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■■ NEWS
Memorial service set for former TSD Executive Editor Karanja Ajanaku
By Lee Eric Smith Special to The Tri-State Defender
Karanja Aidoo Ajanaku, a journalist, mentor and community voice whose legacy shaped generations of storytellers in Memphis and beyond, will be remembered at a memorial service Saturday, July 26, at 10 a.m. at the National Civil Rights Museum’s Hooks Hyde Hall.
Known as “Dr. K” among his peers and loved ones, Ajanaku served as executive editor and associate publisher of The Tri-State Defender until his retirement in December 2023 to battle liver cancer. He died Monday, July 7. He was 70.
Born Leroy Williams Jr., Ajanaku immersed himself in African culture during the 1980s, eventually changing his name in 1986 to reflect his emerging sense of Afrocentricity.
Known for his deep cultural grounding, unwavering editorial standards and commitment to mentoring emerging journalists, Ajanaku left an indelible mark not only on the TSD, but on the broader landscape of Memphis journalism. His impact reverberated throughout the newsroom and into the lives of many he mentored.
Among them was Montee Lopez, who took on reporting and writing for the TSD while still performing non-competing duties at his then-employer ABC24. Lopez pitched a series called “Positive While POZitive,” highlighting the lives of Memphians living with HIV/AIDS.
“Dr. K, your belief in my aptitude as a journalist grew after nominating me for an award with my ‘Positive While POZitive’ series,” Lopez wrote in an open letter on MLK50. “It was hard labor doing TV news and freelance print work — and I wouldn’t take any of it back. And it was all thanks to you, Dr. K.”
Laura Kebede-Twumasi spent years reporting for Chalkbeat Tennessee before becoming Distinguished Journalist in Residence at the Institute for Public Service Reporting at the University of Memphis.
“His encouragement was the kind that never let you rest on your laurels but pushed you to keep going,” she wrote on Facebook. “Every conversation re-centered me. And he was my birthday twin, so I always hoped that I could be like him one day. He certainly showed the way.”
“Your legacy lives on in every word I write, every story I chase and every young writer I now try to encourage in your honor,” she continued. Ajanaku is survived by his daughter,
Jamila Abeo Ajanaku; son, Karanja Ade Mosi Ajanaku; sister, Jackie Williams; brothers, Ronald Williams and Robert Williams; eight grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends. Arrangements are by N.H. Owens and Son Funeral Home.
The family invites those wishing to honor Ajanaku’s memory to attend the service at:
Hooks Hyde Hall – National Civil Rights Museum 450 Mulberry Street Memphis, TN 38103
Saturday, July 26, 2025 | 10 AM
To send flowers or share condolences, visit the N.H. Owens Funeral Home sympathy page.
President Calvin Anderson Editor Stephanie R. Jones
By Javier Cordoba and Andrew Dalton
The Associated Press
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica — Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who as teenage son Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show” was central to a cultural phenomenon that helped define the 1980s, died at 54 in an accidental drowning in Costa Rica, authorities there said Monday.
Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department said Warner drowned Sunday afternoon on a beach on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. He was swimming at Playa Cocles in Limon province when a current pulled him deeper into the ocean.
“He was rescued by people on the beach,” the department’s initial report said, but first responders from Costa Rica’s Red Cross found him without vital signs and he was taken to the morgue.
Warner created many TV moments etched in the memories of Generation X children and their parents, including a pilot-episode argument with Bill Cosby’s Cliff Huxtable about money, and another episode where Theo tries to hide his ear piercing from his dad. His Theo was the only son among four daughters in the household of Cliff Huxtable and Phylicia Rashad’s Clair Huxtable on the NBC sitcom, and he would be one of the prime representations of American teenage boyhood on a show that was the most popular in America for much of its run from 1984 to 1992.
He played the role for eight seasons, appearing in each of the show’s 197 episodes and earning an Emmy nomination for supporting actor in a comedy in 1986. For many the lasting image of the character, and of Warner, is of him wearing a badly botched mock designer shirt sewed by his sister Denise, played by Lisa Bonet. The “Gordon Gartrell” shirt later became a memeable image: Anthony Mackie wore one on “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon and the profile picture on Warner’s Instagram shows a toddler sporting one.
NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson was among those giving tribute Monday. Johnson said on X that he and his wife are sad to hear of the death of their friend. “We were both super fans of the hit ‘Cosby Show’ and continued to follow his career on shows like
■■ NEWS
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, ‘Cosby Show’ actor, dies at 54 in Costa Rico drowning
‘Malcolm and Eddie’ and ‘The Resident,’” Johnson said. “Every time I ran into Malcolm, we would have deep and fun conversations about basketball, life and business. He will truly be missed.”
