The New Tri-State Defender - March 16-22, 2023

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March 16 - 22, 2023

VOL. 72, No. 11

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Mayor’s race now has court hurdle over residency issue

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Attorneys for Shelby County Sheriff and Memphis mayoral candidate Floyd Bonner Jr. filed a suit in Chancery Court on Tuesday (March 14), challenging the Memphis City Charter’s residency requirement for candidates for mayor.

Candidates are required to reside within the city limits for five years before the election is held, according to the charter.

The case comes on the heels of the Shelby County Election Commissions’ decision two weeks ago to adhere to the provision. It followed a legal opinion offered by a former Election Commission chair-

man, attorney Robert Meyers, who concluded the rule stands.

With city elections slated for Oct. 5, an unsuccessful challenge of the election commission’s decision could remove from the ballot three people considered by some among the strong declared candidates in the mayoral race – Bonner, who is Shelby County sheriff; Van Turner Jr., Memphis Chapter NAACP president and a former Shelby County commissioner, and former Memphis mayor Dr. Willie W. Herenton.

Turner, who has threatened to challenge the residency rule, may join the action. Chancellor Jim Kyle has been assigned the case.

At least eight other people, so far,

SEE MAYOR ON PAGE 2

Showered with confetti, the University of Memphis Tigers soak up the joy of winning the American Athletic Conference Championship in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender)

Tigers take charge of their ‘business’ with AAC Tournament title and NCAA bid

by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. detailed why he is running for mayor, with his wife, Audrey, alongside. (Photo: TSD Archives)

FORT WORTH, Texas – For the NCAA Tournament-bound Memphis Tigers, securing the American Athletic Conference Tournament title with a win over Houston, the No. 1 ranked team in the country, was a business matter settled on the court of the Laurie-Walton Center.

Memphis’ 75-65 victory in the championship game netted the automatic bid the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Tournament champs get to the NCAA’s “Big Dance.”

The Tigers (26-8), seeded No. 8 in the NCAA Tournament’s Eastern Region bracket, have a date in Columbus, Ohio with No. 9 Florida Atlantic of Conference USA on Friday (Mar. 17). The two teams will be conference foes when FAU moves

to the AAC next season.

After losing twice in the regular season to Tulane and Houston, Memphis arrived in Fort Worth with something to prove in the AAC Tournament.

They drubbed Tulane by 40 points in the semifinal game, which set up the much-anticipated matchup of the tournaTerry ment’s top two seeds.

Davis “That (revenge against Tulane and Houston) is something we wanted,” said reserve guard Alex Lomax. “We didn’t want it any other way. We wanted to play the guys that han-

SEE TIGERS ON PAGE 2

‘How I overcame self-destruction with art

by Karanja A. Ajanaku kajanaku@tsdmemphis.com

At 42, Zelitra Peterson, weighs about 145 pounds after once weighing over 500 pounds and before art “saved my life.”

Recently, her story and works helped accent an exhibit of local artists in Orange Mound.

“It truly has been a blessing to use my God-given talent to pull myself out of the pain, despair, and shame that I was feeling every day,” said Peterson, known in the art world as Madame Z. “Having to wake up and pop pills

and rely on the doctor for my medical treatments. I even took their suggestion to swallow poop. And even that didn’t help. In the end, it was my art that saved me.”

Peterson said she is resolutely past the “point of no return.”

“I will never return back to the old me, who felt victimized by my circumstances and my surroundings. I felt shame. I felt guilt for not being the person that I felt I wanted to be inside, but I was unable to because there were parts of myself that was afraid, stuck and deeply rooted in fear and always relying on the physicians for the answer.”

At a point, Peterson said she no longer could take her children to school, turning to homeschooling, which meant being a home sick.

“During that time, I turned to art.

Art held me. It was more than just the color. It was more than just the experience of me putting paint to canvas.

It was the experience of me living in every moment as I created that forced me to pay attention to what was within me, what I had on the inside.”

She knew some “very radical changes” were needed. First came a diet change and producing food she found tasty and satisfying. Laughing, she said, “thank God for the crock-

pot,” also acknowledging “smoothies all day” “It actually helped me go from 569 pounds to 145 pounds within a number of years. It didn’t just fall off overnight, but I made it. I made it to the me that I am today, and I’ve been able to introduce myself into the art world by signing up for art shows.”

She relishes being able to transi-

SEE ART ON PAGE 2 Zelitra Peterson has tapped into her creativity during a journey in which art, she said, saved her life. (Photo: George W. Tillman Jr.

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The New Tri-State Defender

MAYOR

CONTINUED FROM FRONT have declared they will run for the office.

In addition to seeking a temporary injunction on the requirement, Bonner’s lawsuit also asks for a ruling on a contradictory opinion by Memphis City Council attorney Allan Wade.

In November, Wade surmised in a letter to Shelby County Elections Administrator Linda Phillips that stated

aspirants only needed to reside in the city by election day.

“A person’s qualifications to serve as mayor or city council member are determined at the time he or she is elected…,” Wade wrote.

He based his opinion on a 1995 charter amendment, also authored by Wade, which created the council’s super districts. It passed in a referendum vote.

Bonner’s lawsuit criticized the lack of a vote by the commission’s five members before posting the news on its web-

March 16 - 22, 2023

NEWS

site that the rule would be enforced.

“Defendants did not take any official action by vote or otherwise with regard to its decision to ignore the precedents of all municipal mayoral elections since the passage of (the referendum ordinance) and the prior legal opinions from the city of Memphis,” wrote Bonner attorney Robert Spence in the complaint.

Bonner embraced the opinion. In January, the sheriff went a step further and purchased a house in East Mem-

phis. He and his wife, Audrey, have owned a home in Bartlett since 1994.

Elected to his first term in 2018, the second ends in 2026, Bonner is the first African-American elected to serve as Shelby County Sheriff.

In addition to Bonner and Turner, other Democratic candidates likely to be watching the outcome include Herenton, who resided in Collierville until mid-2020.

Meanwhile, the Democratic party’s leader in the Tennessee House, Rep. Karen Camper,

and a declared candidate for mayor, issued a statement on Tuesday, calling on candidates to abide by the longstanding rule and “withdraw from consideration.”

“For the last 118 years, the Shelby County Election Commission has adhered to the laws that a candidate for Memphis Mayor must be a resident for 5 years.”

Contacted soon after Meyer’s opinion was disclosed, Turner told The New Tri-State Defender, “Yes, I will appeal….

“Attorney Allan Wade, who has been a legal advisor to the City of Memphis for decades, penned an opinion advising the Shelby County Election Commission that the 5-year residency requirement had been repealed. Now, there is an opinion which contravenes Attorney Wade’s opinion. Obviously, this is a conflict which will need to be resolved, and I am prepared to do so as quickly as possible.”

