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By James Coleman TSD Contributing Writer
A resolution funding a lawsuit opposed to the state takeover of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools was knocked off the Shelby County Commission agenda after falling one vote short on Monday, April 27.
Mickell Lowery’s add-on resolution required a two-thirds majority to advance. It failed 7-5.
The item was rejected with discussion after failing to overcome an objection by commissioner Mick Wright. Lowery made a request to suspend the rules after the resolution was presented without a summary page or a wrap-up sheet. It was seconded by interim Commissioner Matthew Szalaj.
Lowery’s proposal would have drawn $200,000 from the county’s FY2026 operating budget.
State lawmakers are moving forward with a takeover of the school district after findings of an initial state-ordered audit, based on rumored mismanagement and fraud, revealed a relatively small amount of questionable items. So far, state auditors identified $1.45 million in possible waste and abuse out of the nearly $2 billion annual budget. Around 25% of the audit has been completed.
However, many see the takeover as a blowback for the MSCS decision to fire former superintendent Marie Feagins in early 2025. The former Detroit public schools administrator was dismissed by a 6-3 vote over accusations of misleading board members and financial mismanagement.
Her interim replacement, Dr. Roderick Richmond, was recently hired as the new superintendent on February 11. Meanwhile, Lowery’s failed resolution accuses state lawmakers of “adopting criteria which effectively applies only to the Memphis system out of 80
similarly situated districts across the state.”
The second term commissioner is currently a front-runner in the May 15 Democratic Party primary to succeed term-limited Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris. Ironically, Feagins is another one to beat in the campaign. She is also in the midst of a federal lawsuit. The political newbie is currently suing the school board for $487,000 in back pay in federal court over claims of gender bias and retaliation.
Earlier in the month, state lawmakers passed legislation permitting a state-appointed board to take over MSCS. Low academic performance was cited as another excuse for the takeover. MSCS is the largest school district in the state
with upwards of 110,000 students. The nine-member board will have control over budget, personnel and curriculum for the next four years — and possibly longer. The yet-to-be selected board will also have the power to hire and fire the superintendent and make rezoning decisions. It will take over on July 1.
Voting in favor of the lawsuit were Shante Avant, Henri Brooks, Charlie Caswell, Miska Clay Bibbs, Erika Sugarmon, Lowery and Szalaj. Opposed were David Bradford, Amber Mills, Brandon Morrison, Britney Thornton and Wright. Commissioner Michael Whaley was absent from the meeting.
By Amy Taxin, Michael Biesecker and Eric Tucker Associated Press
TORRANCE, Calif. — The California man arrested in the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner is a highly educated tutor and amateur video game developer opposed to the policies of President Donald Trump.
Authorities say Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, was taken into custody at the dinner Saturday night in Washington that was attended by Trump and top members of his administration. A social media profile for a man with the same name and a photo that appears to match that of the suspect show he worked part-time for the last six years at a company that offers admissions counseling and test preparation services to aspiring college students.
In a message sent to family members minutes before the attack, the 31-yearold described himself as “Friendly Federal Assassin” and railed against recent actions taken by the U.S. government under Trump, though he did not name the Republican president directly, according to a copy obtained by The Associated Press.
The writings ran more than a thousand words and read as a rambling, deeply personal message, opening almost jarringly with a casual “hello everybody!” before shifting into apologies to family members, co-workers, fellow travelers and even strangers he feared could be caught in the violence. The note moved between confession, grievance and farewell, with Allen thanking people in his life even as he sought to explain the attack.
Elsewhere, the document veered between political anger, religious justifications and rebuttals to imagined critics, at times reading as if he were arguing with detractors in real time.
Allen was charged Monday with the attempted assassination of the president and will remain at least temporarily behind bars as the case moves forward. Besides being charged with attempting to assassinate the Republican president, Allen also faces two firearms charges. He did not enter a plea.
Allen signed the document he wrote before the attempted attack Saturday using a moniker that matches social media accounts that have since been taken offline. A defunct account using the same name on the platform Bluesky reposted others who offered commentary critical of Trump as well as members of the media who attend the annual black-tie dinner.
The AP limits the use of attackers’ writings and social media posts to avoid amplifying their views or encouraging copycat actions. The AP chooses to summarize their words and focus mainly on the victims and investigations.
