The New Tri-State Defender - August 25-31, 2022

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VOL. 71, No. 34

August 25 - 31, 2022

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COMMENTARY

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Freedom Awards set for Fred Smith, Pulitzer winners

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

With a photo of Dr. Joris M. Ray facing the audience at a special meeting of the Memphis Shelby County Schools board, President Michelle McKissack (left) and co-interim Supt. Angela Whitelaw work their way through the meeting where it was announced that the district will be looking for a new leader. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)

OK, Dr. Ray is out; let’s move on!

by Curtis Weathers

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

In a special called meeting, our school board has voted unanimously to relieve Dr. Joris Ray of his responsibilities as superintendent of Memphis Shelby County Schools.

Ray was on paid leave as outside counsel investigated allegations of extramarital affairs with district employees.

Based on the trickles of information that leaked into the public sphere, it was clear from the beginning Dr. Ray would not survive this unfortunate situation.

The board meeting Tuesday night (Aug. 23) was filled to capacity. I sat in the overflow area. After waiting for more

than an hour while the board conducted its regular business, we finally got to the part everyone had been waiting for.

Dr. Ray’s resignation was submitted and accepted by the board and thus ended Curtis his tenure as superWeathers intendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools.

Moments after the board accepted his resignation, there was an eerie silence in the overflow area, no anger, no cheers, no emotions, just silence.

The end of the road for Supt. Joris Ray – how it happened.

See Perspective, Page 4.

I commend our school board the way this entire situation was managed. The investigation was conducted both quietly and professionally.

It was not the soap opera I expected.

I have no interest, however, in rehashing the details leading up to this unfortunate moment. I’ll leave others to debate the particulars and circumstances we now find ourselves in.

SEE RAY ON PAGE 2

With a welcome return to the fanfare and flourish of pre-pandemic years, National Civil Rights Museum principals announced the three stellar personalities to be honored at the 2022 Freedom Awards on Oct. 20.

Taking this year’s honors are Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “The Warmth of Other Suns,” Isabel Wilkerson, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of the civil rights era trilogy “America in the King Years,” Taylor Branch, and global business mogul and commercial strategist, citFred ed in Forbes “100 Greatest Smith Living Business Minds,” Frederick W. Smith of FedEx fame.

“After two years of virtual Freedom Awards, we are happy to announce that our 31st Freedom Awards will be an in-person event,” said Faith Morris, NCRM chief marketing and external affairs officer.

NCRM President Dr. Taylor Russell Wigginton will Branch host his first in-person, signature event since stepping into the prestigious post on Aug. 1, 2021.

“I have an excellent team who has helped me prepare for this first in-person event,” said Wigginton.

“The time spent in virtual production has been an excellent time of preparation.”

Isabel He continued, “We are Wilkerson excited about this year’s Freedom Awards, and we look forward to sharing the life-changing stories of our honorees.

“Each year, the National Civil Rights Museum honors champions of freedom who have distinguished in making great global national impact. We have an excellent process that has been in place since the Freedom Awards began in 1991.”

Isabel Wilkerson Isabel Wilkerson won the Pulitzer Prize for her work as Chicago Bureau Chief of The New

SEE AWARD ON PAGE 2

Meet the CME Church’s new first district presiding bishop

was Ms. Minnie Thomas Brown. She Bishop Thomas feels strongly about the Social justice, ‘power of mother had us in mass meetings and marches down CME denomination continuing to play an intein Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Oh, I know what gral role in community life beyond the confines the vote’ top agenda there coming to Memphis means.” of church walls.

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas Sr. comes to Memphis and the CME Church’s First Episcopal District at a pivotal time in politics and in history.

“I have come here knowing who Memphis is and what Memphis means,” said Thomas.

“I come from a family of social activism. My

Bishop Thomas succeeds Bishop Emeritus Henry Williamson Sr., as the new presiding prelate of the First Episcopal District. Bishop Williamson served for two decades, distinguishing himself as the driving force behind the reopening the CME Connectional Hospital to serve the homeless.

Bishop Williamson also was a key figure in bringing a grocery store into an underserved, impoverished community when the original grocery chain pulled out.

The prelate is determined to build on his record of social activism and political involvement.

“We are called to not only open the doors of the church for men and women to accept Christ, but we are called of God to be politicians, politicians with ethics,” said Bishop Thomas. “When the politicians are giving the wrong message, we must change the narrative. To change the

SEE BISHOP ON PAGE 2

Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas Sr. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New TriState Defender)

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AWARD

CONTINUED FROM FRONT York Times in 1994, making her the first African-American woman in the history of American journalism to win a Pulitzer Prize and the first African-American to win for individual reporting in the history of American journalism.

Her two books were New York Times Bestsellers, “The Warmth of Other Suns,” and “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents.” The first publication chronicles the Great Migration through the eyes of three individuals. They left the Jim Crow, racially segregated South from 1915 to 1970, for the North, where the promise of better lives and better opportunities awaited.

Wilkerson’s second book “Caste” explores the inherent caste system in America that

has created a persistent hierarchy of social divisions that yet exist. Caste is being adapted into a film by 2015 Freedom Award honoree Ava DuVernay.

Taylor Branch Taylor Branch penned the landmark trilogy on the civil rights era. The trilogy’s first publication, “Parting the Waters: America in the King Years, 1954-63” won the Pulitzer Prize in 1989, along with an impressive number of other accolades. The two successive volumes rounded out the trilogy: “Pillar of Fire: America in the King Years, 1963-65,’ and “At Canaan’s Edge: America in the King Years, 1965-68.”

In 2019, Branch won an Emmy Award as executive producer for an HBO documentary, “King in the Wilderness,” a production that details the final three years of King’s life.

August 25 - 31, 2022

NEWS

Branch first championed the cause of civil rights when at age 21 he was elected to the Georgia Loyalist Democrats delegation at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The Loyalist Democrats challenged the all-white delegation.

Frederick W. Smith Frederick W. Smith is the founder and executive chairman of FedEx Corporation, a global enterprise that serves more than 220 countries and territories.

Smith has focused nearly 50 years on helping people acquire skills and education to access opportunities.

Smith’s dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion has been infused into the FedEx culture, creating opportunities for FedEx team members and communities in Memphis and

around the world.

Smith served four years in the U.S. Marines, including two tours of duty in Vietnam.

Smith is a member of the Aviation Hall of Fame and the Business Hall of Fame. He has been lauded for his most recent initiative, FedEx-HBCU Student Ambassador Program for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The project promotes career preparedness and job opportunities.

The 2022 Freedom Award event will be staged at the Downtown’s Memphis Orpheum Theatre. The Pre-Award Gala begins at 5:30 p.m., complete with red carpet entrances and press interviews of star-quality attendees. The award ceremony begins at 7 p.m.

(Additional information and updates are available at: freedomaward.org.)

