The New Tri-State Defender - October 6-12, 2022

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VOL. 71, No. 40

October 6 - 12, 2022

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Memphis gains eye of minorityowned investor

by Erica R. Williams

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The Memphis Grizzlies get it on during their pre-game huddle before the team’s first pre-season game. (Photos: Warren Roseborough/The New Tri-State Defender)

For the Grizzlies, getting ready for the season is a work in progress

by Terry Davis

Financial investment momentum is building in Memphis as more developers look to plant their flags in the Bluff City.

One minority-owned equity firm is joining the anticipated progression, with plans to invest hundreds of millions in the city they consider a ‘diamond in the rough.’

FTP Investments, a Washington-DC-based firm, is looking to engage with local developers by providing capital to some of the city’s major projects.

FTF collaborates with developers to provide funding for infrastructure components of their projects – plumbing, lighting, HVAC – things every project needs to operate effectively.

The firm and a partnering agency ThinkBox Group currently support large-scale projects across the country, including New York, Atlanta, Detroit, Washington, D.C., and other locations.

But now their sights are set on Memphis.

“We look at ourselves as a boutique firm, and so we asked where are the smaller cities that get looked over – that are gems? And we believe Memphis is a diamond in the rough city,” said Tarik A. Floyd, FTF’s CEO and principal.

“Since coming to Memphis to learn more about the area and get a lay of the land, I’ve fallen in love.”

SEE INVEST ON PAGE 2

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Memphis school board delays start of superintendent search

The Memphis Grizzlies hosted their first preseason game against the Orlando Magic and while there have been changes, Memphis looked a lot like the team that finished last season.

Nine players did not play in the preseason opener on Saturday against the Milwaukee Bucks, which the Grizzlies won 107-102. Memphis kept their winning ways going by controlling the Magic in a 109-97 win.

Terry Familiar faces – Davis Ja Morant, Dillon Brooks, Desmond Bane, Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke – all played against the Magic. Morant (22 points) and Santi Aldama (21) led the team in scoring.

Aldama, who has faced health challenges since joining the organization, came into the season totally healthy, even adding some weight for effectiveness. He has been given the first opportunity to fill the void as Jaren Jackson Jr. recovers from an injury.

It’s the preseason, but for the record, the win over the Magic was triggered by the Grizzlies defense and their bench play.

The Grizzlies had 23 steals. The reserves had 42 points and showed some flashes of the bench play from last season.

The Grizzlies took the early lead and never looked back. And, with 5:18 left in

SEE GRIZZ ON PAGE 2

by Samantha West Chalkbeat Tennessee

With his dad watching, Ja Morant of the Grizzlies shoots a three-pointer and is fouled by Jalan Suggs of Orlando.

The Memphis-Shelby County Schools board has delayed the start of its search for a new superintendent to replace Dr. Joris Ray, so that its newest members can get up to speed on the process.

The board initially planned to discuss the search during its monthly committee meetings Tuesday. But newly appointed board Chair Althea Greene said she decided to push the conversation off for several weeks.

During that time, Greene said, she will meet with each new member to share a proposed timeline and “ensure all the necessary information is shared with them before it’s shared with the public.” After that, Greene said the board will launch the bidding process for search firms.

Althea The board has two new Greene members who were elected in August: Keith Williams, representing District 6, and Amber Huett-Garcia, District 8. Another member will join later this month to replace Miska Clay Bibbs, who was elected to the Shelby County Commission in August. Clay Bibbs had represented District

SEE SEARCH ON PAGE 2

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The New Tri-State Defender

October 6 - 12, 2022

Page 2

NEWS

“We want to get in with developers who are doing monumental projects in the city who are going to change the landscape in a positive way.”

— Tarik A. Floyd INVEST

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama has a chance to make his mark filling in for Jaren Jackson Jr. at the start of the season.

(Photo: Warren Roseborough/ The New Tri-State Defender)

GRIZZ

CONTINUED FROM FRONT the first half, the loudest cheer occurred. Superstar point guard Morant picked off an errant pass and streaked for a 360 dunk.

Up next, the Grizzlies will host the Miami Heat on Friday (October 7) at 7 p.m.

Quoting them: “I’ve really liked what I’ve seen from Santi (Aldama) all summer, but the last two games, just an aggressiveness on the offense end. He’s doing a great job of spacing the floor, being in the right spots. His teammates are finding him.

He’s shooting with confidence – that’s the word we’ve been talking a lot about with him.”

– Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins “I’m big on guys setting the tone. Everyone has an opportunity to make that impact, but when Ja (Morant) is doing that on both sides of the floor, especially now, really making that a focal point for him… Him becoming the best two-way player he can be is only going to help the Griz-

SEARCH

CONTINUED FROM FRONT 7 since 2014.

The county commission will interview the applicants and appoint Clay Bibbs’ replacement on Oct. 17. That person will fill the rest of her term, which expires in August 2024.

Greene said the board will likely discuss the superintendent search during its retreat

zlies become the best version of ourselves. I love that he is attacking that side of the floor.

Now, the challenge is to do it every single night on and off the ball.” – Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins On his performance tonight: “Through Summer League, we had a lot of good workouts and hard work. We worked on shots and defense, getting stronger. I’ve done it before.

