The New Tri-State Defender - August 11-17, 2022

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August 11 - 17, 2022

VOL. 71, No. 32

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Commission asks for state’s help at County Clerk’s office

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

After rejecting a no-confidence resolution against Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert, Shelby County Commissioners adopted an amended version, asking the State Comptroller’s Office to assist the clerk’s office in issuing new license plates and renewed car tags.

The commission’s action came during Monday’s (Aug. 8) commission meeting, where some commissioners expressed their ongoing frustration with the delays in getting the new plates to vehicle owners.

Despite the plate-issuing issue, Halbert, on Aug. 4, easily won another four-year term.

Commissioner Brandon Morrison amended the original resolution to call for the state oversight of Halbert’s office “specifically with car tags and with the efficiency of the office in general.”

Thousands of drivers, including those with disability placards, failed to receive their materials beginning in May. “I think this body has been more

than patient,” said resolution co-sponsor Mark Billingsley. “No matter what we do, there’s been no cooperation,” he added.

Halbert, Wanda in a letter to Halbert the commission, said she is being made a scapegoat for “long-standing practices that appear to bump up against the law.”

These include accusations that the office’s finances are improperly recorded and then vanish. She also said she was hamstrung in addressing the longstanding issues.

The letter also announced that she was going to seek refuge in the Federal Whistleblowers Act, to guard against reprisals.

Mayor Lee Harris’ office has denied the existence of any surreptitious practice. An audit conducted

by Shelby County CAO Harold

SEE CLERK ON PAGE 2

LEGACY: Ralph Prater – Memphis State Eight pioneer Broke color barriers in education and corporate law

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Ralph Prater, one of the trailblazing “Memphis State Eight,” died Monday (Aug. 8) in San Francisco, Calif., where he retired from Chevron Oil as a corporate attorney.

“I had asked Dad about his experiences as one of the students who integrated Memphis State (now the University of Memphis),” said daughter Jocelyn Prater Jameson of Florida. “But he just never wanted to talk about the experience. I approached it a couple of times, and I guess it was just too painful to talk about.”

Prater was born on Dec. 17, 1940.

He grew up in North Memphis’

Students and teachers were set on go Monday (Aug. 8), the first day of school at Circles of Success Learning Academy, which U.S. News & World Report ranked as one of Tennessee’s five best charter elementary schools in 2021. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)

First elementary charter school in Tennessee turns 20

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Ralph Prater accepts a plaque reflecting his status as one of the “Memphis State Eight” students who desegregated Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis). (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender Archives) Hyde Park community, said childhood friend George Grant.

“Ralph and I went all the way up from the first grade to the12th,” said Grant. “I was one year ahead.

“Their family was very well-known in the community. His grandfather was a medical doctor. And once a week, he would come in and see patients at Walker Pharmacy, located at Chelsea and Polk. The pharmacy

Circles of Success Learning Academy (COSLA) – the first and oldest elementary charter school in Tennessee – ushered in its 20th academic year on Monday.

Tucked inside St. Andrew A.M.E. Church at 867 S. Parkway E. at Mississippi Boulevard, the academy, which is part of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools district, continues to build upon the vision of its founders with ample support from supporters.

Students and teachers were set on go Monday (Aug. 8), the first day of school at what U.S. News & World Report ranked as one of Tennessee’s five best charter elementary schools in 2021.

Administrators are expecting another outstanding performance year for 2022.

“We were the first elementary charter school in the state of Tennessee,” said COSLA Board Chair Daryl Levin. “Our classroom design con-

Folks, the leadership of our school system is in good hands!

Perspective Page 4 sists of two teachers – a lead male teacher and a female instructor. While one is delivering consistent classroom instruction, the other can facilitate needed interventions without disrupting the flow of what’s going on.”

Some 280 students are taught by 32 teachers.

Two educators in the classroom brings the student/teacher ratio to10:1, creating a smaller, more intimate classroom setting.

Executive Director Sheri Cooper said the “instructional duo” model works well as a tool of nurture in the classroom.

“We were intentional in hiring teachers to fit the male-and-female class model,” said Cooper. “Our children are largely residents of this impoverished and underserved South Memphis community.

SEE CHARTER ON PAGE 2

SEE PRATER ON PAGE 2

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The New Tri-State Defender

“Engaged learning with loving teachers” is fundamental at Circles of Success Learning Academy. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)

CHARTER

CONTINUED FROM FRONT Self-worth and achievement are reinforced through compassionate guidance.”

Founders envisioned a school that would offer a holistic academic experience for youngsters caught in a cycle of poverty and low expectations.

“Creating a culture of success with exemplary role models who look like our children is critical,” said the Rev. Marilynn Robinson, a board member and former co-pastor of St. Andrew. “Engaged learning with loving teachers changes the trajectory of a child’s life.

Education at COSLA is life changing.”

Dr. Kenneth Robinson,

long-time pastor and COSLA founder, set out to produce young scholars, who would go on to successful lives and careers. Six high school valedictorians and dozens more over the years, who graduated at the top of their class, attest to the school’s success.

Angelique Hawkins, a former student, teacher’s assistant, and substitute teacher, remembers what the school meant to her.

“I went on to be valedictorian at my high school,” said Hawkins. “Although I did not live in this community and enjoyed lots of family support, many of our children are not as fortunate. I try to exhibit the same love in the classroom that I experienced.”

Assistant teacher and CO-

August 11 - 17, 2022

NEWS

At Circles of Success Learning Academy, some 280 students are taught by 32 teachers. Two educators in the classroom brings the student/teacher ratio to 10:1, creating a smaller, more intimate classroom setting.

Reading is a critical element in the success model of Circles of Success Learning Academy.

SLA alum Jahrey Robinson credits COSLA with changing his life.

“It means a lot for me to return and work with so many who helped me along the

CLERK

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

Memphis State Eight pioneer Ralph Prater (front, second from left) was among the friends, family, and supporters of Luther C. McClellan (third from left) on hand for last September’s dedication of a marker noting McClellan as the first African-American graduate of Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis). Also pictured is Memphis State Eight trail blazer Bertha Rogers Looney (front, fourth from right. The deceased members of the Memphis State Eight are Marvis Kneeland Jones, Eleanor Gandy, Sammie Burnett Johnson, Rose Blakney Love, and John Simpson. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender Archives)

PRATER

CONTINUED FROM FRONT is no longer there.”

