Week of: June 18, 2026
Roland Martin challenges Memphis to measure progress, not promises at Juneteenth Freedom Luncheon — Page 6
TAMI SAWYER INDICTED ON FEDERAL FRAUD, THEFT AND MONEY LAUNDERING CHARGES
— Page 3
MEMPHIS SCREENING OF ‘MOUND BAYOU: THE MOST REMARKABLE TOWN IN THE SOUTH’
— Page 4
Cathy Hart, a Memphis media professional with more than a decade in radio and television broadcasting, has joined WLOK radio as part of the station’s Morning Team with Drew McCraven.
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“Cathy’s many years of experience in the broadcast industry makes her an excellent addition to WLOK and a great on-air partner with Drew on our morning show,” said Art Gilliam, president of WLOK. “Cathy adds to our 50-year mission of offering broadcast excellence, and she understands our dedication to the Memphis community.”
Hart was a radio broadcast associate for the Memphis Shelby County Schools radio station, WQOX 88.5 FM, where she was recognized for creating multi-platform programming and community-centered initiatives. She also contributed to the Tri-State Defender as a lifestyle writer and has moderated various educational and civic events in Memphis and the Mid-South. She holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Belhaven University.
Since its founding a half century ago, WLOK has been a local broadcast leader offering listeners a wide format of gospel music and talk shows that focus on news and information. WLOK also presents several community events, including the annual WLOK Stone Soul Picnic, and the WLOK Black Film Festival.
WLOK broadcasts a gospel format on both AM and FM channels, operating under AM1340 and FM105. WLOK’s Morning Show can be heard from 6-10 a.m., Monday through Friday.
Accused
of stealing more than $44K, “she is not guilty of these charges,’ attorney says
By Lee Eric Smith TSD Contributing Writer
Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk Tami Sawyer has been indicted on six federal counts accusing her of stealing more than $44,000 in public funds through county procurement cards, travel advances and electronic payment apps, according to federal prosecutors and court records unsealed Monday.
Sawyer, whose full legal name is listed in court documents as Tamara Sawyer, appeared Monday in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee after turning herself in at the federal courthouse in Memphis.
Sawyer is charged with conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, honest services wire fraud, money laundering, and interstate and foreign travel in aid of racketeering enterprises.
The indictment, dated June 11, alleges Sawyer used government-issued procurement cards and county travel funds between Aug. 29, 2024, the day she assumed office, and June 22, 2025, to pay for personal expenses for herself and others. Federal prosecutors allege the expenses included alcohol, Uber Eats, Instacart, bars, hotels, restaurants, Memphis Tigers purchases, FedExForum charges, Turo, local fundraisers and PayPal transfers.
Sawyer did not address reporters directly after Monday’s hearing, but stood beside her attorney, John Keith Perry, as he said she denies the allegations
and intends to continue serving as clerk while fighting the charges.
“The indictment speaks for itself,” Perry said outside the Odell Horton Federal Building. “We received a copy of it, and we haven’t had a chance to go through everything.
“She is not guilty of these charges,” Perry said.
Perry described Monday’s proceeding as an initial appearance and arraignment.
“We have not had a chance to go through and dissect every aspect of the law on it,” Perry said. “But like I said, she’s not guilty, and we’re going to keep going forward.”
The indictment alleges Sawyer obtained access to procurement cards belonging to three employees in the General Sessions Court Clerk’s Office and used the cards for unauthorized expenses. Prosecutors further allege many of the purchases occurred on weekends or holidays when the clerk’s office was closed.
Federal prosecutors also allege Sawyer submitted false explanations for unauthorized expenses, claimed receipts were missing when they
remained available in apps she used, and manipulated receipts submitted for reimbursement to the clerk’s office.
The most serious allegations involve what prosecutors describe as a “money mule” scheme. The indictment defines a money mule as someone who knowingly or unknowingly transfers or moves fraudulently acquired money on behalf of someone else.
According to the indictment, Sawyer used procurement cards to send money to her personal PayPal account. Prosecutors also allege she sent money to a PayPal account belonging to the girlfriend of an unindicted co-conspirator, then gave instructions by iMessage and phone calls for the co-conspirator to keep a small amount of the money and send the rest back to Sawyer through Cash App. The indictment says Sawyer’s Cash App account was linked to her personal bank account.
