The Tri-State Defender - February 8-14, 2024

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February 8-14, 2024

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IN HER ELEMENT: Tennessee State alum makes history as first Black woman to help discover element for periodic table

TSU News Service Tennessee State University graduate Clarice Phelps’s interest in chemistry began with mixing concoctions in the kitchen of her Nashville home at an early age. However, it wasn’t until her 10th-grade year at Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet High School that she became captivated by science and developed her passion for chemistry.

That passion laid the groundwork for her extraordinary journey of becoming the first Black woman to contribute to the discovery of an element on the periodic table.

Beginning as a technician, she worked on purifying berkelium (BK), which was used to confirm element

117, now known as Tennessine. Tennessine is a chemical element with the symbol “Ts” on the periodic table and is classified as a halogen.

“Taking a seat at the periodic table didn’t happen overnight, it was actually a 20-year journey” reflected the TSU grad.

After earning her chemistry degree from TSU, Phelps later obtained a Master’s in Nuclear and Radiation Engineering from UT Austin. Her path led her to the Navy for four years, where she applied her chemistry skills to radioactive materials, a pivotal role for her in the scientific community.

After serving in the Navy, Phelps joined the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tennessee in

Clarice Phelps, an alumnus of Tennessee State University, made history as the first African American woman to help identify a new element on the periodic table — Atomic number 117 or ‘Tennessine.’ Phelps believes that her accomplishment “will change the small-yet-growing community of African American scientists and other scientists from marginalized communities. Being able to see something of themselves, to feel the common struggles that I share in this journey, to know the common invisibility of our impact on the scientific community, will be significant.” (Courtsey photo/ Oak Ridge National Lab) 2009. Two years later she conducted the purification work, a critical step in the discovery process, she said.

Phelps and other lab members isolated the purified chemicals, shipped them to Germany and Russia, where

I am in Antarctica!

they were used as target material to produce atomic number 117.

In 2016, she received the official confirmation that Tennessine was part of the periodic table. However, it wasn’t until 2019 that she learned she

SEE ELEMENT ON PAGE 2

City Council Approves Two More Appointments

By James Coleman

Special to The Tri-State Defender

To closeout 2023, Juanita Richardson and her husband Walter took an adventure of a cruise to the DEEP DEEP SOUTH — as in Antarctica! Here on the deck of the Oosterdam, she tells the story of this photo: “This picture of me was taken by a Chinese passenger who told me that the sign said, in Chinese: ‘I am in Antarctica!’ I told them I didn’t care because I was so excited just to be there!” For more photos and stories from the bottom of the world, see TRAVEL, Page 5.

was the first Black woman involved in discovering an element, recognized by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC).

Another piece of City of Memphis Mayor Paul Young’s leadership team puzzle fell into place after Memphis City Council members unanimously approved the reappointment of Director of Public Works Robert Knecht during the Tuesday, February 6 meeting.

“I am in a position right now, I am trying to get a handle on all of the things that are happening in an organization with 6,700 employees,” Young said, Tuesday. “I think Robert has demonstrated his leadership over and over…He’s someone I believe is going to be up to the task.

“Just like I said, with all of the other appointments, if they are not up to the task, then we’ll handle it,” Young continued. “But, right now, it’s incumbent upon me and our team to move as quickly as possible.”

The 12-0 vote contrasted with a January 23 meeting, where a vote on Knecht’s reappointment was postponed for two weeks. During the session, council members chided the director for not being “responsive” with “circular answers.” They also referenced interviews with public works employees, who called their boss “dismissive.”

Left with “more questions than answers” that day, Council Chair JB Smiley called for the delay. Another round of interviews was set up with council members in the interim.

This time around, the vote was

“I think Robert (Knecht) has demonstrated his leadership over and over…He’s someone I believe is going to be up to the task.

— Mayor Paul Young prefaced by a request for same-night minutes, which forestalls the need for additional confirmation votes.

Council member Ford Canale’s motion permitted Knecht to immediately hold onto his current title.

It met no objections.

Public works is responsible for the upkeep of the city’s infrastructure. It also splits duties with several other departments on long-running nuisances like blight, overgrown vacant lots and potholes, for example.