Prater attended Hyde Park School from grades first through eight and graduated from Douglass High School.

“Ralph’s father was an educator,” Grant said. “Some of Ralph’s family members taught us at Hyde Park. He had an uncle who taught there, and an aunt.”

After graduating from Douglass, Prater decided to join seven other students in attending Memphis State University.

Although school segregation was against the law, no African-American students had ever attended. They became known as the Memphis State Eight.

Prater is the sixth one to die, leaving only Bertha Rogers Looney and Luther McClellan. The five deceased members are Eleanor Gandy, Sammie Burnett Johnson, Marvis Kneeland Jones, Rose Blakney Love, and John Simpson.

Prater had a vehicle and would go around to pick everyone up for school, and then, bring them home. But after completing his

third year at Memphis State, Prater transferred to Howard University, a historically Black college (HBCU).

After earning his bachelor’s degree, Prater obtained his law degree at Howard Law School.

“He moved to San Francisco and started working for Standard Oil,” said Jameson.

“Later, it became Chevron Oil. But he never returned home to Memphis to practice.

“I think he wanted to get as far away as possible from his experience at Memphis State.

Besides, he wanted to practice corporate law.”

Over the years, the group has tried to stay in touch with the events in their lives.

“I was so sorry to hear about Ralph Prater’s passing,” said Looney. “Now, there are only two of us left, myself and Luther McClellan. The last time we saw Ralph was when he came to town to see the university honor Luther. At that time, he was doing just fine. His prostate cancer was in remission. I understand when he returned home, he became ill again.”

(Luther C. McClellan was honored by the University of

Page 2

Memphis as the first African American to graduate. The alumni mall was renamed for McClellan. A marker just outside the administrative building bears the name Luther C. McClellan.)

Prater appreciated the honor being given to McClellan, Looney said. Although African-American students were allowed to enroll, they endured daily harassment from white students and were restricted from going into various areas on campus.

Most devastating, the Memphis State Eight were ordered to keep eight feet away from white students.

In 2019, the university celebrated the 60th anniversary of Memphis State Eight’s integration of the campus, whose African-American enrollment now is about 34 percent of the student body.

Although allowed to enroll, the students faced scrutiny and criticism. They were only allowed in certain areas of the campus at a time, keeping the eight away from white students.

Jameson said a traditional funeral service is not planned.

Prater will be cremated.

Collins also found no evidence of wrongdoing. Harris also won re-election on Aug. 4.

After mulling the correspondence, most commissioners also were not convinced.

“The County Commission is not perfect, but we have not misused any of the clerk’s funds, nor do I believe the mayor’s office has,” said commissioner Tami Sawyer, saying she could not support the no-confidence wording but could support the state intervention.

The clerk has also blamed staffing issues in the mailroom for the lack of deliveries. There currently are 30 openings with 1,000 applications under review. Last fiscal year, the office underspent by

way,” said Robinson. “I am a product of COSLA staff who showed concern for me since my home life wasn’t that great.

I am still being helped today.”

Popular teacher and education guru Joseph Golden will sometimes ride a bicycle to school, dressed in a suit.

“I still live in 38126,” said Golden, a first-grade teacher.

“My house is the same floor plan as some of the homes in Central Garden, just without the price tag. Some of the kids thought I lived in a white neighborhood because I ‘talk white and dress white.’ They need to see professional, Black men in their own community.”

Director of Student Services Robby Matthews touts the importance of promoting excellence in a celebration of

“Black culture.”

“I attended college at an HBCU,” said Matthews.

“Modeling excellence and celebrating Black achievement counteracts the trauma these kids experience at home. Love of all people is important. But celebration of one’s culture creates a pride that breeds success.”

In 2008, COSLA was given national accreditation.

The next year, the charter was named “Title I. School of the Year,” for “closing the achievement gap.”

Throughout 2010-2020, the academy consistently was listed as a top performing school among Tennessee charters.

Cooper was named Tennessee Charter School Administrator of the Year in 2020.

$866,049 on its workforce.

In late June, Halbert assured commissioners the 8,666 backlogged tags were set to be mailed. To cover the costs of delivery, $540,000 in funding was agreed to by commissioners, with caveats.

A series of conditions issued by Collins were agreed to, including ready-to-mail items must be moved by the County Clerk’s staff to provider services within 24 hours of packaging, prep, and labeling.

Selected weekly visual inspections and quarterly reviews also would begin.

According to the resolution, 35,000 customers were affected during the holdup.

Late last month, Halbert said the office had gotten ahead of the backlog and was fulfilling its mission without assistance from the administration.

Voting in favor of the resolution were commissioners Amber Mills, Michael Whaley, David Bradford, Wright, Billingsley, Morrison, and Sawyer. Van Turner and Reginald Milton voted no. Chairman Willie Brooks, Mickell Lowery, Edmund Ford Jr., and Eddie Jones abstained.

Jones, who won the Probate Court Clerk Office Aug. 4 and begins his new job Sept. 1, requested a rundown on the state’s plans before the vote was held.

The fact that the vote was held on the heels of an election also gave him pause.

“What I don’t want to do is vote on something so blindly that we bring in the state and it overturns the will of the people in Shelby County. They voted for her. They re-elected her.”

The New Tri-State Defender

August 11 - 17, 2022

Page 3

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PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, August 11 - 17, 2022, Page 4

We have two very talented and qualified individuals who seem ready, willing, and more than capable of leading this school system, as a team.

Folks, the leadership of our school system is in good hands!

by Curtis Weathers

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

I’ve been fretting all summer about the start of this school year. With district Superintendent Joris Ray under investigation and on administrative leave, and so many other distractions, my hope for this school year has been at its lowest point ever.

I had an opportunity, however, to interview the two Assistant Superintendents now in charge of leading our school system in Dr. Ray’s absence, Dr. John Barker (Operations), and Dr. Angela Whitelaw (Academics). We sat for over Curtis Weathers an hour discussing issues related to the start of this school year and their plans to support our children and improve academic achievement. They were not allowed to comment on topics related to Dr. Ray and his situation.

Nevertheless, I was pleasantly surprised by the incredible chemistry between the two of them during the interview. They seem to have great respect for each other and based on everything I have now seen and heard, they have an excellent working relationship.