The indictment also details allegations involving county travel funds. Prosecutors allege Sawyer used a county travel card for personal expenses in October 2024 and failed to pay the balance. The indictment further alleges she received travel advances in January and June 2025 for authorized trips that were later canceled or for which she did not travel and did not return the advance funds.
The federal theft count alleges Sawyer embezzled, stole or knowingly converted approximately $44,607.35 belonging to, or under the care and control of, Shelby County.
If convicted of all charges, Sawyer faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000.
The indictment says the General Sessions Court Clerk is responsible for maintaining the records and funds of General Sessions Court and providing support to 20 judges and 14 judicial commissioners. It also states that, as clerk, Sawyer was an agent of Shelby
County and had a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the county and its citizens.
The indictment also includes a forfeiture notice, meaning federal prosecutors are seeking any property that constitutes or was derived from proceeds of the alleged violations, as well as any property involved in or traceable to the alleged offenses.
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee.
The General Sessions Court Clerk’s Office handles civil and criminal court records, collections and related court functions, making the elected position one of the most visible administrative offices in Shelby County’s judicial system.
Sawyer, a former Shelby County commissioner, activist and 2019 Memphis mayoral candidate, was elected General Sessions Court clerk in 2024. Her tenure has drawn public attention at several points, including a courthouse security controversy last year in which Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy’s office ultimately declined to pursue charges.
The federal indictment does not appear, based on the available court documents, to be connected to that earlier courthouse incident.
Asked what he would say to Shelby County residents and voters who may have questions, Perry pointed to Sawyer’s public service record and said she intends to remain on the job.
“They’ve had a great deal of confidence in her through the years,” Perry said. “She has enjoyed the privilege of representing individuals from Shelby County, … . She’s done a great job.”
He continued: “So right now, it’s just a matter of trying to go forward and to do the things that she has been elected to do. And she’s going to continue to do her job. And we’re going to defend these charges.”
By Judith Black Moore TSD Contributing Writer
The story of Mound Bayou, Mississippi is woven into the fabric of the Mid-South. Founded in 1887 by formerly enslaved people — led by Isaiah T. Montgomery and Benjamin T. Green — Mound Bayou became one of the nation’s most successful all-Black towns. Built on principles of self-determination, entrepreneurship and community leadership, it stood as a powerful example of what African Americans could achieve despite the barriers of the Jim Crow South.
Mound Bayou’s influence extended well beyond the Mississippi Delta. For generations, families, businesses, churches and educators moved between Mound Bayou and Memphis, creating cultural, economic and family ties that remain strong today. The town also played an important role during pivotal moments in Black history, including providing refuge and support during the Emmett Till murder trial.
Mound Bayou also played an important role in the development of civil rights leader Medgar Evers. Before becoming the NAACP’s Mississippi field secretary, Evers worked in Mound Bayou for the Magnolia Mutual Life Insurance Company under the mentorship of civil rights leader T.R.M. Howard. The town served as an important center of Black political and economic influence during a pivotal period in the Civil Rights Movement.
As conversations continue nationwide about how history is remembered and preserved, a new documentary entitled “Mound Bayou: The Most Remarkable Town in the South” offers Memphians an opportunity to explore a story that is both historic and deeply personal. The film examines the legacy of a community whose impact reaches far beyond its city limits and whose les-
“I hope the Memphis audience will get the connection shared by Memphis and Mound Bayou and understand the important role of Mound Bayou in our history.”
— Kahari Nash
sons about resilience, self-governance and economic empowerment remain relevant today.
The screening took place Wednesday, June 17, at 6 p.m. at the Malco Paradiso Theatre.
The film’s producer Kahari Nash, known to many as “Boo Ray! King,” hopes Memphis audiences will recog-
nize the historical and cultural relationship between Memphis and Mound Bayou, which was founded July 12, 1887 and incorporated in 1898.
“I hope the Memphis audience will get the connection shared by Memphis and Mound Bayou and understand the important role of Mound Bayou in our history,” Nash said during an interview before the screening.
The connection Nash is referring to is rooted in decades of shared history. Mound Bayou and Memphis have long been linked through family ties, education, business and migration patterns. Many Delta families maintained relationships in both communities, while Memphis often served as a commercial, cultural and transportation hub for residents of Mound Bayou and surrounding Delta towns. The documen-
tary explores how those connections helped shape the broader story of Black life and advancement throughout the Mid-South.
