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■■ NEWS
Memphis City Council approves free MATA rides for pilot program
By James Coleman TSD Contributing Writer
In an under-the-radar move, Memphis City Council members gave a thumbs up to a resolution offering free rides from MATA for a month.
Janika White’s resolution was approved without discussion during the Tuesday, Sept. 23, meeting. There were no opposing votes. No start date has been set for the pilot program.
The resolution follows the council’s decision to hand control of the agency to a city trust during the Tuesday, Sept. 9, meeting.
The intention of the resolution is to gauge public interest in using the hardpressed transit system by removing economic barriers. The extent of the offer and the length of its implementation will be ironed out by MATA leadership. Up to $2 million will be spent on the offer.
Council members are eager to overhaul operations at the transit authority, after growing dissatisfied with the direction cast by an interim leadership team of transit consultants.
The TransPro team attempted to correct MATA’s course by restoring basic services and improving the reliability of its fleet. However, many of its bargain acquisitions were diesel-burning 40foot buses. Many on the council want the fleet to be restocked with shorter, less cumbersome vehicles.
Council members let the consultants’ eight-month contract expire at the end of August. The move followed the resignation of five of the nine-member MATA board. They resigned after Mayor Paul Young called off a meeting to meet two candidates for the vacant CEO position, after three other candidates had withdrawn from consideration.
In October 2024, Young had appointed a whole new board after the previous team was dismissed. The mayor
called it a “clean slate.”
The tumult was instigated by a $60 million budget shortfall discovered in July 2024. It wasn’t a one-off. A recent forensic audit by PricewaterhouseCoopers uncovered years of financial mismanagement, including $144,000 in company credit card expenses on lavish office furnishings, foreign trips and ca-
tered suites at Memphis Grizzlies games.
Former interim CEO Bacarra Mauldin was fired in late March for her part in the matter. Much of the questionable spending occurred under the direction of former CEO Gary Rosenfeld. He resigned Feb. 1, 2024.
MATA has been without a permanent leadership team ever since.
President Calvin Anderson Editor Stephanie R. Jones
National Civil Rights Museum to open Founders Park
The new BlueCross Healthy Place at Founders Park bridges the history from indoors to a space of connection and renewal outdoors
By Judith Black Moore TSD Contributing Writer
The National Civil Rights Museum will open the BlueCross Healthy Place at Founders Park, a new outdoor space designed for reflection, connection and community, on Oct. 4, 2025.
“Founders Park is part of setting the context for understanding our mission to honor Dr. King’s legacy, educate and serve as catalyst for positive social change,” said Russell Wigginton, president of the museum. “It allows visitors to get grounded in where they are upon entering the museum, and to have a reflective and community-oriented space to process what they have experienced after touring.”
The park, located at South Main and Mulberry Streets, includes walking paths, educational signage and a new Legacy Terrace overlooking the site where King was assassinated in 1968. Entry is free to the public, though admission still applies to museum exhibits.
Wigginton said the project is meant to inspire. “We want future generations to leave here with a sense of community and realization that they are part of something bigger than themselves,” he explained.
The park was made possible through a partnership with the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation. “The partnership with BCBST was essential. Their interest in creating healthy spaces for community — physical and mental
— is aligned with our desires for our visitors. We know touring the museum can be an emotional experience. They have been wonderful partners and fully appreciate our desire to have a campus that is inviting and welcoming to all people,” Wigginton said.
Dalya Qualls White, executive director of the BlueCross BlueShield
of Tennessee Foundation, said the collaboration is a manifestation of the foundation’s goal of creating spaces that bring communities together.
“We’re honored to partner with the National Civil Rights Museum to bring this shared vision for Founders Park to life,” she said. “BlueCross Healthy Places are about connection, and we
“This should be a place for invigoration, reflection and inspiration,. We want public festivals, individuals sitting in contemplation, and our diverse visitor portfolio to naturally be in community together.”
— Russell Wigginton
look forward to seeing museum visitors and community members alike gather in this meaningful public space.”
The museum plans to center its major events at Founders Park, including King Day, the April 4th Commemoration, Juneteenth and the Ruby Bridges Reading Festival.
“This should be a place for invigoration, reflection and inspiration,” Wigginton said. “We want public festivals, individuals sitting in contemplation, and our diverse visitor portfolio to naturally be in community together.”
He also sees the project as a model for future collaborations.
“BCBST has modeled how a private foundation can enter a community with deep respect and appreciation for the culture of a location,” Wigginton said. “They have been respectful and considerate from day one, which has made the partnership enjoyable for the museum staff.”
The grand opening will feature live music, wellness activities and food trucks. Registration is recommended but not required.
“People should expect fun,” Wigginton said. “We are celebrating the role of the museum to continue to be the town square for the community. We are here for the trials and tribulations and now we have the exterior space to match the interior space to challenge, inspire and reflect all dimensions of our society.”