“It’s probably one of the most encompassing divisions in the city… two utilities, code enforcement, blight. They’ve got to go over and go to environmental court, city court.

It’s a lot of moving pieces and it takes a lot of institutional knowledge to effectively run that group,” said council member Chase Carlisle.

“I think as a council the things we often can get frustrated with that are within the public works purview, are not necessarily 100% under his control,” Carlisle added. “I think it would be shortsighted to make a change in this position with all that

SEE COUNCIL ON PAGE 2

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The Tri-State Defender

February 8-14, 2024

Page 2

NEWS

For a grown ‘n’ sexy Valentines Night, try ‘Notez&Flow: The Love Edition Vol. 2’ TSD Newsroom Valentine’s Day in Memphis is set to be serenaded once again by “Notez&Flow: The Love Edition Vol. 2,” following its tremendous success last year. The event, scheduled for February 14, will start at 7 p.m. at the Memphis Botanic Garden, located at 750 Cherry Rd. This year’s show, led by renowned producer, songwriter, and musician Keenan Shotwell, promises an array of performances that include a live band, vocal artists Stephanie Bolton and J. Buck, and the comedic stylings of Memphis Will. DJ Tim Bachus will set the mood, blending beats throughout the evening.

“I’m glad we could do it again in the name of love,” Shotwell said. “We’ve put together an amazing show that lovers and friends can enjoy.”

The picturesque setting of the Memphis Botanic Garden will provide a perfect backdrop for the event.

In addition to the musical and comedic entertainment, guests will enjoy a delectable sit-down dinner, enhancing the overall experience of the night.

J. Buck The Notez&Flow series, created by Keenan Shotwell and pianist/event producer Dr. Fedoria Rugless in 2022, has become a platform for showcasing diverse talents from Memphis.

Keenan Shotwell

Stephanie Bolton

“As a musician, I am always looking for ways to showcase the exceptional talent Memphis has to offer,” Shotwell said.

“Notez&Flow has provided a freedom to express ourselves however we are feeling — uninhibited and across different genres, whether it’s R&B, jazz or spoken word.”

An exclusive cocktail hour featuring a jazz ensemble will start at 6 p.m., offering guests a chance to relax and mingle before the main event. This pre-show gathering will feature handcrafted cocktails amid the natural beauty of the Botanic Garden. Admission to the cocktail hour is included with show tickets, and separate tickets are also available for this part

of the evening.

Tickets for both the Notez&Flow Exclusive Cocktail Hour and The Love Edition Vol. 2 are available for purchase online. Visit: https://bit. ly/notezandflowlove2024.

This year’s edition of Notez&Flow is poised to be an immersive celebration of love and talent, a must-attend event for those looking to experience the artistic heart of Memphis.

How Memphis Small Business Owners Can Find Success in 2024

By Orlandus Kirby

Special to the Tri-State Defender

As the new year begins, it’s a good time for business owners to reflect on the state of their business and the factors that matter most to their success.

T h e most successful companies will be those with leaders who are keenly versed in knowOrlandus Kirby ing costs structures, focused on core competencies and understand the market.

These fundamental skillsets can equate to successful bottom lines, regardless of your specific industry or economic conditions.

Given this, here are a few steps business leaders can take to start the new year strong.

Updating Your Business Plan Regularly reviewing and adapting your business plan is critical to ensure you’re operating in a realistic and nimble manner. When updating a business plan, there are a few best practices to keep in mind.

• Compare last year’s business performance to prior years by checking sales results and marketing tactics to spot trends. This will help you determine the best strategies in 2024.

• Keep your budget in mind

and ensure you are updating salaries, your projections, any fixed costs or money you’ve used to grow your business over the past year.

• Source feedback from others when updating your business plan. Speak with your employees, your customers and fellow business owners to get a sense of what’s working well and what needs to be changed to perform better this year.

• Evaluate your customer service offerings. At the end of the day, you want to make sure you’re keeping the customer happy, so look at your strategies, such as loyalty programs, to ensure you’re creating repeat customers.

