9 19 2012

VOL. 61, No. 37

www.tsdmemphis.com

September 13 - 19, 2012

75 Cents

Back to the future for Dr. Herenton New academy links him to Memphis City Schools Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Dorothy Bracy Alston In August 2013, the Thurgood Marshall Academy will open as a Memphis Public Charter School and a helping hand for youth in the custody or care of MemphisShelby County Juvenile Court. It will have a very familiar local imprint.

“My hands – my personal and profes-

sional hands – will be all over the program in terms of day-to-day monitoring and supervision,” said Dr. Willie W. Herenton, former Memphis City Schools (MCS) superintendent and Memphis’ longest-serving mayor.

The official word about the new academy was delivered Wednesday (Sept. 12) during a news conference at the MCS Teaching and Learning Academy on Union at Avery. With Herenton stood MCS Supt.

Dr. Kriner Cash and Memphis and Shelby County Juvenile Court Judge, Curtis S. Person Jr. “This is a promising venture,” said Cash. “We’ve been collaborating over several months. We want to reverse the trend to get kids on a positive and post-secondary track.”

“All of the partners are here and we are going to turn this troubling pattern around.

This is a nationwide problem, not just a community issue. We all need to do our part to correct it.”

With fourteen charter schools approved, Thurgood Marshall Academy will be the first to open based on the W.E. B. DuBois consortium model. The focus will be on students (grades six through twelve) who are expelled from school for minor infractions and get supervised or unsupervised probation. It will come replete with holistic services from academics to counseling to mental health services to parental support. MCS will provide the resources; HerSEE SCHOOL ON PAGE 2

Dr. Willie W. Herenton

Will young ‘people of color’ vote? kajanaku@tri-statedefender.com

by Karanja A. Ajanaku

A voting rights session at the Democratic National Convention had just ended when Khari Johnson, a high school student from Jackson, Miss., emerged from the room with a look of seriousness.

Johnson had heard a lot about threats to the right to vote and that’s what drew him to the panel discussion that featured some voting-rights heavyweights. “I thought because I am 17 – I will be 18 next year – that it is important and that I need to hear these things,” he said.

That was before this week’s release of a report by the Black Youth Project. According to the report, election turnout among young people of color, including African Americans, Latinos and Native Americans, may drop by nearly 700,000 voters in states with new photo ID laws. Such a decline, the researchers said, could potentially impact presidential contests in the battleground states of Florida and Pennsylvania.

Completed by Cathy Cohen, a University of Chicago political science professor, and Jon C. Rogowski, an assistant political science professor at Washington University, the report found that turnout among young minority voters in states with new restrictive ID laws could fall below 2004 and 2008 levels. The projections include African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, Native Americans and Pacific Islanders.

“The demobilizing effects of these new laws are likely to be greater among young people of color than for young whites,” said Cohen. “We estimate that between 538,000 and 696,000 young people of color may be demobilized by photo ID laws that dilute the influence of young voters of color at the ballot box, potentially shifting outcomes in competitive races.”

Over the last two years, more than two-thirds of the nation’s 50 states have sought to increase restrictions on the kinds of identification that citizens must show before being allowed to vote, according to the report. As a result, nine states now have laws requiring citizens to show government-issued photo identification before casting a ballot. Eight other states enacted similar measures, but offer a limited set of alternatives for those without IDs. Only two of these laws were enacted prior to the 2008 election.

Some of the photo ID proposals have been defeated or denied. For instance, the U.S. Department of Justice invoked the Voting Rights Act and reSEE VOTE ON PAGE 5

MEMPHIS WEEKEND

FRIDAY

H- 8 4o - L - 6 0o P a r tl y C l oud y

SATURDAY

H- 8 3o - L - 6 3o Few Sho wers

REGIONAL TEMPS LITTLE ROCK NASHVILLE JACKSON, MS

Friday H-84 L-64 H-84 L-58 H-88 L-63

SUNDAY

H- 8 1o - L - 6 2o Most ly Clo ud y

Saturday H-82 L-65 H-80 L-59 H-88 L-64

Sunday H-80 L-64 H-81 L-62 H-80 L-64

Classic moves…

The Southern Heritage Classic – year 23 – once again was a tailgatersʼ delight. See related photos and story on Sports, page 13, and the SHC review on page 14. (Photo by Warren Roseborough)

Peer-powered Prestige Awards salute teachers ʻNo greater honorʼ say honorees

by Bernadette ShinaultDavis Special to The New Tri-State Defender

“I teach. I am leading the change,” is one of the many slogans for the Memphis City School’s initiative to recognize and celebrate educators who are making a difference in the Memphis City School system. Teachers nominate and vote for their colleagues based on the quality of their day-to-day contributions to teaching, learning and student achievement.

“One of the things the campaign strives to do is to bring back the prestige to the teaching profession,” said Dr. Sherrish Holloman, MCS’s teacher support coordinator.

- INSIDE -

• Carver student leader is down for the cause. See Community, page 7.

• Labor champion mourned

by AFSCME 1733. See Legacy, page 9.

• Inside the world of Suave House’s Tony Draper. See Entertainment, page 10.

• Disney’s ice show gives “The Princess and The Frog” African-American flavor. See Entertainment, page 10.

The “I teach. I am” campaign can be seen throughout Memphis on buses, bus shelters, transits, billboards, websites and schools. The 2012 Prestige Award ceremony held Tuesday (Sept. 11) at Memphis Botanic Garden is part of the campaign. The umbrella for it all is the Teacher Effectiveness Initiative – a district-wide commitment to dramatically improve student growth and achievement by ensuring that a wellprepared, highly effective professional instructor is in every classroom.

“We cannot afford to lose any of our effective teachers while we are on the path of growing our other teachers, said Tequilla Banks, TEI executive director.

Prestige Award honorees Stacey Taylor (Northside Innovative) and Shawn Hayes (Fairley Elementary) both work by the motto: I am teach. I am. (Photo courtesy of Kingdom Quality Communications, Inc.)

Nominees for the “I teach. I am” Prestige Awards range from first-year teachers to veteran educators with 30 plus years of service with MCS. “We are absolutely committed to recognizing our top performers so that we can retain them in our district,” said Banks.

Rosemary Winters, a 2011 and 2012 awards recipient and a teacher at Ford Road Elementary, said no teaching honor she ever has received compares to the Prestige Awards “because my peers selected me to repreSEE TEACH ON PAGE 2

‘Gas For Guns’ ambitious strike against homicides Special to the Tri-State Defender

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Major players in Saturday’s Gas for Guns event have high hopes for a decline in homicides and gun violence on Memphis streets. Memphis Mayor AC Wharton is particularly optimistic.

“While it is understood that one campaign like this will not rid our streets completely of gun violence, we feel that the best way to reduce this very critical issue is to hit it from all sides,” said Mayor Wharton. “Together, with some of the wonderful initiatives by Memphis Police Chief Toney Armstrong and MPD, we can make our streets safer for everyone.”

The Rev. Ralph White of Bloomfield Baptist Church in South Memphis is “ground zero” for the Gas for Guns on Saturday, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. A firearm may be turned in without penalty for a $50.00 gas card – no questions asked. Up to three guns per person may be surrendered for three gas cards — $150 worth of gas from any Mapco.

New Orleans, Louisiana and Nashville are among several cities which have implemented the program in recent years. Both eliminated nearly 300 firearms from urban streets in a single day.

“It’s no questions asked,” said Mayor Wharton. “We will not be running any ballistics testing for gun

crimes. We won’t be doing any investigations on whether the guns are stolen. This is about preventing crimes and building trust within our communities. We are forging a partnership with our citizens to make our streets safer.”

Each participant will also get a pair of Memphis Grizzlies tickets.

“We appreciate all the sponsors who came together to make this all possible – Mapco, MPD, Mayor Wharton, Clear Channel, and the Memphis Grizzlies,” said Rev. White.

“But a special thanks goes to Ronald Kent who got everybody to the table.”

Kent, proprietor of China Inn and SEE GUNS ON PAGE 2

NEWS

Page 2

Memphis City Schools Supt. Dr. Kriner Cash with 2012 Prestige Award honorees Kiva Mallory (left) and Debra “Kay” Hardin. Teachers were nominated by their peers and awarded for their outstanding work in the classroom.

TEACH

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

sent them. And no one knows better than teachers the challenges we face in our classrooms, the district and the community.”

Erica Bryant, a Westside Middle School winner, said she was new to the school and “had no idea the work I was doing impacted other teachers.” She credits the “I teach. I am” campaign for positively affecting the climate among

SCHOOL

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

enton and his team will provide the vision, curriculum, cultural relevance and leadership.

“This is big,” said Cash, envisioning success and a national model. “It will be watched all over the country.”

“Cash and I are urban educators,” said Herenton. “Some look at us as politicians, but my passion has always been education. I never left school out of my plans. Now, late in life, God has allowed me to engage in educating and addressing those deficiencies and needs of the human population here in Memphis.”

For context, Herenton turned to a Biblical quote: “For as much as you have done it unto the least of these, you have done it unto me.” He followed up with a declaration to move on every major stakeholder in the Memphis community.

“We plan to write letters to key community leaders, clergy, corporate, higher-ed administrators, medical etc. It will be a comprehensive collaborative and every major stakeholder will play a role.”

Since Feb. 2010, Juvenile Court has been the home of Hope Academy, under the leadership of veteran educator, Michael J. Smith. Judge Person lauded the program, the new collaborative and the resolve of Herenton and Cash to fulfill a big need.

“Since the program and partnership with Memphis City Schools began, almost 2,000 kids have been helped and we’ve seen a 51 percent drop in offenses. This keeps kids out of the Juvenile Court system,” said Person.

“My predecessor, Judge

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Tri-State Defender

September 13 - 19, 2012

teachers and students at her school. “The environment has changed around the school, teachers are doing more,” said Bryant.

The honorees – 130-plus – earlier received photo shoots as part of the prize packages. The images are featured in the public service ads visible throughout the city.

Keith Williams, Memphis Education Association president, reminded honorees that they were the heart and soul of teaching.

“It is extremely heartfelt for

“Cash and I are urban educators. Some look at us as politicians, but my passion has always been education. I never left school out of my plans.

Now, late in life, God has allowed me to engage in educating and addressing those deficiencies and needs of the human population here in Memphis.”

Dr. Willie W. Herenton “There are 236 students now on supervised probation. Northside is under populated. It has moved out of high priority status. They have a strong community base and they have a health center. We can build around that for Thurgood Marshall.”

Dr. Kriner Cash Kenneth Turner, wanted a school in Juvenile Court and it didn’t happen. But I invited Dr. Cash and Chief Darling for lunch and told them about the need for a school (at Juvenile Court). They embraced it and made it happen.”

Cash, Herenton and Person each shared personal stories of how young people such as those who will be served by the academy simply need a little intervention.

“They are not criminals, but because they had a bad weekend, they come to school angry and get into trouble and are sent to Juvenile Court,” said Cash.

With a memorandum of understanding yet to be approved

us to recognize some of the most effective teachers in the district and in the classrooms in this school system, you are indeed the leaders of the pack,” said Williams.

A special tribute was given to Kellee Davis, a former Hawkins Mill Elementary School teacher and 2012 honoree, who taught until May 2012 when Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) took her life.

Melanie Nelson, Hawkins Mill’s principal, said Davis really cared for her students and their wellbeing.

and programmatic details still emerging, one thing is for certain, said Cash. “They will have tough love, cultural diversity, but they will have to meet state academic standards.”

Northside High School appears to be the chosen location for the first Thurgood Marshall Academy.

“There are 236 students now on supervised probation.

Northside is under populated.

It has moved out of high priority status. They have a strong community base and they have a health center. We can build around that for Thurgood Marshall,” according to Cash.

“He doesn’t know it yet, but there are multiple schools in the plan for Dr. Herenton,” said Cash. “We want region-based satellites of this type of school.”

