The New Tri-State Defender - April 6-12, 2023

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VOL. 72, No. 14

April 6 - 12, 2023

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Rep. Pearson and ‘Tennessee Three’ drawing support TSD Newsroom Rep. Justin Pearson and two other Democratic state legislators – now being called the “Tennessee Three” after their involvement in a House protest that has triggered an ouster move

by Republicans – are getting mounting support.

Pearson, along with Democratic Reps. Gloria Johnson and Justin Jones face possible expul-

sion for taking to the front of the House and chanting back and forth with gun control supporters, who packed the gallery days after The Covenant School shooting in Nashville that killed six people, including three children.

House Speaker Cameron Sexton, a Republican, quickly promised the lawmakers would face consequences, warning he would not allow them to set a new precedent for breaking deco-

rum.

Three Republicans members filed resolutions to expel Johnson, Jones and Pearson and successfully set the deciding vote for Thursday.

In Memphis, a caravan of supporters was set to head for the state capitol early Thursday morning.

SEE PEARSON ON PAGE 2

Rep. Justin Pearson spoke Tuesday at the National Civil Rights Museum during the commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in Memphis on April 4, 1968. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/ GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)

Remembering Dr. King – 55 years after that day

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

At the 55th commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s death Tuesday (April 4) about 500 attendees enjoyed exceptional music arrangements of traditional spirituals, gospel favorites, and words of hope.

Set on the terrace of the National Civil Rights Museum, home of the Lorraine Motel, where King was assassinated at 6:01 p.m. April 4, 1968, dynamic speakers inspired the enthusiastic crowd with words of encouragement and a reminder that new challenges are faced in a 21st-century world.

Tuesday’s commemoration was both solemn and uplifting.

A video greeting from Andrew Young, a former United States ambassador to the United Nations and a close King confidant, and keynote address from one of the leading voices in “Black Theology” drew from King’s last speech in Memphis, the night before his slaying, commonly called the “I Have a Dream” speech.

Keynote speaker, Dr. Otis Moss III, pastor of Chicago’s Trinity United Church of Christ,

The men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., of which Dr. King was a member, pay tribute to his life and legacy. (Photo by Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender) challenged attendees with a question, both rhetorical and practical: “Can America Be Saved?”

“Before Dr. King died, he planned to preach a sermon entitled, ‘Why America May Go to Hell,’” said Moss. “Dr. King was a radical…

And I want to draw from his message and ask, ‘Can America Be Saved?’”

Moss noted the rise in white supremacy em-

bodied in “Make America Great Again.”

“I have a question for those in this movement,” said Moss. “When you say ‘Make America Great Again,’ I want to know which year you’re talking about.

“Are you talking about 1955 when I didn’t have the right to vote? Are you talking about back before women could vote. Or are you

talking about 1853? I want to know what year you are talking about.”

Moss questioned the sense of equality in public policy.

“Public health authorities continue to sound the alarm on the opioid epidemic because so

SEE KING ON PAGE 2

Neighbors help neighbors after tornadoes devastate Wynne, Ark.

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Annetta Nelson and George Nelson survey the damage of the house where their teenage grandson was injured. (Photo: Dr Sybil C. Mitchell/The New Tri-State Defender)

Tornadoes unleashed their fury across the Midwest and South March 31, leaving a path of destruction that also ravaged Wynne, Arkansas.

The twister killed four people there and a left many injured. The storm left a trial of destruction, destroying or damaging scores of homes, businesses, and vehicles.

Tuesday, residents described the horror of that day, while showing resilience and determination to rebuild.

Wynne, the seat of Cross County, is on U.S. 64 about 50 miles west of Memphis.

Tuesday (April 4), as events in Memphis commemorated the 55th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Something remarkable was happening in Wynne. Residents there united across racial lines to sift through the wreckage left by the tornado, despite a troubled past of racial strife.

The scene was a reflection of Dr. King’s “beloved community,” come to life. And it was something to behold.

“Oh, we gone be alright,” said Arnetta Nelson. “We helping each other through it. And if you think this is something, you ought to go over to the high school.

“Folks over there have gotten together to start clearing out everything. Our children lost their high school. Wynne High School is gone.”

Many were left homeless and without transportation, as houses and vehicles lay flattened under the weight of massive trees pulled up by their roots.

Sheryl Light, 57, did not survive the onslaught of 165-mile winds that destroyed her daughter’s home. Light and Nelson shared a 15-year-old grandson, Courtney Basser.

Basser was injured when the tornado pulled him from the house and pummeled him with

SEE STORM ON PAGE 2

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PEARSON

CONTINUED FROM FRONT Pearson and Jones are both first-term lawmakers. Johnson has served in the House since 2019 after previously being elected to the chamber for a term in 2013. All three have been highly critical of GOP leadership.

In a released statement, the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators voiced its objection to “any effort to expel members for making their voices heard to end gun violence. This political retribution is unconstitutional and, in this moment, morally bankrupt.”

The Caucus statement also included this reference: “The people who elected us are calling for meaningful action to end gun violence and the people have a right to be heard through their duly elected representatives. The House Speaker should be leading a real, bipartisan discussion to generate reforms that could stop the next school shooting.”

House Minority Leader Karen Camper described her Democratic colleagues’ actions as “good trouble,” a nod to late U.S. Rep. John Lewis’ guiding principle on civil disobedience.

