commerce conducted a search to find some type of alternative.

We have found it! There is a company called BizEquity – http://www.bizequity.com – that has patented the first and leading way for every business owner in America to receive a documented estimated value of their business worth online.

Over the next 10 years there will be over 7.7 million businesses changing ownership. In the past, many would sell “short” – meaning they sold their business below its true worth. Buyers would also buy a business for more than it is worth too many times. There is a need conduct the process just right so that both the seller and buyer receive a fair value for their precious money.

No longer will Wall Street have a monopoly on this type of information when “Main Street” needs it the most. Today, BizEquity can do this for one-quarter of the average cost and in real time (Internet). Let’s look at some of the advantages of knowing exactly what your business is worth.

Once you know your true worth you can budget your costs and risks. A smart entre-

A true story about true value

Let me tell you a true story about one of my friends.

His city was going to allow one permit to build a medical waste facility (an environmental friendly incinerator to destroy the wastes). He recognized the value in this, as he owned enough land to build such a facility and had the political connections to make it happen.

My friend got the permit, built the facility and hired people who could operate it. The business started off with a “roar”. He told me that his ultimate plan was to sell this “plum” to a Fortune 500 company and cash out in a lovely way.

Before long, several of the waste management giants were making overtures to him. He had a problem though.

He never had a handle on the true worth of his company.

Possessing the only permit in his metropolitan area made the company worth many of millions of dollars by itself. He never priced it. He decided on a buyer but there was a catch. The suitor didn’t want to buy it, wanting instead to joint venture with him. That way he could get a piece of the volume forever. He took the deal and waited for his revenue share.

Boom! The partner shut the facility down forever and transferred all business to one of its out-of-state facilities.

All the suit-partner wanted was to kill its new competition.

My friend was devastated. He should have found the true value and sold it completely.

Word to the wise!

preneur can assign so much of his/her total worth to savings to be used as a “rainy day” fund. He can devote so much credit against it. For instance, one might make it a standard to maximize outstanding credit to 20 percent of his total worth. Any more might get him in financial trouble when a recession comes or other unforeseen business crushers. I know a lending company that will loan no more than 1.8 percent of his company’s value to any one customer. So if his company is worth $10 million, the maximum loan to any one customer would be $180 thousand. It spreads his risk.

Many victims of Hurricane Sandy learned a hard lesson.

After the storm raced through the East Coast many business owners found that they were underinsured. Thus they have two disasters to deal with – their home, car and most of all, their livelihood. Knowing the true value of your business will make sure you are adequately insured. It will also save you money if your insurance agent tries to over insure

your firm.

Having documentation on how much your business is worth can improve your negotiation when selling the business. This insures that you are going to get the maximum dollar on the sale. Being illprepared can cost you millions of dollars and hurt you and your family’s future.

Documentation will also help your accountant when preparing IRS reports and audits. And your lawyer will also appreciate the documentation for any legal matters that may occur.

Documentation is very important if the owner dies unexpectedly. The heirs will be able to understand and document the value. We have had too many members who died and their heirs were unable to sell the business for a just price. This is so sad to see.

(Harry C. Alford is the founder, president/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce.

Website: www.nationalbcc.org. Email: halford@nationalbcc.org.)

Strategic help on tap for small business owners Seminar to focus on SBA loans

Sue Malone, the SBA’s number one volume-based loan provider and founder of “Strategies for Small Businesses” in San Francisco, CA, will facilitate a Small Business Loan Workshop at the Renaissance Business Center located at 555 Beale Street on Sept. 9.

Malone will discuss funding availability for startup businesses or expansion options for current businesses.

“Sue really has a niche for doing small business loans, particularly those for $25,000

Tri-State Defender

September 5 - 11, 2013

and under,” said R o r y Thomas, executive director of the Tennessee S m a l l Business Development CenSue ter (TSBMalone DC) at Southwest Tennessee Community College.

“So those startup companies that are really looking for access to capital to get their business started or exist-

ing companies that need just a small amount of capital to purchase equipment or add inventory, this would be a great workshop for them to attend,” The workshop, hosted by Tennessee SBDCs and the SBA, will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

At the conclusion of the workshop, attendees can have a loan application ready to submit.

(For more information, contact Rory Thomas via email at rtthomas@southwest.tn.edu or call 901-333-5085.)

limit the taxes owed to Internal Revenue Service by minimizing profit with the use of legal deductions. But the corresponding impact to lower revenues and taxes is that it is now difficult to obtain traditional financing with the lower income depicted. So you may save on one hand but lose on the other hand.

Failure to obtain insurance: These days there is an insurance policy to cover most situations. When the business is not properly insured, the owner is at a major risk of being undercapitalized if forced to cover the losses from the operating income.

Financing: Short versus long term

Unfortunately when an undercapitalized small business needs operating capital, it does not have the luxury of choosing

debt versus equity. It usually has to choose the first available which tends to be short-term loans, which have to be paid quickly at an outrageous interest rate. Short-term loans exacerbate the lack of capital situation and results in placing a temporary patch on a bad situation.

How to overcome undercapitalization

Prompt Invoicing: Since cash flow is the backbone of all businesses, issuance of a prompt invoice is mandatory.

The sooner a client receives the invoice with the associated payment terms, the quicker the business can receive payment and the infusion of cash into the business.

Collecting overdue receivables: Mechanisms must be put in place to pursue overdue receivables. Once the invoice has been issued, if the customer fails to pay promptly the business must pursue payment. It is inevitable that there will be some losses. However, there will also be some gains.