RAY

CONTINUED FROM FRONT Instead, I want to see the district move forward as quickly as possible.

What our school system needs right now is stable and competent leadership.

The search for a new superintendent, I’m sure, will begin immediately. But we should not have to look very far; our leadership for the future already is in place.

I want to once again recommend to our school board that they not rush to launch a national search for Dr. Ray’s replacement.

We have two very capable deputy superintendents, Dr. John Barker and Dr. Angela Whitelaw, who I believe would do an outstanding job leading our school district as co-superintendents.

We should keep the current leadership arrangement in place and build the support infrastructure around them that will keep our school system moving forward.

I understand the need for competent leadership, but we need stability as well.

So far, under the leadership of Dr. Whitelaw and Dr. Barker, our district seems to be off to a pretty good start, despite all the turmoil.

They have calmed the waters and point our school system in the right direction.

While such a leadership arrangement is unusual for an urban school district like ours, I believe we have two exceptionally talented leaders who could make it work.

They were both personally involved in developing the district’s strategic plan (Destination 2025), which is now in use to help improve operations and educational

Michelle McKissack, president of the MSCS board, addresses media regarding the agreement to accept the resignation of Dr. Joris M. Ray as superintendent. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender) outcomes for our children.

They have an excellent personal and working relationship with each other, and by keeping them in place, we can continue to build on the progress from last year’s level 5 performance by our school system.

Not only that, but we’ll also get a chance to explore a different kind of leadership paradigm. To my knowledge, no other large urban school district in America is led by two co-superintendents.

It is a different and unique kind of leadership framework that can only work if you have two individuals like Dr. Barker and Dr. Whitelaw.

They both are deeply knowledgeable and experienced at their jobs. They communicate exceptionally well with each other. Allowing them to share superintendent responsibilities may help our district operate more efficiently.

So, before we get all hyped up and start making arrangements to launch a national search for a new superintendent, our board should at least consider allowing our two deputy superintendents to lead

Page 2

our district through the 202324 school year.

Evaluate them at the end of each school year. If our school system is not making progress and moving forward, then launch a nationwide search for new leadership.

But give them a fair chance to lead our district and implement the strategic plan for which they had a significant role in developing.

If we launch a national search, which we’ve done multiple times over the past two decades, the new leadership will want to develop their own strategic plan and essentially start all over again.

Right now, we need stability.

We have a plan. Let’s focus on its implementation. We’re pointed in the right direction.

Let’s not get distracted and abandon ship so quickly.

We’re now faced with the kind of national attention no one enjoys. We must learn from this situation, close ranks, and keep moving forward.

As I have heard many times this year from district leaders, “We’re Trending Up!” Let’s try to keep it that way.

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

BISHOP

CONTINUED FROM FRONT narrative, we must change the messengers.”

Bishop Thomas said politicians are needed “who come from our side of town.”

“There is no such thing as freedom when freedom leaves a group of people behind,” Bishop Thomas said. “A citywide approach to homelessness is necessary. Those in power must be challenged to not look beyond the least of these. Poverty, homelessness, hunger—get in the trenches with them. Social justice is the ministry of the moment.”

Bishop Thomas was first elected to the bishopric on July 1, 2014, the 62nd bishop of the CME Church, at the General Conference in Baltimore, Maryland.

Thomas was first assigned to the Second Episcopal District, serving in Cincinnati, Ohio.

“My commitment to social justice in Cincinnati was evidenced in our work with the NAACP,” said Bishop Thomas. “Also, a new organization called “A Mighty Stream” pushed back against racial injustice. Mighty Stream is an interfaith community of activists from a number of faiths.”

Bishop Thomas was among the African-American children who desegregated the schools in Tuscaloosa. That time in civil rights history solidified his committed to activism.

The bishop said in this present time, the power of voting must be conveyed and impressed upon every eligible voter as the (Nov. 8) mid-term elections approach.

“Voter drives for registration, and voter education are para-

mount right now. Activism must be directed at not allowing the mid-terms to go the way midterm elections generally go.

“Blatant voter suppression is on the rise in many states.

This is, indeed, a very critical time in politics,” Bishop Thomas said.

Bishop Thomas knew on July 1, 2022, that he would be transferring to the First Episcopal District, which is comprised of Tennessee and Arkansas. He said Memphis is in “the premiere district.”

Bishop Thomas is a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors, and chairman of the Lane College, a CME affiliated institution, Board of Trustees.

He also chairs the denomination’s Department of Lay Ministry.

Thomas earned a bachelor’s in history from Stillman College in Tuscaloosa; a Master of Divinity followed from The Phillips School of Theology at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta. The Doctor of Ministry was earned at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.

Thomas has served in the Religion faculty at both Stillman and Lane Colleges. He was pastor of Walls Memorial CME Church in Chicago, as well as other congregations in the CME Church. Thomas has served as presiding elder in Alabama and Tennessee.

Thomas is the son of the late civil rights activist, Minnie Thomas Brown. He is the second of six children.

He has two children, Kourtney Lea Thomas and Marvin Frank Thomas Jr., and one grandson, Kameron.

Thomas is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

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The New Tri-State Defender

August 25 - 31, 2022

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Page 3

PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, August 25 - 31, 2022, Page 4

The end of the road for Supt.

Joris Ray – how it happened

by Samantha West Chalkbeat Tennessee

M

emphis-Shelby County Schools Supt. Dr. Joris Ray, who was under investigation over claims that he abused his power and violated district policies, resigned Tuesday under an agreement with the school board that formally ends the inquiry.

At a special meeting Tuesday, the nine-member board approved an agreement that would give Ray a severance package equivalent to 18 months’ salary – his current contract pays him $293,550 a year – plus some other benefits.

All members voted in favor, except for Stephanie Love, who did not vote.

The school board launched the external investigation in mid-July following allegations contained in divorce filings that Ray had adulterous affairs with women later identified as district employees. The board appointed former U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III to lead the investigation and placed Ray on administrative leave.

Since then, Chalkbeat learned that at least two of the women Ray’s wife alleges that he had affairs with were people he supervised before becoming superintendent.

Herman Morris, the MSCS board’s attorney, said Tuesday that earlier this month, Ray became concerned that the investigation had “become distracting to and constraining for the district” and proposed a mutual resignation agreement.

Deputy superintendents Angela Whitelaw and John Barker will continue leading the district until an interim chief is named, MSCS Board Chair Michelle McKissack said during a press conference after the meeting. The board will provide the public with more information about the district’s upcoming superintendent search in the coming weeks, McKissack said.

“We commend Dr. Ray’s longstanding commitment to Memphis-Shelby County Schools, and for his leadership during the pandemic,” she said. “But we are now looking forward to welcoming a new leader, who can build on the established foundation and take our district to the next level.”

Ray, who became superintendent in April 2019, has denied violating any MSCS policies since the Daily Memphian first reported on the divorce filings and the allegations against him.