Evaluate Your Working Capital One resource that almost all business owners will need is capital – be it from efficiencies and cost reductions or from your bank or the SBA. Despite demand, many entrepreneurs face difficulties accessing capital. Traditional bank loans may feel like the strongest capital source, but it’s important to consider that it might not be the best fit for your business. This is where business grants that do not need to be repaid can help bolster your small business finances.

Also, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) can be helpful sources of capital for underserved entrepreneurs. If you’re looking for somewhere to start, ask your banker or visit Bank of America’s Access to Capital Directory, which offers a variety of free and low-cost capital

resources to consider.

Recruiting and Retaining Talent It’s important to evaluate your hiring or retention processes, as nearly half of small business owners are impacted by labor shortages, according to Bank of America’s 2023 Women & Minority Business Owner Spotlight, often leading to entrepreneurs working more hours and raising wages.

Whether it’s sourcing candidates, setting a clear employee growth timeline, or creating an internship program, businesses can explore various ways to bring candidates to the interview table. As talent acquisition grows increasingly competitive, our bankers have also been working with more businesses to offer benefits packages as additional ways to recruit and retain top talent.

The new year is also a great time to recognize your current team to set a positive tone for the year ahead. Take time in the new year to set S.M.A.R.T. expectations and goals for your team – meaning goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timebound. If you didn’t already, it’s also important to acknowledge the great work your team did in the prior year, which can serve as a motivating factor for growth in 2024.

As the nation’s top small business lender, Bank of America is proud to offer these steps that can help put Memphis businesses on the path to a strong and successful 2024.

Orlandus Kirby is Vice President, Sr. Small Business Banker at Bank of America.

Clarice Phelps, right, works on a graduate project with another scientist. “I thought about me as a little girl, desperately looking for someone like me in science,” Phelps said, later adding. “I feel that I have become what I was looking for all those years ago.” (Courtesy photo, Oak Ridge National Lab)

ELEMENT

CONTINUED FROM FRONT “Disbelief, shock, and disbelief again,” is how Phelps said she responded to the distinction. “I had to Google it, and I still was in disbelief.

“However, I thought about me as a little girl, desperately looking for someone like me in science who was an inspiration, and it changed my perspective,” she continued.

Phelps said her higher education journey beginning at TSU was very impactful for her academic, professional, and personal career. About 25 percent of African American graduates with STEM degrees come from HBCUs, according to the United Negro College Fund.

“TSU was instrumental in establishing and building upon the confidence that I call upon to take up space where no space was made for me,” Phelps said. “I have found that by applying my knowledge, showing that I can do the work and serving my community by sharing in that knowledge is how I actively live out ‘Think.

Work. Serve.’”

TSU chemistry professor Dr. Cosmas Okoro was Phelps’ assistant professor and advisor in 2000 and spoke highly of

COUNCIL

CONTINUED FROM FRONT we want to accomplish in the near term, based on the institutional knowledge it takes.”

Along with Knecht, Council members also approved Sukita Johnson as City Court Clerk.

She had been serving in an interim basis since the beginning of the year, after being appointed by city court judges.

Brian Harris, the nominee to head the city’s Office of Youth

her both as a student then and as a chemist now.

“She is very persistent, and she wasn’t afraid to ask questions,” Okoro said. “I am very proud of her accomplishments and this honor.” Dr. Okoro said Phelps is active in the chemistry community at her alma mater, as she was a keynote speaker for several virtual chemistry classes throughout the years.

Phelps anticipates that her groundbreaking discovery will impact the scientific community, especially in her field.

“It will change the smallyet-growing community of African American scientists and other scientists from marginalized communities,” she said. “Being able to see something of themselves, to feel the common struggles that I share in this journey, to know the common invisibility of our impact on the scientific community, will be significant.”

Reflecting on her career challenges as a Black woman, Phelps noted that there were many challenges. “The most significant challenge is being seen, heard, supported, and respected. It has been my experience that you are relatively invisible in the scientific community if you are a Black woman.”

She added that many times

throughout her journey she felt small or even dismissed. “But to be in this position now just confirms what I have always known about myself – that greatness is my destiny.”