Like the rest of the “Cosby Show” cast, Warner had to contend with the sexual assault allegations against its titular star, whose conviction in a Pennsylvania court was later overturned.
Warner told The Associated Press in 2015 that the show’s legacy was “tarnished.”
“My biggest concern is when it comes to images of people of color on television and film,” Warner said. “We’ve always had ‘The Cosby Show’ to hold up against that. And the fact that we no longer have that, that’s the thing that saddens me the most because in a few generations the Huxtables will have been just a fairy tale.”
Representatives for Cosby declined immediate comment.
Warner worked steadily as an actor for more than 40 years. His first major post-”Cosby” role came on the sitcom “Malcolm & Eddie,” co-starring with comedian Eddie Griffin in the popular series on the defunct UPN network from 1996 to 2000.
“My heart is heavy right now,” Griffin said on Instagram Monday. “Rest easy my brother for you have Won in life and now you have won forever eternal bliss.”
In the 2010s, he starred opposite Tracee Ellis Ross as a family-blending couple for two seasons on the BET sitcom “Read Between The Lines.” He also had a role as O.J. Simpson’s friend Al Cowlings on “American Crime Story” and was a series regular on Fox’s “The Resident.”
“First I met you as Theo with the rest of the world then you were my first TV husband,” Ross said on Instagram. “My heart is so so sad. What an actor and friend you were: warm, gentle, present, kind, thoughtful, deep, funny, elegant.”
Warner’s film roles included the 2008 rom-com “Fool’s Gold” with Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson. A poet and a musician, Warner was a Grammy winner, for best traditional R&B performance, and was nominated for best spoken word poetry album for “Hiding in Plain View.”
Warner also worked as a director, helming episodes of “Malcolm & Eddie,” “Read Between the Lines,” “Kenan & Kel,” and “All That.”
Warner was born in 1970 in Jersey City, New Jersey. His mother, Pamela Warner, reportedly named him after Malcolm X and jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal. She served as his manager when he began pursuing acting at age 9.
In the early 1980s, he made guest appearances on the TV shows “Matt Houston” — his first credit — and “Fame.”
Warner was 13 when he landed the role of Theo in an audition after a broad search for the right child actor.
Cosby was a major star at the time, and the show was certain to be widely seen, but few could’ve predicted the huge, yearslong phenomenon it would become.
Warner was married with a young daughter, but chose to not publicly disclose their names. Warner’s representatives declined immediate comment on his death.
His final credits came in TV guest roles, including appearances on “The Wonder Years,” “Grown-ish,” and “9-1-1,” where he had a four-episode arc last year.
“I grew up with a maniacal obsession with not wanting to be one of those ‘where are they now kids,’” Warner told the AP in 2015. “I feel very blessed to be able to have all of these avenues of expression ... to be where I am now and finally at a place where I can let go of that worry about having a life after ‘Cosby.’”
— AP Entertainment Writer Andrew Dalton reported from Los Angeles. AP National Writer Jocelyn Noveck contributed reporting from New York.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, 54, known for his role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, died Sunday in an accidental drowning while swimming off Playa Cocles on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. (Wikimedia Commons)
■■ COMMUNITY
Education leaders call for aligned action
‘Memphis has a unique opportunity to create a seamless pipeline from pre-K through postsecondary education into meaningful careers.’
By Dalisia Ballinger Special to The Tri-State Defender
The Tri-State Defender continued its commitment to community engagement by hosting the “TSD in the Community Forum” Wednesday, July 16, at First Baptist Church Broad. The forum welcomed parents, educators, community leaders and policymakers for a conversation on the state of education in Memphis and Shelby County.
Deidre Malone, vice president of the TSD Board, moderated the discussion among some of the area’s most influential voices in education and policy. Panelists were:
• Tennessee Sen. Raumesh Akbari, known for her advocacy in education reform and youth empowerment.
• Dr. Tracy Hall, president of Southwest Tennessee Community College and a champion for accessible higher education.
• Dr. Roderick Richmond, interim superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools.
• Dr. Christopher Davis, president of LeMoyne-Owen College, who focused on strengthening the pipeline for Black academic success.
The forum was an open invitation to the community to be part of the conversation, with attendees encouraged to ask questions and share their perspectives on how education can better serve Memphis families. Literacy, poverty and economic opportunity emerged as the central themes of the evening, each intertwined with the success and challenges within the local education system.
Literacy: Foundational building block
Literacy was recognized as the foundation for academic achievement.
Akbari has consistently championed efforts to strengthen education by advocating for greater access to quality learning, increased public school funding, improved literacy rates and equitable opportunities for students, particularly those in underserved communities.
She said there is an urgent need to address literacy rates in early childhood education, noting how reading proficiency is a key indicator of long-term academic success.