(This story includes a report

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell.)

“I will never return back to the old me, who felt victimized by my circumstances and my surroundings. I felt shame.”

— Zelitra Peterson

TIGERS

CONTINUED FROM FRONT dled their business in the regular season. We had to come out and show that we made a lot of adjustments. We made sure we handled business.”

Playing without injured point guard Kendric Davis in the first regular-season game against Houston, the Tigers lost by eight. In the season-ending matchup, the Cougar’s claimed the win with a basket right before time expired.

“Coach coached us hard after the buzzer beater,” said Davis, a First Team, All-Conference selection. “We lost a couple of games like that and we always responded. We knew no team could beat us three times in a row. Coach made it clear that we were the better team.”

Memphis had come up empty in 11 previous attempts to beat a No. 1-ranked team.

They took on Houston without AAC Player of Year Marcus Sasser, who suffered a groin injury in the Cougars’ semifinal win over Cincinnati.

The conference tournament title was Memphis’ first in 10 years.

“I am thanking God for this,” said U of M coach Penny Hardaway, sharing praise for “a great group of guys that no one knew what we were going to do, but us.

“To battle, scratch and fight all year long through injuries and adversaries, to be here in the same situation we had last year, to get the win I am proud and emotional….”

Taking the title after successfully navigating through such a challenging road “shows how special this team is,” he said. “We couldn’t have asked for a better road. Barely winning against UCF at home. Lose to a buzzer beater at home to Houston. Getting beat twice by Tulane. It was a tough road, but rewarding.”

The game was tight in the first six minutes as the teams traded the lead. With 11:22 left in the first half and the Tigers ahead 17-16, Memphis shifted to another gear.

Page 2

U of M coach Penny Hardaway takes in what the ref is explaining. (Photo: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender) Back-to-back three pointers

by Davis helped power Memphis to a 38-20 advantage with 4:14 remaining in the first half.

After pushing the lead to 20, the took a 46-31 lead into halftime.

Davis scored 20 points in the first half as the Tigers shot 62 percent from the field and limited their turnovers to four. Memphis’ defense held the Cougars to 29.7 percent shooting.

Houston was not done. Riding a second-half surge, the Cougars kept snipping at the lead, getting it down to single digits. With the gap narrowed to five points, DeAndre Williams’ shot from deep pushed the Memphis lead back to eight (58-50).

As the teams battled on, a steal and a layup by Lomax, who was fouled on the play, gave the Tigers a 68-55 lead with 5:20 to go and Houston could not muster enough to overtake them.

The Cougars (31-3) enter the NCAA Tournament as a No. 1 seedwill be a number one seed and will play in Birmingham.

Jamal Shead had 16 points to lead the Cougars, who also got 13 points from Jarace Walker, with J’Wan Roberts adding 12 points and 20 rebounds.

Memphis was led by 31 points from Davis, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Williams, the other First Team, All-Conference selection for the Tigers, had another double-double 16 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists. Lomax had 10 points and 4 assists.

“It is hard to win at this level,” said Davis, who bent over

and clutched his knees as he reflected on being part of tournament-winning team.

“The previous two years, I had to go through Alo (Alex Lomax) and coach (Penny Hardaway), that ain’t easy,” said Davis, who transferred from SMU after three years with the Mustangs and earning the AAC’s Player of the Year award last season.

“We (the Mustangs) were almost there last year, but they (the Tigers) got us. We had to watch them get in the tournament. The year before last we were in the NIT with them and they won it. I was wondering would it ever happen for me.

“I came back to college to see if would happen. I joined them dudes; they are warriors.”

Hardaway was asked to reflect on the state championships he engineered at East High School, the Tigers’ NIT title and the AAC Tournament Championship.

“The ones in high school were so near and dear to my heart for Desmond (Merriweather, the childhood friend, who reached out to Hardaway (in 2012) to step in for him as coach of the Lester Middle School team after learning he had terminal colon cancer. I met that group at a very early age.

“The NIT Championship was bitter sweet, because we wanted to be in the NCAA tournament,” said Hardaway.

“This one is so rewarding, because of what we had to go through; the injures and the guys we lost. Everyone counted us out before the season got started. They did not know where we were heading.”

Zelitra Peterson meshed her creativity with other artists at the exhibit in Orange Mound. Pictured (l-r): Najee Strickland, Sir Walter Andrade and Darlene Newman (Photos: George W. Tillman Jr.)

ART

CONTINUED FROM FRONT tion from “not being able to even take my kids to school, to being able to take them to baseball games and out to eat. … we’ve been able to travel.”

It’s not a race from here, Pelitra said, noting how she has a been “encouraged by all the wonderful people that have been surrounding me, that I’ve met throughout these past years, supporting me, encouraging me to continue to work towards my craft.

“And the possibilities are limitless.”

With her leap of faith, she moved past a state of pity, opioids and misery.

She took measures to ensure that “I could not only recover from obesity, but I also wanted to recover from depression.

Losing my daughter at an early age of nine months, leaving a relationship of close to 20 years and stepping out on my own into this world as a single parent and believing that I had what it takes and what it took inside to make my dream a re-

Zelitra Peterson said, “I listened to that voice inside of me and I’ve been covered with grace literally ever since. (Screen capture) alization on the outside.”

Now “main goal is to encourage other individuals” who may find themselves at crossroads.

Is her method a sound proven method? It’s a question she poses on a video in which she chronicles her journey.

“Yes, for me. Will it work for you? Maybe. I don’t know.

It depends. We all have to put our own actions into our purpose and the rest will unfold.

But I do know one thing.

“Once you form a routine and you start practicing healthy habits that benefit you and don’t distract you from your purpose, it’s like starting, it’s like getting on the rollercoaster ride. You, you’re on it. There’s no getting off,” she said.

“You have to ride … to completion. And baby, my ride has just started. I know for a fact that this is just the beginning.

I am meant to inspire millions with this story.”

The New Tri-State Defender

March 16 - 22, 2023

Page 3

NEWS

Tennessee GOP advance new narrow abortion exemption bill

by Kimberlee Kruesi Associated Press

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Republican lawmakers on Wednesday took another swing at adding a narrow exemption to one of the strictest abortion bans in the United States.

Nearly a month ago, a Republican legislative panel defied political threats made by the state’s influential anti-abortion lobbying group and advanced legislation clarifying situations where abortion could be allowed in Tennessee.

However, despite the committee’s endorsement, the legislation was almost immediately considered doomed inside the GOP-dominant Statehouse, owing to the reluctance of the members to support efforts to loosen the strict abortion ban.

