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May 18 - 24, 2023
VOL. 72, No. 20
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Trio of proposed gun ordinances get Council committee OK by James Coleman
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Three of Sarah Hughes Johnson’s surviving children – Ned, Karen and Geneva – nestle around her. Not pictured is her daughter Yvonne. (Courtesy photo)
Sarah H. Johnson rose above the times in Greenville, MS
A trio of new ordinances crafted to stem the proliferation of guns in Memphis received across-the-board approval on a voice vote from members of the Memphis City Council Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee during its Tuesday (May 16) meeting. The proposed ordinances will now go before the full council, where they will have a series of three readings. If approved, Memphis voters will vote them up or down on the August 2024 election ballot as individual referendums. “The state legislature has been derelict in their duties. At some point in time, the City of Memphis should be voicing their opinion on the type of laws we need here that will ultimately govern ourselves,” said council Co-Chairman JB Smiley Jr. “I have no faith in the state legis-
lature to pass laws to protect the city of Memphis. I have every faith in the people of Memphis to pass laws to protect ourselves.” Smiley’s comments reflected the mood of committee members: To give the voters in Memphis a chance to let the Republican-dominated General Assembly know that they want stronger gun laws in a city experiencing an almost daily barrage of gun violence. Among the limits being sought to local gun laws is a ban on open carry without a permit. The ordinance would also set rules for gun storage in vehicles or boats, to make it less likely for a firearm to be stolen. A second ordinance would make the purchasing of assault weapons illegal. It would also bar current owners from open carrying the weapons in the city, while making sure the weapons are kept at home, unless being taken to an appro-
SEE GUNS ON PAGE 2
Remembered as ‘a strong and courageous leader’ by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Sarah Hughes Johnson, a beloved daughter of Greenville, Mississippi, respected for her Civil Rights advocacy and civic leadership, died May 9 at Region One Health in Memphis. She was 85. Ms. Johnson’s life was a filled with accomplishments that helped improve the lives of her constituents, especially African Americans. “Our mother was bold,” said Geneva Johnson, the eldest of Johnson’s four children. “She was courageous, and threats from white people who didn’t like what she was doing never fazed her. Mother just kept going, even after the divorce when she was left to raise four children alone. She was never distracted from her purpose.” In 1973, Ms. Johnson became the first African American to serve on the Greenville City Council. Johnson was also the city’s vice-mayor. Ms. Johnson served on the city council for 23 years. Upon retiring in 1996, she realized that she helped push the city forward for more than two decades. Beyond Greenville’s racist past, her efforts spurred momentum for a new day in uniting the races in hope and optimism.
Dr. Russell Wigginton (center), president of the National Civil Rights Museum, donned a hard hat in preparation for breaking ground on the renovation that will thrust the museum into the future. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)
Sarah Hughes Johnson is greeted by President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalyn. (Courtesy photo) “Of course, as children, we didn’t understand, really, who our mother was,” said Karen Johnson, youngest of the four children. Mother was director of various organizations. She had lots of friends also working in the civil rights movement. “We had different ‘nannies,’ who would look after us. We didn’t see mother as much as we would have liked, especially me because I’m the baby. But we at least could understand that her work was important.”
SEE JOHNSON ON PAGE 2
The future is taking shape at National Civil Rights Museum by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
The National Civil Rights Museum broke ground Tuesday morning on an extensive renovation project that will expand the exhibit space by 7,500 square feet. National Civil Rights Museum President Dr. Russell Wigginton noted that more space will allow the museum to better convey the history and the continuing story of the fight for human rights. “Renovations at the Legacy Building and Founders Park will allow us to be much more power in our messaging,” said Wigginton. “The potential for more educational and interactive opportunities for our visitors will be virtually limitless. We are excited about the inspiring and life-changing new exhibits we anticipate
creating. This is a transformative moment in the museum’s history.” Prior to the groundbreaking ceremony, a host of donors and dignitaries spoke briefly to the gathering of about 150. The May 15 event was staged under a tent on Mulberry Street. According to details of the expansion plan, the Legacy Building will be extended to the east bordering Mulberry Street. On the south, the structure will be lengthened right up to the main building. Wigginton cited Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s last book title, “Where Do We Go From Here?” to frame the project announcement as both historic and transformative. Mayor Jim Strickland applauded the twoyear project.
SEE NCRM ON PAGE 2
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