“Reading proficiency is the single greatest predictor of high school graduation and career success,” Akbari said. “If students cannot read proficiently, their prospects for success in any area of life, whether college or the workforce, are severely limited.”
“Literacy is foundational; without it, students become trapped in cycles of low-wage labor with little opportunity for advancement,” she said. “This is not just a Memphis issue but a statewide crisis that requires urgent, targeted intervention.”
Hall highlighted the importance of providing pathways from high school to college and career readiness, particularly for underserved students.
Richmond discussed current MSCS initiatives aimed at boosting academic achievement and closing equity gaps, while Davis emphasized the role of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in fostering leadership and economic mobility.
The panel agreed that early literacy efforts need to be prioritized to prevent children from entering middle and high school already behind their peers.
Richmond, who was named MSCS interim superintendent in January, pointed out unseen impediments to literacy and academic success. Children from low-income households often
come to school already at a disadvantage, Richmond said, citing developmental delays linked to lack of prenatal care and early childhood resources.
“Our kids are playing catch-up from birth,” he said, stressing the urgency of early interventions in literacy education.
Poverty: Root of educational disparities
No discussion of educational challenges is complete without addressing the systemic issue of poverty. As Richmond points out, when students and families are stuck in cycles of poverty, they are often operating in survival mode. Basic needs of food, shelter and safety become paramount, pushing education further down the priority list.
“We can’t ignore the fact that survival mode impacts everything,” said Richmond. “Attendance, focus, engagement — these are luxuries when you’re
wondering where your next meal will come from.”
Yet, within the challenge lies opportunity. The panelists supported the notion that education can be the single most transformative tool to break cycles of poverty. However, it requires a community-wide alignment of goals and priorities.
Richmond posed a bold challenge to the city: “We must move toward a common goal where every student, regardless of zip code, graduates high school ready for college, career and life.”
The panelists agreed there should be a shift from a culture of criticism to one of encouragement with community members, educators and parents leading with empathy and positivity, reinforcing healthy habits of communication and collective problem-solving.
“We have to start hearing each other,” Richmond explained. “Engagement
Panelists Dr. Tracy Hall, Dr. Christopher Davis, Dr. Roderick Richmond, and Sen. Raumesh Akbari speak during the “TSD in the Community Forum,” sharing insights on literacy, equity, and the future of education in Memphis and Shelby County. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender)
■■ COMMUNITY
should extend beyond social media debates into real, on-the-ground involvement — mentoring students, volunteering in schools and advocating for equitable resources. Families must be seen not just as stakeholders but as active partners in student success. When communities are engaged, students perform better.”
Economic mobility: Preparing for high-value careers
Hall said it’s not enough to push students toward higher education. Colleges and universities must ensure that their training leads to postgraduate economic mobility — graduates earning more overtime.
“We have to ask ourselves, ‘Are we preparing our students for high-value, high-opportunity career fields? Are we graduating them into economic prosperity, or into poverty?’” she said.
Southwest is working to address the skills gap on workforce readiness. The school is evaluating programs on their ability to lead to family-sustaining
wages and offering boot camps in fields such as cybersecurity and apprenticeships that give students tangible career pathways, Hall said. These initiatives link education directly to economic mobility and make learning feel more relevant to students, she added.
“If a student can graduate with an associate degree and still earn less than someone without one, why would they choose college? Our challenge is to connect education directly to economic outcomes,” she said.
Her remarks highlighted the need for stronger ties between K-12 schools, community colleges and local industries — ensuring that educational programs are aligned with the jobs of today and tomorrow. “We need programs that don’t just educate students, but equip them with skills that translate to sustainable, livable wages,” she said.
Bridging the gap: A call for seamless educational alignment
Davis, of LeMoyne-Owen, suggested
that Memphis has a unique opportunity to create a “seamless pipeline” from pre-K through postsecondary education into meaningful careers.
“When we align K-12 schools, community colleges, universities and industry partners, we build a city where students don’t just graduate, they thrive,” he said.
Speaking of LeMoyne-Owen, Davis said, “We don’t just educate black students. We affirm them. We see them. We build their confidence as much as their competence.” He pointed to a broader philosophy among some institutions, especially HBCUs, that education must address the whole student — not just their academic needs, but their identity, self-worth and future pathways.
Historically black colleges and universities like LeMoyne-Owen play a crucial role in not just educating but providing environments where students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, can thrive. But these institutions face sustainability challenges and need continued invest-
ment to fully support their mission. Davis called for increased investment in services beyond academic preparation to improve college retention and graduation rates.
Moving Memphis forward
By the end of the evening, one theme was clear: Memphis cannot afford to allow another generation of students to be underserved by systems that don’t address their most pressing needs.
