The New Tri-State Defender - May 4-10, 2023

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May 4 - 10, 2023

VOL. 72, No. 18

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Active-shooter scare prompts local calls to do something

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Following recent gun-related incidents, including a shooting on South Highland Tuesday (May 2), the Memphis City Council may be ready to explore ordinances to ban assault weapons and permitless carry within city limits.

Councilmember Jeff Warren suggested the ordinances Tuesday during council meetings. Warren, a physician, said that language on the ordinances is being crafted.

If the ordinances were to pass, they potentially would put the council at loggerheads with the Tennessee leg-

islature, which has enacted some of the loosest gun-carry laws in the nation, such as permit-less carry.

Calling gun violence, a “public health crisis,” Warren said the ordinances would provide “reasonable ways” to decrease firearm-related incidents in Memphis.

“One of the things that we would hope to do is ban automatic weapons, to ban open carry and make sure people who don’t have a permit to carry guns don’t have guns on their person,” Warren told local news outlets.

The impetus for the measures came earlier in the day, while committee meetings were in session, after the FOX13 News station was fired upon.

The suspect then holed up in a nearby restaurant for hours until surrendering to police.

“We’ve got a state government that is not providing us Jeff safety and causWarren ing us a public health crisis by the laws that they have. What we would have to do is litigate for the failure of the state legislature to provide a safe environment for our citizens. Things that are

Jarrad Nathan, 26, appears in Shelby County General Sessions Court on Wednesday, May, 3, 2023. Memphis police said Nathan was charged with aggravated assault and reckless endangerment after a shot was fired into the WHBQ station on Tuesday. (Photo: AP/Adrian Sainz) reasonable and make sense in … rural counties don’t make sense in urban environments,” said Warren.

He was joined by councilmember Chase Carlisle, who likened open carry to a “marketing campaign.”

After saying “repealing” permitless carrying would be a “good start,” he called on the General Assembly to tighten gun control legislation.

Last month, Gov. Bill Lee signed

an executive order to strengthen background checks on gun purchases. He also called on the legislature to pass an order-of-protection law that would prevent people who are a danger to themselves, or others, from buying firearms.

“The city is sick and tired of gun violence and empty rhetoric,” Carl-

SEE SHOOTER ON PAGE 2

One redraw of district lines gets a first-vote OK from Council

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Deanie Parker’s many Stax connections include the tie with singer-songwriter Eddie Floyd, who joined Stax in 1965. (Courtesy photo)

Beale Street to ‘Note’ the fame of Stax anchor Deanie Parker

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music staged a grand 20th-anniversary celebration with the unveiling of new renovations and a special presentation to the “Stateswoman of Stax.”

Deanie Parker was honored with a brass note, which will be added to the “Walk of Fame” on Beale Street.

The former singer and songwriter and Stax executive is credited with facilitating operations of Stax Recording Studio in its heyday.

Parker’s skilled management of marketing, promotions, merchandising, public relations, and other back-office administrations brought her international fame.

To some, Parker was the face of Stax Records.

SEE PARKER ON PAGE 2

Memphis City Council members Tuesday (May 2) passed the first of three votes on a proposed set of new district boundaries before the upcoming Oct. 5 city elections.

Delayed for weeks, the consent agenda item passed on an 8-0-2 vote. It has the backing of Council Chairman Martavius Jones.

However, a vote on a competing set of proposed boundaries was rescheduled to May 15 after it failed on a same-night-minutes vote during the body’s executive session.

“I think we’re going to have a really long discussion if we continue to go this route,” said Vice Chair JB Smiley Jr. “We should be taking a vote on whether to send this to the full council, so we can consider both ordinances together. Or, whether it should be to allow this one (alternative proposed boundaries) to come…two weeks after?”

After two objections, the latter option prevailed.

During the interim, council members will have another round of discussions about the pair of competing boundary proposals.

The council must approve the proposed new district lines on three readings for them to become law.

The set of proposed lines that passed its first vote, drawn with the help of an ad hoc mapping sub-

committee, would create a district for Cordova from what is currently East Memphis District 2.

It also would redraw District 1 mainly within Raleigh, shifting it away from Cordova. All the greater Downtown area, meanwhile, would join District 7. It is currently cleaved with District 6.

The ad hoc group was led by council member Michalyn Easter-Thomas. In addition to other council members, it included a resident from each district. Community members also provided input.

It was the first time residents gave input on district lines.

The other option, sponsored by council member Chase Carlisle, would move one precinct from the northeast corner of District 5 to District 2, which would remain in East Memphis. It was drawn up by council attorney Allan Wade.

A request by council member Jeff Warren for a vote on same-night minutes was rejected after two objections. It would have allowed a first vote during the full meeting later in the day.

If the vote occurred on one or both ordinances’ first readings, a third and final reading would have been scheduled for June 13.

“One of the things we’re looking at is if we are going to change this in time for the next election…if that’s what’s going to happen.

“If it goes down (to the full coun-

SEE LINES ON PAGE 2

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The New Tri-State Defender

May 4 - 10, 2023

Page 2

NEWS

PARKER

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

A purposeful connection…

Earle, Arkansas Mayor Jaylen Smith, who became the youngest mayor in the country when elected last year, was the keynote speaker during the Rise of the 300 induction ceremony held Sunday at the All Occasions Banquet Hall, 6090 Macon Cove. The event was hosted by Stanley Campbell (Cam Mtenzi) and the House of Mtenzi in association with the Ma & 9 Mustard Seeds non-profit. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)

SHOOTER

CONTINUED FROM FRONT isle said.

On April 25, a report from the Memphis-Shelby County Crime Commission reflected a 7.7 percent rise in violent crime in the first quarter of 2023. A 35 percent increase in homicides and a 5.9 percent increase in aggravated assaults are the main drivers.