Allen was arrested Saturday night trying to rush past a security checkpoint with two firearms and knives. Law enforcement officials told the AP that Allen legally bought a .38-caliber semiautomatic pistol in October 2023 and a 12-gauge shotgun last year.
Canvassing the suspect’s neighborhood
Voter registration records from California lists Allen’s home address as his parent’s house on a tree-lined street in one of the most historic neighborhoods in Torrance, a city within the Los Angeles metro area. Public records show he
is the oldest of four adult siblings, with two younger sisters and a brother. Two cars were parked in the driveway Sunday morning. A blue scooter that a neighbor said Allen rode was on the front lawn. No one answered the door when an Associated Press reporter knocked. By the afternoon, several people who appeared to be law enforcement agents were canvassing the neighborhood, with one wearing an FBI sweatshirt.
A yard sign displayed at the family home supported a local candidate for judge who was endorsed by the Los Angeles County Democratic Party. Federal campaign finance records show Cole Allen contributed $25 to a Democratic Party political action committee in support of Kamala Harris for president in 2024 and listed his employer as C2 Education.
A 2024 post on the C2’s Facebook page listed Allen as the company’s teacher of the month. The company did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment Saturday night and an office in Torrance was closed on Sunday.
Allen’s profile photo on LinkedIn shows him wearing a cap and gown when graduating with a master’s degree in computer science from California State University, Dominguez Hills. The photo appears to have been taken May 2025. Bin Tang, a computer science professor at the school, told the AP that Allen took a few of his classes.
“He was a very good student indeed, always sitting in the first row of my class, paying attention, and frequently emailing me with coursework questions. Soft-spoken, very polite, a good fellow. I am very shocked to see the news,” Tang wrote in an email.
47th president
to post this image of the alleged attacker who attempted to storm the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, after security agents subdued him and placed him face down on the ground. Authorities have identified him as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old California man. (Photo Credit: Truth Social)
He earned a bachelor’s degree in 2017 in mechanical engineering from the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, according to his profile on the social networking site LinkedIn. The small university is academically prestigious with a very low acceptance rate. He also listed his involvement there in a campus group that battled with Nerf guns and a Christian student fellowship.
The suspect’s father, Thomas Allen, is listed as an elder at Grace United Reformed Church Torrance. The webpage for the congregation describes it as a “Bible-believing church” following the “infallible Word of God.” Security guards posted at the sanctuary during worship services on Sunday escorted parishioners to the door and kept reporters at bay.
Allen also posted that he had developed a video game for the Steam platform based on molecular chemistry. A post under Allen’s name said he was working to develop a new “top-down shooter” combat game set in outer space.
Biesecker and Tucker reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Michael Balsamo, Michael Kunzelman, Brian Slodysko and Byron Tau in Washington contributed to this report.
By Lee Eric Smith TSD Contributing Writer
Memphians were shaken Wednesday, April 22, by the discovery of human remains believed to be those of three young children in Southeast Memphis, as a heavy police presence worked a wooded crime scene near Ridge Meadow Parkway.
Even more disturbing is that early forensic analysis indicates the remains have been decaying for at least “a few years,” as investigators work to determine the victim’s identities and how they died.
Authorities also say the children, believed to be between 3 and 7, may not be from Memphis.
A review of the city’s missing persons reports turned up no matches, Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis said, adding that investigators are now exploring the possibility that the children could be from outside the area.
“That was the first thing that the Memphis Police Department did,” said Davis. “We conducted a review of all of our recent missing persons reports … we knew that these individuals were not persons that were reported out of our area.”
The remains were discovered in a heavily wooded area along Ridge Meadow Parkway near Ridgeway Road, where more than 170 personnel from local, state and federal agencies conducted a large-scale search Tuesday.
Police emphasized there is no indication of any ongoing threat to the public.
According to Davis, the investigation began March 8 when an anonymous caller reported a possible human skull near the woods in the 3400 block of
Ridge Meadow Parkway.
Officers located what appeared to be a skull at the edge of the tree line, prompting a series of follow-up searches over the next several weeks.
Cadaver dogs later alerted investigators to a nearby drainage pipe. That led to additional inspections, including the use of camera equipment inside the drainage system.
On April 1, investigators located what appeared to be a second skull. A search the following day resulted in the recovery of 14 additional bones.
“At this time … the remains are believed to be those of three individuals,” Davis said.
So far, authorities say only bone fragments have been recovered — no clothing or other identifying items.