“We already know what the problems are. We have diagnosed them repeatedly,” said Hall.
The solution? It’s aligned action, breaking down silos, committing to collective impact and holding ourselves accountable to results rather than rhetoric.
“Education is not just about passing tests, it’s about changing lives,” said moderator Malone. “If we commit to prioritizing literacy, eradicating poverty and expanding economic pathways, we can redefine what success looks like for our children.”
Attendees listen as panelists outline challenges and solutions tied to literacy, poverty, and economic opportunity during the “TSD in the Community Forum” at First Baptist Church Broad.
Community members check in for the “TSD in the Community Forum,” a night dedicated to dialogue and solutions around education challenges in Memphis.
Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis honored for philanthropy at Southwest Tennessee Community College
By Judith Black Moore Special to The Tri-State Defender
The Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis received the Regents Award for Excellence in Philanthropy, one of the state’s highest honors in higher education philanthropy, from the Tennessee Board of Regents.
The Regents Award, which celebrates extraordinary philanthropic leadership and sustained commitment to student success, recognizes the foundation’s nearly two decades of transformative support for Southwest Tennessee Community College students.
The honor is bestowed upon only four organizations annually across Tennessee’s 37 public community and technical colleges,
A ceremony was held on Southwest’s Macon Cove Campus Tuesday, July 15, where college administrators, state officials, community leaders and scholarship recipients gathered to honor the foundation’s impact.
“Our missions are aligned,” said
Southwest President Tracy Hall, PhD.
“It was clear which organization we would nominate. The Women’s Foundation has contributed over $500,000 in just the past two years alone.”
Since 2007, the foundation has invested more than $1 million in grants and vocational scholarships at Southwest, easing financial burdens and creating pathways for economic mobility. In 2025, the Foundation awarded $302,000 to the college to fund workforce training and cover students’ needs such as textbooks, transportation and emergency assistance.
“The Women’s Foundation understands that tuition is not the only barrier,” Hall said. “On that path to education, there is housing, there is transportation, there is child care.
Sometimes people don’t understand that. They think if students have tuition, they have what they need. But our students need more than tuition. They need wraparound support to overcome those barriers.”
WFGM President and CEO Shante
Avant accepted the award on behalf of the organization’s board of trustees and staff.
Avant, who has led the foundation since 2022, emphasized the importance of reducing barriers for women and families in Memphis.
“Creating pathways without barriers, that’s what this is about. What does it mean for students to have enough food, to solve transportation issues, to be able to simply come to class? These stories reaffirm that we chose the right partner in Southwest.”
As the foundation celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, Avant underscored its commitment to being more than a grantmaker. “We want to be seen as an investor and a true partner. We are thankful that people’s lives will be changed by the work that is done here,” she said.
That impact was made visible through students like Angelica Sharif, a 41-year-old mother of five and current laboratory science major at Southwest who shared her personal journey at the ceremony.
“I cried when I got the notification that I received the scholarship,” Sharif said. “I honestly thought it was a long shot, but I went for it anyway. Not having to worry about paying for my classes is a real blessing. It helps me focus on getting good grades and stop worrying about how to pay.”
Sharif first entered college in 2004 but paused her education to raise her family and manage health challenges. Today, as her children begin graduating, she draws motivation from a photo of herself in a high school cap and gown that still hangs on the wall.
“My kids have been adding their own graduation pictures around mine,” she said. “It’s been a motivator. Now it’s Mommy’s turn.”
The award presentation was led by Regent Nisha Powers, TBR’s representative for Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District and president of Powers Hill Design. Also in attendance were members of the Southwest Foundation, scholarship recipients and community supporters.
■■ COMMUNITY
City of Memphis awards $6.44M in SCIF grants to 35 local nonprofits
Grants targeted initiatives providing services to most vulnerable
By Lee Eric Smith Special to The Tri-State Defender
In a moment both celebratory and sobering, City of Memphis officials awarded nearly $6.44 million to 35 local nonprofits as part of an ongoing investment in grassroots solutions addressing housing, poverty, education and other community needs.
The funds — distributed through the city’s Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF) — represent the fourth round of annual awards since the initiative began in 2022. Administered by the Division of Housing and Community Development, the SCIF program supports nonprofits working on the front lines with Memphis’ most vulnerable populations.
“This isn’t just a budget line — it’s a vehicle for hope and opportunity,” said Mayor Paul Young, addressing recipients during the awards ceremony July 14 at City Hall . “At the end of the day, it’s about real people whose lives are being changed and real neighborhoods that are being strengthened.”
