The New Tri-State Defender - June 10-16, 2021

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June 10 - 16, 2021

VOL. 70, No. 23

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Bell to ring anew for Golden Gloves boxing in Memphis

by Karanja A. Ajanaku kajanaku@tsdmemphis.com

Memphis Juneteenth organizer Telisa Franklin in Health Sciences Park, where work is underway to remove and relocate the remains of Confederate Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest from the park that long bore his name. (Courtesy photo)

Juneteenth 2021 signals ‘new day’ at park that once banned Blacks

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

In the 28th year of its Memphis celebration, Juneteenth this year will be celebrated in a park that was once dedicated to the memory of Confederate Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest, a former grand dragon of the Ku Klux Klan.

“I felt that in this year, the first year that the state, city and county are recognizing Juneteenth as a holiday, the festival is especially

significant,” said Telisa Franklin, Memphis Juneteenth organizer.

“I needed to move it from Robert R. Church Park, and I was looking around. The Lord kept bringing me back to Health Sciences Park (formerly Forrest Park), a park where Black people (at one time) couldn’t even walk when it was established,” Franklin said.

Juneteenth 2021 is slated for Friday through Sunday, June 18-20. The festival is celebrated all over the country as a time cho-

sen to commemorate a day of liberation for slaves.

“This is a time when we celebrate our ancestors’ freedom,” said Franklin. “Having the event in the park formerly named for Nathan Bedford Forrest is significant. The vestiges of this white supremacist and all he stood for is being removed forever.

“This ground is being reclaimed for African-American people. It will be a healing

SEE PARK ON PAGE 2

COVID-19 UPDATE

Most restrictions coming off June 12

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

COVID-19 restrictions – most of them – on masking and social distancing are being lifted, according to a health directive issued by the Shelby County Health Department on Wednesday.

Health Directive 22 will go into effect at midnight Saturday (June 12).

While health officials have declared that more than 70 percent of adults in Shelby County have some level of immunity from COVID-19, the medical officer warns that “we are not out of the woods yet.”

“There is still some concern about data we have been analyzing,” Shelby County Medical Officer Dr. Bruce Randolph said Wednesday afternoon.

“In looking at 499 active new cases, young people between the ages of 25-35 account for new cases at three times the rate of those 65 and older.”

Of those cases, 65.7 percent are of African Americans, compared to 16 percent Caucasian and four percent

Hispanic. Nearly 60 percent are female and 40 percent male.

“Clearly, younger people are not getting the vaccine,” said Randolph.

“This is a time when everyone will need to take personal responsibility for the condition of their own health.

We will no longer be policing, but every individual has the freedom to decide. Getting the vaccine is the right decision, not only for that person, but for those close to them.

“Children are still susceptible as indicated in so many pediatric cases.

They need us to protect them by getting the vaccine.”

More than 70 percent of adults in Shelby County have some level of immunity to the COVID-19 virus, either because they have been vaccinated, or because they have been infected with the virus and recovered.

Anti-bodies in the blood indicate some prior infection.

The rolling, seven-day average number of new cases per day registered 46 on Wednesday. One month

SEE COVID ON PAGE 2

Momma, one day I will be ...

Ora Dell Cooley Jackson was the first African-American woman to serve as matron at the Penal Farm’s women’s prison. Later she became a bailiff in Shelby County Courts.

In July, she turns 100. Here she is pictured as a much younger woman with her mother, Virge Cooley. (Courtesy photo) See story and photos on Lifestyle and Culture, Page 6)

Anchored in Memphis for 35 years, the Mid-South Golden Gloves will return next month after a 50-plus year absence.

Hosted in North Little Rock, Arkansas since 1990 after a 19-year stay in Jackson, Tennessee, the high-profile regional boxing event box is coming back through a collective effort anchored by the City of Memphis Office of Youth Services, the division that debuted Boxing At The Pipkin as another way to reach area youth.

The two-day event is set for July 9-10 at the Hickory Hill Community Center, with the Pipkin building still in use for COVID-19 vaccinations. Doors will open at 5 p.m., with the bell ringing at 6 p.m. for the first bouts. Admission will be $10.

Ike “Yes, the Griffith Memphis Office of Youth Services is bringing this Golden Gloves event to the city of Memphis,” beamed Ike Griffith, the office’s director, in an interview with The New Tri-State Pete Defender.

Mitchell “This is in conjunction with Mayor Jim Strickland and the Memphis Office of Youth Services presents Boxing At The Pipkin (initiative). I always want to try to keep that alive and well so people know the connection.”

The 2019 Boxing At The Pipkin series grew out of an alliance initially powered by former CDA Security founder and one-time policeman Clift Dates, the Memphis Boxing Group, LLC, Battlefields of Life Foundation, the Restoration House Boxing Academy, the Afro-American Police Association, Youth Services and The New Tri-State Defender.

The events drew capacity crowds.

The next year, the pandemic weighed in, forcing the series into a holding pattern. During the timeout, the Restoration House’s Pete Mitchell, a former boxer, approached Griffith with an idea.

“He said, ‘What’d you think about getting the Golden Gloves?’ I said, ‘Man, I would love it. … That would be ideal for us to have this as a prelude to going back to the Pipkin Building once this pandemic is over.”

Mitchell estimated the participation of about 60 boxers.

“We’re going to probably have 300 or 400 people here from out of town, I would think. … They’re giving it to us

SEE BOXING ON PAGE 2

The New Tri-State Defender

June 10 - 16, 2021

Page 2

NEWS BOXING

CONTINUED FROM FRONT for two years. So, we’re thinking we’re just real fortunate to land the Golden Gloves.”

Mitchell’s connections were key, particularly his link to Mike Rodgers, president of the Mid-South Golden Gloves.

Rodgers said adjustments related to the pandemic opened an opportunity window.

“We are excited to be bringing the tournament back (to Memphis),” Rodgers said.

“They always say Elvis Presley was the King of Rock and Roll. Well, I can tell you this: the Golden Gloves is the King of amateur boxing.

“And with that being said, the King is coming back July 9th and 10th for some of the best amateur boxing for Memphis, Tennessee.”

Some of the “very best quality boxers” in Louisiana, Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi MIke will comRodgers pete in the regional for an opportunity to compete in the National Golden Glovers in Tulsa, Oklahoma August 9-14, said Rodgers.

Looking beyond the event, Rodgers said through the Golden Gloves, “We not only make good athletes, but we make good people and good educated people that come out and go into society.”

In furtherance of that aim, underway are plans for an education scholarship, he said.

Former Mayor Dr. Willie W. Herenton, a former Golden Gloves boxer, has agreed to help promote the return to Memphis, largely at the behest of Mitchell, a longtime associate.

“When we were growing up, if you were an amateur boxer and happened to be Black, you could not enter the Golden Gloves competition, which was typically held in Chicago because it was segregated,” Herenton recalled.

“The White fighters, once they won the championships in Memphis, they could go directly to Chicago, St. Louis, the next round of competition.

“But if you were Black, we had to go and win at least two other championships in tough competition either in St. Louis, Paducah, Kentucky and you had to go through Jackson, Tennessee to win the AAU. So we had to jump a lot of hurdles in order to enter the Golden Gloves competition in Chicago.”