After weeks of political negotiating, Tennessee Right to Life announced on Monday they would support a newly crafted proposal that’s even much more narrowly focused than the original version. The House Health Committee then advanced the proposal Wednesday.

Currently, Tennessee has no explicit exemptions in its abortion ban. Instead the law includes an “affirmative defense” for doctors, meaning that the burden is on the physician to prove that an abortion was medically necessary — instead of requiring the state to prove the opposite.

The new proposal unveiled Wednesday removes the affirmative defense for doctors and

adds in language that doctors may provide abortion services for ectopic pregnancies and miscarriages. However, it does not include the previous version’s inclusion of “medically futile pregnancies” and lethal fetal anomalies as approved reasons for physicians to provide an abortion. Instead, it allows doctors to use “reasonable medical judgment” to determine if an abortion is necessary.

There is no exception for rape and incest.

Defenders of Tennessee’s so-called trigger law, which include Republican Gov. Bill Lee, say pregnant women are protected from harm and doctors are unlikely to face any of the law’s hefty felony charges. However, a group of Republican lawmakers have voiced that the ban should be changed. Many have cited that doctors are terrified to do their job out of fear of being prosecuted and losing their medical licenses, while others point out that many Republican voters are in favor of clear exemptions.

Yet ever since the ban went into place, there has been massive disagreement on how Tennessee’s law should be modified. Republican-led attempts to add exemptions this year for rape and incest have been spiked by GOP-controlled committees, while Democratic attempts to explicitly state that birth control does not fall under the state’s abortion ban have also faltered.

“Removing affirmative defense, it gives doctors the ability to take care of a woman

“For the Democrats who introduce these bills, they’re trying to showcase the harms of an outright ban. For the Republican side, we’re seeing them introduce these bills because they understand their constituents are unhappy.”

— Elizabeth Nash

with these pregnancies,” said Republican Rep. Esther Helton-Haynes, the bill’s sponsor.

“I was passionate about making sure affirmative defense was removed. When I spoke with physicians, that was their number one goal. It will save mother’s lives.”

When pressed on whether she was comfortable with the new language, Helton-Haynes responded that she was “comfortable knowing this language will pass.”

Republican Rep. Ryan Williams called the new language “dramatically different” and praised Helton-Haynes for finding a compromise to getting more Republicans on board with the change.

Democratic Rep. John Ray Clemmons warned that the new language still places on a burden on doctors and hospitals to prove in court that an abortion was necessary and lamented that lawmakers were giving into political pressure rather than advancing public policy that would benefit women.

“At what point, where in that timeline, how close to death’s door have to be before that doctor’s decision is deemed reasonable?” Clemmons asked. “Doctors are going to wait until the very last

minute.”

The bill would have to still clear the full House and Senate before it could head to the governor’s desk. The Republican governor has not weighed in publicly on whether he supports the new proposal.

Nationally, attempts to loosen strict abortion bans in Republican-led states have popped up in Arkansas, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia, according to the Guttmacher Institute research group that supports abortion rights. Many of the bills are backed by Democratic lawmakers, but a handful are being pushed by Republicans.

“For the Democrats who introduce these bills, they’re trying to showcase the harms of an outright ban,” said Elizabeth Nash, the group’s state

policy analyst. “For the Republican side, we’re seeing them introduce these bills because they understand their constituents are unhappy.”

Meanwhile, Nash argued the overall push to add exemptions to strict abortion bans would only apply to a narrow group of people, and doctors could still end up feeling unsure how they can proceed under a narrow exception.

“These exemptions don’t actually provide for meaningful access to abortion,” she said. “By their very nature, they put a preference on some sort of abortion over others.”

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PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, March 16 - 22, 2023, Page 4

San Francisco board open to reparations with $5M payouts

by Janie Har Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO — Payments of $5 million to every eligible Black adult, the elimination of personal debt and tax burdens, guaranteed annual incomes of at least $97,000 for 250 years and homes in San Francisco for just $1 a family.

These were some of the more than 100 recommendations made by a city-appointed reparations committee tasked with the thorny question of how to atone for centuries of slavery and systemic racism. And the San Francisco Board of Supervisors hearing the report for the first time Tuesday voiced enthusiastic support for the ideas listed, with some saying money should not stop the city from doing the right thing.

Several supervisors said they were surprised to hear pushback from politically liberal San Franciscans apparently unaware that the legacy of slavery and racist policies continues to keep Black Americans on the bottom rungs of health, education and economic prosperity, and overrepresented in prisons and homeless populations.

“Those of my constituents who lost their minds about this proposal, it’s not something we’re doing or we would do for other people. It’s something we would do for our future, for everybody’s collective future,” said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, whose district includes the heavily LGBTQ Castro neighborhood.

The draft reparations plan, released in December, is unmatched nationwide in its specificity and breadth. The committee hasn’t done an analysis of the cost of the proposals, but critics have slammed the plan as financially and politically impossible. An estimate from Stanford University’s Hoover Institution, which leans conservative, has said it would cost each non-Black family in the city at least $600,000.

Tuesday’s unanimous expressions of support for reparations by the board do not mean all the recommendations will ultimately be adopted, as the body can vote to approve, reject or change any or all of them. A final committee report is due in June.

Some supervisors have said previously enslaved.

Advocates say that view ignores a wealth that the city can’t afford any major reparations payments right now given its deep of data and historical evidence showing that long after U.S. slavery officially ended deficit amid a tech industry downturn.

Tinisch Hollins, vice-chair of the African in 1865, government policies and practices American Reparations Advisory Commit- worked to imprison Black people at hightee, alluded to those comments, and several er rates, deny access to home and business people who lined up to speak reminded the loans and restrict where they could work board they would be watching closely what and live.

Justin Hansford, a professor at Howard the supervisors do next.

“I don’t need to impress upon you the University School of Law, says no mufact that we are setting a national prece- nicipal reparations plan will have enough dent here in San Francisco,” Hollins said. money to right the wrongs of slavery, but “What we are asking for and what we’re he appreciates any attempts to “genuinely, demanding for is a real commitment to legitimately, authentically” make things right. And that includes cash, he said. what we need to move things forward.”

“If you’re going to try The idea of paying to say you’re sorry, you compensation for slav“This conversation have to speak in the lanery has gained traction we’re having in San guage that people unacross cities and universities. In 2020, Cal- Francisco is completely derstand, and money is that language,” he said. ifornia became the first unserious. They just John Dennis, chair state to form a reparathrew a number up, of the San Francisco tions task force and is still struggling to put there’s no analysis. It Republican Party, does support reparations a price tag on what is seems ridiculous, and not although he says he’d owed. it also seems that this support a serious conThe idea has not been taken up at the is the one city where it versation on the topic.