This year’s $6.44 million total includes major grants in five categories:
• Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS/HIV (HOPWA)
• Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
• Community Service Grant (CSG)
• HOME-Tenant Based Rental Assistance (HOME-TBRA)
• Neighborhood Partnership Grant (NPG)
Notable recipients include:
• Friends for Life Corp. – $1.94 million (HOPWA)
• Hope House – $1.74 million (HOPWA), plus $22,000 (ESG) and $32,000 (CSG)
• MIFA – $182,000 for hotline services, shelter referral, and rapid rehousing
• Community Alliance for the Homeless – $432,500 (HOME-TBRA)
• Catholic Charities of West TN –$107,000 (ESG)
• The Salvation Army – $78,000 (ESG) and $35,000 (CSG)
• Room In The Inn – $83,000 (ESG)
Additional CSG grants ranging from $31,000 to $36,000 were awarded to organizations such as Kindred Place, Downtown Memphis Ministries, YWCA of Greater Memphis, Synergy Treatment Center, Creative Aging
Memphis and others.
In the NPG category, 12 grassroots agencies received $15,000 each for neighborhood-based work, including Alpha Memphis Education Foundation, United Housing Inc., RISE Memphis, Service Over Self and SchoolSeed/Project STAND.
While the award ceremony celebrated what’s working in Memphis, it also cast light on the growing demand for support — especially amid concerns over potential federal funding cuts to Medicaid, SNAP and housing assistance.
“In this climate, this local support is
more important than ever,” said Mary Hamlett, vice president of Housing Stability Programs at MIFA. “One illness, one flat tire, and suddenly a family can’t pay rent. These grants allow us to keep people housed, connected to services and moving forward.”
Hamlett noted that MIFA received funding for its housing hotline, shelter referral network (including hotel stays) and rapid rehousing assistance.
“We hate that the need is there, but we’re glad we can meet the challenge,” she added.
Mayor Young said the city remains committed to supporting its nonprofit partners, not just with grants but with collaboration and long-term vision.
“I’ve visited many of these organizations and seen the work firsthand,” he said. “It’s a godsend to so many individuals in our city.”
He encouraged other organizations to explore funding opportunities through HCD.
“Some of these grants are year-round, some are annual,” he said. “Visit the Housing and Community Development section of our website to learn how to apply.”
The SCIF program is funded by a mix of federal HUD dollars and city allocations. While the total FY26 investment is slightly less than the rounded $6.5 million cited in public remarks, it reflects a continuing trend of prioritizing community-led solutions in Memphis.
Since its inception, the SCIF initiative has funneled more than $16.5 million into local nonprofits.
A full list of this year’s recipients and amounts is available online at memphistn.gov.
While awarding the SCIF Grants at the Hall of Mayors, Memphis Mayor Paul Young praised the work of the grassroots organizations doing the work on the ground in Memphis. “Memphis doesn’t rise on good intentions alone,” Young said. “It rises when we work together, when we align resources and purpose.” (Lee Eric Smith/Tri-State Defender)
SPORTS Cardinals draft Tennessee trio, including top Houston High prospect Ryan Mitchell
By James Coleman The Tri-State Defender
The St. Louis Cardinals didn’t look far outside their Triple-A territory to find talent during the early rounds of the MLB draft.
Cardinals leadership selected three players from Tennessee in the first three rounds, including Houston High School senior infielder Ryan Mitchell with the 55th overall pick in the second round Sunday, July 13.
“We expected him to go top 3 rounds. I have always been a huge Cardinals fan so that made it even better when they selected him 55th overall,” Lane McCarter, Houston High head baseball coach, said Friday.
Mitchell left for the Cardinals spring training camp in Jupiter, Florida, Thursday. He is expected to receive a team physical and sign a rookie contract.
The 18-year-old second baseman and shortstop was rated the No. 24 high school player on Rawlings’ Top 500 list. Mitchell has committed to play for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets baseball program.
McCarter was on hand during a draft party being held by Mitchell’s family. He described the moment as “surreal.”
“Just seeing the entire room cheer and to see him hug his family and walk around saying thank you to everyone just, as a coach, makes me feel so proud of Ryan and all the years and years of work he has poured into baseball,” Carter said. “Very few get rewarded the way he did.”
The 6-foot-1, 185-pound left-handed batter is considered a “quick-twitch” athlete with upside. He combines light feet with solid arm strength and hit .462 with 12 home runs and 39 stolen bases as a senior.
“He has the talent to make it for sure. He also has the mentality to make it. He’s not trying to just make it though, he’s trying to stay there a long, long time and make a career out of it,” said McCarter.
The Cardinals’ other top selections came from the college ranks. St. Louis picked University of Tennessee pitcher Liam Doyle with the No. 5 overall pick in the first round. Considered the top prospect by some scouts, Doyle was named SEC Player of the Year in 2025. He signed with the team for a $7.25 million bonus Thursday, July 17.