The announcement of the academy came during the allday Educational Community Forum hosted by Memphis City Schools, Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth, and the Shelby County Disproportionate Minority Taskforce. Shelby County Unified School Board Chairman Billy Orgel gave celebratory remarks and numerous other political and community leaders also attended.

(Dorothy Bracy Alston is a journalist, author, freelance writer and, adjunct English professor. Visit Dorothy’s blog at http://www.CisbaAssociates.blogspot.com; join her on Facebook at www. facebook.com/dorothybracyals ton, email her at DBAlston@hotmail.com or call 901570-3923.)

Rhonda Mitchell, a 2012 Prestige Award honoree, poses with her certificate presented for being an “irreplaceable” educator in Memphis City Schools. (Photos courtesy of Kingdom Quality Communications, Inc.)

Superintendent Kriner Cash wrapped up the 2012 Prestige Awards ceremony. He told the honorees that they were part of one of the best professions and to be encouraged about the work they do. ”I teach. I am” inspires me every day, you inspire me,” said Cash, who also encouraged teachers to stay in the MCS school system. “You are irreplaceable.”

Cash said the campaign to encourage outstanding teachers would be ongoing and also includes efforts to make sure

GUNS

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

Chow Time Restaurants, approached Tony McLarty, vicepresident of community relations for Mapco, after witnessing Nashville’s success with the program.

“I told Tony that Nashville was a wonderful city to have implement Gas for Guns,” said Kent, “but Memphis was an even greater place for it because of our high statistics for gun violence and homicides.

“Tony asked me to make contact with Victor Ortega, and I was asked to get the city

they have the tools needed to continue to be effective for students.

Everybody is talking about Memphis and the work teachers are doing for the students in the Memphis City School System, he said.

Their own words

“I think the campaign is a good way for the community to see that we have really good teachers and recognize their hard work.”

– Vicki Houlihan, Avon

mayor on board, get a church involved, and things just all came together from there.”

Those planning to surrender firearms are asked to place weapons in a paper bag, a box, a backpack, or some other encasement. All firearms should be unloaded during the submission process.

Clear Channel will sponsor a remote broadcast live from the event. Ex-felons and victims of gun violence will be featured during a seminar called “Done with Guns,” aimed at young people and sponsored by City Councilman Myron Lowery.

Mayor Wharton is hopeful

Lenox Special Education Schools

“It pushes you to continue to want to do things to better yourself and your students.”

– Theodore Williams, Kirby Middle School

“There is no greater honor than from the people you work with everyday…. “These are the people that work hands on with you every day and see the work you do. These are the people that have faith in you.”

– Shawn Hayes, Fairley Elementary Scho\ol

that the event will do a bit more than just take a bite out of crime.

“Eighty-seven percent of homicides in Memphis this year have been committed with a firearm, and a gun has been used in 67 percent of aggravated assaults. Many of these crimes are committed by young people under the age of 24.

“We’ve got to get these guns in on Saturday. It might be the grandmother who lives down the block, or a friend without a record. It could be the family dog. We don’t care. Gas for Guns is a part of our overall effort to get guns off our streets.”

HEALTH

Tri-State Defender

Page 3

September 13 - 19, 2012

CHEF TIMOTHY

Which is healthier: Organic foods or conventional foods?

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

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

A few months ago I sat down with a group of local farmers and inquired about organic fruits and vegetables vs. non-organic.

I asked them Dr. Timothy if they’d g r o w n Moore anything organic and, if so, whether they were selling them in local stores and markets. I was surprised to learn that the farmers were indeed growing organic fruits and vegetables and selling them throughout the region.

My next question was about organic labeling or tags on produce. They explained that smaller farmers weren’t able to afford the organic certification label that you’d find on organic produce. An organic classification label generally costs a farmer anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 a year. They told me their fields are free of pesticides and hormones; and even though they couldn’t afford the label, they’re still growing fruits and vegetables organically.

While organic fruits and vegetables are purported to be good for you, there is an advantage to buying them locally, whether organic or not. Here’s the advantage: Locally or regionally grown fruits and vegetables are generally loaded with more nutrients than the fruits and vegetables packaged and shipped from other parts of the country.

When fruits and vegetables are shipped from long distances, they tend to lose anywhere from 10 percent to 50 percent of their nutritional value. You’d have to take into account packaging and environmental hazards as well. If you’re into health and wellness, I would advise you to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables – particularly the organic variety that’s farmed locally – and store them in your freezer until its time to cook them.

I don’t know about you, but like most Americans, I was not raised on organic vegetables.

Even though the majority of our veggies came from our garden, I didn’t see anything wrong with that. The fact of the matter is we grew pesticidefree veggies because we didn’t know anything about pesticides or chemicals. Our vegetables, you see, were the fruit of our labor, so to speak.

In a recent study conducted

by Stanford University and published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers concluded that there is little evidence that organic food is healthier for you. Dena Bravata, MD, MS, a senior affiliate with Stanford’s Center for Health Policy and the senior author of the paper, said there isn’t much difference between organic and conventionally grown foods. The only exception, she pointed out, is that organic foods can reduce the risk of pesticide exposure.

I’ve often wondered myself which one is healthier: organic or conventional foods. But I will say this: If it has a label, make sure it says “locally grown.” It does make a differ-

ence. If fruits and vegetables are imported from foreign countries, you can be certain they’re chemically treated. The import laws in most foreign countries are totally different than the laws here in the United States.

I know organic fruits and vegetables cost a little more than conventional foods. But don’t be dismayed. If you can afford to purchase them, you

won’t regret it. If you cannot afford to go organic, don’t worry. According to Bravata, there is little difference between organic and conventional foods anyway.

I might add that fruits and vegetables, albeit organic or conventional, are continually being frozen, canned and stored on warehouse shelves for long periods of time until they’re delivered to stores and subse-

quently sold to consumers. No one really can tell the difference in their appearance after eating organic or conventional foods. Now a few pounds might be added to your frame if you have bad eating habits.

The bottom line is this: Choose your fruits and vegetables carefully. It shouldn’t matter if they’re grown organically or conventionally. The choice is yours. But make sure you buy

fruits and vegetables in season when possible. What’s more important is that you eat more fruits and vegetables to help stave off catastrophic diseases.

Regardless of your income, you should strive to live healthy and happy. But if you’re looking for ways to eat inexpensively, switching to a plant-based lifestyle will save you a tremendous amount of money year after year.

(Dr. Timothy Moore teaches nutrition, heart disease and diabetes reversal through a plantbased lifestyle. He is a professional speaker, wellness coach and personal plant-based chef. He is the author of “47 Tips To Reverse Your Diabetes.”

He can be reached by email at cheftimothy@cheftimothymoore .com, visit www.cheftimothy moore.com or follow him at www.twitter.com/cheftimmoore.)

Page 4

OPINION

Tri-State Defender

September 13 - 19, 2012

John H. Sengstacke Publisher (1951 - 1997)

The Mid-Southʼs Best Alternative Newspaper

A Real Times Newspaper

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

Un-conventional political wisdom

Update: Invaders’ community celebration

The response to the Memphis Invaders documentary has been tremendous. One of the South Memphis communities – Trigg and Florida – where the youth group implemented a summer program called the Neighborhood Organizing Project (NOP) has taken ownership of the documentary and is fully invested in its success. Last weekend (9-2-12), that community came together in a commemorative celebration at Aunt Cora’s Cafe, a community entertainment spot frequently visited by the Invaders during the turbulent 1960s and 70s.

The only remaining party spot from that bygone time, Aunt Cora’s has survived demolition while other Invaders hang outs, like the Log Cabin and Living Room, did not. Managed today by Mike Patterson and the grandson of Willie Lee McKinley, the original owner, Rodney, Aunt Cora’s opened over five decades ago.

Back then, this area was a vibrant community with thriving black and white businesses all along Florida Street. However, segregation ruled with an iron hand and its heavy fist pounded blacks into accepting a second-class status, dictating not only where blacks lived but the places and kinds of jobs they could get.

Old timers remember the area as three distinct neighborhoods – the Puzzle, row houses along the Illinois Central Railroad tracks; Wisconsin Subdivision; and Trigg and Florida.

These areas served as a ready supply of cheap black labor for the Illinois Central Railroad switching yard and roundhouse and the Wabash Screen Door Company. Segregation was a harsh system allowing these companies to employ black men at low wages, while black women worked as domestics for whites. Nevertheless, families survived and their communities’ economies thrived.

Determined to break the iron grip of segregation on the black community following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (1968), the Invaders selected the Trigg and Florida area for its first summer program because it was a community under the thumbs of absentee landlords that rented tenements built before the turn of the century. These dwellings were either shotgun-style, three room houses or two-room duplexes, some of which still had outside toilets and no hot water. Moreover, the structures themselves were dilapidated and in ill repair – windows missing or boarded up. Many had wood burning stoves and leaky roofs with missing shingles. The vast majority of the residents lived well below the poverty line and the area received the bare minimum in city services.

The Invaders summer program – the NOP – was design to highlight the needs of these communities. The

Invaders served breakfast and lunch to neighborhood children, held nutrition and health classes, as well as community improvement seminars to educate residents about their rights.

Prior to the NOP John Burl summer program, Smith these communities – Wisconsin Subdivision, Trigg and Florida and the Puzzle – had a history of gang warfare. But, after the Invaders began organizing in the area, Aunt Cora’s, which is located on the corner of McLemore St. and Main Extended Ave. and divides the three communities, became the place where everyone gathered after a long hot day of work to hang out and unwind.

This community celebration was a commemoration of the unity began during those days. Now, covered by blight and demolition, these neighborhoods are a mere shell of that bygone era, leaving Aunt Cora’s standing as an iconic remnant in a community that the Invaders helped bring together. Residents are very supportive of the Invaders documentary because by telling that story the film will preserve some of the community’s history.

Stax recording artist and lead singer of The Mad Lads, John Gary Williams, who is also involved in the revitalization of Stax/Soulville USA, hosted the celebration. John Gary, the Minister of Defense for the Invaders, spoke with Chad Schaffler, producer of the Invaders documentary, about the personal significance of Aunt Cora’s and the celebration.

Here is what he said: “My family lived just over there, which you see is a vacant lot now.

There used to be a row of two-story tenement apartments there when I was a kid, and we would stand on the upstairs porch and watch all the partying on Friday and Saturday nights.

We all wanted to be down here having a good time. Today, even though I don’t live on Trigg and Florida any more, I still come here to hang out with people I know that come from all over the city. It’s my way of staying in touch with my roots – the community and the Invaders.

“It is gratifying to be a part of something like this put on by the community. It shows that people were aware that the Invaders were doing things to help the community and were not like they were described in newspapers. Today shows they appreciated what we did. With the new Invaders coming on, some of which you met today, our goal is to galvanize enough economic and political support to rebuild this community.”

FLASHBACK: 2008

15 memorable quotes from the Democratic Convention

No. 15 – Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (Mo.): “Congress is unable to do the work of the American people because too many politicians believe that compromise means capitulation. This must change, because just as bees cannot sting and make honey at the same time, members of Congress cannot simultaneously make passionate enemies and expect political progress.”

No. 14 – Rep. Barney Frank (Mass.): “When it comes to Wall Street reform, you’d think Republicans have amnesia. Like they’ve forgotten how we got into the Great Recession in the first place. Did they forget they were in power leading up to the crisis?

That it was their plan that set Wall Street free and crashed the economy?

Did they forget that this whole crisis started because banks gave out loans they knew people couldn’t pay? That those banks were gambling with our money? Using the kinds of financial tricks only Mitt Romney’s accountant would understand?”

No. 13 – Newark Mayor Cory Booker: “When your country is in a costly war with our soldiers sacrificing abroad and our nation is facing a debt crisis at home, being asked to pay your fair share isn’t class warfare.

It’s patriotism.”

No. 12 – Massachusetts Gov. Devaul Patrick “Mitt Romney talks a lot about all the things he’s fixed. I can tell you that Massachusetts wasn’t one of them. He’s a fine fellow and a great salesman, but as governor he was more interested in having the job than doing it.”