“When I saw thousands of people – mostly children and teenagers – protesting and demanding action from us after

the slaying of six innocent people, including three 9-yearold children, it was impossible to sit idly by and continue with business as usual,” Pearson wrote in a letter to House members on Monday.

House Democrats, who number just 23 vs. 75 Republicans, say the GOP is more eager to take action against colleagues than address gun access and other systemic issues that led to the fatal shooting in Nashville.

In Memphis, students have been demanding action, with some walking out.

The Rev. Dr. Earl J. Fisher, founder of UPTheVote 901 voiced support for growing efforts to back Pearson, Johnson and Jones and those calling on the lawmakers to act affirmatively to curb gun violence.

“It is the people responding to the ridiculous and regressive white nationalist congressional supermajority,” he said. “They seek to expel duly elected congressional officials for exercising their duly protected First Amendment right to Protest. It’s only right that the people show up, stand up and speak up in support of Pearson, Jones and Johnson.

“In fact, if the expulsion passes in a completely partisan vote, the entire Black Democratic Caucus should protest on the house floor and force them to expel them all.”

Deidre Malone, president

April 6 - 12, 2023

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NEWS

of the National Women’s Political Caucus Tennessee, noted that Johnson is the group’s past president.

“These three advocated for gun reform and school safety issues as elected officials,” said Malone in a statement. “Their constituents voted for them to go to Nashville to represent their interest. The legislature should NOT remove them from office for doing what they were elected to do: be the voice of those they represent.”

She said the trio’s voices should be heard and called upon the House to “act in the best interest of this state’s residents and make gun reform and school safety a priority.”

Gloria Sweet-Love, president of the State NAACP Conference, said, “These elected officials are doing their jobs advocating for gun reform laws in our state. These laws continue to put us all in danger. …

“The NAACP State Conference stands with these elected officials and are asking residents across the state of Tennessee to call and email the Leader Sexton and ask him to rescind his efforts….”

If Johnson, Jones or Pearson are expelled, the county commissions in their districts would get to pick replacements to serve until a special election in several months.

The three would remain eligible to run in those.

The parents of Tyre Nichols were on hand for Tuesday’s commemoration at the National Civil Rights Museum. (Photo by Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)

KING

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

Wynne High School was totally destroyed by the storm. (Photos: Dr Sybil C. Mitchell/The New Tri-State Defender)

STORM

CONTINUED FROM FRONT pieces of metal and other debris.

Courtney made a full recovery, but his “Grandma Light” was not as fortunate.

“We were told that Courtney’s leg got stuck in the closet door, and the tornado pulled him out of the house,” said Arnetta Nelson. “They dug him out from under all this wreckage. Police officers took him to the hospital. That’s where we finally found Courtney.”

According to surviving relatives in the house, the tornado sirens were going off. Everyone ran to the closet, but there was not enough room for all five people in the “tiny space.”

“When Sheryl went to get in, there just wasn’t any room,” said Nelson. “Sheryl told them, ‘Just make sure all the children get inside. I’ll be all right.’ Sheryl then went back into the living room, according to what they told us.

Only the closet was left standing when the tornado swept through.”

Basser was in the closet at first. But as the sound of a speedy train grew louder and louder, Nelson said her grandson opened the closet door and ran to look out of the front window.

The tornado was right there.

Basser turned and ran back to the closet, only getting his leg in before the twister hit.

During the immediate operation of search and rescue on Friday evening, police and volunteers went through the rubble and found both Basser and Light.

“Sheryl died protecting the children in the house,” Nel-

First Baptist Church in Wynne was heavily damaged in front. son said. “But that was how Sheryl was. That is exactly the thing she would have done.

We haven’t had time to really grieve, just dealing with it all.

We had to tell Courtney his grandma didn’t make it. The whole thing was so traumatic for him.”

Nelson’s husband, George Nelson, stood on the concrete foundation of what used to be his uncle’s house.

“My uncle died and left us this house,” said George Nelson. “There were people living in it, including our grandson.

He had been in the hospital since Friday night, but now he’s back home with his mother. One thing about tornadoes, they don’t discriminate. Everybody got hit, Black, white, everybody.”

As Nelson spoke, a man wearing a Tyson Food shirt asked people if they would like a hot meal as they walked by the company’s truck.

City crews removed trees and cut down branches on the verge of falling and causing more damage.

Other crews joined them from as far as Missouri to help

residents pick up the pieces of their lives.

Strangers shuttled families in ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) to the junior high school, where the now homeless are being sheltered and fed.

Some made their way over to the Walmart where hot meals were served.

“We just taking it day by day,” said Arnetta Nelson. “We come back and see what we can do. You do what you can and save the rest for tomorrow.

Tomorrow will always look a little better than today.”

Wynne Public Schools has started a recovery fund to rebuild the school. Federal dollars have been allotted to the city to support rebuilding efforts.

Just across from a chaotic scene of flattened houses where clean-up crews worked, a basketball goal was left standing.

Several boys shot hoops.

Their laughter and trash talk seemed remarkably mundane against the backdrop of disaster.

Kids were just being kids.

many people are dying,” Moss said. “But just a few years back, the crack epidemic was destroying communities, and nobody said a word.”

Moss likened the ills of modern-day America to “midnight.”