“He (Ryan Mitchell) has the talent to make it for sure. He also has the mentality to make it. He’s not trying to just make it though, he’s trying to stay there a long, long time and make a career out of it.”
— Lane McCarter
St. Louis returned to the Vols bullpen in the third round, selecting right-handed reliever Tanner Lloyd 72nd overall. According to MLB Network experts, the 6-foot-5, 225-pounder could be “the steal of the draft.”
All three prospects could eventually be assigned to the Cardinals’ Triple-A affiliate, the Memphis Redbirds. However, McCarter hopes the trip home won’t be necessary for Mitchell.
“[I] Would love him to bypass Memphis and go straight from AA Springfield to St. Louis,” McCarter said. “I will be following his career closely and pulling for him every step of the way.”
Ryan Mitchell, an 18-year-old infielder from Houston High School in Germantown, Tenn., was selected 55th overall by the St. Louis Cardinals in the second round of the MLB draft on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Mitchell reported to the Cardinals’ spring training facility in Jupiter, Fla.
By Judith Black Moore Special to The Tri-State Defender
Las Vegas in July is electric. NBA Summer League packs the stands, sports bettors swarm the casinos, and sneaker-clad fans flood hotel lobbies chasing glimpses of rising stars. Just off the Las Vegas Strip at the Bellagio Hotel, amid the chaos of basketball’s biggest offseason moment, two hometown changemakers were making their own mark on the global sports scene.
The Athletes Abroad Summit, co-founded by West Memphis natives Dr. Tywanna Smith and Sonny Weems, wasn’t a sideshow to the NBA’s main event. It was a bold, strategic move aimed at elevating a growing class of American athletes thriving outside the spotlight of domestic leagues.
Now in its second year, the summit drew more than 100 players, professionals and global thought leaders for a two-day exchange on what it takes to succeed on international grounds — and what that success means for their futures, their communities and the next generation of talent.
“We realized that the global sports environment is the future for all sports,” said Smith, a former international player and current University of Memphis instructor. “And we had a responsibility to mobilize resources to support the thousands of athletes who compete outside the U.S.” Smith, who has advised more than 60 professional athletes over nearly two decades, said her client conversations — especially with Weems — revealed a gap in support for those who build careers overseas.
“Players abroad deal with the scrutiny of being a professional athlete plus the challenges of assimilating in another country,” she said. “This niche group has no players’ union, no formal support. The time is now.”
■■ SPORTS
Memphis roots, global vision: West Memphis duo hosts game-changing summit in Las Vegas
The idea is rooted in Memphis. Smith and Weems grew up just across the bridge in West Memphis, and their work, especially with athlete development at the University of Memphis, keeps them connected to the talent pipeline in the Mid-South.
“Many athletes from Memphis have lived the dream, earned a great living and visited places some people only read about,” Smith said. “[I tell athletes], ‘That could be you if you work hard, stay focused and surround yourself with the right people.’”
The summit’s agenda included sessions on entrepreneurship, brand-building and navigating health care abroad. It also included former University of Memphis Lady Tiger Pasha Cook as a session moderator.
It wasn’t just athletes in the room. One highlight of the event was the appearance of El Salvador Vice President Félix Ulloa, who spoke to summit-goers about how his country is using sports to reduce crime. Smith said the message resonated deeply.
“Many athletes from Memphis have lived the dream, earned a great living and visited places some people only read about.”
— Dr. Tywanna Smith
“When youth are engaged and challenged to utilize their skills, there is evidence to support the positive effects on crime reduction,” she said. “In Memphis, we must explore how extracurricular activities can transform the community.”
Weems, who played in the NBA before building a long international career in China, agreed. “Many athletes start foundations, fund sports leagues or build facilities that create safe spaces for kids,” he said. “These programs teach teamwork, discipline and resilience. They also keep them away from gangs or criminal activities during vulnerable hours.”
Hosting the summit during NBA Summer League was no accident.
“NBA Summer League is an experience that attracts many people in the global sports ecosystem at the same time,” Weems said. “It’s a great way for players to network and for other professionals to collaborate.”
Smith added that international leagues aren’t just fallback options but viable first choices. “There are hundreds of leagues abroad,” she said. “But success requires maturity, independence and accountability. That’s what we help athletes understand.”
For many women athletes, international play is the best-paying or most accessible path. “Women often choose to play abroad if there aren’t enough roster spots in the U.S. or if they can earn more money elsewhere,” Smith said.
And now, Smith and Weems are expanding the platform through film. Their upcoming documentary “Ballin’ Abroad” chronicles the lives of American athletes navigating professional sports overseas.