Despite the disturbing nature of the discovery, Davis said investigators do not believe the location has been used as a dumping ground. Instead, the remains appear to have been intentionally concealed.
The current search is focused on a
defined stretch along Ridge Meadow Parkway between Ridgeway Road and Winchester Road, where teams are conducting a methodical grid search for additional evidence.
Standing alongside Davis, Stacey Spencer, pastor of New Direction Christian Church, whose campus borders the search area, addressed community concerns.
“We see you. We feel what you’re feeling, and we are standing with you,” Spencer said.
He emphasized that the church is cooperating fully with investigators and opening its campus to support the ongoing search.
“The safety of every person … and every child in this community is and has always been our highest priority,” Spencer said.
Spencer also urged residents to lean on one another and seek support.
“If you are struggling, if you are frightened, if you are grieving, you do
not have to carry that alone,” he said.
A call for accountability and a plea for answers
Virginia Stallworth, director of the Memphis Child Advocacy Center, called the discovery “a heartbreaking loss” and urged the public to remain vigilant in protecting children.
“In Tennessee, all adults are legally and morally responsible to report suspicions of child abuse,” Stallworth said. “Let us intervene before the worst happens.”
Davis grew visibly emotional as she addressed the reality behind the investigation.
“Somebody knows where these children have come from,” she said. “Someone knows … This is heartbreaking. It’s disturbing. Even though their voices have been silenced, we plan to be the voice and the advocates for all of our children in our community.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 901-5282274.
By Lee Eric Smith TSD Contributing Writer
Memphis leaders, community members and colleagues across Tennessee are reacting with shock and reflection following the death of state Rep. G.A. Hardaway, a longtime legislator and outspoken advocate whose presence in the community spanned nearly two decades.
Hardaway, 71, died at 5:22 a.m. Friday after a brief illness at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, according to a statement released by his family.
A Democrat, Hardaway represented District 93 in the Tennessee House of Representatives for 19 years. He also served as chair of the Shelby County Legislative Democratic Caucus and previously led the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators.
G.A.
Even in recent months, Hardaway remained active on issues affecting Memphis. He was a plaintiff in a lawsuit challenging the deployment of the Tennessee National Guard in the city and continued to advocate for criminal justice reform, police accountability and expanded opportunity in the communities he represented.
A loss felt at every level
Paul Young, mayor of Memphis, was among the first to publicly reflect on Hardaway’s passing, describing him as both a personal friend and a defining civic figure.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Representative G.A. Hardaway,” Young said in a statement. “He has been a friend to me and my family for many years. G.A. was a true Memphis leader.”
Meanwhile, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris and Judge Tarik Sugarmon responded to the news during an appearance on WREG’s Live at 9, just hours after
By Lee Eric Smith TSD Contributing Writer
Memphis and state leaders will have multiple opportunities in the coming days to honor the life and legacy of longtime state Rep. G.A. Hardaway, as his family has announced homegoing arrangements following his recent passing.
Hardaway died April 24, 2026, at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville after a short illness. He was 71.
Hardaway, who represented District 93 in the Tennessee House of Representatives for 19 years, will lie in state at the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville on Thursday, April 30, 12-4 p.m. — a distinction reserved for
Hardaway’s death.
“I served with G.A. from 2014 to 2018 in the General Assembly, and he was a remarkable legislator — one of the most active,” Harris told WREG’s Kontji Anthony.
“He was also a charismatic gentleman — one of the ‘Billy Dee Williams’ of our state legislature — and he will be missed,” Harris continued. “He really poured into the community — from baby showers in Orange Mound to programs for fathers. He was always working to make a difference.”
For Sugarmon, the loss was deeply personal as well as civic. He and Hardaway grew up together in Orange Mound.
“Both of us lived on Worthington (Street),” Sugarmon said. “The Orange Mound community has lost a leader. District 93 has lost a representative who served that community for 19 years. He was one of our most effective representatives. As a friend and as a community member, we’re really going to miss him.”
Pearson: ‘I served better being near him’
State Rep. Justin J. Pearson, who served alongside
public servants whose contributions have left a lasting mark on the state.
The public observance will allow colleagues, constituents and residents from across Tennessee to pay their respects to a lawmaker widely remembered as both a forceful advocate and a deeply accessible presence in his community.
On Friday, May 1, 2026, a public viewing will be held in Memphis from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by the celebration of life service at 12 p.m. at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church,70 N. Bellevue Blvd.