“The bad news is that it is midnight,” said Moss. “…And also, the good news is that it’s midnight. Because when it is midnight, there is darkness, but we also know that morning has already come.”

Moss’ hopeful tone was also evident in Young’s video message.

“It has been 55 years since I stood on the balcony with my good friend and brother,” said Young. “…The spirit of Elijah was taken up to heaven in a chariot. That’s the image that stuck with me as I saw Dr. King’s body lying there on the ground —still, not moving… “... Practically everyone has access to a phone camera. A nation watched video of Derek Chauvin take George Floyd’s life, while four other officers stood by and did nothing.

“Some things are different, but the old fights are the same.

Let’s stay involved and keep Dr. King’s dream alive. King’s presence is still here with us.”

Asst. Attorney General Kristen Clarke with the U. S. Department of Justice touted the accomplishments of the department under the Biden administration.

“We secured convictions for all three men who killed Ahmaud Arbery,” said Clarke.

“Voter suppression and voter discrimination is still rampant.

People are dying because of the unjustified violence of the police.

“We are holding law enforcement officials accountable for their actions. We have charged all four officers in the murder of Breona Taylor.

“Banks here in Memphis are still red-lining, and we will continue to fight it.”

NCRM President Dr. Russ Wigginton was the evening’s emcee.

Portions of Dr. King’s speech was heard just before the traditional six bells rang at 6:01 p.m., the moment an assassin’s bullet hit its target.

It’s a King Day tradition to

recount the words of King’s last public address in Memphis. It is the “Mountaintop” speech: “…And then I got to Memphis. And some began to say the threats, or talk about the threats that were out. What would happen to me from some of our sick white brothers? “…Well, I don’t know what will happen now. We’ve got some difficult days ahead.

But it doesn’t matter with me now. Because I’ve been to the mountaintop. And I don’t mind.

“Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will.

“And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you.

“But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land.

And I’m happy, tonight. I’m not worried about anything.

I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”

The New Tri-State Defender

April 6 - 12, 2023

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NEWS

In the spirit of Dr. King …

The April 4th Foundation …

Rorie Trammel, associate director of the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change, was the honoree during the 2023 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Human Rights Award Program at the University City Bluff Room on Monday (April 4).

Cortney Richardson (above) spoke during the program. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

The April 4th Foundation held its 23rd Annual Commemorative Awards at the Memphis Hilton on April 4th. Dr. Fredrick Douglass Haynes III of Friendship West Baptist Church in Dallas was presented the 2023 “I AM A Man” award and delivered the keynote address. The Open Door Awards were presented to Rosalind Withers, Dr. Inetta F. Rogers and Fuller Story of Franklin, Tenn. Johnson Saulsberry is the founder and chairman of the foundation. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New TriState Defender)

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PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, April 6 - 12, 2023, Page 4

Look who’s going to the moon!

Things to know about the first Black astronaut to fly around the moon

by Kalyn Womack Theroot.com

The last mission sending a crew of astronauts to fly around the moon was in 1972.

Monday, NASA announced their latest lunar mission which will make history assigning the first woman and African American astronaut to the moon crew, according to The Associated Press.

The lunar mission is simply to fly around the moon and come back to earth. The report says their launch is planned for no later than 2024. The complete crew in NASA’s Orion capsule will be Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch (who is the record holder for the longest spaceflight by a woman), Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency and the man of the hour, Victor Glover.

Master of Science in Systems Engineering from Naval Postgraduate School in 2009.

Then, he obtained a final Master’s degree in Military Operational Art and Science at Air University, Montgomery in 2010.

Seasoned veteran Glover has an expansive military career.

He began in the Navy in 1999, became a Naval Aviator in 2001, worked as a test pilot in the F/A-18 Hornet and was deployed with the Blue Blasters of Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-34. During deployment is when he completed his Space Systems Certificate.

According to NASA’s website, Glover was serving as a Legislative Fellow for John McCain in the Senate when he was called to join the Astronaut Group 21 team in 2013.

Extensive education

His role in Artemis II

Glover obtained a Bachelor of Science in General Engineering from California Polytechnic State University in 1999. He got his Master of Science in Flight Test Engineering at Air University on the Edwards Air Force Base in 2007 and another

Glover will be the pilot of the lunar mission. The goal os the mission is to prove the Orion “spacecraft’s life-support systems and validate the capabilities and techniques needed for humans to live and work in deep space,” according to Cal Poly school

From Senate to space

stands for “I know everything.” The callsign was given to him by a former commanding officer.

Reactions to his new assignment

Coming to NASA Let’s be clear, this isn’t Glover’s first time going to space. He’s accumulated over 3,000 flight hours during his career.

When Glover was chosen to become a member of the 21st NASA astronaut class, he completed a series of trainings over the next two years that prepared him to take flight. As of now, he completed 168 days in orbit, participated in four spacewalks and was the first Black astronaut to complete a long-term stay on the International Space Station for Expedition 64, serving as a flight engineer.

Here’s everything to know about the first Black astronaut to go to the moon.

NASA astronaut Victor Glover was the Expedition 64 flight engineer. He is pictured inside Japan’s Kibo laboratory module installing research gear designed to develop a biological model to study the effects of spaceflight on musculoskeletal disease. (Photo: NASA)

The crew of NASA’s Artemis II mission (left to right): NASA astronauts Christina Hammock Koch, Reid Wiseman (seated), Victor Glover, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen. (Photo: NASA) officials, via KSBY. Glover was previously served as pilot and second-in-command on the SpaceX Crew Dragon which launched in November 2020 and returned in May 2021.

