9 25 2013

VOL. 62, No. 38

Septembe 19 - 25, 2013

Can a college fair change the earth?

Seeds sown at Southern Heritage Classic event

www.tsdmemphis.com

Frosty reception for ASD at Southside Middle School Alexander Wallace signs a contact list, with the expectation of getting more information that will help him make a good choice about college. (Photos: Karanja A. Ajanaku)

kajanaku@tri-statedefender.com

by Karanja A. Ajanaku Alexander Wallace, 15, attends Douglass High School. In 2016, he plans to walk across the stage as a high school graduate.

So why was he walking around the Pipkin Building on Saturday (Sept. 14) afternoon?

“I’ve always dreamed about and always have been pretty intent about what I’m going to be in the future,” said Wallace. “I want to be something in this world.

Some people take the African Americans for granted and I just want to change the face of the earth and things like that.”

The 4th Annual Southern Heritage Classic College Fair drew Wallace and hundreds of others to the Tiger Lane venue near Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. And while it wasn’t stamped on any visible banner, nor shouted out from the stage, the event unfolded amid a burgeoning recognition that Memphis’ prospects for a more prosperous future is interwoven with the need to increase its college-educated citizenry in a big way.

Wallace, whose siblings include one who is a student at the University of Memphis, is determined to be counted in that number.

“I go to the different colleges (at the Classic College Fair) to look and see all they have to offer so I can plan out my future,” he said. “The people have been pretty nice.”

As Wallace pivoted to continue his fact-finding mission, he crossed the path of Mildred Woodard, who was at the event with her son, Jared, a ninth grader at Central High School.

“We just moved here from North Carolina two weeks ago and we heard about the college fair,” said Woodard. “We came out to get a feel of what the col-

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Kelly S. Martin

Tension was thick enough to cut with a knife as highly concerned parents, students, teachers and community supporters gathered in the auditorium of Southside Middle School on Monday (Sept. 16) to discuss the possibility of an association with the Achievement School District.

A quarrelsome atmosphere led to difficult questions and random outbursts towards Elliot Smalley, an ASD representative.

“How y’all going to make our school better if it has already gotten better?” asked a Southside Middle student.

Frequently interrupted, Smalley was unable to answer many questions and convey ASD goals because of brash remarks from audience members.

“Charter schools are for money, not our kids. Education is supposed to be free!”

And, “Why are y’all trying to kill our future…to go to college?”

Thirty minutes into the meeting, angry attendees stormed out of the auditorium.

The ASD is a statewide school district committed to moving schools in the bottom five percent in Tennessee to the top 25 percent in five years.

The forum at Southside Middle was among three “engagement process” sessions held Monday, with ASD leaders fanning out to listen to parents, teachers and community members and share plans for the schools ASD wants to add to the district for SEE ASD ON PAGE 3

Actor Laz Alonso had a question for the Classic College Fair attendees: “Are yʼall ready to pursue your dreams?”

leges have and what type of academics they offer, looking for scholarships and stuff that he can build his grades up toward.”

Woodard, a single mother, put a premium on the financial aid information.

“With the economy the way it is, you have to find different resources that will help you and your child further their education,” she said.

That also means keeping up with changes in the rules that gov-

Mid-South Fair’s new director has growth in mind

ern financial aid eligibility, including credit requirement adjustments to the PLUS program that provides federal loans that graduate students and parents of dependent undergraduate students can use to help pay for college or career school.

“I’ve dealt with the PLUS program before with my older children and I found it to be beneficial,” said Woodard, the mother of six. “They did give me money and help me out. I am a

single parent trying to get my kids through school.”

Woodard lamented “so much red tape” that parents have to go through lately to get resources their children will need to continue on in school. Harking back specifically to the PLUS program, she said not having that as an option would make it “very difficult.”

- INSIDE -

• Does apartheid live in Memphis? See Opinion, page 4.

• MATA adjustments include two new routes. See Community, page 8.

• Eastern Star Baptist gets a new pastor. See Religion, page 9.

SEE COLLEGE ON PAGE 2

African-American income remains lowest of any group

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Wiley Henry

The energy that it takes to run a mammoth organization that has a 157-year-old track record could be rather exhausting if leadership is not up to par. But leadership has never been a problem for the staff and volunteers of the annual Mid-South Fair; it just keeps growing and evolving.

In March, Jesse V. Johnson was handed the reins of leadership as the Fair’s executive director, moving quickly to the helm after he was hired in August 2012 as director of Marketing and Sponsorship Services. Four months later, he was promoted to director of Administrative and Financial Services and Marketing.

The long-running Fair, founded in 1856 “to create a cultural and entertainment experience” for the entire family, is steep in history. Bearing this in mind, Johnson underscores the importance of history, but also understands that diversity and options can enhance the Fair’s appeal during its 10-day run, Sept. 20-29, at the Landers Center in Southaven, Miss.

Once a staple at the Mid-South Fairgrounds in Memphis, the MidSouth Fair moved to Southaven in 2009. In 2012, more than 75,000 people attended the Fair over a 10-

75 Cents

OPINION The Grio

by David A. Love

Jesse V. Johnson, the second African-American to lead the Mid-South Fair, wants it to grow and “represent the entire community.” (Courtesy photo)

day period at the Landers Center.

While the Landers Center is a strategic location for the Fair, including lots of parking, Johnson said the facility lacks space for livestock shows, a tradition that concerns agricultural enthusiasts.

“While we don’t have room to place livestock, we’re bringing back SEE FAIR ON PAGE 3

The U.S. Census just released the latest numbers on poverty in America. And it is not a pretty picture for the nation, especially for African Americans and other historically marginalized groups.

According to the latest stats, 46.5 million people are in poverty in the wealthiest nation on Earth. That’s 15 percent of the population, or more than 1 in 7. Childhood poverty stands at a whopping 21.8 percent.

But for African Americans, it is even worse. African-Americans suffer from a poverty rate of 27.2 percent – the highest of any group – compared to 25.6 percent of Latinos, 11.7 percent for Asians and 9.7 percent for whites. All of these poverty figures are much too high, but for African Americans and Latinos in particular, poverty is far, far too high. And it seems like a permanent fixture on the American landscape that presidents and other politicians will not or cannot tackle.

Conservatives will no doubt point to these statistics as a scathing indictment on President Obama, as the

U.S. tries to get through the aftermath of the Great Recession and into turnaround mode.

Meanwhile, some liberals and progressives may point the finger at the president for not doing enough to stem the tide of poverty and inequality in this country, or blame Republicans for putting salt in the wound by pushing for cuts to food stamps, social welfare and other crucial government spending.

Colorado State Sen. Vicki Marble recently joked that black poverty is higher because black people eat too much chicken and barbecue. The patently offensive and insensitive nature of her statement tells you all you need to know about America’s approach to tackling poverty. The nation doesn’t care much about it, which perhaps is why the U.S. has the most economic inequality in the developed world.