Immediately following the service, burial will take place at Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis. Funeral arrangements are being handled by E.H. Ford Mortuary, where cards, flowers and acknowledgments may be sent.
“Memphis
lost a giant today.
G.A. Hardaway spent nearly two decades fighting for the people of District 93, but the measure of the man was never in the titles he held. It was in the way he showed up.”
— Mickell Lowery
Hardaway in the legislature, described him as a mentor, confidante and steady presence.
“G.A. Hardaway was my rock, my compass, my friend, my mentor and my seatmate in the Tennessee House of Representatives,” Pearson said in a statement. “I served better being near him.”
“He was one of the first elected officials to say, ‘I’m with you, Justin J.,’ when I announced my run for Congress,” Pearson added. “Nothing could happen anywhere near Orange Mound without him knowing about it, working on it and standing up to make it better.”
Pearson said Hardaway never avoided difficult conversations.
“He never chose the complicit comfort of silence over the tension that consciousness brings into the conversation,” he wrote.
Reflecting on his legacy, Pearson described Hardaway as both a source of wisdom and hope.
“There are people who are both mighty oaks of wisdom in our community and also bright lights of hope,” he wrote. “G.A. was both.”
U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, who represents Memphis, recalled Hardaway’s community activism. “In my time in the state Senate, G.A. lobbied me on the issue of fathers and child custody. His activism led to his election to the state House where he was a strong voice for his constituents,” Cohen said.
“I’ll always remember him for having the intersection of East Parkway and Union named in honor of Judge Russell Sugarmon, who was a mentor for each of us. I appreciate that legislative act which he said was intended to bring the city together and I think of my late friend every time I pass it.”
Lowery: ‘It was in the way he showed up’
For Shelby County Commissioner Mickell Lowery, Hardaway’s legacy was defined not by titles, but by action.
“Memphis lost a giant today,” Lowery wrote. “G.A. Hardaway spent nearly two decades fighting for the
people of District 93, but the measure of the man was never in the titles he held. It was in the way he showed up.”
Lowery recalled a moment during the 2025 fire at Clayborn Temple that, for him, captured Hardaway’s character.
“The fire was still going when my phone rang. It was G.A.,” Lowery wrote. “He didn’t call to make a statement or send a press release. He called to ask if he could come help me feed the firefighters who were out there trying to save a piece of our history.”
“That was G.A. Hardaway,” he added. “Just a man who saw his neighbors working and wanted to stand with them.”
Fisher: ‘Rooted in people, not performance’
The Rev. Earle J. Fisher of Abyssinian Missionary Baptist Church framed Hardaway’s work in moral and movement terms.
“Rep. Hardaway was one of those rare public servants whose politics were rooted in people, not performance,” Fisher wrote. “Memphis and Black people across this state have lost a faithful fighter, a principled advocate, and a brother who never forgot who sent him or who he was sent to serve.”
Fisher also pointed to Hardaway’s role in pushing for accountability, including support for a federal “pattern and practice” investigation into the Memphis
Police Department.
“We have lost a strong elder in the struggle,” Fisher wrote. “We will carry it forward.”
Sawyer: A personal loss felt widely
Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk Tami Sawyer reflected on the loss in simple, personal terms.
“I loved me some G.A. Hardaway Sr.,” Sawyer wrote. “I’ll miss hearing ‘Hardaway’ when he answered his phone. He always showed up for me. Always.”
“Rest well, servant leader,” she added. “You’ve earned it, and I will miss you.”
The Shelby County Democratic Party described Hardaway as a “devoted public servant” whose work strengthened the community.
“Representative Hardaway dedicated decades to advocating for working families, expanding opportunity and giving voice to those too often unheard,” the party said in a statement.
Kermit Moore, president of the NAACP Memphis Branch, said in a statement Hardaway was one of the organization’s faithful members. “Rep. Hardaway was one of the fiercest fighters for justice and the residents of District 93 and the state of Tennessee, and he will be missed,” Moore said.
By Lee Eric Smith TSD Contributing Writer
The Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis used its annual tribute luncheon Thursday, April 23, to highlight measurable gains in South Memphis — from declining poverty to rising household incomes — and doubled down on that momentum by raising nearly $80,000 in the room to support expansion of the work.
With a triple-match challenge from the Hyde Family Foundation and an anonymous donor, that total climbed to nearly $250,000, underscoring both the urgency of the effort and the level of community buy-in behind what leaders described as a proven model for strengthening families and neighborhoods.