Phelps emphasized the importance of exposing Black children to STEM careers.

“Exposing children to STEM at an early age allows them to naturally develop an inclination towards it,” she said.

Phelps is currently working on her doctorate in Nuclear Engineering and hopes her work will serve as the catalyst for more conversations focused on minority STEM involvement, diversity in science, and addressing biases in the scientific community.

She aims to make science a relatable and appealing career opportunity for historically disenfranchised communities, she said.

Phelps believes her story serves as a testament to breaking barriers, leaving a lasting legacy, and inspiring the next generation of Black scientists.

Phelps said this opportunity is a once in a lifetime as she is leaving a legacy behind.

“One that will surpass my current existence,” she said.

“It is healing in a way as well because I feel that I have become what I was looking for all those years ago.”

Services, is the last remaining division head candidate awaiting a council vote.

During the meeting, council members also dabbled with the future calendar by rescheduling a vote on an ordinance to provide additional health care insurance to former council members who have served two consecutive terms.

Originally set for April 9, a new vote was penciled in for February 20.

It followed an attempt to hold the third and final vote

during the meeting, in an apparent attempt to kill the ordinance. However, Jeff Warren convinced his fellow members to move the vote to the new date. He is seeking the costs of coverage. If they aren’t forthcoming, he could move to table the vote. An indefinite delay would result.

Proposed in December 2023 by former council chair Martavius Jones, the ordinance would provide voluntary health care insurance until the former member turns 65.

The Tri-State Defender

February 8-14, 2024

Page 3

NEWS

Memphis school board poised to select new superintendent Friday

By Laura Testino Chalkbeat Tennessee

At last, the Memphis-Shelby County Schools superintendent search has an end date in sight.

Board members are set to select a new public schools leader from a slate of three out-of-town finalists in a meeting on Friday, signaling a resolution to a process that is well into its second year.

Finalists Yolonda Brown of Atlanta Public Schools, Marie Feagins of Detroit Public Schools Community District, and Cheryl Proctor of Portland Public Schools in Oregon made their final cases to board members in public interviews on Friday, the culmination of a dayslong return visit to Memphis that also included private interviews with community leaders and educators, as well as a tour of school buildings.

Choosing one of the three candidates will be a final step for the Memphis school board, and could be a testament to the work board members did to relaunch a second, smoother search process for a successor to former Superintendent Joris Ray. A successful appointment requires votes from six of the school board’s nine members, and Joyce Dorse-Coleman, vice chair of the board and co-chair of the search committee, said Friday she had the “utmost confidence” in the board agreeing on a candidate.

“It’s been a journey, and we’re ready to move on,” Dorse-Coleman said, adding that she has appreciated the “strong leadership” of Toni Williams, the district’s former finance chief who has held the interim role since August 2022 following Ray’s exit.

Successful contract negotiations with the board’s selection will bring an outside leader to helm Memphis public schools for the first time in more than a decade. The new superintendent is expected to start by July 1.

Two of the three finalists in Memphis’ restarted search also applied to the role back in the spring.

Feagins was among a public list of applicants during the initial search. Proctor revealed during her interview Friday that she was also a contender in the spring, but withdrew before finalists were announced because of a family emergency.

Brown appears to be a new applicant.

Board members tailored questions during the

second-round interviews to each of the three finalists’ experiences, but themes emerged that reflect the district’s needs and community’s concerns. Chalkbeat selected a highlight of each candidate’s two-hour interview process for publication.

Yolonda Brown, chief academic officer in Atlanta Public Schools Brown told board members she would consider conducting an academic audit for Memphis-Shelby County Schools, similar to one by the Council of Great City Schools she used to implement changes Yolanda Brown in Atlanta.

“We were able to streamline the support, and schools knew exactly who they could call, reach out to, and get support from ... and they knew what services we could provide. And so that was the biggest impact,” Brown said.

Speaking about how she would lead as a newcomer to Memphis, Brown said: “It doesn’t matter how great you know academics or the strategy. If the culture is not right, it doesn’t matter ... And so you don’t come in and automatically say, ‘Everything’s bad, and I’m here to fix it,’ because leadership is not about one person.”

get the type of creative leaders that we need in our spaces. And that’s how we get the results that we’re ultimately seeking.”