For African-Americans, fighting poverty is like trying to win a race when you started from way behind.

Employment discrimination still remains a reality for African Americans, with a greater chance of being turned down for the job, and lower pay when the job finally comes. For SEE INCOME ON PAGE 2

Fantasia

• Fantasia and Charlie Wilson rock the Classic. See Entertainment, page 10.

• TSU wins Southern Heritage Classic. See Sports, page 13.

MEMPHIS WEEKEND

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

H -82o - L-65o P. M. T-St orms

H- 7 6 o - L - 5 8 o Scat T-Storms

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

REGIONAL TEMPS LITTLE ROCK NASHVILLE JACKSON, MS

Friday H-77 L-65 H-87 L-65 H-88 L-69

Saturday H-80 L-58 H-72 L-60 H-76 L-62

Sunday H-78 L-57 H-72 L-60 H-81 L-60

Page 2

INCOME

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

the past 50 years, African-American unemployment has remained twice the white rate, and at recession levels even when there’s no recession.

Sadly, the wealth gap between African Americans and whites grew even wider during the Great Recession.

Further, African-American workers are more likely to end up in low-paying service jobs than whites, and less likely to receive an inheritance. I suppose all those centuries of free labor

COLLEGE

NEWS

Tri-State Defender

Septembe 19 - 25, 2013

didn’t help any, either.

African Americans have other obstacles as well. Home ownership is a substantial part of the racial wealth gap, according to research conducted

by Brandeis University. And African Americans are hardest hit when they lose their jobs and their homes during economic downturns. The meltdown of the mortgage market in recent years was the most vivid example, with a devastating loss of wealth, particularly among African-American and Latino homeowners.

In addition, with an unjust war on drugs precipitating the prison boom and the mass incarceration of African-

American men, African-American families are unable to grow. AfricanAmerican parents are unable to care for their families, save money and build wealth behind bars.

Meanwhile, African-Americans are more likely to live and grow up in concentrated poverty than whites.

Segregated, poverty-afflicted communities have under-resourced schools. Further, African Americans graduate from college at lower rates and are saddled with more debt. Even further, as a Pew study found, many middle-class African Americans fare worse economically than their parents, an indication that people who

grow up in poverty are more likely to flounder in their adult life.

So in the end, African Americans are more vulnerable to poverty. As a nation, we need to focus on policies that combat economic segregation, create jobs with a living wage, and help build wealth. Further, the U.S. must end its addiction to prisons as a profit center, as it breaks apart families and destroys communities.

Too often, government policies have focused on consumption and benefiting those who are already rich, rather than promoting savings and investment for ordinary working peo-

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

The Classic College Fair is sponsored by the city’s Office of Youth Services, with James E. Nelson, special assistant to the mayor, on point Saturday. Although primarily for high school students, the College Fair also is designed for students of all ages who are interested in returning to college.

Amid college representatives from George, Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee and Mississippi were representatives of the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation, which administers federal and state assistance programs.

“Tennessee Student Assistance is here telling parents that ‘these are things that you need to do and get in place,’” Nelson said.

The Memphis Ambassadors program is the flagship program for the Office of Youth Services. Exposing students and parents to information they need, including testing and financial aid, is part of the task, said Nelson.

“Yes, that (changes to the PLUS loan program) does come up, but for us, we have to focus on making sure that whatever the rules are, that our students get it. Hey, I can’t change the rules for you.

“We can vote individuals out of office that make the rule changes, but ultimately it is our responsibility to help them deal with whatever the circumstances are,” said Nelson. “You got to have a 3.0, 3.5, hey you got to get it, get your grind on and do what you supposed to do today.”

That goes for the parents too, he stressed.

“You can’t be afraid to … report how much money you make. You’ve

Mildred Woodard, a new Memphian, found her way to the Classic College Fair in pursuit of information to help her son, a ninth grader at Central High School. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku)

got to get your business in order if you want to be able to send your child to school,” said Nelson.

“Most schools are costing $20,000 and more every year … but there are opportunities out there, as there have always been. If you have a will and a desire, it will happen.”

No long after, Mayor AC Wharton Jr. addressed an assembly of attendees, beating a similar drum.

“We do care about our youth,” he

said. “If you show what you want to do, somebody is going to give you a hand. … We want you to keep going, whether it’s cosmetology … keep going. … We are going to do our part, but you have got to do your part.”

Wharton was the “set-up man” for actor Laz Alonso, whose appearance sent a sustained roar through the building. Alonso made the point that he was not unlike many of them.

“Just like I’m standing five or 10

feet from you, my life, my career, my income potential … you can do the same thing,” he said. “It doesn’t mean that you have to be an actor.”

Follow your heart, Alonso said, and put God first.

“All the people that say, ‘you can’t do it, you can’t do it,’ what they mean is they can’t do it. Don’t ever let nobody speak for you; not me and not a naysayer.”

Expect the bigger and better, he

ple. It is no wonder the American middle class has all but disappeared.

In reality, this issue of inequality and the racial wealth gap should be an apolitical issue. Whether you love or loathe President Obama, the poverty epidemic drags all of us down And Americans should care about the problem even if – or because – people of color are disproportionately affected. If we don’t take poverty seriously and act immediately to end it, more Americans will slip through the cracks – and so will America.

(Follow David A. Love on Twitter at @davidalove.)

said, offering this economics lesson: “Be smart. If you make $5 and spend $5, what do you have?”

“Nothing,” was the collective answer screamed back.

“If you make a million dollars and you spend a million dollars, what do you have?”

“Nothing!”

“Exactly. You’re still broke,” said Alonso, extolling the virtue of stashing away the majority of what they will earn.

Start on your dreams now, Alonso said.

“Up to the age of 25, the world will judge you on your potential. Right now, y’all have a lot of potential … all the potential in the world. After the age of 25, they are going to judge you on your results. What have you accomplished? What have you done?

OK, you got potential, you smart, but what have you done?”

Alonso gave them a job on the spot.

“Start looking for what you love and I guarantee you that there is a way to make it a business,” he said, “to make income from it, because when you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life. I love acting…to me it’s not work. I’m doing what God put me on this earth to do.”

And through his work, he said, “I get to talk to you…If I can inspire one person in this room to pursue your dream, I’ve done my job and I pray to God I have inspired all of you. …

“Are y’all ready to pursue your dreams? Are y’all going to let everybody know that (as) black men and black women we are here to make things happen and to own our own businesses and to support each other and not hate on each other?”

The screams said the students were on board.

It was as if Alonso had asked, “Are you ready to change the earth?”

Tri-State Defender

FAIR

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

agricultural programs, something people have been asking us to do,” Johnson said.

With a 9-member board of directors and full-time staff working year-round, Johnson said there are goals that he will pursue. “I want to put on a fair each year, making sure that it’s financially healthy. And I want the Fair to be around for another 157 years.”