He doesn’t consider the federal level. could possibly pass.” board’s discussion of $5 In San Francisco, — John Dennis million payments to be Black residents once one. made up more than 13 “This conversation percent of the city’s population, but more than 50 years later, we’re having in San Francisco is completethey account for less than 6 percent of the ly unserious. They just threw a number up, city’s residents — and 38 percent of its there’s no analysis,” Dennis said. “It seems homeless population. The Fillmore District ridiculous, and it also seems that this is the once thrived with Black-owned night clubs one city where it could possibly pass.”

The board created the 15-member repand shops until government redevelopment arations committee in late 2020, months in the 1960s forced out residents.

Fewer than 50,000 Black people still after California Gov. Gavin Newsom aplive in the city, and it’s not clear how many proved a statewide task force amid nationwould be eligible. Possible criteria include al turmoil after a white Minneapolis police having lived in the city during certain time officer killed George Floyd, a Black man.

The committee continues to deliberate periods and descending from someone “inrecommendations, including monetary carcerated for the failed War on Drugs.”

Critics say the payouts make no sense in compensation, and its report is due to the a state and city that never enslaved Black Legislature on July 1. At that point it will people. Opponents generally say taxpayers be up to lawmakers to draft and pass legwho were never slave owners should not islation.

The state panel made the controversial have to pay money to people who were not

In February, The Shelby County Board of Commissioners approved directing $5 million toward studying the feasibility of reparations pending a subcommittee identifying “actionable items” relative to affordable housing and homeownership, affordable healthcare, systemic disenfranchisement in the criminal justice system, career opportunities, financial literacy and generational wealth.

decision in March to limit reparations to descendants of Black people who were in the country in the 19th century. Some reparations advocates said that approach does not take into account the harms that Black immigrants suffer.

Under San Francisco’s draft recommendation, a person would have to be at least 18 years old and have identified as “Black/ African American” in public documents for at least 10 years. Eligible people must also meet two of eight other criteria, though the list may change.

Those criteria include being born in or migrating to San Francisco between 1940 and 1996 and living in the city for least 13 years; being displaced from the city by urban renewal between 1954 and 1973, or the descendant of someone who was; attending the city’s public schools before they were fully desegregated; or being a descendant of an enslaved person.

The Chicago suburb of Evanston became the first U.S. city to fund reparations. The city gave money to qualifying people for home repairs, down payments and interest or late penalties due on property. In December, the Boston City Council approved of a reparations study task force.

National Bankers Association weighs in on Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank (The National Bankers Association is the leading trade association for minority depository institutions in the U.S. President and CEO Nicole Elam Esq. and Chairman Robert James II issued this joint statement after Silicon Valley Bank failed and regulators – fearing a financial crisis – quickly moved to shut down Signature Bank.)

In light of recent industry events, the National Bankers Association wants to assure consumers that your money is safe with minority banks.

Minority depository institutions are very different from both SVB (Silicon Valley Bank) and Signature Bank, which had high concentrations in crypto deposits and volatile venture capital. Minority banks are not exposed to riskier asset classes and

have the capital and strong liquidity to best serve consumers and small businesses.

“If your’re looking for a place to bring your deposits and have greater impact, bring your deposits to minority banks” said Nicole Elam, president and CEO of the National Bankers Association.

“The Biden-Harris Administration, FDIC, and Federal Reserve worked hard this weekend to make sure that these bank failures are the exception, not the rule, and that all Americans can continue to have confidence in our banking system. I also applaud bipartisan leaders in Congress for keeping stakeholders informed about how hard-earned deposits are being kept safe,” said Robert James II, chairman of the National Bankers

Association and president/CEO of Carver Financial Corporation.

The National Bankers Association is the nation’s leading trade association for the country’s minority depository institutions (MDIs). MDIs have always focused on safety and soundness as a part of our conservative, relationship-based business model. We continue to monitor SVB’s impact on large corporate deposit concentrations, fintech, tech companies, and larger financial institutions that have partnerships with MDIs or who have made investments in MDIs. MDIs are in the strongest position ever to support their customers.

Here’s why: • Traditional Banking Model with Diverse & Secure Assets: MDIs are diversified in terms of their assets,

predominately focused on well-collateralized loans, and are not exposed to riskier asset classes. Unlike both SVB and Signature Bank, MDIs have very limited exposure to the venture capital industry and crypto.

• Well-Capitalized and Strong Liquidity: MDIs are in the strongest position ever. The sector is exceptionally well capitalized, enjoys substantial liquidity overall, and has grown by 33 percent over the last three years in total assets. Nearly $4 billion in new, permanent capital has flowed to MDIs and currently, the median MDI common equity ratio is 16.4 percent versus 14.8 percent for non-MDIs. • Positioned for Impact: 77 percent of MDI branches are in areas with a higher average share of mi-

National Bankers Association President and CEO Nicole Elam Esq. and Chairman Robert James II (Screen captures) norities compared to 31 percent for all FDIC-insured depository institutions.

According to a Dallas Fed Study in 2022, MDIs originate almost 40 percent of their mortgages to minority borrowers, versus only 10 percent by other banks. Additionally, MDIs originate 30 percent of small business loans to low- to moderate-income communities in comparison to 20 percent at community banks and 24 percent at large banks. Customer deposits are not only extremely safe in an MDI but are far more likely to have a positive impact in the community.

Information • Inspiration • Elevation Published by Best Media Properties, Inc.

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The New Tri-State Defender

March 16 - 22, 2023

Page 5

RELIGION

LEGACY: Ester Mason Sr. TSD Newsroom Ester Mason Sr. was an artist when it came to cement. His concrete work artistry is displayed in various parts of the city for businesses and developers.

Mr. Mason, who born on Nov. 25, 1920, died on March 1. He was 102.

The homegoing service for Mr. Mason were held March 11 at his home church, Norris Avenue Baptist Church, 1437 Norris Ave. The Rev. Dr. Rickey L. Dugger Sr., Norris Avenue’s pastor officiated and delivered the eulogy.

Dugger is president of the Memphis Baptist Ministerial Association. His wife, Patsy Dugger, one of Mr. Mason’s 14 children.

Born in Williston, Tenn., Mr. Mason was baptized at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Eads, Tenn. Years later, he united with Lake Grove Baptist church, he became chairman of the deacon board. In 1994, he joined Norris Avenue and served as deacon under the leadership of his son-in-law, Pastor Dugger.

The farewell service drew a standing-room-only crowd. For many, a familiar image was of Mr. Mason singing a song titled “Move Upstairs” along with the Norris Avenue Male Chorus.

Mr. Mason worked briefly for the railroad before he began his own business as a concrete contractor. His concrete tenue spanned nearly 40 years. He was a lifetime member of Antioch Masonic Lodge #151.