Renegotiating lower interest rates: If you have debt in place currently, negotiating with lenders for a lower interest rate would be beneficial. Many

lenders may not be willing to renegotiate but some may. But it still may be worth a try.

Factoring accounts receivables: Sometimes businesses have accounts receivables from very reputable agencies with longer length of payment terms.

In this situation it may be advantageous to use a factoring company to obtain the money from the accounts receivables now rather than later. The factoring company will usually charge a few percentage points of the outstanding invoice and will also serve as the collection agency for the debt. The most important point to remember is to make sure that there is enough profit from the invoice to pay the factoring company so that money is not lost on the transaction.

Equity financing: By bringing in an additional investor, the business can experience an influx of funds without the immediate need to repay. Through the use of personally known investors, private placement, or venture capital funds, the business can pursue much needed capital.

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

RELIGION

Tri-State Defender

Page 7

September 5 - 11, 2013

‘Church Girls Rock’ to roll at Greater Works Deliverance

Marcus Malone producer for the 1st ever event “Church Girls Rock” – an event hosted by the Greater Works Deliverance Women’s Department – will be held in Collierville on Sept. 14 at 7 p.m.

Marcus Malone, the event’s producer, said it will a night to salute

and honor the women of God in the church.

“We will be honoring first ladies, mothers, Pks (‘preachers kids’), ushers, evangelist, psalmists, mothers ‘elderly.’ So put on your Sunday best because this will be a red carpet event!”

The night will be filled with enter-

tainment from an all girls band, all girls choir and lady poets, gospel comedians, soloists and a motivational speaker.

“We will select only 18 women to be honored that night, 3 from each category. You must submit a short essay to churchgirlsrock13 @gmail.com expressing why this

nominee is a candidate for 2013 Church Girls Rock,” Malone.

“Once all nominees have been selected, they will be notified immediately. Each honoree will be escorted to the ceremony by a luxurious limousine ride to the red carpet!”

There will be a lifetime achieve-

ment award to the eldest mother.

“It’s sending a positive message to younger women and women that may be lost, that it’s OK to be a virtuous women of God,” said Malone.

(For more info, contact Marcus Malone at 901-870-3690.)

‘To Know God’ NNPA News Service

Baby, baby, baby! …

Mt. Gilead Ministries hosted a baby contest last Sunday (Sept. 1.) The event was sponsored by Eloise Banks and held at the church at 3997 Willowview Ave., where Bishop Charles E. Cartwright is pastor and founder. Mothers and their babies pictured (l-r): Venitta Wheeler with Vanʼtrece Wheeler; Chelsea Boyd and Bailey Rhymes; Cayla Castleberry and Chace Castleberry; LoRena Brittenum and Marcus Brittenum Jr.; Tiwana Weaver-Young and Cattleya Ellis. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

Convoy of Hope event headed to Memphis

Convoy of Hope will partner with local businesses, churches and nonprofits to bring a Community Celebration to the Mid-South on Saturday (Sept. 7) at Memphis Cook Convention Center.

The celebration is projected to yield more than $1 million in free goods and services, including food, clothing, job counseling, dental check-ups, haircuts, family portraits and a kids. More than 70,000 guests of honor have attended the $50 million tour of hope at stops around the country this year.

“There is a great opportunity in Memphis to bring the community together,” said Hal Donaldson, president of Convoy of Hope. “We’ll be there to help neighbors help neighbors.”

Convoy of Hope is also working with the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) and Plum Organics at the outreach. NBCF will provide education, support and early detection services to underserved women in the community. Plum Organics will provide guests with their organic ba-

by, toddler and child food products.

In addition, national partner, Points of Light and Volunteer MidSouth, its HandsOn Network affiliate, will be providing disaster preparedness education and opportunities for the guests to serve through the HandsOn Network volunteer programs.

Learn more by visiting http://midsouth.convoyofhope.org or contact Cheryl Bone at 901-626-2092 or the Rev. Panisha Stigger at 901-4919045.

Our ancient African ancestors bypassed anything related to “Faith/Belief” in God’s existence and proceeded to establish spiritual evidence/proof of God’s manifestations.

Their reasons: to address the base/foundational question for “How Shall I Live?” and to understand differences between animals, humans, and Divine Beings. They considered themselves as Divine Beings who were a “work in progress” – with components of their selfhood in various stages of development. Their strivings for self-cultivation were done with a sense of self-efficacy (knowing their skills were a match for the challenges, even those never seen nor heard of before). They said the best way to “Know” something is to do the hard research to achieve the absence of all doubt for or against something.

For them to Know required visualizing with the right brain; separating reality for analysis via the left brain; and unifying reality by means of their right and left brains. Their brilliant Step I approach is to: “Know Thyself” because to discover what is natural within oneself and what underlies what is natural about oneself is to realize the same applies throughout the Cosmos.

Step II is doing the tedious work to discover requirements for stepping into and living up to the ultimate unrealized reality where wisdom resides.

Step III, as a result of thereby functioning out of the Circle of Wholism, is relying upon Spiritual/Secular Knowing to infer other aspects of the laws of nature and their application to daily living.

Ways African sages, the top highest self achievers, established proof included: all of their revelations of cosmic creation were in agreement + African priest-astronomers (using astro-mathematics) confirmed those revelations + circumstantial truths proved their mathematics to be right + observations of nature’s laws of correspondence led to Workable Ma’at Practices. From all of these aspects they “Knew” that although God is unknowable, God’s existence is knowable by God’s manifestations in nature.