See a sneak peek of the park here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNWJiPxgI4
The BlueCross Healthy Place at Founders Park, an outdoor extension of the National Civil Rights Museum, is shown ahead of its grand opening on Oct. 4, 2025. Located at South Main and Mulberry Streets, the park offers walking paths, educational signage and a Legacy Terrace overlooking the site where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. (Gary S. Whitlow/The Tri-State Defender)
Regional One Project aims to heal Memphis physically, economically
Regional CEO Coopwood:
‘Not just building a hospital; we’re building hope’
By Lee Eric Smith TSD Contributing Writer
From the outset, it was clear that the vision unveiled at Regional One Health on Monday wasn’t just about building a hospital with state-of-the-art trauma care or upgraded surgical suites. As Memphis leaders introduced the design and construction team behind the city’s new S1 billion public hospital, they emphasized a broader, deeper goal: to heal Memphis not just physically — but economically.
“We’re not just building a hospital,” Dr. Reginald Coopwood, president and CEO of Regional One Health, said at a news conference. “We’re building hope. This is about combining specialized health care expertise with Memphis’ proven capabilities, ensuring that Memphis businesses grow, scale and build capacity for future opportunities.”
The new Regional One campus will be built on the former Commercial Appeal site on Union Avenue, a stretch of road that Mayor Lee Harris described as “blighted” but ripe with opportunity. In his remarks, Harris called the project “one of the biggest accomplishments in our community,” both for its impact on health care and its power to change the landscape of downtown.
“If you go down Union Avenue right now, you’ll see nothing but a canvas for opportunity,” Harris said. “We’re going to take that opportunity and build an incredible billion-dollar campus for our only public hospital. This is the place where all of us go in an emergency — whether it’s a car accident, a fall or a high-risk pregnancy. It’s where lives are saved every day.”
And that matters not just for Memphis, but for surrounding areas.
Regional One Health is the only adult Level 1 Trauma Center within 150 miles and the only verified burn center within 400 miles. The facility also houses the state’s oldest neonatal intensive care unit and serves thousands of highrisk maternity patients annually. But many of its buildings are decades out of date and operating over capacity.
“When I arrived in 2010, this facility was already 15 years past its useful life,” said Coopwood. “We’ve brought plans and concepts forward over the years,
but to finally get to this point — after Mayor Harris really took the reins — it’s exciting. Personally, it’s incredibly exciting to see this come to fruition.”
What distinguishes the project is its commitment to economic inclusion. County and hospital officials have mandated that every national firm selected for the project partner meaningfully with Memphis-based businesses — a model rarely executed at this scale in the region.
“This isn’t about companies flying in, taking our dollars, and flying back out,” said Coopwood. “We want our local
firms to grow — to go from a $5 million company today to a $20 million company by the time this project is complete.”
Regional One Health project partners include:
• Program Management: Covalus | Allworld (joint venture)
• Architecture & Interior Design: HDR (Omaha) with Memphis firms Self+Tucker Architects, brg3s, Meticulous, and Cornerstone
• Construction Management: Memphis Healthcare Builders, a joint venture of Turner Construction, Flintco, Nickson General Contractors, and
A member of the design team discusses conceptual plans for the new Regional One Health campus with Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, County Commission Chair Shante Avant, and Regional One CEO Dr. Reginald Coopwood. Officials emphasized local business participation and community impact in the $1 billion project. (Photos: Lee Eric Smith/The Tri-State Defender)
Fifer & Associates
• MEP & Fire Engineering: Salas O’Brien with Innovative Engineering Services (Memphis)
According to projections shared in the news release, the project, which started in 2023, is expected to generate between $693.6 million and $892.3 million in total economic impact by completion in
■■ NEWS
2027. The initiative is anticipated to create more than 3,600 direct construction jobs and another 2,300 secondary jobs in related industries.
“These aren’t token partnerships,” Coopwood said. “This is how you build both excellence and community,” he added. “By bringing together the best minds from around the world with the best of Memphis.”
Bringing the project to life required
political courage. In 2023, Mayor Harris proposed a wheel tax increase to raise $500 million in county funding for the project — an unpopular move at the time.
“The wheel tax wasn’t popular — maybe it’s a little more popular now,” Harris chuckled during his remarks. “But sometimes leadership means doing what’s necessary, not what’s convenient.”
Shelby County Commission Chair Shante Avant, who also serves as CEO of the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis, recalled the vote and the sacrifices made by hospital staff who waited at commission meetings late into the night.
“Those folks believed in this project just as much as the public officials did,” Avant said. “They showed up and stayed late. They made this happen.”
She also shared a deeply personal reason why she supports the project: her own cousin’s life was saved at Regional One after a traumatic injury.
“It still touches my heart,” Avant said. “The care he received was bar none. This hospital isn’t just our safety net — it’s our lifeline.”
Few moments in the ceremony were as moving as the words of Kelly Smith,
a longtime nurse manager in Regional One’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). With more than 30 years at the hospital, Smith spoke about the emotional burden faced by families, especially those traveling hours from rural parts of Tennessee with no place to stay near their hospitalized newborns.
