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■■ NEWS
Memphis City Council grills MATA over audit, questions upbeat assessment
By James Coleman TSD Contributing Writer
An optimistic assessment of the Memphis Area Transit Authority’s (MATA’s) July operations was brushed aside by members of the Memphis City Council Transportation Committee Tuesday, Aug. 5.
MATA interim CEO John Lewis had the unfortunate assignment of delivering the first update of MATA’s operations following the release of a 40-page audit conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers.
“I hope that you understand when you come to us and tell us things are great, not a single person up here believes it,” said Councilmember Jerri Green.
Lewis’ presentation, which included optimistic fleet reliability numbers and the announcement of a new CFO, contrasted with the withering report released last week. The audit included years of questionable financial transactions by former transit authority leadership, backed up by shoddy recordkeeping.
The audit was ordered by Memphis Mayor Paul Young after a $60 million deficit was discovered last year. PwC auditors reviewed records from 2018 through 2024, a period during which Gary Rosenfeld served as CEO before retiring in January of last year.
“We spend millions of dollars a year to get people from point A to point B. And this document shows me that instead, we bought a Grizzlies suite; and we racked up credit card charges; and we sent people on trips; and we can’t even find the documentation to uncover what half of this stuff is,” Green said.
During his assessment, the interim transit head spoke of an agency struggling to right operations. While 100% of the morning routes are covered by running buses, reliability dwindles as the sun sets. As a result, some evening routes go unfulfilled. Ridership has also remained flat during the transition. The age of buses is to blame for
many of the problems. Most of the fleet is at least 14 years old. Most transit systems purchase new buses annually but MATA hasn’t bought a new bus in eight years. To keep the fleet running, a handful of gently used buses have been loaned by the sister agency in Louisville, Kentucky.
However, it is the planned purchase of 12 new buses that sparked Green’s commentary. At $800,000 each, the purchase will make a significant dent in the $15 million–$20 million available to MATA in capital improvement dollars. Many on the council had hoped to upgrade to a more reliable all-electric fleet in the future. However, at $1.2 million per electric bus, the price is even more prohibitive.
So are new federal policies, which
once promoted clean energy but have shifted to a more conservative approach. Now, diesel-powered vehicles receive federal grant funding.
“The new administration has changed, and it has gone in the exact opposite (direction),” Lewis said.
A new facility to replace the old operations and maintenance hub on Levee Road is another capital improvement goal. A replacement at 2500 Ketchum Road has been proposed, but $54 million in federal matching dollars was originally intended to fund 250 electric buses. Lewis called that green ambition “pie-in-the-sky.”
During his presentation, Lewis announced that the search for a new CEO — and his eventual replacement — would begin Thursday, August 7.
President Calvin Anderson Editor Stephanie R. Jones
Introducing financial literacy to your children
Guest Column
By Trevia Chatman Special to The Tri-State Defender
In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, financial literacy —knowning how to handle money — is more important than ever. In a recent study by Bank of America, researchers found that with today’s high cost of living, almost half of Gen Z is still financially dependent on others. While financial literacy is an important everyday skill, schools have only recently begun to add it to basic course learning. Tennessee is one of the select states that requires students to take a financial literacy course to graduate from high school.
Many parents and educators struggle to find the best ways to teach children how to handle money. I believe that fostering financial literacy at an early age is key to building a generation of financially responsible adults.
Here are a few tips for teaching financial concepts to children and teens that will set them up for a lifetime of informed, confident decision-making.
Start early
One of the best ways to ensure children develop strong financial habits is to introduce basic concepts of money and budgeting as early as possible. Even at a young age, kids can begin to understand simple ideas like the value of saving versus spending. Begin by explaining where money comes from, why we need it and how it can be exchanged. Using language that fits the child’s age can make these concepts easier to understand. Talk about “saving for something special” or explain how “buying today means you can’t buy other things until you have more money.”
Add lessons into everyday life and lead by example
The best way to teach kids about money is by adding financial lessons gradually into everyday life. Shopping for groceries, setting a budget for a family outing, or even saving for a toy offer perfect opportunities to discuss money. Hands-on teaching during real life events increases your child’s understanding without formal lessons.