From resultant accumulated spiritual evidences/proof establishing God (a Big Mind) as being the intelligence behind all the laws of Nature (Amen, Maat, p28), African sages inferred the original form of the spiritual elements – unconditional love, truth, reality, and the natural – emanated out of the cosmic mind as the substance of God, like

PRAISE CONNECT

Deadline for all religion articles is Monday, 5 p.m. Send items to Tri-State Defender, 203 Beale St., Suite 200; Memphis, TN 38103, Email items to editorial@tri-statedefender.com. Call (901) 523-1818 for details.

DEADLINE

the sap flows throughout a tree.

This “Knowing” is what the Ancient African Bible says one is to look for when on the pursuit of “Right Living.”

Everything “Right” must contain these four Joseph A. Bailey, II, M.D. spiritual elements and accept nothing which contradicts them or by-passes them. When one “Knows” something, the something happening out of it is certainty.

Such certainty imparts self and method confidence in progressing towards ones highest self. It prevents being side-tracked by attractive distractions and defensiveness about/unaffected by contrary opinions.

“Knowing” God exists spurred ancient Africans to work harder to achieve the certainty of their ultimate destiny of returning to God in the same purified state in which each human was originally formed. Reflecting on all that is throughout the cosmic metaphysical and material realms made it clear that there are only a few principles and laws of nature and they are simply repeated over and over in different forms.

The presence of unity of all real things in both large and small patterns means it has an inherent intelligence (know-how instinct from God) guiding it. Also, their divine order is a symbol of “Rightness” for “How Shall I Live” in helping oneself and others.

That these principles of knowing, which are foundational to African tradition, apply in the present became intuitively evident to me as a student at Meharry Medical School (Nashville). One morning while looking through a microscope, I was awed by all the harmonious inner workings within a biological cell. Then that evening, when looking through a telescope, it was amazing to note in the sky very similar things seen in the cell earlier that morning. I then understood: “In each of us there is a little of all of us.

(Joseph A. Bailey, II, M.D. retired in 2000 after 40 years in an orthopaedic surgery/orthopaedic medicine/orthopaedic genetics private practice. He has written 32 books designed to help black youth think critically and rationally in handling personal problems and thriving in life.

His books include “Ancient African Bible Messages.”)

(Special to the NNPA from Black Voice News)

-A WEEKLY DIRECTORY OF MINISTERS & CHURCHES-

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

767 Walker Avenue Memphis, TN 38126

ASSOCIATE MINISTERS

901-946-4095 fax 948-8311

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

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

I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.

— Proverbs 1:7

—Ecclesiastes 9:11

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

(901) 948-3441

Early Morning..........7:45 AM Church School..........9:45 AM Morning Worship......11:00 AM Bible Study For Youth and Adults Tuesday - 7:00 PM “Spirit, Soul, and Body!”

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

TV Cable Access Broadcast Tuesdays, 7:30 PM, Channel 17 Website:www.saintandrewamec.org Child Care Center (901) 948-6441 Monday-Friday 6 AM- 5:30 PM Emergency Food Pantry & Clothes Closet Wednesday 6 PM-8 PM

Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson, Pastor Rev. Marilynn S. Robinson, Pastor

“Ministering to Memphis-Spirit, Soul and Body”

ENTERTAINMENT Tri-State Defender, Thursday, September 5 - 11, 2013, Page 8

FRE&H FRUIT

YAE Muzik

The business behind the music of an independent label

The sun was bouncing off my Air Jordan’s and Jay Z’s album, “Magna Carter,” was jumping through my headphones and into my thought pattern as I arrived early at The Tug Restaurant in Harbor Town for an interview with Marnie Byford, aka MB, and AnKelvin tonio Fleming, aka Cowans Cartier Hugo.

MB is a Caucasian woman and Hugo is an African-American man. So I jumped right in, asking what almost everyone would want to know, although most would be reluctant to broach.

“What brought you two together on this music game? When did black people and white people in the city of Memphis start making money together, seriously?”

MB managed a “ha.”

“Our day-to-day working with kids with special needs was how we actually met,” she said. “He’s a therapist and I’m a director. We had times when we would talk and we shared our love for music and what we both were doing and we hit it off from there.

Cartier was already an artist and I have run business before, so we merged the two.”

I asked Cartier what exactly he brings to the table.

“I was YAE Muzik, and that name comes from the Cartier shades I liked to wear all the time and I just added the word Muzik to it. I dropped my first album, ‘3000,’ back in 2009, produced by Blackout. … I’ve been in the game for a while.

I’m all about grown man music and that’s not what you’ll normally see in the music game today.

“So again, this became an immediate good luck for us both, as she came with a lot of the tech knowledge as far as website building and branding what we were about to build.”

Here’s the rest of my conversation with MB and Cartier: Kelvin Cowans: What would be the advantages of an artist in Memphis or the surrounding areas signing with your record label? Let’s say I’m an artist and I can rap or I can sing and I come to you guys. First thing I’m going to tell you is that I’m the hottest thing since August and that I need a signing bonus like Kendrick Lamar, so don’t make me LOL, what’s the deal pickle?

MB: I’d tell them to calm down because it’s more than just talent. If you don’t know the business, you’re not going anywhere. I spoke with a guy yesterday who said, “I need you to introduce me to famous people and get me a record deal.” Then (he) went on to ask us for Bobby Rush’s phone number. It just doesn’t work like that. There is a lot of work involved before you hit that stage. There’s encoding, sound exchange, copyrighting, production, publishing, budget, Internet, BMI etc.