“We’ve created a blueprint,” said Shante K. Avant, president and CEO of the Women’s Foundation. “The headline is not aspirational anymore. It’s a real one.”
At the center of that claim is South City, the mixed-income redevelopment that replaced the former Foote Homes public housing complex in the 38126 ZIP code. Foundation leaders pointed to years of coordinated investment there — in housing, education, workforce development and family support — as evidence that sustained, placebased strategies can shift outcomes over time.
“It’s not an overnight transformation,” one speaker noted. “But steady, sustained progress — family by family, neighborhood by neighborhood, generation by generation.”
Among the indicators cited:
• More than 66,000 individuals
served since the expansion of Vision 2025 to reduce poverty in 38126
• An 18 percent drop in poverty in South City over the past five years
• Average household income rising from $6,646 to about $30,000
• More than 1,200 individuals placed in jobs
• Over 120 small businesses launched in targeted neighborhoods Foundation leaders emphasized that the work extends beyond single programs to a broader ecosystem of support — including early childhood education, job training, financial literacy and access to basic needs.
Examples highlighted during the luncheon included the Porter-Leath Early Childhood Academy in South City, the community school model at Booker T. Washington Middle and High School, and a Food and Essentials Hub serving students and families across dozens of schools.
For all the data points and projections, the luncheon paused to focus on one family, a reminder of what those numbers look like in real life.
Taneshia Bates, a South Memphis mother and first-generation college graduate, was presented as an example of what sustained investment can produce over time.
“I was working. I was a college student. I was a full-time mom,” Bates said in a video shared with the audience. “I had to set an example for my children.”
That example became a shared journey. While Bates was pursuing her degree at LeMoyne-Owen College, one of her daughters was still in middle school, watching closely.
“When I was in high school, she was in college,” her daughter said. “I used to see her on campus a lot.”
Their timelines eventually overlapped. The daughter graduated high school in 2016; Bates earned her degree the following year. For one year, mother and daughter were both college students — even inducted into an honor society together.
Today, Bates holds a bachelor’s degree in education from LeMoyne-Owen College and a master’s degree in early childhood education from Grand Canyon University. Nearly two decades after beginning her journey, she now serves on the board of Knowledge Quest, one of the organizations supported by the Women’s Foundation.
Speakers framed that arc as more than personal achievement.
“When you think about a first-generation college student, you’re talking about breaking cycles,” one presenter said. “Now there’s a trajectory that oth-
ers can follow — that ‘Mama did it.’” Bates captured that transformation in simple terms: “We are positive products of Memphis.”
O’Brien: ‘Support people where they need it’
Bates’ story nearly brought keynote speaker Soledad O’Brien to tears.
“Ms. Bates — you made me cry in my lunch,” O’Brien told the audience. “Your story is so amazing. And I love that it is not just your story. There are so many other stories like your story, and everybody in this room is here to support that.”
O’Brien, an award-winning journalist and founder of the PowHERful Foundation, used her keynote to connect those local efforts to a broader national reality: Communities thrive when they invest in the people most often overlooked.
Drawing on nearly four decades in journalism, O’Brien said stories like
Bates’ were once treated as secondary — the kinds of assignments given to young reporters because they were seen as less important. Over time, she said, she came to understand the opposite.
“Stories about women, education, job training — those were once treated as small stories,” she said. “But those are the underpinnings of a thriving community.”
O’Brien described her own evolution as a reporter, recalling early coverage that often focused on dramatic headlines without fully exploring the lives behind them — families facing poverty, single mothers navigating impossible choices, communities lacking access to basic resources.
“I did not dig into understanding people’s lives and perspectives,” she said. “We were covering a dramatic headline.”
That changed, she said, through experiences like reporting in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, where she witnessed firsthand the consequences of systemic failure — and the urgent need for more thoughtful, human-centered storytelling.
In the years since, O’Brien has worked through her own foundation to support young women pursuing higher education — an effort that reinforced what she said organizations like the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis already understand.
“Large or small — three young
women you’re helping, or thousands of people in a community — you need more,” she said. “You need wraparound services. You need support. You need patience.”
She illustrated that point with a story about a student who was on the verge of dropping out — not because of academics, but because she lacked access to basic hygiene.
“People were offering things like STEM classes,” O’Brien said. “But what she needed was soap and a shower.”