“I want to show them as people — people who experience both struggles and triumphs,” Smith said. “As two kids from West Memphis, we are excited to share this story with our Mid-South family and fans around the world.”
The story, Weems said, is ultimately about pushing boundaries. “If you are always comfortable, you will never grow,” he said. “I’ve been able to see the world because I forced myself out of my comfort zone. That’s what we want these athletes to do — grow, expand, build something that lasts.”
In a city known for its big bets, Smith and Weems aren’t just wagering on sports. They’re investing in people, purpose and the power of international play. They’re showing athletes playing abroad how to win beyond the game.
Former University of Memphis Lady Tigers player Pasha Cook moderates the “Athletes’ Mothers and Wives” session during the Athletes Abroad Summit at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas on July 13, 2025. Cook joined other leaders in guiding discussions on family, support and athlete development. (Judith Black Moore/Tri-State Defender)
■■ COMMUNITY NFL player brings energy, education and opportunity home to Memphis with SET4Lyfe STEAM Camp
By Dalisia Ballinger Special to The Tri-State Defender
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver and Memphis native Calvin Austin III returned home with a mission: to inspire the next generation of athletes beyond the football field.
Hosting his first-ever SET4Lyfe STEAM Camp at Harding Academy on July 19, Austin welcomed 25 local students for a day of hands-on activities designed to expose them to new skills, industries and possibilities.
The students were immersed in the world of STEAM — science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. Throughout the day, they took part in interactive workshops designed to spark curiosity and introduce them to careers and hobbies outside the typical classroom and sports field.
“It’s bigger than football,” Austin said. “I wanted this camp to be a chance for these kids to see the full picture. Yes, you can be an athlete, but you can also be an engineer, a doctor, a music producer, a pilot. There’s a world out there beyond what they see on social media.”
One highlight of the camp was a drone-flying session where students learned the basics of drone operation but also discussed the real-world applications of drone technology in industries such as agriculture, cinematography and engineering.
In another session, students explored the arts component of STEAM by creating musical beats using digital software. With guidance from local producers including Hitkidd and music mentors, kids got the chance to mix sounds, layer tracks and leave with a
fresh understanding of music production, a skillset highly relevant in today’s digital media age.
The engineering portion had students designing and building custom helmets, giving them hands-on experience in basic design thinking, safety science and problem-solving. They not only constructed but learned the science
behind how materials protect athletes and workers in different industries.
The camp also integrated physical activity with 40-yard dash drills, but the practice wasn’t just about running fast. It tied back to science, as instructors explained biomechanics, reaction times and the technology used in performance testing.
Austin, who graduated from Harding Academy and the University of Memphis, said his parents always reminded him of the importance of education alongside athletics. His goal was to give back to his community in a meaningful way by exposing students to skills and opportunities that can lead to longterm success.
In a hands-on engineering exercise, students learned about designing and building custom helmets at the SET4Lyfe STEAM Camp at Harding Academy July 19. The camp was sponsored by NFL player and Memphis native Calvin Austin III (center). (Gary S. Whitlow/The Tri-State Defender)
“It’s bigger than football. I wanted this camp to be a chance for these kids to see the full picture. Yes, you can be an athlete, but you can also be an engineer, a doctor, a music producer, a pilot. There’s a world out there beyond what they see on social media.”
— Calvin Austin III
“The earlier kids are exposed to these things, the more they believe in what’s possible,” Austin said. “It’s about expanding their vision.”
The camp was powered by Project DMS, a local nonprofit co-founded by Lance Mason, another Harding graduate who grew up in Whitehaven and Westwood.
“Growing up, I saw what a difference opportunities make,” Mason said. “At Harding, we had things like engineering classes and ACT prep, and those extra resources changed the direction of my life. This camp gives kids access to experiences they might never get otherwise.”
Mason said the combination of education and experience is key.
“This wasn’t just a day to keep kids busy,” Mason added. “They left with knowledge about technology, science, creative arts — even real-world soft skills like teamwork and communication.”
From start to finish, the students connected with positive mentors who looked like them, many of whom work in the fields they were introduced to. And Austin made it clear to the kids that they could reach out to him any time for advice and mentorship.
“I want to stay involved with them beyond this day,” Austin said. “This is just the beginning. I see this camp growing every year, impacting more kids, bringing in more mentors and offering more opportunities.”
The SET4Lyfe STEAM Camp was the start of something much bigger, he said.
“I’m proof you can do more than one thing,” Austin said. “And now, these kids know it, too.”