I had a laundry list of questions to ask, and although we did not get to all of them during the interview, their team made sure I received a written response to the remaining questions a few days later.

We started by discussing the morale of teachers, administrators, and staff as they enter the new school year. They both are encouraged by what they’ve seen thus far but are in no way disillusioned. They know that this school year will be challenging, and they are ready and willing to do whatever it takes to stay focused and keep morale pointed in the right direction.

They both have a faith-driven approach to their jobs. They actually attend each other’s church for worship services from time to time and genuinely value that aspect of their relationship.

The workload has increased exponentially for both of them, “but we’re trying very hard to keep our eye on the ball.” says Dr. Whitelaw.

They are in constant communication with each other. They conference first thing in the morning, and touch base with each other frequently during the course of the day and into the evenings. Both believe firmly that “if you give energy, you

get energy in return.”

The two of them were very clear about their plans for improving student achievement. While district TCAP numbers are indeed trending up, in no way were they satisfied with last year’s Dr. John results.

Barker Students made gains in every grade and nearly every subject on the 2021-22 TCAP exam. State data shows that the district’s investment in tutoring, professional development, and summer, fall, and spring learning academies led to the Dr. Angela strongest high school Whitelaw English scores in five years and near double-digit gains in elementary reading and elementary math.

“But we’re not satisfied with the fact that 80% of our students are still struggling,” said Dr. Barker.

According to Dr. Whitelaw, the district will focus on three key initiatives going forward: First, strengthening literacy in all grade-levels, but particularly grades K 2nd grade.

Second, retaining, recruiting, and developing teachers. They want to make certain that they have the most talented and most qualified teachers in front of our children.

And lastly, they want to provide students with an expanded menu of academic choices along with rigorous classroom instruction.

One of their major concerns as we start the school year is the number of teacher positions that still need to be filled. The district has 180 plus positions still vacant.

The vacancies are down considerably from last year, but is nevertheless a great concern. They are hoping to minimize last-minute resignations and retirements.

But they have plans in place to make sure all classrooms are covered going forward.

Overall, both Superintendents were in great spirits and excited about this school year.

After the interview, I must admit, I felt much better about the start of this school year and the future of our school system going forward.

Both Dr. Barker and Dr. Whitelaw are very smart and capable people.

At Hamilton K-8 School, the start of school on Monday (Aug. 8) was something to cheer about. (Photo: MSCS Twitter)

At Belle Forest Middle School, there was an all-out effort to create a picture-perfect day for students as the school year began.

(Photo: MSCS Twitter) In fact, if Dr. Joris Ray cannot return to his post as Superintendent, we have an opportunity to introduce a new leadership paradigm here in Memphis Shelby County Schools and maybe in K-12 public education in general.

If and when the time comes, I suggest we promote our two Assistant Superintendents to the permanent role of Co-Superintendents.

We have two very talented and qualified individuals who seem ready, willing, and more than capable of leading this school system, as a team. They appear to work together extremely well and promoting them to Co-Superintendents could save us the agony and stress of a national search for Superintendent Ray’s replacement.

While it may be a bit unusual to have two Co-Superintendents running a school system this size, this may be an excellent opportunity to introduce a new leadership paradigm to the public education landscape.

This type of leadership model may not be suitable for every school system in America, we may very well be the exception.

But I firmly believe that if anyone can make such an approach work, these two can.

It’s worth considering.

Nevertheless, we’re in good hands, for now.

(Follow me on Twitter @curtisweathers.

Email me at curtislweathers@gmail.com.)

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The New Tri-State Defender

Pictured (r-l): Presiding Bishop Henry Williamson Sr., his wife, TSU President Dr. Glenda Glover and the Rev. Peris Lester I. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender Archives)

CME conference kicks off with new leaders, farewells

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Presiding Bishop Henry Williamson Sr. of the CME’s First Episcopal District is retiring to emeritus status.

When the district began its threeday annual conference Wednesday, Aug. 10, it was led by new Presiding Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas Sr. The annual conference ends Friday.

“I retired during the General Conference on a ZOOM meeting this year,” said Williamson Sr. “I am so grateful to God for all He has done through me, and now, it’s time to retire. I’m just closing one chapter, but I’ll continue to work in other capacities.”

Bishop Williamson said he will work across denominational lines to promote and expand his One School One Church initiative.

“I will now have time to do some things I have wanted to do,” said Bishop Williamson. “I was elected back in 2002, and God has helped us bring a grocery store to our community, just as a grocery was leaving.

We also witnessed the re-opening of our historic connectional hospital.”

Mt. Olive Cathedral CME Church is hosting the three-day conference.

Its pastor, the Rev. Peris Lester I, is heading to a newly-appointed office.

Bishop Thomas comes to Memphis from Baltimore, Maryland. He was elected the 62nd bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church on July 1, 2014 at the 37th Quadrennial Session and 38th General Conference in Baltimore.

Prior to his election to the bishopric, Bishop Thomas served as dean of The Phillips School of Theology at the Interdenominational Theological Seminary in Atlanta. He also pastored the Good News Community CME Church in Lithonia, Georgia.

Bishop Thomas earned a bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in sociology from Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He earned a Master of Divinity degree from The

Phillips School of Theology and the Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.

Thomas has served as the Presiding pastor of Walls Bishop Marvin Memorial CME Frank Thomas Sr. (Courtesy Church in Chicago. In addiphoto) tion, Thomas has served as pastor of other churches, as well as presiding elder in both Alabama and Tennessee.

He was vice president of Student Affairs and a member of the Religion faculty at Lane College, a CME affiliate in Jackson, Tennessee.

Meanwhile, Rev. Lester said, “It’s been an awesome ride, these eight years at Mt. Olive. I have loved being in Memphis during my tenure at Mt. Olive. This will be the last conference as pastor of this Memphis landmark. I’m excited for what the Lord has in store.”

Thomas has appointed Lester to be a presiding elder of the Second Episcopal District, which takes in the Evansville, Indiana-Hopkinsville, Kentucky area.

Rev. Lester will also serve as the new pastor of Phillips Temple CME Church in Indianapolis, Indiana.

“They are in separate states, but actually, they’re really not that far apart,” said Lester. “I am glad for all I have experienced here at Mt. Olive.