I’m not doing anything new out there. That’s where I get the confidence from. – Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama “I will say, I feel way stronger. I can bump into people now. That’s the thing I like the most, that change of mindset.

I’m stronger now, so I can take the physicality to them instead of just taking it. I think that’s the best. Doing a bit of everything is what I like to do.” – Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama On what he’s focused on improving defensively: “Pretty much just showing (that) I can guard. Using my athleticism, how fast I am… on defense to disrupt ball hanscheduled for Oct. 28 and 29, and again at its next committee meetings on Nov. 8.

Ray resigned as superintendent on Aug. 23 under an agreement with the school board that gave him a severance package of about $480,000 plus some other benefits. The agreement ended an external investigation into claims that Ray abused his power and violated district policies by engaging in sexu-

dlers, contest shots, and make shots harder for the defender.

Coming into this season, that was one of my goals, to be better on that end. Get steals, force deflections, get out and run.” – Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant On being back on the floor with his team: “It felt good man. But, preseason, regular season, playoffs, if I’m out there on that floor, I’m giving 100 percent at all times. That’s pretty much my mindset coming into any game no matter what it is.

“As far as getting along with my teammates, building that chemistry, we’ve been working with each other a lot. Doing 5-on-0, 5-on-5 stuff during training camp. My film study allows me to also be ahead, knowing where to put them in certain situations where they want the ball. I can say it’s easy, but it’s not.

“Obviously, you can do all of that, and the other teams still have different coverages and stuff they want to run. So, it’s just me making the reads, and whatever I see, I tell that to the team and we execute from there.” – Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant al relationships with subordinates. Ray denied any wrongdoing.

District finance chief Toni Williams has been serving as interim superintendent since Aug. 30.

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

For some, the word developer holds a negative connotation filled with unwanted change and an image of avaricious businessmen and women who forgo community input.

Floyd understands why some are reluctant to get excited about out-of-state developers or equity firms coming to the city. Still, he reassures that FTF has a different plan that keeps the community in mind.

“This isn’t a money grab for us,” he said. “We were intentional when we first began coming to Memphis. We sat down with local leaders and asked who the people are to talk to in the city who are doing intentional projects. Not just projects that could make money but also impact people who look like me or are less unfortunate in the city.”

FTF and ThinkBox Group work to identify, develop, start, and finance sustainable projects that fix critical aging equipment in buildings, generate renewable power, upgrade operations and technology, and lower climate emissions.

Floyd’s commitment to reinvesting in local communities makes his firm stand apart.

“We want to get in with developers who are doing monumental projects in the city who are going to change the landscape in a positive way. That

is the excitement behind what we’re hoping to do.”

While no contractual relationships have been solidified, FTF owners said they only engage with developers aligned with their mission and have a good reputation throughout the city.

Development is a booming business in Memphis, and this boom is expected to increase with Ford’s $5.6 billion Blue Oval City project slated to bring 5,800 new jobs to the area.

“This is a nice marriage for what we do and what’s to come for the city,” Floyd’s partner and co-principal Jessica Balsam said. “Memphis has been an over-looked city and what great timing to come in to provide capital for developers who are also looking to develop more energy-efficient projects.”

Ford plans to build a “revolutionary all-new electric truck” in the new Blue Oval facility about 40 miles east of Memphis in Haywood County near Stanton, Tennessee.

Earlier this month, the manufacturing giant began constructing the electric-vehicle complex. This is the largest factory project in the automaker’s 119-year history.

“Projects of this magnitude make an enormous impact in these cities’… and we’re committed to bring much needed change to the economic and social landscape of urban

communities,” Floyd said.

“Memphis is where we want to be.”

For Floyd, investing in Memphis – a predominately Black city – is personal. The entrepreneur and investor founded FTF in 2019 to address a growing frustration expressed by clients and friends, who couldn’t find a trusted and relatable investment partner that they could grow with over time.

As the co-owner the minority-owned firm positioned to invest millions in businesses, Floyd said he knows firsthand why it’s crucial for Black people and people of color to have stake in the development decisions that affect their communities.

“The structures and infrastructure of cities, governments and corporate institutions were built on the sweat and backs of African-American people,” he said. “Yet our communities and our people always bear the worst of the brunt of disinvestment and disenfranchisement. Now, there are African Americans blessed with the financial wherewithal to change some things with investment in major projects.

So, why not?”

(Information about FTF Investments and their niche investment projects can be found on their website: https://www. ftfinvestment.com/.)

My worst fears became my greatest moment of thanks.

ANGELA BAKER Thankful Cardiology Patient

When Angela Baker was admitted to the hospital for chest pain, she needed a team of dedicated cardiologists to diagnose and treat her, but she also needed supportive caregivers who reassured her when she was most vulnerable. In a letter, she writes, “Because you were with me every step of the way, I was never fearful, not even for a second.

I cannot thank you enough for the care you provided. Your kindness, dedication and healing touch were nothing short of amazing.

You will always be in my heart.”

Hear Angela’s full story of thanks at methodisthealth.org/angela.

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The New Tri-State Defender

October 6 - 12, 2022

Page 3

NEWS

Mason, TN mayor’s race gets contentious as ‘qualified’ candidate’ fights for place on ballot

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Mason, Tennessee has become a political hotspot for more than the nearby highly anticipated Blue Oval City auto plant.