In the Fox 13 shooting incident, Jarrad Nathan, 26, allegedly fired at the television station at 485 S. Highland Ave. One bullet hit the front glass door and a desk.

He then headed south, where he entered Ubees Restaurant at 521 S. Highland. After speaking with the Memphis Police Department crisis negotiators, he was taken into custody around 1:30 p.m.

During the shooting and standoff, a large area around Highland and the University

LINES

CONTINUED FROM FRONT cil) for first reading, we’ll have an opportunity to vote on it at the same time we vote on the other. We’ll be able to discuss them together,” said Warren.

of Memphis remained on lockdown.

Carlisle’s children attend a school affected by the standoff.

No one was injured during the incident. Nathan is currently undergoing a mental health evaluation.

“He wanted to meet with media. He had a message to send out,” said MPD Deputy Chief Stephen Chandler.

At a Memphis Branch NAACP press conference on Wednesday, President Van Turner Jr. said the inaction by state legislators “has jeopardized, and could potentially jeopardize, many more lives to come.”

A candidate for mayor, Turner pushed for a special July legislative on gun reform.

He also advocated for efforts to address mental health.

On Sunday, April 30, two people were shot in separate incidents.

A shooting occurred at

Beale St. at 3:15 p.m. that left two injured. Archie Mays, 32, was arrested on two counts of aggravated assault. The bloodshed began over an argument with a souvenir cart worker.

About 7:15 p.m. Sunday, an off-duty police officer exchanged gunfire with a suspected car burglar outside of Huey’s restaurant at 4782 Poplar Ave. in East Memphis.

He witnessed several suspects breaking into a Dodge Charger in the parking lot.

After he identified himself, a suspect fired shots. After returning fire, 19-year-old Chase Harris was critically injured.

The others remain at large.

Also at Tuesday’s council meeting, the calls for gun control were juxtaposed by the presence of numerous public attendees, protesting another police-related incident of violence.

On April 23, a Memphis police officer’s stop of motorist Cortavius Claxton alleged-

ly resulted in a broken nose, burst lip, and cracked tooth.

According to the initial police report, the 18-year-old was pulled over for a cracked windshield. The council speakers told council members that a recently passed city ordinance is supposed to ban these kinds of pretextual police stops for minor, non-threatening vehicle violations, which sometimes can lead to physical encounters between motorists and police.

However, an updated police report included accusations of disregarding a four-way stop and failure to use a turn signal.

Passengers were also in Claxton’s vehicle.

Claxton’s mother accused police of slamming her son against a wall during the encounter.

Council Vice Chair J.B. Smiley Jr. has requested video of the incident.

“I’m not sure it makes much sense to delay it for another two weeks because it’s going to be off two weeks. That’s going to make it a little bit harder to initiate this. The election commission can do this. They can’t do a wholesale change for the next election.”

On April 5th, Chairman Jones halted a vote, following a letter from the Shelby County Election Commission denying his request for an extension on the April 14 deadline for approval.

Another vote, scheduled for April 11, also failed to happen.

During the meeting, members asked for more information on the new lines.

Despite blowing the Election Commission’s deadline, Wade has assured members that either map could withstand a legal challenge.

“You know what I was thinking as they were presenting the brass note?”

Parker laughed. “I was saying in my mind, ‘Why in the world am I sitting here?’”

She laughed again.

“But seriously, it was gratifying to be honored in this way,” said Parker. “I was humbled… Never did I want to be out front in the spotlight.

“That’s really why I stopped singing. I always felt my place was behind the scenes, making sure the show out front goes smoothly. When a concert or event was a success, my satisfaction came from knowing I had done my job.”

Parker appreciated the lavish praise she has enjoyed over the years for her work at Stax in the 1970s.

But Jim Stewart and Al Bell are to be commended, she says, for their unwavering support of her role in Stax’s success.

“Jim Stewart (Stax cofounder) and Al Bell (noted Stax producer, songwriter, and executive) gave me an expense account, in case I needed to fly off to Chicago or Los Angeles for an event. I was working as well as learning.

“All my work was from onthe-job training. But I could never have accomplished what I did without the kind of support I was always afforded.”

Parker reflected on that time in 1975 when the music stopped on the corner of McLemore Avenue and College Street.

“When it became clear that Stax wasn’t going to make it, I put away my street clothes,” said Parker. “I got me a Memphis State sweatshirt, a couple pairs of jeans, and I went full-time a whole year to complete my degree.

“All the time I was working at Stax, I was a student at Memphis State (now the University of Memphis). I knew practical experience wouldn’t be enough.

Advertising agencies would want a potential employee to have a degree.”

Now looking back over the decades from those heady, glory days at Stax, Parker laments those years when “music was music.”

“In the studio, there were real horns and guitars,” said Parker. “The instruments were played live by talented musicians.

Singers were singing their songs. You can tell the Stax sound anywhere.

“Now, there are synthesizers

This brass note in recognition of the storied career of former singer and songwriter and Stax executive Deanie Parker will be added to the “Walk of Fame” on Beale Street.

(Courtesy photo) and auto-tuning used in studio sessions. There is something very precious about the authenticity of the process back then that we must never forget.

Stax music stirred the soul.”

Parker’s title at Stax Records was Director of Publicity and Artist Relations.

To ensure that the legacy of Stax Soul lives on beyond the studio’s closing, Parker established the Soulsville Foundation in 2003. She secured funding from national and international sources to make sure Stax would live on.

“I envisioned young people understanding the uniquely created sound of Stax Records,” said Parker. “I really appreciate being honored with the brass note. It is humbling to be remembered in this way.

