The New Tri-State Defender – November 12-18, 2020

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November 12 - 18, 2020

VOL. 69, No. 46

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County settles lawsuit charging favoritism of minority-owned firms New approach looms for awarding contracts

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Shelby County will be seeking a new approach to awarding contracts after the Shelby County Commission voted to settle a discrimination lawsuit accusing the county of favoring minority over white-owned businesses to cap off

its Monday meeting.

Filed in 2019 by the Mechanical Contractors Association of Memphis, White Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors and MCAM will receive $331,950. The whiteowned company claimed it lost out on a subcontracting job to a minority-owned competitor despite offering the most competitive bid. A suspension of the current

minority and women-owned businesses program is expected.

“We had issues with our expert witness, so we thought that the best option this time was to move towards a settlement,” said Commissioner Van Turner Jr., District-12, who sponsored the item.

A tacit admission of a weak case, the resolution was added to the agenda as the

SEE LAWSUIT ON PAGE 2

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Van Turner Jr.

The theme was simple: “Standing in Unity For Our Country” on Veterans Day. Brown MBC teamed with leaders and members of several other participating churches to create a unity prayer, starting at Brown’s Main Campus at 980 Stateline Rd. and stretching along Stateline Rd. to Elvis Presley/Hwy. 51. (Top photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises; bottom: Thurman Hopson) Story, photos on Religion, Page 5.

(Courtesy photo)

Ricky Wilkins working to bring the Black PAC into view Kajanaku@tsdmemphis.com

With self-evident passion, attorney Ricky E. Wilkins is opening the door to discussion of a Black political action committee – Black Pac – to harness the political power of the African-American community and free candidates from what he calls the grip of white-owned businesses.

He debuted the concept during a presentation on the campus of LeMoyne-Owen College recently. Now he is pitching for civic groups, churches, political organizations and others to

ing money and that he has pledged $10,000.

“I’m going to make it hard for any Black politician or community leader to say no. … We’re going to replace 100 percent of any campaign money that people have. I want to take away their excuse for not getting on board,” said Wilkins in an interview with The New Tri-State Defender.

“So if you got $10,000 in your campaign coffer and you got $8,000 of that money from white businessmen, I want you to give it back to them. And then through the Black

SEE PAC ON PAGE 2

‘COVID-19 is a marathon’

by James Coleman and Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Answering a call for unity…

view the presentation, weigh it and join what he frames as a divinely inspired path to empowerment.

“I don’t care who you are. I don’t care what part of town you live in. I don’t care how big a person you think you are. Your life in Memphis, Tennessee is fundamentally underneath where (it ought to be) because in Memphis, Tennessee, my hometown, certain people have a grip on us like you won’t imagine,” he said during the presentation.

As envisioned, the Black PAC would be the funding source for African-American candidates. Wilkins said he and others already are rais-

PANDEMIC UPDATE:

Numbers, flu factor, vaccines and more

(Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

by Karanja A. Ajanaku

$1.00

Standing outside of his office on the main floor of the downtown Shrine Building, attorney Ricky E. Wilkins has no doubt that the idea of a Black political action committee he is pitching is a God-sent move. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku)

In the midst of flu season, Shelby County’s COVID-19 infections remain steady, according to the director of the Shelby County Health Department.

“We are fairly stable with a slight increase in the last week. We are running about 220 to 230 cases per day,” said Dr. Lisa Haushalter, who said numbers of cases may fluctuate due to the state updating its IT system.

Wednesday (Nov. 11), the Health Department reported 187 new COVID-19 cases and five new deaths, bringing the number of COVID-19-related deaths to 594.

There have been 40,868 cases of the virus this year.

Tuesday saw a spike of 691 new cases locally.

One reason for the continuing high number of infections is people ignoring mild symptoms that are similar to a cold or the flu while continuing with their day-to-day routines.

Measures like mask wearing and social distancing have been largely adopted in the county.

“We’ve actually experienced three cases in the Health Department last week. They are not related to each other. But I can tell you those individuals had mild signs and symptoms that they minimized; very much like we have been saying publicly,” said Haushalter. “That’s the place we want to continue to focus. Individuals that have any signs or symptoms of respiratory infection or any flu-like symptoms, or anything that is unusual for them, they need to immediately get tested.”

The recent announcement by the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer that the company had developed a COVID-19 vaccine with a 90 percent success rate in trials also was addressed.

“As it comes in place through the national stockpile, there are already plans in place with the state Health

SEE COVID ON PAGE 9

ith es.