Nash grew up in Mound Bayou, approximately 100 miles south of Memphis, and has deep personal ties to the story. Members of his family served in key leadership roles in the city. Several are featured in the documentary alongside other prominent figures connected to the town’s history.
One of them is Nash’s great-uncle, Ezell Anderson, a prominent businessman and civic leader who served as the town marshal for more than a decade. During the 1955 Emmett Till murder trial, Anderson provided armed security for Mamie Till-Mobley, Emmett Till’s mother, who stayed in Mound Bayou for her safety and traveled daily
to nearby Sumner, Mississippi, where the proceedings were held.
Nash said preserving and sharing stories such as Mound Bayou’s is especially important at a time when efforts to eradicate Black history and education continue across the country.
“Historical preservation is very important,” he said. “If you look at the state of America today, they are trying to erase Black history. We have to tell our stories and not depend on someone else to tell our stories.”
Nash noted that the documentary also reflects the diverse coalition of people who helped advance civil rights causes throughout American history.
“It was not just Black people in the Civil Rights Movement,” he said. “There were white people and Jewish people. This is important to our stories.”
The documentary has already generated strong interest from audiences. A recent preview screening in Chicago drew a packed house and received an enthusiastic response. Nash said he hopes Memphis residents will come out to support the screening and demonstrate interest in seeing stories such as Mound Bayou’s reach broader audiences.
The project has been presented to major entertainment industry compa-
nies, including Disney, as filmmakers continue exploring opportunities to bring the story to a wider audience.
“I hope after seeing Mound Bayou, Memphis will use its voice to weigh in and let entertainment companies know this is something people want to see,”
Nash said.
By Judith Black Moore TSD Contributing Writer
Journalist and media entrepreneur Roland Martin returned to Memphis for the 33rd Annual Juneteenth Freedom Luncheon with a message that was both a celebration of Black resilience and a challenge to the city he visited a year ago: Accountability matters.
Speaking before a packed audience Friday, June 12, at the Dwelling Place on Old Austin Peay Highway, Martin urged civic leaders, organizations and residents to use Juneteenth not only as a commemoration of freedom but as a yearly measure of progress.
“You should be using this event as sort of an annual report for how have things changed in the previous 364 days,” Martin said.
The luncheon, organized by Memphis Juneteenth, opened with remarks from founder and organizer Dr. Telisa Franklin, who welcomed Martin back to the city and praised his willingness to challenge audiences.
Franklin introduced Martin as “unapologetically Black,” a description reflected throughout a speech that frequently drew applause while challenging listeners to move beyond rhetoric.
“We are never going to move forward and advance if we are unwilling to accept accountability,” said Martin.
Martin acknowledged that comments he made during last year’s visit generated national attention and local criticism. Rather than retreating from those remarks centered on the city’s level of progress — or lack thereof — he doubled down on the importance of accountability.
Throughout his address, Martin
repeatedly asked audiences to evaluate whether elected officials, advocacy groups and community organizations could demonstrate measurable results over the past year.
“If you are supposed to represent the economic interest of African Americans,” he said, “What exactly are you doing if you cannot account for work over the last 365 days.”
Using Baltimore as an example, Martin pointed to efforts led by Mayor Brandon Scott and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, arguing that investments addressing poverty, homelessness and other root causes can reduce crime more effectively than relying solely on traditional law enforcement approaches.
“The model to reducing crime is confronting the things that cause crime,” Martin said. “Crime is tied directly to economics.”
The speech also focused heavily on economic development and political power. Martin questioned why Memphis, a majority-Black city with a long history of Black political leadership, has not translated that influence into greater economic strength.
“When they talk about the New South, they never mention Memphis,” Martin said. “Memphis is never mentioned — only Atlanta.”
He challenged the audience to con-
sider why so few people could identify the city’s largest Black-owned businesses and why Black political representation has not produced stronger economic outcomes for more residents.
“It is a legitimate question to ask how is it Black folks in Memphis are so broke,” he said.
Martin also warned that African Americans are facing coordinated attacks on political, economic and educational gains. He described current efforts targeting diversity initiatives, race-conscious programs and Black institutions as part of a broader struggle for equality.
“Stop referring to the civil rights
movement, Jim Crow, sanitation workers, to realize that right now we’re sitting in the midst of Jim Crow 2.0,” Martin said.
Yet his address was not solely focused on criticism. Martin repeatedly returned to organization, civic participation and collective action as the path forward.
“Nobody tries this hard to keep you from voting if it doesn’t mean anything,” he said.