In 1955, Mr. Mason married Hazel Wright, and their union was at 67 years and

The homegoing service for Ester Mason Sr. was a family affair, with standing-room only support. counting when died.

He also leaves a sister, Louise Langston, and his children, Estelle Carter, James Lee Mason (Gwen), Jeffrey McFadgon (Carolyn), Ester Mason Jr., Bernice Baskin (Donald), Annette Reece (James), Roy Lee MaEster son (Karen), Deborah Mason Sr. Mitchell, Michael Mason (Tracie), Laverne Nixon (Lee), and David Mason (Priscilla); 30 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by seven brothers, five sisters, two daughters (Annie B. Mabon and Shirley Mason), and a grandson, Michael Mason Jr.

The Rev. Dr. Rickey L. Dugger Sr., pastor of Norris Avenue Baptist Church, preached the funeral of his father-in-law, Ester Mason Sr. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

Revival...

The Rev. O.C. Collins Memorial Revival was held March 6-10 at Progressive M.B.C., 394 Vance Avenue.

The pastors who delivered the nightly messages. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

The New Tri-State Defender, March 16 - 22, 2023, Page 6

Soul Food Truck Festival No. 8 The Eighth Annual Soul Food Truck Festival rolled onto the grounds of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium primed to deliver fresh sights, smells and sounds that have become familiar to festival-goers.

Signs that the mission was accomplished registered on the faces of the

multi-generational crowd.

The festival, which caps Black Restaurant Week, continues to reflect that the creator of both – Cynthia Daniels – tapped into a community-deep desire for both.

Cynthia Daniels ushered in another satisfying food truck festival. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)

Stage Temptations at Stax Musuem …

Five stars of “Ain’t Too Proud” – the stage play chronicling “The Life and Times of The Temptations” visited the Stax Museum. Pictured Harrel Holmes Jr., Elijah Ahmad Lewis, Jalan Harris, E. Clayton Cornelious and Michael Andreaus. Viewing Isaac Hayes iconic ride. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)

COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, March 16 - 22, 2023, Page 7

District 86 election a formality decision for Justin Pearson

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

For voters of Tennessee House District 86, there’s only one person for the job as Democratic candidate Justin Pearson ran unopposed in the special election on Tuesday (March 14) to fill the seat vacated upon the death of longtime Rep. Barbara Cooper.

Cooper, the oldest-serving state

legislator, died Oct. 25. She was 93.

She was posthumously re-elected to the seat in the Nov. 8 general election. She had represented the district for 26 years.

Prior to Tuesday’s win, Pearson, who received 443 votes versus 10 write-in votes, had been representing the district on an interim basis after being appointed to the seat by the Shelby County Commission in Janu-

ary. He will finish out the remainder of Harris’ two-year term.

District 86 extends from the Mississippi state line to Millington and unincorporated northern Shelby County.

The win caps a relatively easy glide into state politics for the 28-year-old Pearson. In January, he handily beat a field of 10 candidates to capture the Democratic Party’s primary for the

special election.

The nearest vote getter was attorney Julian T. Bolton, a former Shelby County commissioner, who netted 289 votes compared to Pearson’s 1,235 in the special election primary seat. No Republican ran to fill the seat.

An activist, Pearson built name recognition and goodwill within the district as a co-founder of Mem-

Justin Pearson

phis Community against the Pipeline, which opposed the Byhalia pipeline.

The ill-fated project would have cut through neighborhoods in Southwest Memphis. Pipeline opponents said the proposed pipeline would risk contaminating the Memphis Sand Aquifer, the city and region’s main source of fresh drinking water.

In tune with homeownership...

Ronnie DeVoe Jr. of the R&B/hip hop group Bell Biv DeVoe pitched homeownership during a real estate seminar at the Stax Museum. He made the stop while in town with the Legacy Tour at FedExForum. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

Bill to ease third-grade reading and retention law clears first legislative hurdle

by Marta W. Aldrich Chalkbeat Tennessee

State lawmakers advanced legislation Tuesday that would put fewer third graders at risk of being held back this year under Tennessee’s 2021 reading law.

The law, which pins retention decisions on how well a student scores in English language arts on the annual Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program test, would be revised to consider results from a second state-approved test, too — but only for third graders who score just under the state’s proficiency threshold on their TCAP. The legislation also would direct the state Board of Education to develop rules for appealing any retention decision for students who scored as approaching proficiency.

And it would require that any public school student held back in kindergarten, first grade, or second grade undergo tutoring during their following school year.

The House K-12 subcommittee advanced the measure — which was similar to legislation filed last week by House Education Committee Chairman Mark White (R-District 83) — after studying a flurry of other bills to revise the law. Parents, educators, and school boards have flooded lawmakers’ offices with complaints about the state’s stricter retention policy, which takes effect with this year’s class of third graders.

Committee members ultimately rallied around the compromise bill that passed on a voice vote. The measure widens reading test criteria for retention but keeps the state, not local educators, in control of those decisions.

The legislation still faces multiple votes in the House and Senate and

could put lawmakers at odds with Gov. Bill Lee. The Republican governor pressed for the law and is urging the legislature to stay the course on the state’s litTanya eracy strategy.

Coats His strategy draws a clear line in the sand to prevent “social promotions” and includes free tutoring and summer learning camps to help struggling students catch up on learning, as well as options for retesting third-graders who are at risk of being retained.

“Contrary to what critics will say, Tennessee’s reading success plan is about moving kids forward, not holding them back,” Lee wrote in a recent editorial published by The Tennessean.

A spokeswoman for the governor offered no further comment Tuesday night when asked about the bill’s advancement.

But the leader of the state’s largest teacher organization called it a “positive step.”

“Multiple measures are important when understanding student achievement for young children,” said Tanya Coats, president of the Tennessee Education Association. “A year-end test that runs for 180 minutes for 8- and 9-year-olds should not be the only way we understand where students are in English language arts.”

Only a third of Tennessee students read on grade level, according to state testing data. The existing law puts tens of thousands of third graders — and more than 2,700 students in Memphis-Shelby County Schools, the state’s largest district — at risk

The existing law puts tens of thousands of third graders – and more than 2,700 students in Memphis-Shelby County Schools, the state’s largest district – at risk of being held back this year if they do not take advantage of summer learning opportunities and tutoring. of being held back this year if they do not take advantage of summer learning opportunities and tutoring.

“We don’t always get it perfect the first time,” said Rep. Sam McKenzie, a Knoxville Democrat, calling the proposed changes an improvement.

Asked by McKenzie what percentage of third graders would be at risk of retention under the proposed changes, the bill’s sponsors could not give an accurate estimate but said there would be an impact.

“There would be more retained if we didn’t pass this bill,” said Rep. Scott Cepicky, a Culleoka Republican, who is carrying the bill in the House for White.