Nicknamed for his knowledge According to The New York Times, Glover’s colleagues refer to him as “Ike” which

Glover appeared overjoyed at the announcement. He said being picked was like winning the lottery, per CBS News “Wait, wait! We won the astronaut Powerball. We know how big this moment is, and I personally feel it’s so much bigger than me or my name being attached to it,” he said. In a joke he said he felt like Denzel Washington should be the one on stage.

An announcement like this surely must feel like a something out of a movie.

Glover said this was an important moment in human history and that it is the next step in the journey that gets humanity to Mars.

Glover’s father, Victor Glover Sr. was also excited and a little emotional finding out the good news about his son’s next adventure.

“Obviously I had tears in my eyes. I was wiping the tears away,” said Glover, Sr. “When you hear kids talk about, ‘I want to be president. I want to be an astronaut.’

I can point to my son and say, well, he did it.”

A Women’s History Month reflection: Tennessee Senate honors 30

by Deidre Malone

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

In early March, I received an email from Tennessee State Democratic Caucus Chairwoman London Lamar, inviting me to join her and other state senators to celebrate the accomplishments of women as a part of Women’s History Month.

As I continued to read the email, it stated that the Caucus was hosting a Women’s History Maker Tea in honor of extraordinary women in our state.

The email then stated that I had been nominated by state Sen. Sara Kyle for my historic accomplishments and outstanding contributions to my community and our state.

I was truly honored and humbled by the nomination, but little did I realize the caliber of women, who would also be honored that day.

No one knew who else was being recognized in the Senate gallery on

March 30. We all just knew that we had to be there no later than 7:45 a.m. that morning.

My oldest son, Patrick accompanied me to the Cordell Hull Building to accept this honor. As we walked towards Rep. John Lewis Way Avenue, we saw hundreds of young people gathering with signs for a rally.

We did not know at the time the nature of the rally.

As we walked down the street, I recognized Memphis and Shelby County School Board Commissioner Stephanie Love. I stopped her and asked her if she was being honored by the Senate and she said “Yes.” At that point, I felt a level of comfort because at least I knew someone else from Memphis and Shelby County was being honored.

As we passed through security and moved into the area where the Senate convenes, there were crowds of young people, mothers with their young children, teenagers, college students, peacefully holding up signs

asking for gun reform.

When we made it to the Senate door and was welcomed by Sen. Lamar, that’s when I noticed all the wonderful women from Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville and other parts of the state, who were being honored.

From Memphis and Shelby County, past president of the National Women’s Political Caucus of Tennessee Adrienne Pakis Gillon, community activist Joanne Street, Senior Policy Advisor for Shelby County Government Jerri Green and Memphis Po-

lice Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis.

Also, City of Memphis Finance Chief Shirley Ford, City of Memphis Chief Communications Officer Allison Fouche, City of Memphis Chief Operating Officer Chandell Ryan, City of Memphis Chief Legal Officer Jennifer Sink, City of Memphis Chief Human Resources Officer Alex Smith, City of Memphis Fire Chief Gina Sweat, and Shelby County Commissioner and Women’s Foundation President Shante Avant.

Other honorees that I recognized included the former Mayor of Knox-

ville Madeline Rogero, Nashville Davidson County Juvenile Court Judge Sheila Calloway and Worthington Advisory Principal Jacky Akbari from Nashville.

The Senate Democratic Caucus honored our group with a beautiful tea luncheon at YaYa’s in Nashville and provided each honoree with a resolution from the Senate.

I’m grateful for the honor, but again humbled to be recognized by state Sens. Lamar, Kyle, Raumesh Akbari, Heidi Campbell, Charlene Oliver, and Jeff Yarbo.

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The New Tri-State Defender

April 6 - 12, 2023

NEWS

Page 5

“The time has come for us to civilize ourselves by the total, direct and immediate abolition of poverty.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in “Where do we go from Here: Chaos or Community.” (1967)

House of Mtenzi Museum extends helping hands The House of Mtenzi Museum and its supporters are not strangers when it comes to reaching out to the homeless and those in need. Mindful of the focus on the 55th commemoration of the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis on April 4, 1968, helping hands were extended outside the museum at 1289 Madison Avenue. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)

The New Tri-State Defender, April 6 - 12, 2023, Page 6

(Photos: Will Weeks/The New Tri-State Defender)

Cossitt Library’s ‘soft’ opening reflects hard times of civil rights in Memphis

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

A ceremonial opening of Downtown Memphis’ Cossitt Library paid tribute to six African-American lawyers, represented teens arrested in lunch counter sit-ins and public library protests during civil rights protests in the 1960s.

The Tuesday (April 4) tribute was among the events commemorating the 55th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. The tribute included a mural unveiling of the brilliant legal minds, who worked with the NAACP Legal Defense.

Some of those arrested participating in civil rights protests offered first-hand accounts of how the attorneys in court repeatedly fought for their release.

“Every time we were arrested, those attorneys were right there,” said former Tennessee state representative Johnnie Turner. “We just kept going back and protesting as soon as we got out, going back and getting arrested.

“It was all because as young people, we wanted to live in a world where everyone could walk together, where everyone would be equal. Those attorneys believed in what we were doing.”