Feagins explained her approach to leading Memphis public schools like this: “I want people to get to know me first, and so that you know that the heart of the decisions are good, they’re pure, the intent is right. But you also know that I honor that the impact is what is felt most, and is what matters most ... and that’s where the leadership begins.”

Cheryl Proctor, deputy superintendent of instruction and school communities for Portland Public Schools in Oregon Proctor told board members that her experience in large Florida school districts make her familiar with rigorous state accountability systems like the third-grade retention law and letter grades, as well as school voucher programs.

“We need to stay focused on what’s happening in our local environment, and in our local community,” Proctor said of responding to education vouchers in Tennessee. She added: “My priority is going ... to be that our district schools are schools of choice … All of our schools Cheryl should have high-quality Proctor learning programs with specializations.”

Proctor told the board: “I bring perspective … having to find my niche of belonging as a child and as a student — as a student, who also at some point fell through the crack, fell victim if you will, to that soft bigotry of low expectation.”

Marie Feagins, chief of leadership and high schools for Detroit Public Schools Community District In Detroit, Feagins said she increased the number of students who were ontrack to graduate by monitoring data regularly and introducing a competition Marie among schools.

Feagins Of managing teachers, she said: “People are okay with being responsible for the things that they can directly contribute to and own … I think that when you tell people what to do, you get robots. And when you empower them, then you

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The Tri-State Defender

February 8-14, 2024

Page 4

PERSPECTIVE

A Black History Month Salute to Black Educators

By Curtis Weathers TSD Education Columnist

February, of course, is a special month for African Americans here in this country. The month provides an opportunity for Black Americans to connect with their rich heritage, explore their roots, and celebrate their shared history and identity.

This can be especially important for younger generations who may not be exposed to these narratives in traditional education.

The teaching of African American history in schools across the United States has indeed faced challenges and controversies, especially in recent years. This has been part of a broader cultural and political debate about how race and history are taught in educational institutions.

Much of American history cannot be complete without highlighting the experiences and contributions of its African American citizens. Black History Month helps ensure crucial stories, struggles, innovations, and accomplishments within the African American community are not forgotten.

My life has been sprinkled with great African American teachers, administrators, and coaches who made an indelible impression on me that has lasted a lifetime.

My perspectives on community, adversity, justice, and my own responsibilities were shaped by their examples and the care they administered during those formative years. I think about them often, and I strive where and when I can to honor their legacy through my own actions and service.

I’d like to recognize some of those

individuals who have impacted my life in such a profound way.

And I am not the only one whose lives they’ve touched. There are others just like them who Curtis are making a Weathers difference in the lives of people, in particular, our youth, on a daily basis.

Dr. James Barber As a 9th grader, I was enrolled at Cypress Jr. High School. Cypress opened in 1966, and we were among the first group of students to attend that school. There was order, discipline, and excitement in being among the first.

And Dr. James Barber was the principal. Big Jake, as we called him (never to his face, of course), ruled the hallways of Cypress Jr. High School. Dr. Barber was a massive man, a father figure to all of us, and a leader in the Hyde Park community. He was a man’s man and made us proud to be Cypress Timberwolves.

Dr. Barber is no longer with us, but his memory brings a smile to my face and gratitude to my heart for having the opportunity to have known him and being a product of his leadership.

Dottie Quaye Reed Every young man needs a mentor in his life, especially when he’s navigating life’s uncharted waters. I needed one when I went to college at

Dr. James Barber

Dr. Fred Johnson

the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) in the mid70s. Little did I know God had already arranged my mentor before I even arrived on campus.

No one in my Dottie Quaye family had gone Reed to college or had come anywhere near a college campus. I was there on a football scholarship, knew absolutely no one, and was clearly in uncharted waters.

But soon after my arrival, I somehow bumped into Dottie Quaye Chapman Reed. She immediately took me under her wings, and we became the best of friends.