The New Tri-State Defender

November 12 - 18, 2020

Page 2

NEWS LAWSUIT

CONTINUED FROM FRONT final order of business. Unanimously approved, it was also recommended by the county attorney and Shelby County Mayor’s Office.

The saga of minority contracting in Shelby County has many chapters that date back decades. In 1990, a federal judge ruled Shelby County’s small business purchasing program race-based and ultimately illegal - with a caveat: a loophole allowed money to be set aside to address past racial injustices. The MWEB program was born. In subse-

PAC

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAC, we are going to replenish your fund 100 percent.”

A lack of resources is not the issue for African Americans, Wilkins said.

“It’s how we spend it. We can fund this Black PAC... I already got brothers and sisters calling in pledging to the Black PAC. They just needed someone to turn the light bulb on. I’m just mad that it took me this long to flip the damn switch.”

Knowing that such an idea would stir emotions, Wilkins wants to “cause folk to think more deeply and critically than we have. … There are times when things are brought to your attention that become so jarring that it makes you stop and take due notice of what’s going on. And you look at things through a more critical lens.”

Wilkins is not saying that he has all the answers and everything figured out.

“This has to be a community-wide effort. That’s why I’m calling on all churches, fraternities, sororities, civic organizations – all organizations of any kind to host watch parties.

Listen to my speech. It has in it the recipe for what we have to do to get our total community healthy.

“Man, we are sick right now. We are sick. And we got to come up with some new ingredients to heal us. And we can do that.”

Going forward necessitates drawing a line in the sand, he said.

“I’m going to ask every politician, every so-called community leader, every whatever: ‘What side of the line are you on?’ I just want to know.

The people want to know. The people deserve to know. …

If you think you’re going to straddle the fence, that some of our people are so prolific at doing, I interpret that as you are on the wrong side of that

quent years, a pattern of studies and course corrections has emerged. For example, the 2016 study was preceded by a 2014 study.

“I am very positive about where we are. Yes, we had to resolve the lawsuit. It was perhaps the best thing to do based on issues as stated with the last study. We no longer have those issues to deal with,” said Turner.

However, the county’s MWBE program is once again under the microscope. This round of scrutiny and adjustment is scheduled to be completed by June 30. A new iteration will likely follow.

The new study will be performed by Atlanta-based law firm Griffin & Strong.

“Attorney Strong is a native of Memphis. He is the expert for the city of Memphis. We think he has comparables. He is from this area of town and he has been in this space for 20 years. We think that the study

by Griffin & Strong will be much more reliable than what we received to build the program on that we just resolved,” In the meantime, the program will operate as a disadvantaged business enterprise.

A DBE is a small business where socially and economically disadvantaged people

line.”

The African-American community needs “to be very clear about who we are and where we are and what we’re going to do to heal this community,” said Wilkins. “And I cannot play with anybody who wants to play games. Make your decision. I don’t care which one you make, but make it. So that the people can either come up and embrace you or step on you.”

Wilkins, who tried – unsuccessfully – to wrest the District 9 Congressional seat from longtime-incumbent Steve Cohen, said the Black PAC is not something he came up with to gain office.

“I’m only doing and communicating what has been placed in my heart,” he said. “I can’t take personal credit for it because it came from a place far beyond me.”

A renowned attorney, Wilkins said, “I didn’t go to law school just to be a lawyer.

I went to law school to learn the technical skills that I needed in order to best apply it to a people that have been yearning for leadership; suffering for lack of leadership.”

Asked if the idea of the Black PAC is modeled after a forerunner, Wilkins said. “I don’t have intimate knowledge about everything that may or may not be happening out in the universe. … I will say this. … I’m not aware of a single time in the history of Memphis when someone came forward with an idea that said, ‘We don’t have to take white folks’ money. We don’t want white folks money, in our political environment. … We will be better off without it.’

“And I’m going to show and demonstrate and prove what I’m saying. And I think that is the reason why people are so excited, because people have wanted this sort of self-determination, but it has eluded us.”

Soon, Wilkins, who graduated from Harvard and Vanderbilt, will celebrate 30 years as a practicing attorney. He sees himself as coming out of a 10-year period where he went inward, dealing, in part, with the aftermath of some encounters that he chose not to detail for this article.

At root, he wanted to get at why African Americans, he said, are unable to count on the critical seven votes needed on the Memphis City Council and the Shelby County Board of Commissioners to pass legislation that specifically would improve the fortunes of African Americans and – generally – the community as whole.

“All you need is seven votes, seven votes to do anything you want to do. …You need seven votes. … We can’t get to seven. You know why?