No. 11 – Former Florida Republican Gov. Charlie Christ: “Half a century ago, Ronald Reagan, the man whose relentless optimism inspired me to enter politics, famously said that he didn’t leave the Democratic Party; the party left him.

I can certainly relate. I didn’t leave the Republican Party; it left me. Then again, as my friend Jeb Bush recently noted, Reagan himself would have been too moderate and too reasonable for today’s GOP.” No. 10 – Massachusetts senatorial candidate Elizabeth Warren: “After all, Mitt Romney’s the guy who said corporations are people.

No, Gov. Romney, corporations are not people. People have hearts, they have kids, they get jobs, they get sick, they cry, they dance. They live, they love, and they die. And that matters. That matters. That matters because we don’t run this country for corporations, we run it for people.”

No. 9 – First Lady Michelle Obama: “Barack knows the American Dream because he’s lived it…and he wants everyone in this country to have that same opportunity, no matter who we are, or where we’re from, or what we look like, or who we love. And he believes that when you’ve worked hard, and done well, and walked through that doorway of opportunity…you do not

slam it shut behind you…you reach back, and you give other folks the same chances that helped you succeed.”

No. 8 – HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius: George E. “What’s missCurry ing from the R o m n e y - Ry a n plan for Medicare is Medicare. Instead of the Medicare guarantee, Republicans would give seniors a voucher that limits what is covered….”

No. 7 – Rep. Luis Gutierrez (Ill.): “President Obama is protecting immigrants. Mitt Romney wants to send them back. This election will determine whether high school valedictorians, football team captains, and student council presidents will be treated with respect – or treated like suspects.”

No. 6 – Musician James Taylor: “It’s an empty chair, it makes you nervous, don’t worry – I’m going to sit on it. I’m not going to talk to it.”

No. 5 – Former President Bill Clinton: “In Tampa, the Republican argument against the president’s re-election was actually pretty simple – pretty snappy. It went something like this: ‘We left him a total mess. He hasn’t cleaned it up fast enough. So fire him and put us back in.’”

No. 4 – Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley: “Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan now say they want to take America back.

And so we ask: Back to what? Back to the failed policies that drove us into a deep recession? Back to the days of record job losses? Back to the days when insurance companies called being a woman a ‘pre-existing condition’? No, thank you. I don’t want to go back.”

No. 3 – The late Sen. Ted Kennedy (clip from 1994 debate with Mitt Romney): “I have supported Roe v. Wade. I am pro-choice. My opponent is multiple-choice.”

No. 2 – Former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm: “Mitt Romney loves our lakes and our trees. He loves our cars so much, they even have their own elevator.

But the people who design and build and sell those cars? Well, in Romney’s world, the cars get the elevator, and the workers get the shaft!”

No. 1 – Ted Strickland, former Ohio governor: “If Mitt was Santa Claus, he’d fire the reindeer and outsource the elves.”

(George E. Curry is editor-in-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.)

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1. Racial prejudice worldwide must be destroyed.

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

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

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

5. Complete cessation of all school segregation.

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

DISTRIBUTION: Tri-State Defender is available at newsstands, street sales, store vendors, mail subscription and honor boxes throughout the Greater Memphis area. No person may, without prior written permission of the Tri-State Defender, reprint any part of or duplicate by electronic device any portion without written permission. Copyright 2012 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.

Now that both national party conventions have ended, it’s time to reflect.

Most of the analysis you have seen or heard has been pretty much what was expected. Most of the Raynard political pundits Jackson live in an echo chamber – they all talk with each other and travel in similar social circles. I found very little fresh, insightful analysis. And that is also the problem with both campaigns. They both have staffed up with recycled consultants, who all have similar worldviews that are out of synch with the public.

Political conventions no longer have any useful purpose, especially as a news event. There is absolutely no news value – everything is scripted down to the last period. I think by most objective standards, Obama’s convention was far and away much better than Romney’s, substantively and stylistically.

The purported purpose of both conventions was to tell the American people what their respective vision was for America over the next four years. That approach is so 20th century. People no longer want to be talked to; they want to be talked with. Both conventions were presented as a Hollywood production that ignored the realities of everyday people.

People want to hear about thoughtful solutions to the issues that are most on their minds – the economy, education, job creation.

Obama’s solution to everything is, “give me more time.” Romney’s solution seems to be, “I am not Obama.”

Neither candidate is being truthful with the American people. Conventional wisdom is people want to be made to feel good. It reminds me of the scene in the movie “Monster’s Ball” with Halle Berry and Billy Bob Thornton. Before the raw sex scene, Berry looks very passionately into Thornton’s eyes and says, “Make me feel good.” Thornton proceeds to just that. But guess what, after the thrill was gone, she was still facing all of the problems she had before the sex. So, the moral of the story is that whenever you ask someone to “make you feel good,” it has little lasting value.

Most of the punditocracy constantly talk about who gave the better speech, who looked good in what suit, or who had the most excited audience. People who attend these events, on both sides, are the diehards from each party. They are not reflective of the average voter who goes to work every day.

Americans feel totally disconnected from their elected officials and their government. They have absolutely no faith or confidence in politicians. This is why New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is so appealing.

You may not like his policies, but people feel like he is telling them what he really believes.

Can someone tell me how a person’s wife can make her husband look more “human” as the pundits claim Ann Romney was trying to do at the Republican convention?

This is supposed to be analysis?

Are you kidding me? As likable as Michelle Obama is, do you really think people go into the voting booth and say Michelle is nice, therefore I am going to vote for her husband? Has the media become this dumbed-down?

Ultimately, people will vote for the person they feel a connection to and one they feel will make their lives better. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

Obama makes people feel good, but has produced no vision for the future. Romney does not connect with people at all and has produced no vision for the future. So, if the election is run based on personality, then Obama wins. Romney has less than two months to give voters a reason to change leaders. In boxing, it’s almost impossible for a challenger to defeat the champion on points. The challenger must knock out the champion. Romney’s window for doing this is closing fast.

Based on performance, I cannot vote for Obama. Based on message, I don’t have a reason to vote for Romney. Herein lies the big problem for Romney: Many people who voted for Obama in 2008 are totally dissatisfied with him, but Romney has not made himself a viable alternative. He must deliver a knockout blow to Obama fairly soon or it’s four more years!

(Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a Washington, D.C.based public relations/government affairs firm. He can be reached via www.raynardjackson.com.)

NATION

Tri-State Defender

Page 5

September 13 -1 9, 2012

President’s re-election pitch viewed as a call to go to work This story was published first online on www.TSDmemphis.com. kajanaku@tri-statedefender.com

by Karanja A. Ajanaku

Khari Johnson, 17, is not yet old enough to vote, but he is plenty old enough to be interested in the process. (Photos by Karanja A. Ajanaku)

VOTE

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

fused to grant clearance to laws passed in South Carolina and Texas, and the Wisconsin law was declared unconstitutional earlier this year. Legal action is ongoing in other states, including Pennsylvania, with civil rights and social justice organizations offering strong opposition to the measures that are likely to restrict voting.

(Tennessee’s new photo ID law became effective in January.)

While efforts to combat such laws must be sustained, Benjamin Jealous, president and CEO of the NAACP, told attendees in the voting rights session that every effort must be made to comply with the laws in the interim.

Johnson, who made his way to the convention as a working journalist, had already adopted a position consistent with that approach.

“Next week, I’m supposed to be going through my neighborhood and registering people to vote…just me and a couple of my friends,” he said.

Amongst his peers, Johnson said he hears considerable talk about voting and voting rights.

He notes, however, that he’s on the debate team and – along with his associates – has done a lot of research and is pretty well versed.

Why does he have such an interest when many other young people do not?

“Coming of age, I guess, ” he said.

Dr. Carroll A. Baltimore Sr., president of the Progressive National Baptist Convention (PNBC), Inc., also attended the voting rights session. Asked about youth and voting, the Virginia-rooted Baltimore said the PNBC has the issue keenly within its sights, devoting much of its voter registration and education activity toward young people.

“We’ve had voter education, voter registration going on out of all of our regionals and our annual session that we just had in Memphis,” said Baltimore.

“Each session we’ve had training, workshops going on. And we’re partnering with other organizations.”

Are young people actually part of the process?

Dr. Carroll A. Baltimore Sr., president of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, remembers when the necessity of voting was taught and strongly emphasized in schools.

The NAACPʼs Benjamin Jealous was a voting rights panelist at the Democratic National Convention.

“Yes,” said Baltimore. “Very much so and they are reaching their peers at the college level.”

In the DNC workshop, one of the panelists said if there is not an effective counter to some of the efforts underway

relative to voter id, there could soon be a generation of young people who really don’t know how to be citizens.

“Startling, but it’s a fact,” said Baltimore.

“I had to talk about voting in one of our faith councils here (at the DNC) earlier. I am concerned about the fact that we don’t have enough young people, pastors, engaged in the political process.

We are going to have to change that, if we want to continue the democratic process.”

Part of the problem, said Baltimore, has to do with what is not being taught in schools.

“When I came along, that was being taught, the necessity of the vote,” he said. “But no longer is that taught.”

(The Black Youth Project report can be downloaded at: http://bit.ly/Pj9gb2.)

CHARLOTTE, N.Car. – Renee Drayton, 43, a volunteer for President Barack Obama’s reelection campaign, could not see him from her vantage point as he delivered the speech that conveyed his acceptance of the Democratic Party’s nomination.

It’s doubtful that she could have screamed any louder had she have been seated down front.

“I can’t wait to get back to Maryland and pull up my bootstraps and get back to work on the campaign,” said Drayton, who found herself with a soul-satisfying view when – moments after he completed his address – the President, his family and Vice President Joe Biden and his family – stepped onto the sliver of the stage that could be seen from her seat.

As the din in the packed-to-the-rafters Time Warner Cable Arena subsided to a level where people could hear each other, Drayton explained some of the work ahead for her and the other Obama foot soldiers she works with.

“We came down here for the convention and we had a phone bank going on. We do a dayof-action canvass on Saturday and we’re doing another on Sunday,” said Drayton, Drayton worked a little bit in the election campaign of then-Sen. Obama of Illinois.

“It’s more important this time,” said Drayton, explaining why she has stepped up her game. “As a woman, I want my rights. As someone who went to look into entrepreneurship and building a business, I don’t see big business trying to give me my fair share. It’s time for me to pull up my bootstraps and work hard with the President who is trying to provide opportunities for middle class people.”

Her takeaways from the Thursday night (Sept. 6) speech included hearing President Obama talk about working hard to help small businesses and making education more affordable.

Drayton, who works full time at an accounting firm in Bethesda, Md., has an undergrad degree. “I am trying to finish a graduate program, but because of the costs it’s kind of hard to do that. So I’m looking for opportunities to finish that degree.”

Her son is 24, she said, noting that his age puts him beyond the limit for inclusion on her health insurance.

“With the President’s new (Affordable Health Care Act) program, he could apply (by age), but there is a little bit of a difference for me because he doesn’t live in the same state that I live in. But if he did, he would be able to be on my insurance.”

Is he registered to vote? “Yes, he is registered to vote. I’ve got on him about that at the last election.”

As President Obama worked through his speech, Keith Kelly, 43, of Charlotte said he voted for him in 2008 and is sticking with him.

“I believe in his vision and his work is not

done yet.”

Kelly works in the mortgage industry where, he said, President Obama has “set guidelines for the industry to follow and make sure people protect the homeowner.”

He is preparing for a “real close” election and doing his part, registering voters and manning phone banks.

“The fight is not over.

We still need to go out and see the grassroots and get the people out,” he said.

“Let them know about the new changes in the election rules and get them out voting because a lot of people just don’t know.”

Chants of “Fired up! Ready to go!” echoed in the hallways as the convention crowd inched to the exits. As Memphis attorney Monice Hagler navigated her way through, she stopped to offer her assessment of the President’s speech.