Portrayed on the mural by the highly sought after artist, Anthony D. Lee, are Ben Jones, James F. Estes, A.W. Willis, Russell Sugarmon, Benjamin Hooks, and Odell Horton.

The library will officially reopen on April 11.

The Cossitt Branch closed in 2018 for planned renovations to its historic structure. The library still sits at its original location on the corner of Front Street and Monroe Avenue.

African Americans were not allowed to use the library up through 1958. That’s when Jesse Turner Sr., a former county commissioner and former treasurer for the National NAACP, sued the city for denying him equal access to library materials.

Frequent sit-ins and protests in support of Turner’ s suit helped to open the library to everyone.

Demonstrators often targeted the library as a way to place a national spotlight on the segregated South. Some returned for the event on April 4 as a way of remembering the cost of fighting for equal rights.

Evander Ford boosted the fight for equal rights through his work on voter registration.

“I thought I wanted to go into politics until I saw how much work goes into winning a seat in public office,” said Ford. “I was a student at LeMoyne-Owen College where we planned a number of sit-ins. We could always be assured that if we did get locked up, we’d stay locked up for long. And it was all because of the attorneys who represented us.”

Also recognized were “The Memphis 13,” first-graders who integrated Memphis schools in 1961.

“I started school at Bruce Elementary,” said Menelik Fombi, one of the Memphis 13. “I don’t think any of us kids had any idea about breaking the color barrier. We went to school because our parents sent us to school.”

Fombi is also the eldest son of A.W. Willis. He attended the unveiling and praised the occasion as an event that brought people together.

“Whenever we pay homage to our ancestors, it is a significant event,” said Fombi. “My father and all those other attorneys had to attend law school up north because the University of Tennessee and Memphis State would not accept them. It is good for us to remember all they contributed to the movement and to honor them.”

T.C. Heard remembered coming Downtown with his friend and sitting at a lunch counter.

“We knew they would not serve us, but we just sat right there anyway,” said Heard. “After a while, I called to the waitress and asked about getting service. She said we

could not be served there.

“Two white men … came over and physically threw us out the door. Just as I was hitting the ground, a bus pulled up, and we got on it. I said that’s enough for one day.”

Former school principal Carol Macon Gray said she was only 12, during the sit-ins. But her older brother was very active in the movement.

“We were a close-knit family,” said Gray. “So, there was one particular evening my brother did not come home.

We later found out he had been jailed for sitting in at the library on McLean. He did come home in the next day or two, but it was traumatizing for us. None of my family had ever been to jail.

“The memory of it was so painful that I blocked it out.

When I remembered a few years back of not knowing where he was, I cried, all those years later. To remember was a healing experience. Being here to honor those attorneys is healing as well.”

The New Tri-State Defender

April 6 - 12, 2023

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LITERATURE

Elite Literary Club’s celebration of reading and community uplifting now 100 years strong

by Phyllis Dixon

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

On March 25, 2023, about one-hundred fifty members, family and friends, attended the Elite Literary Club’s one hundredth anniversary reception at the Benjamin Hooks Library.

In March 1923, twenty-four African American women in Memphis founded an organization whose mission is to stimulate the cultural advancement of its members and make contributions to worthwhile projects. The founders intentionally selected the name ‘Elite,’ as a rejection of the inferior labels and subservient roles applied to black women.

At that time, horses outnumbered cars, films were silent, the Peabody Hotel was new, and Beale Street was booming. The founders were homemakers and wives of ministers, attorneys, school principals and other professionals.

Many had been teachers, but by Tennessee law, they couldn’t teach school after marriage – a law that didn’t change until the 1940s. They had only recently gained the right to vote. It was even illegal for women to wear pants.

Today club members come from broad backgrounds with careers as diverse as educators, doctors, lawyers, college professors, engineers, and business owners.

The ladies met monthly to discuss books, poetry, music, plays and current events.

The club was also a place for members to fellowship. Segregation was rigid in Memphis, and African Americans were limited in where they could shop and dine, and attendance at theaters, auditoriums, and libraries was restricted.

Therefore, Black people created their own social clubs. Clubs such as the Goldsmith Colored Employees Club and the Chauffeur’s Service Club have been relegated to history. However, Elite remains, and is believed to be the oldest African American book club in continuous operation in Memphis.

The club has read and discussed hun-

dreds of books, in genres ranging from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s sermon collection

to steamy romance novels. Elite prioritizes supporting local authors, several of whom, were in attendance.

Members have attended plays, musical performances and traveled as a group. In addition, Elite has donated to organizations such as the United Negro College Fund, LeMoyne-Owen College, the YWCA Greater Memphis, the Urban League, March of Dimes, Hattiloo Theatre, Stax Academy and has held an NAACP Life Membership since 1987.

Mayors Lee Harris and Jim Strickland, as well as Congressman Steve Cohen and State Senator London Lamar sent resolutions commending Elite on this occasion.

Award-winning journalist Otis Sanford, commented on the historical relevance and context of this centennial, and led the toast.

Students from the Stax Academy Jazz Ensemble performed and a video highlighting the club’s history was shown. Club photos, programs and other items were on display.

These memorabilia along with additional documents were presented to the library

and will be part of the library’s permanent collection, housed in the fourth floor, Memphis and Shelby County Room.