Ms. Reed was the first Black admissions counselor at the University of Mississippi, serving from 1974 to 1977. She was also the first recipient of the Jeanette Jennings Trailblazer Award, named in honor of the Uni-

versity’s first Black faculty member, and she’s the author of the book “Outstanding Black Women of Yalobusha County.”

Ms. Reed spent many evenings teaching me how to navigate college life and life in general. She invested quality time in our relationship, and her investment continues to pay dividends decades later. She is a dear friend for life.

Dr. Fred Johnson Dr. Fred Johnson has played a special role in my growth and development as a man over the years. He worked as a teacher and administrator in Shelby County Schools, including the reins of interim superintendent at one point. He also served on the Shelby County Schools governing board.

While he has many professional accomplishments, his friendship over the years is what I cherish the most.

We both lived in the small, closeknit, Woodstock community. He of-

ten took me along with him to do odd jobs like lawn care and painting. As a young boy, in his own unique way, Dr. Johnson introduced me to the concept of “work ethic.” Although he never used those terms, he insisted that whatever job I was doing, to make sure it was done correctly. We talked frequently about the importance of hard work, but it wasn’t just talk, he lived it.

Dr. Johnson is a mentor, standard bearer, and role model. I have learned so much from him over the years. At 90-plus years of age, he is still mentoring me today! He has weathered some of the most challenging times for African Americans in the public education arena.

So, to all of our African American educators of old, you didn’t just teach subjects and manage classrooms; you touched lives, and your impact will be felt for generations. Your guidance, mentorship, and unwavering support mold countless individuals into the leaders, changemakers, and the everyday heroes we see today.

You defied stereotypes and shattered glass ceilings, proving that excellence has no color. Your courage and determination paved the way for countless others to follow in your footsteps, dismantling barriers and inspiring positive change.

So, thank you, Dr. Fred Johnson, Dottie Chapman Reed, Dr. Jake Barber, and countless others. This month, we celebrate you not just for what you’ve done but for who you are – heroes, trailblazers, and the wind beneath our wings. May your work and the words that tell your stories continue to inspire future generations to come.

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The Tri-State Defender

February 8-14, 2024

TRAVEL

Page 5

The view from the deck of the Oosterdam as we cruised through Antarctica’s massive glaciers was beautiful, awe -inspiring and unsettling all at the same time. (Courtesy photos)

Antarctica:

Our Awesome Adventure and Expedition Memphis couple reflects on their journey to the bottom of the world

By Juanita Richardson Special to The Tri-State Defender

To close out 2023, my husband, Walter, and I embarked on a 22-day cruise to South America and Antarctica, visiting various countries and ports in Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and the Falkland Islands.

From bustling Buenos Aires to tranquil Montevideo, each stop, including Puerto Madryn, Punta Arenas, Puerto Chacabuco, Ushuaia, and Santiago, was unique and captivating.

Yet, the true highlight was Antarctica, the Ice Continent.

As the fifth largest continent, Antarctica, primarily uninhabitable, is a polar desert known for its extreme windiness and coldness. Aboard our cruise ship, the Oosterdam, we had the privilege of learning from an Antarctica Experience Team.

This team, including Antarctic scientific researchers Graeme Ayers and Dr. Fiona Shanhun from New Zealand, and Simon Shelton, an experienced Antarctic pilot, enriched our journey with daily talks and updates. Their stories brought to life what it’s like to live, work, and play in this icy realm and how a land owned by no one is so effectively managed under the Antarctica Treaty of 1959, which now has 56 member countries.

Our adventure was a world apart from a regular cruise. In Antarctica, the weather is famously unpredictable, with extreme temperatures, sudden storms, and blinding blizzards. We experienced this firsthand, almost being blown off a pier into the ocean at one port.

After departing Montevideo, strong winds and raging storms led our captain to bypass Punta del Este, Uruguay. We then sailed straight for two days to Puerto Madryn, Argentina, where we were briefly delayed by immigration.

Spending Christmas Day through December 28, 2023, in Antarctica was surreal. Despite scientists reporting that it

A quick selfie with the glacier in the background.