Bringing the Golden Gloves to Memphis in 2021 is a great idea, he said.

“Boxing contributed to our development as boys to men.

That’s how I learned to become competitive, have good self-esteem. … Pete has zeal for this stuff (amateur boxing). … I hope it works. I’m going to help him promote it.”

For Griffith, the return of the Golden Gloves is a key step toward an initial Boxing At The Pipkin goal, establishing a boxing team to represent Memphis. And it’s in keeping with his overall focus for serving youth through the Office of Youth Services.

“We’re losing too many. …

You got to keep them engaged, you got to keep them involved and you got to come up with innovative ideas and program that will keep them busy.”

As for the return of Boxing At The Pipkin, Griffith said, “We’re looking for it to come back after the Southern Heritage Classic. We’re going to try and do a show maybe sometime in November, if at all possible.”

Liberty set to buy Tri-State Bank

by Karanja A. Ajanaku kajanaku@tsdmemphis.com

Founded in 1946 to “constructively change community conditions,” TriState Bank of Memphis is on course to be acquired by New Orleans-based Liberty Bank and Trust Company, the largest African-American-owned financial institution in the U.S. The boards of directors of each company have approved the transaction, which still must gain the OK of TriState Bank of Memphis’ shareholders, along with what is described as “customary regulatory approvals.”

The transaction is expected to close before the end of 2021.

Word of the all-cash transaction came with an announcement on Thursday (June 3) and did not detail the financial aspects. Liberty Bank and Trust Company, which was founded in 1972, is owned by the holding company, Liberty Financial Services, Inc.

PARK

CONTINUED FROM FRONT place.”

Franklin said she watched with extreme sadness the events that occurred in Health Sciences Park as Shelby County Commissioner and community activist Tami Sawyer was verbally assaulted by a man on the premises helping to remove the empty monument pedestal, which once supported a statue of Forrest, under which Forrest and his wife are buried.

Sawyer pressed charges and a warrant was issued for the arrest of George “K-Rack” Johnson, charging him with misdemeanor assault in connection with the incident.

“I was saddened to see what happened in the park with Commissioner Sawyer last week,” said Franklin.

“It is fitting that Juneteenth will be celebrated in this park.

We will consecrate those same grounds as we celebrate a joyous time, even as former slaves celebrated freedom, a dawning of a new day for our people.”

COVID

CONTINUED FROM FRONT ago, that average was 135 per day. The test positivity rate was 3.6 percent. That means that of all COVID-19 tests, only 3.6 percent are positive.

Private businesses and institutions are no longer mandated to require masks in their facilities and operations, but should place signs at entrances and high-traffic areas notifying

“Combining with Liberty, an extremely well-run institution that shares our culture, will enhance our ability to serve our customers and uphold our mission,” Archie Willis, Tri-State’s chairman, said in a release about the move.

The pending partnership links two minority-owned banks and is being heralded by the new partners as a transaction that will continue Tri-State Bank’s legacy and its mission of “providing affordable financial products and services to the underserved.”

Detailing the partnership, the release about the transaction noted that Tri-State’s mission is “fundamentally a vital aspect of Liberty Bank’s history and commitment to its extensive footprint.”

Liberty Bank and Trust Company and its parent holding company, Liberty Financial Services, Inc., are known collectively as “Liberty,” which would have approximately $965 million in assets and offices in 12 cities on a

pro forma basis with its entry into the Memphis market, Alden McDonald, Liberty’s president and chief executive officer, referenced Memphis’ “extremely rich” history, adding that “…we are proud to continue servicing the Community. … Both Tri-State and our Board have a history of serving the underbanked, and this merger offers more financial access, products, banking technology, and enhanced capacity for lending.

“We are excited and focused on continuing to service the people of Memphis with an expanded suite of financial services – including a more robust mortgage product and a variety of personal and commercial banking options,” he said.

The late Dr. J. E. Walker, and his son, the late A. Maceo Walker, founded Tri-State Bank, which long was guided by the late Jesse H. Turner, the first African American to chair the Shelby County Board of Commission-

Franklin took over the Juneteenth organization in 2013 from the founder of Memphis’ festival Glynn Johns Reed.

Both Reed and Franklin grew up in the Douglass Community. Every year for two decades, the festival was held in Douglass Park.

Reed, who also was publisher of the Black Pages Magazine, returned home to New Orleans, where she died from extended illness in 2014.

Reed asked Franklin to keep the festival in their beloved Douglass Park for one last time in 2014.

Franklin’s vision was to broaden the scope of Juneteenth and to raise the festival’s profile in Memphis.

“I think Ms. Reed saw how I was conducting my other businesses,” said Franklin. “She wanted the festival to thrive and to flourish, so it was appropriate that Juneteenth be moved.

“We moved it to Church Park (between Beale and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue), named for the first African-American millionaire in the South.

“Years prior to the move in 2014, Ms. Reed placed a time capsule at Church Park, not to be opened for 100 years.

It was fitting that we move to Church Park at that time.”

Now, in this 28th year, Juneteenth in Memphis is moving to a park that, since 1904, was the resting place of Confederate Gen. Forrest and his wife.

They were moved from Elmwood Cemetery with great pomp and ceremony. The equestrian monument was set on it pedestal and dedicated in 1905.

City parks and other designated places were off-limits to African-American people, many of them former slaves.

Sawyer and others were instrumental in galvanizing public support to have the Forrest statue removed in December 2017. Both the statue and Forrest’s remains will be relocated to Columbia, Tennessee, where the national headquarters for the Sons of Confederate Veterans is located.

“Douglass Park is our past, Church Park is considered our present, and Health Sciences Park is our future,” said Franklin.

employees, customers and visitors if masking is required or recommended.

The new directive sets out that masks still will be required for everyone, including those who have been fully vaccinated, when using mass transit (airplanes, trains, buses, ride-shares, etc.).

The same applies to those entering property on which a local, state or federal authority has propriety interest and the authority requires masks.

The health directive also includes these elements: • Employers must continue to require cooperation with disease prevention measures, such as contact tracing and they can make site-specific determinations on physical spacing due to the increasing number of fully-vaccinated individuals.

• Employers must require all workers to stay home if they are sick.

• If an employer is informed that an employee has tested

Archie Willis

Alden McDonald

ers and former national treasurer of the NAACP. It once served the community through multiple outlets and now operates through a single office at 4606 Elvis Presley Blvd.

As of March 31, 2021, Tri-State reported approximately $105 million in assets and $95 million in deposits.

Liberty, which now operates in 11 cities across 9 states, had an initial asset base of $2 million. During the reporting period ending March 31, 2021, Liberty Bank and Trust Company had approximately $860 million in total assets.

(For more information: www.tristatebank.com; www.libertybank.net.)

Juneteenth 2021 is slated for Friday through Sunday, June 18-20. It will be held in Health Sciences Park, which – as Forrest Park – saluted Nathan Bedford Forrest, a notorious Confederate general and slave trader.

(Courtesy photo) “Out of the shadows of the Douglass Community, Juneteenth is being recognized as a state holiday. We expect a record number of attendees this year.”