This historical record will be available for research and added to documents detailing the development of this community, government, economy, culture, and heritage. Assistant Archivist Bonnie Pinkston accepted the collection on behalf of the library.

The club has endured through wars, Jim Crow and segregation, the heyday of Stax Records, the low point of the assassination of Dr. King, the high points of the election of the first Black president, first Black female vice president, first Black female Supreme Court Justice, and the unknowns of a global pandemic.

Through it all, the Elite Literary Club has continued to celebrate reading, while supporting and uplifting the Memphis community, the arts and each other. Elite remains as relevant in the 21st century, as it was 100 years ago.

An “Elite” organization indeed!

COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, April 6 - 12, 2023, Page 8

County Commission appoints a County Clerk special advisor OK given to request a public data dashboard to monitor police, deputies

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Former Memphis City Councilmember Janet Hooks is the follow-through on the commitment Shelby County Commissioners made on Monday (April 3) to temporarily appoint a special advisor to Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert.

Also Monday, commissioners passed a joint ordinance with the Memphis City Council requesting the Shelby County Attorney General’s Office to create a public data dashboard to monitor Memphis Police Department officers’ and Shelby County Sheriff’s deputies’ performance during traffic stops, interactions, and incidents with law enforcement.

Regarding the special advisor for Halbert, commission chair Mickell Lowery broke the news to Halbert with a let-

ter on March 31.

Hooks, who also served as parks director for the City of Memphis, will be tasked with helping right an office that has been marked with turmoil.

Halbert’s first term was underscored by a months-long backlog of vehicle tags and registrations during the pandemic.

Re-elected in August and beginning her second term Sept. 1, things haven’t gone much better.

Last week, commissioners spent most of their briefing with Halbert trying to nail down opening dates for a new office at Poplar Avenue and Quince and a new location at Poplar Plaza.

Both are slated to replace the current office at Poplar Plaza, which closes in June.

On March 29, the commission’s General Government Committee meeting was punctuated by a request for Halbert’s resignation, which was rejected.

The option to appoint a special advisor was the softer of two options. Another proposed resolution would appoint a special counsel to investigate

her performance. It could lead to her removal.

Throughout her tenure as county clerk, Halbert has defended her performance. In addition to claiming she inherited the leasing problem, she has hinted of “illegal” operations within the office as she began her first term.

An audit revealed nothing suspicious.

The dashboard ordinance joins a flurry of ordinances passed by the commission and council to overhaul law enforcement practices, training and oversight following the Jan. 10 death of Tyre Nichols, 29, who was beaten savagely

by Memphis Police officers during a traffic stop near his Hickory Hill home Jan. 7.

The 29-year-old Nichols was aggressively stopped by members of the Memphis Police Department’s now-defunct Scorpion Unit in South Memphis.

The non-binding resolution passed 10-0. It was originally sponsored by Commissioner Edmund Ford Jr., who was joined by several more members.

Commission puts hold on purchase of Metro Plaza

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Shelby County Commissioners opted to table a resolution to purchase the Metro Shopping Plaza on Monday (April 3) after a pitch from Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris failed to answer lingering questions surrounding the proposed $3.5 million deal.

During the commission’s Monday meeting, several commission members cited the lack of a comprehensive redevelopment plan and a lack of community engagement as reasons for their apprehension about the purchase.

Commissioners also felt there has been a lack of communication from the county administration to commissioners about the deal.

“I like the idea of the mayor and his team having individual conversations, bringing those presentations, and really having the community all on the same page when it comes to this property because something definitely needs to be done there,” said Chairman Mickell Lowery.

The property is in Lowery’s commission district.

Located at 432 East E.H. Crump Blvd., just west of Danny Thomas Boulevard, the plaza was once home to numerous shops, meeting places and eateries catering to Soulsville residents during the 1970s and 1980s.

Today, few tenants remain.

Harris said he understood “the discomfort on the part of the commission because this is an unusual circumstance. The county has never invested in a development opportunity, and certainly never invested in a development in the inner city.

“So, this would be a first-of-

a-kind process and opportunity for the county to do its part to clear blight and recruit investment and development in the inner city. It’s never happened before.”

Harris assured commissioners that if a deal was realized, his administration would create an organization devoted to listening to community needs.

He also would extend “complete reign” on decisions regarding the property. However, he also suggested a leap of faith is necessary.

“We could give you an elaborate presentation … to tell you how that process, we expect, would play out,” said Harris. “But we can’t give you any certainty.”

Price has been a major sticking point.

The long-blighted strip mall was appraised at $899,000 two years ago. The owners, Ron and Don Corp., have maintained a firm price on the near-empty property.

The broad range of the numbers has left members searching for the value.

“So, on a roughly $900,000 appraised property, were going to put $3.5 million into demo…?” pondered Commissioner Britney Thornton.

“What is the case that can be made that we should buy into this $3.5 million deconstruction for a plan?”

The agreed-upon price was defended by administration staff, who said the property had seen a variety of valuations upon appraisals, as well as asking prices from the owners. These have soared to upwards of $6 million.

However, the county negotiated the price down to its current $3.5 million.

The cost was also defended

by Lowery, who urged a market-based outlook versus an

appraisal-centric view.

“The price that we’re talking about doesn’t concern me because we get caught up on the appraisals and the price.

The price is what the market drives, not an appraisal.