The author, Juanita Richardson, along with her husband and travel partner Walter at port in Punta Arenas, Chile.

rarely snows in Antarctica’s interior, we witnessed snowfall on Christmas Day. The journey through Bransfield Strait, Hope Bay, Elephant Island, Charlotte Bay, Gerlache Strait, Palmer Station, and the Beagle and Lemaire Channels was awe-inspiring.

We marveled at icebergs of various sizes and shapes, some dwarfing the Oosterdam, as our captain skillfully navigated around them. We even saw Alpha23A, reportedly the world’s largest iceberg, which had been lodged on the Antarctic floor since 1984.

The wildlife was a constant source of wonder. We observed numerous whales, penguins, seals, and birds. On the Falkland Islands, the sight of the endangered BlackBrowed Albatross was particularly poignant.

Our journey also took us through the Drake Passage, Cape Horn, the Magellan Strait, Glacier Alley, the Sarmiento Channel, past the El Brujo Glacier, and through the Chilean Fjords. The story of the single family living on Cape Horn — a husband, wife, two kids, and a cat — was fascinating, as was witnessing their solitary post office, flag, and church.

Our adventure concluded in Chile’s largest city, Santiago, and the nearby towns of Casablanca and Valparaíso. Surrounded by the snow-capped Andes Mountains and the Chilean Coast Range, we explored Santiago’s highlights and marveled at the vineyards near Casablanca and Valparaíso. Witnessing gauchos, the iconic cowboys of the Argentinian pampas, and enjoying a traditional meal and gaucho performance at a local ranch was an unforgettable experience.

Reflecting on our journey, I’m grateful to my seventh-grade geography teacher, Mr. Willie Lindsey, from Melrose High School Class of 1963. His lessons prepared me, 67 years ago, for this awe-inspiring adventure across South America and the majestic Antarctica.

This expedition was a dream come true, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that brought our geography lessons to life in the most spectacular way.

The Tri-State Defender

SPORTS

February 8-14, 2024

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In trading away Steven Adams, the Grizzlies aren’t just giving up a dominant rebounder and good teammate; it’s a signal of a hard reset around the Grizzlies core of Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane, writes Interim Editor Lee Eric Smith. (File photo)

What the Steven Adams trade means for the Memphis Grizzlies

By Lee Eric Smith lesmith@tsdmemphis.com

“Noooooooo!!!!!!” I blurted out, when I saw the news pop up on my phone.

“What?” my frat brother Darryl said, when he heard the tone of my voice. “What happened?”

Realizing that without context, he probably thought someone had died, I felt a bit like an idiot when I had to say the truth with a straight face.

“The GrizLee Eric zlies traded Smith Steven Adams,” I said sheepishly.

It’s not the Adams trade by itself that got me down, it’s what the trade represents — the end of an era. Specifically, an era when the Grizzlies were clear-cut title contenders.

I’ll admit: When they traded Jonas Valanciunas to New Orleans for Adams in 2021, I was skeptical. I saw Valanciunas as a mashup of two other Grizzlies favorites: He had the height and skills of Marc Gasol, but the rebounding prowess and scoring mindset of Zach Randolph. At the time, I didn’t understand how Adams would be an upgrade over that.

And he wasn’t. But he didn’t need to be. Like any true contender, the Grizzlies needed to surround their young stars with role players, preferably elite ones. And in that role of elite role player, Adams excelled.

His first season was 2021-22.

That’s the 56-win season. The “Is Memphis better without Morant” season. Dillon Brooks was still chucking ill-advised shots. Kyle Anderson, DeAnthony Melton, Tyus Jones and Brandon Clarke all became fan favorites.

The chemistry was palpable and the team was a joy to watch. Steven Adams was literally at the center of it all. Wiping the glass. Setting brick wall screens. Blocking shots. Scoring on putbacks. Zipping passes to cutters. And doing all of it without demanding the rock or the spotlight.

Sure, it was Ja jumping over people on his way to a jackhammer dunk. But it was also Steven Adams who set the pick that got him open for the attempt.

Great role players DOMINATE specific areas of a game, and Adams’ gift was on the glass. Adams averaged 10 rebounds a game in his first season with Memphis, and more than half of those were on the offensive glass. In total, Adams grabbed 349 offensive rebounds (4.6 per

By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Casandra Quinn Tax Parcel #: 04301600000030 Tax Sale #: 1002 Price Offered: $843.75 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice.