The lesson, she said, is simple but often overlooked: Solutions must match real needs.
“You need to support people where they need it,” she said. “Helping a student get an internship doesn’t work if they don’t have food. Helping a student go to college doesn’t work if they don’t have a place to stay.”
For O’Brien, the stakes extend beyond individual success stories to the health of entire communities.
“You cannot have a thriving community if a large portion of the population is being pulled under,” she said.
Her message echoed the Women’s Foundation’s broader theme — that sustained, intentional investment in women and families is not just charitable work, but essential infrastructure for a city’s future.
“Communities that have figured out how to help the most vulnerable succeed,” she said, “are the communities that are doing well for everybody.”
Avant: ‘We know how to do this and we can do more’
Avant said the Foundation’s next phase will focus on scaling what has worked in South Memphis to additional neighborhoods — a move she described as both necessary and urgent.
“We know how to do this,” she said. “And we can do more.”
By the end of the luncheon, organizers had surpassed their initial $40,000 goal, with 667 donors contributing and a continued push to expand participation beyond the roughly 500 donors who gave at last year’s event.
“Every gift matters,” Avant told the crowd. “This is generational work.”
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On-Call Landside Design Services
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All Respondents are responsible for checking the Authority’s website up to the submission deadline for any updates, addenda or additional information. The successful Respondent must meet the Small Business Participation Program (SBPP) goal for this project, which is 13%, and sign a contract with the Authority that includes Federal Aviation Administration provisions, if applicable, regarding Buy American Preference, Foreign Trade Restriction, Davis-Bacon, Affirmative Action, Debarment and Suspension, and Drug-Free Workplace, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
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By order of: Terry Blue, A.A.E. President and CEO Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority
Agape Child & Family Services, in partnership with the Church Developers Network, hosted its annual Agape Fest on Saturday, April 25, at Agricenter International. The free, family-friendly community celebration brought together families from across Memphis for an afternoon of music, fellowship and service.
Agape Fest 2026 featured live musical performances from local, national and international Christian artists, along with food trucks, children’s activities, games and community engagement opportunities. The event, emceed by Dr. Reginald Boyce, Ceaira Brunson and Pastor Rolando Rostro, Jr., was designed to create a welcoming, church-picnic-style atmosphere that encourages unity, connection and collective action across the Memphis faith community.
Attendee Joe Graves said he heard about Agape Fest from a friend. “I hear its a great event, a christian event,”
Graves said. “It’s good for the kids to be outside and the hear about the different organizations, and just feel the love.”
Pastor Sheila Floyd of Pursuit of God Transformation Center said partnership is a key component of the festival.
“We’ve been partnering with Agape and the Church Developer’s Network for years,” she said. “We celebrate each other, we support each other.”
This year’s entertainment lineup included:
• Ephie Johnson and Bluff City
• HYG Student Worship Team
• Cordova Sol Fa
• Perfecting Gifts Inc. (PGI)
• Julian Cross
• Stax Music Academy’s 910 Band
• M.K.J. (My King Jesus)
• Cortney Richardson and Friends
• Renicea Michelle
• The Sensational Barnes Brothers
• New Ballet Ensemble & School
Sponsored by BlueSky Restoration Services, Agape Fest is intended to inspire and mobilize the Memphis faith community toward collective action, strengthening relationships and fostering a more harmonious and inclusive city.
A “joy-based budgeting” approach focuses on aligning spending with what matters most, helping consumers balance financial goals with meaningful experiences and everyday priorities. (Photo illustration courtesy of Envato Elements)
By Mohammed Aiyedogbon Special to the Tri-State Defender
As many households continue to watch their budgets, “joy-based budgeting” has become a more positive and realistic way to manage their money. Instead of focusing only on cutting spending, this approach encourages people to spend intentionally on the things that matter most to them. Joy-based budgeting helps consumers prioritize purchases and experiences that bring real value while cutting back on expenses that don’t. Data from a recent Bank of America survey indicates that last year, lower-priced discretionary retail and service categories like big box stores, secondhand and novelty stores saw spending growth, while customers pulled back on bigger ticket services.