“But we want to pour into our young people the love for Stax soul music, to analyze it, to study the process. We must pour what we have into the next generation.”

As the first president and CEO of Soulsville Foundation, Parker worked with investors to build the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, the Stax Music Academy, and The Soulsville Charter School.

Parker talked about sensing the end of Stax in 1970.

“It was the beginning of the end, and the best record releases were behind us,” said Parker. “We had experienced the assassinations of the Kennedys and Dr. King. It was too much for us, too much for America…”

This is the period when Parker wrote, “Who Took the Merry Out of Christmas” for the Staple Singers.

“It was time to evolve,” said Parker. “I love what we have here today. The museum celebrates our past, the academy preserves the tradition of creating music, and the promise of Stax will live on.

“May 2 was a glorious day.

Here’s to the next 20 years.”

The New Tri-State Defender

May 4 - 10, 2023

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Page 3

PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, May 4 - 10, 2023, Page 4

No overstating the implications of third-grade reading scores

by Curtis Weathers

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

As we wrap up state TCAP testing this week, I want to congratulate and commend all of our teachers and administrators for the hard work you’ve put in this school year to improve the achievement levels of our children.

Now the waiting begins! This is always an anxious time of the year for educators, this year in particular.

I will be sitting on the edge of my seat over the next several weeks awaiting district and state test reCurtis sults, especially for Weathers third grade reading.

Reading is by far the most important educational skill one can acquire. This is because so much of what is taught in any curriculum is via reading.

Reading proficiently by the end of third grade is a critical marker in a child’s educational development.

Students in third grade who can read well have a fighting chance in their schoolwork going forward. However, those who need help with reading find it increasingly more challenging to catch up or excel.

Tennessee legislators, however, have raised the stakes. The repercussions of the state’s third-grade retention law are about to unfold, and the implications are significant.

Beginning this year, third graders who do not meet a certain threshold on state TCAP exams risk being retain.

Last year, only 34.7% of Tennessee’s third graders were reading proficiently.

Memphis Shelby County Schools officials predict more than 2,700 of its third graders are at risk of being held back under the new third grade retention law.

Researchers continue to study the effects of these retention laws across the nation.

They have found that states with a retention component saw higher gains on endof-year standardized tests than states that did not.

But the states with the most significant gains in test scores had more comprehensive policies, such as additional student support, teacher training, and additional funding.

Opponents argue that holding students back introduces new emotional and social challenges for children and that these policies can disproportionately affect low-income families and students of color.

Tennessee legislators have raised the stakes for third-graders and their families. The repercussions of the state’s third-grade retention law are about to unfold, and the implications are significant. (Photo: Tennessee Department of Education)

But why is third grade so critical?

First, reading is the most important educational skill one can acquire. Without a strong foundation in reading, children are left behind at a critical stage of their educational journey.

Grade 3 learners who can read well continue to flourish in their schoolwork. Those who need help with reading will find it increasingly more challenging to catch up and keep up.

Educational, emotional, and social issues abound for children who are poor readers.

Experts tell us that a child’s reading ability by third grade is the single most significant predictor of future success and is highly correlated with high school completion, socioeconomic status, and lifelong health and wellness.

Children not reading at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school.

Low achievement in reading is also the common denominator in school discipline,

attendance, and juvenile crime.

And finally, research has proven that if a child is not proficient in reading by the end of third grade, there is little to no chance that they will be able to overcome future academic challenges as curricula becomes much more challenging.

The longer you wait to get help for a child with reading difficulties, the harder it will be for the child to catch up.

States across the nation are approaching this issue in various ways. Twenty-five states and the District of Columbia either allow or require districts to hold back students who aren’t reading proficiently by the end of third grade.

Some states have paused their retention requirements or have eliminated them altogether.

Other states like Tennessee are recognizing that retention alone isn’t the solution, but infusing more support strategies might enhance the ability of teachers, schools, and districts to get better results.

Critics of the new retention law believe schools can provide extra support and interventions for kids without holding them back a grade.

Advocates, however, disagree.

Those who support these types of policies say they are necessary in their quest to improve early literacy, triggering additional support services for students who need them and ensuring that all children are ready for the increased load of reading

they’ll be faced with in higher elementary grades, middle and high school.

While I support the underlying intent of Tennessee’s third grade retention law, it is far from perfect in its current form. My concerns mirror those of so many others: First, it is wholly unfair (almost immoral) to retain an 8-year-old child based on one test score from a standardized achievement test that was never meant to be used in such a manner.

Second, the sheer number of third graders who could be retained. MSCS is projecting over 2,700 students for the 2022/23 school year.

Third, studies that show elementary school retentions are counterproductive (and even harmful), disproportionately impact students of color, and can widen achievement gaps.

Fourth, the failure to adequately address students with learning disabilities, which is the cause of many, if not most reading deficiencies.

We are about to embark upon a cosmic shift in policy and practice regarding the implications of third grade reading successes and/or failures. The stakes couldn’t be higher. There is more to come regarding this issue. I just hope we eventually get it right.

(Follow me, TSD’s education columnist, on Twitter @curtisweathers. Email me at curtislweathers@gmail.com.)

It is wholly unfair (almost immoral) to retain an 8-year-old child based on one test score from a standardized achievement test that was never meant to be used in such a manner.

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The New Tri-State Defender

May 4 - 10, 2023

RELIGION

Page 5

Fifth-year anniversary finds Mt. Vernon pastor reflective, resolved

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tr-State Defender

Five years into his pastorship of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church-Westwood, the Rev. Melvin D. Watkins Jr. is reflective about “precarious and unsafe shifts in the culture” that don’t “bode well for the generations coming up behind us.”