Use community resources and programs
Many organizations and programs offer financial literacy resources to help children, families and schools. As part of our longstanding commitment to supporting economic opportunity and local communities, Bank of America
invested nearly $1.4 million across Memphis last year through grants, sponsorships and other support to help the city thrive and address education, workforce development and affordable housing. Our efforts reflect the bank’s commitment to addressing critical issues by partnering with local leaders and groups to support entrepreneurs, build job skills, support basic needs and create opportunities to help people succeed.
Check with your financial institution to see if they have resources that make it easier to teach your children financial literacy skills. For example, Bank of America recently launched SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking, a bank account that offers parents tools to help their children practice good financial
habits and learn to manage their money through an easy-to-use, secure online account. The accounts can be opened through Bank of America online banking or the mobile banking app. It allows you to oversee your child’s spending and supervise the account while teaching your child how to manage a debit card.
Financial literacy is a vital skill that can set children up for a successful future. Let’s work together — families, educators and community leaders — to prioritize financial education and help children build the foundation they need for a lifetime of smart financial decisions.
Chatman is president of Bank of America Memphis.
Trevia
Trevia Chatman
Teaching financial concepts to children and teens will set them up for a lifetime of informed confident decision-making. (Envato)
By James Coleman TSD Contributing Writer
Ten months into a good-faith bond agreement, anxious members of the Memphis City Council Economic Development, Tourism and Technology Committee pressed for information on the stalled purchase and renovation of the Downtown Sheraton Hotel during their Tuesday, Aug. 5, meeting.
“I think we were all hoping we would be at a ribbon cutting on renovations at some point this year,” said Committee Chair Jerri Green. “To hear that we haven’t even signed the paperwork is beyond troubling.”
Last October, the council approved a $30 million bond at the request of Memphis Mayor Paul Young to fund the renovations and eventual sale of the hotel to a third-party nonprofit. Both are contingent on a sale of the property to the Carlisle Group.
“This was $30 million, and that’s more than we put toward public transportation,” Green said.
The slow pace has been attributed to the complexity of the deal. The agreement involves as many as 12 entities,
■■ NEWS
Memphis City Council questions delays in $30M Sheraton Hotel renovation deal
including subcontractors. The takeover of a functioning hotel adds further complications, including several indemnifications in the current contract with Sheraton Hotels.
Along with the usual legal language, negotiations have dragged over word choices in various documents. Previous timelines and deadlines also need to align. Council members were assured the delay is part of “normal negotiations.”
Furthermore, the various pieces of the deal are reportedly close to falling into place.
“We anticipate having all the documents done by the end of this month and hope closing will be no later than Sept. 15,” said Andy Jones, an attorney with Burch, Porter & Johnson. “What you don’t want is to sign a bunch of documents, and then a year later, everyone is shocked by the results.”
The promise of progress did little to mollify the committee. Many had anticipated a quicker turnaround on the project. Meanwhile, the second half of an annual $3.8 million bond payment is due Oct. 1. The city paid the first $1.9 million on April 1.
“I think we were all hoping we would be at a ribbon cutting on renovations at some point this year,. To hear that we haven’t even signed the paperwork is beyond troubling.”
— Jerri Green
“There’s other things we could have done with that money in the meantime. We could have invested it and made interest on it. Yes, it’s all very frustrating,” Green said.
During discussion of the bond last year, council members were warned of a potential auction if the deal wasn’t approved. That threat by the owners, Starwood Hotels, turned out to be a bluff. The city was always the most logical buyer.
“For Starwood, that hotel is losing money every month over there. It’s not a part of the portfolio they want to keep. They also understand the city is by far the best purchaser of that hotel,” Jones said.
When the sale is complete, the Carlisle Group will oversee the renovations and eventual sale of the property to a third-party nonprofit. The hotel currently remains under the control of Starwood. Hotel staff are employed by Davidson Hospitality Group, and the Carlisle Group plans to retain them.
Documents related to the transaction are expected to be presented at the next committee meeting Aug. 12.
Adding to the pressure to finalize the deal is the state of the Downtown Sheration, which serves as the primary hotel for the nearby Renasant Convention Center. Due to its poor condition, many potential customers have chosen other cities to host their events.
The list includes former frequent visitors like the faith-based organization COGIC.
