The New Tri-State Defender - July 21-27, 2022

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July 21 - 27, 2022

VOL. 71, No. 29

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Murder in Memphis: This time it’s a pastor

Teens charged in slaying of United Methodist leader by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Capleville United Methodist Church in Hickory Hill honored the life of their late pastor Dr. Autura Eason-Williams Tuesday evening (July 19). Dr. Eason-Williams was fatally shot at her Whitehaven home about 4:15 p.m. Monday (July 18) during what police officials said was a carjacking. Two teenagers have been charged in the incident. Tuesday’s Service of Remembrance and Prayer service attracted a solemn gathering of heartbroken

family and friends, who celebrated the life of the beloved victim, who was “more than a pastor, but family.” Jackie Pride, in a Facebook post, said, “We became friends and shared many memories through Boy Scout Troop 355, Kirby Middle, and Kirby High PTA…Thank you for doing LIFE with us! May God comfort her family and friends.” Dr. Eason-Williams was not only a pastor, but an accomplished prelate who served as district superintendent of the United Methodist Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference’s Metro District.

News of her death swept swiftly through the local church community. Police Monday responded to a shooting at 1000 Whitehaven Lane and Rev. Autura found the mortalEasonly wounded Dr. Williams Eason-Williams. The news sent shockwaves through the Memphis religious community, prompting an

“Incidents like these should make everyone have sleepless nights,” said Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis as she announced arrests in the fatal shooting of the Rev. Autura Eason-Williams. (Screen capture) outpouring of sympathy on social media platforms. Dr. Rosalyn Nichols was a good friend of Eason-Williams. Her immediate response to news of the death was to post, “No words,” on her Facebook page. She had more to say Wednesday (July 20). “When the Rev. Dr. Herbert Lester served as pastor of Centenary Unit-

ed Methodist Church, I met the Rev. Dr. Autura Eason-Williams. She was warm and enthusiastic about serving God and God’s people. “More than words, it was how she made everyone feel because of what they saw and heard when she was around. Needless to say, our hearts

SEE MURDER ON PAGE 2

With the Aug. 4 election looming and the early voting period extending through July 30, signs that reflect the political season dot the landscape outside the voting precinct at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

Early Voting is underway for Aug. 4 Election

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

With nearly 8,000 votes cast in the first two days of early voting, Shelby County may witness one of the larger mid-term turnouts in recent history. “The turnout has really been encouraging,” said Sidney Adkins, who is handing out voting literature at Riverside Community Center. “What

we are seeing since Monday is that the number of early voters keeps growing. Each day, we see more people coming out to participate.” Early voting began last Friday, July 15. According to one site coordinator, a higher turnout may occur this year, if turn out so far is any indication. “As a coordinator, I travel around to four early voting sites,” said Paula Miller on Wednesday. “And voters at all these sites are talking about three

‘Women Vote Early’ rally set: Page 2

Rep. Torrey Harris charged with assault, theft: Page 2 major races they feel are important: Juvenile Court Judge, County Mayor, and the District Attorney. People

are coming out because they feel this mid-term is especially important.” The Shelby County Voter Alliance (SCVA) and Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) hope to boost early voting numbers even more with free voter transportation to the polls all day on Friday, July 29, two days before early voting ends. The two entities forged the partnership in March to accommodate voters during the County Primary Elections.

A promotional event to talk up “Free Bus Day for Shelby County Voters” is slated for Thursday, July 21, to make sure public transportation riders and all Shelby County voters are welcome to participate. “We are excited to partner with the Shelby County Election Commission and the Shelby County Voter Alliance

SEE VOTE ON PAGE 2

National Bar Association to take a ‘S.T.A.N.D.’ in Memphis during 97th Annual Convention TSD Newsroom The National Bar Association (NBA) – the world’s largest and oldest organization of predominantly African-American judges and attorneys – next week will be centered in Memphis for its 97th Annual Convention. Beginning Sunday (July 24)

through July 29, the five-day convention will unfold with the theme “S.T.A.N.D. UP: Strong Tenacious Advocacy for a New Deal”. Nearly 1,000 registrants are expected for the convention at the Sheraton Convention Center in Downtown Memphis. Reanetta Hunt, executive director of the Washington, D.C.-based non-profit organization, emphasized

that the convention is open to anyone currently in the legal profession, law students, those aspiring to pursue the legal profession, and others who are passionate about the justice system. Judge Carlos E. Moore, the 79th president of the National Bar Association, points to Memphis’ rich civil rights history as a timely backdrop for a key focal point of the conven-

tion. “As a result of what happened in Memphis during the 60’s Civil Rights Movement, laws were put in place to support equality and ensure fairness,” said Moore, the managing partner of The Cochran Firm – Mississippi Delta, which is based in Grenada, Miss. “Unfortunately, and especially of late, we’ve seen a rise in the public

Reanetta Hunt

Judge Carlos E. Moore

outcry for justice as crimes against people of color have escalated bringing to the forefront an even greater

SEE NBA ON PAGE 2

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