To bring these goals into view, Johnson said he’ll carry out the Fair’s mission: to educate and connect the region to its agricultural heritage by promoting local industry, provide safe family-oriented entertainment, and reward agricultural

NEWS

Page 3

Septembe 19 - 25, 2013

and craft achievement through an annual exposition.

He also wants to create awareness and improve attractions to increase attendance.

Between the opening day and the closing, fair-goers can expect loads of fun, good food, contests, games and a multimillion dollar midway, Johnson said.

“We have a lot of new options and attractions. We have created diverse programs – something for everybody – from the couch potato to senior citizens to small children. I want the Fair to represent the entire community,” said Johnson, 48, the second African-American to lead the non-profit since Belinda Anderson’s tenure as executive director and board president.

“Every person can partici-

pate,” he said, adding, “We’re offering ride wristbands each day at the Fair. People can ride until their heart is content.”

There is a theme each day, and $1 dollar off an adult general admission will be donated to a non-profit, college or church. On “Church Day,” for example, $1 dollar from each admission will be sent to the church’s youth department.

“If you bring your church program or envelop with the name of the church and address on it, we’ll send a dollar to the church,” Johnson pointed out.

The Mid-South Fair is the only non-profit in this community that supports other agencies, Johnson said. Some of those agencies are The House of Grace, which provides

homes for pregnant teens; the Memphis Child Advocacy Center, which raises a flag for every child in the Mid-South who dies from abuse; and the Mid-South Food Bank, an organization that feeds families.

“There are a lot of things you can do for a $10 admission,” said Johnson, which include K9’s in Flight, dogs from animal shelters trained to perform; Kid Davie Magic Show; 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament; Swine Racing; NASCAR Remote Control Racing; Roller Derby; Livestock Breeding Sheep Show; and Livestock Poultry Show.

The 10-day event is not complete without its entertainment component. “We have the world renowned youth talent contest,” said Johnson, citing local talent that achieved re-

markable success in later years, such as Elvis Presley, Justin Timberlake and Wendy Moten.

Several entertainers and acts are scheduled to perform each day at the Fair. Some of them include Blind Mississippi Morris, “American Idol’s” Nick Boddington, Michaelyn Oby, Zealous, Flight 2, Jack’s JAM at the MSF, Jack Powell Jr. & Triplethret, The Navy Brass Quintet, North Mississippi Allstars, Maggie Thorn, The Original Bluff City Clan, and a GospelFest Sing-Off. “Talent scouts from all over the country will be at the Fair to observe the talent,” Johnson said. “Last year’s winner auditioned for Nickelodeon and other networks.”

There are other attractions as

well, including new rides, a cultural marketplace, and a dance competition. The “Miss MidSouth Fair” is back after it was dropped four years ago. Thea Wilkens-Reed, 16, was crowned “Miss Mid-South Fair 2013.”

Seven to 10 scholarships are awarded each year to deserving students who get involved in the Mid-South Fair’s programs,” Johnson said.

Although attendance has dwindled to some degree after the move to Landers Center, Johnson said, “We are very happy with the Landers Center.

We realize there are some restraints, but North Mississippi has welcomed us.”

He said the organization is seeking a permanent home, but has no plans to move any time soon.

ASD

“We are confused. The parents want us (teachers) to CONTINUED FROM FRONT be here and we want to be the 2014-15 school year. Last here. Why bother us if we week, the ASD released its have made gains. Go find short list of schools (nine ASD- another school that is pereligible schools, eight will be forming worse than we chosen). A final decision is exare,” pected on December 13.

Christine Mudalige Southside is among 68

schools in Memphis in the bottom five percent of the lowest performing schools. Although the school is listed as a “Level 5” school with improved test scores from last school year, Southside (and the other 67 schools) were selected based on a poor three-year performance, and placed on the state priority list back in 2011.

“I want to know why we are just hearing about this,” said Christine Mudalige, a 6th grade language arts teacher, “They said the data came from 2011, so why is it that when we show gains, it doesn’t matter?”

This is Mudalige’s second year teaching at Southside.

“We are confused. The parents want us (teachers) to be here and we want to be here.

Why bother us if we have made gains. Go find another school that is performing worse than we are,” she said.

Isaiah May from Light of South Memphis was one of

many community supporters who attended and showed much concern.

“I’m a little concerned with the statistics,” said May. “If ASD is here to make a positive change, and their objective is to move a bottom five percent school to the top 25 percent, if this school is understood to be a level 5, how much higher can it go?”

Smalley talked with The New Tri-State Defender later, emphasizing the freedom that ASD brings to a school operation.

“Our key thing is freedom for schools, teachers, school leaders and parents to operate their time, resources, money, and what they decide to do with that,” said Smalley.

“We find that when you look across the spectrum of schools that have that locallevel control and power, they tend to make a decision based

These signs were in keeping with the tenor of a meeting at Southside Middle School, where the idea of meshing with the Achievement School District did not go over well. (Photo: Kelly S. Martin)

on their child’s needs.”

Smalley acknowledged that the first conversation at Southside Middle did not go well.

The ASD hopes that communities throughout Memphis will be open-minded to how the special district wants

to go forward in improving test results at its designated schools. The strategy includes taking advantage of

every opportunity to allow the ASD Volunteer Advisory Council to speak to parents and students.

Page 4

John H. Sengstacke Publisher (1951 - 1997)

The Mid-Southʼs Best Alternative Newspaper

A Real Times Newspaper

OPINION

Tri-State Defender

September 19 - 25, 2013

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

FLASHBACK: 2010

Apartheid lives in Memphis and there is no easy way out

It is impossible for intelligent peocally segregated ple to look at the situation faced by city in America.” young urban men in America and not Its schools are conclude that something is very among the lowest wrong with the group. Whether it is performing in the self-inflicted or caused by sinister state, and its inexternal forces, the fact remains that fant mortality millions of black boys have been sysrate approaches tematically excluded from the Amerthat of Third ican mainstream.

World nations. In Incarceration is the most visible 2012, local politievidence of their plight, but mental cians surrendered Tony illness, poor health, educational defithe City’s 100Nichelson ciencies, chronic unemployment, ilyear-old school literacy and immature decision-makcharter, and ing are all personal characteristics of watched as its suburban municipalithe six-million troubled souls who ties fled the newly created “unified” can not contribute anything to their school system like scalded cats… race or culture, at least not in their perhaps rightly so. present state.