Under the terms of the agreement, neither Ray nor the district is admitting any wrongdoing.

Current district policy, last updated in August 2021, “strongly discourages romantic or sexual relationships between a manager or other supervisory employee and their staff,” citing the risk of actual or perceived conflicts of interest, favoritism, and bias, according to the district’s employee handbook.

The policy also states that “given the uneven balance of power within such relationships, consent by the staff member is suspect and may be viewed by others, or at a later date by the staff member, as having been given as the result of coercion or intimidation.”

In addition, the policy requires parties to reveal any such relationships to managers. Chalkbeat filed an open-records request asking the district whether Ray disclosed any such relationships. The district later responded that no such documents exist.

The MSCS board also has a policy, adopted in 2017, describing the ethical code the superintendent must follow.

The code requires the superintendent “to maintain standards of exemplary professional conduct” and says the superintendent must adhere to the following statement: “I will endeavor to fulfill my professional responsibilities with honesty and integrity.”

Ray was named superintendent after the MSCS board decided against searching nationally for the district’s next leader. Board members said at the time that they thought Ray, a longtime district employee who had been serving as interim superintendent for months, was an “exceedingly qualified candidate,” and said a national search was unnecessary and would cost the district valuable time and

“I am confident that my private actions have not broken any rules of conduct nor violated any policies,” said Dr. Joris M. Ray as school board officials initiated an external review into allegations of impropriety. (Screen capture/TSD Archives)

‘Never too late to reconcile’ … Shelby County Schools Supt. Dr. Joris M. Ray prayed with the parents whose sons were involved in last school year’s shooting inside Cummings K-8 Optional School. “Both parents made a heartfelt decision to come together to speak life to our children,” said Ray of the meeting held in his office. (Photo: SCS Twitter/TSD Archives) resources.

To board members and many others in the community, Ray was an example of an MSCS success story who overcame personal challenges and rose through the district’s ranks in a career spanning two decades. During his tenure as superintendent, Ray often discussed how his Memphis upbringing has shaped his perspective as an educator.

The youngest of seven children, Ray, 48, was born to parents who never completed their formal education. He went on to graduate from Whitehaven High School, and receive a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of Memphis.

“If you look at what research says about me … there’s a 50 percent chance I’m supposed to be a high school dropout,” Ray told Chalkbeat in an exclusive interview in April. “But through a high-quality education and caring teachers, look at where I am today.”

Ray’s mother had a brain aneurysm when Ray was 12 years old. He credited his pre-algebra teacher who checked on him every day – academically, socially, and mentally – for helping him get through that traumatic event and shaping his own approach to teaching.

“She wanted something more for me, and she understood what I was going through at home,” Ray said in April. “That’s what I bring to the table, because I want something more for our students, each and every day.”

But some Memphians questioned whether Ray was the most qualified candidate for the job and felt the board should’ve widened its search. Others expressed concern

about complaints of sexual harassment lodged against Ray months earlier, though a district investigation concluded there was no wrongdoing.

A year into his tenure as superintendent, COVID struck.

Under Ray’s leadership, MSCS was among the first districts in Tennessee to shutter classrooms – and among the last to fully reopen for in-person learning.

For much of the 2020-21 school year, Gov. Bill Lee and other GOP leaders pressed MSCS to offer in-person learning. But Ray resisted, pledging to continue giving teachers the option to work from home to keep them and the district’s students safe.

In February 2021, Ray relented and called on educators and students to return to classrooms, citing declining COVID cases in the county and a legislative proposal to cut funding for school systems that do not offer at least 70 days of in-person learning that school year. Most students opted not to return, except for state standardized testing later in the spring.

The majority of MSCS students didn’t return to in-person learning until the 2021-22 school year. The expected comeback year turned out to be what Ray called the “hardest year ever” as the district faced more COVID surges, ever-changing mask guidance, staffing struggles, growing community frustration about the district’s poor academic performance, a school shooting, and gun violence throughout the community, among other challenges.

Still, Ray pushed forward with several of his flagship initiatives, such as boosting early literacy, recruiting and retaining high-quality teachers, improving facilities, expanding before- and after-school tutoring, and increasing access to advanced academics.

And through it all, Ray enjoyed consistent support from the school board, receiving high marks on all his evaluations and an early contract extension through 2025 that included a 3 percent pay raise. Board members again praised Ray this summer for the district’s improvements on state standardized tests to near pre-pandemic levels.

The support appeared to soften, however, amid the new investigation into Ray’s conduct, with some school board members and candidates calling for stricter accountability over the superintendent during Chalkbeat’s candidate forum.

Keith Williams, a former teacher and executive director of the city’s largest teachers organization and who is joining the school board next week, said 28 teachers in the district were fired last year for behavior similar to what’s alleged against Ray, based on the law.

“We have to be fair, we have to be open, and we have to be consistent with policy,” said Williams, who defeated District 6 appointee Charles Everett in the election earlier this month.

(Samantha West is a reporter for Chalkbeat Tennessee, where she covers K-12 education in Memphis. Connect with Samantha at swest@chalkbeat.org.)

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The New Tri-State Defender

August 25 - 31, 2022

Page 5

RELIGION

COMMENTARY:

Secular and sacred music – a historical look via the sounds of the Bay area

Pictured (l-r): Leroy Smith, Florida Smith, Minister Bertha Looney, Jack Payne, Elder Ruby Payne and Dorothy Upshaw.

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

‘Living by Faith,’ Old Nonconnah resumes in-church worship on 152nd anniversary

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Closed for two-plus years out of concern about the pandemic, Old Nonconnah Missionary Baptist Church recently resumed in-person services, celebrating its152nd anniversary.

The congregation’s return to their worship home on Aug. 21 was a jubilant and memorable experience, one church leader said. Congregants had not worshipped in their sanctuary since March 15, 2020.

“It was wonderful, being back together after two years of Sunday School and Bible Study on conference calls,” said Leroy Smith, a trustee. “It was such a joy. We were all so grateful to celebrate another anniversary.”

The church is at 3257 Hernando Rd. just west of the Elvis Presley Boulevard and Brooks Road intersection.

Not even a menacing downpour dampened the spirits of those who filled the sanctuary, “It began to rain very hard, but people kept coming,” said Smith. “It was a miracle. We always celebrate church anniversary on the third Sunday in August. “My great-great grandfather, Wyatt Fields, and the other five founders would have been proud to see us worshipping this past Sunday.”

Founded by six former slaves, Nonconnah sits on its original site. During the antebellum period, slaves built open-sided structures with planks of wood driven into the ground, supporting a roof of branches and brush, laid on top

Old Nonconnah MBC attendees were observing mask protocols during the first in-person service following a long closure prompted

by COVID concerns. of horizontal planks.