“Your house could appraise for $100,000, but if it’s in the right area and development is happening in the next five years, you could sell it for $300,000. The market dictates the sale of buildings and property, not an appraisal.”

Yet, all these questions may be moot.

Another offer, also for $3.5 million, was put in by the LeMoyne-Owen College Community Development Corporation more than two years ago.

A Phase I study conducted by the Memphis Downtown Commission revealed the need for remediation to clean up coal ash at the property.

Phase II was recently completed and is under review.

The offer, which has received two extensions, could close this month or fall through.

If it does, a $3.5 million bid from the county has already been agreed to, if it clears the commission.

In 2020, the Memphis City Council passed a resolution naming the neighborhood in immediate need of blight reduction for the purpose of investing in the shopping center.

It was followed by a $1.5 million allotment to the Downtown Memphis Commission to address those concerns. Of the funds, $1.2 million to $1.3 million remain.

While the property continues to decay, several other landmarks in the area have already undergone multi-million-dollar redevelopments or revitalizations, such as the nearby Mason Village, STAX Museum and South City.

(Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)

A three-day push for ‘One Million Black Fathers’ TSD Newsroom A three-day call for “All Black Men & Family” sounded April 1-3. The summons was to the One Million Black Fathers March organized by Parenting With A Purpose, Inc., and Centurion Community Support Center.

Centurion’s Cynthia and Omar Baruti, founder of Parenting With A Purpose, Inc., spearheaded the multi-day event that is envisioned as the starting part of an ongoing initiative.

Baruti emphasized that in 60-plus percent of “Black households there is no father. …

Without the father as the foundation, our children are crumbling.

The official march day was April 3 and featured Dr. Umar Johnson as the guest speak-

er in Robert R. Church Park. Johnson, who refers to himself as Dr. Umar Ifatunde on his Twitter account, is by self-description, a doctor of clinical psychology, a certified school psychologist, author, Pan-Afrikanist, educator, a principal in the Fredrick Douglas Marcus Garvey Academy, a special education consultant, and associated with the National Independent Black Parent Association.

(Visit TSDMemphis.com for the story on his message.)

Things kicked off on April 1 with the Drum Major for Justice Parade, saluting Ekpe Abioto, an author and well-known local “edutainer” known to many for his prowess on African musical instruments, notably drums.

On Sunday (April 2) the emphasis was on the Black Father’s March Gala at the Candle Light Ballroom, 3015 Park Avenue.

The New Tri-State Defender

NOTICE TO BIDDERS Shelby County Government has issued Sealed Bid number I000768, for a Mobile Command Center Truck for the Shelby County Emergency Management Homeland Security Department.

Information regarding this Bid is located on the County’s website at www.shelbycountytn.gov . At the top of the home page, click on the dropdown box under “Business”, Click on “Purchasing” and “Bids” to locate the name of the above-described Sealed Bid. SEALED BID I000768 DUE DATE THURSDAY, MAY 4TH , 2023 @2:30 PM (CST) (SB-I000768) MOBILE COMMAND CENTER TRUCK SHELBY COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT HOMELAND SECURITY Shelby County is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drug-free with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service.

By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

NOTICE TO BIDDERS Shelby County Government has issued Sealed Bid number I000801 High-Capacity Dishwasher. Information regarding this Bid is located on the County’s website at www. shelbycountytn.gov . At the top of the home page, click on the dropdown box under “Business”, Click on “Purchasing” and “Bids” to locate the name of the abovedescribed Sealed Bid. SEALED BID I000801 DUE DATE MONDAY, MAY 8th, 2023 AT 2:00 PM CST (SB-I000801) HIGH-CAPACITY DISHWASHER Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet.goto.com/579030533 You can also dial in using your phone.

(For supported devices, tap a one-touch number below to join instantly.)

United States: +1 (224) 501-3412 - One-touch: tel:+12245013412,579030533#

Access Code: 579-030-533 A mandatory pre-proposal meeting to address questions will be held on Tuesday, April 18th, 2023 at 10:00am (CST) at 201 Poplar Avenue, jail front lobby (Detention Lobby).

Shelby County is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drug-free with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service.

By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

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.

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 The last day to bid for this property was 03/22/2023.

THIS BID OFF WAS PREVIOUSLY ADVERTISED FOR APRIL 7, 2023, A COUNTY HOLIDAY. IT WILL BE RESCHEDULED FOR APRIL 14, 2023 AT 2:00PM. 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 Building E1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134

April 6 - 12, 2023

Page 9

CLASSIFIEDS Phone # (901)222-1150

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

of any sort.

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

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 #05001400000490 Tax Sale# 903 Price Offered: $843.75 Terms: Cash

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

The last day to bid for this property was 03/22/2023.

Kayla Hansen Tax Parcel #: 01103900000160 Tax Sale #: 804 Price Offered: $$2,500.00 Terms: Cash

THIS BID OFF WAS PREVIOUSLY ADVERTISED FOR APRIL 7, 2023, A COUNTY HOLIDAY. IT WILL BE RESCHEDULED FOR APRIL 14, 2023 AT 10:30AM. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

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 10:00 a.m. on May 5, 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 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:

Didlun Invest LLC Tax Parcel #: 05001200000010 Tax Sale #: 1002 Price Offered: $$1,012.50 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 May 5, 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

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 1075 Mullins Station Building E1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 Phone # (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: Myron Armstrong ll Tax Parcel #: 04304300000010 Tax Sale #: 1803 Price Offered: $$3,500.00 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 May 5, 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

Your Community Needs You! Lift up your community by having regular health checkups & staying up to date on your vaccinations.