Then you have social media and that’s what it’s really about today. It’s not really

Marnie Byford, aka MB, and Antonio Fleming, aka Cartier Hugo, are out to hook up with artists willing to “do the work” that it takes to go with them to the next level. (Photo: Kelvin Cowans)

about CDs and record stores anymore. If you don’t have online presence, then you’re really not known. There’s a lot of background that makes this business work.”

Cartier: There’s a saying that goes 10 percent talent and 90 percent business and that’s what new artists have to understand when they get in this game. This process is not short term. … As an independent label, we do all the grind work, but we keep all the money with the artist.”

KC: …So I’m watching the VMA’s (Video Music Awards) the other night and our hometown guy, Justin Timberlake, killed it; this is the truth. However, I must say that Miley Cyrus is the best female artist in the game right now. What do you think?

MB and Cartier: (Big laughs from both) MB: Miley Cyrus needs Jesus.

KC: OK, I was joking (about Miley Cyrus). She was twerking with Teddy bears. I couldn’t relate and with that being said, “What do you guys believe is the state of music right now, Memphis and beyond?”

MB: Coming from Philadelphia down here to Memphis, where Memphis is considered a city of music with a very deep history, to me that foundation is not there

anymore. These people are not here to help each other. They are willing to step on each other to get ahead. It’s definitely crabs in a bucket and that’s not how it should be; teamwork wins.

Cartier: I’m from Frayser and what I’ve been noticing from all around our city is that there is no unity. The DJs, street promoters, artists and the program directors, everybody has this attitude of if you’re not running in certain circles, then we can’t do business.”

KC: But money is green?

Cartier: I feel you but I’m telling you there’s something else going on here and it’s stifling the music game from Memphis. It’s really based on hate. So we just stay in our lane and work. On our label right now are E3, Floss Da Dean and Me. This is where we’re starting but not where we’ll finish.”

MB: I heard someone say that it’s the white’s trying to keep the blacks down and I totally disagree with that. Not to long ago I saw a round table picture of the executives of Cash Money Record’s and 95 percent of them were white and we all know that Bird Man, Ronald, Little Wayne, Drake, Nicki Minaj and all the others are getting money. That should kill that excuse and people should focus on doing busi-

28th Music Pioneer Awards 2013

Up & Coming

What: Rhythms and YAE Muzik Industry Mixer When: September 6 Where: 5958 Highway 54, Brownville, Tenn.

Details: Networking 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; showcase 9 p.m., with 1st, 2nd & 3rd place prizes.

Special guests: Super producer Blackout, J-Dogg of SelectO-Hits, producer Sleepy of Live Tones Studio and B.B. Kingʼs Blues Club

ness.

Race should not matter when you’re doing business. We’re living in the past here. … we realize that we have to branch out so that we can go to the next level and we’re going to take artists with us, if they are willing to do the work.

(MB & Cartier Hugo can be reached at www.yaemuzik.com.)

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

United Music Heritage, Inc. Director Dan Greer (left) on stage with Bill Withers (right), who was saluted at the annual Music Pioneer Awards at the New Daisy Theater last Thursday (Aug. 29). The 2013 awards show included awards to Lisa Bobal, George Coleman, Johnny “Cool” Johnson and posthumously to the late Sid Selvidge, with Wendell R. Bates a special honoree. An in memorium segment was devoted to Donna Summer, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Nathan “Pedro” Lewis, George Jackson, Earl Wright, Shelbra Deane Brooks, George Duke, the Rev. R.S. Bachus, Sid Selvidge, Rep. Lois M. Deberry, Tina L. Birchett, Julius Green, Roosevelt Jamison and Cory Macklin. A special tribute was given to Bernice Turner. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)

ENTERTAINMENT

Tri-State Defender

Page 9

September 5 - 11, 2013

Sept. 5-11, 2013

OPENING THIS WEEK

Kam’s Kapsules:

Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Kam Williams

For movies opening Sep. 6, 2013 BIG BUDGET FILMS

“Riddick” (R for profanity, nudity, sexuality and graphic violence) Third installment of the otherworldly sci-fi series finds Vin Diesel reprising his role as an alien antihero now left for dead on a desolate planet where he ends up in a struggle for survival after the arrival of bounty hunters searching for him. Cast includes Karl Urban, Bokeem Woodbine and Keri Hilson.

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS

“99%: The Occupy Wall Street Collaborative Film” (R for profanity) Class war documentary chronicles the birth of the Occupy Movement by following a motley assortment of activists camping out in lower Manhattan’s Zuccotti Park with hopes of creating a utopian alternative to the status quo.

“Adore” (R for profanity and sexually) Tale of forbidden love based on “The Grandmothers,” the Doris Lessing novella about a couple of lifelong best friends (Robin Wright and Naomi Watts) who seduce each other’s son (Xavier Samuel and James Frecheville). With Bob Mendelsohn, Jessica Tovey and Sophie Lowe.

“Best Kept Secret” (Unrated) Special Ed documentary, set at Newark’s JFK High School, and following the efforts of a dedicated teacher to find jobs for autistic students in the Class of 2012 so that they can be come productive members of society rather than end up institutionalized or on the streets.

“Fire in the Blood” (Unrated) Revealing expose’ relating the shocking story of how pharmaceutical companies conspired with Western governments to prevent sub-Saharan African nations from acquiring affordable HIV drugs, thereby leading to over ten million unnecessary deaths from AIDS. Includes appearances by Bishop Desmond Tutu and President Bill Clinton.