Fresh off Mt. Vernon’s recognition of his fifth pastoral anniversary, Watkins warily takes stock of “rampant gun violence and a rising trend of crime among our youth.”

He concludes that “the church of Jesus must be ready to speak a word of hope to a dying world.

“If ever there was a need to shift vision from conventional church programs, now is certainly the time.”

Watkins grew up in the church that pegged him (in 2008) to succeed his lifelong pastor, the Rev. Dr. James L. Netters Sr. That transition point came in 2018 when Netters stepped down from the senior pastor’s office.

“So many of my life experiences have prepared me for the challenges of this moment,” said Watkins during a recent interview.

“After spending eight years in the United States Air Force and the Air Force Reserve, I went to Sierra Leone and Mali in West Africa on the mission field. The pandemic of lawlessness and the scourge of young people killing each other is Mt. Vernon’s new mission field, not only in Westwood, but all over our city.”

Mindful that the Rev. Dr. Netters and others blazed trails of service and ministry amid the civil rights movement, Watkins said with certainty, “We must ask in this

The Rev. Dr. James L. Netters Sr. (Photo: TSD Archives) very critical hour, ‘What is God calling us to do?”

The answer that Watkins hears echoes from the past.

“Back in 2002, when I returned home from the mission field, I offered my assistance to Pastor Netters,” said Watkins.

“I told him I was returning to the mission field in Africa, and that my stay in Memphis was only temporary. He asked me to work with the Children’s and Teen Ministries. Also, he told me that Memphis had a mission field, and willing workers were needed.

“Two decades later, that mission field has grown exponentially in the need for Godly men and women to pour into the lives of our young people,” said Watkins.

“This cultural shift endangers the future of our children, and we as Christians must meet the challenges with renewed vision and a restored determination to fight back the tide of destruction engulfing our community here in Memphis.”

The need for Christians to “be the change they want to see,” keeps evidencing itself in painful ways that have Watkins’ attention.

All in the family are (l-r): Isaiah Watkins, Pastor Melvin D. Watkins Jr., Loie Tyler Watkins, and Daniel Watkins. Not shown is the eldest son, Joshua Watkins, a recent college graduate, who is working at Boeing as an aeronautical engineer. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender) “Just Tuesday (May 2), there was a shooting over on Highland,” he said, referencing a shooter who fired into the WHBQ TV station after failing to force his way inside.

“Thank God, no one was injured, and the situation was quickly contained.”

With lawlessness rampant and his eyes especially trained on the precarious future facing children, Watkins said, “This is very much our fight. If we are to be agents of change, we must be involved in shifting the culture back to a time when communities were villages and safe ha-

vens for our children.

“That means that we must reach out to youngsters in the community who do not belong to us. … In the African village, all children belong to everyone,” said Watkins.

“Our challenge is to broaden our vision beyond our own success and accomplishments. Vision must shift from selfish desires to selfless work. Our constant prayer must be, ‘May all who come behind us find that we were faithful.’

“Our children are depending on us – all of our children.”

‘God Is Able’ Revival …

New Mount Zion Baptist Church of West Memphis was the venue for a revival that was themed “God Is Able” April 26-28. The Rev. James Morgan Jr. (left) was the host pastor. The guest speaker was the Rev. Dr. Frank E. Ray Sr., senior pastor of New Salem Baptist Church in Memphis. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

The New Tri-State Defender, May 4 - 10, 2023, Page 6

‘The Pilot’

documents the jazzloving journey of Malvin Massey Jr.

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

In search of an on-air nickname, Malvin Massey Jr., a former U.S. Air Force veteran, settled upon “The Pilot” – a moniker ideally suited for a jazz-loving man on a mission.

A longtime radio host and general manager on WUMR/The Jazz Lover, Massey, who died Oct. 29, piloted the University of Memphis radio station into an influential jazz outlet with national appeal. He called his regular listeners “frequent flyers.”

His story is film quality and it has become just that. “The Pilot: A Tribute to Malvin Massey Jr.,” a 30-minute film, debuted on WKNO on April 28.

“Malvin put his heart and soul into that station,” said Chuck O’Bannon, the film’s director and producer. “WUMR became one of eight premiere jazz formats in the country. …

“I wanted to honor Malvin for his great Malvin Massey Jr. (left), the longcontributions, not only to the station but time general manager of WUMR, also to students aspiring to become radio with friend and colleague Chuck O’Bannon, the creator of the new Malvin Massey Jr. developed an early love for music, with his saxophone personalities.”

O’Bannon’s creative credits include documentary on Massey’s life and prowess later earning gigs on Beale Street. (Courtesy photos) legacy.

“United Front: The People’s Convention 1991 Memphis,” which was selected for television broadcast at Black International Cinema 2022 in Berlin, Germany.

For his latest work, there was no watch party to celebrate another compelling, triumphant screening.

“I watched it alone,” said O’Bannon.

“There was no way I could have done a watch party or anything like that. It was very emotional for me. I broke down. Malvin was not only a beloved colleague but a cherished friend.”

O’Bannon is the director of video production at KUDZUKIAN, an independently-owned branded audio and visual content producer based in Memphis.

“KUDZUKIAN played such a critical part in making this documentary a reality,” said O’Bannon. “I don’t know what I would have done without the help of CEO Larry Robinson’s participation.”

Massey co-hosted the “Riffin on Jazz” podcast, along with O’Bannon and Howard Robertson, on the KUDZUKIAN platform, where he also co-hosted “Blues in the Basement” with Cookie B. “Malvin was more than a co-worker to us,” said Robinson. “We considered him family. This (Massey’s death) was a huge loss for us, the music community, and of course for his wife, Phyllis, and their family.

“People should know his name, at least, if not his contributions to jazz around the world.”