In the last week of August, four candidates had qualified to appear on the ballot for mayor this November: the incumbent Emmitt Gooden, Vice Mayor Virginia Rivers, Alderman Eddie Noeman, and Thomas Burrell.

On Sept. 9, the ballot was reduced by one after Burrell was deemed “unqualified” to run by the Tipton County Election Commission and Tipton County NAACP President Christopher Brent.

“I am now filing an appeal to the

state,” said Burrell, who is also president of Black Farmers & Agriculturalist Association, Inc. “Before the hearing, they violated the open meetings act in Tipton County. I had no idea there was even an issue with my candidacy because no one expressed any concern, to me, at least.”

According to official documents surrounding Burrell’s disqualification, it was determined that Burrell did not meet the six-month residency requirement.

“The fact that the president of the NAACP would stand in the way of a Black man’s right to vote and run for office is just unthinkable,” said Burrell. “Mr. Brent is in a conflict of interest because he is making himself a party to a scheme, a conspiracy to

deny an African American his right to vote or run for office.”

Burrell said Brent “eagerly casted his vote” to have him disqualified after a two-hour hearing in which Burrell was extensively questioned about his newly rented residence in the city of Mason.

Brent was called and asked to comment, but declined, saying he was “under counsel” and advised not to make any further statement regarding the matter.

“The late Congressman John Lewis and Dr. Martin L. King Jr. are turning over in their graves,” said Burrell.

“This type of unlawful deprivation of the right to vote and running for political office by Black persons is precisely what, so we thought, the NAACP was established to fight against.

Burrell’s appeal to the state, set to be filed Thursday (Oct. 6), will be his second attempt to have the situation remedied in court.

Burrell filed a restraining order against the Tipton County Election Commission in the United States District Court Western District of Tennessee, which would have prevented the removal of his name from the Nov. 8 ballot.

The order was denied on Sept. 27.

Specifically, Burrell’s order of restraint was denied based on the plaintiff’s failure to satisfactorily prove residency in Mason for six months.

Burrell said he is a life-long resident of Tipton County, where Mason is located, and moved from nearby Atoka on May 4, 2022. Burrell filed a petition to become a candidate for

mayor on June 20, 2022.

Tipton County Election Commission Administrator Cindy Pinner at that time publicly announced that Burrell had met all qualifications for mayoral candidacy.

Burrell said open meeting statutes had been violated because he was not privy to meetings Pinner, Brent, and others were “secretly” having prior to the public hearing in late August.

Mason, located on U.S 70 about 45 miles northeast of Memphis, has a population of 1,337 residents, according to the 2020 Census.

Pinner was contacted by The New Tri-State Defender asked to make a comment but said “no one is here” who can speak with the press regarding Burrell’s case.

Advocates challenge Tenn. policy on restoring voting rights

by Kimberlee Kruesi Associated Press

NASHVILLE – Voter rights advocates on Wednesday once again challenged Tennessee’s policy on how people convicted of felonies out of state can participate in elections.

The Tennessee Supreme Court listened to the arguments stemming from the 2020 lawsuit, where the Campaign Legal Center is challenging the requirements the state places on those who have had their voting rights restored after being convicted of a felony out of state. Lower courts have previously sided with the state’s

election office, but attorneys are hoping for a different outcome with Tennessee’s highest court.

The campaign watchdog nonprofit is representing Ernest Falls, who was convicted of a felony in 1986 in Virginia but was granted clemency in 2020 – which restored his rights of citizenship, including the right to run for office, the right to serve on a jury and the right to vote. Shortly after, Falls attempted to register to vote in Tennessee – where he has lived for several years – but was denied.

According to the lawsuit, Falls’ denial came after the state “abruptly reversed course” in 2020 and began requiring residents who had out-of-

state felony convictions to meet additional rules.

The complaint alleges that state’s Elections Division received a legal opinion from the attorney general’s office that stated residents must not only have their voting rights restored from the state of their conviction, but also must prove that they have fully paid all their corresponding legal and restitution fees.

However, Falls’ attorney William Harbison countered that someone who has “full rights of citizenship” shouldn’t be subjected to getting their rights restored.

“We brought this case to ask this court to rule that he does have the

right to vote,” he said.

Currently, Tennessee requires those who have been convicted of a felony in-state to have fully paid off their restitution and legal fees. This requirement has long sparked concern from voter advocates who argue it creates an impossible burden for those who have been convicted.

The lawsuit initially had another plaintiff who was also blocked from registering to vote stemming from his out-of-state felony conviction, but that person has since paid his outstanding court costs and has been deemed now eligible to vote under the “current interpretation of Tennessee law.”

According to a 2016 report by The Sentencing Project, an estimated 421,000 Tennesseans are denied the right to vote due to felony convictions – or about 8.2 percent of the state’s total voting population.

Campaign Legal Center argues Tennessee has “likely the highest rate” of voter disenfranchisement in the United States – particularly among Black voters – after Florida voters approved a ballot initiative in 2018 that sought to restore voting rights post-felony sentence.

Justices on the state Supreme Court listened to the arguments Wednesday but did not disclose when they might make a decision.

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PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, October 6 - 12, 2022, Page 4

Problems with rape kit evidence testing keep haunting Memphis

by Jonathan Mattise and Adrian Sainz A city long plagued by a heavy backlog of untested sexual assault kits was shaken

by Cleotha Henderson’s arrest in the killing of Eliza Fletcher after she was abducted during a morning jog last month.