Need some advice on ways to bring balance and enjoyment to your life while still working toward your financial goals? Here are some joy-based budgeting tips to help:
Define what brings you joy: Align
your spending and saving with what truly enriches your life. Start by reviewing your past spending to identify your “joy” spending categories — experiences, specific hobbies, or dinners with loved ones. Then, use the 50/30/20 budgeting framework: allocate 50 percent of your after-tax income to cover needs, like rent, 30 percent to wants (including your “joy” spending categories), and 20 percent to savings. By consciously directing 30 percent toward what truly matters to you, you’ll balance spending that serves your long-term happiness with savings. Embrace strategic sacrifices: Cultivating strong financial well-being often means making intentional trade-offs. Bank of America found that 86 percent of consumers are cutting back on discretionary spending, and the key is adopting a “save-for-it” rather than “do-without” mindset. Cooking at
home more often or streaming entertainment instead of going out means more savings to redirect toward purchases that align with your values. Maximize joy spending with strategic rewards: Once you’ve identified your priority spending categories, choose a credit card that rewards you accordingly. For example, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards currently offers 6 percent cash back for the first year after account opening (up from 3 percent cash back) in one of six categories of choice each month. This card also allows you to switch your category of choice once a month to align with where you’re spending most.
Automate your emergency fund: Building an emergency fund can feel daunting. In fact, 32 percent of Americans find it to be the most challenging aspect of managing their money. Make it effortless by setting up automatic transfers from each paycheck to build three to six months’ worth of living expenses in a dedicated fund. A solid safety net reduces financial anxiety and
strengthens your financial well-being — giving you the confidence to spend joyfully on what aligns with your values.
Get ahead on tax preparedness: Establish financial peace of mind by gathering tax documents early. This year, there’s extra incentive: BofA Global Research estimates that refunds in 2026 could be about $65 billion higher than 2025 — a rise of 18 percent. Proactively collecting W-2s, 1099s and other necessary forms now means less stress as tax day approaches and more clarity around your financial picture year-round.
Financial well-being doesn’t mean giving up the things that bring you happiness. With thoughtful planning and intentional spending, joy-based budgeting can help you stay on track to meet your goals while still making room for the moments and experiences that make life meaningful.
Mohammed Aiyedogbon is vice president of consumer banking market leader for Bank of America Memphis.
Ceremony recognizes music and science pioneers shaping culture and communities
By Candace A. Gray TSD Contributing Writer
The Soulsville Foundation, built on the rich musical and cultural foundation of Stax Records, will host its 2nd annual “Power of Music Honors” awards show and ceremony Thursday, April 30. The Wu Tang Clan will receive this year’s top honor, the Global Impact Award.
Founded to celebrate music’s role beyond entertainment, Power of Music Honors aims to highlight those who utilize the artform to build communities, create educational opportunities and increase cultural awareness.
The event starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Crosstown Theatre at Crosstown Concourse, 1350 Concourse Ave. A VIP reception will precede the event, starting at 6 p.m.
Since the early 90s, Wu Tang Clan members — Method Man, RZA, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, DJ Mathematics, GZA, Inspectah Deck, Masta Killa, U-God and the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard — have been at the forefront of hip hop. But their music wasn’t just hip hop. They were sharing a state of mind, doing things on their own terms. What started as a poetic metaphor and a seemingly survival mechanism in Stat-
en Island reached the world, reflecting the collective’s passion for innovation, inspiration and artistry.
“From the very beginning, our mission has been clear: to create music that educates, uplifts, inspires and makes a meaningful difference,” said John “Mook” Givens. “It’s an honor and privilege to receive this award. We thank you and we will continue to encourage the children of our future.”
Wu Tang Clan is being recognized for their long-standing commitment to social impact through efforts to support youth education, health nutrition, community development and violence prevention, according to the Soulsville Foundation. Through the Wu Tang Foundation, members mentor, provide entrepreneurship education, health and wellness advocacy, and community investment.
Commitment to health and wellness has also become a priority for the foundation, as music can be a conduit for both.
Dr. Žak Ozmo, founder and CEO of the Memphis-based Ozmo Institute for Neuroaesthetics, is receiving the inaugural Health & Wellness award for his groundbreaking work in this arena. He explores how music shapes the brain, health and the human experience.
“Hip-hop and science may seem like different spaces, but they are far more connected than they first appear,” said Pat Mitchell Worley, CEO of Soulsville Foundation. “Both are about understanding systems — how we think, feel and
connect. That’s were Dr. Ozmo’s work comes in, translating the emotional and physical responses central to hip-hop and music into a clear understanding of how sound affects the brain and body.”