Calling for greater voter engagement, leadership development and coalition building, Martin urged attendees to reject defeatism and become active participants in shaping the future of their
communities.
“Ain’t nobody coming to save you but you,” he said.
Near the conclusion of his remarks, Martin connected the significance of Juneteenth to Memphis’ own history, including the 1968 sanitation workers’ strike and the economic justice message of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“The Juneteenth celebrations in Texas were a yearly reminder of the quest for freedom,” Martin said. “A constant quest for freedom.”
In one of the speech’s most reflective moments, Martin asked audience members to consider the legacy they will leave for future generations.
“Thirty years from now when they have the 63rd Juneteenth luncheon, will they call your name?” he asked. Looking around the room, he challenged attendees to ask each other this question.
“You have to decide are you willing to really commit yourself to be the change agent to change the condition of your street, your block, your city, your neighborhood.”
The program also recognized several individuals whose work reflects that commitment through the presentation
of the Juneteenth Pillar Awards.
Honorees included Dr. David L. Acey Sr., founder and executive director of Africa in April, who received the Pillar of Freedom Lifetime Supporter Award; broadcaster Pepper Baker, who was recognized for leadership and inspiration; civil rights investigator Kareem Ali, who received the Activism and Advocacy Award for his work on civil rights cases, including matters related to the death of Tyre Nichols at the hands of Memphis police officers;
Rev. Dr. Jonathan Saulsberry, honored with the Cultural Heritage and Celebration Award; Hazel Moore, recognized with the Community Engagement Award; and Dr. Bobbie White, founder of Frayser Community Schools, who received the Education and Awareness Award.
Kennedy Nicole Henson was presented with the organization’s scholarship award.
Before Martin departed, LeMoyne-Owen College President Dr. Christopher Davis thanked him for elevating issues affecting Black communities and presented him with a custom pair of LeMoyne-Owen College tennis shoes.
By James Coleman TSD Contributing Writer
After falling a few percentage points short in enrollment in 2026, Shelby County has abandoned its goal of universal pre-k for all during recent backroom contract negotiations with childcare vendor First 8 Memphis.
County Commissioners received the update on Wednesday, June 10 during an Education Committee discussion on an amendment to the 2019 joint ordinance with the City of Memphis.
“That came from the Mayor’s office and his administration,” said First 8 Memphis Executive Director Kandace Thomas. “We did push back. We were told we had to accept the provision. It wasn’t something we could negotiate.”
The commission named First 8 Memphis the fiscal agent for the effort in 2022. Its job is to distribute grant dollars to a myriad of licensed early child care providers in the county. F8M’s five year contract ended this year. Negotiations began in November.
Despite last school year’s 97% rate of enrollment, Mayor Lee Harris has expressed dissatisfaction with the returns. However, the real culprit appears to be the difference paid between the county and the city.
According to the data, 83% of First 8 students fall within the federal poverty level. Moreover, 84% of the students are Black and live in five zip codes, all within Memphis city limits.
In 2025-26, the county invested $11.5 million of a total $20 million in
“That school year demonstrated a 62% kindergarten readiness score, which is a more than 25% increase from when this program started in 2019.”
— Kandace Thomas
funding for the head start program. Memphis makes up the rest.
“That school year demonstrated a 62% kindergarten readiness score, which is a more than 25% increase from when this program started in 2019,” said Thomas. “You should be incredibly proud of the investments and the improvements that we are seeing across early learning.”
However, the figure is locked in for another year — and the foreseeable future. Last week, on Tuesday, the City of Memphis agreed to $8.5 million in funding for the 2026-27 school year — the same amount as the previous year.
To achieve 100% enrollment, an estimated $22 million would need to be set aside for the nonprofit. According to the renegotiated terms of the agreement, if the county is saddled with additional costs, the contract is voided. Likewise, the joint ordinance.
“The county gives $1.35 for every $1 the city gives. If the county were to give $1.36, the program is terminated the way the contract reads. Completely terminated. You’d have to start over, like we did in 2019,” explained First 8 Memphis attorney Andy Jones.
Britney Thornton criticized the agreement. The outgoing commissioner represents one of the five zip codes that
most utilizes the program, 38116.
“I’d advise the next mayor of Shelby County to renegotiate. These are horrible terms,” said Thornton.
During contract talks, the nonprofit did secure one victory. The language in the ordinance amendment calls for a single “entity” to serve as fiscal agent.