“We don’t have private rooms for moms. We don’t have a Target House or a Ronald McDonald House,” Smith said. “What we need isn’t a pretty fountain or garden. What we need is space. What our babies and families need is a modern facility.”
When complete, the new facility will include:
• A new bed tower
• Upgraded trauma and burn units
• Expanded women’s and infant services
• Enhanced oncology, post-acute care and emergency departments
Construction is still in the design phase, with major work expected to begin in 2026.
“Regional One has been here for nearly 200 years,” Coopwood said. “This project ensures we’ll be here for the next 200 — stronger, more capable and ready to serve every family that walks through our doors.”
A model of the new Regional One Health campus shows a conceptual view looking down Union Avenue. The hospital redevelopment aims to transform the blighted corridor into a modern medical and economic hub.
‘We Are Music’: 2025 Memphis Music Hall of Fame inducts six legendary artists
By Candace A. Gray TSD Contributing Writer
The Cannon Center for the Performing Arts was filled with music, memories, and Memphis pride as six trailblazers were inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025.
The ceremony, grounded by the dynamic MMHOF House Band, was a powerful tribute to the city’s unmatched legacy and its undeniable global impact.
Pat Mitchell Worley, president and CEO of the Soulsville Foundation, and Marcus Cox, executive director of Welcome to Memphis, a Memphis Tourism initiative, emceed the evening. The program celebrated the lives and work of Cordell Jackson, Art Gilliam, Denise LaSalle, Robert Johnson, Wendy Moten and Johnnie Taylor, artists who expertly weaved the fabric of Memphis music.
The night opened with the MMHOF House Band’s smooth performance of “Just for Your Love,” followed by a funky rendition of The Jones Girls’ classic “You’re Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else.” That tune was reimagined by The Jewels, the powerhouse MMHOF background singers Dani McGhee Barlow, Candy Fox, and Shunta Mosby. The trio earned that name at the 2024 Porretta Soul Festival in Italy.
In addition to the following inductees, two non-Memphians were bestowed Legacy awards due to their global contributions to music through Memphis music connections. Those awards were presented to Graziano Uliani, founder of the Porretta Soul Festival and John Mellancamp, who recorded in Memphis.
Cordell Jackson: Rock ’n’ Roll Granny who broke every mold
The first honoree of the night was Cordell Jackson, who died in 2004 at age 81. Known as the “Rock ’n’ Roll Granny,” Jackson was the first woman to write, sing, engineer, produce and release her own records on her own label, Moon Records.
“She was a renaissance woman,” said Dawn Hopkins, a stage manager and audio engineer who presented the award alongside John Hornyak, longtime president of the Memphis chapter of National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, Inc. “She blazed the trail and paved it for people like me to pursue a career in the music business,” said Hopkins.
Jackson’s son accepted the award, and Susan St. James paid musical tribute by performing three of Jackson’s songs: “City Lights,” “Hold On Baby,” and “So Easy.”
Art Gilliam: The voice behind WLOK
Next came Art Gilliam, who at 80 years old, remains a living legend in Memphis radio. A Yale-educated journalist, Gilliam was the city’s first Black television reporter and columnist for The Commercial Appeal before purchasing WLOK 1340 AM in1977. He changed its format from rock to a blend of R&B, gospel and social commentary, transforming it into a powerful platform for Black voices.
In his speech, Gilliam called on the city to recognize its power: “It’s all Memphis music, and we are the vehicle by which it is spread throughout the world.”
He added, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all of Memphis could come together to realize how amazing we are?”
His friend and colleague, the Rev. Melvin Jones presented his award and Billy Rivers and the Angelic Voices of Faith delivered a soul-stirring gospel musical tribute, “Magnify Him.”
Denise
LaSalle:
A bold Queen of the Blues
The posthumous induction of Denise LaSalle, “Queen of the Blues,” honored a bold woman whose influence spanned soul and gospel. Her daughter Bridgette Edwards and nephew accepted the award, while Carla Thomas, “Queen of Memphis Soul,” gave a warm tribute.
“She was well-respected, strong and kinda wild too, now,” Thomas laughed. She went on to share some of LaSalle’s accomplishments, such as founding the National Association for the Preservation of the Blues. “Watching her do all this was kind of amazing,” said Thomas.
Her musical tribute featured Johnathan Ellison, Karen Wolfe, her former background singer and
A gospel tribute fills the Cannon Center with soaring vocals as the audience honors Art Gilliam, legendary broadcaster and WLOK trailblazer, during the 2025 Memphis Music Hall of Fame ceremony. (Photos: D’Angelo Connell/ The Tri-State Defender)
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family member, and Marcella Simien, who performed LaSalle’s hits “Lady in the Street,” “Trapped by a Thing Called Love,” and “Toot Toot.”