This year’s awards show will feature the legendary Hi Rhythm Section, widely known for playing behind the Rev. Al Green, Ann Peebles and many other Stax artists. Marcin Arendt, a musician and instructor from Iris Collective, will be the featured violinist. Stax Music Academy’s Alumni Band called 926, and the Academy’s Street Corner Harmonies group will both have a role at Thursday’s festivities.
Jared “Jay B.” Boyd, also known as DJ Bizzle Bluebland, will serve as the DJ for the evening.
The Power of Music Honors began in 2025. The inaugural award recipient was Chuck D of Public Enemy. He received the “Reverb Award” for his activism, role as a music historian and his contributions to the global landscape of using music to evoke change.
“I grew up on my mom’s Stax records and to this day, I’m still in total and complete awe of the talent, the genius and the legacy that came out of the
soul of Memphis,” said Chuck D. “I am humbled beyond any words to receive this honor and I share it with everyone who came before me, stands alongside me now and will follow us all in the future. Thank you, Soulsville Foundation,” the artist said at the time.
The 2026 Power of Music Honors is open to the public, and there is a special opportunity for musicians to attend. A limited number of “Artist Access” tickets are available for Memphis-area musicians, made possible by donor support. The Foundations wants to make sure artists can attend, connect and participate in the celebration of music as a catalyst for change. Interested artists can fill out a form to be added to the list.
General admission ($50) and VIP tickets ($100) are available through Eventbrite. VIP seating is reserved, while general admission seating is available on a first come, first served basis.
Wu Tang Clan is also scheduled to perform as part of this year’s Riverbeat Music Festival. Their performance is Saturday, May 2 at Tom Lee Park on Riverside Drive.
“I grew up on my mom’s Stax records and to this day, I’m still in total and complete awe of the talent, the genius and the legacy that came out of the soul of Memphis.”
— Chuck D
By Terri Schlichenmeyer
By So what do you think?
No doubt, you have an opinion on the subject at hand. You have something to say, a POV, a side you’ll take or a stand to make. You have thoughts, info to gather, intel to share. Talk-talk-talk, maybe it’s a calling. Maybe, as in the new memoir, “Arsenio” by Arsenio Hall with Alan Eisenstock, it’s livin’ the dream.
When he was small, everyone assumed that little Arsenio Hall would grow up to be a preacher like his Daddy. Sunday mornings, Hall says, were spent listening to his father, learning the power of words spoken properly. Being a preacher seemed like a good calling, until Hall’s parents split and his world changed.
While he was temporarily living with his grandmother, a cousin brought home a book on magic and Hall was hooked. He became obsessed, practicing easy sleight-of-hand tricks until they were second-nature and sneaking out of the house to spend after-school afternoons in a magic shop. By the time he was a teenager, he was performing for spending money and had appeared on local Cleveland television.
But magic wasn’t everything.
The feeling that he got when he made people laugh – the idea that he could get paid for being funny – is what Hall needed more of. He started adding humor to his magic shows until he realized that being a comedian was an actual job, and magic faded into his background.
When he was in grade school, Hall
used to sneak out of his bedroom at night to watch “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson. In his basement, he practiced doing interviews just like Carson. He didn’t want to be like Carson, he wanted to be Carson.
So Hall moved to Chicago and started snagging gigs at comedy shows. He met up-and-coming comics and established funnymen who gave him advice, sympathy and contacts, which helped him move up in the system, make money and land movie roles.
Then Paramount came calling, but Hall didn’t get another movie offer. He got his own talk show.
Like so many Hollywood biographies, “Arsenio” is loaded with name-dropping. Normally: ugh. But here, you won’t mind. Hall (with Alan Eisenstock) tells this story in such an appealing, wide-eyed way that you’ll be too busy enjoying it to care about dropped names.
Another thing: What you saw on TV and what you see in movies are pretty much what you can expect in Hall’s book. It’s authentic; readers will find stories that are thorny and squirmy but also a bit star-struck. He’s not afraid to tell readers about being someone’s fan. He’s also willing to tell the truth about his career, his personal life and the end of his talk show. He plain-talks about the increasingly bad sides of the entertainment industry, so buckle up.
This is a book for Hollywood-watchers, fans of Arsenio Hall, of course, but also for anyone who loves comedy, hiphop or entertainment in general. Read “Arsenio.” It’s a book you’ll tell everyone about.
c.2026, Black Privilege Publishing / Atria
$30.00
324 pages