So when authorities said his DNA was linked to a rape that occurred nearly a year earlier – charging him separately days after he was arrested in Fletcher’s killing – an outraged city turned to the obvious question: Why was he still on the streets?

The case of Henderson, who already has served 20 years in prison for a kidnapping he committed at 16, has reignited criticism of Tennessee’s sexual assault testing process. That has included calls for shorter delays from the testing agency, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and questions about why Memphis didn’t seek to fasttrack a kit that could have been tested in days.

Instead, it took nearly a year, unearthing key evidence too late to charge Henderson before Fletcher’s killing.

The tragic outcome brings back memories from the early 2010s, when Memphis revealed a backlog of about 12,000 untested rape kits that took years to whittle down and led to a lawsuit that’s still ongoing.

The new rape charges have spurred another lawsuit accusing the Memphis Police Department of negligence for the delay.

The scenario also has raised broader concerns about Tennessee’s struggles with a problem that has been in the national spotlight for decades and that some states have addressed.

In response, GOP Gov. Bill Lee and Republican legislative leaders have fasttracked money for 25 additional TBI lab positions, including six in DNA processing. The agency had requested 50 more this year, but Lee funded only 25 in his proposed budget and lawmakers approved that amount.

Meghan Ybos, a rape victim involved in the backlog lawsuit, blames the city for not curbing a problem known for years despite receiving more than $20 million in grants to address the backlog.

“I don’t think the shortcomings of Memphis law enforcement are limited to the handling of rape kits,” Ybos said, “but I think the public should be outraged at the lack of transparency about what Memphis has done with tens of millions of grant money that the city and county have received to test rape kits, train police, hire victim advocates, prosecute cold rape cases and more.”

As of August, Tennessee’s three state labs averaged from 28 to 49 weeks to process rape kits under circumstances that don’t include an order to rush the test. More than 950 rape kits sat untested in labs.

TBI attributed the delays to staffing woes and low pay that complicates recruiting and keeping scientists.

TBI Director David Rausch laid out further moves in hopes of processing all evidence in eight to 12 weeks within the next year: Overtime, weekend hours, more outsourcing to private labs and using retired TBI workers for new worker training to free up current employees.

With his court-appointed attorney alongside, Cleotha Henderson is sworn in during a recent hearing involving the September 2021 rape of a Memphis woman. Henderson has pleaded not guilty to charges in that attack, including aggravated rape. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)

Cleotha Henderson enters a Shelby County courtroom for a hearing regarding a rape that occurred before he was charged with first-degree murder in the kidnapping and killing of Eliza Fletcher, a mother of two and a kindergarten teacher who was on a pre-dawn run Sept. 2 when she was forced into an SUV on the University of Memphis campus. Her remains were found on Sept. 5 behind a vacant Memphis house.

Tennessee doesn’t require specific turnaround times for newly collected rape kits, though 19 other states do, according to the Joyful Heart Foundation, which is pushing Tennessee to follow suit. Massachusetts requires processing kits within 30 days, but most of the states require testing within 60, 90 or 120 days.

Tennessee’s House and Senate speakers haven’t flagged turnaround mandates as a priority. TBI, meanwhile, said any turnaround requirement would need proper funding.

Ilse Knecht, policy and advocacy director for the Joyful Heart Foundation, said Tennessee’s problems aren’t unique.

Without an official U.S. count of rape kits awaiting analysis, Knecht estimated there are likely more than 200,000 untested kits

in law enforcement or hospital storage nationally.

“Every single one of these kits that is sitting on a shelf could represent someone like the offender in this case, where you look at their criminal history and they’re committing all kinds of crime, they’ve been doing it for decades, and the evidence that could stop them is sitting on a shelf somewhere,” Knecht told The Associated Press.

Henderson was charged with first-degree murder in the kidnapping and killing of Fletcher, a mother of two and a kindergarten teacher who was on a pre-dawn run Sept. 2 when she was forced into an SUV on the University of Memphis campus. Her remains were found on Sept. 5 behind a vacant Memphis house.

Henderson, who also has gone by Cleotha Abston, has not entered a plea in the killing but was rebooked in jail on Sept. 9 on charges related to the September 2021 rape of a Memphis woman. Henderson has pleaded not guilty to charges in that attack, including aggravated rape.

The new lawsuit brought by the woman who says she was raped in that attack says Memphis police could have prevented Fletcher’s death if they had investigated the 2021 rape more vigorously.

“Cleotha Abston should and could have been arrested and indicted for the aggravated rape of (the alleged victim) many months earlier, most likely in the year 2021,” the lawsuit says. The AP isn’t naming the woman.

Rape kits contain semen, saliva or blood samples taken from a victim. Specimens containing DNA evidence are uploaded to the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System, or CODIS, to check for a match.

In Memphis, backlogs have long been a problem. About 12,000 untested rape kits were disclosed there in 2013. A task force was formed, and police began using results to start investigations — and get some convictions.

The city has said the backlog revealed in 2013 has been eliminated. But long delays

in testing rape kits persist in Tennessee, including cases from Memphis.

In the Henderson case, Memphis police said a sexual assault report was taken Sept.

21, 2021. A rape kit was submitted two days later to TBI, the bureau said.