“I thought he did a great job of outlining what happens next and that’s what people want to hear, where do we go from here, because we all appreciate the fact that he has had a difficult four years and he outlined for us what he is going to do,” said Hagler. “We’ve just got to stand with him.”

Outside the arena, State Rep. Joe Towns Jr. (D-Memphis, District 84) was speaking with Pam Martin, who lives in the Florida Keys.

They met on the spot and were talking about what they heard.

“I think what he did for the American people was explain a lot of things that all of this media money and Republican campaign money has distorted, and that’s the truth,” said Towns.

“He reminded us and told us exactly where the economy was and what he had to do and that he never said it was going to be a short road. It’s a journey that’s going to take more than four years to accomplish what we need to do as a country.”

Martin agreed that the President had succeeded in getting crucial information to key potential voters. “When you look at what you are trying to get out to the public, the ones who are undecided, I think this actually explained it best of anything that has been going on.”

Referencing untrue assertions by the GOP standard bearers – former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin – and their supporters, Martin said people can start to believe the rhetoric if you don’t defend yourself and try to stay above the fray.

“So we defended positions here tonight. We explained our positions in a way that everybody – the average voter – could understand it,” Martin said. “Actually, we empowered that voter because they are now the part of change. By their vote this November, they can decide which direction America is going to go in.”

“The fight is not over. We still need to go out and see the grassroots and get the people out,” he said.

“Let them know about the new changes in the election rules and get them out voting because a lot of people just don’t know.”

Keith Kelly

BUSINESS

Page 6

Tri-State Defender

September 13 - 19, 2012

MONEY MATTERS

How much life insurance do you need?

In a recent study, 40 percent of consumers responded that they don’t have enough life insurance to meet their families’ long-term needs.This concern raises an obvious question: How much life insurance is enough?

What might be appropriate for a family with two young children and a stay-at-home spouse could be significantly different from the needs of a working couple whose children are grown.

Giving…

At Wells Fargoʼs recent Days of Giving breakfast, Jerome Franklin, senior vice president and Germantown branch manager with Wells Fargo Advisors, presented a certificate and $1,000 check to Jason Spigner with the National Black MBA Association. Cynthia Jones with the Women Identity Purpose Organization addresses the group while Devarrio Lakes, personal banker at Wells Fargoʼs Hacks Cross store, looks on. The Hacks Cross store nominated the non-profit for a $1,000 grant.

(Courtesy photos)

Do the math

ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY

Another option for Internet crowd funding

With the passing of the JOBS Act of 2012, small businesses will have greater access to capital through Internet crowd funding. The basic concept is to raise money via an online funding portal through small contributions from a large number of people that wish to support the dreams and efforts of others.

Last week, we discussed two Internet crowd funding models – “All or Nothing” or “Keep it All.” Another category includes raising funds for business ventures by either giving up some level of equity in the venture or by obtaining interest bearing loans.

While the loans are gifts or loans are available, the equity portion will not be available until January 2013 when the Securities Exchange Commission releases the final rules.

Still, sites already gearing up, with the following sites – www.40billion.com, www.fundable.com, www.WeFunder.com and www.StartupAddict.com – extending similar offerings.

Here we review two of the sites to get more of a picture.

www.40billion.com

Here the entrepreneur must start a fundraising profile, which includes the amount needed. Currently, equity investments or sales of stock or shares of the company are not facilitated on this site. A selection must also be made regarding the funding type: gift contributions, direct loans, or commercial paper short-term loans.

Then you must provide the potential funders (givers, donors and lenders) with an overview of your vision for the business. Upload your business plan or at least an executive summary, photos, videos, and/or a PowerPoint presentation. If you don’t have a business plan, there is a format for one on the site. Additionally, you may offer free samples to participants in return for their support.

Next, you add your own contacts to your network. Then send email invitations to your friends, family and others. You encourage them to send the invitation to their friends and family. This is putting your social networking to good use. People who are interested in funding your venture may provide funding from $25 to $10,000 each or from $100 to $1,000,000 as a commercial paper loan.

Gifts

Funds may be collected on the site, via the US postal service, or deposited into the entrepreneur’s business PayPal account. It is free for the first month for a limited time to raise funds from gifts and donations. After the first month, there is an extension fee of $9.99 per month, if the entrepreneur wishes to extend the period for six more months. If the entrepreneur chooses to have the site collect the funds, funders may make payments online by credit card, debit card or PayPal. At the end of the period, a

single check will be mailed to the entrepreneur approximately 30 days later.

40Billion.com charges a fee of 5 percent and PayPal charges a fee of approximately 3 percent.

Loans

As it relates to loans, 40Billion.com makes it simple for borrowers and lenders to formalize a business loan between friends or family by generating a custom loan document or promissory note. According to 40Billion.com, each borrower and lender can view the loan document, print it, sign it and decide how they would like to transfer the funds offline (via mailed check or in-person). It’s free for a limited time for direct loans, and after the first month there is an extension fee of $9.99 per month, if the entrepreneur wishes to extend for up to six more months.

Carlee McCullough

Commercial paper

As indicated by the site 40Billion.com, for commercial paper (short-term loans for operating expenses only), it is easy for entrepreneurs and funders to sell and purchase commercial paper promissory notes. The borrower and lender can view the promissory note and print it, but only the borrower is required to sign it.

Both parties decide how they would like to transfer the funds offline (via mailed check or in-person).

It’s free for a limited time to pursue commercial paper and after the first month there is an extension fee of $49.99 per month, if the entrepreneur wishes to extend the time for up to six more months. It is also highly recommended that funds are raised through a business entity such as a corporation or a limited liability company.

www.fundable.com

This site is an all-or-nothing funding site, which means that your goal must be met or the entrepreneur will not receive any funding. In addition to using personal contacts, the entrepreneur will also have access to the fundable community.

Prior to building a profile, there is a selection process. The entrepreneur must submit an application for entry onto the Fundable platform. The evaluation criteria can be reviewed on the site reviews the applications to make sure the startup is a good fit. Once approved, the entrepreneur is allowed to build a profile and pursue funding.

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

Rather than using the oft-recommended formula of replacing eight to ten times your annual income, a better tactic might be to calculate the life insurance benefit amount that could provide the income to meet your family’s longterm needs and goals. You can find a calculator for this at www.SimsFinancialGroup.com, click on “featured links.”

In a hypothetical example, let’s say a family’s living expenses were $70,000 and the surviving spouse would have access to $40,000 of income, leaving $30,000 of annual income to replace. The next step is to determine the life insurance death benefit that could replace this annual income.

To do this, you estimate an average annual rate of return that might be achieved if the death benefit amount were invested in income-producing financial vehicles, without reducing the principal. For this example, a 5 percent rate of return is used. Of course, this rate of return is not representative of any specific investment; actual circumstances and results will vary.

Dividing $30,000 by 5 percent (.05) equals $600,000. A $600,000 life insurance benefit earning a 5 percent average annual rate of return could yield a $30,000 annual income.

Although this is a good starting point, for a

more accurate result you should include all the potential expenses that might enable your family to live the way you want them to live. For example, you could include funds for your child’s college education. If health insurance is paid for by your employer, your family may need replacement Charles Sims Jr., CFP coverage. And don’t forget final expenses such as funeral and burial costs.

The cost and availability of life insurance depend on factors such as age, health, and the type and amount of insurance purchased. Before implementing a strategy involving life insurance, it would be prudent to make sure that you are insurable.

As with most financial decisions, there are expenses associated with the purchase of life insurance. Policies commonly have mortality and expense charges. If a policy is surrendered prematurely, there may be surrender charges and income tax implications.

Life insurance could be a key step toward providing security for your loved ones. It’s important to review your coverage regularly to make sure you have sufficient protection for your family’s situation.

(Charles Sims Jr. is President/ CEO of The Sims Financial Group. Contact him at 901682-2410 or visit www.SimsFinancial Group.com. The information in this article is not intended to be tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor.)

Tri-State Defender

COMMUNITY

Page 7

September 13 - 19, 2012

Carver High Schoolʼs Romero Malone tells his side of a recent protest at the school to the Rev. Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum Jr. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley) The Memphis observance of the 9/11 anniversary included music, speeches, poetry and a live taping of the television show “Bust-AMoveMonday!”

(Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

MCS and the Carver protest According to this information released by Memphis City Schools, local broadcast and print media outlets reported conflicting information regarding the peaceful protest at George Washington Carver High School on Monday.

This is the update provided to “help clear up confusing elements.”

9/11 heroes remembered in anniversary observance Carver High protest leader gets stage to tell his story Special to the Tri-State Defender

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell The eleventh anniversary of a watershed in the American psyche was marked on Beale Street Tuesday by a Memphis pastor and his congregation.

The Rev. Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum Jr. and the New Olivet Baptist Church took their “Keeping It Real Bible Study” on the road to the Pepsi Pavilion at Beale and Third Streets. Special tribute was paid to the heroes/heroines and the thousands who died in the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on New York’s Twin Towers and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., along with the defiant passengers and crew on American Flight 93 that went down in Pennsylvania.

The Memphis observance included music, speeches, poetry and a live taping of the television show “Bust-A-Move-Monday!”

Memphis’ own Food Channel star, Uncle Lou, of Uncle Lou’s Fried Chicken, newly published teen author Angel Ray, and former NBA great Penny Hardaway were all interviewed on stage by the program’s host, Dr. Whalum.

Carver High School’s emerging student leader, Romeo Malone, who recently organized a peaceful protest, made a special surprise appearance.

“It was important to exercise and appreciate our religious freedom in America, especially on this day,” said Dr. Whalum.

“Thousands of Americans were murdered that day as the World Trade Center Towers were made twin symbols of freedom under attack. We owe it to those fallen to remember them on this day. God is still so gracious to America, and we appreciate Him for it.”

The protest

While being interviewed by Whalum, Malone said the protest on Monday was in response to several issues and was dubbed, “We’re Not Qualified.”

That theme was linked to what he said was the Memphis City Schools’ release of an instructional facilitator deemed unqualified to operate on the high school level since her certification was for middle school and elementary school.

“So we said, ‘What really makes you qualified to love a student? What makes you qualified to be

Media mention • Teachers were fired or transferred.

Facts • Teacher transfers were part of normal staffing adjustments made after the first 20 days of school. (Based on enrollment, teacher certification and/or state compliance.)

• No teachers were fired.

Media mention • Vocal music and band classes have been cut.

Facts • Band and music teacher positions are available and listed as placeholders in the schedule after staffing adjustments.

• These courses have not been cut.* • Band and music had to receive approval due to additional allocations.

Media Mention • Headline – “Walk Out at Carver High” Fact • Students staged a peaceful protest prior to the start of class.

Led by their pastor, members of The New Olivet Baptist Church, paid tribute to the heroes/heroines and the thousands who died in the 9/11 acts of terrorism. (Photo by Stroud Photography.)

there for a student?’”

Other concerns included schedules and inoperable air conditioners.

“We felt that because our voices weren’t being heard, we needed something that would make them sit down and say, ‘You know what, Carver High School is serious.’”

Whalum told Malone, “Man, you are my kind of student.” He then pointed out that he had just received an email from MCS’ media office “explaining everything, straightening everything out, getting the facts out there.

“I am so sick and tired of administrative staff standing in between our children and what our children need,” said Whalum to a burst of applause.

Malone said he wants to see changes at every MCS school that is having a problem. Toward that end, he envisions a youth-organized event that would lead to such.

“Before we end up being Shelby County Schools next year, this has to change right now,” said Malone.

In an interview later, Malone said the regional superintendent had met with students and was trying to take care of different things. Meanwhile, he said, “We’re going to act ourselves to make sure things are done in decency and in order.”

(Karanja A. Ajanaku contributed to this story.)

Media Mention • There is no air conditioning.

Fact • The air conditioner went out on Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012 and was repaired by Thursday, Sept.