Vaccines.gov

SPORTS The New Tri-State Defender, April 6 - 12, 2023, Page 10

TRACKING THE GRIZZLIES

(Photos: Warren Roseborough/The New Tri-State Defender)

Jasmine Carson put in the work to be part of LSU’s national championship team. (Courtesy photo)

Jasmine Carson gives LSU’s national title a Memphis flavor reers and vocations a person can go into. She went dressed like a basketSpecial to The New Tri-State Defender ball player.

“From a very young age, Jasmine Jasmine Carson is the latest to has not wanted to pursue any other prove that you can start in Memphis career except basketball.” and end up at the top of the world.

Carson signed up to play for The 22-year-old Carson was a key award-winning LSU Coach Kim member, and dazzling championship Mulkey as a graduate transfer. She game performer, for the Louisiana earned a bachelor’s degree in ComState University women’s basketmunications from West Virginia Uniball team that captured the NCAA’s versity in May of 2022. women’s basketball tournament title She is currently enrolled as a gradon Sunday (April 2). uate student with an Information SysThe 5’10” guard left it all on the tems and Entrepreneurship major at floor, playing one of the most specLSU. tacular games in her college career.

During her high school career, With 22 points and swishing fiveCarson played two seasons at Memfor-five three-pointers, Carson helped phis Central. The team won a district drive the Louisiana State University championship in her sophomore year.

(LSU) Women’s Basketball Program Carson wrapped up her high school to its first national championship. career at McEachern High School in “I really didn’t feel Powder Springs, Georlike Sunday would be gia, where she averaged different from any oth17 points and three er time on the floor,” steals per game as a sesaid Carson. “But my nior. teammates kept telling After high school, me this was going to be Jasmine played at Geormy night. Well, it was. gia Tech from 2018-20, I just went out there and transferred to West and played as hard as I Virginia to play 2020could.”

22.

Carson was all over Carson declared for the back court, sinking the WNBA draft on baskets from downtown Tuesday.

A young as fans declared, “It’s “I’ve always dreamed Jasmine Carson raining threes.” of playing professionCarson’s shock of al basketball in the blonde hair gave her a unique look WNBA. Since I was a baby even, a as she stepped onto the national stage toddler, I can remember from the first Sunday. time I saw a basketball, I wanted to “April 2 was the night I have play.” worked so hard to achieve,” said CarA 2018 Naismith High School son. “I have practiced beyond what Honorable Mention, Carson was is required because I wanted to get named an Adidas All-American, and better.

3-AAA All-Region Player of the Year “I wanted to get stronger in dein 2018. veloping my abilities on the court. I A three-star ESPN prospect and always knew I could perform like I four-star by Prospect Nation, she also did Sunday night. All I needed was earned a place on the Big 12 Comthe opportunity.” missioner’s Honor Roll.

Reflecting on her eye-popping perCarson has delivered all season formance, Jasmine said she had been as the LSU’s top three-point shootin a scoring slump. ing threat. During the Feb. 19 game “…But I always trust my hard against Florida, Carson shot a cawork … I never stopped working and reer-high 25 points, nailing seven stopped believing in myself. So, you three-pointers. know, that night it was just an unbe“I wanted to be part of a winning lievable atmosphere… when I had team,” said Carson. “It was such a my opportunity and I took it … and I wonderful journey, playing with our displayed what I can do when someremarkable team. I felt like we could body’s given an opportunity.” really go all the way.

Jasmine’s parents are Bryan and “Sunday was our day for dreams Felicia Carson. She has one sister, coming true. It has been a great honor Bryanna Gale Carson. Gale Jones to play for Hall of Fame Coach Kim Carson, vice president of Community Mulkey.”

Affairs for Memphis Light, Gas and Carson was named to the NCAA Water Division, is her grandmother.

Championship’s All-Tournament “I can remember when Jasmine Team. was only 4 years old,” said Gale The 2023 WNBA Draft will be Jones Carson. “Her pre-K class was held on Monday (April 10) from 6-9 learning about all the different cap.m., CDT.

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Beasts at home, not so much on the road

TSD Newsroom

The Memphis Grizzlies now have reached the 50-win threshold for the second straight season. With a dominating 35-6 record at FedExForum, they finished with the best home record in the NBA for the first time in franchise history.

Win No. 50 came Tuesday night, a less-than-stellar performance against the Portland Trailblazers, who the game as 17.5-point underdogs and already eliminated from the playoffs. Up by four points at the half, the Grizzlies did just enough to grab a 119-109 victory.

A beast at home, it has been a different story on the

road, where Memphis has won only 15 games while losing 23. Holding a two-game lead over third-place Sacramento heading into Wednesday’s road test against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Grizzlies finish the season on the road, with games against the Bucks in Milwaukee and the Thunder in Oklahoma City.

Last Sunday, the Grizzlies took the court in Chicago, looking for a change in their road fortunes with a marchup against the Bulls. TSD photojournalist Warren Roseborough took to the road to chronicle their effort.

It looked good for the Grizzlies for a while, but the end was a downer as Memphis blew a big lead, losing 128-107.