“An official CODIS hit was not received until after” Fletcher’s abduction, police said, and probable cause to make an arrest “did not exist until after the CODIS hit had been received.”

TBI said no request was made for expedited analysis and no suspect information was included in the submission.

The kit eventually was pulled from evidence storage and an initial report was completed Aug. 29, the bureau said.

The 2021 DNA matched Henderson’s in the national database on Sept. 5, three days after Fletcher’s abduction, authorities said.

TBI reported the match to Memphis police.

Under Tennessee law, police agencies generally have 30 days to send rape kit evidence to TBI or another lab, but there’s no mandate on processing times.

TBI said its budget request was conservative – $10.2 million for 40 scientists and 10 lower-level positions. A West Virginia University forensic calculator said TBI labs needed another 71 positions, the bureau noted.

In DNA testing, the labs currently have six supervisors and 26 special agent/forensic scientist positions, some in hiring or lengthy new hire training.

TBI hopes to start the 40 scientists – 14 in DNA – by late this month and others by late March.

Still, many have grown impatient at a situation they say called for urgency.

“These are our most vulnerable victims,” said Josh Spickler, executive director of Just City, a Memphis organization pressing for a fairer criminal justice system. “To have a backlog like that build up, and still, to this day, have it be the norm that a rape kit test takes the many months that it does, is really not acceptable.”

(Mattise reported from Nashville.)

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The New Tri-State Defender

October 6 - 12, 2022

RELIGION

Page 5

COMMENTARY: “As I witness you celebrating the overturning of Roe v. Wade, I want to challenge you. I want you to really consider the way you are currently supporting women and children in your congregation. I hope that you will also embrace the young women who are single mothers without judgment and that your church has a ministry that caters to their needs offering both financial and emotional support beyond just the spiritual.” – Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew

A letter to the church – Are you living in vain?

Empowerment …

Drawing from chapter 16 of Genesis, the Rev. Terrick Banks, pastor of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, preaches on Tuesday during the Memphis Baptist Ministerial Association’s Young Ministers Fall Revival at the Dr. J.L. Payne Ministerial Building.

His sermon: “Hagar – The Insignificant Becoming the Significant.” (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

by Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew NNPA Newswire

Dear Body of Christ, This isn’t for all of you. I want to commend those of you who step up to the plate daily supplying the support that our communities need. This is for those who are focused on dealing with certain people because it’s easy and comfortable.

As I witness you celebrating the overturning of Roe v. Wade, I want to challenge you.

I want you to really consider the way you are currently supporting women and children in your congregation.

I hope that you will also embrace the young women who are single mothers without judgment and that your church has a ministry that caters to their needs offering both financial and emotional support beyond just the spiritual.

As churches, I hope that you are taking the time to address the needs of those who you are called to serve instead of just teaching them without the practical application of what they are hearing on Sundays and Wednesday nights.

I hope that you are talking to those young men in your congregation about what it means to be a man – that it is more than the ability to create babies but to be accountable and responsible for your actions.

My prayer is that you will show them what it means to be in a loving, committed relationship that supports your partner to fulfill their God-given purpose, too.

I hope that instead of allowing the women to carry the responsibility of parenthood – since their conception was not a solo act – that you will hold the men in your congregation to a standard of being involved, even if they are not with the mother of their child/children.

Church, if human life is so important to you then it must go beyond conception and pregnancy to life outside the womb.

How do we care for the unborn but not their mothers or fathers?

We do not fight for universal health insurance, livable wage jobs, housing, and other necessities so that children can come into the world healthy, safe and provided for.

We do not question infant mortality and the rates of Black women who die in childbirth and after the birth of their babies. If babies are really important to you, you would be con-

Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew (Photo: WFAA.com) cerned about their educational opportunities.

They would have quality childcare centers with teachers that are trained and paid well.

We would care about their safety – children and their families would be protected from violence that exists in the home and outside of the home.

They could be free to shop in grocery stores, go to the movies, attend parades or even go to school without the fear of being massacred in places that are supposed to be safe.

Just as Jesus listed several issues with the Pharisees, those same issues exist today within the Church. Matthew 23:14-36 lists seven woes to the Pharisees which are relevant today: • Teaching about God but not genuinely loving God (claiming you love God who you’ve never seen but hate your brothers and sisters you see every day (1 John 4:20)).

• Preaching about God but you don’t live out what you are teaching.

• Confusing what’s sacred and what is not.

• Teaching the Bible but not practicing justice, mercy, and faithfulness to God. Getting caught up in the minuscule but not paying attention to what’s major.

• Appearing to be righteous but filled with a heart of greed and self-promotion.

• Speaking about your love for Jesus but if He were alive today, many of you would condemn Him as well.

I hope that in your moments of celebration, there is time for true reflection and change.

Without it, our witness to the world is filled with hypocrisy – like the Pharisees.

(Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is the President of Soulstice Consultancy, LLC. To learn more about her, visit drfroswabooker.com.

This commentary is courtesy of Texas Metro News.)