6, 2012.**

Media Mention • 9th graders only have “Lunch” listed on their schedules. *** Facts • This was an isolated incident involving only one or two students.

• The errors were corrected once brought to the attention of the administration.

George Washington Carver High School Student Concerns

Concern • Required online courses are not available.

Explanation • Courses have been entered and students are registered. The content of the actual class will not appear until they complete the “Intro to Online Learning” course.

Concern • Administration charges $4 for a duplicate schedule.

Explanation •No student has been assessed

this fee.

Concern • No senior class meeting has been held to communicate senior dues, Capstone, and trips.

Explanation • A meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012.

Concern • Students would receive a 180day suspension for participating in the protest.

Explanation • This was a peaceful protest and did not violate any school policy. Students were not and will not be disciplined.

Concern • Vocal music and band classes have been cut.

Facts • Band and music teacher positions are available and listed as placeholders in the schedule after staffing adjustments.

• These courses have not been cut.

• Band and music had to receive approval due to additional allocations.

The district will be working with the newly appointed principal to clear up additional issues or concerns.

* Clarification regarding: “These courses have not been cut.”

Band and choir courses were not cut from the curriculum, but the School Improvement Grant that funded the two course instructors was unavailable this year. Work is being done to secure either part-time or full-time instructors for these courses. These classes will resume once a teacher(s) is in place. In the meantime, students were issued course placeholder cards (to reserve a spot) and are taking other classes. ** Clarification regarding the air conditioning: Some students expressed concern about this while others did not.

Mr. Rhodes (regional superintendent) met with 11 student government leaders who wrote specific concerns for him to address.

The air was out last Wednesday, but was repaired on Thursday. *** Clarification regarding schedules with only lunch and homeroom listed. MCS stated, “This was an isolated incident involving 1 or 2 students.”

At the start of school, work was done immediately to rectify all scheduling issues. Such cases occur when students who are new to the district need to be uploaded into the system. For example, a student may have transferred from charter schools, county schools, or other cities, and does not have data on file. These students receive a temporary schedule before obtaining a final class schedule.

RELIGION

Page 8

Tri-State Defender

September 13 - 19, 2012

LIVING THE LIFE I LOVE

Press ‘play’ then step into your sacred circle

Dear Lucy: I am so bored with my life. It seems that I do the same things over and over. I seem to be in a rut. Nothing really interests me. In one of your articles you talked about the “stupid rest” or being stuck on stupid. Whatever you say I will try.

– Signed: Mary Catherine

Dear Mary Catherine: Well, that makes this tough. What if I suggest something boring?

Recently, I have been thinking a bit like you. So, I decided to activate what I call “The Sacred Circle.” The Sacred Circle is the space in which I stand. Whatever I allow in it or whatever is present in my space is also sacred, sharing all that’s sacred.

That also means that whatever is going on must be good or at the very least OK. Here is how it works. Everything I do I attempt to practice loving kindness while doing it. I also try to see how much I can expand or “plus” the experience.

For example: This past Saturday I

Monumental’s dance ministry presents ‘In Him We Move’

The Wings of Wisdom dance ministry at Monumental Baptist Church will host its fifth annual praise dance program on Sept. 23 at 3 p.m. The theme is based on Acts 17:28 – “For in Him we live, and move and have our being…”

Martha Balfour Green and Daphne Davis are co-chairs for the event.

“We are God’s offspring,” said Green, “and we know that it is because of him that we breathe and move. Therefore, we use that breath and motion to praise Him through the ministry of dance.”

“We find joy in sharing our praise throughout the entire community,” said Davis. “This is another way of spreading the ‘Good News.’”

Dance ministries from area churches have been invited to share in the celebration of praise.

The church is located at 704 South Parkway East in Memphis, just west of the South Parkway East-Mississippi Boulevard intersection. The pastor is the Rev, Samuel “Billy” Kyles.

was sitting at home enjoying some reading, finished my article for the week and for about the fifth time in three days it came to me that I should go to the movies.

It was 4:10. I c h e c k e d Lucy movies.com to Shaw see what was playing at Studio on the Square (my neighborhood theatre) and “Hope Springs” was playing at 4:35. Without stopping to talk myself out of it, I got up and was there at 4:35 on the dot. This works because there’s always 10 minutes of commercials before the movie.

I got popcorn, a drink and sat on the very top row. This is a couple’s movie and I swear I only saw one other person alone in that movie. I enjoyed the movie (my sacred space for the moment) and when I walked

out, that other lone lady smiled sweetly at me and I came back home feeling accomplished. Why? Because, I broke my stupid, did something just for me, and experienced something that I can share with someone in conversation besides the Dillard’s sale.

The day before, I got an email from my friend, Ruby, inviting me to attend a talk on a Haitian mission that same evening. It was short notice. I love and respect my friend and rather than go home and risk stupid and boredom, I chose to attend. Knowing that this was the creation of a new sacred circle, I was excited to see what might be in store for me.

I saw several people I had been longing to see without realizing it and so many that I felt privileged to see. I was especially privileged to see how some incredibly awesome people were intentionally creating and helping to sustain sacred circles in a far away place. I was humbled to learn that $127.50 can educate a child in Haiti for a full year. Talk

about cutting the boredom and bringing a new opportunity into my sacred circle!

Sunday, as I grundged around about to press my pause button and get stuck on stupid, my son called and brought his wife and my new grandson over. Getting tinkled on by a baby boy is always the thing to get your attention and remind you that life is good! What a sweet circle.

Today is Monday and I went out to run an errand around 4:30. Remembering that I needed to eat, I called and invited a young woman I admire as a daughter to join me for dinner.

Maybe she was bored too because she readily agreed to go. I included her, our servers and everyone else in my sacred circle, excited to see what would happen.

The most exciting thing was that, once again, I got the chance to practice loving kindness; to appreciate the weather, the freedom, the food, the service, the new decor in the restaurant, the great conversations, the gas in my car, the car itself....I

came home with a heart filled with gratitude. That is the real payoff when we break stupid; the chance to be thankful. Remember, stupid is just a pause, a daze, a stupor. We sometimes need the pause button just so that when we press “play” we can appreciate the music.

Thanks for joining me in my sacred circle. Press “play” and step with grace and loving kindness into yours.

Blessings and Light, Lucy

The celebration is free and open to the public.

RELIGION BRIEFS

The event brings together the First Ladies and other female clergy from various churches across Memphis and the Mid-South to provide information on the importance of early detection and to teach the significance of mammograms to their congregations.

For more information, contact Minister Brenda K. Johnson at 901485-2864.

denomination’s founding congregation in Philadelphia, Pa.

Gospel Music Heritage month at The New Olivet

Join The New Olivet Baptist Church on Sunday, Sept. 23rd for its annual Gospel Music Heritage Month Celebration.

This year’s lineup includes recording artist Jonathan McReynolds, known for his hit, “I Love You,” and The New Olivet Sanctuary Choir.

Expect a special appearance by the Rev. Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum Jr., the host pastor.

The free family-oriented event celebrating gospel music heritage begins at 6 p.m., with the doors open at 5:30 p.m. Dr. Allen F. Todd II is the Minister of Music.

Trinity CME salutes 110 years of service

Trinity Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, 1096 North Thomas Blvd. will celebrate 110 years of service to the North Memphis Community during the weekend of

Sept. 21-23.

Anniversary activities will include: • 110th Anniversary Gala, Sept. 21, 6 p.m. at the Memphis Marriott Hotel, 2625 Thousand Oaks Blvd. For ticket information, call the church office at 901-523-1024 or Cheryl Rivers at 901-299-4287.

• 110th Anniversary Picnic, Sept.

22, noon to 6 p.m., at the church.

• 110th Anniversary Worship Services, Sept. 23, 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., featuring the Lugerta Strong Gospel Choir.

Cheryl Rivers is the program’s general chairperson. The Rev. Roland Johnson Jr. is the pastor.

Sisters Network sets First Ladies’ Prayer Brunch

The Memphis Affiliate Chapter of Sisters Network® Inc will host their Second Annual First Ladies’ Prayer Brunch on Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Holiday Inn- University of Memphis, located at 3700 Central Ave. Sisters Network®Inc is the only National African American Breast Cancer Survivorship Organization in the United States.

Bishop Leath at St. Andrew for Mens Day, Sept. 16

Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath, Sr., M.Div., D.Min., the newly-appointed AME Bishop for Tennessee and Kentucky, will be the guest preacher for Men’s Day at St Andrew AME Church on Sept. 16 at the 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. services.

For the last four years, Leath has served as the Presiding Prelate of the 19th Episcopal District of the AME Church, which encompasses seven provinces of the Republic of South Africa.

Prior to his episcopal election, the then-Rev. Leath served for 15 years as the senior pastor of the historic Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, the

PRAISE CONNECT -A WEEKLY DIRECTORY OF MINISTERS & CHURCHES-

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

—John 13:34

METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH ASSOCIATE MINISTERS

901-946-4095 fax 948-8311

(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

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

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

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

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

Dr. & Rev. Mrs. Reginald Porter

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

Dr. Frank A. Thomas Senior Servant

TEMPLE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST

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

WEEKLY SERVICES

Sunday Sunday School 9:00 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Night YPWW 5:00 p.m.

Night Service 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday Night Prayer 6:00 p.m.

Bible Study 7:15 p.m.

Wednesday Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m.

Friday Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m.

Night Service 7:30 p.m.

No Telecast Service

— Proverbs 1:7

Dr. David Allen Hall Pastor

“The Founder’s Church”

First Pastor: Senior Bishop C.H. Mason

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

—Ecclesiastes 3:1

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

Worship Services Sunday Sunday School Worship Service

Clarence Kelby Heath Wednesday Pastor

Noon - 1 p.m.

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

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

“Ministering to Memphis-Spirit, Soul and Body”

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

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

Keel Avenue Missionary Baptist Church in collaboration with the Klondike/Smokey City CDC will host its Sixth Annual Community Fest at the church, 778 N. Bellevue, on Sept. 22, beginning at 11 a.m.

The host pastor, the Rev. Robert C. Jones Jr., said the church is on a mission to “take back our community as we provide the ultimate family fun day.” The day will be filled with food, games and activities for all ages, including live Gospel music.

Vendors from the health industry, government agencies and private sector will be onsite.

The week starts with a revival Sept. 18 – 20. A LOT party is set for Sept. 21, featuring karaoke, games and dance. The festival begins at 11 a.m. the next day, with festivities concluding with Sunday worship at 9 a.m.

For more information, call 901299-2438.

ST. ANDREW A.M.E. CHURCH

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

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

Community Fest set for Keel Ave. MBC

867 SOUTH PARKWAY EAST Memphis, TN 38106

Dr. Reginald L. Porter Sr., Pastor

767 Walker Avenue Memphis, TN 38126

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

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

9 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

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

—Revelation 1:8

RELIGION

Tri-State Defender

Page 9

September 13 - 19, 2012

LEGACY: Rev. James E. Smith

Labor champion mourned by AFSCME 1733 Special to the Tri-State Defender

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell Shock and grief gripped the Union Grove Baptist Church family in Raleigh Sunday when the congregation learned that its pastor had passed after extended illness.

That news also quickly spread through the ranks of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 1733 that “Rev. Smith was gone.”

Anthony J. McGhee, a senior staff negotiator, recalls the resolute and forceful style of the 1733’s leader from the turbulent ’60s through the early 1990s when he retired.

“I came onto the AFSCME staff in 1993, one year after Rev. Smith retired,” said McGhee. “I started out as a maintenance worker with the Mem-

Happy Birthday…

phis Housing Authority, and I remember seeing that the city and the union were at an impasse after a marathon negotiation.

“Aretha Payne was the chief negotiator. It was three or four in James E. the morning, and Smith she called Rev. Smith to report the impasse. He got there and brought both sides together. And in that bold, forceful style of his, Rev. Smith got through the impasse with skillful negotiations and that signature expertise in mediation. He was a real champion of the working man.”