State Rep. Antonio Parkinson introduced legislation last year making Juneteenth an official holiday in Tennessee. It was signed into law by Gov. Bill Lee. “It was a hard sell because conversations around race are hard in the Tennessee legislature,” said Parkinson.

“But they must be had. It

is vitally important that our country, our people and our state recognize and remember the atrocities of slavery committed against our people. We must celebrate the day of freedom for the former slaves all over the state.”

Juneteenth commemorates the announcement that slavery had been abolished. It was established in Texas on June 19, 1865, two-and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect.

positive for COVID-19, the employer must close the areas where the employee worked for cleaning and disinfecting.

• Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 must report the information to the Department by calling 901222-MASK (901-222-6275) or by faxing the information to 901-222-8249.

• Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 must notify those who are known to have been in contact with them.

• Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 must isolate in accordance with Centers for Disease Control guidance.

• Individuals who have been in close contact with someone with COVID19 must quarantine if they have not had COVID-19 in the past three months or have not been fully vaccinated.

(For more information, visit https://www.shelbytnhealth. com/.)

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The New Tri-State Defender

June 10 - 16, 2021

Page 3

NEWS

Transportation Sec. Buttigieg in Memphis – a look back

by TSD Newsroom

“Put simply, the reason I am here is to emphasize that the situation with the bridge may be a regional issue, but it is a national concern,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who spent much of last Thursday (June 4) in Memphis.

“We want to make sure that national attention and resources are available to help state and local authorities who are … working toward a safe reopening.”

Invited to Memphis by Tennessee’s Ninth District Congressman Steve Cohen, Buttigieg’s multi-stop visit, which included talks with officials in Tennessee and Arkansas, was anchored by an afternoon tour of the bridge and a media briefing.

The I-40 bridge was shut down on May 11 after inspectors found a crack in one of two 900-ft., horizontal steel beams, which jeopardized the bridge’s safety and integrity.

Noting that businesses depend on customers and employees to get across the bridge, Buttigieg said it was important

to quickly reestablish the “connection” up and running again.

The “Memphis region,” he said, is an area of “national logistical importance.”

With President Biden pushing for a major infrastructure package, Buttigieg’s visit created a high-profile stage to address Memphis-area infrastructure needs.

Mayor Jim Strickland made brief marks during the afternoon press conference that included West Memphis Mayor West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon, along with Cohen, Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Commissioner Clay Bright and Robert Moore, chairman of the Arkansas Highway Commission.

“In Memphis alone, we have identified nearly $20 Billion in current infrastructure needs – and the list grows each year,” Strickland said later in his weekly administration update.

“Some items on that list include: roadway and street improvements, bridge repairs and maintenance, stormwater/ flood mitigation, updating solid waste facilities, sewer system upgrades, Memphis Area Transit Authority upgrades,

“These leaders represent the best of America — our collective character, creativity, and diversity.”

— President Joe Biden

State Sen. Raumesh Akbari gets huge nod from President Biden With U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg listening intently, West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon looked ahead to the reopening of the I-40, linking the bridge to the quality of life in the Arkansas city. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises) broadband connectivity, upgrading to smart grids, and improvements at the Memphis International Airport.”

For all those reasons and more, he said, “I firmly believe the bipartisan passage of an infrastructure bill, such as the American Jobs Plan, has never been more important.”

Permanent repairs on the I-40 bridge are projected to go through July.

“West Memphis is the home of America’s crossroads,” said McClendon. “We hold I-40 and I-55. Over 60,000 vehicles travel through the city of West Memphis every day.

And can you all imagine when one bridge is down, we have to divert all of that traffic to one bridge, that only is used to holding 20,000 vehicles?

“That has paralyzed our city,” he said, “but I’m encouraged after speaking with the secretary that we can do some things to get things done quickly. … “This bridge being down behind us is true evidence that an infrastructure plan must be

done in Washington to help people in the United States, especially those in Memphis and West Memphis.”

Bright shared – through TDOT social media – that, “We are working 24/7 to get it repaired and reopened.”

At the press conference, Cohen said Buttigieg “knows the history of the railroads and the river and the runways – the roads and rails – and that’s Memphis. We had a good opportunity to talk – some situations in Memphis we need to improve with jobs and transportation, because transportation means jobs. So we’re fortunate that he’s here today.”

The prospect of a third bridge across the Mississippi River was raised as a possible solution to meet future demands with heavier traffic in the future. Buttigieg said that decision is a local matter for local officials.

(This story reflects a report

by TSD’s freelance contributor, Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell.)

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

Tennessee State Sen. Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis) is the one to watch in Tennessee politics. At least, President Joe Biden thinks so.

The 37-year-old Democrat made the cut in the prestigious ranks of the White House Fellows commission, the White House announced Friday (June 4).

Akbari, who was one of 17 “rising stars” to give a joint keynote address at the virtual 2020 Democratic National Convention, is among the 22 appointees to the president’s commission.

Commissioners are responsible for recommending a group of candidates for the prestigious White House Fellows program for leadership and public service.

White House Fellowships offer “emerging leaders” deemed to be “exceptional” a first-hand, once-in-a-lifetime experience, working at the highest levels of the Federal government.

Selected individuals will typically spend a year working as a full-time, paid fellow to senior White House staff, cabinet secretaries and other top-ranking government officials.

“These leaders represent the best of America — our collective character, creativity, and Sen. Raumesh d i v e r s i Akbari ty,” Biden said in a statement released Friday. “I am grateful these dedicated and accomplished Americans will help select and mentor the next class of White House Fellows who demonstrate exceptional leadership, unwavering passion, and a strong commitment to public service.”

Akbari, who is an attorney at her family’s small business, was elected to Tennessee Senate District 29 in 2019, representing Downtown Memphis and parts of Shelby County.

Previously, she had served as the representative of state House District 91 since 2013.

During her career, she’s earned national and international recognition for her work to reform criminal justice policies and to improve student outcomes, according to the White House.

PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, June 10 - 16, 2021, Page 4

Over 21 job offers were extended to students at the SCS Graduating Senior Transition (GST) Job Fair on June 1. (Photo: SCS Twitter)

With the school year winding down, the SCS Games afforded educators, administrative teams and community partners and opportunity to have a blast. (Photo: SCS Twitter)

So, what have we learned from one of the most traumatic schools years in history?

by Curtis Weathers

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The school year is coming to a close and the coronavirus seems to be in full retreat.

More and more people are getting vaccinated, infections are way down and the number of people dying from the virus has fallen Curtis dramatically.

Weathers As we bring to a close one of the most traumatic school years in the history of this nation, we need to begin the reflection process and start the repair work on our educational institutions.

We need to take the lessons from this pandemic and build a better, more effective and efficient educational experience for our students and families.

I have been anxious to hear directly from our school leaders, classroom teachers and support team members about what they have learned throughout this experience as it relates to virtual learning and all of the other challenges they have had to contend with over the last 18 months.

I posted a survey on Facebook that asked teachers, administrators and support team members to share with me what they have learned during the pandemic that will help them provide a better educational learning experience for students in the future.

The responses have been mixed and are still coming in. Here are the results thus far.

• Forty-six percent of respondents said they actually learned a lot this past year and felt that their students learned much more than expected.