Building the “Kingdom” …

“Youth Working In The Kingdom” was the theme for the 2022 Annual Youth & Young Adult Day service held at St. Mark Baptist Church, 940 J.C. Bachus Blvd., where the Rev. Marvin Sims Sr. serves as senior pastor. The guest speaker was speech pathologist Dr. Daria Lawrence. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, October 6 - 12, 2022, Page 6

A desegregation breakthrough 61 years ago holds lessons for today Special to The New Tri-State Defender The Memphis 13 Foundation partnered with the Memphis-Shelby County School District to commemorate the 61st year of the desegregation of Memphis City Public Schools by the Memphis 13 with a Meet the Artist & Mural Kickoff commemorative event on Oct. 3, 2022.

The event honored the “Springdale 2” – Jacqueline Moore-Christion and the late Deborah Ann Holt (represented by her daughter Andrea Payne-Johnson) – who attended Springdale Elementary on that crucial first day of school in 1961.

“I found out that they were going to do murals in our honor, and I just started crying. I was so happy,” said Moore-Christion.

Led by principal Carmen Gregory, Springdale Elementary is a State of Tennessee Reward School, and was one of four schools in Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) to earn a perfect accountability rating of 4.0.

The Memphis 13 was the group of young children who desegregated four schools in Memphis on October 3, 1961. Thirteen African-American first grade students enrolled in schools that were previously all white.

The students attended Bruce Elementary (Dwania Kyles, Harry Williams, Michael Willis); Gordon Elementary (Alvin Freeman, Sharon Malone, Sheila Malone, Pamela Mayes); Rozelle Elementary (Joyce Bell, E.C. Freeman, Leandrew Wiggins, Clarence Williams); Springdale Elementary (Deborah Ann Holt; Jacqueline Moore-Christion).

Later, they became known as the smallest civil rights pioneers.

John DeBerry, senior advisor to Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, along with State Representative G.A. Hardaway of District 93 participated in the program, which ended with a prayer

by DeBerry blessing the mural site.

Additional program participants included MSCS Interim Supt. Tutonial “Toni” Williams; the Rev. Dr. Althea Greene, MSCS Board Chair; and MSCS District 1 Board Member Michelle

The Memphis 13 was the group of young children who desegregated four schools in Memphis on October 3, 1961.

Those students and that date were focal points during a Meet the Artist & Mural Kickoff commemorative event held on Monday, Oct. 3.

The commemoration of the 61st year of the desegregation of Memphis City Public Schools by the Memphis 13 served as a reunion opportunity for these members of the pioneering group. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New TriState Defender)

MSCS Interim Supt. Tutonial “Toni” Williams was an involved attendee during the commemoration of the 61st year of the desegregation of Memphis City Public Schools by the Memphis 13.

McKissack.

Attendees screened “The Memphis 13” documentary created and directed by University of Memphis law professor Daniel Kiel.

“It’s a story that isn’t stuck in 1961. It continues to unfold in our communities and in our schools in different ways,” said Kiel.”

Attendees also participated in a Q&A with The Memphis 13 panel and heard from the mural artist, Jamond Bullock.

“These 13 first graders embodied courage and had to have such thick skin during a time when they were entering into a school that may have not wanted them,” said Bullock.

Bullock was commissioned by MSCS to create murals honoring the Memphis l3 at Springdale Elementary, Rozelle Elementary, and Gor-

don Achievement Academy.

The artist’s first murals were revealed at Bruce Elementary in January 2020. Bruce Elementary School principal emeritus Dr. Archie Moss commissioned Bullock to complete the extraordinary murals sponsored by ServiceMaster in the school’s all-purpose room. The mural features the “Bruce 3” – Kyles, Willis and Williams, the pioneering students who attended Bruce in 1961.

The Memphis 13 Foundation has partnered with MSCS, the U of M, and the U.S. Library of Congress under the leadership of University of Memphis professors Dr. Gina Tillis and Dr. Anna Falkner to collectively develop a curriculum unit and professional development workshop series that honors the life and legacy of The Memphis 13.

The Memphis 13 was honored with a House Joint Resolution on the floor of the Tennessee House of Representatives in Nashville on March 3, 2022. The resolution was sponsored

by Rep. Hardaway.

The documentary is available to view at no cost on the website. The Memphis 13 Foundation encourages a donation of $61 in celebration of the 61st year commemorating the courage and sacrifice that 5- and 6-year-old boys and girls made 61 years ago.

The documentary and donation opportunities are available at www.thememphis13.com.

Double celebration…

Emmett “Superstar” Brown and Shirley “Faye” Brown, who was celebrating her 62nd birthday, celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary at K3 Studio Café, 1130 S. Third St., last Thursday (Sept.

29). (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

Turning 16 is sweet …

Shania Sweet was in full celebration mode as she recently celebrated her 16th birthday at the Hyatt Centric on Beale St. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

Ezekiel Kelly pleads not guilty in rampage shootings Associated Press Ezekiel Kelly pleaded not guilty Tuesday to more than two dozen charges connected with a shooting rampage in Memphis that led to a citywide shelter-in-place order and a frantic manhunt.

The lawyer for Kelly, 19, entered the plea during a brief hearing in Shelby County Criminal Court. The lawyer, public defender Jennifer Case, was appointed by a judge after Kelly said he could not afford a private attorney.

Kelly was indicted last week on 26 charges stemming from a series of shootings Sept. 7 that killed three people and wounded three others in Memphis.

The indictment includes two first-degree murder charges in the deaths of Richard Clark and Allison Parker, plus other alleged offenses including attempted murder, reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon, commission of an act of terrorism and evading arrest.