Such places of worship were called bush arbors. Or “hush harbors,” because they were secret gathering places by night, where slaves could practice their own brand of religion, Christianity infused with a sacred mix of African ritual.

One of the other five founders, Freeman Lawson, was the great-grandfather of Bertha Rogers Looney, a “Memphis State Eight” pioneer.

“Our family has worshipped here, down through the generations,” said Looney. “I have joined another church, but I have relatives who are still members. This is our family church…”

It is not known where the six founders came from originally.

Besides Fields and Lawson, the other founders were Joseph Robinson, Tanzy Tanner, Alfred Washington, and Samuel D. Washington, said Smith.

“Wherever they came from, when they got here, they decided to start a church.”

Years of service …

Presiding Elder Quenton H. Whitlock Jr. and his wife, Linda K. Whitlock, were saluted last Saturday (Aug. 20) at the CME headquarters (4466 Elvis Presley Blvd.) during a retirement ceremony marking 52 years of ministry and 30 years of service. Quenton H. Whitlock III and Danyale Whitlock, emceed the program. (Photo(s): Tyrone P. Easley/The New TriState Defender)

Nonconnah’s pastor, Rev. John Andrew Harris, died suddenly just before the pandemic.

“Pastor Harris had been our pastor for 23 years. He was diabetic, and at some point, had one of his legs amputated,” said Smith. “But he was doing fine, still preaching and still doing the work of a pastor. Then on Nov. 21, 2019, … he went to sleep and never woke up….”

When the pandemic hit, the search for a new pastor was suspended. Smith went from trustee to acting pastor.

“We wanted to be CDC-compliant, so we didn’t come back to the church building after that March 15 service,” said Smith. “We held Sunday School, Bible Study, and 11 a.m. worship every first Sunday on conference call. Some members caught the virus, but there was no loss of life. We thank God for that.”

Members still are buried in their ancestral cemetery, where their fore-parents are. It is situated on the southwest corner of the church. Burial places face the east, just as they did when the founders started Nonconnah.

“All the graves face the east,” said Smith. “Jesus will return from the east.

I can remember being a boy of eight and nine years old. I would help my uncles dig graves. But now, we have a backhoe to do that.”

Deacon Board Chairman Isaiah Tate Jr., 87, is the great-grandson of co-founder Wyatt Fields.

The search for a new pastor has resumed. There are 20 candidates, Smith said.

by Rev. Dr. Martha C. Taylor NNPA News Service

The late T-Bone Walker, blues singer, said, “The first time I ever heard a boogie-woogie piano was when I went to church, even the sermon was preached in a blues tone while the congregation yelled amen.”

Charlie Yardbird Parker, famous jazz saxophonist, frequented the Bay Area during the 40s. Parker once replied to a question about his religious affiliation that he was a devout musician.

Even T-Bone Walker’s friends were convinced that he would become a preacher when he stopped singing because of the way he sang the blues. They said it sounded like a sermon.

Blues singer Alberta Hunter testified “The blues are like spirituals, almost sacred.”

When Southern migrants came to California during the World War II era, they transported their music with them.

Music served as a reminder of home; it was like medicine for the soul. The sounds of gospel music found a popular place in the Bay Area.

Based on traditional choir and quartet singing in southern churches, a cappella gospel music enjoyed an upsurge in popularity as southern Black migrants formed new singing groups that toured local communities. Shipyard workers formed gospel groups ….

Church mass choirs began to cut records under the leadership of pastors like G. W. Killens and Carl Anderson.

Opal Nations said Bishop Louis Narcisse sounded like a saved and sanctified blues singer. Blues and gospel music both expressed the struggles of life.

Charles Albert Tindley wrote, “I’ll Overcome Someday,” which was popular during the Civil Rights era.

Betty Reid and her husband, Mel Reid, opened the first Black gospel and blues record store in West Oakland in 1945, Reid’s Records.

Two years later, Mel acquired time on Berkeley’s KRE radio station and broadcast a weekly thirty-minute gospel program called “Religious Gems.” …

“Jumpi n ” George Oxford was one of the beloved D. J.’s of the 1950s.

His foRev. Dr. Martha cus was C. Taylor on race records, catering to Blacks as did Bouncin’ Bill Doubleday on KWBR and Don Barksdale, former-basketball-star-turned D. J. in the late 1950s. Barksdale was the owner of the Sportsman on Grove Street and the Showcase on Telegraph Avenue, both in Oakland.

Ray Dobard moved from New Orleans to Berkeley during World War II. Dobard established a music publishing business, providing a chance for locals to get their music on “wax” and to a larger audience. Many of Dobard’s fine gospel sides featured King Narcissee, the Golden West Singers, and others.

Jesse Jaxyson moved to West Oakland in the 1930s. A member of the First Church of Religious Science, he met Clarissa Mayfield, a choir member at his church, and together they set up a radio repair shop at 1606 7th Street, Oakland.

He had a room converted into a makeshift recording studio that he ran along with Bob Geddins. Geddins, called the “Father of Oakland Blues,” began pressing records at his West Oakland plant at 8th and Center Streets.

Two brothers, Edwin Hawkins and Walter Hawkins, completely changed the genre of religious music with the remake of an eighteenth-century song, “Oh Happy Day” featuring Dorothy Morrison and the Edwin Hawkins singers.

The song created controversy within the church because it sounded secular.

The Hawkinses launched a new sound of gospel music fused with a secular sound paving the way for future artists such as Kirk Franklin, Byron Cage, Fred Hamond and Yolonda Adams.

(An original version of this commentary first appeared on Post News Group.)

The New Tri-State Defender, August 25 - 31, 2022, Page 6

Nancy B. Rooks-Givhan and the Elvis connection

‘Boo’ Mitchell to take Halloran Center stage to get his ‘dad’s story told’

by Candace A. Gray

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Mrs. Nancy Rooks-Givhan wrote three books, including “Inside Graceland,” which was released in 2005. (Family photo)

TSD Newsroom They were only together for 10 years, but for Nancy B. RooksGivhan, her time with Elvis Presley changed the trajectory of her life.

Mrs. Rooks-Givhan spent the next 45 years politely answering people’s questions about being a housekeeper and a cook for the legendary entertainer.

She fondly recalled her many experiences with the King of Rock and Roll and authored various books detailing her time with Elvis.

Mrs. Rooks-Givhan died on August 15, 2022, at the Villages at Primacy Place at age 84. Ironically, her death was one day before the date that Elvis Presley’s body was found in the Graceland home, where the two of them built such a strong bond.

On the evening of her death, thousands of Elvis fans gathered at Graceland to light candles and sing his songs in honor of the entertainment legend who died on Aug. 16, 1977.

Prior to her health failing, she frequently attended the candlelight vigils.

Mrs. Rooks-Givhan was born in Mason, Tennessee, a small Fayette County town. She was the only daughter of eight children of the late Sylvester Mason and Rose Douglas Mason. Being from a small town fostered the humble beginnings that she graciously navigated throughout her life. She and her brothers walked more than two miles each day to school and often grew their own food.