Robert Johnson: A legend lives on
Though his death in 1938 is still steeped in mystery, Robert Johnson’s legendary spirit was very much alive at the MMHOF induction ceremony. New information from a 2020 family book revealed Johnson lived on Georgia Avenue in Memphis.
Worley said “He wasn’t a great guitar player at first,” before referencing the fabled story that Johnson sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads. “When he came back, he could really play.”
Famed rocker John Mellencamp performed “Stones in My Passway,” representing the rock side of Johnson. After which he said, “Everywhere you look, you’re gonna find a little Robert Johnson.”
Johnson’s grandsons Michael and Steven Johnson accepted the award before another tribute, this time by Memphis-native Eric Gales, representing the blues influence of Johnson.
Gales brought the house to its feet with a guitar tribute that channeled Johnson’s spirit, before which he said “Johnson is single-handedly the most influential guitar player of all time.”
Wendy Moten: Memphis soul, global voice
Wendy Moten, the only other living inductee pres-
ent, brought tears and cheers with her powerful voice and humility. The Overton High School graduate is known for her chart-topping ballad “Come In Out of the Rain” and her standout run on “The Voice,” where Blake Shelton called her “the best singer I’ve ever heard.”
Country singer and friend, Martina McBride praised Moten, saying, “She can sing any style. Her versatility is something very few can pull off.”
A video featuring John Oates, Blake Shelton, Vince Gill and other friends and colleagues honoring Moten played before her musical tribute.
Moten’s tribute included performances by her niece Tamara Jones Monger (“Step by Step” by Moten) and friend Stefanie Bolton (“All I Do,” a duet Moten recorded with Kirk Whalum), and she closed with “Ain’t No Way” and “Come In Out of the Rain.”
Moten dedicated her award to her friends, bandmates, colleagues and family, saying, “You all have followed and supported me my entire career.”
Johnnie
Taylor: Philosopher of soul
Jared ‘JB’ Boyd, Memphis journalist and program manager for WYXR radio, who played the overhead announcer all night, introduced Taylor’s tribute segment. Johnnie Taylor, who died 2000, was honored last by James Alexander of The Bar-Kays, who inducted his son Jazzy Phae last year. Alexander added some humor, saying “Taylor called
everybody Pete.” Taylor’s son TJ Hooker Taylor accepted the award, saying what a great honor this is for his dad who “never understood how powerful and loved he was.”
A soulful and spirited medley by Gerald Richardson, Jerome Chism and Bird Williams celebrated Taylor’s hit songs, including, “What About My Love,” “Steal Away,” “Last Two Dollars,” “Still Called the Blues,” “Running Out of Lies,” “Good Love,” “Just Because,” and “Who’s Making Love.”
John Doyle, executive director of the MMHOF and Memphis Rock & Soul Museum, took advantage of the opportunity to announce the museum’s relocation to Beale Street, in the former Lansky Brothers and Hard Rock space, to become a 24,000-square-foot hub for Memphis music education and preservation.
“Music broke down barriers long before the laws ever tried,” Doyle said. The new space will include a free rehearsal room, student studio and educational programming. Tours are already underway.
Throughout Thursday evening, the MMHOF band, led by Kurt “KC” Clayton, played and sang for everyone, creating a strong backdrop and beautiful palette for each artist tribute, including a moving version of “Sailing” for the “In Memorium” tribute. The band is composed of: Steve Bethany and Garry Goin on guitar, Doc Samba on bass, Paul McKinney on trumpet, Vic Sawyer on trombone, Alan Clayton on saxophone and flute, KC and Darryl Sanford on keys, and The Jewels on background vocals.
More than 100 singers, songwriters, musicians and industry greats have been inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. Click here to see the past inductees.
Learn more at https://memphismusichalloffame. com/
Rock icon John Mellencamp performs “Stones in My Passway” in tribute to blues legend Robert Johnson during the 2025 Memphis Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Michael and Steven Johnson accept the Memphis Music Hall of Fame honor on behalf of their grandfather, blues pioneer Robert Johnson, as his image looms large during a powerful tribute segment.
COMMUNITY
Coffee & Conversations: Personal stories of loss, life and legacy
Community members of color share personal transplant journeys, shedding light on health disparities and the power of representation
by Ancelious Meeks TSD Contributing Writer
The Mid-South Transplant Foundation, in partnership with Cxffee Black, hosted Coffee & Conversations on Thursday at 761 National Street in Memphis. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the community gathered to share stories about the gift of life through organ and tissue donation, highlighting the impact donors and recipients make across the Mid-South.
A mother’s strength
For Barbara Edmond, the day carried deep personal meaning. Her son, Reginald Mercer IV, was just 26 years old when his life was cut short in a car accident.
“April 4th, my son was on his way home from work and he was t-boned,” Edmond recalled. “They took him to the hospital and within three days he was pronounced brain dead. We decided to give his organs, and that was not a hard decision for me to make because I’ve worked in the hospital and I used to supply the blood for the transplant team.”