Evelyn Liggins, who worked with

Rev. Smith for two decades as his office receptionist, remembered her employer and friend as an impassioned labor leader who “didn’t back down” and wasn’t afraid “to ruffle a few feathers.”

His own words

The PBS civil rights documentary, “Eyes On The Prize,” aired a telling interview with Rev. Smith as he recalls how the “I Am A Man” movement took shape in 1968. Smith and other labor leaders had high expectations in a meeting with city council members in chambers.

Prior to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. getting involved, marches were broken up by police using tear gas and billy clubs, according to Rev. Smith.

“We stumbled back to Clayborn

Temple, crying and feeling dehumanized. We were going to have a mass meeting because morale was so low, but police surrounded the church and shot teargas inside.

“People were running… There were presiding elders, bishop, pastors in this march. The pillars of the community. I couldn’t believe that the police department would fire upon this crowd. We were law-abiding citizens. And here we were trying to do something constructive. Pillars of the community. We had no axe to grind. But they fired upon us and that was the turning point. We were extremely angry. And if they would fire upon us, they would fire upon anybody. We were more determined than ever to stand up for our brothers. We declared to the world, ‘I Am A Man.’”

A lasting legacy

“I did not have the opportunity to work with Rev. Smith, but I would not be here were it not for the three decades he labored in the labor and civil rights movements,” said Chad Johnson, AFSCME 1733 executive director.

“Not only that, but three generations of black politicians owe their success in public office to Rev. Smith,” he added.

“Because of Rev. Smith’s work, we have enjoyed a growing, middle and working class because of the expansion of the union. We owe a great debt to Rev. Smith. He has left an enduring legacy at AFSCME and the organized labor movement in the Mid-South. We join Rev. Smith’s family and friends in mourning this great loss.”

The Rev. Dr. James L. Netters, pastor of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church-Westside (left, front) observed his 85th birthday with a celebration at the church on Sept. 7. Music by several choirs and groups accented the event, with proceeds going to the Memphis Theological Seminary Netters Certificate Program. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

ENTERTAINMENT Tri-State Defender, Thursday, September 13 - 19, 2012, Page 10

Disney’s ice princess has Nashville roots

ʻDare to Dreamʼ set for FedExForum Sept. 21-23 Special to the Tri-State Defender

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell Disney on Ice has thrilled audiences since its inception in 1981. Queens and princesses, villains and rascals, fairies, elves and all things magical have graced the ice on skates in the most beloved fairy tales.

Friday through Sunday, Sept. 21-23, the currently touring production will be staged at the FedExForum. “Dare to Dream” is a variety show featuring color, comedy and pageantry that promises not to disappoint.

Long-time fans are well acquainted with Disney’s signature princesses.

There is Cinderella, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty.

This year’s production crowns new royalty – Tiana, Disney’s premiere African-American Soniah princess.

Spence Nashville native Soniah Spence, 24, portrays Tiana, the headline character in “The Princess and the Frog.” You might say performing on ice skates was Spence’s inescapable destiny.

“Both my parents are gymnasts,” Spence said in an interview with The New Tri-State Defender on Wednesday (Sept. 12). “That’s how they met. My mother is Caucasian, and my father is African American. I have been involved in gymnastics from a very early age.”

At age 11, Spence showed extreme interest in developing her skills in ice skating. World champion figure skater Michelle Kwan was her inspiration.

Spence racked up four first-place crowns and several other second-, third, and fourth-place awards.

“I skated competitively for 10 years, but by the age of 21, the grueling practice schedule took its toll,” said Spence.

“Skating wasn’t fun anymore, and I felt like quitting. But I loved skating and I loved performing. I auditioned for the Disney program and the rest is history.”

Spence is in her fifth year of Disney performances, taking to the ice as a fairy or some other character in various productions. Playing Tiana is a real dream come true.

“I love my job. It’s awesome to come out and perform and see the faces of all the kids. It’s wonderful. I love every minute of it.”

This year’s exhibition is worth the viewing, just for the unique twist of “The Princess and the Frog.” The traditional tale goes that there is, of course, a princess and a prince. The prince is turned into a frog by some evil magic spell, and he has to get a princess to kiss him to turn him back into a dashing prince.

Well, in this updated drama, Tiana is an African-American princess in “The Big Easy,” and her prince is turned into a frog by a hoodoo man. The frog begins talking to her, she eventually gives him a kiss, but something totally unexpected happens.

“You’ll have to come to the show to see what’s next,” said Spence.

“I know the audience will have just as much fun as we have performing. Children come to learn what every princess knows: ‘A dream is a wish your heart makes, and if you keep believing, the dream that you wish will come true.’

That’s the magic of Disney.”

WHAT’S HAPPENING MYRON?

R. Kelly is coming!

Ladies and gentlemen…Robert Sylvester Kelly, better known as R-uh, Kellz, Mr. Entertainment, R. Kelly or whatever you’d like to call him, is bringing the “Single Ladies Tour” to Memphis at the Orpheum on Oct. 23.

Myron There is no telling Mays how long this concert will be because this guy has hits for days, including “Honey Love,” “Trapped in the Closet,” “Bump N’ Grind,” “I Believe I Can Fly,” “Step in the Name of Love” and “Down Low.” That’s just to name a VERY few and does not even count “Share my Love” and “Feeling Single” – the hits from his eleventh studio album, “Write Me Back.”

SEE MYRON ON PAGE 12

“Do things with passion and the money will come,” says Tony Draper. (Courtesy photo)

Tony Draper: Unplugged! ʻGod Father of Independenceʼ music still doing it with passion Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Kelvin Cowans

I remember back in the early ’90’s when Eight Ball & MJG worked at a burger joint with my best friend, little Barry. We were teenagers, I worked at McDonald’s and he worked at Central Park Burgers. He would always tell me how these two guys were rapping out the frame; burning fries, flipping burgers and skillfully rapping the whole time.

I took his word on it and the first chance I got to go see them perform I took it. It was at The Crystal Palace Skating Rink over on Third Street. The crowd was thick inside and out, much like the Craig Brewer movie “Hustle and Flow” depicts. Eight Ball & MJG did not disappoint. They rocked the house! I remember Barry and I leaving there that night saying, “Them guys going to make it big, if somebody important ever see them.”

Well, someone did and his name was Tony Draper. A chance meeting recently at a Wing Stop off of Wilcrest Street in Houston, Texas gave me a great opportunity to chop it up with one of hip-hops greatest music moguls.

“Music in Memphis is legendary because of Stax. But when it comes to hip hop, there hasn’t been a stronger movement since my Suave House movement,” Draper said. “I ain’t talking about hype, I’m talking about the translation of record sales. Even though I’m not on good terms with Eight Ball & MJG, the history that we created isn’t going anywhere.”

With five million records sold, Eight Ball & MJG are really the biggest rap group to ever come out of Memphis, he said. Bigger than Triple Six Mafia and Yo Gotti, on the hip hop side.

“I think Yo Gotti is doing his thing, he’s hot! Triple Six has done wonders for the city by winning an Oscar. That was amazing! But when it comes to record sales, no one out of that city has sold more records than Eight Ball & MJG, period!”

Draper recalled “Coming Out Hard” – his first collaboration with the group – and then the last – “In Our Lifetime” – and said the journey represented transformation and growth. And, he said, it came from him putting every dollar he had “into the marketing/visibility of every project I put out.”

His vehicle is the Houston-based Suave House label, which he founded in 2008. He focused on developing talent and guiding that talent toward recognizing that “they can be appealing to a nationwide audience.”

I asked who all he had on his label at the time.

“Eight Ball & MJG, Tela, Crime Boss, South Circle, Mr. Mike, (the) Ill Hillbillies (a group the late Jam Master Jay brought to him in a joint partnership deal before he was killed), Psycho Drama, NOLA, Lil’ Noah and Rick Ross,” he said.

“Hold up, Mayback Music, Every Day I’m Hustling, Rick Ross?” I asked.

“Yes, I found Rick Ross first and I signed him in 2000.”

Draper answered.

“I was known for taking virtually unknowns and turning them into something. So when somebody says Tony Draper didn’t do good business with Eight Ball & MJG or Tela, then they obviously don’t understand the business aspect of the music business,” he said.

Draper took some to “share the truth of the entire story” regarding his association with Eight Ball & MJG. “My brother, Ernest Draper, took me to this showcase in Memphis and it was during the time the city was having their annual Memphis in May and there was a rap contest going on at this club on Beale Street,” he said. “There were all kinds of rappers there – Triple Six, Eight Ball & MJG, Skinny Pimp, Al Capone, etc. But I saw this fat guy and this skinny guy and they stood out and I thought it was something special about them.

“I met Eight Ball after the show. I told him I was going back to Houston to take care of some business and I would like to sign them in six months and I wanted them in Houston with me. You got to understand, I was born in Memphis, but when I was three we moved to Houston, Texas, so this was my way of paying homage to where I was born and where I came up at.”

His son, Santana Draper, enjoying some Lemon Pepper wings, watched with admiration.

“I knew what it took to make those guys pop. I knew what it took to make them stay relevant in the market place.

You have to always stay ahead of the curve instead of following the curve. When I had Eight Ball & MJG, I kept them hidden. I made you love the music, so in essence you loved them, but you never seen them,” he said.

“No matter what people say, they will always pay big money to see the arrogance of a star. As much as they talk about Kanye West, they will pay every time to see Kanye West, but if Kanye was always seen hanging around, nobody would pay to see him!”

When he did “Coming Out Hard” Draper was the first young black CEO buying two full cover ads in Source Magazine and Rap Pages magazine, he said.

“I was spending $23,000 dollars a month. I was doing it SEE DRAPER ON PAGE 11

ENTERTAINMENT

Tri-State Defender

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 Sept. 14, 2012

BIG BUDGET FILMS

“Finding Nemo” (G) 3-D rerelease of the much-beloved animated adventure about a timid clownfish (Albert Brooks) who summons up the courage to embark on a perilous transoceanic trek to rescue a son (Alexander Gould) left trapped in a bowl in a dentist’s office after being netted by fishermen near the Great Barrier Reef. Voice cast includes Ellen DeGeneres, Willem Dafoe, Brad Garrett, Allison Janney and Geoffrey Rush.

“Resident Evil: Retribution” (R for pervasive graphic violence) 5th installment in the grisly, sci-fi franchise finds Milla Jovovich reprising her role as an intrepid defender of the planet and forging new alliances in a high body-count fight against legions of flesh-eating zombies. With Boris Kodjoe, Oded Fehr, Sienna Guillory, Michelle Rodriguez and Bingbing Li.

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS

“10 Years” (PG-13 for profanity, sexuality, drug use and alcohol abuse) Skeletons-out-ofthe-closet dramedy about the shocking confessions shared by five best friends (Channing Tatum, Justin Long, Chris Pratt, Oscar Isaac and Max Minghella) upon returning to their hometown for their 10th high school reunion.

Ensemble cast includes Rosario Dawson, Anthony Mackie, Jenna Dewan-Tatum, Ari Graynor, Kate Mara and Ron Livingston.

“Arbitrage” (R for profanity, drug use and violent images) Richard Gere stars in this Wall Street thriller as the philandering manager of a sinking hedge fund who implicates a friend of the family (Nate Parker) in the death of his mistress (Laetitia Casta) rather than risk damaging his marriage and reputation. With Susan Sarandon, Brit Marling and William Friedkin.

“Bait 3-D” (R for profanity, graphic violence and grisly images) Disaster flick about the residents of a beachfront community who find themselves surrounded by a swarm of great white sharks after a tsunami leaves them trapped inside a submerged grocery store.

Cast includes Xavier Samuel, Julian McMahon and Phoebe Tonkin.