Third grade is considered a critical marker for reading, which is considered foundational to all subsequent learning. But while the law is intended to set children up for success in school, critics say the retention policy could have significant unintended negative consequences by shaming students who are already struggling.

And they note that children from lowincome families are more likely to be retained in the early grades because they have limited access to highquality early childhood education and support at home.

Most research suggests that retention has, on average, null or negative effects on students, and that it’s also linked strongly to dropping out of high school.

You can track the bill on the General Assembly’s website. To learn more about Tennessee’s current retention policy, visit the state education department’s answers to frequently asked questions.

“Preparing the youth of Memphis with skills, career readiness, and personal development that will last them a lifetime is vital.”

— Torrey Bates

For the Kingdom nets NBA Foundation grant to reach more youth TSD Newsroom For the Kingdom – a 100-acre camp, conference, and retreat center in the Raleigh area – is one of 31 non-profits across the nation to receive a grant from the NBA Foundation.

The grant is a multi-year investment to fund For the Kingdom’s Operation 38128 program. Operation 38128 has established its LEAD Academy initiative, which is aimed at empowering young people ages 16-19 in the Raleigh community to become successful industry professionals.

The initiative seeks to provide education, experiences, and opportunities that will equip its target group to live sustainable and independent lives. The apprenticeship pathways offer culinary arts, agriculture, cosmetology and barbering, construction, multimedia production, entrepreneurship, hospitality, and coding.

LEAD Academy will provide its students with long-term job placement opportunities with local businesses.

“Preparing the youth of Memphis with skills, career readiness, and personal development that will last them a lifetime is vital,” said Torrey Bates, executive director of For the

Kingdom.

“We are grateful to the NBA Foundation and the Grizzlies Foundation for their support, which helps us expand our reach Torrey to serve more Bates young people.”

Summerjoy Scott, leader of LEAD Academy, said its purpose is “to bring education and experience into alignment so that it can give students access to sustainable opportunities.

“Our primary focus is to develop these young people at their core internally so they can achieve success externally. We strive to enhance their abilities, prepare them for employment, and equip them with the skills to navigate life’s challenges.”

Interested high school students can find program requirements and apply to join LEAD Academy in person or online at www.ftkmemphis.org. Applications will be accepted through March 24. The first term is April through June.

For more information, visit www. ftkmemphis.org.

The New Tri-State Defender

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH LAUDERDALE PASTOR POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT 682 South Lauderdale Street Memphis, Tennessee 38126 Apply online at www.first baptistlauderdale.org or https://www. facebook.com/profile. php?id=100089583129895.

Application Deadline: April 15, 2023.

PUBLICATION NOTICE In The Circuit Clerk Cook County, IL 16501 Kedzie Ave. Markham, IL 60428 Sebrena Jordan Petitioner. VS. Richard Jordan Sr. Defendant.

A Petition for Dissolution of Marriage Case No. 00001111201 You, Richard Jordan Sr. will take notice that on the 11th day of October, 2022 a complaint for divorce was field against you in the Circuit Court Cook County, Illinois to be held in Markham in said County: to which complaint you must answer or otherwise make your appearance on or before 16th day of April 2023 the return date or default will be entered against you.

NOTICE TO BIDDER(S) Sealed bids will be received by the Shelby County Government in the Department of Housing, 6465 Mullins Station Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38134 until 9:30 a.m. on Friday, March 31, 2023, as shown below: MULTIPLE AND ENTIRELY DIFFERENT LEAD HAZARD REDUCTION JOBS ARE CONTAINED IN THIS BID NOTICE. BIDDER(S) MAY ELECT TO BID ON ANY OR ALL OF THE JOBS IN THE NOTICE. SEALED BID I000802 DUE AT 9:30 a.m.: Friday, March 31, 2023 1. Rehabilitation of Owner-Occupied Housing Units throughout Shelby County some of which may require the use of lead-safe work practices and techniques; and 2. Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Jobs.

Detailed specifications for items above may be obtained in the Shelby County Department of Housing at the aforementioned address beginning Friday, March 17, 2023. All bids will be opened and publicly read by the Shelby County Government at the time mentioned above at the Department of Housing, 6465 Mullins Station Road Memphis, TN 38134, (901) 222-7600; TTY Number (901) 222-2301; or for information in Spanish 901-2227601. Award recommendations will be posted at the following website https://www.develop901. com/housing upon review of the bid opening results.

As a condition precedent to bidding, each bidder must apply and qualify for a Vendor Number and Equal Opportunity Compliance (EOC) Eligibility Number prior to submitting your response. Your EOC number must be displayed on the outside of your envelope

for each bid submission.

Reminder: Effective January 2020, in order for your bids to be accepted on projects, contractors must have met with the Housing Site Inspector and received a receipt for the current Shelby County Housing Construction and Rehabilitation Specifications Manual. Interested contractors not currently on the contractor list should contact the Department of Housing in order to schedule a meeting with the Housing Site Inspector. If you are on the contractor list but have not received a receipt for the current Construction and Rehabilitation Specifications Manual, please schedule an appointment.

The label which is attached to the specifications shall be completely filled out and attached to the bid submission envelope. You must display your current SAM Unique Entity ID Number, E.O.C. Eligibility Number or your Locally Owned Small Business (LOSB) Number on the outside of your envelope and a copy of all licenses and insurance policies must be included in your submitted bid package. Unless the label is completely filled out and your current E.O.C. Eligibility Number is noted thereon your bid may be returned to you unopened.

Should your label be lost or misplaced, please note the appropriate information in the lower left-hand corner of your envelope.

The Department of Housing encourages participation from WBE, MBE, LOSB, and Section 3 Contractors under these rehabilitation programs.

The Shelby County Government reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any informalities therein.

March 16 - 22, 2023

Page 8

CLASSIFIEDS By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Price Offered: $25,100.00 Terms: Cash

Scott Walkup, Administrator

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:

“CORRECTION” NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Jorge Escalon Tax Parcel #: 03806200000290 Tax Sale #: 1803 Price Offered: $9,200.00 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 pro-

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:

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 2:30 p.m. on March 31, 2023, 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.