In total, six of Reginald’s organs were donated, saving five lives. Edmond has since met several of the recipients, including the man who received her son’s heart, another who received his kidney, and a liver recipient who has since gone on to have two children.
“That makes a total of seven miracles,” she said. “One recipient even gave her daughter the middle name Reggie
after my son. I keep in touch with them through texts, videos of their kids, and their milestones. That brings me joy.”
Reginald, she added, was a gifted artist who had his work displayed at the Brooks Museum and earned a full academic scholarship to Memphis State.
Life after lupus
Ellen Momon shared her journey as a transplant recipient, one that began with a lupus diagnosis and spiraled into kidney failure, dialysis, and multiple health complications.
“I was diagnosed with lupus some years ago, and it affected various organs in my body,” Momon said. “Eventually it became my kidney, and I had total kidney failure. I was on dialysis for about a year before they asked me if I wanted to be on the transplant list. Of course I said yes.”
Just over a month after being added to the list, she received the call that changed her life.
“Glory be to God, I got a call around 10 that morning. They told me they had a kidney for me and wanted me to come to the hospital. I was excited, ready to go — it blew me away.”
Now, 26 years later, Momon says she is grateful for every moment.
“Life has been grand for me since receiving my transplant. Before, I thought I’d never feel good again. But because of that gift, I got back to work, back around people, back to living. I don’t know who my donor was, but wherever they are, I just want to say thank you.”
A call to action
Zola Burgess, community outreach coordinator for the Mid-South Transplant Foundation, stressed that the event was designed to raise awareness among African Americans during National Minority Donor Awareness Month.
“The purpose of Coffee & Conversations is to bring awareness to African Americans in the Mid-South about the need for donors,” Burgess said. “When we talk about organ donation, there are over 106,000 people on the national waiting list. Eighty-six percent of those people are African American. Because of high rates of high blood pressure and diabetes, we need more people of color to step forward.”
While all organ donations save lives, Burgess explained that African American recipients often have better success with organs from African American donors.
“We all bleed red, but African Americans often match better with African Americans,” she said. “Unfortunately, many in our community say, ‘I’m going to take back what I came here with.’
That mindset has to change — we can’t let our organs go to waste when someone else can benefit.”
A direct challenge
The event closed with a powerful message from Dr. Telisha Franklin of the Mid-South Transplant Foundation.
“To everyone out there — if you are not a registered donor, what’s wrong with you?” Franklin asked. “There are so many people awaiting a life-saving transplant, especially those who look like me. I am proud to say that four of my family members are living because of organ and tissue donation. So why not say yes? Sign up today at midsouthtransplant.org.”
More than coffee
What could have been just another Thursday morning became something greater. With the backdrop of Cxffee Black’s culture-rich setting, Coffee & Conversations created a safe space for dialogue, blending culture, community, and awareness.
For those who listened and shared, one message was clear: The gift of life is a legacy anyone can leave.
Barbara Edmond shares the story of her son, Reginald Mercer IV, during Coffee & Conversations at Cxffee Black in Memphis, Tenn., on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2025. Mercer died at age 26 in a car accident, but became an organ donor, saving multiple lives. “It hurts every day,” Edmond said, “but knowing that someone else has a chance to live because of him, that’s what keeps me going.” (Photo courtesy of Mid-South Transplant Foundation)
■■ NEWS
Trial of Commissioner Edmund Ford Jr. delayed to March 2026
By James Coleman TSD Contributing Writer
The trial of Shelby County Commissioner Edmund Ford Jr. for bribery and tax evasion charges was pushed back on the legal calendar Thursday, Sept. 25.
A new date of March 2, 2026, has been set. It was slated to begin in January.
U.S. District Judge Thomas Parker approved the later start. Ford’s attorney, Michael Scholl, made the request because of a busy schedule. There were no objections from federal prosecutors.
Scholl also informed Parker that he intends to file a motion to dis-
miss the charges.
Ford was indicted in late February for allegedly awarding grants to area nonprofits in exchange for the purchase of laptops at an area business he owns. He has denied all charges. Earlier in the month, he successfully defeated an effort to revive the shuttered county ethics commission being pursued by Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris. He pulled the plug on the endeavor after the county commission pushed a resolution to renew the oversight board to the next calendar year.
Ford’s parents, Memphis City Council member Edmund Ford Sr. and Myrna Ford, were present at the hearing.
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Shelby County Commissioner Edmund Ford Jr., who represents District 9, was indicted on federal charges of bribery and tax evasion. (Photo: Shelby County Commission)
Myron Lowery, Memphis political icon and trailblazing journalist, dies at 78
By James Coleman TSD Contributing Writer
Memphis lost a familiar face and staunch advocate with the passing of former interim mayor and city council chairman Myron Lowery Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025.
He was 78. A cause of death has not been released. Lowery is the father of current Shelby County Commissioner Mickell Lowery.
“It is with a heavy heart that I personally share the news of the passing of my father, Myron Lowery — a man who embodied the spirit of this community. His life was a testament to dedication, leadership and love for Memphis. As his only child, I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the profound impact he had on so many lives,” Mickell Lowery wrote on social media.