PUBLIC NOTICES / CLASSIFIEDS
PUBLIC NOTICE THE MEMPHIS URBAN AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION
In compliance with federal regulations 23 CFR 450, the Memphis Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) will hold the following virtual public meetings to provide the public the opportunity to comment on the development of the draft Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-29 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
The virtual public meetings will be held during the 30-day public review and comment period, from July 28-August 26, 2025, for the draft FY 2026-29 TIP, and associated Air Quality Conformity Demonstration Reports (CDR) for Shelby and DeSoto Counties.
The virtual public meeting dates, times, and registration links to participate can be found below. Please register in advance for the meeting(s). For full capabilities, join through a web browser or the GotoWebinar application; attendees calling in will be in a listener mode only. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Meeting attendees will be afforded the opportunity to comment on the information presented at the meeting(s). The MPO asks that all participants follow the participation instructions provided during the meeting(s). Any comments provided at the meeting(s) should be applicable to the information presented, and should be provided in a respectful manner. Public engagement opportunities align with the Memphis MPO’s adopted 2024 Public Participation Plan (PPP), which outlines the MPO’s public participation methods and strategies for public engagement and outreach. This virtual meeting outreach strategy for the FY 2026-29 TIP was reviewed and concurred on by TDOT. If you need assistance in participating in the virtual meetings, please contact the MPO Office at 901-636-7146 and provide at least seven (7) days notice.
Additionally, in compliance with federal regulations 23 CFR 450, the Memphis MPO has made two additional documents available for public review. The draft Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan (CPT-HSTP) is available for a 30-day public review and comment period from July 24, 2025, to August 22, 2025. The draft Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) is available for a 10-day public review and comment period, from August 4, 2025, to August 14, 2025.
The draft FY 2026-29 TIP documents, the draft Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan and the draft Unified Planning Work Program will be made available for review from 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, in the offices of the Memphis MPO located at 125 N. Main Street, Room 450, Memphis, TN 38103, or for download from the
Rates are non-commissionable and are quoted at the net rate. No refund for early cancellation. For additional information contact Sales Dept. at (901) 746-5201 or email: advertising@
Internet at memphismpo.org. Comments may be submitted to Pragati Srivastava, Memphis MPO, 125 N. Main Street, Room 450, Memphis, TN 38103 or via email at Pragati.Srivastava@memphistn.gov
It is the policy of the Memphis MPO not to exclude, deny, or discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law in its practices, or in its admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities.
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■■ ENTERTAINMENT
Books to help you learn something new while taking a break from current events
By Terri Schlichenmeyer Special to The Tri-State Defender
Sometimes, you just don’t want to know any more.
You’ve had it with bad news, up to your eyebrows and no more. So maybe it’s time for some good news. Maybe it’s time for some memoirs, biographies and the goodness you’ll find inside these great books.
What goes better with a warm summer evening than a few tunes? A book about a musician, that’s what. “From the Shadow of the Blues: My Story of Music, Addiction and Redemption” by John Lee Hooker Jr. with Julia Simon (Rowman & Littlefield, $34) is a great summertime read. It’s the story of a born singer, the son of a sharecropper who struggled and got through it to become a Grammy Award winning bluesman. Inspirational and lively, this memoir is as entertaining as are its author’s performances.
No doubt, you’ve read some of Toni Morrison’s work, and you might be eager to learn more about her long career. In “Toni at Random: The Iconic Writer’s Legendary Editorship” by Dana A. Williams (Amistad, $29.99), you’ll understand about the great author’s somewhat-hidden career, work that many of her fans don’t know much about. Working at the publisher Random House gave Morrison a chance to nourish the careers of many Black authors; in doing so, she helped change
the entire publishing world, making it more open to diversity for readers, both
the-scenes of publishing past, this is truly a reader’s book.
If you can’t help yourself, you have to watch politics, you’ll want to read “Trailblazer: Perseverance in Life and Politics” by former Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun (Hanover Square Press, $32.99). Here, readers are taken back to Braun’s childhood, to see what launched her to success. There were many barriers that Braun smashed through: She made history as the first Black woman elected to the US Senate; first woman representing Illinois in Washington; and first senator to be appointed as an ambassador (to New Zealand). And even if you’re not particularly a politics-watcher, this book is inspiring and empowering. And, finally, if you haven’t exhausted your examination of racism yet, “The Science of Racism: Everything You Need to Know but Probably Don’t – Yet” by Keon West (Abrams Press, $28.00) offers a very different way of looking at the subject. West, who has “always been Black,” argues that we’ve left science out of the topic of racism for far too long. By adding scientific measures to the realities of racism, we can understand the issue a little better, he says, and we might be able to have a different conversation about it.. Go into this book with an open mind; it’s full of examples, thought-provokers, smart words and ideas. Look closely, and you’ll also find a bit of humor to get you through.
Black and white. With its insight into Toni Morrison’s career and the behind-