Because there’s always one or two (African Americans outside of the loop).”

As for the less than a handful of White businessmen who he said have the African-American community on political lockdown, Wilkins would not name names, saying not yet and that he would if the need arises.

And while he knows some will label his move racist, he said that is not so. He expresses gratitude for the mentors and associates in his life who are White, adding that his message to White business

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felt we could work it into our local county government with success. This will be a transition program that will allow us to still business with diverse companies throughout the county while we get the new study done and get the new MWEB program back online,” said Turner, who opined that in the future the county may employ both MWEB and DBE programs.

The county’s purchasing department will continue to use the LOSB program to ensure diversity. The Locally Owned Small Business program requires contracts go to area small businesses, many

of which are owned and operated by minorities or women. As a further backstop, the county also adheres to the Equal Opportunity Commission program, which requires a business to hire a diverse workforce in order to receive a county contract.

“In other words, if you are company A, and company A has been around for ten years and has no women and no African American, no person of any diverse and cultural difference than just white American, then you can’t even get an EOC number with the county to apply to do work with us until you diversify,” said Turner.

“We can fund this Black PAC... I already got brothers and sisters calling in pledging to the Black PAC. They just needed someone to turn the light bulb on. I’m just mad that it took me this long to flip the damn switch.”

— Ricky E. Wilkins

We’re Known By the Money you Keep!

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have at least 51% stake in the enterprise. They also manage the business and control its day-to-day operations.

“The DBE program handles disadvantaged businesses as opposed to women-owned and minority businesses. However, most of the disadvantaged businesses tend to be minority or women-owned businesses,” said Turner.

Most federal contracts have a DBE program. Likewise, the Memphis Airport Authority.

“They are very successful with diverse participation.

Based on our research in looking into how the airport authority uses the program we

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Ricky E. Wilkins says the African-American community needs “to be very clear about who we are and where we are and what we’re going to do to heal this community.” (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku) people just gets down to this: “We’re just saying we don’t want it (your money) in our politics. If you want to sup-

port, endow a scholarship in perpetuity, which we know you’ve got the money to do, we’ll gladly (support you).

We just not going to take your money (for politics).”

Stay tuned, he said.

The New Tri-State Defender

November 12 - 18, 2020

Page 3

NEWS

One in three Black men backed Trump in ‘blue wall’ states

by Christopher Tidmore BlackPressUSA

Donald Trump earned a historically high African-American vote in his bid for reelection of at least 12 percent, according to results of 2020 exit polls by Edison Research – an improvement of four percent over his 2016 totals. The problem was that the president needed more than 20 percent of Blacks nationwide to win thanks to his eroding support in Caucasian suburbs and with other traditionally Republican groups who supported him four years ago.

Nevertheless, a subtle shift in African-American voters in Philadelphia, Detroit or Milwaukee would have denied the Oval Office to Joe Biden. One out of every three Black men living in the Midwest did vote for Trump, according to NBC News.

If that Black support had been even slightly higher, Donald Trump would have slept in the White House for the next four years.

African-American voters constitute the main reason that Joe Biden won – especially the Great Lakes states. His 20,000-vote win in Wisconsin, his 150,000-vote victory in Michigan, and his effective tie in Pennsylvania came down to African-American voters turning out in bigger numbers than in 2016, and mostly opting for the Democratic presidential candidate.

In Milwaukee and surrounding Milwaukee County, where the largest share of Black voters in Wisconsin live, Barack Obama won roughly 328,000 votes in 2012. Four years later, Clinton won fewer than 289,000 votes in Milwaukee County. As Tim Alberta of Politico noted, “The challenge for Biden wasn’t necessarily to get all the way back to that Obama 2012 number; rather, at the

The self-described “Michael the Black Man” grabbed attention after flashing a “Blacks for Trump” sign directly behind President Trump at multiple rallies. (Screen capture) bare minimum, it was to split the difference between these figures. He did that and then some: With all the votes counted, more than 317,000 people in Milwaukee County voted for the Democratic ticket, and Biden needed every single one of them.”

“It was a similar story in Detroit, a city that’s more than 80 percent Black, and surrounding Wayne County. In 2012, Obama won nearly 596,000 votes in Wayne County. Four years later, Clinton won fewer than 520,000. Once again, the question in Michigan – as in Wisconsin – was whether Biden could push that figure somewhere close to that Obama 2012 number…But Biden has already won 568,000 votes there, far surpassing Clinton’s performance from 2016.”