But I’m also excited about what the Lord has in store. I have learned so much from Bishop Williamson, and I owe him a great debt of love for challenging me and for helping me.”

Bishops in the CME Church are elected to the coveted post for life, and elections are held every four years by a majority vote at the General Conference. According to the CME website, bishops retire at the General Conference closest to their 74th birthday.

August 11 - 17, 2022

RELIGION

Page 5

A worthy servant…

The Rev. Franklin Dwight DeBerry (right), who pastored Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church for 28 years, speaks during his retirement celebration at the church. The guest speaker was the Rev. Dr. Frank E. Ray (seated), pastor of New Salem Baptist Church. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

Happy birthday...

Dr. Jettie Thomas, widow of Bishop Grady Thomas of New Azusa Ministry, recently celebrated her birthday with friends. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

No. 15...

The Rev. Leon Jones Jr. of the Dwelling Place Church delivered the spoken word during the observance of the 15th Pastoral Anniversary of the Rev. Stephen Sain Sr. (right), pastor of Highland Heights Christian Church.

(Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New TriState Defender)

The New Tri-State Defender

August 11 - 17, 2022

Page 6

ELECTION

Doctor critical of lax COVID rules wins Tenn. Dem gov race

by Jonathan Mattise and Kimberlee Kruesi NASHVILLE (AP) – Jason Martin, a Nashville doctor critical of Republican Gov. Bill Lee’s hands-off approach to the COVID-19 pandemic, won the Democratic nomination for governor (Aug. 4) and will face Lee in November.

Martin, a first-time political candidate, defeated Memphis attorney and City Councilman JB Smiley Jr. by a thin margin, with advocate Carnita Atwater finishing a distant third.

Both Smiley and Atwater would have been the state’s first Black gubernatorial nominee if either had won.

“We hear your message loud and clear. You’re upset that Bill Lee has failed you,” Martin said, declaring victory before the race was called as he held a narrow lead in the vote count.

“He stood on the sidelines while 27,000 of our fellow Tennesseans died during the last couple of years,” Martin added, referring to the number of COVID-19 deaths in the state.

Lee was unopposed in his prima-

ry election as he looks to secure a second four-year term in a state that hasn’t elected a Democrat to statewide office since 2006. He trounced his Democratic opponent in 2018.

Martin jumped into the gubernatorial race last year after becoming an outspoken critic of Lee’s handling of the virus outbreak. The Republican governor declined to issue a statewide mask mandate and signed off on several laws that banned most vaccine mandates as the pandemic swept across the United States, killing more than 1 million people over two years.

However, even as the virus pandemic continues to spread throughout the state, the outbreak is largely not a public priority — particularly during the gubernatorial campaign. Martin is now hoping that the tumultuous national political landscape and some of Lee’s recent controversies will help open a path for a Democrat to win a statewide seat.

Some of those include the ongoing fallout from the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision legalizing abortion nationwide.

JB Smiley Jr.

Carnita Atwater

Lee has expressed support for some of the strictest abortion bans in the U.S. Most recently, Lee declined to answer questions about whether he supported tweaking the state’s so-called trigger law to expand its exemptions and sidestepped directly answering whether he supported exempting children who were raped and then became pregnant.

Meanwhile, Lee received wide criticism from both sides recently after he refused to condemn disparaging remarks a charter school president made about public school teachers during a reception Lee attended. The president had said that the teachers

Dr. Jason Martin listens to a question during an interview July 11, 2022, in Nashville. Martin, a critical care physician from Nashville, emerged from three Democrats to earn the chance to challenge incumbent Republican Gov. Bill Lee. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File) “are trained in the dumbest parts of the dumbest colleges.”

Lee contended that the remarks were not directed toward Tennessee teachers but were instead focused on “activism from the left” in schools around the country.

Martin decidedly outraised and outspent Smiley, the next-highest fundraiser. Lee, however, takes a big campaign cash edge into the November midterm election.

“I really believed when I decided to run that we could make life better for every Tennessean by investing in the things that we need to,” Lee said (on Election Day) when asked about running unopposed in the primary. “I

hope that Tennesseans have seen that that is the heart behind what we’re doing.”

Martin’s campaign declared victory even as votes were still being tallied in Smiley’s hometown of Memphis. Smiley admonished Martin, saying the physician should have waited until the results were all in.

The next day, Smiley said he was “disappointed in the results” but believed his campaign “forever changed the narrative in this state on the type of candidate that can win.”

While he held off on explicitly endorsing Martin, Smiley added the two agreed that defeating Lee in the general election was imperative.

“This second blue wave means something much bigger has taken place. We have witnessed a momentous shift in the progressive landscape of Shelby County. This second blue wave means that a Republican can no longer win a countywide race.”

— Rev. Dr. Earle J. Fisher

Harris, Mulroy and Sugarmon – triple threat delivers on clean sweep

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Democrats celebrated a spectacular Election night (Aug. 4) as a repeat performance of 2018’s blue wave rolled over the Shelby County general election.

Democrats swept the county’s elected offices for mayor, sheriff, district attorney general, court clerks, Shelby County clerk, assessor of property, trustee, and register of deeds.

And even though it is a nonpartisan position, a Democrat beat the incumbent Juvenile Court judge.

Three of the most contentious races united three top Democrats to victory: • Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, in a re-election bid.

• Former county commissioner and law professor Steve Mulroy, challenger of District Attorney General Amy Weirich.

• City Court Judge Tarik Sugarmon, vying a second time for the Juvenile Court judge’s seat.

The three appeared together at press conferences and other campaign events, promising to make “a real change” if all three were elected.

The strategy was a good one, according to Upthevote901 founder, the Rev. Dr. Earle J. Fisher.

“This second blue wave means something much bigger has taken place,” said Fisher.

“We have witnessed a momentous shift in the progressive landscape of Shelby County. This second blue wave means that a Republican can no longer win a countywide race.”

Early on last Thursday evening, Weirich’s supporters gathered at an East Memphis venue, where pizza and chips fueled quiet conversation.

A seated few watched the projected image of local news and chatted quietly.

“Clearly, Amy Weirich has an uphill battle,” said Bill Boyd, a former Shelby County assessor of property and campaign volunteer.

For Tarik Sugarmon, who serves as a City Court judge, his second shot at being elected Juvenile Court judge was a winning move.

(Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender) “But she is absolutely the right person for DA in these next eight years.

She is who Shelby County needs.”

Meanwhile, concern grew over the fact that no local returns had been released by 9 p.m.

“The early voting and absentee numbers should be released by now,” Mulroy told hundreds who waited at the Harris-Mulroy-Sugarmon headquarters near the corner of Poplar Avenue and Highland Street.

“There is no reason not to have early voting numbers out by now.”

Harris also addressed the crowd, sending a message to the Shelby County Election Commission while news cameras rolled.

“The longer it takes for the election commission to release early voting numbers, the more suspicious this looks,” Harris said. “We are putting everyone on notice that the election commission has asked precincts not to post findings, but to let the count be done there.

“Also, we have sent representatives to observe the count, but they have not been allowed inside. We want that known.”

Mulroy said the action was “extraordinary and unprecedented.”

Democrats expected that early voting bode well for Democrats, who requested the Democratic primary ballot more than 22,000 times over requests for the Republican primary ballot.

Local Democratic principal Gale Jones Carson, who was not at headquarters, said the delay in releasing early voting numbers should raise concerns.

“Early voting numbers are usually available before eight,” said Carson.

“If these results continue to be withheld, a greater sense of impropriety will increase. Even the appearance of impropriety causes concern.”

Linda Phillips, Shelby County elections administrator, told media outlets later that some voting equip-

Incumbent Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris and newly-elected Shelby County District Atty. Gen. Steve Mulroy — shown her on election night — linked their campaigns and both came out winners. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender) ment was brought to the operations center at Shelby Farms without running and posting a tape of the results at the precinct due to paper jams in the election equipment.

By 9:25 p.m., the first early voting numbers were being posted on live news election coverage.

After numbers for the DA, county mayor, and juvenile court judge races were dropped, a jubilant celebration ensued at the trio’s headquarters. As additional precinct numbers were added, it became apparent that Dems would own the night.

As Mulroy’s lead grew, the mood at Weirich’s camp became more somber. By 11 p.m., Weirich trailed Mulroy by more than 11,000 votes, with 76 percent of the precincts reporting.

Weirich announced she would not concede until all the precincts were in. She thanked supporters for their hard work and encouraged them to “go on home and get some rest.”

By 1:30 a.m., all three Democrats had been declared winners.

Stats for the top two contenders for each race are as follows: Shelby County Mayor • Lee Harris – 77,140 – 57.91 percent • Worth Morgan – 56,072 – 42.09 percent Shelby County District Attorney • Steve Mulroy – 74,940 – 56.13 percent • Amy Weirich – 58,582 – 43.87 percent Juvenile Court Judge • Tarik Sugarmon – 52,360 – 43.86 percent • Dan Michael – 39,974 – 33.48 percent

The New Tri-State Defender

August 11 - 17, 2022

Page 7

ENTERTAINMENT

Boo Mitchell at the controls at Royal Studio. (Photo: Brandon Dill via the Orpheum)

Royal Studio icon Willie Mitchell (seated) with Al Green). (Photo: Royal Studio Archives)

Boo Mitchell and ‘The Musical History of Royal Studios’ to kick off 2022-23 On Stage at the Halloran Centre Season

TSD Newsroom An iconic Memphis music institution will be centerstage as the Halloran Centre season begins with a special tribute on August 26 at 7:30 p.m.

“The Musical History of Royal Studios” narrated by Boo Mitchell is a musically-guided journey of the more than 60-year history of Willie Mitchell and his iconic Royal Studios.

Tickets are $37.50 and are on sale now.

“Come enjoy a night of stories and music – and the stories behind the music,” said Mitchell, producer/engineer/ co-owner of Willie Mitchell’s Royal Studios.

The Grammy-winning Mitchell will lead audiences through the magical music of Royal Studios through the decades.

Royal Studio’s front is an iconic image. (Photo: Justin Fox Burks)

Gold records come with the territory at Royal Studio. (Photo: Royal Studio Archives)

The Grammy-nominated Hi-Rhythm, along with Marcus Scott (former lead singer of Tower of Power), Lil Rounds (“American Idol” finalist), Gerald Rich-

ardson (Cameo), and Ashton Riker (Stax Music Academy alumnus) will perform the classic music of Willie Mitchell, Al Green, Ann Peebles, Otis Clay, OV

Wright and current Royal hits such as “Uptown Funk” and more.

At the tribute’s core are an opportunity to hear the stories and the music that made Royal one of the biggest producers of soul music and the current hits that cement Royal’s hit-making ability for future generations.

Tickets are on sale through the Orpheum box office (901-525-3000), orpheum-memphis.com, and Ticketmaster. Special group rates are also available by emailing groups@orpheum-memphis.com.

The 2022-23 On Stage at the Halloran Centre Music + Theatre Series is sponsored by Evolve Bank & Trust.

(For more information, pheum-memphis.com.)

visit

or-

COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, August 11 - 17, 2022, Page 8

Memphis-based content creator nets $200,000 prize and a $25,000 gift for CodeCrew

by Najee El-Amin

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

This year Doritos selected four Black community leaders for their SOLID BLACK Changemakers initiative.

Memphis-based content creator Katie “PikaChulita” Robinson was among the honorees. She is most known for streaming video games on Twitch.tv. She also is a member of Black Girl Gamers, which not only streams video games but also advocates for creating a safe environment for female and LGBTQ+ players.

She will receive a $200,000 prize, plus an additional $25,000 from Doritos to donate to an organization of her choice.

She chose Memphis’ CodeCrew, which helps underserved adults and youths learn the skills they need for well-paying tech careers.

Although Robinson and CodeCrew had never interacted, her talents regarding video gaming and CodeCrew’s mission to expose teens to software development, made her gift a natural decision.

While she now lives in Memphis, Robinson was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri.

During her childhood, some of her fondest moments included coming home from school and playing Pokémon on her handheld console (an inspiration to her name).

“I was lucky to have a family that was supportive of it (gaming). My late (maternal) grandfather was the biggest funder of our habits. If we brought home good grades, he would take us to Walmart or Best Buy and we could get any (age appropriate) game we wanted,” said Robinson. “…Any console that came out was ours because we did really well in school … It was a huge part of my childhood and who I was.”