“Good Ol’ Freda” (PG for smoking and mature themes) Beatles documentary featuring the reminiscences about the Fab Four by their longtime secretary, Freda Kelly.

“Hell Baby” (R for sexuality, profanity, drug use, graphic nudity and gory violence) Horror comedy revolving around an expectant couple (Rob Corddry and Leslie Bibb) whose

lives unravel after moving into a haunted house in New Orleans. Cast includes Alex Berg, Keegan Michael Key and Robert Ben Garant.

“Out of the Clear Blue Sky” (Unrated) 9/11 documentary examining the fallout of the terrorist attack on Cantor Fitzgerald, a brokerage firm which lost 658 of its 960 employees when one of the hijacked aircraft crashed into the World Trade Center’s North Tower.

“Populaire” (R for sexuality) French farce, set in 1958, about an applicant (Deborah Francois) for a secretarial position at an insurance company who is informed by her prospective employer (Romain Duris) that she’ll have to win a speed typing competition in order to land the job. With Berenice Bejo, Shaun Benson and Melanie Bernier. (In French with subtitles) “Red Obsession” (Unrated) East meets West documentary, narrated by Russell Crowe between Bordeaux and Beijing, documenting how China’s burgeoning demand for the world’s best wines has created a market bubble waiting to burst.

“Salinger” (PG-13 for smoking, mature themes and disturbing images) Skeletons out of the closet biopic offering an inside look at the life and times of J.D. Salinger, the notoriously reclusive author of “The Catcher in the Rye.” Featuring commentary by 150 luminaries, including Philip Seymour Hoffman, Tom Wolfe, Gore Vidal, John Cusack

HOROSCOPES

and Martin Sheen.

“A Teacher” (Unrated) Jailbait drama, set in Austin, Texas, about a high school teacher (Lindsay Burdge) whose life falls apart after she crosses an ethical line by sleeping with one of her students (Will Brittain). Supporting cast includes Jennifer Prodiger, Julie Dell Phillips and Jonny Mars.

“Things Never Said” (R for sexuality and pervasive profanity) Dysfunctional family drama about a miserably-married woman (Shanola Hampton) who uses poetry as an outlet to express her feelings about a miscarriage and about being beaten by her abusive husband (Elimu Nelson). With Omari Hardwick, Tamala Jones and Dorian Missick.

“Touchy Feely” (R for language, drug use and brief sexuality) Sibling rivalry drama about a massage therapist (Rosemary DeWitt) who develops a phobia about making any physical contact with human skin at the same time that her dentist brother (Josh Pais) discovers that he has a miraculous healing touch. Supporting cast includes Ellen Page, Ron Livingston and Allison Janney.

“Winnie Mandela” (R for violence and profanity) Jennifer Hudson portrays the title character in this biopic chronicling the life and times of Nelson Mandela’s (Terrence Howard) first wife. With Elias Koteas, Wendy Crewson and Angelique Pretorius.

ARIES Confusion exists over some question, and every time you think you’ve got the answer, circumstances will change and new information will come to your attention. Don’t worry, things are going to clear up. Take it easy. Change the question.

TAURUS Communications flow smoothly this week and your word is golden. A wild idea for money making could come to you, but you should let the strictly material walk on by. Stick to your current plan and use your imagination for ways to up-level your spiritual outlook.

GEMINI A gathering with friends from the past will give you the opportunity to see how much you are loved. You’ve made tremendous strides and accomplished much in your life, so be pleased with yourself. Pass some of your wisdom along.

CANCER An afterglow will surround you if you summon it up from your subconscious, and you may not feel like getting immediately into work-mode on several days this week. It’s okay to go with your feelings; the world will wait for a little while.

LEO Your mind will be extra busy this week with thoughts of new projects and the things you want to get done. Best course of action is to clear up pending and overdue items. You’ll have a clean slate in no time and will feel genuinely content and ready for the new stuff.

VIRGO You should know by now that trying to be in two places at once is very taxing to your nerves! Slow down a bit and trust that you’ll get what needs to be done accomplished. Give yourself a head start on all road trips so that you have time to enjoy the view. Love promises much this week. Accept the promise.

LIBRA A friend from the past could suddenly appear in your life. This could be a highly beneficial reunion for both of you. Let bygones be bygones, and renew this friendship. Love isn’t used up just because it’s shared.

SCORPIO Drive the speed limit this week or you could wind up with a ticket. Why rush? Serenity is available if you only stop and listen for it inside of you. Discharge your usual obligations with dignity and silently count your blessings.

SAGITTARIUS Trust! – that’s what you need to do. Sure people lie sometime but when you know their hearts you know what to expect and therefore you’re not deceived. Be prepared for lots of compliments this week. Most of them will be sincere, so plan to accept them gracefully.

CAPRICORN Live free and large, and cherish good friends.

Financial matters are highlighted during working hours. Everything to do with your money, or money under your care, goes smoothly. A party invitation arrives … say YES! AQUARIUS An ambition that you thought you had left behind years ago suddenly resurfaces, and you’ll see similarities between what you are doing now and what you dreamed of back then. Enjoy!

PISCES No need for rowdiness, wild ones! You can make your point without jumping up and down and waving your hands and arms in the air!

Speak your wisdom softly, gently this week, so that others can hear it and benefit, smooth one!