Massey started his radio career as a Malvin Massey Jr. (center) in a collaboration session that includes KUDZUKIAN CEO Larry Robinson (left) and volunteer. He worked in every position at Howard Robertson. the station, carving out a place of leadership and advocacy because of his endless radio show. musicians, colleagues, and listeners; by just and how he changed the lives of others. knowledge of all things jazz.

“You know, I had never done live radio,” everybody. … “Award-winning recording “I wasn’t just making another film,” said A generation of students learned the art said O’Bannon. “I had been in television artist Kirk Whalum, way back in the ’80s O’Bannon. “I want to make sure Malvin of mastering live radio under Massey’s tu- for 38 years, but everything I had ever when he was kicking off his professional gets the recognition and accolades he detelage. The easy-listening, jazz format was done was edited. So, I was a bit nervous career, always knew his music would be serves. I am working to see him get a Music the vehicle by which Massey nurtured as- about accepting the job.” played on WUMR. Malvin would always Hall of Fame induction here in Memphis, piring announcers, who lived their dreams O’Bannon was slotted into one of the promote budding artists.” and a note on Beale Street. His life and work on air as bonafide “disc jockeys” and radio station’s most advantageous spots. Every “The Pilot” features tributes from a certainly make him worthy of such honor. personalities.

Sunday, Massey hosted his popular show – wide range of Memphians. There are of- And I won’t stop until it happens.”

In 2009, Massey became the station’s “Images of Jazz” from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., ferings from Whalum and protégés such Still grieving, O’Bannon said the docuonly full-time employee. A respected figure just ahead of O’Bannon’s “Chuck’s Place.” as Jae Henderson, Anniece Robinson and mentary was “one of the hardest projects I in the jazz genre, he filled a high demand “My show didn’t come on until 2, but I WYXR’s Shelby McCall that Massey have ever had to do. I had to step away at at jazz conferences for his knowledge and would always come to the station at noon trained and inspired. times because it was just too sad. expertise. to spend time with Malvin,” said O’BanThe documentary celebrates Massey’s “But I was determined to complete it; to Massey called on O’Bannon in 2018 non. life, his journey from WUMR to KUD- do it for Malvin. We must never forget his when a vacancy developed to host a live “Malvin was loved and respected by jazz ZUKIAN, his unwavering passion for jazz, priceless contributions.”

The New Tri-State Defender

May 4 - 10, 2023

Page 7

ENTERTAINMENT

Reach for ‘In the Company of Grace’ when you want to read something meaningful

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

You are a product of what your parents do.

They nurtured you, and you learned to nurture. They yelled, and you discovered that shouting was the way to communicate.

From them, you got your sense of humor, your earliest political beliefs, and your initial ideas of right and wrong. You’re a product of what adults around you do – or, as in the new book “In the Company of Grace” by Jody Lulich, what they don’t.

The suicide attempt on New Year’s Eve of 1966 was not Jody Lulich’s mother’s first.

It was, however, the one that took her life, no matter how hard Lulich, who was nine years old at the time, tried to save her.

He’d been taking care of her every day after school by then, trying to keep his parents from fighting, trying to keep the violence and vitriol between them at bay, but they were alcoholics with anger issues and he was just a boy.

On the way to his mother’s funeral, his father accidentally hit a stray dog with his car, and kept on driving. It was a kind of metaphor for Lulich’s heartbreak, and he never forgot it.

Through the rest of his childhood, Lulich tried to find the love his father denied him, but it was almost always absent. At age eleven, Lulich moved out of his father’s home, bouncing between a neighbor’s welcoming house and back; as soon as he was able, he escaped, enrolled in college, and decided on veterinary school as a post-grad at Tuskeegee, an HBCU. There he excelled in his career, found support from a mother-figure who loved him, and he grew to accept that he was attracted to men.

But despite his success, the appreciation of his clients and patients, and the acco-

Written by veterinarian Jody Lulich, “In the Company of Grace” is not filled with animal tales. (Photo of Jody Lulich: Joe Linn) lades that he gathered through the years, Lulich couldn’t seem to shake the feeling that something was wrong in his life. How could he finally accept the love and compassion he deserved?

If you’re the kind of reader who sees the word “veterinarian” in the subtitle of this book and make a beeline for it, there’s one big thing you’ll want to know: “In the Company of Grace” is not filled with animal tales.

There are a few, but they take a big back seat to author Jody Lulich’s story and that of his family, which come in wave after wave of sad memories and deep, lingering want. These are tales that, even when they’re meant to be the slightest bit upbeat, feel like a smack-down, or a stomp on your soul. That makes this a hard read for a good long time – melancholy and hard, but compelling because the tales don’t ever become what you think they’ll be. Oddly enough, there’s triumph here, and exactly what readers will want in the end.

“In the Company of Grace” – so-titled for the woman who accepted Lulich – is not the book to come to when you’re feeling sad. Reach for it when you want something meaningful, though. That’s what to do.

“In the Company of Grace: A Veterinarian’s Memoir of Trauma and Healing”

by Jody Lulich c. 2023,

University of Minnesota Press $19.95 232 pages

COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, May 4 - 10, 2023, Page 8

The long-awaited land sale was celebrated by these and other family members. The photo is of John “Bubba” Brown. (Photos: William Weeks/The New Tri-State Defender) The inaugural Children’s Day celebration in North Memphis coincided with the celebration in Mexico and was envisioned as going “a long way in making Latinx children feel more at home.” (Photo: Pearl Walker/Special to The New Tri-State Defender)

‘Children’s Day’ celebration in North Memphis links two cultures

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Children ruled the day as gifts and treats went to every child during Children’s Day in North Memphis on Sunday (April 30).