In Memphis, a child born into The problem begins with poor par- poverty has a 97 percent chance of enting at the earliest stages of devel- never making it out due to a horrible opment for urban boys… this fact is public transportation system and a nothing new. Some people should chronically under-performing school never have had children. Parents who system that has been in place for don’t read to their children before decades and corrupted by ambitious age five, and who speak broken Eng- politicians using the school board to lish or “Ebonics” and use profanity position themselves for higher office. around their toddlers, have set the While the City of Memphis is prestage for pre-K and elementary dominately African American, the toschool communital dollar amount cation lapses. The In Memphis, it becomes obvious of minority conlack of compre- to even the casual observer tracts with the city hensive cultural that the majority of black people and county govdevelopment or are poor, moderately educated, ernments is an unpositive, early inibelievable one tiatives for chil- and unable to muster the will to tenth of one perdren, especially challenge the status quo. cent. rising to a boys, leads to idlehigh of one perness and mischief, characterized cent, briefly, a decade ago. most often by vandalism and tresNearly 100,000 ex-offenders walk passing charges or arrests. the streets of Memphis every day Layer upon layer of silly and un- without a driver’s license or the right productive media options, along to vote. They return to neighborwith the new “Blacksploitation” hoods in North and South Memphis films, videos and cyber-images only (directly from prison settings) to add to the hardening of the boys’ share new criminal tactics with the personalities and open defiance, boys we reference in this essay. with a willingness to be incarcerated, It must be said that there are many or seek placement in alternative good things about living in Memphis, school settings. It amounts to a “par- but this isn’t the place for those nearallel universe” for young urban men delusional references. This essay is who don’t really see themselves as a to inform the reader about the real part of “the American mainstream.” fact of Memphis being as close to JoIt’s not something they recognize or hannesburg, South Africa during the feel a part of. It’s been that way for height of Apartheid as it could possi40 years. bly be.

So the black community often finds The evidence: itself asking, “Where are the well• Complete control of the local groomed, intelligent, well-spoken, economy and the education systems crime-free young men that Dr. Martin by wealthy whites; Luther King Jr. and civil rights pro• Complete control of the juvenile testers dreamed about?” How is it incarceration system by predomipossible in 2013 that so many young nately white administrators: men are on probation or parole, while • The complicity of black “leaders” so few are in colleges, universities, or in the 30-year decline of the middle trade schools? How is it possible that class and of black neighborhoods so few young men have any hope or throughout Memphis: plan for a healthy, well-adjusted fam• The large, uneducated population ily life of their own, with a wife and of low-skilled laborers at the ecolegitimate children? nomic mercy of the transportation And finally, how is it possible after and hospitality industries. so many struggles over the centuries All of this creates the appearance that the African-American communi- of a de facto southern plantation cirty would have no answers to the ca 1855, rather than a thriving Amergenocide taking place in American ican city where every child born here cities every day, losing 10 to 20 black has a legitimate chance to prosper. males to murder and intra-racial vioApartheid lives in Memphis, with lence every 24 hours? no easy way out.

In Memphis, it becomes obvious to even the casual observer that the ma(Tony Nichelson is a Memphis rajority of black people are poor, mod- dio host and founder of The 110 Inerately educated, and unable to stitute and “Man of the House” Menmuster the will to challenge the sta- toring. He is currently publishing a tus quo. Harvard and the University Literacy Workbook & Behavior of California at Berkley recently Guide for urban male students. For published the results of a study that more information, visit manofthesays Memphis is “the most economi- hous.net for.)

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Gun control is not the answer

Another day, another mass shooting in America.

More blood, more tears, more knee-jerk rhetoric about finding a solution for a bunch of different problems.

Those who knew Aaron Alexis – the shooter who killed 12 and injured eight more at the Washington Navy Yard this week – said he was a quiet, shy man.

At one point he was studying Buddhism and meditated often.

A little more digging, and we find he had several gun-related arrests and a pattern of misconduct in the Navy, but he was honorably discharged.

Pieces of a puzzle we may never fully put together.

But the fact that there is still so much we don’t know about Alexis – or the motive behind the shootings – won’t detour gun-control advocates from lumping his story in with that of Adam Lanza, the man police say is responsible for the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School, along with the victims from gangand drug-related shootings.

This is why after the tears have dried and the blood washes away, nothing, if anything, will change.

And because gun-control advocates so often try to cobble together every distinct narrative involving guns into a one-size-fits-all conversation, they are as much to blame for this merry-go-round as the gun lobbyists against whom they fight.

Gun shops are illegal in Chicago.

The city has bans on both assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. And yet each week people continue to die in the streets from gunshot wounds.

This conundrum is just one example why making note that more Americans have died from gun violence here at home since Newtown than in the nine years fighting a war in Iraq is the kind of factoid that grabs our attention but undermines the true goal: curtailing the violence.

Not all deaths involving guns are

the same – therefore trying to address each incident from the same point of view is futile.

Until we learn more about Alexis – the events leading up to the shootings and the motive – the LZ tragedy in WashGranderson ington should not be used as catalyst for a conversation about gun control.

Instead, we should mourn and wait for more information.

Far too often assumptions surrounding the details of tragedies such as the one in Washington are made, and well-intentioned stances fall apart when additional facts come to light.

The guns James Holmes was charged with using in Aurora were purchased legally. Beyond the presence of a gun, the crimes committed in the movie theater are not at all similar to what happens in the streets of our large cities. And each time a politician or gun-control advocate tries to use these two very different examples interchangeably, the entire conversation and argument are compromised.

This happened after Newtown.

It happened after Aurora.

And it will keep continue to happen until the advocates accept that ridding the country of guns is a hopeless – and unconstitutional mission – and that the real goal should be addressing the factors that lead to the various forms of gun violence: factors such as poverty, mental health and failing schools.

Last month the nation breathed a sigh of relief after Antoinette Tuff, a bookkeeper in an elementary school in suburban Atlanta, prevented a man with an AK-47-type weapon and nearly 500 rounds of ammunition from hurting anyone.

It was not the time to talk generally about gun violence in this country. It was the time to discuss specifics such as cuts to mental health and its impact on services, given that the suspect, 20-year-old Michael Brandon Hill, has a long history of mental disorders. Hill’s storyline is similar to that of Lanza, and there are questions whether Holmes, the admitted shooter in the Aurora movie theater, is insane.

Public debates with Wayne LaPierre and attacks on the National Rifle Association have proven to be an ineffective way to prevent gun violence. In the wake of the Washington Navy Yard killings, perhaps a new strategy, one that doesn’t involve playing on the nation’s emotions or challenging the relevance of the Second Amendment, should be employed. That’s not saying the NRA has won ... but at the end of the day the organization is more of an agitator than the enemy.

There is no one enemy.

Thus there is no one solution.

Because like it or not, the folks spraying our cities with bullets are not NRA members or legal gun owners. And despite the tendency to tie it all together, they have nothing to do with the Adam Lanzas of the world.

And it’s too early to know how Alexis fits in the conversation.

According to a count by USA Today, more than 900 people have been killed in mass shootings since 2006. The thousands of other victims of gun violence over the past seven years died from many different circumstances, requiring different conversations.