Source: NNPA News Source

Page 10

ENTERTAINMENT

Queen Latifah set to host new talk show Will and Jada Smith executive producers NNPA News Service

She’s conquered hip-hop, Hollywood and Broadway; but now Queen Latifah is out to conquer daytime television with a new talk show. “The Queen Latifah Show” debuts nationally on Sept. 16. For Latifah, the latest venture is just another feather in her already impressive cap.

“My show is going to be an entertaining and eclectic mix of interviews with real people as well as celebrities – people who are fun and fascinating,” said Latifah in a released statement. “It will be a program you can tune into to feel good every day. I also think it will inspire people who watch it. I know I’ve certainly been inspired by a lot of the stories we plan to share.”

The show comes with some weighty names attached to it. Along with Oscar nominee, Latifah, the show is executively produced by

power couple, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith.

“My partner, Shakim (Compere) and I have a long history with Will and Jada Smith, and we have always wanted to find a way to do something big together,” said Latifah, born Dana Owens. “We all thought this was the perfect project, and since Will and Jada’s company Overbrook has a relationship with Sony, we’re excited to be doing it with them as well. It’s definitely a family affair.

“Shakim and I actually grew up together. My ,om was his teacher and we started Flavor Unit together back in 1993. We have been friends with the Smiths for years. I was on ‘Fresh Prince’ with Will, and Jada and I were in a film together called ‘Set it Off.’ We have a long history and I definitely feel like we grew up together in Hollywood.”

The Queen said she reached out to several talk show greats, including Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres and Jimmy Falon, for advice on her show.

“They’ve all been terrifically helpful and encouraging,” said Latifah.

The show’s set designer is also an impressive name in entertainment.

The set was designed but rock/soul icon Lenny Kravitz.

“I can’t wait for people to see it.

Not only is Lenny an incredible musician, but he and his team are amazing designers,” said Latifah.

The hour-long show hopes to showcase Latifah’s range as a multi-award winning entertainer and her distinct ability to connect with people. The multi-topic, daily syndicated show will feature a mix of celebrity interviews, human-interest stories, musical performances and Queen Latifah’s unique – often comedic take – on pop culture.

The program will be taped in front of a live studio audience at Sony Pictures Studios in Los Angeles, and will air on CBS owned-and-operated channels.

“I am nervous because it is always overwhelming to start something new (but) I am excited to hear people’s stories and share in their journeys,” said Latifah.

(Special to the NNPA from the Insight News)

‘Soul Food: The Surprising Story of an American Cuisine’ Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Kam Williams

In recent years, soul food has gotten a bad rap, basically because many folks have come to think of it as unhealthy.

Some have even gone so far as to indict it as the leading cause of chronic diseases and early death among African-American men over 40.

But Adrian Miller would be more inclined to blame it on a shift in the black diet’s away from traditional cuisine in favor of processed and fast food. Miller, a certified barbecue judge from Denver, Colo., does concede, however, that soul food dishes were originally higher in sugar and fat than their southern food counterparts, since these ingredients were needed to spice up what were the master’s leftovers which were generally starchier, blander and bonier.

In this highly-informative opus, the author not only relates the history of soul food in intimate fashion, one plate at a time, but he includes 22 recipes for such scrumptious staples as Macaroni and Cheese, Catfish Curry, Deep-Fried Chitlins, Fried Chicken, Cornbread, Candied Yams,

CLASSIFIEDS

Tri-State Defender

September 5 - 11, 2013

Black-Eyed Peas, Banana Pudding and Peach Crisp.

The book is filled with fascinating factoids. For instance, in a chapter entitled, “Chitlins: A Love Story,” we learn that pig intestines were once a delicacy appreciated as much by masters as by slaves. When Confederate General Joseph Wheeler’s cavalry stopped at a plantation in search of sustenance, his men devoured the chitlins offered so quickly that he didn’t get a bite.

A chapter playfully called, “Sometimes I feel Like Motherless Greens,” discusses the differences among the dozen of leafy plants regularly found on the dinner tables of down home chefs, such as cabbage, collards, kale, watercress, lettuce, dandelion, and turnip and beet greens, to name a few.

By book’s end, it is obvious that the author is concerned that his favorite culinary fare might soon become extinct. Thus, it’s no surprise when he chooses to close his heartfelt homage with the impassioned conviction that despite the changing times, “Soul food can keep its flavor without losing its soul.”

Here’s an excerpt from the preface (pages xiii-xiv):

“From frontier cabins to plantation houses to the White House, from steamboat galleys and Pullman kitchens to public barbecues and fish fries and private homes without number, black chefs and cooks and servants have elevated the art of American cookery and distinguished themselves in the process, and they and all other Americans need to see the story fully told…

“This is the story of soul food.

Down through history, AfricanAmerican cuisine has gone by several names since enslaved West Africans arrived in British North America: slave food, the master’s leftovers, southern food, country cooking, home cooking, down home cooking…

“Of them, southern food and soul food are the labels most used, but they also tend to confuse. This book explores where southern food ends and soul food begins, and why soul food became the most recognized aspect of African-American cooking.”

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Tri-State Defender

Page 11

September 5 - 11, 2013

CHEF TIMOTHY

We are all toxic – really?

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

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

In the past 50 to 60 years our environment has become progressively more poll u t e d , which has resulted in a larger h u m a n toxic burDr. Timothy den than ever beMoore f o r e .

Chemicals are being produced, tested and introduced into our environment at a frightening rate. It doesn’t matter where we are or in what part of the county we live, everyone will have some level of exposure to toxins.

These invisible toxins are in our prescription drugs, household cleaners, alcohol, tobacco, and over-the-counter drugs. It is virtually impossible to keep our bodies free of these substances, unless of course we live in a bubble.