Continuing the argument, in Flint, Mich., and surrounding Genesee County, Democrats went from winning nearly 129,000 votes in 2012 to some 103,000 votes in 2016. Biden topped 120,000 votes in the county.

Trump lost Michigan by just over 150,000 votes.

This trend continued in Philadelphia with the city’s plurality African-American electorate. The vote count continues at the time that The Louisiana Weekly went to press, yet Biden appears poised to exceed Obama 2012 and Clinton 2016 numbers in Philadelphia County well into the 600,000-vote range. His appeals to both Black voters (who came out for Obama) as well as affluent whites (who supported Clinton) seem to have worked. To achieve the presidency, Joe Biden never needed Obama-era levels of turnout and support from Black voters. With this coalition, he just had to exceed Hillary Clinton’s performance in 2016.

Still, there were some warning signs for Democrats on November 3. Some socially conservative African-American voters, particularly Black men, have started to display Republican sympathies. Black voters

constituted 11 to 12 percent of the electorate, according to The Associated Press and Edison, respectively. The AP found that 90 percent of Black voters went to Biden and eight percent to Trump, yet Edison Research determined that 87 percent of Black voters voted for Biden and 12 percent for Trump.

Where both surveys agree is that each found Black men were more likely than Black women to support Trump. In the AP’s case, 12 percent of Black male voters backed Trump, compared to six percent of Black women; in Edison’s case, 18 percent of Black male voters cast ballots for Trump, while eight percent of Black women did the same. In fact, a third survey, an NBC News poll of early and Election Day voters, said that Trump’s support was even stronger amongst males than either of the other polls, claiming almost 80 percent of Black men supported Hilary Clinton’s 82 percent in 2016 but signifi-

cantly down from Barack Obama’s level of support among Black men in 2012 and 2008.

Most frightening for Democrats, one in three African-American men living in the Midwest also voted for Trump. The NBC poll also noted that there was an unusual relationship between education and how Black men voted this year. About 26 percent of African-American males who had a high school diploma or less supported Trump. But 22 percent of Black men with bachelor’s degrees and 20 percent of Black men with advanced degrees also supported him.

(African-American males with some college education broke for Biden at levels comparable to those of Black women.)

Therefore, the Caucasian GOP gender gap has entered the African-American electorate, at least to some degree. The polls appear to suggest that Trump’s message of economic improvement did have resonance among some Black voters, along with appeals for educational reform and a generally socially conservative message to some religious voters. As the secular wealthy white electorate decamps for the Democrats, improving support from African Americans along with rising backing from Hispanics could provide a viable winning coalition for the GOP. After all, while Donald Trump lost, the Republicans picked up two legislative chambers, a net six seats in the U.S. House, a majority of governorships, and held the U.S. Senate. The highest and most racially diverse turnout in American history did not translate into a “Blue Wave.”

(Christopher Tidmore is a contributing writer for the Louisiana Weekly,, where this article was originally ly published November 9, 2020.)

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PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, November 12 - 18, 2020, Page 4

One of the things that people believe is that because the Republican Party has the majority, the minority doesn’t have a role to play, but that’s not true. We’re still able to get bills passed.

— Rep. Karen Camper

Tenn. House Minority Leader Karen Camper reacts to 2020 Election of the pandemic but we still got things done. When you have the right leadership in place to work across the aisles to say ‘Look, I understand your point of view on this particular issue, but here is another group of people that pay taxes in this state that want to have their vision, their voices recognized.’…

by Tony Jones

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Following the unofficial designation of Joe Biden as the winner of the 2020 presidential election, Tennessee state Rep. Karen Camper of Memphis heartily joined in on a national Zoom call with Black Women United to celebrate his and vice president-elect Kamala Harris’s historic win.

As House Minority Leader for Tennessee’s outgunned Democrats since 2018, Camper issued a news release when Biden’s victory was announced as official.

It made no mention of her own re-election to an eighth term as District 87’s voice in the legislature.

Instead, she gave a brief history saluting Harris’s shining achievement as the perfect capstone to notate 2020 as the 100th anniversary of the Women’s Suffrage Movement.

It also did not re-state her connection to the ticket. Coming almost exactly a month after her being listed as number 94 among the nation’s 100 most influential African-American Leaders by African Leadership magazine (ALM), it was announced that she was an 11th-hour addition to the African-American Leadership Financial Council, a national fundraising committee culled to shore up the Biden/Harris campaign.

Also, as president of the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women (NOBEL Women), she sharex her thoughts on the political reality of what a Democratic White House could mean for Tennessee and Shelby County following Trump’s acidic term in office.