This is why gun-control advocates need to abandon the routine of using mass shootings to turn lawabiding citizens into social pariahs and instead focus on something that could work.

(LZ Granderson is a CNN contributor and a senior writer for ESPN. Follow him on Twitter @locs_n)

Couples cohabiting without marriage a growing trend – for blacks, too?

The Root

by Demetria L. Lucas It should come as no surprise that a lot of people are cynical about marriage. For the past four decades, marriage rates steadily have decreased, and in June, USA Today reported that the marriage rate had hit “its lowest point in more than a century.”

With so many Americans being children of divorce, or afraid of falling on the wrong side of the popular statistic about one in two marriages ending in divorce – then throwing in the financial insecurity of the recession – it’s no surprise that so many people are choosing to stay away from the altar—but not necessarily commitment.

Enter the ‘nearlyweds’

Enter the “nearlywed” couples, which a recent feature in Glamour magazine describes as “couples with all the trappings of marriage – the home, the in-laws, the shared Labradoodle, maybe even the kids – but no actual marriage certificate.”

Declaring “nearlyweds” as the latest leaders in relationship trends, Glamour interviewed several (white) couples who extolled the virtues of this commitment-like, but not-all-the-way committed, phenomenon.

Like the “nearlyweds” mentioned in Glamour, Kimora Lee Simmon’s ex-boyfriend, actor Djimon Hounsou, is all for commitment, but perhaps without “the papers.” While promoting his latest film “Baggage Claim,” Hounsou, who shares a son with Lee Simmons from their nearlywed relationship, weighed in on marriage, versus the lack thereof.

“The idea of marrying somebody can actually ruin the union,” the actor said. “Some people are happily together for decades and they get this fantasy idea to go and get married Demetria when it’s just L. Lucas about papers basically… eventually it just goes sour.”

The no-commitment commitment

I totally get that marriage isn’t for everyone – for years I was one of those people – but it’s curious to me why a couple would decide to take on all the headaches of the most committed union, but sidestep the benefits, the most obvious one being a secure commitment that you just can’t walk away from (or at least a reasonable expectation of one).

But that, according to the experts interviewed by Glamour, is part of the point.

“Some people have a kind of moral contract where they’ll stay in the relationship, married or not,” psychoanalyst Gail Saltz, M.D. told Glamour. “Others, however, deep down, do want an escape hatch, and this seems like a way to have your cake and eat it too. But the truth is, anytime you have financial troubles, anytime someone passes by who looks a bit better than your other half, there’s that thought: I can get out.”

Just for non-black women?

I can’t help but to notice the serious inquiry that Glamour gives to this topic. Maybe that’s because this Glamour-documented trend works for single white women who, according to statistics have a median income of $42,000, versus single black women whose median income is five dollars. These white women have a better chance at supporting a child on their own, if the father were to leave.

And for wealthy black couples like Lee Simmons and Hounsou, this also may be an ideal arrangement.

But, I’m not buying into this.

I’ve spent the last decade reading books, essays, blogs, and Twitter comments about black relationships and marriages, and never – ever – have I seen a “marriage-like,” but not actually married relationship, extolled as an ideal.

Benefits versus risks

When black, unmarried couples with children are discussed, they are always scapegoated, as in, “See, this is what is wrong with The Community!” Then the oft-quoted statistic about 70 percent of black children being born out of wedlock is unleashed.

There is an entire movement – No Wedding, No Womb – dedicated to shaming/convincing black women not to adopt the lifestyle that Glamour discusses cutely as a “trend.”

Maybe this is a “trend” for nonblack women, and for black women it is a social crime? Either way, this isn’t a lifestyle that the average black woman should try in her personal life. Unless you are wealthy, the benefits do not outweigh the risks.

NEWS

Tri-State Defender

September 19 - 25, 2013

Go down by the …

With Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium due east and tailgaters all around, a pick-up football game became the center of attention before the clash between Jackson State and Tennessee State on Saturday (Sept. 14) (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku)

Program aims at gaps between students with and without disabilities

Shelby County Schools’ chapters of Best Buddies – an international volunteer organization that aims to build friendships between students with and without disabilities – will participate in the organization’s local Leadership Training Day at Overton High School on Saturday (Sept. 21) at 10 a.m.

Best Buddies has chapters at four Shelby County Schools: Colonial Middle School, Overton High School, Arlington High School and Ridgeway High School.

“I hope that by involving Overton High School in this program we will spread a message of understanding and appreciation,” said Brett Lawson, principal, Overton High School. “Students on both sides of the Buddy Pair grow tremendously by exploring a relationship with someone who is not exactly like themselves.”

During the training, faculty advisors and student officers from each school chapter will learn how to make strong matches between students with and without disabilities, recruit members, fundraise and support the Best Buddies mission. That mission is to establish a movement that “creates opportunities for one-toone friendships, integrated employment and leadership

BRIEFS & THINGS development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

Best Buddies was introduced to Memphis area schools in February 2013 by two parents who have children with disabilities, Kristin Barek and Melissa Todd.

“We saw a huge need to break down the barriers of social isolation among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Barek, program manager, Best Buddies.

Each “Buddy Pair” will be required to maintain weekly contact via phone or email, as well as meet in person twice per month. Best Buddies participants are expected to treat their relationships like any typical friendships they share outside of the organization.

The hope is that the friendships will set an example for the other students in the school and help break down social barriers.

(For more information, contact Kristin Barek, Best Buddies Program Manager, at 901-207-4266 or kristinbarek@bestbuddies.org.)

BRIEFLY: September is Hunger Action Month and MATA is teaming up with MidSouth Food Bank for the third annual “Stuff a MATA Bus” Food Drive on Thursday (Sept.

19th at the Poplar Plaza Shopping Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The goal is to collect

enough food to fill a 40-foot city bus to help feed thousands of families in the Mid-South.

Staff members from both agencies and volunteers will collect food and money donations.

BRIEFLY: Christ Community Health Services will host Panorama: Celebration Of A Visionary, a celebration of the works, contributions and vision of retiring CEO Burt Waller on Oct. 1 at the Peabody Skyway. Through Waller’s leadership, CCHS grew from one clinic to six community health centers, three dental centers, three pharmacy locations and a mobile unit to serve the homeless.

Tickets: individual, $125, tables begin at $1250. For more info, contact CCHS at 901260-8510.

BRIEFLY: Freedom Preparatory Academy Charter School, located in southwest Memphis, is among the finalists to receive a $10,000 prize awarded by the Tennessee State Collaborative on Reforming Education. (SCORE).

Each year, SCORE identifies and selects elementary, middle, and high schools across the state that have made significant gains in improving student achievement. Freedom Preparatory Academy, now in its fifth year, is the only school in Memphis and Shelby County being considered for the SCORE prize. Winners will be announced, Oct. 28th at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville.