• Forty-four percent of respondents said they learned a few things, but for the most part, it was a wasted year for them and their students.

• Ten percent of respondents said they are still assessing what, if anything, they, or their students learned this school year.

• Only one respondent said, without equivocation, that this school year was a complete waste for both he and his stu-

SCS Supt. Dr. Joris M. Ray and Shelby County Board of Education members “celebrated our AWESOME teachers in a big way” at the Board of Education office on May 5. Ray posted, “Teachers, THANK YOU for giving your all EVERY DAY for the students.” (Photo: SCS Twitter) dents.

Virtual learning, of course, played a significant role in facilitating the teaching and learning process this year. Many found it incredibly challenging. But for all its hardships and problems, virtual learning also provided insights.

Many of the respondents to the survey lauded their newfound technology skills.

“I learned that I have online teaching capabilities, and I believe that online teaching is the future once mastered,” said one middle school teacher. Several teachers mentioned how challenging the virtual learning platform can be.

An SCS high school teacher said, “I learned how to keep scholars engaged through distance learning while building a desire within my scholars to better themselves.” She also learned “how to create a culture of success that allowed scholars to explore and experiment with lessons in order to make that lesson meaningful.”

One SCS teacher, however, was very blunt. According to her, “Virtual Learning is not for middle school. Lack of discipline.”

But she also reflected on something other teachers mentioned as well, and that is the role “patience” played in helping her get through the year.

“I learned patience,” she said, “because adjustment has a mental trauma that I would never have considered.”

A sixth-grade math teacher spoke to the inequities in our system.

“We always knew the inequities were there, but with Covid, it was really highlighted. We got to see everything on a broad spectrum of how we’ve neglected certain populations.”

Several respondents to the survey reflected on the empathy and resiliency aspects of teaching and learning. A Bartlett elementary school teacher said she learned to be more flexible and to have “a deeper compassion for students and their families.”

Another teacher replied, “It doesn’t make me a weaker teacher to try and accommodate my students. Sometimes being a better teacher means showing grace and mercy.”

One administrator had some excellent advice for his colleagues going forward.

“Figure out what is most important for your students to learn and teach them that.

You don’t have time for all the extras. Also, take the time to form connections and allow your students to get to know each other,” he said.

“Less is more,” wrote an SCS middle

school teacher.

“I have learned to drill down to the most essential skills/standards that I feel need to be taught/learned. I’ve learned to not give up on collaboration time for students to work together even if some do not participate. … I’ve learned to be patient and kind and offer extra help sessions, even if nobody shows up.”

The door is wide open for educators to begin reimagining the teaching and learning process in our schools in order to better serve students and families going forward.

One administrator seems to be on the right track with his idea of how to restructure the school day.

“I realized that teachers and students were more productive with a 4-day workweek. Kids had four school days, and the staff was in PD/work time on Mondays.

Everyone was prepared for the week, and time was maximized. I believe how we do school needs to be revisited.” he said.

The bottom line: we need to take what we have learned and create a new and dynamic learning experience for children using technology and the newfound relationships we’ve developed with parents and families.

I suppose I am not surprised that over 40 percent of respondents think that the school year was a total waste. The pandemic has left many teachers wondering whether the classroom holds a future for them. Many are leaving the profession and pursuing other career pathways. The majority of those who remain seem relieved and yet optimistic after navigating the challenges of this pandemic for over a year.

On the one hand, I’m excited about what I’m hearing from school leaders and classroom teachers.

But on the other hand, given what I know about culture in urban schools and its formidable ability to resist change, I will believe the differences when I see them.

Great job, educators (administrators, teachers and support staff).

We love and appreciate you!

(Follow TSD education columnist Curtis Weathers on Twitter (@curtisweathers); email: curtislweathers@gmail.com.)

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The New Tri-State Defender

June 10 - 16, 2021

Page 5

RELIGION

Monumental Baptist grows forward after ‘grievous transition’ and global pandemic

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

For more than five decades, the historic Monumental Baptist Church was synonymous with its larger-thanlife, civil rights giant and the Memphis pastor who stood on the balcony as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was cut down by an assassin’s bullet.

Th Rev. Samuel “Billy” Kyles retired from the pulpit in October 2015.

He died in late April 2016, leaving a congregation grieving, but not without direction.

Upon his retirement, Kyles tapped the Rev. Wade Bryant as his successor. Since then Bryant has been making some positive, 21st-century changes to a historic church experiencing “new and exciting growth.”

“In that first year of my pastorate, we had 75 new members to join our church,” said Bryant, Kyles longtime associate and successor. “Now, we are up to 172 new members. We have added 50-60 new members a year.”

Such growth trend does not reflect

the norm of many urban churches.

Blight and the closure of small businesses in neighborhoods and communities in both North and South Memphis have contributed heavily to an exodus.

“When Rev. Kyles first died, some members left the church,” said Bryant. “They were here at Monumental because of him. And that is understandable. He was a well-known civil rights leader, who had been with Dr. King in his last moments.”

Others were too grieved to return, and there was a period of great sadness and adjustment, said Bryant.

Kyles had put in place a plan of succession. Originally from Clarksdale, Mississippi, Bryant, who came to Memphis in 1978, had been a member of Monumental Baptist Church for 38 years. Much of that time he served as associate minister.

“I had several opportunities to pastor my own church,” said Bryant. “This one particular time, I was being considered for the pastorate, along with another preacher. Rev. Kyles had given his blessing and told

me to pursue the opportunity because it would be good experience for me.

“Then, one day he asked me to stop by the house. He told me to please withdraw my name because he needed me to serve with him for five more years.”

Five years turned into ten. By 2015, Kyles had decided to step down. Bryant was called to a meeting of deacons and trustees, along with the pastor.

“They were debating what being a co-pastor actually meant,” said Bryant. “No one asked me anything, but I realized they were talking about me being named as ‘co-pastor.’ I marveled that no one asked me whether or not I was interested in such a position.

“But when it was all said and done, I was named co-pastor. It was determined that I would become pastor, provided the church approved. Pastor Kyles retired, and I became the pastor. About 70 percent of the members voted me in.”

Kyles continued to come as the revered emeritus, and according to

Bryant, it was comforting to see him come in.

“Those months, coming into the sanctuary and sitting in the pastor’s seat seemed to revive him. It certainly did something for us.”

After Kyles’ death, Bryant said he felt a divine impetus to rebrand Monumental and usher the church forward with a 21st-century outreach effort.

“I delivered 30-second words of encouragement on Hallelujah 95.7 FM, and they began to pay off,” said Bryant. “New people were coming to the church. I revised our motto: ‘Prayer, Power and Praise on the Parkway, I’ll see you there.’ I had a church logo designed. It all seemed to work for us.”

The neighborhood witnessing efforts were revived, with teams of members knocking on doors and inviting families to worship with the Monumental Church family.

Bryant began spending money on new cameras and audio-visual equipment for taping church services in 2018. By December 2019, he had

Rev. Wade Bryant and his wife, Brenda Bryant. (Courtesy photo) revamped the entire department, with the church equipped to broadcast a clear, crisp transmission of a service.

Three months later, the pandemic hit and service was closed. Virtual church services have continued to broaden viewership online. New members continue to make Monumental their church-home.