“Barfi!” (Unrated) Romance drama about the love triangle which develops when a woman (Ileana D’Cruz) has second thoughts about rejecting a hearing and speech-impaired suitor (Ranbir Kapoor) after he falls for a mentally-challenged maiden (Priyanka Chopra). (In Hindi with subtitles)

DRAPER

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

Page 11

September 13 - 19

because I felt like radio was such a hard task and the people I needed to talk to were the people in the penitentiary, the people in the street. They could relate to the kind of music that I was doing. It was a good run,” said Draper.

Eight Ball & MJG later signed with P. Diddy and Bad Boy South. I asked Draper why they moved on if “what you were doing was so hot and they were making money.”

“In the end, I think they got a little blindsided on what we were doing and ruined their own legacy to me” he said. “I had them on a whole another level. They couldn’t be touched in the South at that time. Outkast, who has now sold over 20 million records, came to me and told me that they use to listen to Eight Ball & MJG in high school. Young Jeezy, Ludacris, Rick Ross – they all have told me that they salute Eight Ball & MJG. So how do you go from being the king to you becoming the follower?”

Draper said he saw the business get watered down, turning from passion to a money game and that he wasn’t willing to compromise with that. Eight Ball & MJG had a seven-album commitment with him and fulfilled six of them, he said, launching into detail about the winding path the group traveled after separating from him.

“After me, they released an album with another guy before going with P. Diddy and that album was titled ‘Space Age Forever’ and their sound started changing then. The album didn’t do well at all. It was a garbage album.

People only bought it because they were riding the headlines that they left Suave House Records, he said.

“Then Eight Ball did a solo album titled ‘Almost Famous’ and it flops! How are you almost famous when you have already sold five million albums! I want your readers to understand the mind of some of these artist that’s not in touch with the music or the coach that’s been leading the way for them.

“Next, they go with Bad Boy (Records), P. Diddy gave them a $ 1 million dollars, real talk,” said Draper. “On this album they released with him there is not one established producer on it. They paid themselves and they paid their lawyers, then put on those fat puffy coats like they were from New York and the album bummed. They believed they were winning because they had more money, but no. See, I had the same kind of money invested, but I paid for the best features at that time,

“Iʼm Carolyn Parker: The Good, the Mad, and the Beautiful” chronicles Parkerʼs five-year crusade to rebuild her house, her church, her neighborhood and her life. (Courtesy photo) “Francine” (Unrated) Oscar-winner Melissa Leo (for The Fighter) plays the title character in this introspective portrait of an ex-con adjusting back to civilian life in a rural region of upstate New York after paying her debt to society. With Victoria Charkut, Dave Clark and Keith Leonard.

“I’m Carolyn Parker: The Good, the Mad, and the Beautiful” (Unrated) Oscarwinner Jonathan Demme (for “Silence of the Lambs”) directs this post-Katrina documentary chronicling the valiant struggle of a feisty, retired resident of New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward to rebuild her home left devastated by the hurricane.

“Liberal Arts” (Unrated) Romantic dramedy about a just-jilted 35 year-old bachelor (Josh Radnor) who falls for a teenaged college student (Elizabeth Olsen) upon returning to his alma mater to attend one of his professor’s (Richard Jenkins) retirement party. Cast includes Zac Efron, Allison Janney, Kate Burton and Elizabeth Reasor.

“The Master” (R for profanity, sexuality and graphic nudity) Philip Seymour Hoffman handles the titular role of this tale of disillusionment, set in the wake of World War II, revolving around a devoted member (Joaquin Phoenix) of a burgeoning religious cult who gradually grows suspicious of the motivations of its charismatic founder. With Amy Adams, Laura Dern and I paid for the best production. The best engineers mixed/mastered the records.”

Draper wound down to Eight Ball & MJG signing with Grand Hustle and producing what he called a garbage album.

“I’m saying, why are you still signing with peoIs ten-year-old ple when you came from Santana Drap- the Tony Draper school of er the “next independence? Why you not putting your own big kid?” records out? However, I wish them well. What we had was very special to me, I didn’t think that our situation would end how it ended.”

He had envisioned the group with him as he transitioned to his new venture, film/television.

“This came about after I took Ice Cube independent and he sold over one million records with the 2006 album ‘Laugh Now, Cry Later,’ that fascinated the industry. They couldn’t believe it with a six man staff. I really had that TV bug then after being around Cube.

Draper said he left the music business by choice and naturally moved into television.

“Will I do some more music? Yeah, I’m sure I will, if the opportunity that is presented is right. I started Suave House when I was 16 years old. It gave me a natural high, that’s the same feeling I get from the different challenges of the television/movie business.”

His son, Santana, 10, is “doing big things in his acting career,” said Draper. “He will be that next big kid, watch what I tell you. He just came from New York on a six-day shoot on the HBO hit ‘Board Walk Empire.’ He’s already worked with and met stars such as Quentin Tarantino and Samuel L. Jackson to name some. He’s in the movie ‘Django Unchained’ with Jamie Fox and Kerry Washington that’s due out this Christmas.

“So yeah, he’s modeling and acting and he’s doing it all with passion, because that’s the way that I’m grooming him,” Draper said.

“To do things with passion and the money will come.”

(Tony Draper, aka “God Father of Independence,” can be reached at 71draper@gmail.com.)

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

Jesse Plemons.

“The Stand Up” (Unrated) New lease on life drama about a comedian (Jonathan Sollis) who retires after the tragic death of his girlfriend (Julia Dennis) only to get a second chance at love when he takes a job as a kindergarten teacher at a grammar school where he develops a crush on a cute colleague (Margarita Levieva). Supporting cast includes Aidan Quinn, Jennifer Mudge and Jonathan Reed Wexler.

“Step Up to the Plate” (Unrated) Haute cuisine documentary about renowned, French chef Michel Bras decision to hand over the reins of his three-star restaurant to his longtime assistant, his son, Sebastien. (In French with subtitles)

“Stolen” (R for violence and brief profanity) Nicolas Cage stars in this crime thriller about a recently-paroled master thief’s frantic search for a daughter (Sami Gayle) kidnapped for a ransom he can’t raise. With Malin Akerman, Josh Lucas and Danny Huston.

“The Trouble with the Truth” (R for profanity and sexual references) Bittersweet drama about a starving artist who (John Shea) takes some time to reflect with his ex-wife (Lea Thompson ) upon their failed marriage after their daughter (Danielle Harris) announces her engagement. With Keri Lynn Pratt, Ira Heiden and Rainy Kerwin.

HOROSCOPES

Sept. 13-19, 2012

ARIES Like-mindedness is going to be hard to achieve among your coworkers, but there are likely to be a few who see things as you do.

Choose carefully and find someone to walk with you on this week’s journey. Some words of encouragement might be needed to enlist the person you choose.

TAURUS Where are you going in such a hurry? What you want you already have. Stop looking around yourself trying to find out what’s missing. Nothing is missing. The best kind of discovery this week is self-discovery.

GEMINI Knowing and accepting your love nature is extremely important. Acknowledge the fact that your love and friendship are often inseparable.

You like to be in an adventure with your lover just as you would a partner or a friend. Create this situation by holding the truth of your nature in consciousness.

CANCER Dive into it! Don’t be intimated by the unknown. Your adventurous spirit can take you to a new place of celebration this week. If you can, bring someone along who can celebrate in the same manner with you. Harmony and peace is the motto that you should chant when you accomplish what you want to do!

LEO This week would be good for getting your house in order so you can spend the extra time outdoors and enjoying the company of others. With an orderly habitat waiting for you, you’ll have a head start for the task you have to accomplish.

VIRGO Don’t spread yourself too thin. But if you’ll need to move around in many different circles this week, your spirit should be high and your vibes are strong for meeting new people. You will be receiving a piece or two of great news. Expect the unexpected. You’ll be pleasantly surprised!

LIBRA Strong vibrations make for a series of dramatic interactions with others this week. Practice your art with your heart, and let your energy carry you upwards to your best, highest self.

Keep emotions calm.

SCORPIO You’ll be energizing others this week as you speak what’s on your mind regarding spiritual matters and masters. The quality of your thoughts is very pure; write yourself a love letter.

SAGITTARIUS Surprises are in order this week, and you can roll with everything that comes at you unexpectedly. Healing can happen in a relationship if you just show up. That’s power! Use it for the good of others.

CAPRICORN You want a comrade who doesn’t place inordinate expectations or demands on you, and who is creative, intelligent, a good conversationalist, and highly spiritual. Perhaps you should be out looking this week with eyes wide open!

AQUARIUS Work calls and you are not completely happy with current divisions of labor. Do your part as a member of the team and you’ll be glad that you did. Others will notice that you are a committed team player.

PISCES Business looks good this week as you discover a new way of increasing exposure to your product. Let hope and optimism lead you into new beginnings and fresh starts. All vibes are good. Go! Source: NNPA News Service

SPORTS

Page 12

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Altitude built on attitude at Wooddale Jones, Harper and Mr. Wilkins all played a major role in my personal and professional development.

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Andre Mitchell

This week, The New Tri-State Defender’s middle schools spotlight is on Wooddale Middle School, where head coach Danny Pogue and the Eagles have their sights set on a successful season.

Tri-State Defender: What do you expect your team to accomplish this season?

Danny Pogue: I expect this year’s squad to bring a championship trophy and plaque back to Wooddale Middle.

TSD: What do you want your players to achieve most?

DP: Ultimately, I want them to graduate high school, pursue a college education and become productive citizens. I also want them to stay committed to excellence in everything that they do!

TSD: Who’s your most influential role model?

DP: They came as a “whole village.” Coaches Cook, Jennings, Jett,

TSD: What led you to coaching?

DP: I love the Danny sport. As a former Pogue player and fan, the game of football had a strong influenced on my decision to coach.

TSD: What do you find most challenging about coaching?

DP: My most challenging issue with the players is that they are sometimes unaware of what avenues education and sports can pave for them down the road. I want my players to be successful in all they do, but they’re young and they don’t always understand where I’m trying to take them as a coach. I truly believe you must first reach the students, before you can teach the students. So often my challenge is try-

ing to reach them, then teach them.

TSD: What do you find most rewarding about coaching?

DP: My first reward is seeing them head off to college, but the absolute greatest reward is seeing them as college graduates who have matured into productive and responsible adults.

TSD: What has been one of your more memorable sports-related moments?

DP: Losing a MIAA city championship on the 1-yard line with no time left on the clock was a tough life-lesson, but I learned a lot from that experience and I can honestly say that I will never forget that game, that moment, that feeling, that lesson. Although I don’t like losing, oftentimes losing teaches us much more than winning does.

TSD: What words of encouragement do you care to share with us?

DP: One’s attitude definitely impacts one’s altitude. If your attitude is positive and progressive, you’ll go a lot further in life than if you have a negative attitude and outlook.

PLAYER PROFILES Timothy Taylor

Grade: 8th Position(s): R u n n i n g back/middle Linebacker GPA: 2.8 Favorite subject: Math F a v o r i t e teacher: Ms. Joiner (math) Timothy Favorite high Taylor school team: Whitehaven (Tigers) Favorite college team: Univ. of Oregon (Ducks) Favorite pro: Chris Johnson (Titans)

TSD: What do you want to achieve most?

Timothy Taylor: I want to play in the NFL TSD: Who’s your most influential role model?

My brother (Morris Taylor)

TSD: What do you want to do for a career?

After playing professional football, I want to own an auto repair shop and fix cars and trucks.

MYRON

Grade: 8th Position: Quarterback GPA: 3.75 Favorite subject: Math F a v o r i t e teacher: Ms. Holmes (Teen Living) Favorite high Jerry school: Melrose Craine II (Golden Wildcats) Favorite college team: Clemson (Tigers) Favorite pro: Michael Vick (Philadelphia Eagles)

TSD: What do you want to achieve most?

Jerry Crain II: I want to go to college and graduate.

TSD: Who’s your most influential role model?

JC: Michael Vick.

TSD: What do you want to do for a career?

JC: Become an engineer.