One organization that did return this year is Ducks Unlimited. The environmental nonprofit recently hosted its annual convention at the Downtown Sheraton. There was only one complaint.
“We got an email Monday morning about how bad the hotel was,” said Renasant General Manager Dennis Dean.
“Memphis is fertile ground for cultural innovation. This role is an opportunity to bring more of our stories into the light. Stories that can shift how we see ourselves, each other and what’s possible.”
— Talibah Safiya
THE BIG We welcomes Memphis artist Talibah Safiya as new narrative and storytelling manager
TSD Newsroom
The BIG We has hired Memphis singer-songwriter and cultural icon Talibah Safiya as its new narrative and storytelling manager. A longtime champion of Memphis culture, Safiya brings her deep roots in music, storytelling and community-building to a role designed to elevate the city’s creative voices and lived experiences.
Safiya will lead all narrative and cultural initiatives within The BIG We, with primary focus on advancing the arts and cultural programming based at Historic Clayborn Temple, The BIG We’s signature project. This includes overseeing initiatives like In This Place 2025, the Memphis Cultural Coalition, the Artist in Residence program, “Union: A Musical,” and other narrative-shifting efforts.
“Talibah is a rare talent whose work embodies the very heart of what we stand for at The BIG We,” said Anasa Troutman, CEO and founder of The BIG We. “As a Memphis native and former board member of Historic Clayborn Temple, she is the absolute perfect person to lead this work. In addition to being one of Memphis’ brightest and most talented musical stars, she also understands the power and process
of how culture can transform communities.”
Historic Clayborn Temple was destroyed by an intentionally set fire April 28. No one has been charged in the case.
“As we continue to recover from the devastation of the arson at Clayborn and plot our course forward, Talibah will be an incredible blessing and a powerful asset to our team,” Troutman said.
In her new role, Safiya will design and implement community-rooted, arts-based programs that reflect Memphis’ unique identity, while also advancing cultural advocacy, healing and economic growth. Her leadership will shape narratives that reflect the city’s resilience, creativity and vision for an abundant future.
“Memphis is fertile ground for cultural innovation,” said Safiya. “This role is an opportunity to bring more of our stories into the light. Stories that can shift how we see ourselves, each other and what’s possible.”
Safiya’s appointment marks a piv -
otal moment for The BIG We, reinforcing its commitment to leverage Memphis’ cultural assets as a force for community transformation and rebuilding Historic Clayborn Temple in the wake of the fire, Troutman said. In addition to Safiya, Kirk Reid, former vice president of production at Kudzukian, will join The BIG We
team as production manager.
“Each of these programs plays a vital role in furthering The BIG We’s mission to build a beloved community where every person experiences safety, joy, love and abundance,” Troutman said.
To learn more about The BIG We and Clayborn Temple, visit TheBIGWe.com or Clayborn.org.
In April the Clayborn Temple was set on fire by an arsonist. (D’Angelo Connell/The Tri-State Defender)
Talibah Safiya
■■ SPORTS Memphis fitness trainers unite for back-to-school basketball drive
By Ancelious Meeks TSD Contributing Writer
Two of Memphis’ top Black fitness trainers turned up the heat on the basketball court last weekend for a cause, combining competition, community and back-to-school support.
Ricky Dortch, owner of Ambishun Fitness, and Mike Campbell, owner of Compleo Fitness, hosted a high-energy charity basketball game and school supply drive to benefit local students as they head back to school.
Held at Gaston Community Center in South Memphis, the event brought together athletes, families, fitness enthusiasts and entrepreneurs united by the goal of giving back to community youth.
“I originally started this event in 2019,” said Dortch. “We did that one at Davis Community Center, same setup. It was for the kids. It wasn’t a back-to-school drive then, but it was something positive to get them together during the summer.”
He continued, “Back then it was me and Mike Campbell, too. I was inspired to do the initial one to uplift the community because the city was going through a lot with teacher shortages and the crime rate out of control. I just wanted to do something uplifting.”
While last weekend’s event had heart, the game itself had heat, especially from Team Compleo Fit, who came out strong and never let up. Compleo also had an ace on their roster — professional basketball player Nick King, who most recently played overseas for the Taipei Fubon Braves in PLeague+ in Taiwan. That, combined with sharp-shooting from warmups to the final buzzer, Compleo Fit ran the floor, maintaining a steady 20-point lead through much of the game.