Kelly already had been charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Dewayne Tunstall outside a home in east Memphis on

Sept 7. That case remains in a lower court, and a preliminary hearing has been set for Oct. 18.

The indictment and the single murder charge could be combined at some point, prosecutor Chris Lareau said outside court.

At least three witnesses saw Kelly shoot Tunstall at about 1 a.m., according to a police affidavit. Clark and Parker were shot later that day as Kelly was driving around Memphis, livestreaming some of his activities, including one shooting inside a business, police said.

The shootings led to the shutdown of Mem-

phis’ public bus system, the lockdown of two college campuses and the stoppage of a minor-league baseball game.

Kelly carjacked at least two vehicles and he was arrested after crashing a stolen car while fleeing police, authorities said.

Ezekiel Kelly

(This Associated Press story is by Adrian Sainz.)

The New Tri-State Defender

October 6 - 12, 2022

Page 7

ENTERTAINMENT

The second studio album by Michael Jackson as a solo artist on Epic Records, “Thriller” captured a record 12 Grammy nominations and a record-setting eight wins.

Documentary celebrates 40th anniversary of Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’

by Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

When the Grammy Awards ostensibly snubbed Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking 1979 album, “Off The Wall,” the then-fledgling “King of Pop” vowed that voters at the Recording Academy would not ignore what he would offer next.

On November 30, 1982, just over three years later, Jackson released “Thriller,” which earned him a then record-breaking 8 Grammy Awards, including “Album of the Year.”

To commemorate the 40-year anniversary of “Thriller,” the Jackson estate and Sony Music Entertainment said they’re celebrating the artistic vision that anchored the biggest selling album of all time with a new official documentary.

Directed by Nelson George, the film promises to take fans back in time to the making of the album and release of revolutionary short films that redefined the music video format and captivated audiences globally.

“Billie Jean” remains the most streamed Michael Jackson song and “Thriller” is the only music video that has been inducted onto the elite National Film Registry of the Library of Congress.

According to a news release, the documentary features never-before-seen footage and candid interviews.

The currently untitled documentary chronicles the point in Jackson’s career that launched the singer into mega-stardom and created a pop culture phenomenon that is woven through the culture and continues to influence the worlds of music, television, dance, fashion and more to this day.

“The release of ‘Thriller’ redefined Michael Jackson, taking him from teen star to adult superstar, who composed memorable songs, sang beautifully and reached the highest level of on-stage performance,” George said in the release.

“The album, and the short films they inspired, created a new template for marrying music and image. It’s been a privilege to explore this extraordinary album and revisit

To commemorate the 40-year anniversary of “Thriller,” the Michael Jackson estate and Sony Music Entertainment are celebrating the artistic vision that anchored the biggest selling album of all time with a new official documentary that is to feature never-before-seen footage and candid interviews. its magic.”

When a fledgling MTV, which programmed white rock artists almost exclusively, refused to play the video for “Billie Jean” Epic Records persisted.

Once the wall came crashing down, MTV’s ratings soared, and a door was opened for a generation of African-American artists.

“He was MTV’s Jackie Robinson,” said cultural critic Touré, who appeared this week on the National Newspaper Publishers Association’s “Let It Be Known” to promote his new show, “Masters of the Game.”

The second studio album by Jackson as a solo artist on Epic Records, “Thriller” captured a record 12 Grammy nominations and a record-setting eight wins.

Since its debut, “Thriller” has sold over 100 million al-

bums worldwide, and was the first album to be certified triple diamond by the RIAA. “Michael opened and explored emotional depths and pushed the boundaries of sonic innovation on ‘Thriller’,” John Branca and John McClain, Jackson’s estate executors, proclaimed in the news release.

“In the process, he breached destructive barriers in the music industry and literally united the world through his music: there isn’t a place on this planet that hasn’t been exhilarated by the music of Michael Jackson.”

“This documentary’s exploration of Michael’s process and impact is revelatory.”

(Follow Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent, @StacyBrownMedia.)

The New Tri-State Defender

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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: Frank Cole, Sr. Tax Parcel #: 04204900000250 Tax Sale #: 1802 Price Offered: $24,400.00 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 9:30 a.m. on November 4, 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.

October 6 - 12, 2022

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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: Twanda Dortch Tax Parcel #: 06001900000060 Tax Sale #: 1204 Price Offered: $$1500.00 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 November 4, 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 prospec-

Page 8

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.

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SPORTS The New Tri-State Defender, October 6 - 12, 2022, Page 9

Tigers do enough to take down Temple Owls

by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Grit and perseverance drive championship-caliber teams toward their title aspirations. Against Temple, the University of Memphis Tigers football team showed they have a grip on those building blocks.

The Tigers (4-1, 2-0 American Athletic Conference) added the Temple Owls (23, 0-1) to a string of victories since falling to the Southeastern Conference Bulldogs of Mississippi State in the season’s opener.

“This game showed Terry the grit and perseverDavis ance of your Memphis Tigers,” said Ryan Silverfield, Memphis’ head football coach. “I am proud of the way they battled and find ways to win football games.”

Temple entered Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium as a heavy underdog, with oddsmakers installing Memphis as 20-point favorite. The Tigers did not manage to score any points in the first half and went into the break trailing the Owls 3-0.