After the passing of her grandfather, the family moved to Holly Springs, Mississippi, where she attended high school.

During this transition period and periodically throughout college, Robinson put a pause on gaming to focus on more pressing matters.

In 2014, after taking inspiration from her favorite content creators, she decided to play consistently again and give streaming a chance.

She started gradually, with only a few viewers watching her live stream. However, the longer she did it, the more she began to refine her skills on the controller and get more comfortable in front of the camera.

Over the last eight years, she gained 15,000 followers on Twitch. tv with thousands of viewers tuning in to watch her play some of today’s most popular titles.

For Angela Sargent, a casual conversation with a cousin has evolved into a two-year teaching assignment in Cairo, Egypt and a dream come true for the veteran Memphis teacher. Her experiences will be periodically chronicled in The New Tri-State Defender.

(Angela Sargent, courtesy photo)

TSD and local teacher invite you on a two-year ‘journey’ to Cairo, Egypt

by Angela Sargent

Special to The Tri-State Defender

Katie “PikaChulita” Robinson is most known for streaming video games on Twitch.tv. She also is a member of Black Girl Gamers, which not only streams video games but also advocates for creating a safe environment for female and LGBTQ+ players. Her commitment to this goal earned her a spot as one of Doritos’ 2022 SOLID BLACK Changemakers. (Photo: https:// www.doritos.com/solidblack/pikachulita/)

“I was lucky to have a family that was supportive of it (gaming). My late (maternal) grandfather was the biggest funder of our habits. If we brought home good grades, he would take us to Walmart or Best Buy and we could get any (age appropriate) game we wanted.”

— Katie “PikaChulita” Robinson Robinson, last year, began efforts to drastically expand her network and outreach through brand deals and collaborations.

She landed her biggest partnership early this year when a representative of PepsiCo (The parent company of Doritos) reached out to her, informing her she was among the six for the company’s SOLID BLACK CHANGEMAKER campaign.

Robinson was confident she would earn the top spot but tried to contain her nerves and remain humble.

Weeks later, she learned she was an awardee. Following the announcement, Robinson and the Doritos team began working on promotional material that included an interview filmed in her home, a trip to their headquarters in New York and an invitation to the BET awards.

“The Doritos Team, I love them and they’re my favorite. Everything was so seamless,” said Robinson.

“They told me that right after lunch (about the BET Awards invitation). I said, ‘you guys dropped a bombshell on me and I’m sitting here trying to record and not stumble over my words.’ But it was a great surprise.”

Regarding the donation to CodeCrew, Robinson said, “The main thing I wanted is to keep it local …

In one of my searches, I found CodeCrew, and I fell in love.

“Gaming is a part of tech and I know how crucial it is for things like coding and programming and how that is tied into gaming. It’s (CodeCrew) directly catered to kids who are marginalized so I said this is perfect for me … They had a phenomenal nonprofit rating, so it was great … The day we filmed was the first day that I even met them but that day we became family.”

CodeCrew’s Executive Director Meka Egwuekwe was overwhelmed

by Robinson’s generosity.

“We’re honored that out of all the non-profits, PikaChulita could choose for this gift, she chose us,” Egwuekwe said.

“I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her (in person), but she heard about our work and thought it aligned with her passion for Memphis and the gaming industry and what we do to teach kids in that space.”

Egwuekwe said the donation will help enhance the organization’s K-12 program. More than 2,000 students have been served by CodeCrew, which provides them with mentorship and access to resources that will enable them to be successful in the world of technology.

More than 90 percent of the students are Black and Latinx; 40 percent are girls.

Teaching abroad has been a dream of mine since I started teaching in 2006. However, being born and raised in Memphis, I felt it was my duty to stay here and share my gift with local children.

Life also played a significant role in my decision to stay. Being a wife at the time and the mother of two children, I could not fathom being anywhere but Memphis, Tennessee.

Now, after 16 years, my dream has come true. I am taking my first overseas teaching assignment in Cairo, Egypt.

The New Tri-State Defender got word of my journey and opened the door to sharing periodic reports with its followers. In addition, I will have a virtual diary on YouTube and I invite you to subscribe to Unapologetically Angela.

My journey began on May 9th during a casual conversation with my cousin, William “Fry” Arnold, about him celebrating his birthday in Dubai, the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai.

Dubai is the initial place I had dreamed of teaching. The conversation with my cousin reignited that spark. He mentioned that his sister had been teaching there for three years and loved it.

I connected with his sister and the ball started rolling. She directed me to two websites: TeachingNomad. com and TeachAway.com. I asked a few more questions about housing arrangements, teaching expectations, and her perspective of the experience.

Overall, her responses were positive, and my curiosity peaked.

The next day, I started the initial application for each agency. The process required time and energy to locate documents such as transcripts, recommendations, and licensure since I had been teaching in the same school system and the same location for 16 years.

I got the preliminary requirements and was then able to apply for abroad teaching assignments by May 12th.

I eagerly began to look for assignments in Dubai; there were quite a few available. I applied for each one that I was qualified for.

On May 13th, I noticed two open-

ings for an elementary teacher in Cairo, Egypt; my entire being lit up! Oh my God, what an experience it would be to teach in Egypt! I quickly applied with no expectations. I was just excited to be applying for a job in Egypt.

By May 15th, I had received two invitations for interviews: one for a kindergarten teacher in Saudi Arabia and one for a second-grade position in Cairo, Egypt. I immediately accepted the interview invitation with Metropolitan School in Cairo, Egypt.

The interview was scheduled for May 16th at 1 p.m. GMT+2 hours.

That meant 6 a.m. in Memphis and I was ready to give it my best shot.

There were two interviews, one with the human resources manager and the other with the school’s administrative team (principal, vice principal, and professional learning coach.) Each lasted about 45 minutes to an hour.

At the end of the last interview, the principal said, “We will be in touch.”

That left me nervous and unsure, so I continued with my everyday life, preparing for the end of the school year.

On Sunday, May 29th, as I lay in my bed meditating and asking God what my next steps should be, I received an offer letter!! The Metropolitan School of Cairo, Egypt offered me a two-year contract that included a housing allowance, a comparable salary, healthcare, and roundtrip airfare twice a year.

I was in tears – tears of joy and awe because things had just gotten real.

I had three days to respond. This was a significant decision to make in three days.