“First things first, I wanna thank Ricky for always inviting me to be a part of
everything he does and any event he throws,” said Campbell. “And (I) definitely wanted to do it for the kids as well. Yes, we had the Monstars. I told Ricky when he invited me, ‘You know I train a lot of professional athletes, so be ready and recruit a squad.’ We both agreed we could bring two outsiders we don’t train. Maybe next year he’ll get his squad together a little better.”
The final score: Compleo Fit, 96 – Ambishun Fitness, 81.
Despite the score, no one left feeling like they had lost. For players like Jenesis Anderson, who has trained at both gyms, the event was a win in every way.
Jenesis Anderson, who has trained with both Ambishun Fitness and Compleo Fitness, takes a break after playing in the charity basketball game. Anderson scored six points during the game and praised the collaboration between the two gyms for a positive community cause.
Nutritionist Ryan Zuber attends the back-to-school charity basketball event, featuring community vendors and health professionals alongside the high-energy basketball game. (Photos: Ancelious Meeks/The Tri-State Defender)
“I think it was very nice, very creative,” said Anderson. “It’s not common in Memphis to see two people in the same field of business come together and put on an event of this magnitude. I’m just happy to see two successful Black men help each other out for a great cause in our community.”
“Being that I’ve worked out at both gyms, I was a little torn,” she admitted. “But Ricky asked me to play on Team Ambishun. After a little shyness, I got out there, ran around, and ended up scoring six points. I can’t wait to see where this goes next year.”
Tiffany Clark, a certified personal trainer, added to the energy of the day. She played in the game and hosted a vendor booth.
“I came in and set my booth up, but then I had to go play,” said Clark. “But
■■ SPORTS
I’m here now to let everyone know that I’m a certified personal trainer. I provide fitness training, fitness coaching, meal preps, guidance and overall motivational accountability for you while you’re on your fitness journey.”
With plenty of backpacks, notebooks and supplies collected — and community vendors getting the spotlight alongside the athletes — the basketball drive delivered on every front.
“Going forward,” Dortch said, “I’d love to make this a tournament-style event. Get more of the community involved. More gyms. Each gym brings a different crowd, a different community, and when we come together, the impact multiplies.”
In a city often challenged by division, the event was a reminder of what happens when purpose and partnership share the same court: Everybody wins.
Tiffany Clark, founder of Fit Like Tiff, poses at her vendor booth during the charity basketball game at Gaston Community Center. Clark, a certified personal trainer, also played in the game and shared information about her fitness and coaching services.
Nick King, Mike Campbell, Ricky Dortch and Braxton Gallipsie share a moment on the court during the charity basketball game at Gaston Community Center on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2025. The event combined competition with a back-to-school supply drive to support local students.
Trust languages: Essential for company leaders and those who want to be leaders
Book review
By Terri Schlichenmeyer
Raise? What raise?
Your employees have been hinting for a few weeks that they’d like a little more in their paycheck, and you can surely understand their wishes. You also wish they’d understand that now’s not the time for it. And so, you avoid all conversations about money and hope there’s no turnover because you can’t afford that either. Better yet, read “Talk to Me Nice” by Minda Harts, and you’ll know what to say and how to say it.
Five years ago, Minda Harts had what was, to her, a dream job. She was basically autonomous, the only East Coast employee of a West Coast firm, taking care of her job and any clients who might visit the Big Apple. Harts knew she was trusted; her employers wholeheartedly indicated it, but they didn’t tell her much else and when she asked to take her career to the next level with better wages or a promotion, they gave her a big fat sort-of-maybe. She was only looking for what she felt she was due. They glossed over her concerns.
And she turned in her resignation. So if you can’t pony up more moola or a corner office, what can you offer?
Trust, Harts says. Pure and simple, employees want trust. And the way to gain their trust is to use “the seven workplace trust languages.”
Especially if you’ve got Black or LGBTQ employees, they want your sensitivity to the unique issues they face at work. In good times and bad,
speaking to them with as much transparency as possible goes a long way. Security helps your employees feel safe on the job, both physically and mentally. Act, don’t just talk to demonstrate your words. Be willing to give positive and kindly negative feedback on a regular basis. Offer acknowledgement for a job well-done, a work-iversary, or for a hard task completed. Finally, follow through to make sure your employees can feel confident that you’re on this. And then, says Harts, “watch trust grow!”