“Whether you knew him personally, crossed paths with him through his work or simply felt the ripple of his impact, we invite you to join us in celebrating his life and honoring his lasting legacy,” Lowery added. “Thank you all for your prayers and support during this tough time.”
A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Greater Imani Church, The Cathedral of Faith, 3824 Austin Peay Hwy. There will be a private interment.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Myron Lowery, longtime public servant of Memphis, beloved father, husband, grandfather, mentor and civic leader,” the Shelby County Commission said in a statement. “Myron Lowery’s life was one of tireless dedication to his community and his family.”
In addition to being a notable local politician, Lowery was a groundbreaking journalist and longtime television
anchor in the Bluff City. Although he never strayed from his adopted home of Memphis, his influence extended to national figures.
“Former interim mayor and Memphis’s longest-serving councilman, Myron Lowery, led a life of service with integrity and grace. Myron and I were friends for nearly 50 years. We supported each other through many elections but more importantly we were friends,” said Congressman Steve Cohen. “I will miss him and extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Mary, his son, Mickell, and the entire Lowery family. His was a life well-lived.”
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Memphis Mayor Pro Tem and longtime City Council Chairman Myron Lowery. A dedicated public servant, trusted leader and passionate advocate for our community. Mr. Lowery devoted decades of his life to the people of Memphis,” said Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris in a statement.
A native of Columbus, Ohio, Lowery was introduced to Memphis when he joined the WMC-TV news team in 1971. He was the outlet’s first full-time Black reporter. By 1973, his reporting led to a promotion to weekend anchor — a position he held for 12 years. During his time at the ABC affiliate, he won numerous national awards.
His 1974 documentary, Trouble in Mound Bayou, earned a Dupont-Columbia University Awards Citation for Distinction in Broadcast Journalism.
Lowery also served as vice president of the National Association of Black Journalists.
His ease in front of an audience and command of the issues were effective springboards to his next career.
Lowery entered public service in 1991, when he won a seat on the Memphis City Council. He was re-elected five times to his District 8 seat. During
“Former interim mayor and Memphis’s longestserving councilman, Myron Lowery, led a life of service with integrity and grace. ... His was a life well-lived.”
— Steve Cohen
his 17 years in office, he also held a private sector role in FedEx’s corporate communications office. Lowery retired from the company in 2008. In between, he served as press secretary to former Congressman Harold Ford Jr.
After former Mayor Willie Herenton resigned in 2009, Lowery was tapped to serve as mayor pro tempore. The resignation allowed him to serve in that capacity while remaining City Council chairman.
During his 87 days as the city’s top leader, Lowery directed efforts toward
transparency and removing members of Herenton’s administration. His work was short-lived. Voters were eager for change during the 2009 special election.
A September fist bump from the Dalai Lama didn’t even help his election. Lowery met the Tibetan monk during the National Civil Rights Museum’s Annual Freedom Award ceremony.
Former Shelby County Mayor A.C. Wharton captured 60% of the vote to run away with the Oct. 15 contest.
Lowery returned to the council. His final term ended in 2015. Toward the end of his tenure, he prioritized the removal of the statue of Confederate general and Ku Klux Klan grand wizard Nathan Bedford Forrest from Health Sciences Park in Memphis’ Medical District. The remains of Forrest and his wife were also relocated.
“It is no longer politically correct to glorify someone who was a slave trader, someone who was a racist, on public property,” Lowery said at the time.
Page 10 caption: Myron Lowery won a seat on the Memphis City Council in 1991 and was re-elected five times in District 8.
The city eventually sold the property to a nonprofit in 2017. The statue was promptly removed and relocated to a Sons of Confederate Veterans headquarters in Columbia, Tennessee. He wrapped up his political career as Memphis City Court Clerk. His fouryear term ended last year.
“My friend, Myron Lowery, loved Memphis and Shelby County,” state Sen. Karen Camper said in a statement. “He surely proved this in his long record of service as a Memphis City Councilman, interim Memphis mayor and Memphis City Court Clerk. He truly dedicated his life to serving the people of Memphis and Shelby County.”
The years of public service provided several more opportunities.
In 1996, Lowery was a speaker at the Democratic National Convention. He also served as a member of the Democratic National Committee, the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials, and as treasurer of the United Negro College Fund’s National Alumni Council. He was also a board member of the National League of Cities.
Lowery’s thirst for education paralleled his dedication to civic duty. After earning a bachelor’s degree in sociol-
■■ NEWS
MSCS launches new gun safety curriculum
By Dalisia Ballinger TSD Contributing Writer
At Berclair Elementary, the school day began not with math drills or spelling tests, but with a lesson on something far more urgent: safety. Students leaned forward as their teacher, Tammie Chapman, wrote four phrases on the board in bold letters — Stop. Don’t Touch. Leave the Area. Tell an Adult.