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September 19 - 25, 2013

Tri-State Defender

BUSINESS

Tri-State Defender

MONEY MATTERS

How a pension could affect Social Security benefits If you expect retirement income from a pension and Social Security, congratulations! These two income streams, along with your retirement savings, could put you on a comfortable financial footing. However, you might not be aware that your pension could affect your Social Security benefits.

Eliminating windfalls

Festival business

At the Cooper Young Festival, cRaFtyChiCks was well represented. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku)

ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY

Where is the money? Try ‘factoring’ this

No matter the size of the firm, many businesses regularly face cash shortages.

When small or new businesses face such a squeeze the options are more limited. But if the business has accounts receivables, which is an asset that can be sold, “factoring” may be an option.

Factoring entails the business selling its accounts receivables at a discount to a third party known as a factoring company. The discount is the incentive for the factoring company to take a risk by advancing money on the receivables.

In a normal factoring deal, there are three participating parties: the business selling the accounts receivable, the one buying the accounts receivable (the factoring company), and one who owes the accounts receivable (customer of the seller or the debtor). The accounts receivable usually have to be owed by a dependable verifiable source that has a credit rating worthy of the factoring company its money.

In the financial transaction of factoring there will be three components: (1) the advance,

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September 19 - 25, 2013

which is paid to the business seller as a percentage of the invoice face value, (2) the res e r v e , which is the balCarlee ance held McCullough until the debtor has paid in full, and (3) the discount fee, which is the cost of the business transaction earmarked to the factoring company, including fees and interest detailed in the fine print).

Typically, factoring companies will advance up to 85 percent of the purchase price of the receivable. The factoring company then takes on the responsibility of collecting from the entity that owes on the accounts receivable.

Non-recourse or loan

Beware of the chargeback or set-off. If the company that

AT A GLANCE

Memphis has a number of factoring companies, with Liquid Capital a new company on the block.

At Liquid Capital, the purchase price can vary between 80 percent to 90 percent of the total accounts receivable invoice. The variance is based on the client and the credit quality of the debtor.

Liquid Capital is a franchised business. In addition to the discount, the factory company will charge a 3 percent fee.

This may seem steep, and the business seeking the help has to determine if there is enough mark-up in the receivables to afford this transaction without taking a loss.

So overall, the business needs to weigh the costs of this transaction very carefully and determine if this factoring is appropriate for its business model.

Factoring is not for every business. Although we advise those in need to proceed cautiously, sometimes this option can save the day.

Private-sector workers who earn a pension typically pay Social Security payroll taxes, in which case the pension should not affect their Social Security benefits.

However, an issue arises when someone receives a pension based on earnings in which Social Security taxes were not paid — typically from a federal, state, or local government, a nonprofit organization, or an employer in a foreign country — and the individual is also eligible for Social Security benefits based on employment from other jobs. In these situations the Social Security benefit may be reduced by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP).

Congress enacted the WEP in 1983 to address an unfair advantage in the way Social Security benefits were calculated for people who worked mainly in a job not covered by Social Security.

Because federal workers who were first hired after December 31, 1983, do pay Social Security payroll taxes, they are generally not subject to the WEP. However, public-sector employees in certain states and workers in foreign countries could be subject to the WEP, regardless of hire date.

The benefit reduction de-

pends on the year in which t h e worker turns 62 (the eligibility year) and the number of years in Charles Sims Jr., CFP w h i c h the individual had “substantial earnings” and paid into Social Security (see chart). The reduction cannot be more than one-half of the individual’s pension from non-covered employment.

Offsetting a government pension

Although the WEP does not apply to survivor benefits, another factor - the Government Pension Offset (GPO) – could reduce Social Security spousal or survivor benefits by two-thirds of the amount of a government pension. For example, someone who receives a $900 monthly civil service pension and is eligible for a $1,000 Social Security survivor benefit would instead receive $400 per month from Social Security ($1,000 – $600 (two-thirds of $900) = $400).

For more information, visit these pages on the Social Security website: www.ssa. gov/retire2/wep.htm and w w w. s s a . g o v / r e t i r e 2 / gpo.htm.

(Charles Sims Jr. is president/ CEO of The Sims Financial Group. Contact him at 901-682-2410 or visit www.

SimsFinancialGroup.com.)

(For more information about Liquid Capital, call 901233-6624 or visit www.midsouth.liquidcapitalcorp.com.)

owes the accounts receivable fails to pay and the debt becomes uncollectable, some factoring companies will often want their money back and treat the transaction as a loan rather than a straight purchase.

Non-recourse factoring is not considered a loan, because the factoring company will assume the risk of collection or non-collection. Nonrecourse factoring is considered a straight sale of the asset. However, when the factoring company extends the money as a loan on receivables it is considered a secured loan. So if they cannot collect, they will circle back in the form of a chargeback or set-off to collect their money from the seller.

As it relates to Generally

Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), there may be fine-line distinctions between a loan and a sale and the treatment of the money received.

Factoring companies are beginning to become more visible in the community. When doing business with one, do your research on the company and read the fine print. Ask for references and see if their customers are happy. If possible, have an attorney read over the contract as well. After all, you are selling or obtaining a loan against one of your most valuable assets.

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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING and SECTION 4(F) DE MINIMIS DETERMINATION

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will host a public hearing update for the proposed Kirby Parkway project, which begins at Walnut Grove Road and ends at Macon Road in Shelby County. The meeting will be held September 24, 2013 at the Agricenter, 7777 Walnut Grove Road, Germantown, TN 38120 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

This hearing will represent an update from the last hearing held on December 13, 2007 as a part of the NEPA process for the project. Additionally, this meeting will give notice of the Federal Highway Administrationʼs intent to file a Determination of Section 4(f) de minimis use related minor project impacts to the Shelby Farms Park. Copies of the Supplemental Final Environmental Impact Statement (SFEIS) and Section 4(f) de minimis are available for review at: Memphis-Shelby County Library 3030 Poplar Avenue Memphis, TN 38111

TDOT Region 4 300 Benchmark Place Jackson, TN 38301 Project Manager Steve Chipman 731-935-0157

Memphis-Shelby County Library Cordova Branch 8457 Trinity Road Cordova, TN 38018

University of Memphis Library-Government Publications Department 126 Ned R. McWherter Library Memphis, TN 38152-3250

A presentation will be followed by a question and answer period. TDOT and Shelby County representatives will address questions pertaining to the project and associated impacts. Topics of discussion will be access to the park, new trails constructed since the SFEIS was signed, proposed access for these new trails, landfill study, and aquifer impacts. Comments from the public related to the previous Section 4(f) determination and SFEIS are found at http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/kirbyparkway/library.shtml Anyone with questions regarding the hearing may contact: Margaret Slater TDOT Environmental Division 505 Deaderick St., Suite 900 Nashville, TN 37243-0341 615-253-2003 Margaret.Slater@tn.gov

Steve Chipman TDOT Region 4, Jackson 300 Benchmark Place Jackson, TN 38301 731-935-0157 Steve.Chipman@tn.gov

Persons with a disability, who require aids or services to participate at the meeting, may contact Margaret Mahler at the following address no later than ten (10) days prior to the date of the meeting.