A previous version used the word “entities,’ after Harris proposed using several fiscal agents — including child care providers themselves.
When given the opportunity during public comment, providers have spoken on behalf of the original format. Wednesday’s meeting was no different.
“Through First 8’s support, Hope House has been able to provide free early childhood education services to children ages 3 and 4, along with critical wraparound services including counseling and resource navigation,” said Hope House director of social services Melissa Ferrar.
The Memphis nonprofit provides services to HIV-infected individuals living in poverty. This includes early
childhood education for their children. According to Ferrar, the people the nonprofit helps are typically stigmatized by the larger community.
“At Hope House, we find that consistency is essential to both the delivery of high quality care and building trust with families that have often experienced significant discrimination and barriers to support,” Ferrar said.
Furthermore, maintaining a single fiscal agent provides “stability, coordination and accountability necessary for programs like ours to succeed,” she added. Introducing multiple fiscal agents could disrupt or weaken the “safe, reliable programming our families depend on.”
A motion to send the ordinance amendment back to committee was proffered by commission Chairwoman Shante Avant. It met no objections and will be brought up again during the June 23 committee meetings.
The commission is also considering Harris’ proposed $1.6 billion county budget. The deadline for passage is June 30.
By Melissa Brown Chalkbeat
Former Tennessee Teacher of the Year Karen Vogelsang was appointed Tuesday, June 16, to the final seat on the incoming Memphis schools oversight board, which will soon wield sweeping authority over the state’s largest school district for the next four years.
House Speaker Cameron Sexton selected Vogelsang, a former mortgage banker turned educator, two days before the board is scheduled to hold its first meeting Thursday.
Vogelsang received the state’s top teacher honor in 2014, when she was teaching at Keystone Elementary School. She taught in Memphis-Shelby County elementary schools for 15 years, ending her tenure in 2018.
“The first time I had the opportunity to teach it was electrifying; I knew then I had made the right decision to become a teacher,” Vogelsang told Chalkbeat in 2015.
She now works as a self-employed early childhood literacy consultant and served as director of the Memphis tutoring nonprofit ARISE2Read in 2024.
Vogelsang is the third appointee to the board that has direct experience working with Memphis-Shelby County Schools in the classroom or at the administrative level.
The nine-member board, appointed by the state’s top Republican lawmakers, will soon take decision-making power from the locally elected school board on district issues ranging from the superintendent’s contract and overall budget to curriculum decisions.
The oversight board also includes:
• Billy Orgel, a local developer and former Memphis-Shelby County school board member.
“The first time I had the opportunity to teach it was electrifying; I knew then I had made the right decision to become a teacher.”
— Karen Vogelsang
• Dorsey Hopson, a former district superintendent.
• Dedrick Brittenum Jr., a Memphis lawyer and former councilman.
• Shanea McKinney of Cigna, who is a member of the University of Tennessee’s board of trustees.
• Nisha Powers, who leads a Memphis civil engineering firm and has served on the Tennessee board of regents.
• Beverly Robertson, a marketing
executive and former president and CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce.
• Tyrone Burroughs, a Memphis CEO who sits on the Tennessee Lottery Commission and the Youth Villages board of directors.
• David Mansouri, the sole board member who is not a Shelby County resident. Mansouri is the Nashville-based leader of one of Tennessee’s
most influential education advocacy organizations.
All but one of the appointees live in Shelby County, as required under the law Tennessee General Assembly Republicans passed this year creating oversight boards for districts with academic performance and administrative issues.
Republican supporters of the plan have argued it is not a state takeover of the local school district because most of the board’s members are local residents. Still, lawmakers have repeatedly pointed to the Houston school district’s state takeover as a model for Memphis.
The Memphis-Shelby County school board earlier this year vowed to sue the state over the effort. Opponents argue the General Assembly has unfairly targeted Memphis by seizing authority from local elected leaders to give to political appointees.
Republican lawmakers say they hope to solve Memphis’ low academic achievement with the takeover. Last year, over 75% of Memphis students failed to achieve proficiency in reading and math, though the district earned high marks in academic growth, a measure of improvement over time.
One of the oversight board’s first responsibilities will be conducting a comprehensive assessment of MSCS staff, students and buildings to develop a transformation plan. It’s unclear whether the new board will have any control over the 2026-27 budget, which has been approved by the school board but has not been finalized by the Shelby County Commission.