Our bodies are composed of many organs, but our liver carries the greatest burden. The liver has the task of disposing of foreign substances, as well as body-produced hormones. We can assist in this process by providing our body with enough of the proper nutrients to help the liver function.

The western-American diet today is totally different than in the past. It is now comprised of high fat and sugars and nutrientfree vegetables, fruits, grains and anabolic and hormone-laden meats. This unhealthy diet does not provide adequate nutrients for our metabolic purposes, including detoxification.

These dietary habits and the limited variety of nutrientbased foods we eat can result in allergies to some of the most common foods, such as wheat, peanut butter, egg and soy.

We can often build up many potentially toxic substances in our body by making unwise dietary choices and careless decisions.

It has been reported that approximately 25 percent of the U.S. population have a condition called fatty liver. This means an increased amount of fat in the liver. The primary role of the liver is the detoxification process in the body.

We read and hear of so many ways to detoxify our body, such as juice, pills, colonoscopy, water and certain foods. To some extent they may work, but in most cases they don’t, leaving out some very key components to the detoxification process.

People often say they are drinking alkaline water, and there’s nothing wrong with drinking that type of water. The problem is our food choices have not changed, so it is like brushing our teeth in the morning with no toothpaste.

An important step to take when detoxifying is to exercise, which increases oxygen delivery to all your tissues and increases your body temperature and metabolism. This makes your body more efficient at breaking down and eliminating toxins. It also increases the flow of lymphatic fluid, which assists your body in the detoxing process.

One key way to lose weight is to exercise. Exercise helps to remove toxins and unwanted fat by improving bowel elimination, which is one way toxins are removed from the body.

About 60 percent of toxins are released from the body through the mouth; 30 percent are released with bowel elimination; six percent through urination; and four percent through the skin.

So whatever your detoxification methods may be, you need to make exercising a part of your program.

(Dr. Timothy Moore teaches nutrition, heart disease and diabetes reversal through a plantbased lifestyle. A professional speaker, wellness coach and personal plant-based chef, he’s the author of “47 Tips To Reverse Your Diabetes.’’ Reach him by email at cheftimothy@cheftimothymoore .com or visit www.cheftimothy moore.com or www.twitter.com/ cheftimmoore.)

Getting down for the cause…

Pat Carter and Billie Carter share a dance aided by the sounds of Ruby Wilson and DJ Kenny Lackey in Morris Park at Poplar and Manassas on Labor Day. He has been feeding the homeless for the last 28 years. Support came from High Rollers Motorcycle Club, with donated material aplenty. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

Networking thoughts…

What friends do…

Members of the Ford family were special guests at the home of Eugene Phillips last Friday (Aug. 30). Phillips, a long-time friend of the family, used the occasion to deliver a belated birthday present to Joyce Ford Miller (left). (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

Bob Butler (right), president of the National Association of Black Journalists, visited the offices of The New Tri-State Defender on Wednesday, where he met with TSD President and Publisher Bernal E. Smith II. Butler traveled to Memphis along with Maurice Foster, Esq., NABJʼs executive director. (Photo: Shirley Jackson)

Teacher LaQuandra Rhodes had her students focused on reading. (Photos: Karanja A. Ajanaku)

EDUCATION

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

here. It is going to be very exciting to see all the different kinds of schools and to see what that leads to in terms of opportunity for kids.”

While the session with the teachers was set to be closed to the media, Huffman said he would be interested in the teachers’ perceptions about teaching in ASD schools compared to where they were before.

“I want to hear what they are thinking,” he said.

Whitney’s story

As part of the ASD, Whitney, which is 90-plus percent filled with African American students from low-income families, is immersed in the district’s goal of moving the bottom five percent of schools in the state to the top 25 percent in five years.

During the summer, Broughton engineered doorto-walks through the Frayser community to talk with par-

ents. She wanted to know what they wanted to see at the school and shared what she and the staff hand in the works.

“Many of the students had moved away to enroll in optional schools and many of those students have come back,” she said. “They brought their students back because they said, ‘You, all are doing the same kinds of things and I don’t have to drive.’”

The school building was designed for almost 700 students, with about 360 expected this year. Instead, enrollment topped the 400-mark and more teachers had to be brought aboard.

Broughton, who grew up in Forrest City, Ark., went to college in Dallas and lived and worked in Atlanta before coming to Memphis to be part of change. She worked at George Washington Carver High School and Westside Middle School (also in Frayser) before making the transition to Whitney.

“I wanted this school because I wanted to let them (Frayser parents and students)

State Rep. Barbara Cooper (District 86), a former teacher, shares a word with a student.

know that I did not give up on them,” she said. “I understood the needs of our community and that is what I have a passion for.”

Broughton has two children, a daughter who has graduated from college, and her son, Timothy, who is a running back on the Tennessee State University football team. This fall, he will share his story with Whitney students.

“He had a lot of bumps and knocks, but we would not let him give up and that’s what he wants to share now,” she said.

“He never thought he would make it and he graduates in December.”

On Wednesday, Rep. Cooper, who represents the district, said while the visit was short, she saw the kids engaged and that the teachers’ techniques were good. She taught schools for many years.

“You have to have the parents, but you don’t get the parents by putting them in jail or threatening to fine them,”

Cooper said.

“You’ve got to do something meaningful. You’ve got to build their trust so that the parents can leave their child there knowing that you are going to do what’s best for the child and know that they (parents) can call you anytime.”