Mrs. Rooks-Givhan was also a fastidious housekeeper.

“My mother used to rub paste wax into our hardwood floors on her hands and knees,” said her only child Norma Chism. “Then, she would buff them by hand. Our house was always spotless.”

Mrs. Rooks-Givhan put those skills to work as a housekeeper. She was working for a temporary agency in 1967 when serendipity, a sick maid, and her reputation as a hard worker changed her life. The agency sent Mrs. Rooks-Givhan to the Graceland mansion as a substitute worker.

In “The Maid, the Man and the Fans: Elvis is the Man,” a book Mrs. Rooks-Givhan co-wrote with Mae Gutter, Mrs. Rooks-Givhan said she met Elvis’s father Vernon that day. He told her she might be laid off when the other maid came back.

Meanwhile, he told her to do whatever she saw that needed to be done.

Undaunted, she was not going to let the opportunity pass to prove how committed and meticulous she could be at this temporary assignment.

Mrs. Rooks-Givhan got busy.

There was a new baby in the house and lots of company coming over at all hours of the day. She dusted, straightened, vacuumed – anything to make Graceland sparkle.

When the house got too crowded, Mrs. Rooks-Givhan jumped in to cook. That’s when she began to prepare some of the meals that Elvis adored. To this day, people throughout the world travel to Memphis to enjoy the meals cultivated out of love and respect for Elvis.

Mrs. Rooks-Givhan was hired fulltime. She worked the 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. shift. Having a maid on duty during

In this 2010 YouTube video, Nancy Rooks-Givhan shared memories of her time at Graceland as Elvis Presley’s housekeeper and cook. (Screen capture)

Tennessee State Rep. Jesse Chism: “When I posted this picture with my grandmother (Nancy Rooks-Givhan) for her birthday, I never knew that this would be my last picture with her. My grandmother ... has been such an inspiration to me. As Elvis Presley’s maid, she made many of the meals that people travel from around the world to Memphis to try out. She went from maid to author, which gave me a first-hand look that we don’t have to end where we start. ...” (Photo: Facebook) the late-night hours might seem unusual for a conventional household, but nothing was conventional about Graceland. Elvis, his entourage, and his never-ending guest list, which included some of the world’s most entertaining music and television legends of that time, gathered and entertained all night.

In an interview when asked about Elvis singing around the house, Mrs. Rooks-Givhan shared this memory: “He would play in the music room and sing ‘How Great Thou Art.’ Him and I sung together upstairs. (laughs) His girlfriend had gone shopping. He was upstairs and he told me he get lonesome and to come on up there and sit and talk to him.

“I went on up there and he said.

“Well, we need something to do. I’ll tell you, we goin’ in the office area and I’m gonna play the organ.’ I said ‘OK. We gonna sing. You know I can’t sing, but I’ll try to help you.’

“We started on ‘Precious Lord Take My Hand And Lead Me On.’ We got to the part where we didn’t really know the words. I’m sure he knew’em, but I didn’t know’em.

We’d just hum through. (laughs) We’d just do it that way.

“I was up there with him for quite a while until one of the bodyguards happen to come in and came up there.

‘What are you doing?’ He (Elvis) said, ‘What you think we’re doing? We’re singing!’ And just bust out laughing.”

Mrs. Rooks-Givhan didn’t leave Graceland sometimes until two or three o’clock in the morning. During

the 10 years that she worked at Graceland, she often worked 7 days a week only missing a handful of days.

After Elvis died, Mrs. Rooks-Givhan went to work at the restaurant across the street from Graceland.

Her time at Graceland was chronicled as Nancy Rooks-Givhan went on to become the author of three books: “The Maid, The Man, and the Fans (1984),” “Presley Family Cookbook (1990),” and “Inside Graceland (2005).” She built a global fanbase as people traveled from around the world to hear her accounts of her time at Graceland.

Additionally, her fanbase often reflected on her influence on Rock & Roll and American culture through her service and culinary expertise.

Her autograph was often sought after and became a memento.

Mrs. Rooks-Givhan was preceded in death by her husbands, Nathaniel Rooks and the Rev. Willie Givhan.

She is survived by her daughter, Norma Jean Chism of Memphis; four brothers, Robert Wirt, John Lee Mason, Obediah Mason, and Nathaniel Mason; three grandchildren: State Rep. Jesse Chism, Justin Chism, and Jerome Chism and six great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 25, at R. S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home, 2944 Walnut Grove Rd. The Funeral service will be at noon on Friday, Aug. 26, at Faith Covenant Church at 4815 Willow Rd. Interment will be at West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery.

Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell, co-CEO of Royal Studios, had been thinking about producing a show that paid homage to the musicians and the studio that are often forgotten as part of Memphis’ musical history. He just hadn’t made time to do so.

Then he felt the outreach of Ron Jewel, vice president of Halloran Centre Operations, who was instrumental in booking Mitchell, son of Royal Studios’ founder Willie Mitchell, and “The Musical History of Royal Studios.” The show, narrated

by Mitchell, opens the 202223 season of On Stage at the Halloran Center.

The art series showcases music, theatre groups, magicians and singer-songwriters and the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. “The Musical History of Royal Studios” debuts at 7:30 p.m. next Friday (Aug. 26) in the 361-seat Halloran Centre, one of the Orpheum Theatre Group’s venues.

For the past several years, Jewel has been intentional about beginning the series with Memphis greats.

“I am always trying to find ways to showcase and pay tribute to Memphis talent,” said Jewel. “In the past, I have kicked off the seasons with Memphis icons, like William Bell, The Bar-Kays, Booker T. Jones, and now this year, Boo Mitchell.”

Serendipity played a part.

“When Ron reached out, I knew this was the perfect opportunity to curate something amazing about the legacy of Royal Studios,” said Mitchell.

“I’ve never done a show like this before and I thought it might be cool to tell some stories, play some music, and showcase the band who played all of this great music that came out of Royal Studios, the Hi Rhythm Section.”

The band, Hi Rhythm Section, was responsible for the instrumentation played behind iconic artists such as Al Green, Ann Peebles and Don Bryant and will be the main feature of the show.

“I’m heavily leaning on the band. Those guys are like my uncles and we’re lucky to have most of the original members still here,” said Mitchell.

“They’re always my motivation – they’re national treasures. I want to keep them lifted and engaged, and for people to know how much great music they created. Those dudes are my inspiration.”

Mitchell and his sister, Oona, co-run Royal Studios.

Mitchell handles more of the production side, while Oona handles the business and radio show.

But it wasn’t always this way. At one point, well before their father passed in 2010 at the age of 81, Mitchell had joined the Royal Studios team as the business manager, catapulting the company into the 21st century.