“We reopen church services on Sunday, July 4th,” said Bryant. “I’m so happy, I don’t know what to do.

I’m so tired of preaching to a camera.”

Bryant and his wife, Brenda Bryant, have an adult daughter, Kimberly Bryant.

On ‘Love Day’...

“Stand Fast” was the sermon topic of the Rev. Henry Hassell, pastor of Tabernacle of Faith, during the Love Day celebration that marked the second anniversary of service at Annesdale Cherokee Missionary Baptist Church for the Rev. Albert Booker and his wife, Lena Booker, last Sunday (June 6).

(Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

One year in...

Greater Lakeview Missionary Baptist Church at 191 E. Holmes Rd. observed the Rev. Isaac Wright Jr.’s first year of pastoral leadership and 10 years of service during a drive-through celebration last Sunday (June 6). Pictured (l-r): Joyett Wright (the pastor’s wife), Abigail Wright, Amaya Wright; back row (l-r): Isaac Wright III and Pastor Wright. (Photo: Shirley Jackson)

The New Tri-State Defender, June 10 - 16, 2021, Page 6

On every birthday, Ora Jackson’s children host a huge celebration for her. Here, she is pictured with her children and their spouses (l-r): Sharron Lewis-Henderson, Debra Garner, Jeanetta Lewis-Moore, Ora Jackson, Larry Lewis, Elsie Lewis-Bailey, Barbara Lewis-Ross, Jean Lewis-Bailey. (Courtesy photos)

Shelby County’s ‘first black prison matron’ to celebrate 100th birthday

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Ora Dell Cooley Jackson has lived an intriguing life. From the cotton fields of her father’s farm to a gun-toting bailiff in Shelby County courtrooms, Mrs. Jackson blazed her way into the history book of “African-American firsts.”

This year, she turns 100, and her impressive tribe of descendants is planning a shindig worthy of a queen.

“She is a queen,” said daughter, Elsie Lewis Bailey. “Mother is our queen. Each year for her birthday, we plan a huge reunion and we all get together so she can see everyone again.

These celebrations have gotten bigger and more extravagant over the years because we have been building up to the 100th year. We are excited. Mother is excited. It’s going to be spectacular.”

Mrs. Jackson’s memory is still as sharp as someone decades younger. She often tells stories about growing up in Indianola, MS, and picking cotton on her father’s farm.

“There were families that did some sharecropping that we knew,” said Mrs. Jackson. “But Poppa owned his own land. We grew cotton, and we grew our own food. Momma and Poppa fed everybody. They never turned anyone away who was hungry and needed a meal. I guess that’s where I get it from.”

“Momma and Poppa” were Francis and Virge Cooley.

Young Ora was born on July 5, 1921, in Indianola, the last of 21 children.

Back in that day, when an African-American girl completed the eighth grade, she was considered “educated.” Ora was not only extremely bright, but she was tall and widely considered in her county as a “great beauty.”

But Poppa kept a close eye on all his children, especially his baby girl, Ora. After she finished school, Ora, while, met Robert J. Lewis Jr. He joined an ever-growing number of ardent suitors who wanted to court Ora Cooley.

“I married Robert Lewis after we courted a while, and we

moved here to Memphis,” said Mrs. Jackson. “Our eight children were all born here. Two of them are deceased. But I thank God for the time He gave me with every one of my children.

Mrs. Jackson found employment in Memphis with great ease because of her level of education and charming demeanor. She worked a number of jobs until the mid-1960s.

In 1962, Mark Luttrell Sr. was appointed superintendent of the Shelby County Penal Farm. (His son, Mark Luttrell Jr., would later follow him into the field of law enforcement, serving as Shelby County Sheriff and later, was elected to the Shelby County mayor’s office.)

Shortly after that time, Mrs. Jackson applied for the position of matron in the women’s prison at the Penal Farm. Superintendent Luttrell interviewed her and liked the skills of diplomacy and dignity she could bring to the position. Although, no African-American woman had ever worked as the matron, he hired Mrs. Jackson, and she thrived in the post.

“I came to love those women,” said Mrs. Jackson. “Black, white, whatever they were, I taught them things that I had taught my own daughters. I taught them about hygiene and grooming. Some of them could not read. So I tried to improve their life skills while they were incarcerated.”

As matron of the women’s prison, Mrs. Jackson carved out a uniquely styled administration that combined both structure and compassion.

“I remember Mother would load up a bus and bring the women to church,” said Pastor

No one was prouder than Ora Jackson when Floyd Bonner Jr became the first African American elected Sheriff in Shelby County. “I thank God for letting me live to see this day, she said at his inauguration.

“I have always thought that if you treat people with respect, you will get respect.”

— Ora Dell Cooley Jackson Larry Lewis, Mrs. Jackson’s baby son. “She would have them dressed in white blouses and black skirts. They had formed a choir. That was at Castalia Baptist Church when Rev. Calvin Mims was pastor.

And in all those times that she brought a busload out, not one escaped, or tried to escape. I still find that remarkable.”

Mrs. Jackson had a philosophy that seemed to work for her in that matron’s position.

“I have always thought that if you treat people with respect, you will get respect,” Mrs. Jack-

son said. “I taught those women to respect themselves and to respect each other. I treated them like my own children, and they responded in kind.” Mrs. Jackson desegregated the living quarters of the women and by her own example, generated harmonious relations among the inmates.

When Lewis was about 10 or 11, he started to come to work with his mother.

“I always tell people my baby went to prison when he was still young,” Mrs. Jackson said. “I would bring him to work with me, and sometimes he would spend the night there.”

Lewis can recall coming to work with his mother and sometimes bringing his bike to ride on the premises.

“I would ride my bike along the sidewalks around the penal farm,” said Lewis. “I remember the atmosphere inside the facility being very peaceful

and respectful. Even as a boy, I thought that might be a little unusual for a prison.”

In the late 1970’s, Mrs. Jackson was promoted to the rank of sergeant, moving into the courtrooms of Shelby County.

“I served with Judges Arthur Bennett, Otis Higgs, and H.T. Lockhart,” said Mrs. Jackson.

“They were all great men of integrity, and it was an honor to serve with them. We were proud of our black judges.”

Mrs. Jackson divorced and continued raising her children alone. In 1974, she married John D. Jackson, whose companionship she enjoyed until his death in February, 1990.

“John Jackson was so good to me,” said Mrs. Jackson. “He was just the best husband any woman could have. My husband bought me lots of gifts, and tried to show me every day how much he loved me. I still miss his friendship. He was such a wonderful companion.”

Mrs. Jackson is a faithful member of Lewis’ church, and she thinks “it’s great” that her baby son is also her pastor.

“I’m just so proud of my son,” said Jackson. “He’s a good preacher, a real good preacher.

And, I’m not saying that just because he’s my son. I enjoy our service, and I’m always there for Sunday School.”

Lewis is pastor of Wisdom, Knowledge, and Understanding Ministries on Park Avenue in the Orange Mound Community.

Of Mrs. Jackson’s eight children, six are still living.