Julian Atkins

Grade: 8th Position: Center GPA: 2.6 Favorite subject: Science F a v o r i t e teacher: Ms. Cox (science) Favorite high Julian school team: Atkins Christian Brothers Favorite college team: Central Michigan Favorite pro: Clay Matthews

TSD: What do you want to achieve most?

Julian Atkins: I want to become a musician and play the piano.

TSD: Who’s your most influential role model?

JA: My mother (Pamela Atkins).

TSD: What do you want to do for a career?

JA: I’m undecided about my professional career; I might go into the field of science or maybe some type of music director.

ENTERTAINMENT

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

This will be a show you don’t want to miss, especially if you’re a fan of Chicago stepping. Kellz seems to be the “King” of that genre these days…and he does it very well.

Tickets are available at the Orpheum box office, through all Ticketmaster outlets and ticketmaster.com. And get this: exclusive presale tickets go on sale for one day only on Thursday (Sept. 13) from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Just enter the password “LADIES.” Here are a few more events to add to your calendar:

Masters of Funk

Jerry Craine II

The Batesville Civic Center will be on fire on Sept. 22 as the Masters of Funk World Concert Tour makes

its way through town. This will be worth the drive down I-55. I’m talking about Lakeside, Slave, The Mary Jane Girls, The Bar-Kays, Brick, Confunkshun and Glenn Jones.

Wow, can you handle all this funk?

Well, you can give it a shot by getting your tickets now! Advance tickets start at $25, with a limited amount of “Meet & Greet” tickets for $45. Tickets are available at the Batesville Civic Center box office, online at www.batesvilleciviccenter-ms.com or by telephone at 662-563-1392.

For more information, visit www.amsconcerts.com.

The Book Club

The Book Club meets this Saturday (Sept. 15) afternoon. We will discuss Joy King’s novel, “Dirty Little Secrets,” and pick October’s selection. Activities will include “The Big Question,” door prizes,

CLASSIFIEDS

Tri-State Defender

September 13 - 19, 2012

networking and a whole lot of fun.

Join us at McAlister’s located at Poplar & Highland at 4 p.m.

Parting shot

Thanks to everyone who came out to The Venue last weekend to help me celebrate my “Pre 40th Birthday Party.” I had the greatest time of my life. I never thought I’d have such a great time turning 39. From the comedians to the Chicago Steppers to the Soul Train line, I couldn’t have wished for a better night. And for that, I’m grateful. Thanks again.

Hey…Memphis’ own King Ellis will be performing at the Ice Bar and Grill this Saturday night (Sept.)

15. It kicks off at 8 p.m. That’s where I’ll be. Until then, that’s what’s happening.

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

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS OF THE FIRST PARKING PLACE GARAGE 21 SOUTH SECOND STREET MEMPHIS, TN 38103 The Downtown Parking Authority is seeking proposals for management of the First Parking Place Garage located 21 South Second Street in downtown Memphis, TN. A copy of the RFP can be obtained at www.downtownmemphiscommission.com Proposals are due by 2 p.m. Friday, September 28, 2012 Downtown Memphis Commission 114 N. Main Street Memphis, TN 38103 (901) 575-0581 Telephone (901) 575-0541 Fax

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THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS IS RESERVED By order of MARK H. LUTTRELL, JR., SHELBY COUNTY MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS OF STATE HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION BIDS TO BE RECEIVED OCTOBER 4, 2012 Sealed Bids will be received by the City of Tiptonville, at their offices in Tiptonville City Hall, 130 South Court Street, Tiptonville, TN 38079, until 2:00 P.M., October 4, 2012 and opened publicly at said office at that hour. The reading of the bids will begin at 2:00 P.M. CITY OF TIPTONVILLE, TN STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS CONTRACT 112 TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROJECT Federal Project Number: STP-EN4800(13) State Project Number: 48LPLM-F3-005 PIN: 112009.00 September 12, 2012 West Grand Division PROPOSAL CONTRACTS WILL BE ISSUED UNTIL THE TIME SET FOR OPENING BIDS A Prime Contractor must prequalify with the Department of Transportation in accordance with Section 54-5-117 of the “Tennessee Code Annotated” and Tennessee Department of Transportation Rule 16805-3 prequalification of contractors before biddable proposals will be furnished.

The City of Tiptonville in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated

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THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS IS RESERVED Bidding documents and information, and plans, may be obtained by contacting Joel B. Spaulding & Company, Inc. - Consulting Engineers 2402 Winford Avenue, Nashville, TN 37211 (615) 255-7766 | (615) 255-7767 Fax brucespaulding@comcast.net Copies of the Contract Documents may be obtained from the Issuing Office, Joel B. Spaulding & Company, Inc. located at the address shown above upon payment of a non-refundable $218.50 for each set.

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NOTICE TO BIDDER(S) Sealed bids will be received by the Shelby County Government in the Department of Housing, 1075 Mullins Station Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38134 until 9:30 a.m. on Friday September 28, 2012 as shown below: MULTIPLE AND ENTIRELY DIFFERENT REHABILITATION JOBS ARE CONTAINED IN THIS BID NOTICE. BIDDER(S) MAY ELECT TO BID ON ANY OR ALL OF THE JOBS IN THE NOTICE. SEALED BID SBI-000184 DUE: Friday September 28, 2012 Rehabilitation of Owner-Occupied Housing Units throughout Shelby County some of which may require the use of lead based paint safe work practices and techniques, and Detailed specifications for items above may be obtained in the Shelby County Department of Housing at the aforementioned address. All bids will be opened and publicly read by the Shelby County Government at the time mentioned above at the Department of Housing, 1075 Mullins Station Road Memphis, TN 38134, (901) 222-7600.

As a condition precedent to bidding, each bidder must apply and qualify for a Vendor Number and Equal Opportunity Compliance Eligibility Number prior to the submitting your response. Your EOC number must be displayed on the outside of your envelope for each bid submission.

As a condition precedent to being awarded jobs involving Lead Based Paint, contractors must be certified through EPA as an RRP contractor and/or show proof of application to EPA for said certification and be certified through the State of Tennessee as a Lead Based Paint Firm.

Proof of licensing at time of bid submission is required by the Shelby County Department of Housing.

The label, which is attached to the specifications shall be completely filled out and attached to the bid submission envelope. You must display your current E.O.C. Eligibility Number or your Locally Owned Small Business (LOSB) Number on the outside of your envelope and a copy of all licenses and insurance policies must be included in your submitted bid package. Unless the label is completely filled out and your current E.O.C. Eligibility Number is noted thereon your bid may be returned to you unopened. Should your label be lost or misplaced, please note the appropriate information in the lower left-hand corner of your envelope.

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Tri-State Defender

SPORTS

TSU – ‘with making up to do’ – downs JSU Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Kelley Evans

Less than 24 hours before kick-off, Southern Heritage Classic organizers – alerted to a forecast of severe thunderstorms – directed all tailgaters to evacuate their encampments near Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.

The storm hit with strong winds, thunder and lightning that sparked fire from the brand new scoreboard. But when the sun rose on “Classic Day,” there was no indication of any threat by the forces of nature.

The 23rd Southern Heritage Classic Football game (Sept. 8) drew an announced crowd of 42,257 to the annual pilgrimage to Memphis featuring Tennessee State University (2-0) and Jackson State University (0-2). Tennessee State (TSU) left victorious, defeating Jackson State (JSU) 38-12.

After losing to JSU for the past two years, junior running back Trabis Ward said it was very important for TSU get the win.

“We felt like we had some making up to do,” said Ward, who scored three touchdowns, netted 114 rushing yards and garnered the Most Valuable Player award.

“Winning MVP is not all about me,” said Ward. “It’s one big team goal. As long as I’ve done my part, that’s all that matters.”

“Winning MVP JSU was ready to battle but could not stop TSU’s is not all about offense. A blocked punt by me. It’s one big wide receiver Rico team goal. As Richardson put JSU in po- long as I’ve sition to score as halftime done my part, neared, but the offense could not get into the end that’s all that zone and Jackson State set- matters.”

Trabis Ward tled for a 21-yard field goal.

TSU answered back on a touchdown run by Ward, sending JSU to the locker room down 21 to 6.

As the game resumed after the much-anticipated half-time show featuring the bands of the two universities, JSU fans were still hopeful that their team could eliminate the deficit and secure a win. It was not be. JSU’s opening drive produced three yards on three plays, forcing a punt.

The second half belonged to TSU quarterback Michael German and Ward. The thirdquarter highlights included a blocked punt by TSU’s Ronn Vinson, resulting in a 17-yard touchdown that gave TSU a 25-point lead (316).

JSU kept scrapping, driving 68 yards on nine plays, making the score 31 to 12. TSU’s defense closed out the scoring, with Daniel Fitzpatrick scooping up a fumble and rambling for a 70-yard touchdown.

Page 13

September 13 - 19, 2012

‘Hurt’ Tigers look to heal against MTSU Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by J.R. Moorhead

JSU quarterback Dedric McDonald flicks the ball to a running back during a game with few offensive highlights for Jackson State. (Photos by Warren Roseborough.)

Trabis Ward of TSU, the gameʼs MVP, scores his teamʼs second touchdown.

After a humiliating loss to UT-Martin in week one, it seemed as if there was nowhere to go but up for the University of Memphis.

And although the Tigers lost last week to Arkansas State, Memphis looked much better in all aspects of the game.

The Tigers have managed to take the lead into halftime in both of their games so far, but their offense seems to fizzle out in the second half. The next chance to get that rectified comes Saturday (Sept. 15) at 6 p.m. when Middle Tennessee State University visits Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.

The Blue Raiders (1-1) and Memphis have had some back and forth battles over the last few years and it should be a fun game to watch. That being said, Memphis has a long season ahead of them, and if they want to record any victories this year, they need to focus on the game this upcoming weekend and come out ready to play.

At his press conference on Monday, head coach Justin Fuente said there were a few things the Tigers didn’t do as a team to get over the hump against ASU. “We made plays and executed our assignments. We just didn’t do it enough,” he said.

“You get in those situations and there’s five minutes left in the game and you’re up or you’re barely behind, you’ve got to stay in the moment and stay focused on the next play.”

The Tigers take the field on Saturday knowing that MTSU bounced back last week after a tough opening-season loss.

“They’ve basically been a tale of two offenses. The first week they threw the ball and this last week I believe, if I’m not mistaken, they had two rushers over 100 yards.

They’ve got some explosive playmakers,” said Fuente.

“Defensively, they have played pretty well. They have some well-respected coaches in this business over there. They’ll be a very well-coached, disciplined, tough football team.”

The ASU loss may have yielded a “hurt” that the Tigers can build upon against MTSU, said Fuente.

“I feel like the (ASU) game hurt some of them, which is a good thing. When you become more invested in something and it doesn’t go right, it hurts more,” Fuente said.

“Sometimes, people won’t get fully invested in something because they don’t want to put themselves out there if it doesn’t work out. I feel like our guys right now are that hurt.”

Page 14

SOUTHERN HERITAGE CLASSIC September 13 - 19, 2012

Tri-State Defender

SHC Founder Fred Jones with special guests Dr. Portia Holmes (left), Tennessee State University (TSU) president, and Dr. Carolyn W. Myers, JSU president. (Photo

by Tyrone P. Easley)

The National Coalition of 100 Black WomenMemphis Chapter sponsored the Classic Fashions & Brunch. (Photo

by Tyrone P. Easley)

More than just a game

TSU band members shed their instruments to get their dance on at halftime. (Photo by Warren Roseborough)

The Classic Parade was presented by the Orange Mound Parade Committee. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

The O始Jay始s gave the people want they wanted at the Classic R&B Concert at Harrah始s Casino in Tunica. (Photo by Warren Roseborough)

The JSU band flat out performed.

(Photo by Kelley Evans)

The Fairley High School performs at the pre-game show. (Photo by Warren Roseborough)

The United States Navy presented NROTC scholarships to John Flores, Kevyn Evans and Meagan Menzel. (Photo by Warren Roseborough)