If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:00 a.m. on 3/5/2024, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

The Grizzlies pulled a pre-deadline day deal, sending Xavier Tillman to the Boston Celtics for a pair of second-round picks.

(File photo) game) that season, tops in the NBA. Those extra possessions were critical to team success that year.

So was his passing. Adams averaged about 3.4 assists per game in 2021-22. The only other Grizzlies players to average more were point guards Morant and Jones. Certainly, a number of those assists came after some of those offensive rebounds.

This was the promise of that iteration of the Grizzlies. Not only having up and coming stars in Morant and Jackson (and eventually Bane), but having elite level role players who accept the role. Adams was dominant on the glass. Brooks was already a premier defender. Jones was a luxury, a starting-grade point guard who was just fine playing behind Morant. Everything just . . . meshed.

And then came the 2022 NBA Playoffs against their perpetual playoff nemesis, the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors won the Western Semis 4-2 en route to the NBA Championship, but fans who watched and remember that series know that if 4-5 possessions go the other way – a missed Morant layup here, a key rebound there – it could well have been the Grizzlies in the Finals that year.

Ah, woulda, coulda, shoulda.

They didn’t win the series. And slowly the pieces began to shift.

Melton was traded to the Sixers, Anderson signed with the Wolves.

Those are changes around the edges. Both of those moves paid off by creating the minutes and space for Desmond Bane to blossom.

For the first third of the 2022-23 season, the team built on its success.

Somehow, Adams had upped his rebound average to 11.5 per game, 6.5 on the offensive glass. Memphis hovered at the top of the Western Conference and racked up an 11-game winning streak in January. Going into a fateful Jan. 22 matchup with Phoenix, they were sitting at 31-15.

Then Adams went after that loose ball, knee-first against the Suns. I remember watching that play, and thinking the worst. But he got up and finished the game. I thought he’d be fine.

But he wasn’t. He was ruled out for the remainder of the season.

And then the wheels began to pop off. The first Ja Morant gun incident (and suspension). The Lakers series. Dillon Brooks talking ish. The second Ja Morant gun incident (and suspension).

The front office made moves in the offseason, anticipating another run, presumably with a healthy Adams. Out with Jones and Brooks; in with defensive ace Marcus Smart and veteran point guard Derrick Rose. Sure, it was different, but with Adams back, it would all make sense. All they had to do was hold it down until Morant’s suspension was over in December.

And then, presumably as penance for their sins against the game, the basketball gods frowned on the Grizzlies, giving us this injury-fueled implosion of a season, where trading Adams actually makes sense.

Look, I get it. At this point, after everything that’s happened, Adams’ contract was most valuable as a trade asset. And the team is not done making moves; they will surely be busy this offseason.

When Morant returns from injury, the trio of he, Bane and Jackson are going to be a problem. If GM Zach Kleiman and his team can put the right role players around them, they’ll be a threat to win the whole thing again – if healthy.

Is the Adams trade a step forward? A step sideways? Time will tell. That’s why they play the games.

But for a franchise and fan base that enjoyed a few fleeting years as true contenders and league darlings, it certainly feels like a step backwards.

Shelby County Land Bank 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Deon Caldwell Tax Parcel #: 0350800000024C Tax Sale #: 1703 Price Offered: $29,100 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice.

If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:30 a.m. on 3/5/2024, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 1075 MULLINS STATION,

Page 6

BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Betty Johnson & Tracy Johnson Tax Parcel #: 05006400000070 Tax Sale #: 1004 Price Offered: $4,000 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice.

If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:00 a.m. on 3/5/2024, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Anthony Cowan Tax Parcel #: 02602500000210 Tax Sale #: 1304 Price Offered: $1,700 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice.

If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:30 a.m. on 3/5/2024, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Charles Turner Tax Parcel #: 02505700000020 Tax Sale #: 1801 Price Offered: $3,000 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice.

If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 11 a.m. on 3/5/2024, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150