“We had just closed the club, Willie Mitchell’s, where I was the manager and

“The Musical History of Royal Studios” narrated by Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell, co-CEO of Royal Studios, opens the 2022-23 season of On Stage at the Halloran Center next Friday, Aug. 26. (Photo via orpheum-memphis.com.) learned a lot about the music business, from booking to contracts to sound and what moves a crowd,” said Mitchell.

“And I went back to help at the recording studio. We never even had a logo – we were just flying under the radar. In fact, my father was still renting a phone from AT&T.” Mitchell’s time as business manager was his second stint at Royal Studios following his first as a hired musician and later a producer.

“I was hangin’ out at the studio at 9 or 10 but started officially working there at about 14/15 years old. My first paying job was playing keyboards for Al Green on a gospel song that ended up winning a Grammy,” said Mitchell.

“My dad had bought me and my brother, Archie, a synthesizer and a drum machine. We had turned a little corner of the studio into a little rehearsal hall. And Pop was producing this gospel album on Rev. Al Green.

“Rev goes to the bathroom and heard me and my brother jamming. He says to my dad, ‘Willie, let’s let the boys play on this next one!’ Next thing I know, we’re taking the instruments up the stairs and we’re playing on the record.”

Mitchell was full of these kinds of stories throughout the interview for this story.

He talked about producing his first record for local crooner Will Graves, and his time as a member of one of Memphis’ first hip hop groups, The M Team.

Wouldn’t you like to know how the Mark Ronson/Bruno Mars hit “Uptown Funk” magic happened?

You’ll have to go to the show to hear that story, along with music by Hi Rhythm, Marcus Scott, (former lead for Tower of Power), Lil Rounds (from “American Idol”), Gerald Richardson (Cameo) and more.

“My father contributed so much to Memphis music and world music,” said Mitchell.

“There are so many unsung heroes. Some know the music but don’t know the history and stories behind the music.

“I want to do what I can to get my dad’s story told and am humbled to do so at the Halloran Centre.”

(Tickets are available at Orpheum-memphis.com for $37.50 and group discounts are available for 10 or more.

For more information, visit orpheum-memphis.com/onstage.)

COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, August 25 - 31, 2022, Page 7

Jamaica vacation fuels storm over County Clerk

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

With outrage growing over Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert’s “scheduled” Jamaican vacation, a pair of Shelby County commissioners asked the county’s attorney on Tuesday (Aug. 23) to explore a possible recall vote.

Repeating his summerlong refrain that the “citizens deserve better,” commissioner Mark Billingsley added that “it’s an insult to injury” that she was enjoying a Caribbean getaway “while the clerk’s office is in crisis.”

He was joined by commissioner Mick Wright, who cautioned Halbert that if she couldn’t fulfill her duties, “she should step down and let someone else lead that office.”

The move is the latest in a twist-and-turnfilled season that also featured thousands of undelivered license plates and tags, and handicap placards, Halbert’s re-election and an eventual commission request for state intervention.

The vacation stunned many, however. Halbert assured politicians and citizens alike that the office had caught up with the backlog in tags and plates that began in May and had ended in late July.

On Aug. 15, she anWanda nounced the total cloHalbert sure of the clerk’s main and satellite offices this week (Aug. 22-26) and Sept. 19-23, so her office can “catch up” with outstanding services, like auto dealer packets.

Beyond issuing new license plates and tags, the clerk’s office also handles vehicle title transfers, collects liquor by the drink taxes, issues notary public commissions, sells business licenses and issues marriage licenses.

Days later, she was off to the island during the first round of closure dates. Halbert, who has defended the holiday as already scheduled, said she would return on Wednesday, Aug. 24.

Newly re-elected Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, in a statement, said, “We share the public’s disappointment that Clerk Halbert has chosen to close public offices that serve our residents and leave the country.

“Our Administration has consistently asked that Clerk Halbert expand her hours of operation in order to clear the backlog issues and deliver essential services to Shelby County residents. We all need Clerk Halbert to do the job that she was elected to do.”

Halbert’s trip also was heavily criticized

by Tennessee Comptroller Jason Mumpower, who declared Halbert “AWOL” from her office. Mumpower also described the closures as “unusual.”

The comptroller was asked to take over operations in the office with the Aug. 8 commission resolution. Both Billingsley, resolution a co-sponsor, and Wright sided with the 7-2-4 majority in favor of the request.

The item was proposed following months of undelivered tags piling up. Halbert blamed the foul-up on a lack of funding. To get registered vehicles back on the road, the commission bailed out the County Clerk’s office to the tune of $540,000.

She also warned of corruption, including claims of being made a “scapegoat” for practices that “bump up against the law,” like vanishing records. Halbert’s also invoked the Federal Whistleblowers Act to guard against reprisals.

An audit conducted by Shelby County CAO Harold Collins found no merit to the claims. Mayor Lee Harris and County Commissioners also are skeptical, if not dismissive.

One problem the office does have, however, is a shortfall in workers. Last year, it underspent on personnel by $866,048. Recently, there were as many as 30 openings, with 1,000 applications under consideration.

Nevertheless, voters opted to stick with the incumbent on Aug. 4 and gave Halbert another turn at the office. Her second fouryear term begins Sept. 1.

Memphis Police Department Deputy Chief Paul Wright draws the attention of (r-l) state Rep. Antonio Parkinson, Shelby County Commissioner Willie F. Brooks Jr. and MSCS Commissioner Stephanie Love during a town hall meeting focused on violent crime prevention. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

Enforcing curfews, holding parents accountable draw consensus in meeting on violent crime in Raleigh

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Nearly 200 Raleigh community residents joined elected officials and law enforcement officers to devise crime-fighting strategies Monday (Aug. 22) evening.

“There are more than 70,000 Raleigh residents,” said state Rep. Antonio Parkinson (D-Memphis). “Those who are committing violent crime are just a minute part of the community. There are so many more of us than there are of them. We have the power to take back control of our neighborhoods.”

The town hall meeting, called by City Councilwoman Rhonda Logan, took place as Raleigh has been the scene of several homicides in the recent weeks. Those slayings include the fatal shooting of popular Whitehaven community advocate Dr. Yvonne Nelson on Aug. 13.

Tifanee Wright, 33, sought on a second-degree murder warrant for the slaying, was arrested Tuesday (Aug. 23) by U.S. Marshals Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force. Police said Nelson was slain during an argument over money.

Logan called the meeting with constituents to push back on the string of violence crimes being committed by minors.

“There are things we can do to fight back against the rising tide of youth crime,” said Logan. “We refuse to be held hostage in our own homes and in our communities.

“The problem comes down to parenting. If parents refuse to do their job, we will hold them accountable for what their children do,” Logan said.

A panel of officials and law enforcement officers cited strong enforcement of curfews that already are in place, holding parents accountable for their children, and reporting truancy, loitering and other lawless acts by youth during school hours and later will be effective in the short-term.