This should feel pretty commonsensical, shouldn’t it? Yes, but the author suggests in a huge way that it’s not, and that businesses from the top down need to relearn how to put trust back into the workplace. In “Talk to Me Nice,” she explains how.
Never mind the kerfuffle about DEI, the fact is that today’s workplaces can still be quite diverse and that plays big in this book. Harts shows why trust is key for happy employees and for healthy retention and how it matters in every kind of workplace. Though her stories are a bit scattershot, they’re all-encompassing and she uses real-life examples to show trust-making in action and what happens if it’s lacking. That can be helpful and cautionary, both, and the relevance built into those tales is something readers will greatly appreciate.
This is an excellent book for all C-Suiters, managers and supervisors, but it’s also a good book for an upand-coming company star. Read “Talk to Me Nice” and get ready to raise the roof.
c.2025, Flatiron Books
$27.99
240 pages
“Talk to Me Nice: The Seven Trust Languages for a Better Workplace” by Minda Harts
BofA celebrates opening of new financial center in Midtown
Expansion features high-tech, high-touch approach to client service
TSD Newsroom
Bank of America held a grand opening Tuesday of its new financial center on Union Avenue in Midtown Memphis.
The opening of this center further expands Bank of America’s retail banking, lending and small business services in Memphis, along with investing and personalized financial guidance through Merrill (formerly Merrill Lynch), said Trevia Chatman, president of Bank of America Memphis.
Since 2016, Bank of America has invested more than $5 billion in its financial center network — opening new locations and renovating existing centers — including more than $11.3 million in Memphis, Chatman said. The bank plans to invest more than $6 million more in the next two years.
“The new financial center showcases the latest technology, private offices to assist clients one-on-one and onsite financial specialists who work as one team to understand each client’s priorities and goals, and to provide personalized guidance,” said Mohammed Aiyedogbon, Bank of America consumer banking market lead.
With more than 90% of client interactions taking place online, the bank’s financial centers have adapted to focus on meeting spaces where clients can have in-depth conversations about their finances, Aiyedogbon said.
“The Union Avenue financial center demonstrates our continued commitment to helping Memphians thrive, including our clients, teammates and the community,” Chatman said. “This opening marks Bank of America’s steadfast confidence in future economic development and growth in Memphis. We are dedicated to meeting the needs of clients where they are — both geographically and at every stage of their financial journey.”
Bank of America’s investments in the
Memphis community include:
• Providing $1.4 million in grants and sponsorships to address education, workforce development, the arts and affordable housing in 2024, including Big Brothers & Big Sisters and MIFA.
• Providing a $500,000 anchor grant to the National Civil Rights Museum in 2025.
• Hiring a new consumer banking lead and a new community relations manager in 2025.
• Providing a $250,000 anchor grant to the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art in 2024.
• Providing $50,000 Neighborhood Champion grant to Collage Dance Collective in 2024.
• Offering Museums on Us – free admission to the National Civil Rights Museum on the first Sunday of the month for Bank of America cardholders.
• Introducing Golf with us, a partnership between Bank of America and Youth on Course, with 230-plus Memphians ages 6 to 18 registered to access five golf courses in Memphis for $5 per round.
• Having an Operation Hope counselor and team of Better Money Habits Champions provide financial education and wellness to Memphians.
• Serving 500,000 households in Memphis.
“Bank of America has provided $445 million in loans to commercial businesses in Memphis and $20 million in home loans to families in Memphis,” Chatman said.
Since 2020, Chatman added, Bank of America has invested $7.1 million in Memphis through grants to local nonprofits and employee matching gifts. In the same time period, employees volunteered 15,000 hours and contributed $2.2 million to local nonprofits and community needs, a portion of which was matched by the Bank of America Charitable Foundation.
Bank of America executives and representatives from the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce gather around as Jose Ramirez, BofA financial center manager, cuts the ribbon at the bank’s new Union Avenue location. (Photos: Provided by Bank of America)
A check presented to Big Brothers and Big Sisters and MIFA in 2024 is a part of $1.4 million in grants and sponsorships Bank of America has invested in Memphis.