Community partners

Life Line to Success Executive Director DeAndre D. Brown Sr. also toured Whitney during the visit by Commissioner Huffman. His ministry concentrates on MidSouth ex-offenders seeking to change their lives.

“We attempt to mentor those who may be at risk,” said Brown, explaining his interest in schools such as Whitney. “We’ve been working really closely with the middle schools and do some community service projects at the elementary schools.”

Wednesday’s visit by Huffman, he said, was another ele-

ment in an effort to “really change the culture…turning loose of all those socially acceptable norms, those negatives …that it’s not OK to go school, that it’s not OK to be smart.”

At Whitney and in other schools, Brown said he sees the seeds of a change in behavior. “A lot of schools in these neighborhoods, behavior is the main issue…you can see students paying attention (now)…”

Bring the passion

Broughton said Whitney teachers, staff and administrators “cannot do this work unless you have passion and that you know that you are called to do this work,” she said.

“This work extends far more than the classroom. And if you do not have a heart for the work, you will develop a mindset of mediocrity, and that is what we cannot do here.”

SPORTS Tri-State Defender, Thursday, Sports 5 - 11, 2013, Page 12

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Tigers look for the measure of progress TSD staff report

Derwin Martin follows the blocking of Marshun Jones, who did plenty of running against Fairley. (Photos: Christopher Hope)

‘Respect the Haven’ Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Christopher Hope

The slogan at Whitehaven High School is “Respect the Haven” but someone who felt like being disrespectful spray-painted Fairly Bulldogs and FHS on the schools newly renovated field and track before last Friday’s football game.

The audacity was disheartening to many, including Memphis Police Department officer J.E. Kirkwood, who viewed it before the Eagles took on the Bulldogs.

“Even though they vandalized the field, I’d rather they do that than shoot one another,” said Kirkwood. “I hope they (Whitehaven) just handle it on the field.”

And that’s EXACTLY what the Tigers did.

On Whitehaven’s first three offensive possessions, the Tigers scored three touchdowns, with the third wiped out by a penalty.

Marshun Jones, 5’9” 175 lbs, set the tone early with carries of 56 and 67 yards. He finished with 146 yards in a 63-8 Respect-theHaven rout.

Whitehavenʼs Marshun Jones set the tone early with 2 carries for 123 yards (56 yards and 67 yards) for 2 touchdowns on their first two offensive plays. He finished with 146 yards.

Defensive Coach Errol Harmon gives out instructions during the first half.

Memphis Police Department officers and Whitehaven High School football assistants inspect the work of vandals who defaced the schoolʼs new field.

Central vs. Mitchell

Dejuan McQuarters (above) of Mitchell tries to slow down Central quarterback Deddrick Thomas. (At right) Lester Holt of Mitchell High School is in hot pursuit of Central High Schoolʼs Jarret Clayton in a game Central won 32 to 21. (Photos Warren Roseborough)

For the University of Memphis football Tigers, Saturday is measuring day. Time to get a handle on how much progress has been made since the last encounter head coach Justin Fuente and the Tigers had with Duke’s Blue Devils.

The two teams strap it up on Saturday – the first game of the year for the U of M and the second for Duke. Last year, as Fuente recalled, the Blue Devils “out gained us in every aspect of the game. We’re looking forward to seeing how far w e ’ v e come.”

T h i s year ’s Tigers have continued to b a t t l e through, Justin he said.

Fuente “ We ’ r e still trying to preach consistency and playing smart and limiting mistakes. It was a tough camp. … I’m proud of the way our guys are continuing to buy in to what we’re doing and get invested into the program.”

On Monday (Sept. 2), Fuente held his weekly press conference, setting the stage for the opening of the 2013-14 season, the Tigers’ first in the new American Athletic Conference.

So, how does he feel in his second year as head coach?

“If we suit out 105 guys, I think there will be 105 guys that know what is expected of them. It’s nice to have the entire staff back,” he said. “It’s great for the guys to hear the same voice for two years in a row. I feel better about that part of it. Everybody knows their role.”

One of the points of measurement will be the depth of the Tigers. Already, more depth has had an impact, Fuente said, pointing to the effect on intrasquad competition.

“We have been able to hold guys accountable through competition. Whether its young guys or old guys, we don’t care.

This staff wants to put the guys out there that can do what is best for the team,” he said.

At quarterback, the Tigers are going with first-time starter Paxton Lynch.

“We won’t change because it his first start. We just want the kid to go out and relax and play ball and run the things that he has run eight thousand times since he has been here,” Fuente said.

“He is a pretty laid back kind of guy, so I don’t anticipate him being a wreck out there. We will call the game and let him go.”

Lynch and the Tigers will face a Duke defense that has probably taken a long look at “what they’ve done defensively and maybe tweaked a few things to give themselves a bit better chance of success.”

Defensively, said Fuente, coach David Cutcliffe would probably say that the Blue Devils front seven are older, mature and good football players. “They’re almost all juniors or seniors. Their two defensive ends are good football players. (Ross) Cockrell is a marquee corner for them.”

On offense, Duke presents a two-for problem “When you call a defense, you’ve got to fit it to the people that are on the field.

That’s the only information that you have,” said Fuente.

“When you’ve got a couple guys back there that one’s your short yardage power guy and another is your guy that can run around the edge a little bit more, it can cause you some issues.”

The Duke offense is experience up front and “pretty darn good”, said Fuente.

For the Tigers, that means another point of measurement.

NOTE: The MemphisDuke kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium and will be nationally televised on ESPN 3.