Melissa Brown is the bureau chief for Chalkbeat Tennessee. Contact Melissa at mbrown@chalkbeat.org.
This story was originally published by Chalkbeat.
By James Coleman TSD Contributing Writer
Memphis City Council members ignored the first pitch to finance “critical” repairs at AutoZone Park during the Tuesday, June 9 committee meetings.
City leaders are seeking $5 million in bond funding to replace a defective fire suppression system and other “life safety repairs” at the minor league ballpark. Another vote has been scheduled for June 23. A final vote on the proposed FY2027 budget is penciled in for the same day.
Autozone Park is the home of the Memphis Redbirds, an affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals organization. The AAA stadium first opened its gates in 2000. In 2017, the franchise signed a 17-year lease with the city to manage the ballpark.
Along with up-to-date fire safety, the proposal includes modern HVAC sys-
tems that will require relocation from the current systems. Additional safety netting to protect newly-installed clubhouse-level seating also would be installed. Both the fire safety and HVAC systems are original to the facility.
The request matches a $5 million investment made in 2024. Those upgrades included new lighting, improved batting cages and safety netting. The new bonds would be paired with the previously approved issuance. Together, they are intended to bring the ballpark up to minor league baseball compliance-level standards. Batting and pitching tunnels, along with a dark colored backdrop in center field are a part of the criteria.
According to City of Memphis COO Antonio Adams, the deferred maintenance is a requirement of the agreement.
“This is changing the rules in the middle of the game,” responded Coun-
The Democratic Party gubernatorial candidate argued the city isn’t financially obligated to cover the costs of the upgrades, under the terms of the lease. She also doubted the “critical” label attached to some of the improvements.
Much like current renovations to the FedEx Arena, the investment is also an attempt to secure a long-term relationship between the city and a professional sports franchise.
The recent fixes are part of a threephase plan that began in 2025.
The final phase will culminate in a so-called “AutoZone Park of the future.” It will feature a mixed-used development and improvements to the surrounding neighborhood. The ultimate goal is to develop the location beyond a seasonal economic engine.
Nevertheless, some on the council question whether a minor league team
has enough horse power to sustain the vision.
Although an average of over 2,900 visitors per game in 2025 was among the best in AAA baseball, the head count pales in comparison to an average Grizzlies game. The lack of traffic wasn’t lost on the council’s budget committee chairman.
“I’m sorry, people are playing pickleball. They are not going to baseball games. They are not going to minor league baseball games. At some point we have to say 30 years later, ‘Is baseball our best bet? Do we have the best tenant possible in there?’” asked Chase Carlisle.
The council is currently putting its imprint on Mayor Paul Young’s proposed $897 million FY2027 budget. Members mulled over a flurry of amendments during the morning session. The deadline for approval is June 30.
By Trevia Chatman Special to the TSD
With the end of the school year approaching, many parents face the same looming struggle: how to keep the kids busy, engaged and off the couch this summer.
If you’re in the same boat, here’s a fresh idea: introduce your child to golf. Physical exercise aside, there are many benefits to the sport, including the potential to grow social skills, build resilience and improve mental health. Being a student athlete from elementary school to college afforded me the opportunities to travel across the country, broaden my horizons and make meaningful connections.
Still not sure that golf is right for your child? Here are five reasons why you may want to give it a swing.
1. It may be less expensive than you think. Golf is widely known to be very pricey, but to make the sport more accessible and affordable for kids, Bank of America developed Golf with Us. This initiative invites children ages 6 through 18 to enroll in a free, oneyear membership to Youth on Course, with access to tee times for $5 or less at thousands of courses nationwide and locally, including The Links at Riverside, The Links at Pine Hill, The Links at Galloway, The Links at Audubon, The Links at Whitehaven, The Links at
Meadows, and Overton Park 9.
2. It’s a lifelong sport. There aren’t many sports that you can play into old age, but golf is an exception. It’s a low-impact activity that many people can enjoy their whole lives, so players often develop a lifelong passion for the sport. The average player age continues to drop, and the number of girls playing golf has steadily increased in recent years.
According to the National Golf Foundation, the number of women and girls playing golf on a course has risen 23% since 2018. Meanwhile, there’s been a 40% increase in the number of juniors getting out on the golf course. Through Golf with Us, more than 2,200 young people in Tennessee have gotten out on the course including many first-time golfers.