There are 20 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

This year’s birthday bash will span a four-day schedule of activities, from Friday through Monday, July 2-5. Sunday, a special church service will be held at True Faith Baptist Church in South Memphis. On Monday, her actual birthday, a culminating family brunch will close out Mrs. Jackson’s 100th birthday celebration.

Longevity runs in the family.

Mrs. Jackson’s father, “Poppa,” lived to be 107.

The New Tri-State Defender

June 10 - 16, 2021

Page 7

LITERATURE

‘Beale Street Unforgotten’ set for Juneteenth release

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Noted author and CEO of GrantHouse Publishers, Inc., George C. Grant, is a retired college administrator with uncanny insight about what makes a “good book.”

Gifted public relations principal and award-winning photographer, Markham L. “Mark” Stansbury Sr., who has photographed five U.S. presidents, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks, the Beatles, the Supremes, Isaac Hayes and Elvis Presley, is a trailblazing radio personality with a nose for news.

The pair got together and collaborated on all things Beale Street in the 1960s.

That collaboration has resulted in a fascinating and intriguing chronicle called, “Beale Street Unforgotten: A Business and Landmarks Directory and Gallery of the 1960s Beale Street Area.”

Grant and Stansbury are native Memphians, who spent their youth exploring and relishing the many venues of Beale Street before its decline.

They are paying a debt of love to Beale with their time, effort and resources to restore those treasured memories.

“People under 60, even native Memphians, may not be able to appreciate the work for lack of general knowledge about the landmark street,” said Stansbury.

“That fact prompted us to create a thoroughly researched and written history of Beale Street so that the book is well received and fully appreciated.”

Just before its decline, which also took place in the 1960s,

Markham L. “Mark” Stansbury Sr. (left) and George C. Grant collaborated on a soon-to-be released Beale Street chronicle. (Courtesy photo) Beale Street was a bustling mecca of African-American businesses, professional offices, and other thriving establishments.

The authors recreate with documented historical facts and vibrantly stunning photos what it was like to walk down the iconic lane.

“The publication, ‘Beale Street Unforgotten – A Business and Landmarks Directory and Gallery of the 1960s Beale Street Area,’ will introduce to some, remind others and restore, in part, knowledge of the culture, content, in-

fluence and layout of Memphis’ Beale Street,” said Grant.

Countless hours have been invested in researching, assembling and organizing information and photographs about the historic Beale Street district of the 1960s for the directory, according to both authors.

Drafts of the directory have been shared with colleagues and friends who were personally familiar with the Beale Street area in its 1960s heyday.

“We are pleased that those who have previewed the work have

been generous with encouragement, as well as their critiques and suggestions for its content and design,” said Grant.

Beale Street was the center of African-American culture in the 1960s. Rich in the vestiges of its antebellum beginnings in 1841, the street stood as remarkable testament of the resourcefulness and ingenuity of African-American craftsmen and the blossoming wealth of music genres coming out of that rich history.

It was a thriving area of African-American commerce and

culture until the yellow fever epidemic hit in the 1870s, and later epidemics in the1890s.

The street rebounded and evolved through the decades from pool halls, gambling dens and houses of ill repute to legitimate businesses, shops, entertainment, theatres, professional offices, barbershops, beauty shops, restaurants and other flourishing enterprises.

GrantHouse Publishers boast more than 180 titles penned by 150 authors since its founding in 1989.

Grant recently retired after a career of more than 50 years as a college and university library administrator and dean at six academic institutions.

Stansbury was not admitted to Memphis State University upon graduating from Booker T. Washington. But his career in higher education afforded him the opportunity to serve as assistant to the president in four administrations at the same institution, now the University of Memphis.

They hope their new book will begin to revive and restore the true legacy of Memphis’ Beale Street. Also, another Beale Street history book is in the works and is scheduled for release in 2022, Grant said.

“Prepare to take a memorable1960s trip down our ‘forgotten’ Beale Street, from the riverfront down through the exciting venues,” said Stansbury. “Relive the glory and the legacy of this wonderful landmark.”

The book will be released during Juneteenth weekend, Friday and Saturday, June 18-19.

Further details will be available in the coming week.

COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, June 10 - 16, 2021, Page 8

OK of one-penny property tax hike results from lengthy County Commission discussion

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

County property taxes inched up one penny to $3.46 for 2022 after Shelby County commissioners approved the hike on a protracted 7-5 vote during their Monday (June 7) meeting.

The addition revenue – nearly $2.3 million – will be used to fund youth and adult mental health services.

The amendment was tacked onto a rate of 3.45 and was approved on an 8-3 vote earlier in the meeting. It was submitted by Commissioner Edmund Ford Jr., who chairs the budget committee.

“Right now, and the math shows it, at $3.45, you’ve got the general fund at $1.25, you’ve got education at $1.64, your

debt service at .56 cents, and you do the transfers like I saw in the exhibit A, you will still have an additional $1,651,365,” said Ford, who abstained from voting on the resolution.

The extra cent’s proceeds will flow into the general fund, where it will be earmarked for mental health.

The rate falls from the previous rate of $4.05 per $100 assessed value.

Property values have soared in recent years.

Some estimates have the county’s appraisal gains topping out more than 20 percent. If rates aren’t adjusted downward, it could lead to a windfall following appraisals.

Tennessee law mandates that property taxes can’t create surpluses.

Taxes from the new rate will

help fund a chunk of the proposed $1.4 billion FY22budget, which begins July 1, submitted by Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris. The commission is expected to vote on it next week. It features an estimated $23 million shortfall.

“Property taxes account for 60 percent of all the money that comes into our county.

So, while you all consider this vote, while you consider the need to reduce from $4.05, just take that into consideration,” said Michael Thompson, director of Budget and Fiscal Planning for Shelby County.

He also said the mayor would like to see a 1.5 percent increase in salaries for county employees. The budget currently lacks pay raises. Bonuses also drew praise.

Commissioner Tami Sawyer

offered an amendment to up the rate to $3.69. Under the proposal, homes valued under $150,000 would pay shy of $100 more annually in county property taxes.

Owners whose homes appraised for $350,000 would pay an additional $200 per year.

“This amount will allow us to accommodate for a lot of the presentations that have been made by the community.

Covering public transportation, our youth and education, criminal justice reform, mental health, housing and other issues that are impacting the majority of our disinvested Black neighborhoods here in Memphis,” said Sawyer.

However, it failed to gain traction within the commission and sank on a 4-8 vote.

The proposal was similar to one offered at a Memphis City

Council budget meeting Tuesday (June 8).

Council member Martavius Jones’ pitch would raise Memphis’ rate from a proposed $2.71 to $3.00 per $100 in assessed value. The proposal also comes on the heels of skyrocketing property values following reappraisals. It would bring in an estimated $46 million.

Among the beneficiaries of the cash would be city employees, who would receive a three percent pay raise. Funding would also flow to MATA, the Affordable Housing Trust fund, Opportunity Youth Employment fund, Capital Pay Go for funding capital projects, with $1.6 leftover.

It drew immediate opposition from fellow council members.

“The timing is just not

right,” said councilmember Chase Carlisle.

Meanwhile, the new county property tax rate, according to state law requires, an additional hearing with the state comptroller’s office.