Name of Purchaser Tax Parcel #: Tax Parcel ID No Tax Sale #: Tax Sale No. Price Offered: $Price Offered 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 Bid Off Time on Bid Off Date, 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 “CORRECTION” NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

Shelby County Land Bank 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150 “CORRECTION” 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: Gretrick Crowder Tax Parcel #: 07605000000050 Tax Sale #: 1602

spective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 2:00 p.m. on March 31, 2023, 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

The New Tri-State Defender

any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150 “CORRECTION” 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: Jorge Escalon Tax Parcel #: 05809200000130 Tax Sale #: 1801 Price Offered: $6,600.00 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 March 31, 2023, 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 “CORRECTION” 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: Jorge Escalon Tax Parcel #: 03802600000390 Tax Sale #: 1803 Price Offered: $$4,500.00 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 March 31, 2023, 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 “CORRECTION” 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: Marshall Odum Tax Parcel #: 05001400000190 Tax Sale #: 406 Price Offered: $$1,125.00 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 April 7, 2023, 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 “CORRECTION” 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: temesgen kebede Tax Parcel #: 06022000000730 Tax Sale #: 1604 Price Offered: $300,000.00 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 2:00 p.m. on April 7, 2023, 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

March 16 - 22, 2023

Page 9

CLASSIFIEDS

THE NEW TRI-STATE DEFENDER CLASSIFIEDS

1509 Madison Ave. Memphis, TN 38104 PH (901) 523-1818 HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

DEADLINES: Display ads Friday 5 p.m.

Classifieds ads Monday 5 p.m.

STANDARD RATES: $6.00 per line for 1 column ad.

Rates are non-commissionable and are quoted at the net rate. No refund for early cancellation. For additional information contact Sales Dept. at (901) 746-5201 or email: advertising@tsdmemphis.com.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Some categories require prepayment.

All ads subject to credit approval. The

“CORRECTION” 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:

New Tri-State Defender reserves the right to correctly classify and edit all copy or to reject or cancel any ad at any time. Only standard abbreviations accepted. Copy change during ordered schedule constitutes new ad & new changes. Deadlines for cancellation are identical to placement deadlines. Rates subject to change.

ADJUSTMENTS: PLEASE check your ad the first day it appears. Call (901) 523-1818 if an error occurs. We can only offer in-house credit and NO REFUNDS are issued.

THE NEW TRI-STATE DEFENDER assumes no financial responsibility for errors nor for copy omission.

Direct any classified billing inquires to (901) 523-1818.

Marshall Odum Tax Parcel #: 05001400000490 Tax Sale #: 903 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 10:30

PUBLIC NOTICE SHELBY COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING PUBLIC HEARING FOR: FISCAL YEAR 2024 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN Shelby County Department housing/planningReporting of Housing (SCDH) will hold These documents are accespublic hearings to provide feedsible from a computer, smartback on the proposed plans phone, or tablet and are also for Fiscal Year 2024 including available to access through the Annual Action Plan 5 (AP5, public library branches in ShelHUD Program Year 2023) and

by County including Benjamin L. HOME-American Rescue Plan Hooks Library Branch; Arlington (ARP) Allocation Plan on ThursLibrary Branch; Bartlett Library day, April 13, 2023 at 12:00 pm Branch; Collierville Library and 5:30 pm and provide both Branch; Germantown Library in-person and virtual attendance Branch; and Millington Library options.

Branch and at SCDH office, In Person Attendance Option: located at 6465 Mullins Station Shelby County Code EnforceRoad, Memphis, TN 38134. ment, Training Room, 6465 MulOverview: The consolidated lins Station Road, Memphis, TN planning process for FY 38134. Attendees should enter 2020-2024 serves as the the Code Enforcement Building framework for a community-wide through the Training Room endialogue to identify housing trance; upon walking up to the and community development building, attendees will need to priorities that align and focus follow the signage that leads to funding from the Community the Training Room.

Planning and Development Virtual Attendance Option: A (CPD) formula block grant virtual option to join is also proprograms Community vided, and participants can join Development Block Grant the meeting with a computer, (CDBG) and HOME Investment tablet, or smartphone at https:// Partnerships (HOME) Program. www.gotomeet.me/DanaSjosThe FY 2023 Annual Action trom or dialing in from a phone Plan establishes within this +1 (224) 501-3412, Access broader Consolidated Plan (FY Code 169-900-933 at the above 2020-2024) the basis for the noted meeting time. use of entitlement funds for the If you plan to attend the public period of July 1, 2022 – June hearing and have special needs, 30, 2023. The primary purpose please contact the Department of this hearing is to receive of Housing at (901) 222-7600 comments on the proposed FY by 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 6, 2024 Annual Action Plan. Shelby 2023 and we will work to accomCounty received notice of the modate you. Resident input and formula allocations on February public participation are strongly 28, 2023 for the upcoming encouraged. program year. Shelby County The proposed Annual Plan expects to submit the Annual for July 1, 2023 through June Plan for FY 2023 to HUD on or 30, 2024 will be available for before May 15, 2023 following public review from April 1, 2023 a 30-day review and comment through April 30, 2023 online at period. https://www.develop901.com/ Annual Plan (PY 2023)- ACTUAL FUNDING PUBLISHED ALLOCATIONS ON 02/27/23 Anticipated Resources

CDBG

HOME

Total Funds

Actual Allocation

$ 1,169,819.00

$ 427,756.00

$ 1,642,575.00

Prior Year Unallocated

$ 100,000.00

$ 25,000.00

$ 125,000.00

Match

$

$ 106,370.10

$ 106,370.10

Program income

$ 30,000.00

$ 20,000.00

$ 50,000.00

TOTAL AVAILABLE

$ 1,299,763.00

$ 624,126.10

$ 1,923,945.10

Project Name

CDBG

HOME

TOTAL

Housing Rehab/ Minor Home Repair

$ 230.855.20

$ 505,937.05

$ 736,792.25

CHDO Setaside

$

$ 70,914.00

$ 70,914.00

Community Development/ Infrastructure Projects

$550,000.00

$

$ 550,000.00

Public Service

$75,000.00

$

$ 75,000.00

Program Delivery

$210,000.00

$

$ 210,000.00

Administration and Planning

$233,963.80

$ 47,275.60

$ 281,239.40

TOTAL

$ 1,299,819.00

$ 624,126.65

$ 1,923,945.65

Budget Considerations: The above budget summary represents the formula allocations announced February 27, 2023.

No expected changes from HUD are anticipated.

Allocation Plan: Shelby County Department of Housing has also prepared an Allocation Plan to utilize HOME American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds intended to assist individuals and households that are experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness, and other vulnerable populations. SCDH will provide an update on this process and highlight its approved Allocation Plan that was developed in coordination with community input and stakeholder engagement after receiving notice HOME-ARP CPD-21-10 published September 2022. This public hearing serves as opportunity to share program initiatives and gather feedback on meeting the needs of any and all types of qualified populations.

The hearing will also provide an update on current activities under the CDBG and HOME Programs, information on Section 3 contracting opportunities, and will provide information on other programs operated by

SCDH. Persons wishing to comment on the FY 2023 Annual Action Plan, HOME-ARP Allocation Plan, or the Substantial Amendment to the FY 2022 Annual Action Plan may do so by writing to Dana Sjostrom via email (dana. sjostrom@shelbycountytn.gov), or written comment via mail to Shelby County Department of Housing, 6465 Mullins Station Road, Memphis, TN 38134. For additional information contact the Department of Housing at 901-222-7600 or TTY at 901222-2300.