It could have been worst.

In the first quarter, Temple quarterback E.J. Warner, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Kurt Warner, found Jose Barbon on a 78yard reception. The Owls had the ball on the 7-yard line but the Memphis defense held them out of the endzone, including a stop on fourth down.

The Tigers also had some redzone misery. Trailing 3-0, Memphis had a fourth and one from the 12-yard line but the Tigers were stopped short on a run up the middle.

The defense gave the Tigers another chance. After a bad punt by the Owls, the Tigers scored on a two-yard run by Brandon Thomas with 1:36 left in the third quarter.

Memphis upped the score to 17-3 when tight end Caden Prieskorn scored on a fouryard touchdown reception from quarterback Seth Henigan. After Xavier Cullens intercepted his second pass in as many games, Thomas scored again with 4:15 remaining to make the score 24-3.

Tyler Murray grabbed another Memphis interception with 3:01 left in the game.

When Cincir Evans got a third interception for the Tigers with 57 seconds left, Memphis’ offense ended the game in victory

Memphis’ Cormontae Hamilton forces E.J. Warner of Temple to get rid of the ball.

Xavier Cullens (left) and Cormontae Hamilton of the Tigers tackle quarterback D’Wan Mathis of Temple. Memphis’ defense held the Owls to 52 net yards rushing, withstood Temple’s air attack and bought time for the offense to get rolling in the second half. (Photos: Warren Roseborough/The New Tri-State Defender)

Asa Martin sets up the Tigers in the red zone.

QB Seth Henigan of the Tigers scrambles for a first down. formation.

Silverfield expounded on Memphis’ players being able to close out games so far this season “The credit is to the belief from the players. No matter what occurs in the game or practice, every single week is a new season,” said Silverfield. “Every time I stand in front of our guys, I know they believe.

These guys believe and have bought in.

“I think (Xavier) Cullens is one of those guys that has bought in. That is the biggest difference with last year’s team. The work ethic I have seen this season is one of the best I have seen in the last (several) years.”

Cullens noted the mounting confidence of the defense.

“We know we are a great defense, although it seems like the offense is always bailing us out,” said Cullens, who credited Quindell Johnson for tipping the ball that Cullens hauled in for an interception. “We

Asa Martin of the Tigers almost scores on this play. still understand that we are going to play hard and finish games regardless of what happens.”

While the locker-room vibe felt good after the game, Cullens said, “… but we left too many big plays on the field.”

As for getting better each week, Cullens said, “It feels good. It will feel better if we continue to do it.”

The key, he said, is to “prepare hard each week and don’t get comfortable with what

we are doing now.”

Temple was held to 52 net rushing yards.

Cullens led the way with 9 total tackles; Greg Rubin was second with 8. It was the first time since 2016 that the Tigers have held an opponent to three points.

Memphis next will host Houston (2-3, 0-1) on Friday. The Cougars were expected to compete for the AAC Championship but have fallen short of their aspirations going into the game against the Tigers.

PREP FOOTBALL

In a game pitting reserve QBs, Collierville remains perfect with win over Germantown

by Liaudwin Seaberry Jr.

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

When Collierville’s star quarterback Aiden Glover suffered an injury in the second quarter of Friday night’s contest against Germantown, head coach Joe Rocconi knew the talent backup quarterback Logan Johns possessed. Johns’ skills were on full display Friday night.

In a battle of teams looking to separate themselves in the Region 8-6A race, Collierville (7-0,4-0) defeated Germantown (5-2, 2-2) 20-6 in a matchup that pitted two strong offenses against one another. In the first half, that did not appear to be the case.

Both teams started the game exchanging three and outs on their first couple of drives, with Germantown’s

Oziel Hernandez managing to put two field goals together to take a 6-0 lead late into the first half. That’s when Collierville, led by Johns, began to make their march down the field.

Johns, who finished with three touchdown passses for the night, found wide receiver Noah Flaskamp for a long touchdown pass just before the horn sounded to signal halftime.

This represented a swing of momentum during the contest, as Germantown never seriously threatened to score until the game was decided.

Germantown’s quarterback Isaiah Tate did not play due to an undisclosed injury, which hampered the Red Devils’ attack significantly. As a result, backup quarterback Kion Threalkill played the majority of the snaps at quarterback. Aside from a few long runs by running backs

Joshua Davis and B.J. Blake, Germantown’s offense failed to seriously penetrate deep into Collierville territory in the 2nd half.

When the third quarter of play resumed, it became clear that Collierville was the better team, in terms of discipline and in execution. Johns added two touchdown passes, connecting with Flaskamp again and also throwing a 4-yard touchdown pass to wideout Austin Smith.

The Collierville defense clinched the victory late in the fourth quarter with an interception of Threalkill as Germantown penetrated into Collierville territory. They permitted only 90 yards of offense and held the Red Devils to just six first downs in totality.

After the game, head coach Joe Rocconi discussed how proud he

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(Photo: Xxxxx Xxxxx) was of Johns and the way the team stepped up when Glover went down.

“Our defense stepped up,” Rocconi said. “I’m proud of how we played and how we battled adversity.

I’m also proud of Logan Johns. He’s helped out Aidan and all the other quarterbacks but at the same time he’s prepared and waited for his moment.”

The New Tri-State Defender

October 6 - 12, 2022

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