Ms. Margaret Mahler or by email: TDOT ADA Compliance Suite 400, James K. Polk Building 505 Deaderick Street Nashville, TN 37243

Margaret.Z.Mahler@tn.gov 615/741-4984 (phone) 615/532-5995 (fax) 615/253-8311 TTY Relay

All comments received at the meeting or within the specified comment period will be included in the official meeting transcript. A court reporter will be available to receive oral statements. In addition, comment cards are available for those who prefer to make written statements. Written statements and other exhibits may be submitted by October 15, 2013 or via email to TDOT.comments@tn.gov, reference Kirby Parkway, Shelby County, or by mail to the following address: Public Hearing Comments Attn: Kirby Parkway, Shelby County Tennessee Department of Transportation Suite 700, James K. Polk Building 505 Deaderick Street Nashville, TN 37243-0332

TDOT is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, religion, color, disability or national origin.

COMMUNITY

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Tri-State Defender

September 19 - 25, 2013

MATA adjustments include two routes

42 Crosstown and 46 Whitehaven Flyer expected to enhance service

The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) launches two new routes as a part of its route adjustments on Sept. 22.

The new routes are a part of MATA’s focus on budget efficiency, routes to meet service demands, and making more use of route transfers for more direct travel compared to most routes going downtown for transfer.

The 42 Crosstown debuts as the “most direct and convenient link” from Frayser to Whitehaven and many major locations in between. The route features 13 numbered timepoints and transfer points to 21 other MATA routes (2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 17, 19, 20, 30, 34, 35, 36, 40, 46, 50, 52, 53, 56, 57 and 69). The Memphis Medical Center area is among the points along 42 Crosstown.

The 46 Whitehaven Flyer comes aboard as a direct service from the heart of Whitehaven at Elvis Presley and “My main priority in life will be working towards making the Middle East a safer place and hopefully making some type of difference in the world.” – Jocelyn Ramiah

Holmes to Downtown Memphis along Elvis Presley and Bellevue. The route features seven numbered timepoints and transfer points to nine other MATA routes (4, 7, 17, 20, 30, 35, 36, 42 and 69). Southland Mall, Methodist Hospital South and the Memphis Medical Center area are among the points along 46 Whitehaven Flyer.

“These two routes not only cross each other, they provide excellent direct links to many routes traveling west to east, which provides riders access to many points around the Memphis area without the need to always travel downtown to catch other bus routes,” said William Hudson, President and General Manager of MATA. “We know this will be a change for some people, but once they learn the patterns, it will create faster and more direct opportunities for many.”

MATA held public hearings and took comments during Ju-

ly, at which time public input led to fewer route and schedule changes that were originally proposed.

To help riders with the changes, some 30 retirees from MATA will be riding busses and stationed at the transit centers.

The new 42 Crosstown and 46 Whitehaven Flyer take the place of old routes 10, 31 and 43 whose service is now covered by the new routes (as well as by the revised 57 Park) and will be eliminated. Riders can visit www.matatansit.com to see how these new routes offer alternatives to the routes being eliminated.

Other service changes that take effect on Sept. 22 will be: 2 Madison – Routing changes; 4 Walker – Modified weekday, Saturday, and Sunday schedules, routing changes; 5 Central – Routing changes; 7 Air Park – Modified weekday schedules; 11 Thomas – Modified weekday schedules;

12 Florida – Modified weekday schedules; 13 Lauderdale – Modified weekday and Saturday, routing changes; 19 Vollintine – Routing changes; 20 Winchester (new name) – Modified weekday and Saturday, routing changes, no longer goes downtown; 35 South Parkway – Modi-

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Jocelyn Ramiah left Memphis on Monday determined to make “some type of difference in the world.” Her destination was Israel, where she is set to begin her Master’s degree program at Tel Aviv University.

A recent graduate of Emory University, with a B.A. in Middle Eastern and South Asian studies, Ramiah’s year-long concentration in Israel will include soaking up the cultures.

Her ambition and talent were on display recently at a going away party at the home of her mother, Julia Ramiah, who works as a respira-

82 Germantown – Modified Weekday schedules Maps and changes for all adjusted and new routes are available at: http://www .matatransit.com/ uploadedFiles/Main_Site/Content/ Maps_and_Schedules/Service _Changes/9.22.13%20service %20change%20booklet1.pdf or by calling 274-MATA (6282).

CHEF TIMOTHY

Is being fat normal?

by Chef Timothy Moore Ph.D, N.M.D, C.N. Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Master’s student draws a bead on Tel Aviv

by Tony Jones

fied weekday route; 39 South Third – Modified weekday and Saturday, routing changes; 53 Summer – Modified weekday and Saturday, routing changes; 57 Park – Modified weekday, Saturday, and Sunday schedules, routing changes; 69 Winchester - Modified Saturday schedule;

tory specialist at a local hospital.

Her father, Shaboy Ramiah, is an upscale custom tailor. Amicably divorced, the two dote on their jewel, as did dozens of family and friends at the party that featured a cake made in the shape of Tel Aviv University.

“Initially I wanted to be a journalist, then I made a lot of friends at Emory with Middle Eastern backgrounds and I became very interested in the Arab-Jewish conflicts, so I decided that should be my starting point,” said Ramiah.

She is undaunted by the recent developments in Syria.

“Nope, I’m not afraid one bit, because I want to be an agent of change and in order to do that I can’t be afraid,” said Ramiah.

“My main priority in life will be working towards making the Middle East a safer place and hopefully making some type of difference in the world.”

Ramiah’s difference-making toolset includes being a gifted Memphis-bred singer and songwriter. Among the guests at the party was Hi Records president Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell, who came to know Ramiah from her self-written independent single “Look, But Don’t Touch,” the cover of which served as backdrop for the cake ceremony.

Ramiah is definitely working a plan.

Challah and chicken wings, anybody?

It can happen.

Pants with expanding waistlines are sold in most stores now, and big and tall retail shops are popping up everywhere. More and more, society is moving toward the acceptance of being overweight and obese as “normal.”

It’s official that the United States is fat. According to the Centers for Disease Control, two thirds of Americans are obese. Even though some seem to be taking such news lightly and as if it’s just a fad, it is no laughing matter. Millions of people die each year from overusing a fork, spoon and a latte.

I frequently talk with individuals who deny they even have a weight problem. They argue that God created them to eat and enjoy life to the fullest and not worry about the outcome. I’ve also found that overweight people often overlook their weight because they feel everyone looks like them.