“We’ve got to take action now,” said Parkinson. “Juveniles are committing violent car jackings, shooting guns up and down the street, and pulling guns on people for cash.

City Councilwoman Rhonda Logan issued the summons to the town hall meeting.

“We’ll hold parents accountable, along with those minors. The loss of state aid is one major consequence we are looking at. There would be no assistance in households where parents aren’t doing their job,” Parkinson said Loitering and nuisance ordinances are already in place. Logan encouraged residents to report loitering in front of stores and other businesses, as well as truancy when a child is seen on the street during school hours.

“Certain locations where criminal acts continue to happen can be closed, declared a nuisance,” said Logan.

Memphis Police Deputy Chief Paul Wright said violent crime is not just a police issue.

“They are community issues. And the only way to solve them is by working together. Trying to lock everybody up is not going to work.

It has not worked. We need good programs,

mentoring, and raising accountability,” Wright said.

Raleigh residents expressed approval of stronger enforcement of curfews, truancy laws, loitering ordinances, concurring that it is time for action.

Charles Braden said seniors in certain areas of Raleigh are now afraid to come out in the evening because of what “some of these young boys are doing.”

He continued, “I’m a senior myself, and it’s just a shame the way these young boys are just roaming the streets. They are up to no good.

I think they are just walking around looking for somebody to rob. Life is really no value to them. Some of them will shoot you just as soon as look at you. I’ve never seen crime this bad.”

Logan said more patrols are needed in Raleigh, and that the possibility of having more Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers assist Memphis police will be explored.

A letter will be sent to Homeland Security regarding the matter. However, Logan said Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland already has requested that THP assist in patrolling Memphis interstates.

Logan said more patrols in Raleigh would prevent people from coming in and committing crimes and then immediately getting out of the area.

The Memphis City Council will ask MPD to begin strongly enforcing city curfews. Monday through Thursday, minors 16 and under should be in by 10 p.m. Youth 17 and 18 should be in by 11 p.m.

Friday through Sunday, curfew is one hour later for each group.

“I’ve been saying the same thing for the longest,” said Betty Jamerson. “If we start putting some neglect charges on these parents, I bet they’ll care where their children are after curfew. I believe the threat of losing state aid will get their attention, too. But if paying fines and seeing jail time are possibilities, I know we’ll see some changes for the better.”

An anonymous tip line will be created to report crime, truancy, and loitering in Raleigh, Logan said.

Back in stride …

The Economic Development Forum hosted by the Mid-South Minority Business Council (MMBC) Continuum was back live and in person at the Renasant Convention Center this week. Jozelle Booker, president and CEO, greeted arriving attendees on Tuesday. Gov. Bill Lee addressed a morning session on Wednesday. MMBC is an economic accelerator for stage II minority and women business enterprises.

Visit TSDMemphis. com for related story.

(Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)

The New Tri-State Defender

NOTICE TO BIDDER(S) Sealed bids will be received by the Shelby County Government in the Department of Housing, 1075 Mullins Station Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38134 until 9:30 a.m. on September 9, 2022, as shown below: MULTIPLE AND ENTIRELY DIFFERENT LEAD HAZARD REDUCTION JOBS ARE CONTAINED IN THIS BID NOTICE. BIDDER(S) MAY ELECT TO BID ON ANY OR ALL OF THE JOBS IN THE NOTICE. SEALED BID I000764 DUE AT 9:30 a.m.: September 9, 2022 1. Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Jobs.

Detailed specifications for items above may be obtained in the Shelby County Department of Housing at the aforementioned address beginning Friday, August 26, 2022. All bids will be opened and publicly read by the Shelby County Government at the time mentioned above at the Department of Housing, 1075 Mullins Station Road Memphis, TN 38134, (901) 222-7600; TTY Number (901) 222-2301; or for information in Spanish 901-2227601. Award recommendations will be posted at the following website https://www.develop901. com/housing upon review of the bid opening results.

As a condition precedent to bidding, each bidder must apply and qualify for a Vendor Number and Equal Opportunity Compliance Eligibility Number prior to submitting your response. Your EOC number must be displayed on the outside of your envelope for each bid submission.

Reminder: Effective January 2020, in order for your bids to be accepted on projects, contractors must have met with the Housing Site Inspector and received a receipt for the current Shelby County Housing Construction and Rehabilitation Specifications Manual. Interested contractors not currently on the contractor list should contact the Department of Housing in order to schedule a meeting with the Housing Site Inspector. If you are currently on the contractor list but have not received a receipt for the current Construction and Rehabilitation Specifications Manual, please schedule an appointment to do so.

The label, which is attached to the specifications shall be completely filled out and attached to the bid submission envelope. You must display your current SAM Number, E.O.C. Eligibility Num-

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SEALED BID DUE TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH, 2022 AT 2:30 PM CST Linens & Blankets (SB-I000759) (MC# 668) By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR

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: Blues City Properties LLC Tax Parcel #: 05205800000760 Tax Sale #: 1602 Price Offered: $$16,700.00 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 ad-

ditional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 2:30 p.m. on September 30, 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 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: Emanuel Webb Jr. Tax Parcel #: 06005200000070 Tax Sale #: 1304 Price Offered: $$375.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice.

If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:00 a.m. on September 30, 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 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 #: 07517100000140 Tax Sale #: 1702 Price Offered: $$4700.00 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 2:30 p.m. on September 29, 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.

ditional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 2:00 p.m. on September 29, 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 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 fol-

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: Newton Elgin Construction Tax Parcel #: 02606600000020 Tax Sale #: 1801 Price Offered: $$19400.00 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 ad-

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lowing property: Mateo LLC. Tax Parcel #: 03402500000220 Tax Sale #: 1301 Price Offered: $$600.00 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 1:30 p.m. on September 29, 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 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: GMG Real Estate, LLC Tax Parcel #: 02103400000180 Tax Sale #: 1704 Price Offered: $$3000.00 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 1:00 p.m. on September 29, 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 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: Bryan Williams Tax Parcel #: 09003500000030 Tax Sale #: 1702 Price Offered: $$9000.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice.

If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:30

a.m. on September 29, 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 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: DC 11 Developments, Corp.

Tax Parcel #: 07706600000080 Tax Sale #: 1304 Price Offered: $$1875.00 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 2:30 p.m. on September 28, 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 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: Randy Rollins Sr Tax Parcel #: 09007600000020 Tax Sale #: 1404 Price Offered: $$525.00 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 2:00 p.m. on September 28, 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

August 25 - 31, 2022

NEWS

Page 9

‘Freeway Rick’ Ross stops in Memphis to pitch healing qualities of cannabis and ‘social equity

by TSD Newsroom The latest chapter in the life of “Freeway Rick” Ross’ reflects community activism and work with the cannabis industry.