The event, not surprisingly, was a huge hit for hundreds of kids, who attended with their families. It was held at the Memphis International Flea Market, a 60-acre facility at 4010 Jackson Ave. And the event gave two cultures the opportunity to mesh traditions.

Children’s Day in Mexico is a big deal. This year, African-American and Latino community leaders hosted their event on the same day Mexico celebrates the holiday.

A united community showed up for a family day of fun and revelry to honor children and “to let them know they are important.”

“There are about 76,000 constituents in District 6,” said Shelby County Commissioner Charlie Caswell.

“Approximately five percent is Latinx. I had a meeting with Leaders of Color about two months ago, and they discussed the idea of celebrating Children’s Day. “I thought it would be a wonderful way for Latinx children to connect with their culture while sharing the joy of giving to the larger African-American community. It was an incredible day.”

For youngsters, who are old enough to remember celebrating Children’s Day before moving to this country, Sunday was a special treat.

Some 500 people enjoyed a host of activities, including canvass painting, live music, and lots of food, which kept youngsters engaged in the

unique celebration.

“Children’s Day is ‘Dia Del Nino’ in Mexico and across Latin America,” said Maria Oceja, Leaders of Color (LOC) training and recruitment manager. “It is celebrated on different days in Latin American countries.

We knew Children’s Day would go a long way in making Latinx children feel more at home.

“We were so excited about the event because our Shelby County commissioner was excited about hosting an event geared toward the Latino community.”

Caswell added, “When you go to the Memphis International Flea Market, you will think you’re almost in Mexico. I love the idea of sharing cultural festivities; one culture sharing with another culture.

“Children’s Day shows our shared humanity. We all have the same desires and aspirations for our children; that they grow up healthy, happy, and safe. We want them to have a good education. On those things, we can all agree.”

Oceja said, “It’s a day very similar to Mother’s Day here in America. Gifts are given to children because we want them to know that they are important, they matter, we see them, and we want to nurture them with love and guidance as they grow into adulthood.

“We want all children to feel they are loved and that they matter. Grown-ups enjoyed the day just as much as the children did, I would say.”

Plans for next year already are underway. Children’s Day falls on a Tuesday in 2024. The holiday will be celebrated on Sunday, April 28, Oceja said.

Multi-million-dollar land sale brings long fight of African-American families to a profitable end “I encourage other landowners who find themselves in this situation to do the same. Twentythree years is a long time, and we’re going to celebrate this accomplishment and celebrate our ancestors. I know they’re proud of us.”

— Thomas Brown

TSD Newsroom Thirty-plus African-American families, who owned land on Bailey Station Road in Collierville, celebrated the sale of the property to an independent hardware distributor, Orgill, Inc., on Sunday (April 30).

For 23 years, the band of small farmers staved off a ruling of eminent domain in pursuit of a fair market value sale.

The land had been in their families for over 100 years.

The multi-million-dollar sale of 48 acres was negotiated with the goal of impacting generations to come.

With that backdrop, Sunday’s afternoon celebration was anchored at 4005 Bailey Station Road. There was a short program, with a balloon release in honor of their ancestors.

Many of the elders who began the families’ journey have passed away, including John “Bubba” Brown, a retired MLGW lineman, who has been described as “a tenacious leader … determined to fight to keep their land until it was bought for its true value.”

On hand was Brown’s brother, Thomas Brown, also a landowner and the current president of the Bailey Station Association II, LLC. He was joined by Collierville Mayor Stan Joyner and Vanecia Belser Kimbrow, Esq., the attorney who represented the group and their families pro bono for the 23-year journey.

Kimbrow guided the group through a threatened public taking by the Town of Collierville during a time when public takings were all too common, and Cordova farmers had recently lost their land to make way for the Wolfchase Mall.

She halted the public takeover in 2000 by having the individual farmers invest their land in a cooperative association.

Elvira Taylor is the daughter of the late John “Bubba” Brown – “a tenacious leader … determined to fight to keep their land until it was bought for its true value.”

Vanecia Belser Kimbrow, Esq., represented the interests of the families pro bono for the 23-year journey.

Throughout the years, various entities tried to purchase the land with offers that the families didn’t consider to reflect its value. In April of 2023, Kimbrow finalized negotiations for the multi-million-dollar sale of the group’s 48 acres to Orgill, Inc. Kimbrow first learned of the group’s plight while watching a Saturday morning episode of WKNO’s “Small Business Review,” hosted by Earnest Lacey. She reached John Brown through Lacey and, with the

Thomas Brown, the president of the Bailey Station Association II, LLC, brought a family context to the land sale celebration. blessing of her then-boss, attorney Kevin Bruce, she took of the group’s cause.

“I became an attorney because I wanted to help people. When I saw the WKNO special with John Brown, I knew I had to do something. I couldn’t sit idly by and watch these wonderful families lose their land without proper compensation, especially to organizations that have access to millions of dollars. It’s wrong and unjust,” said Kimbrough.

“I was a spirited young attorney back then, and I thank the landowners for trusting me. I had no idea it would

take this long, but the journey is finally over. These families deserve this happy conclusion, and I count this as one of the greatest accomplishments of my career.”

Thomas Brown said the families are grateful to Kimbrow for “fighting with us all these years. Our ancestors worked hard to acquire this land, farm this land, and raise their families on this land. There was no way we could let anybody just take it from us or sell it for less than what was fair.

“I encourage other landowners who find themselves in this situation to do the same. Twenty-three years is a long time, and we’re going to celebrate this accomplishment and celebrate our ancestors. I know they’re proud of us.”

Reflecting on the families’ bonds, Brown recounts that, “If you needed flour, sugar or anything, you (could) go next door. We’re going to miss it but we have been blessed by this village.