Reality says that obesity affects society’s waistline as a whole. The annual medical cost is approximately $190 billion and increasing daily. According to the New England Journal of Medicine (2009), your odds of being obese is 57 percent if you have a friend who is obese, and 40 percent if a family member is overweight.

And the CDC now categorizes obesity as a disease.

Even though it is clear that being overweight is bad for your health, it doesn’t mean everyone who is obese will develop health problems. Still, we must realize that there is a higher risk for developing arthritis, some form of cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

Studies have shown that weighing a third more than your ideal weight could possibly reduce your life span

by as much as three years.

This overweight epidemic can be controlled by adjusting our mindsets and making some small lifestyle and dietary changes.

The key to starting a healthy lifestyle is to do it for yourself and not anyone else. of my Dr. Timothy One clients, who Moore weighed 430 pounds, lost 15 pounds and was very proud of her accomplishments, as she should have been. The excitement in her eyes said she was on the right path. A family member subsequently told her that she looked good and advised her not to lose too much weight.

Take your life back into your own hands!

We must not set an unreasonable goal to lose weight, but decide that being healthy is more important. The weight issue becomes less a problem once that choice is made.

A plant-based lifestyle can provide a remarkable boost, as it will help improve one’s overall health. Mesh it with a well-balanced eating plan, an exercise program of a minimum of 20 to 45 minutes, and learn how to relax.

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

RELIGION

Tri-State Defender

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September 19 - 25, 2013

Longevity…

Should I date a girl who won’t got to church?

The Rev. Leverne Malone of New Asia Baptist Church at 540 East Trigg led a “Victory Celebration” on Sunday (Sept. 15) for Petzrie Jenkins (left), 99, and Willie Bell Springfield, 97.

Both Jenkins and Springfield have birthdays this month. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

The Root

by Demetria L. Lucas “My question is rather complicated. I’m dating a very nice girl now, but she refuses to go to church with me. My mom and grandparents are all leaders in our church, and I’m running out of excuses for her. She says she’s not a churchgoer and doesn’t want to be a hypocrite and go for my sake.

Is she wrong?” – R.L.J. Your question isn’t really so complicated at all. No, the very nice woman you are dating is not wrong for not wanting to go to church, whether it’s with you or anyone else or on her own. Faith is a very personal issue, and she is entitled to practice it – if she has one – however she sees fit, just as you are.

Attending church and, by proxy, praising God is something that should be done for yourself or for your God, not to make the family of the man you’re dating happy.

While this particular woman’s actions are not wrong, I do wonder if the two of you are compatible. Dating is when you’re supposed to be figuring that out – and it seems that being with a woman who goes to church, and what your family thinks about her, are a big deal to you.

The woman you are dating doesn’t do what your family likes. If pleasing your family is important to you, as it seems to be, then you’d be better suited to finding a “church girl” – maybe there’s one at the church you attend? – who would be happy to go with you regularly and would not feel that she was being a hypocrite.

If the woman you are dating is someone you really like, I’d suggest that you try a different approach that might make her more receptive to attending church with you, or at the very least will keep her in your life.

If you want her to go to church with you because it’s an experience that you would like to have with her, then say that. But I’m not even sure that’s the case here. It’s curious to me that despite the length of your query, you never said, “I want her to go to church.”

Your question was all about what your family members expect of a woman they’ve never met. Conversely, she has never met them, and she is not even your girlfriend.

With no commitment to them or you, for that matter, why should she be motivated by what they want? You’re asking a lot from a woman you haven’t offered any semblance of a title.

It’s nice that your family is heavily involved in the church to the point where they have assumed leadership positions. But as an adult, you don’t need to make excuses for anyone you choose to date. You’re pressuring your date to do something she doesn’t want to do because you don’t want to stand up to your family. That’s your problem to deal with, not hers.

If you’re not willing to stand up for who and what you want and you’re willing to put your family’s happiness above your own, then go find a woman who will impress your mom and grandparents by showing up on Sunday mornings. However, if the woman you’re dating makes you happy, then tell your family that they won’t be seeing her at church because she doesn’t attend – no additional made-up excuses necessary.

(Demetria L. Lucas is a contributing editor at The Root, a life coach and the author of “A Belle in Brooklyn: The Go-to Girl for Advice on Living Your Best Single Life.” She answers your dating and relationship questions on The Root each week. Feel free to ask anything at askdemetria@theroot.com.)

“We want to put faith back into families.” – Rev. Evan Collins

Eastern Star’s new pastor knows way around pulpit Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Kelly S. Martin

Full of vigor, dedication and passion, the Rev. Evan Collins has accepted the call to lead Eastern Star Missionary Baptist Church and to take on all the associated challenges.

The 26-year-old Collins is the newly-elected pastor of the church at 334 William Fields Ave, (Cleveland Ave.) in North Memphis. Coming from a lineage of preachers, he answered the calling to serve God as an adolescent.

“My grandfather served as pastor of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church on Vance Ave. for 40 plus years,” said Collins. “His oldest son, O.C. Collins Jr., who is my father, is pastor of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, his middle son, James Byron Collins, is the current pastor of Progressive, and the youngest son, Timothy Collins, is pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas.”

Rev. Collins said he is humbled to be called to serve at Eastern Star, noting its rich history.

“I grew up hearing about Pastor (William) Fields Sr. and (Pastor William Fields) Jr., (and) Pastor Joseph Hughes, and just knowing how they served this community and church with a great spirit and a servant heart for the Lord,” said Collins.

Eastern Star is located in an area where there has been concern about neighborhood stability.

With grocery store located across from the church and a school behind it, Collins is focused on routing the heavy foot traffic through the church’s doors.

“We see people of all ages who walk past the church, but now we want to get them into the church,” he said. “We want to put faith back into families.”

His three- to-five-year general plan is to recapture youth and young adults, getting them excited about the Lord and what they can do for the Lord.

“We believe that faith is something you take with you in your daily walk and apply it,” said Collins.

The Rev. Evan Collins leads Bible study at Eastern Star Missionary Baptist Church.

(Photos: George Tillman Jr.) The general plan, said Rev. Collins, is to recapture youth and young adults, getting them excited about the Lord and what they can do for the Lord.

PRAISE CONNECT -A WEEKLY DIRECTORY OF MINISTERS & CHURCHES-

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

767 Walker Avenue Memphis, TN 38126

ASSOCIATE MINISTERS

901-946-4095 fax 948-8311

Rev. Davena Young Porter Rev. Linda A Paige Rev. Luecretia Matthews SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

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

WEDNESDAY Bible Study .........................10:30 am Mid-Day Prayer Meeting .....12 noon Evening Prayer Meeting........7:00pm FRIDAY Cable Channel 17 ............... 8:00pm

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

—Phillipians 4:13

Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

—Matthew 7: 1-2

Dr. & Rev. Mrs. Reginald Porter

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

(901) 948-3441

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

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

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

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

“Ministering to Memphis-Spirit, Soul and Body”