Monday morning, I got on the phone with my current school district to see if there were leave-of-absence options available; according to them, there were none.

I had a day in a half to decide to stay with the system I had been loyal to for 16 years. Or, take this leap of faith and follow my dream.

On Wednesday, June 1st, I made up my mind to follow my dream.

So, on August 6th, I said farewell (for a while) to Memphis and embarked on my journey to Cairo, Egypt to do what I love and to build a legacy for my family and the hundreds of children I have taught throughout the years.

Journey along with me. This journey is for all of us.

Golf and supplier diversity...

Beverly Robertson, president/CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber, asks a question at the golf industry diverse supplier summit.

The summit focused on industry needs, provided insights, and shared initiatives and information relevant to the $84 billion supply chain.

The golf industry diverse supplier summit was at the Pavilion at TPC Southwind on Wednesday ahead of the FedEx St. Judge Championship. Jozelle Booker, president and CEO, Mid-South Minority Business Council Continuum, was among the attendees. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)

The New Tri-State Defender

SPORTS

August 11 - 17, 2022

CLASSIFIEDS

Page 9

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In Vogue’s September issue, Serena Williams prepares to say farewell to tennis on her own terms and in her own words. “It’s the hardest thing that I could ever imagine,” she said. “I don’t want it to be over, but at the same time I’m ready for what’s next.”

Serena Williams: “I’m evolving way from tennis”

by Stephanie Holland theroot.com

We use the term G.O.A.T. a lot when talking about superstar athletes. In case you’re unfamiliar, it stands for Greatest of All Time. Very few actually live up to this description, but one person who exemplifies this standard is Serena Williams.

After 23 Grand Slam titles — the first of which she won at age 17 — Serena has announced she’s “evolving away from tennis.” The seven-time Wimbledon champion wrote about her decision in a cover story for the September issue of Vogue.

“I have never liked the word retirement. It doesn’t feel like a modern word to me. I’ve been thinking of this as a transition, but I want to be sensitive about how I use that word, which means something very specific and important to a community of people,” she wrote.

“Maybe the best word to describe what I’m up to is evolution. I’m here to tell you that I’m evolving away from tennis, toward other things that are important to me. A few years ago I quietly started Serena Ventures, a venture capital firm. Soon after that, I started a family. I want to grow that family.”

She went on to confess how tough it’s been to even consider her career ending, and how

she’s been unable to discuss the subject with her husband or parents.

“I’ve been reluctant to admit to myself or anyone else that I have to move on from playing tennis. Alexis, my husband, and I have hardly talked about it; it’s like a taboo topic. I can’t even have this conversation with my mom and dad. It’s like it’s not real until you say it out loud,” Williams said.

“It comes up, I get an uncomfortable lump in my throat, and I start to cry. The only person I’ve really gone there with is my therapist! One thing I’m not going to do is sugarcoat this. I know that a lot of people are excited about and look forward to retiring, and I really wish I felt that way.”

Serena explains that while fellow tennis stars Ash Barty and Caroline Wozniacki seemed at peace with their decisions to retire, “there is no happiness in this topic” and she “feel(s) a great deal of pain.”

“It’s the hardest thing that I could ever imagine. I hate it.

I hate that I have to be at this crossroads. I keep saying to myself, I wish it could be easy for me, but it’s not. I’m torn: I don’t want it to be over, but at the same time I’m ready for what’s next,” Serena said.

“I don’t know how I’m going to be able to look at this magazine when it comes out, knowing that this is it, the end of a story that started in

Compton, California, with a little Black girl who just wanted to play tennis. This sport has given me so much. I love to win. I love the battle. I love to entertain…I love the performance aspect of it — to be able to entertain people week after week.

“Some of the happiest times in my life were spent waiting in that hallway in Melbourne, and walking out into Rod Laver Arena with my earphones in and trying to stay focused and drown out the noise but still feeling the energy of the crowd. Night matches in Arthur Ashe Stadium at Flushing Meadows. Hitting an ace on set point.”

While she has several practical reasons for making a change now, it comes down to her desire to grow her family, something she admits she can’t do while continuing her tennis career.

“In the last year, Alexis and I have been trying to have another child, and we recently got some information from my doctor that put my mind at ease and made me feel that whenever we’re ready, we can add to our family,” the fourtime Olympic gold medalist wrote. “I definitely don’t want to be pregnant again as an athlete. I need to be two feet into tennis or two feet out.”

In the coming days and weeks, there will be a lot of stories celebrating Serena’s

career and influence. But perhaps her greatest impact is in the number of women of color who are now playing a predominantly white sport — and thriving in that space.

Everyone from Coco Gauff to Naomi Osaka, to Ons Jabeur cite her as their role model and inspiration.

“I’d like to think that thanks to opportunities afforded to me, women athletes feel that they can be themselves on the court. They can play with aggression and pump their fists.

They can be strong yet beautiful. They can wear what they want and say what they want and kick butt and be proud of it all. I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my career. Mistakes are learning experiences, and I embrace those moments,” Williams said.

“I’m far from perfect, but I’ve also taken a lot of criticism, and I’d like to think that I went through some hard times as a professional tennis player so that the next generation could have it easier.

“Over the years, I hope that people come to think of me as symbolizing something bigger than tennis. I admire Billie Jean because she transcended her sport. I’d like it to be: Serena is this and she’s that and she was a great tennis player and she won those slams.”

(This column appeared first on theroot.com.)

Memphis International Airport Announces MEM CONNECT 2022 Memphis International Airport (“Airport”) will seek to connect contractors to approximately half a billion dollars in contract opportunities on Friday, August 19, 2022, with the MEM CONNECT 2022 forum. The forum will provide information about a variety of upcoming Airport projects, as well as guidance for doing business with the Airport. MEM CONNECT will focus on the next phase of the terminal modernization program which includes seismic upgrades and modifications to ticketing, baggage claim, and passenger/ screening facilities.

The Airport will host the public forum to discuss this initiative: Friday, August 19, 2022 9:00 AM – 12:00 noon The Hilton Memphis 939 Ridge Lake Boulevard Memphis, TN 38120 Companies and individuals can register for the event by visiting: https://www.eventbrite. com/e/mem-connect-2022-tickets-392646756017.