3. Your child will gain invaluable life skills. Discipline, patience and perseverance are all critical to success in golf, and these skills will carry your child far beyond the course. Like any sport, golf can boost their self-confidence, too, especially when you stripe a drive down the fairway or sink that long putt. On the flip side, your child will learn how to cope with difficult
situations (golf is not an easy game!), and that resilience will benefit them in many facets of life.
4. Golf can unlock professional opportunities. There’s truth to the notion that a lot of business happens on the golf course. The ability to play opens up opportunities for networking that may otherwise be closed off. It’s not an understatement to say that golf may be an investment in their future career prospects. A study by Golf Support found that 68% of successful job candidates mentioned playing a sport on their CV, with golf ranking as the second most impactful sport — contributing to 17% of successful hires.
5. A lesson in etiquette. On the golf course, being courteous and polite is expected. There is an element of propriety that is embedded in the game, so if you teach your child to golf, that will likely foster good manners, too. Additionally, because golf has such
wide appeal to different age groups, your child may have the opportunity to interact with other generations in a way they might not otherwise experience. For a generation that is very accustomed to interacting through technology, this is a powerful opportunity to engage in person and get comfortable in situations that might otherwise feel intimidating.
Above all, golf is fun. And if there’s anything kids crave, especially in the summer, it’s fun. So, as you map out summer plans, consider getting your kids on the green. It will keep them active in the short term and set them up for long-term success. That’s a win-win all around.
Free enrollment in Golf with Us is open until Monday, June 15 at www. bofa.com/GolfwithUs.
Chatman is the president of Bank of America, Memphis
Portraits of six recent graduates are being added to Rhodes College’s Hall of Fame on the second floor of Southwestern Hall. The honorees are Jasmine Jeffries, Olivia Mack, Joshua Morris, Ariyana Muesse, Jude Shive, and KK Sowers. Selection to the Hall of Fame, which was established in 1931, is based on individual merit, leadership in student activities, service to others, and overall contributions to the campus community. Honorees are chosen by student leaders through a confidential selection process. Jasmine Jeffries of Memphis majored in art history with a double minor in studio art and educational studies. She arrived at Rhodes as a Clarence Day Scholar dedicated to community service. In that role, she served as the festival programming and operations coordinator for Memphis’ inaugural Children’s Film Festival. Jeffries is synthesizing impact data from the festival into a research thesis and a children’s book. Her passion for the arts is evident through her internships with the Germantown Community Theatre and the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. She has also been a fellow for the Lynne & Henry Turley Memphis Center for Community Engagement at Rhodes and for the Memphis Art Project. She served as chair of the Rhodes Activities Board creativity committee, a peer assistant, an admission office senior fellow, and vice president of the Rhodes chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. Olivia Mack, an educational studies and history major from Baton Rouge, La., has been a dedicated member of the Omicron Xi chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. She served as the community service chair on the National Pan-Hellenic Council at Rhodes, where she led a community-wide initiative to raise funds for Christmas gifts for a local family. As vice president of Rhodes Student Government for 2024-2025, Mack initiated programs to connect students with local minori-
ty-owned businesses and organized bonding activities for the senators and cabinet. Additionally, she served as event coordinator for the Black Student Association, treasurer of Contents Under Pressure improv troupe, and was crowned 2025 Rhodes Royalty during the college’s Homecoming. In the Memphis community, Mack has volunteered with Literacy Mid-South.
Joshua Morris from Golden, Colo., pursued a double major in chemistry and neuroscience. He went abroad in 2023 to study traditional medicine and public health in Madagascar and plans to attend medical school in Florida next year. Morris participates in research within the chemistry department, focusing on drug design, and is also pursuing a minor in mathematics. Through Rhodes’ off-campus City Lynx program, he worked at Room in the Inn to serve the unhoused population of Memphis, helping coordinate shelter logistics and data management. On campus, he has spurred the growth of the Rhodes Outdoor Organization, leading signature events and trips, and held various leadership roles culminating in his presidency for 2025-2026. He also was a peer assistant, a Health Professions Advising ambassador, a representative on the Allocations and Student Organization Commission, and a member of both the South Asian Culture and Advocacy organization and Reformed University Fellowship.