The demands don’t end there. A notice in newspapers about the change is also necessary. Finally, Mayor Harris must submit an affidavit to the board of equalization regarding the notice.

Voting in favor of the one cent increase were commissioners Van Turner Jr., Michael Whaley, Willie F. Brooks, Mickell Lowery, Eddie Jones, Sawyer and Reginald Milton.

Voting no were Mark Billingsley, Mick Wright, David C. Bradford, Amber Mills and Brandon Morrison. Ford abstained.

Taking the anti-gun violence pitch to the Hamilton High area

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

In defense of …

With Shelby County Commissioner Tami Sawyer receiving ongoing threats in association with her successful effort to galvanize community support regarding the removal of Confederate-era monuments, rallying supporters said “… time out for that kind of foolishness” at a Downtown press conference last week. State Rep. Antonio Parkinson (center): “These are threats against a Black woman and it is reprehensible, it is cowardly.” Others who joined Parkinson: The Rev. Dr. Noel G. L. Hutchinson Jr., Rep. Joe Towns Jr., Rep. Jesse Chism, the Rev. Charlie Caswell and Memphis City Councilman Martavius Jones.” (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

CodeCrew, The Collective Blueprint united in launch of The Code Collective

by Najee El-Amin

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

With assistance from the NBA foundation, two Memphis nonprofit organizations, CodeCrew and The Collective Blueprint, are coming together to create a new technology driven initiative.

The Code Collective initiative aims to assist young adults on their path into software development.

The nine-month comprehensive program will be broken into four modules, each focusing on a variety of aspects, including coding and system development.

Students also will have access to the Collective Blueprint’s Careers program, which provides professional development support and work exposure opportunities.

With the support of the Collective Blueprint, participants not only will be afforded transportation assistance,

mental health support and counseling, but also a $400 monthly stipend to help them along the way.

“CodeCrew is excited to partner with The Collective Blueprint to develop a new generation of black software engineers with support from the NBA Foundation,” said Meka Egwuekwe, CodeCrew executive director.

“These successful young tech producers will have access to above average incomes, while at the same time helping employers get the talent they desperately need,” Egwuekwe said.

CodeCrew has been serving the Memphis community since 2015, mentoring and training more than 2,000 students along the way.

The organization dives deep into the world of technology, while also ingraining real world lessons into the students.

CodeCrew made headlines

earlier this year when three of their youth students were recognized as the winners of the Tennessee Congressional App Challenge.

While the list of accolades for Egwuekwe and his team is plentiful, he believes this new partnership will be one of their top achievements.

Sabrina Dawson, vice president of programs and co-Founder of The Collective Blueprint concurs.

“It’s amazing to bring two organizations together like The Collective Blueprint and CodeCrew, that share a similar desire to be of service in underserved communities, and foster a sense of possibility connected to tangible career pathways,” Dawson said.

The Collective Blueprint strives to bring economic equity to young adults. They have been building pathways to thriving careers since 2016 and are also based in Memphis.

The Collective Blueprint

and CodeCrew were two out of nine organizations to receive grants from the NBA Foundation’s recent initiative.

The foundation has allocated more than $3 million in grants to create more career opportunities in black communities.

The program will kick off on June 14. Memphis and Shelby County residents aged 17-30 are encouraged to apply, as long as they meet the following requirements.

They must have either been out of work at any point in the past year, have a high school diploma (equivalent certification) or are a current high school senior.

Also, applicants must not have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, and are not currently in a certification or college program.

(To apply or learn more, visit The Code Collective program.)

The next stop in a series of walks to marshal community support against gun violence will begin and end at Hamilton High School Saturday (June 12). The walk is set to begin at 9 a.m.

In advance of the weekend walk, events on Tuesday (June 8) and Wednesday (June 9) brought organizers, supporters and others planning to participate into Hamilton and the surrounding community.

Steps toward the weekend event featured Stevie Moore and members of his Freedom From Unnecessary Negatives (FFUN) organization. He spoke at a Tuesday afternoon press conference at Hamilton.

“People keep asking me, ‘What good is walking going to do?’ Or, they say, ‘Walking won’t help anything.’ Well, they should have told Dr. King that walking and marching won’t to change anything. Tell John Lewis that walking won’t help anything,” Moore said.

Wednesday afternoon, Moore and his group walked through Hamilton High’s surrounding Dixie Heights and Bunker Hill neighborhoods, giving candy and chips for the children and encouraging them to come out Saturday for the walk.

“We like to give them treats because we want our children to know that we are not mad at them, but we love them, and we support them,” Moore said.

For 18 years, Moore has carried the burden of grief after losing his son to gun violence.

“I wrote President Barack Obama, and I am going to write President Joe Biden,” said Moore. “I am asking, ‘What has not happened?’

We have not effectively addressed gun violence in the African-American community, black-on-black crime.

“The same week that George Floyd was killed by that white policeman, four people were killed in Memphis. And nobody got mad, nobody burned down a building because of that,” said Moore, adding that

in Memp h i s there is a chilling reoccurrence of innocent people killed by stray bulStevie lets “and Moore shootouts occur just like people are in the Wild West. …

“I said at the press conference that we don’t get angry when it’s black-on-black gun violence,” said Moore. “We only get mad when a White police officer kills a Black person. I just can’t get with that. I can’t go along with it because it makes no sense to me.”

There was record 323 homicides in 2020.

In mid-May of last year, Memphis police had logged 98 homicides. Mid-May this year, that number was 110.

Also, last year the weapons violations totaled 871; this year, more than 1,100 weapons offenses have been reported, a 35 percent increase.

Moore said he will never give up fighting against the violent crime that has taken over so many Memphis communities.

“Those who have something to say about our community walks, let them come up with something better, and I will try that.

“But I made myself, my son, and God a promise while my son’s head was shot open; he laid on the ground for two hours, and I couldn’t help him.

I promised I would fight gun violence as long as God gives me strength to do it.”

Memphians from other communities are welcome to join Saturday’s march.

For more information on the upcoming march, or to plan a walk or other event against gun violence, call 901-527-3149.

To report a crime or suspicious activity, call FFUN’s Anonymous Crime Tip Line at: 901-417-7361. The identity of the caller is never revealed, Moore said.

The New Tri-State Defender

June 10 - 16, 2021

NEWS Memphis megasite targeted for $52M NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced Tuesday that the state will pour $52 million into building a complicated wastewater discharge pipeline into a sprawling site that has failed to land potential tenants due to a lack of infrastructure buildout.

The Memphis Regional Megasite, located about 40 miles (65 kilometers) east of downtown Memphis, has already received more than $170 million in state funding. However, state officials have long warned that more money is needed to make the nearly 6.5 square miles (17 square kilometers) attractive enough for prospective investors.

Officials say construction on the wastewater pipeline project likely won’t start until next year.

“I have directed the Department of Economic and Community Development to aggressively market the Megasite and offer enhanced incentives to companies demonstrating a long-term desire to call Haywood County home,” Lee said in a statement.

Lee’s administration had commissioned an independent review of the megasite. The report, released Tuesday, found that along with a lack of utility service, a lack of available workforce and a low quality of life have also hindered securing a tenant.

“Key criteria are just that – they are key to the prospect and necessary for selection.