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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: Louise Pickens Tax Parcel #: 06901700000050 Tax Sale #: 1704 Price Offered: $5700.00 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 October 12, 2022, 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

SALES PERSON The New Tri-State Defender is looking for a few sales consultants to sell print ads, digital ads and event sponsorships for the organization.

The candidate should have some sales experience. The position will offer both commission and base pay. For serious inquiries email your resume to administration@ tsdmemphis.com.

SPORTS The New Tri-State Defender, August 11 - 17, 2022, Page 10

Golf pros ready to get it on at the FedEx St. Jude Championship

by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The FedEx St. Jude Championship annually centers much of the professional golfing world on Memphis for the beginning of the dash through the FedEx Cup Playoffs to the crowning of a champion.

That is again the case this year, with the addition of a murky backdrop – the Professional Golf Association (PGA) being at odds with the upstart and Saudi-funded LIV Golf Invitational Series.

The PGA Tour’s reTerry turn to the Bluff City Davis ushers in the tour’s 125 top-ranked players, who compete to advance to the next round. Only the top 70 ranked players will advance to the next round of the playoffs.

Some of the PGA’s now former members unsuccessfully sought court-ordered entry into the opening round of the playoffs after they were suspended for opting to compete on the LIV Golf circuit. Their lawsuit was denied by Judge Beth Labson, who ruled against a temporary restraining order that was part of a larger antitrust lawsuit filed

by LIV Golf players.

As a result, some of the FedEx St. Jude tournament’s former winners and fan favorites will not be in the field competing at TPC Southwind this week. Big-name stars Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, and Bryson DeChambeau are no-

Kim Joo-hyung, also known as Tom Kim, is a South Korean professional golfer.

UofM Coach Penny Hardaway (right) and other local figures with PGA pro Harold Varner III. (Photos: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender) tably on that list. As is Abraham Ancer, last year’s FedEx St Jude Invitational winner, The temporary restraining order was sought by golfers Talor Gooch, Matt Jones, and Hudson Swafford.

Still, the field is loaded with firepower.

Cameron Smith, the 2022 winner of the Open Championship and the Players Championship, has come to play. His name has been bandied about as among players heading to the LIV tour after the conclusion of this year’s playoff. Smith has been evasive when asked questions about his intentions this week.

Among the high-profile PGA Tour players critical of those who have opted for

the LIV Tour is multi-majors winner Rory McIlroy. He’s had a great season but has had a couple of heartbreaking second-place finishes in two of this year’s majors.

Cameron Young, the rookie-of-the-year favorite, has seven top-three finishes, including second at the Open and a tie for third at the PGA Championship.

Tony Finau enters the playoffs after back-to-back wins. Colin Morikawa, already a two-time majors champion, is in the midst of his longest winless streak, but well on pace to make it to the next round of the playoffs.

The FedEx St. Jude tournament has delivered several memorable finishes over the

Australian professional golfer Marc Leishman signs autographs. years. Golfers will hit the course on Thursday (August 11) with a morning wave and an afternoon wave of players starting on either the first hole or the tenth hole.

A champion will be crowned on Sunday afternoon. The early rounds can be seen on the Golf Channel and the final rounds can be seen on CBS.

Weighing the Tigers and accounting for what lies ahead

by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The University of Memphis football program is at a pivotal point.

A great season could fuel the push into a higher-profile conference. With conference realignment in full effect, Memphis hopes to be a part of a move to either the Big 12 or the Athletic Coast Conference.

Meanwhile and one week into fall practice, the focus is on a return to glory in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). The Tigers have begun the process of getting the team in shape and aligning with new offensive and defensive coordinators.

Coordinator Tim Cramsey will look to get the offense back on its explosive track.

Cramsey, who last coached at Marshall University, plans to keep the same offensive scheme that the Tigers have executed for the last six seasons.

Matt Barnes, the defensive coordinator, last coached at Ohio State. He has a defensive unit that historically has gotten off to slow starts followed by strong finishes. Barnes wants to have his unit ready and clicking for two, early-season tests on the road against Mississippi State and Navy.

Head coach Ryan Silverfield is entering his third season. A disappointing 6-6 record last year has saddled the fan base with unsettled expectations for this season.

Quarterback Seth Henigan is returning from a spectacular freshman season. His goals include improving his numbers and reducing his fumbles.

Last season, Henigan was a Football Writer’s All-American. He threw for 3322 yards and 25 touchdowns.

Henigan has been named to the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award watchlist for the top offensive player in Division I football. The award goes to a player exhibiting the enduring characteristics that define Earl Campbell’s integrity, performance, teamwork, sportsmanship, drive, commu-

Head coach Ryan Silverfield.

The Tigers’ defense will be led by Quindell Johnson. (Photos: Terry Davis/ The New Tri-State Defender)

Defensive backs coach Charles Clarke. nity involvement, and tenacity.

The Tigers’ defense will be led by Quindell Johnson, the New Orleans native who is returning for his senior season determined to build on his reputation as one of the best defensive backs in the conference.

Johnson, who was named to the second team all AAC last season, had one interception and 12 pass deflections.

Defensive backs coach Charles Clarke on what makes Johnson so special said, “He has a passion for the game,” said

Charles Clarke, who coaches the defensive backs. “He loves it, he studies it, and he breathes it each and every day. It is not something he does here and there.”

Memphis’ deep defensive backfield features Rodney Owens, a fifth-year senior from Nashville, who has experienced ups and downs as a Tiger. He endured a conference championship-game loss to the University of Central Florida and celebrated as part of the championship team that went to the Cotton Bowl.

The Tigers will have three weeks to get ready to play before a hostile, opening-season crowd on September 2 when they travel to Starkville, Mississippi to face the Mississippi State Bulldogs. The Tigers defeated the Bulldogs (32-29) stunningly last

year at what now is Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. The Bulldogs’ historical cowbells are expected to be in full force for the rematch.

Tigers on preseason watchlists: • Quindell Johnson – Bednarik Award Preseason Watchlist; Wuerffel Trophy Watchlist; Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watchlist; Paycom Jim Thrope Award Preseason Watchlist.

• Jacob Likes – Rimington Trophy Preseason Watchlist.

• Wardalis Ducksworth – Allstate’s 31st AFCA Good Works Team.

• Joe Doyle – Ray Guy Award Preseason Watchlist.