“And like I say all the time, like Yogi Bear said, “It’s not over until the fat lady sings and the fat lady done tuned up and she singing today.”

(William Weeks contributed to this story.)

BRIEFLY Taking stock of guns, crime and safety Guns, Crime, Safety will be the threepronged focus of an upcoming Town Hall

meeting and legislative session debriefing.

Hosted by state Rep. Antonio Parkinson, the event will be held May 9th from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Breath of Life Christian Center at 3795 Frayser-Raleigh Rd.

Guest panelists are set to include Shelby County Commissioner Charlie Caswell, Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board Commissioner Stephanie Love and Memphis City Councilwoman Michalyn Easter-Thomas.

The New Tri-State Defender

Terminal Modernization & Seismic Program, Phase 1A (BIL Funding) CLIENT Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority LOCATION Memphis International Airport 2491 Winchester Rd. Memphis, TN 38116 ANTICIPATED VOLUME Approximately $20 million PROJECT DESCRIPTION Phase 1A will comprise enabling work for the Terminal Modernization such as upgrades to the central energy plant’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, and upgrades to vertical transportation.

RFP PACKAGES • Vertical Circulation (Elevators and Escalators) • Plumbing • Mechanical • Electrical • CEP Equipment Pre-purchase ANTICIPATED PROCUREMENT PERIOD Dates below are subject to change.

RFP Issued May 1st, 2023 Pre-Bid Conference May 10th, 2023 Proposal Due May 25th, 2023 RFP DOCUMENTS: Visit the Public Plan Room Type or copy URL into web browser: tinyurl.com/mv6353m9 PREQUALIFICATION All proposing companies must be prequalified at the time of proposal Submission.

Visit Subcontractors | Turner Type or copy URL into web browser: https://www.turnerconstruction. com/sub-contractors IF INTERESTED, EMAIL: Khalif Johnson, TAC - Procurement Manager kajohnson@tcco.com NOTICE TO BIDDERS Shelby County Government has issued Sealed Bid number I000808 Vehicle Barriers.

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 I000808 DUE DATE MONDAY, JUNE 5, 2023 AT 2:00 PM CST (SB-I000808) VEHICLE BARRIERS Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet.goto.com/911533357 You can also dial in using your phone.

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

United States: +1 (408) 650-3123 - One-touch: tel:+14086503123,,911533357# Access Code: 911-533-357 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 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: Warner Goolsby Tax Parcel #: 08206200000030 Tax Sale #: 1803 Price Offered: $17,200.00 Terms: Cash

May 4 - 10, 2023

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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.

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Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice.

If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 11:30 a.m. on June 2, 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: Tanesha Bruce Tax Parcel #: 0420560000002C Tax Sale #: 1801 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 11:00 a.m. on June 2, 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: Brittany Thornton Tax Parcel #: 06005500000640 Tax Sale #: 1803 Price Offered: $2,200.00 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 prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:30 a.m. on June 2, 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

Page 9

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.

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: Rawn Matthews Tax Parcel #: 03701800000210 Tax Sale #: 1803 Price Offered: $$5000.00 Terms: Cash

of any sort.

Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice.

If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 11:30 a.m. on June 1, 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, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

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.

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:

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:

YVONNE SMITH Tax Parcel #: 03102300000020 Tax Sale #: 1801 Price Offered: $5,900.00 Terms: Cash

Andre Somerville Tax Parcel #: 04202300000190 Tax Sale #: 1804 Price Offered: $$3500.00 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 June 2, 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.

Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice.

If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 11:00 a.m. on June 1, 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, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE

OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Sharon FUTRELL-HODGE Tax Parcel #: 08200800000370 Tax Sale #: 1604 Price Offered: $6,000.00 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 9:00 a.m. on June 2, 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 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: MIM LLC Tax Parcel #: 03406600000160 Tax Sale #: 1101 Price Offered: $1,500.00 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 10:00 a.m. on June 1, 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 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: MIM LLC Tax Parcel #: 03406600000180 Tax Sale #: 11.01 Price Offered: $$675.00 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 June 1, 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.

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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: Annie Harwell Tax Parcel #: 03101300000200 Tax Sale #: 1804 Price Offered: $2,800.00 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 9:30 a.m. on June 2, 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

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SPORTS The New Tri-State Defender, May 4 - 10, 2023, Page 10

The number James “Spook” Bradley wore while playing for Melrose High School was retired during a ceremony on Feb. 13, 2023. (Facebook)

Memphis basketball legend James “Spook” Bradley dead at 67

by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

James “Spook” Bradley, who played basketball for the then-Memphis State University Tigers from 1976-79, died on April 12. He was 67 Bradley played for Connors State Community College (1975-76) before transferring to Memphis State, now the University of Memphis. He was an honorable mention All-American for the NJCAA for 1976.

A star at Melrose High School, Bradley played on the team that went 35-0 and won the Tennessee State High School Championship. It was the first team to accomplish that feat.

Bradley played with Alvin Wright, the former Memphis Tiger and the uncle of the Memphis Grizzlies stalwart and former Tigers’ star Lorenzen Wright. He averaged 16.5 points per game and 9.2 rebounds during his career at Memphis.

Verties Sails Jr., a family friend, is the legendary head coach of the Melrose Golden Wildcats that went undefeated.

“Heis reputation was not good, but people know how good of a person he was,” said Sails. James “Spook” Bradley died at 67.

“He was the type of guy that looked mean, but if you got to know him, he had a great heart.”

Sails continued: “As an athlete, there have been many great ones to come through Memphis. Talent-wise, Bradley was just James “Spook” Bradas good as any of ley during his playing days. them. Big, strong and he could shoot the long ball. He could even play on the inside. On that team, we had some super players. We had some great players, John Gunn and Alvin Wright.”