It was the first glimpse of a new districtwide initiative, one that Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) leaders hope will save lives.
knowledge and ensuring their safety,” she said. “I’m proud to be part of this program.”
But MSCS leaders know the classroom is only one piece of the puzzle.
On September 18th and 19th, the district will host community forums to bring parents, teachers and neighbors together. Families will also receive newsletters with tips for continuing these critical conversations at home.
Dr. Amy Maples, Executive Director of Curriculum & Instruction, believes this shared approach is essential.
ogy from LeMoyne-Owen College, he earned Master of Science degrees from New York University and the University of Tennessee. In 2003, Lowery was also awarded an honorary degree from Southeastern College of Technology. He was inducted into the National Black College Hall of Fame the same year.
Lowery also served on the LeMoyneOwen Board of Trustees. Earlier this year, his alma mater dedicated the new Lowery Communications Center in honor of his contributions. The property was originally purchased as a home for his son while he attended LeMoyne-Owen. It was later donated to the school.
A statement from the school read: “LeMoyne-Owen College pauses to honor the life and legacy of Chairman Myron Lowery. A proud alumnus of this institution, Chairman Lowery lived a life marked by service, leadership and a steadfast commitment to Memphis. His indelible impact is felt in the halls of government, in the field of communications, and here on our campus — especially within the walls of the Lowery Communication Center, a gift from the Lowery family to prepare future generations of leaders.”
In September, all MSCS schools are rolling out a new gun safety curriculum, a move that comes during Gun Safety Awareness Month and in step with Tennessee’s new law.
For Interim Superintendent Dr. Roderick Richmond, the decision is rooted not in policy but in people. Over the years, he has spoken with families devastated by gun violence — parents who have lost children, children who have lost friends. Their stories sit heavy with him.
“This is not just a curriculum; it’s a necessary conversation for our community,” Richmond said. “We are committed to creating safe learning environments and helping students understand the importance of making safe decisions.”
The curriculum is designed to grow with students. For the youngest learners, it teaches the fundamentals: don’t touch a gun, walk away and tell a trusted adult. For middle and high school students, it expands into deeper discussions about choices, responsibility and how their decisions can ripple through the community.
Teachers like Chapman welcome the effort.
“As an educator, my greatest responsibility is to positively impact my students by equipping them with
“At the end of the day, this is about keeping our children safe in school, at home and in the community,” Maples said. “By working together with families, teachers and law enforcement, we can make firearm safety a shared responsibility.”
The effort, she added, is not about politics but about empowerment. By giving students clear, age-appropriate tools, the district is equipping them with knowledge they can carry beyond the classroom.
For Dr. Richmond, the vision is longterm. The lessons being taught today, he believes, are laying the foundation for tomorrow’s safer, stronger communities.
“Our mission is clear: every child deserves the chance to learn, grow and thrive in a safe environment,” he said. “When students understand safety, they are not just protecting themselves, they are shaping safer communities for all of us.”
As Chapman’s class wrapped up, a hand shot into the air. “So if I see a gun,” a student asked, “I just leave and tell an adult?”
“That’s right,” Chapman replied. “And that choice could save your life or someone else’s.”
In that simple exchange, the heart of the new curriculum came to life: knowledge, awareness and the hope of a safer future for every child in Memphis.
Myron Lowery, left, pictured with his son, Shelby County Commissioner Mickell Lowery. Myron Lowery, a trailblazing Memphis leader who spent more than 30 years in public service and broke barriers in local media and city government, has died, the Shelby County Board of Commissioners announced Sunday. He was 78. (Tyrone P. Easley)
■■ SPORTS Southern Heritage Classic: A new chapter with UAPB vs. Alcorn State
By Dalisia Ballinger TSD Contributing Writer
The streets of Orange Mound came alive Saturday morning Sept 27 as the 36th Southern Heritage Classic kicked off in style. Crowds lined the sidewalks, waving, clapping and dancing along to the sounds of Alcorn State University’s “Sounds of DynO-Mite” and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s “Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South.”
With their drums pounding and horns blaring, the bands marched proudly alongside Memphis schools, community groups and organizations in the annual Southern Heritage Classic Parade — a beloved tradition that blends culture, music and pride long before the teams meet on the field.
For the first time in Classic history, it was Alcorn State’s turn to step into the spotlight against UAPB. For decades, the matchup featured Tennessee State and Jackson State, but this year’s game marked a new chapter, one that fans embraced with open arms.
Anitra Johnson, a Memphis native and proud UAPB alumna, reflected on what the day meant to her.
“You have two really great HBCUs coming together. It’s history in the making,” Johnson said. “I know it’s always been TSU and JSU, but there’s nothing wrong with change, right? At
the end of the day, we’re keeping the Southern Heritage Classic tradition alive.”
By mid-afternoon, Tiger Lane and the parking lots surrounding Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium were filled with the unmistakable smell of barbecue and the sound of laughter spilling from tailgate tents. Families, alumni and fans in maroon or gold set up grills, blasted music and celebrated their schools in true southern fashion.