Ross has launched his own brand, offering high-quality cannabis, teaming up with a top-notch manufacturer to produce LA Kingpins.

As an author, mentor, speaker and entrepreneur, Ross – a convicted drug trafficker who once ran a drug empire in Los Angeles – now is on a personal mission as a vocal advocate for cannabis, social equity, prison reform and social justice.

As cannabis moves into the mainstream, Ross is a high-profile figure in the advocacy movement, working to decriminalize the use of what he and others consider a “healing plant.”

Recently (Aug. 19), Ross, who was released from prison in 2009, was at Your CBD Store on Hacks Cross Road for a meet-and-greet and book signing for his book “Freeway Rick Ross: The Untold Autobiography.”

The store is locally owned and managed

by Brandi Cain and Junnica Harris. The partners have a passion for wellness and are focused on helping Memphians understand the benefits of using high-quality CBD products.

“We provide a comfortable, boutique-style ambiance, where customers can try our products and leave knowing exactly what is in our CBD products,” said Cain.

Harris said Your CBD Store offers “a variety of high-quality, and award-winning, made in the USA CBD products that don’t require a prescription or medical card to buy.

“The SunMed line of products that we sell include USDA Certified Organic CBD products and we are so excited to share them with everyone.”

Meanwhile, Senate bill 1477 is pending in the Tennessee General Assembly. If it becomes law, the measure will legalize the personal possession and use of up to one-half ounce of marijuana.

It also would legalize the retail sale of marijuana, with a 12 percent sales tax added. Currently, possession of a one-half ounce or less of marijuana carries a criminal penalty of up to one year in prison and a fine as high as $250.

Cannabis sativa has been cultivated for

The book signing for Rick Ross doubled as an introduction for some to Your CBD Store on Hacks Cross Road. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

Rick Ross with (l-r) Brandi Cain and Junnica Harris, co-owners and managers of Your CBD Store on Hacks Cross Road. both its psychoactive properties (marijuana) and as a source of fiber (hemp).

Marijuana and hemp are the same plant – Cannabis sativa. Tennessee has legalized the cultivation of hemp and defined it as Cannabis sativa containing less than 0.3 percent THC. Marijuana, Cannabis sativa containing greater than 0.3 percent THC, is still illegal in Tennessee.

According to a 2018 ACLU report, African Americans were arrested at more than three times the rate of Caucasians in Tennessee, even though both groups consume cannabis at about the same rate.

While legalization does not eliminate disparities, Ross and others maintain it

dramatically reduces the total number of cannabis arrests – and thus the damage done by unequal enforcement.

Five of the seven states with the lowest disparities had previously enacted legalization laws.

Since its creation, Your CBD Store has helped drive legislation towards transparency and testing.

“We are not just another retail chain,” said the partners of Your CBD Store – Hacks Cross in a released statement.

“We are a large family of store owners who truly care about educating and improving the quality of life in communities around the nation using high-quality CBD.”

SPORTS

The New Tri-State Defender, August 25 - 31, 2022, Page 10

PREP FOOTBALL

Whitehaven’s defense was a force from beginning to end against Overton. (Photos: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender)

Douglass, Hamilton and Whitehaven win as tripleheader ushers in prep football

by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The 15th annual Whitehaven Classic – a three-game affair that kicked off the high school football season – was an early proving ground with Douglass, Mitchell and Whitehaven emerging as winners.

Douglass defeated Westwood 12-6; Mitchell stopped Hamilton 20-6 and Whitehaven overwhelmed Overton 48-0. The games were played at Whitehaven.

Mitchell vs Hamilton

Terry Davis It seemed as though there were more flags and stoppages than actual plays run in this one.

Mitchell (1-0) only has two seniors and at one point during training camp only had 18 players. The roster since has filled out to 45 players, with head coach Nathan Cole and staff husting to get them in sync.

The Tigers did show some flash on offense, with running back Gordon Guy scoring on a short touchdown run. The defense looked very solid, especially the defensive line and first-year defensive back Devonte Yarbor. The Tigers stopped Hamilton’s Wildcats on several possessions in the red zone.

The lone Wildcats’ touchdown was Kevonte Rodgers’ 61-yard run, which made 12-6 in the first quarter. Hamilton had a touchdown wiped out by a penalty.

“Penalties really killed us today,” said Wildcats head coach Jerel Blanchard. “It is the first game of the season and it is just growing pains. We are going to fix it.”

How? “We are going to fix it at practice,” said Blanchard. “It is just the little things. It was just jitters. We are not laying down this season.”

While Mitchell’s players are young, Cole said he was able to call plays “like I had a veteran team.”

On reducing the penalties, Cole said, “We have to work on them every day. We have to get some repetition. We have to prepare them better and get in better condition.”

Mitchell did not have pre-season scrimmages.

Hamilton’s Ashton Dotson finds room to roam.

Whitehaven vs Overton Among this year’s goals for Whitehaven was putting more speed on the field to complement powerful offensive and defensive lines. That mission appeared accomplished as the Tigers dominated Overton’s Wolverines.

The Tigers scored three touchdowns on their first six plays of the first quarter. Running back Ahmad Miller ran one in from the six-yard line. Then quarterback Zerius Short connected with Tyshaun Tate. Short

Running back Gordon Guy breaks loose for Mitchell against Hamilton in the Whitehaven Classic at Whitehaven High School. soon struck again, hitting Kedarius Jones for a 43-yard score.

Meanwhile, the Whitehaven defense smothered the Wolverines’ offense, with pre-snap penalties keeping Overton behind the chains.

Whitehaven senior returner Ryan Weston had a 41-yard punt return for a touchdown.

A penalty wiped out a second Weston punt return for a score.

The Tigers also scored on an 89-yard pass from wide receiver William Carver to

Taylor Burton. Their final touchdown was Short hooking up with Jones for 55 yards.

“It is good to get started. It’s great for our guys to get on a good foot and perform.

We are excited to give these guys an opportunity to play this game,” said Whitehaven head coach Rodney Saulsberry.

“It is all about consistency, press repeat,” said Saulsberry of the Tigers’ strong showing in the first quarter. “It is something that is hard to have as young people. We are asking them to be consistent on a daily basis.”

Still, three touchdowns on six plays?

“We can’t expect that every time, but it was exciting to get started on that foot. The kids put in the work to get it started,” said Saulsberry.

“If we continue to play together, we can accomplish our goal to win the state championship. It takes us playing together for us to give up a little bit to get it for the whole team. We have to have some guys to sacrifice and move around to play different positions and we just expect them to (do) their best.”

On Saturday (Aug. 27), Overton will look to get its first win of the season when they take on Tipton Rosemark Academy in Millington.

Whitehaven will stay home and host the Ridgeway Roadrunners on Friday (Aug. 26).

Hamilton will travel to play the Wooddale Cardinals.

Mitchell will be on the road against the Melrose Golden Wildcats.