Sails was instrumental in getting Bradley to attend Memphis. He knew the coach that Bradley played for in junior college. After the first year, Bradley got his grades up and Sails went to get him.

Sails left after Bradley’s junior year at Melrose. Bradley then fell under the tutelage of Dorsey Sims Jr. Both Sims and Sails are in the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.

Bradley played one year for the Pallaganestro Trieste, an Italian professional team. A leg injury ended his professional career. After basketball, Bradley became an interstate truck driver.

Drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 1979, Bradley never played in the NBA. He was a two-time, first-team All-Metro Conference selection and led the Tigers in rebounding during his final two seasons.

Bradley’s jersey was retired by Melrose on Feb. 13, 2023 during a game against Ridgeway High School.

Services were held last Saturday (April 29).

Jaren Jackson Jr. shoots in the paint in L.A. Jackson had his best year as a pro, winning Defensive Player of the Year. (Photo: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender Archives)

Ja Morant, who earned his second straight All-Star nod, has turned his attention to being more available next season. (Photo: Warren Roseborough/The New Tri-State Defender Archives)

The good and bad of the Grizzlies’ past season and what’s next

by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

OK, the Memphis Grizzlies crash-landed; no getting around that. Still, assessing the 2022-23 campaign for the NBA title requires taking note of the good, the bad and the focus going forward.

Memphis claimed the Western Conference’s second seed in the playoffs despite the weight of key players missing extended periods because of injuries.

Jaren Jackson Jr. missed the first 16 games and still won Terry the league’s DefenDavis sive Player of the Year award from the power-forward slot Shooting guard Desmond Bane was out for 17 games with a grade 2 sprained right big toe and sesamoid injury. Center Steven Adams and backup big man Brandon Clarke each missed the last two months of the season with injuries.

And two-time All-Star Ja Morant’s high-profile, eight-game suspension must be coupled with his right hand and wrist injuries going into the ill-fated series against the Los Angeles Lakers.

All of that is part of the mix in looking at the good, the bad and what comes next.

The good The Grizzlies may have found the consistent shooter they long have been looking for in Luke Kennard. After a mid-season trade, he quickly became a crowd favorite, making big shots in key moments. Kennard led the NBA in threepoint scoring percentage (49.4).

Reserves David Roddy and Santi Aldama emerged and developed. Roddy, the rookie, contributed throughout the season, shuffling from the Grizzlies to the Memphis Hustle. His role expanded with the injuries to Clarke and Adams. Powerful going to the basket, he was reliable from three-point territory.

Aldama, the second-year player from Spain, began the season as a starter subbing for the injured Jackson. He developed confidence that carried through the season.

Jackson’s Defensive Player of the Year award reflects his maturation as a player. Off the court, he was elected vice-president of the NBA Players’ Association. On the court, he led the league in blocks per game (3.6), averaged 18 points and make the All-Star team for the first time.

Bane had his best season for the Grizzlies. He averaged 21.5 points, 4.4 assists and 5 rebounds. The time he missed early

The Grizzlies’ pre-game huddles likely will have a number of key new faces next season. (Photo: Warren Roseborough/The New Tri-State Defender Archives) in the season cost him a shot at earning All-Star status.

The bad The second youngest team in the NBA, the Grizzlies lost their darling status with much of the national media. Morant’s national television declaration that “We are fine in the West,” which largely was received as the Grizzlies would not have problem with any team in Western Conference seemed to signal the tide turning.

Not long after, Adams (a rebound magnet) went down with what devolved into a season-ending knee injury. A few games later, Clarke’s season was done. Then came Morant’s live-streamed brain lapse complete with him flashing a gun while dancing in a club after a loss in Denver.

And while the wheels did not come off the team, it clearly was not the same group that put together an 11-game winning streak.

At the post-season wrap-up, reflected on want comes next regarding walking the walk and becoming a better player.

“I feel like being available is the number one thing for me,” he said. “There were times this year where injuries had me out. The incident where I got suspended. Even playing with injuries. I want to be healthy and available.”

Morant embraced the good aspects of the team “being young” and took what he could from the team’s success in recent seasons.

“Not how we wanted it to end (the season just passed), but we have to be even more locked in during that time in the playoffs. We have to get back to being the hunters like in previous years.”

The Grizzlies have to get better on the road. They had the best home record in the NBA (35-6) and had a losing record on the road (16-25). They did not win on the road in the playoff series.

And then there is the matter of the trash talking. While the biggest practitioners maintain it has no negative impact, the team bears the rep of being big talkers unable to back it up when it counts most.

Next season, new focus The time may be now for the front office to go all-in for a run at a championship. At the All-Star break, Grizzlies General Manager Zach Kleinman said the team soon would be faced with some hard decisions about the talent level. Later, backup point guard Kennedy Chandler was released and Kenny Lofton Jr. netted a regular season contract.

“We built around a sustainable championship contender,” Kleiman said, explaining how the team was constructed for the concluded season. “As you do that, you have to determine where the group is. When you reflect on the season, there were things we were encouraged by, but a bitter ending that don’t sit well with anyone.

“You want to build out a group that is going to be best positioned to compete in the playoffs. You have to be intentional to how we push the group forward.”

Noting the team’s injury status and the disappointing end to the season, Kleiman said, it was important not to overreact adding, “It is important to react. I don’t want to sit here and say, if we had Steven Adams and or Brandon Clarke, we would have won the series. I would have loved to have seen how this group would have looked like with that. It doesn’t mean we can’t learn without them.”

With the NBA Draft less than six weeks away, more tough decisions may loom. Some players dear to the fanbase may be heading to other teams as the front office seeks to shore up for a championship push.