Ariyana Muesse, a political science and international studies bridge major from Memphis, served as vice president of the South Asian Culture and Advocacy organization at Rhodes. She has played a key role in planning and executing large-scale campus events celebrating the diverse cultures, histories, and traditions of people with roots in South Asia. Over the past four years, Muesse participated in the college’s ACCESS Mentors program as a mentor helping students reach their full potential through personalized guidance and academic resources. She also is president
of the Alumni Ambassador Association that works in collaboration with the Office of Alumni Relations to strengthen student-alumni relationships. Additionally, Muesse held various leadership roles within her sorority, Chi Omega, served as a Lynx Ambassador tour guide, participated on the college’s Elections Commission, and served as a senator for the Class of 2026. Off campus, Muesse worked as an intern for Greer Injury Lawyers and for the Memphis and Shelby County Film Commission.
Jude Shive, a mathematics major from Nashville, conducted research focused on how students learn and understand subtraction to identify patterns in mathematical interpretations. He spent time as a peer tutor, assisting classmates in mastering complicated mathematics courses. Shive is known for his support of fellow students, frequently attending their events. He was crowned 2025 Rhodes Royalty during the college’s Homecoming. In addition, Shive served as a peer assistant for the past three years, was on the leadership team for the Reformed University Fellowship, and was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity, along with many other
campus organizations. Shive was president of the Rhodes chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa honor society that recognizes leadership and scholarship.
Kaitlyn “KK” Sowers, a psychology major completing Honors Research, is from Frisco, Texas. She also pursued a minor in educational studies. Her research focused on the mental health and development of children and adolescents, and she also explored how social contexts influence the ways children tell stories and express social cognition. In the Department of Psychology, Sowers received the Lainoff Fellowship and the Margaret Ruffin Hyde Award to support her summer research. She has presented her work at several conferences, including her honors research at the Cognitive Development Society in Montreal, Canada. As a member of the women’s volleyball team, Sowers earned a place on the SAA Academic Honor Roll for all four years and was named to the SAA All-Sportsmanship Team for the last two years. On campus, she was a student worker in the athletics department, was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority, and served as a peer coach.
By Terri Schlichenmeyer
Good old Dad.
He’s there for you every day — playing with you, tucking you into bed, teaching you to do fun things, helping you. He and Grandpa, they’re the greatest — and this month, it’s time to read books about the Dads and Father-figures in your life.
Who’s your best buddy? You’d probably say that your Papa is, and in “Dear Dad,” illustrated by Natalie Lundeen (Flamingo Books, $9.99), you’ll read a love letter to one youngster’s father, a gator who is the little guy’s “favorite dude.”
This is a quick, colorful, adorable, fast-to-read story that’s full of love and appreciation for fathers, and it’s not just for preschool kiddoes, ages 3-to-5. If you’re an adult, it would be a heartfelt, tear-jerker of a gift for your Dad or Grandpa, too.
For the child who loves doing things with Pop, then “Haircut Day with Dad” by Monica Mikai (Crown, $18.99) is a book they’ll want. Yep, it’s time. His hair has grown a little shaggy and a little boy needs a haircut. He and Dad want to look good, so they head to the barber shop to make sure they do. It’s a day well-spent, too. But breakfast is first, because you can’t have a haircut on an empty stomach.
At the barber shop, the usual barbers are working and Dad sees some of his friends. They “settle in and wait” for their turn. Barbers are like magicians, and the boy and his dad feel like kings
with capes around their necks. Pretty soon, they’re looking “fly,” which is what you should do: fly out and find this adorable book just for boys ages 5 to 8.
Okay, but what if you don’t have a dad? Or he’s not the dad you want?
Then “Just Right” by Torrey Maldonado, illustrated by Teresa Martinez (Nancy Paulsen Books, $18.99) is exactly the book you want.
Toby is sad. He picked out a special pair of socks for his Dad as a gift, but his father kind of ignored him. The socks were just another pair of socks to him, and Ma said that wasn’t right. Neither was a nearby playground that was forever under construction, or the broken glass on his neighborhood’s sidewalks, or the dirt or the noise outside his door.
None of that is right, not at all.
But you know what was right? His mother’s brother, his Uncle, who loves Toby so very obviously, and makes him feel special and exactly, a hundred-percent right.
And that’s what you’ll think about this moving book: It’s what you want for your 4-to-9-year old, especially if there’s no dad or grandfather in the picture this Father’s Day.
If your child wants more books about Dad, Grandpa, Uncle, or any other special man in their life, then head to your favorite library or bookstore and ask for help. The staff there will steer you toward the exact books you want for kids of any age and any situation, for birthdays, Father’s Day, or every day of the year.