Tailgating at the Classic isn’t just about food, it’s about community. Generations of families reunite, student groups put on showcases, and fans swap stories about their HBCU pride. The anticipation builds from the early hours of the morning, creating a festival-like atmosphere that spills right into kickoff.
As the sun dipped low, the UAPB Golden Lions and the Alcorn State Braves finally took the field. From the opening whistle, the energy inside the stadium was electric — fans cheering every yard gained, every defensive stand and, of course, every halftime
Fred Jones Jr.
Student body leaders from Alcorn State, left, and University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, enter the stadium for the Southern Heritage Classic, Saturday, Sept. 27. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/The Tri-State Defender)
UAPB head coach Alonzo Hampton, left, accepts the Classic Winning Coach trophy from Southern Heritage Classic founder Nathaniel Jones, while quarterback Christian Peters (13) receives the MVP award from former NFL quarterback Jason Campbell, following UAPB’s 24–20 win over Alcorn State on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn.
■■ SPORTS
note played by the bands.
Both teams brought intensity, eager to etch their names into the history of the Classic. Alcorn, making its debut in the storied event, was determined to prove itself. UAPB, equally motivated, came prepared to show pride for their alumni and fans who had traveled from across the region.
In the end, the Golden Lions held off the Braves in a dramatic finish, securing a 24–20 win in front of thousands of roaring fans. Quarterback Christian Peters led the charge with a career night, while Alcorn’s Jacorian Sewell turned heads with an incredible 225-yard rushing performance.
While the scoreboard told one story, the real narrative was about tradition, pride and culture. The Southern Heritage Classic continues to be more than football. It’s about the sound of the marching bands echoing through Memphis neighborhoods, the tailgates that feel like family reunions and the legacy of HBCUs shining on one of the biggest stages in the South.
As Johnson put it best, the Classic is alive and well — evolving with new rivalries but always rooted in the same spirit: celebrating heritage, community and HBCU pride.
UAPB marching band
Alcorn State’s marching band
UAPB players and coaches celebrate their win.
“We want to make sure our community members understand that the Memphis Police Department is the primary public safety agency in the city of Memphis. Ideally, we’ll have a memorandum of understanding so we’re all on the same page about who’s doing what.”
— C.J. Davis
C. J. Davis
Young, Davis: Guard deployment must work for Memphis
Mayor, police chief stress coordination and caution as Guard arrival nears
By Lee Eric Smith TSD Contributing Writer
Memphis Mayor Paul Young and Police Chief C.J. Davis both say they are focused on making sure the deployment of National Guard troops to Memphis strengthens public safety without disrupting the community — and ideally, delivers some benefit.
At a Sept. 30 town hall meeting at Healing Center Church, Davis told residents the Guard is expected “sometime in the next two weeks.” She said the department is pressing for clear agreements so that Guard members support police operations rather than overlap or confuse them.
“We want to make sure our community members understand that the Memphis Police Department is the primary public safety agency in the city of Memphis,” Davis said. “Ideally, we’ll
have a memorandum of understanding so we’re all on the same page about who’s doing what.”
Young struck a similar note, echoing remarks he made earlier this month.
“My goal is to make sure that as they come, I have an opportunity to work with them to strategize on how they engage in this community,” he said.
“We want to make sure that whatever resources are provided, they reinforce the strategies that we know are working in Memphis not distract from them.”
Trump: Inner cities are ‘a big part of war’
The collaborative tone in Memphis is quite the opposite of the combative language coming out of the White House.
“We should use some of these dangerous cities as training grounds for our military, National Guard,” Trump told an audience of hundreds of mili-
tary generals and admirals on the same day, saying that “inner cities” are “a big part of war.”
“It’s the enemy within. And we have to handle it before it gets out of control,” Trump said. “It won’t get out of control.”
What’s coming and still unknown
Despite the White House memorandum issued Sept. 17 authorizing the Guard, many specifics remain unsettled: how many soldiers will come, what roles they’ll be assigned, and how long they’ll stay.
What is clear is that the Guard is only part of a broader multi-agency push. Gov. Bill Lee announced Sept. 12 that 13 federal agencies — including the FBI, DEA, ATF and U.S. Marshals — would join the Tennessee Highway Patrol and Memphis Police Department in operations here. Highway Patrol officers have already been visible along
the I-240 corridor, writing hundreds of tickets and making dozens of arrests in their first week.
Making it work for Memphis
Even among critics, a consistent theme has emerged: While Memphis did not request the Guard, local leaders want to do everything possible to ensure their presence does not destabilize progress.
“We want to make sure that whatever resources are provided, they reinforce the strategies that we know are working in Memphis,” Young said. “My commitment is to make sure this happens in a way that truly benefits and strengthens our community.”
Davis underscored the point: “This has to be about partnership. MPD remains in charge. But if we have more resources here, we’ll do everything we can to make sure it helps Memphis.”