The Shelby County Department of Housing does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision of services. Equal opportunity/equal access provider.

Para mas información en Español, por favor llame Dana Sjostrom al 901-222-7601.

Lee Harris Mayor Scott Walkup, Administrator Shelby County Department of Housing

a.m. on April 7, 2023, 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 “CORRECTION” 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: Thomas Hewgley Tax Parcel #: 01700900000100 Tax Sale #: 1704 Price Offered: $48400.00 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 April 7, 2023, 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 “CORRECTION” 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 fol-

lowing property: Marshall Odum Tax Parcel #: 05001300000530 Tax Sale #: 1002 Price Offered: $1012.50 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 April 7, 2023, 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

SPORTS The New Tri-State Defender, March 16 - 22, 2023, Page 10

Tigers guard Emani Jefferson looks to find her way to the basket against East Carolina.

David Roddy of the Grizzlies the hero of the game sprints pass Tim Hardaway Jr of the Mavericks and scores. (Photos: Warren Roseborough/The New Tri-State Defender)

Grizzlies rolling with Roddy

Morant suspension lifts next week Associated Press

Desmond Bane scored 23 points and the Memphis Grizzlies won a second consecutive game against Dallas with all three All-Stars out, beating the Mavericks 104-88 on Monday night.

Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving were out for Dallas with injuries, and Ja Morant remained away from the Grizzlies because of his issues off the court.

Doncic is dealing with a left calf strain that required an MRI, which revealed no significant damage. Irving has right foot soreness.

With all three absent just as they were in Memphis’ 112-108 victory Saturday to start the home-and-home, rookie David Roddy played a big role for the Grizzlies again.

The 23rd overall draft pick scored 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting two nights after getting 17 of his career-high 24 points in the fourth quarter, when Memphis erased an 11-point deficit.

There was no need for a late rally in the rematch after the Grizzlies opened the second half with a 12-0 run and outscored Dallas 36-21 in the third quarter, when the Mavs shot 31%.

“I challenged the guys at halftime to understand we had just beaten this team two days ago,” Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said. “They were going to come in with a reinvigorated spirit to try to beat us on their home floor.”

Rookie Jaden Hardy scored 28 points for the Mavericks, who dropped under .500 for the first time since December. Josh Green was the only other Dallas player in double figures with 23.

The Mavs, who paired Irving with Doncic by giving up two starters and a first-round pick in the blockbuster trade with Brooklyn, are currently in the play-in tournament with 13 games remaining a year after reaching the Western Conference finals.

David Roddy of the Grizzlies being congragulated by team mates for rallying his team pass Dallas.

The Grizzlies, comfortably in the top six in the West, won a third consecutive game after losing the first two of Morant’s sabbatical.

Morant is away from the team after posting a video recently in which the 23-year-old two-time All-Star appeared to be displaying a gun at a Denver-area strip club.

“We’ve had internal dialogue for sure,” Bane said. “We knew roles would be different and guys that maybe didn’t have an opportunity before we’re going to get one. Guys have been staying ready all year long.”

On Wednesday, it was announced that Morant would be back with the Grizzlies next week, after the NBA handed out an eight-game suspension without pay, saying his displaying a firearm at the club in suburban Denver was “conduct detrimental to the league.”

Morant missed his sixth consecutive game when the Grizzlies played in Miami on Wednesday night. He will miss the next two games at San Antonio on Friday and home against Golden State on Saturday – then be eligible to return on Monday when Memphis plays Dallas, though he is not expected to play that night.

The games he already missed will count toward the suspension, and Morant will forfeit about $669,000 in salary.

“Ja’s conduct was irresponsible, reckless and potentially very dangerous,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “It also has serious consequences given his enormous following and influence, particularly among young fans who look up to him.”

Silver met with Morant in New York before announcing the league’s decision. Other league officials, as well as representatives from the National Basketball Players Association, were part of that meeting.

Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said he doesn’t expect Morant to play Monday, saying the team is “going to be respectful of the time off he’s had.”

Roddy, who played three seasons at Colorado State, now has the two highest-scoring games of his career in consecutive outings. He was a 42 percent shooter before making 18 of 24 from the field in these two games.

“He made some big ones in Memphis and maybe we should have run him off, but understanding running him off puts us in a bind,” Kidd said.

Dillon Brooks scored 19 points, and Santi Aldama had 10 points and nine rebounds. ... Memphis ended a three-game road losing streak and won for just the second time in 13 games away from home.

Strong season for Merriweather’s Tigers yields WNIT post-season invite

by Liaudwin Seaberry Jr.

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

On Sunday evening, the University of Memphis women’s basketball team received the news that they were one of 32 automatic qualifying teams for the Women’s National Invitational Tournament.

They will square off against the SWAC’s Jackson State on March 16 at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse Thursday evening at 7 p.m.

With a record of 20-10, Memphis finished 2nd in the American Athletic Conference.

When number 1 seed South Florida fell in the first round of the American Athletic Conference tournament last Tuesday afternoon, it resulted in an opportunity for Katrina Merriweather and her Memphis Tigers squad to conquer the remaining field.

Memphis took care of Central Florida, winning a close contest 4846. However, their run ended in the semifinals against East Carolina, as they were defeated 69-60. As of now, their record stands at 20-10, which represents their first 20-win season in 2012.

Despite the setback, Tigers coach Katrina Merriweather appreciated her team’s efforts and was support-

ive of her squad’s ability to participate in the postseason.

She tweeted on March 13, “Today was tough. When you are committed to a goal it hurts even more. The cool part is…. This team EARNED the opportunity to continue their season.”

That chance will occur in the WNIT, representing the team’s first appearance in postseason tournament play since 2016.

Led by senior guards Jamirah Shutes and Madison Griggs, the Tigers lost just 4 conference games the entire season and finished 2nd in AAC play. Memphis had not won more than 10 conference games in a season since 2016.

In addition to the team success, freshman post player Destiny Thomas received All-Freshman Team honors, Shutes was named to the All-AAC Second Team, and Griggs received All-AAC Third Team honors.

Merriweather described Shutes to be “as tough as they come” and “a privilege to coach” following Shutes’s performance against East Carolina. Shutes scored her 1,500 point against the Pirates.

With the Tigers reaching milestones not obtained in over a decade, the future is bright with Merriweather at the helm.

Center Jada Wright lays the ball off the glass to try and get Memphis back into the game. Despite her efforts, Memphis fell 69-60. (Photos: UofM, Twitter)