Fixing one will not resolve the deficiency,” the report stated.

“Overcoming issues related to proximity and quality of life are more challenging areas to address,” the report added.

“For this reason, economic development organizations typically assemble sites within driving distance of a major metropolitan areas with attractive quality of life scores.”

According to economic development officials, the megasite’s 4,100 acres (1,660 hectares) would be enough to include the combined footprints of several of the state’s largest plants, including the 715-acre (290-hectare) Nissan complex in Smyrna, the 352acre (140-hectare) Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga and the 469-acre (190-hectare) Hankook Tire plant in Clarksville.

In 2017, the site failed to land a new auto plant planned by a joint venture of Toyota and Mazda. A year prior, the Tennessee site was one of two finalists when Sentury Tire Americas was looking to build a $530 million plant. The company ultimately chose a site in Georgia.

Page 9

CLASSIFIEDS NOTICE TO BIDDERS Shelby County Government has issued Sealed Bid number I000670, Purchase of a Command Center Vehicle for the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. 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 I000670 DUE DATE WEDNESDAY, JULY 7TH, 2021 AT 2:00 PM CST (SB-I000670) PURCHASE OF A COMMAND CENTER VEHICLE FOR THE SHELBY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE 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 I000671, Purchase of Binocular Night Vision (BNVD) Kits for the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.

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 I000671 DUE DATE WEDNESDAY, JULY 7TH, 2021 AT 3:00 PM CST (SB-I000671) PURCHASE OF BINOCULAR NIGHT VISION (BNVD) KITS FOR THE SHELBY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE 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: Timothy Lyles Tax Parcel #: D0134W0C000200 Tax Sale #: 1701 Price Offered: $5,900 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 July 9, 2021, 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 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 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

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

DEADLINES: Display ads Friday 5 p.m.

Classifieds ads Monday 5 p.m.

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

County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Michael Rogers Tax Parcel #: 04203800000250 Tax Sale #: 1303 Price Offered: $6,000 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice.

If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 2:00 p.m. on July 7, 2021, 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 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: New Hidden Valley Real Estate Company, LLC Tax Parcel #: 08205400000180 Tax Sale #: 1503 Price Offered: $550 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice.

If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 2:30 p.m. on July 8, 2021, 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 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 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: Joseph D. Washington III Tax Parcel #: 05003100000240 Tax Sale #: 1002 Price Offered: $1,800 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice.

If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 2:00 p.m. on July 8, 2021, 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 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 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: FOFS, LLC Tax Parcel #: 08200800000370 Tax Sale #: 1604 Price Offered: $6,000 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice.

If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 1:30 p.m. on July 8, 2021, 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 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 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: Jason Panter Tax Parcel #: 04205500000260 Tax Sale #: 1502 Price Offered: $400 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 1:00 p.m. on July 8, 2021, 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 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 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: Cleodis Peterson, Jr. Tax Parcel #: 08200300000960 Tax Sale #: 1604 Price Offered: $600 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 July 8, 2021, 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 584 Adams Avenue

Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: New Day Investments Inc. Tax Parcel #: 03700800000180 Tax Sale #: 1701 Price Offered: $25,000 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice.

If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:00 a.m. on July 8, 2021, 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 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 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: Hillary Esangbedo Tax Parcel #: 04703700000310 Tax Sale #: 1604 Price Offered: $14,400 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 July 8, 2021, 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 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 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: Michael Rogers Tax Parcel #: 04005500000120 Tax Sale #: 1603 Price Offered: $3,500 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice.

If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 2:30 p.m. on July 7, 2021, 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 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400

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: Michael Rogers Tax Parcel #: 04203000000280 Tax Sale #: 1401 Price Offered: $4,000 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice.

If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 1:30 p.m. on July 7, 2021, 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 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 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: JRI, LLC Tax Parcel #: 07524400000210 Tax Sale #: 1603 Price Offered: $800 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 1:00 p.m. on July 7, 2021, 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 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 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: Devin Sherman Tax Parcel #: 04706100000210 Tax Sale #: 1604 Price Offered: $15,000 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice.

If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:30 a.m. on July 7, 2021, 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 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400

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Tennessee Press Association • www.tnpress.com • (865) 584-5761

The New Tri-State Defender

June 10 - 16, 2021

Page 10

SPORTS

Feared for his floater, Ja Morant said he is confident in his three-point shooting ability, which many observers see as an area of improvement that would make him even more hard to handle. Here he shoots over Jazz center Rudy Gobert and Mike Conley Jr., the former Grizzlies guard, who himself proved difficult for the Grizzlies to contain during the playoffs. (Photo: Warren Roseborough/ TSD Archives)

Power to – and of – the Tigers was the focus as members of the Shelby County Delegation saluted head coach Penny Hardaway and the team that netted the 2021 National Invitational Tournament title. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

Hardaway, Tigers honored by Shelby County legislators TSD Newsroom A luncheon at the Laurie-Walton Family Basketball Center on the University of Memphis’ Park Avenue campus was the setting for a special recognition of the University of Memphis Tigers by members of the Shelby County Legislative Delegation last Friday (June 4).

The Tigers were presented with House Joint Resolution No. 376, a measure com-

On track...

The 6th Annual Youth Track and Field of Memphis Invitational was held at Bartlett High School on June 5. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)

memorating their achievements during the 2020-21 season, which was capped by the 2021 National Invitation Tournament championship.

“The work that the team is doing, in combination with Coach Penny Hardaway, is absolutely amazing, and we want to recognize the impact they have on the community,” said State Rep. London Lamar, chair of the Shelby County delegation.

“This school is producing the best and the brightest, and the impact is about more than just sports. It’s about pride in the City of Memphis, and this team is showing the grit that comes with being a Memphis Tiger.”

Last month, The Shelby County Board of Commissioners embraced a resolution acknowledging the Tigers’ NIT championship and presented it along with a key to the county.

Ja Morant – the exit interview

by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

A season that ended with the Memphis Grizzlies growing beyond the expectations of most but short of where the players wanted to end up has yielded to early, post-season reflections.

Making an appearance at the obligatory team exit interviews, rising-star point guard Ja Morant was direct.

“I just look for finding areas I can be better at,” he said. “For me, I am never satisfied. I try to work on everything.”

Teamwise, the Grizzlies “just need to continue to grow with each other,” he said. “We have been playing together for the last two years.

You see what the difference a year can make.”

That meant going from not making the playoffs to battling through a new play-in tournament to getting into the playoffs and forcing the No. 1-seeded Utah Jazz awake with a game one victory in the opener of the best-of-seven series.

And while the Grizzlies were eliminated four games to one, they clearly earned respect throughout the league and from observers – professionals and water-cooler pundits.

“TV games,” said Morant, “I felt like that allowed for people to see us, to see how we play.

We had a lot of games on TV at the end of the season. They were able to see how talented we are. We opened a lot of eyes.”

Morant turned in monster-level games against the Jazz, with some openly saying he would be even more of a terror to defend with an improve shot from three-point territory.

“I was always confident,” Morant said of his long-range shooting. “It is not a very important thing for me. I am going to continue to get better in all areas of my game.

“I honestly don’t care about what outsiders say about my game. We will see next season.”