Q&A TSD: Was campaigning for the Biden team a successful effort?

Rep. Camper: It was successful. Because I believed so heavily in the Biden team and his run for the presidency, I thought it was important for them to have a presence here in Tennessee. So, I worked hard to open a headquarters in his name; make sure we got the messaging out about his campaign, got signs out and distributed whatever paraphernalia we could.

“By putting the word out on Biden, Harris, and to some degree, Marquita Bradshaw (the unsuccessful Democratic candidate for Lamar Alexander’s U.S. Senate seat), to make sure people would know that there were people running that were inclusive in their message, we felt we did good with that.

“I also worked very hard to raise money to be included on the African-American Leadership Finance Council. That group will continue to meet throughout the next

TSD: Retouching on senatorial candidate Bradshaw, I’ve heard many people comment, and not just the so-called “woke” community, say she is the breath of fresh air this county has long needed, and her commercial was utterly brilliant, your thoughts?

The commercial was brilliant, yes. I didn’t see it when it first came out, but it was playing in East and Middle Tennessee, and someone that saw it sent it to me. They said, ‘Hey I saw the Bradshaw commercial and loved it.’

As a state’s senator you have to have a platform, vision and priorities that reflect a broader perspective and I think that her platform of environment, education and economics resonated with a lot of people, particularly on the environmental level.

In an urban area, you hear about environmental concerns and racial justice all of the time, which she and her family fought for.

But think about all of the farmers across the state that are concerned about environmental justice because of their crops.

She woke a lot of people up in that area because they had never seen a candidate that made environment their number one issue.”

State Rep. Karen Camper served as a member of the African-American Leadership Financial Council, a national fundraising committee culled to shore up the Biden/Harris campaign. (Courtesy photo) four years, probably quarterly, to talk about inclusion and for this group that worked so hard and got out and raised money to have a presence in that administration on issues.

So, I’m proud to be a part of that.”

TSD: What in real-world terms can his victory mean for the Democratic minority in the red state of Tennessee?

Rep. Camper: One thing about this candidate that is proven: Even with (Senate Majority Leader Mitch) McConnell (R-Kentucky), (U.S. Sen.) Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and those type of people he can still get things done.

Frankly, the supermajority here was just echoing some of the Trump rhetoric to be honest. Well, this president (Joe Biden) is pushing a message of inclusion, working together, bipartisanship.

So, we’re hoping that that message will be resonating to the state houses to get things done for people.

TSD: What about younger Republicans in the state? Have you seen any indication that they may be less vulnerable to Trumpism?

Camper: I do. I’m hopeful. I know that a lot of young people mirror what they see in their homes and the world around them.

But the more they become conscious being exposed on the job and in their daily life they begin to see things differently and shape their own views. I’m very hopeful.”

TSD: With the overwhelming Republican voice in the electorate and the state capital, what real power does the Democratic Party have in Tennessee, publicly and in the legislature?

Rep. Camper: One of the things that people believe is that because the Republican Party has the majority, the minority doesn’t have a role to play, but that’s not true. We’re still able to get bills passed.

This year was an anomaly because

TSD: Locally?

Rep. Camper: I think she did a lot as a young leader here in Shelby County. On the local level, here is a young black woman, a single parent who saw a void of opportunity and didn’t mind taking the risk to fight for what she believed in.

It was a monumental task, but she was not afraid to put herself out there, so there’s a lot of young girls that are saying because she did it, they can do it.

TSD: On the flip side, your thoughts on the District 90 race that saw Torrey Harris unseat the incumbent John Deberry?

There were some ugly moments, including a loudly criticized yard sign with his (DeBerry’s) photo next to Trump’s, surprising?

Rep. Camper: What we as Democrats have traditionally told our voters is vote Democrat. Straight Democrat … So Democratic voters that adhered to a message they have been accustomed to hear voted Democrat.

So that “D” behind Harris’ name meant something …”

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The New Tri-State Defender

November 12 - 18, 2020

Page 5

RELIGION

The Rev. Dr. Bartholomew Orr (left): “So, instead of giving in to the toxic talk of the day we wanted to do a proactive partnership, a collaboration coming together to stand in unity.” (Photos: Thurman Hopson)

TSD Newsroom

A Veterans Day stand for unity

For the Rev. Dr. Bartholomew Orr, senior pastor of Brown Baptist Missionary Baptist Church Southaven, simplicity yielded power on Veterans Day. The idea, simply, was to put on a roving demonstration of “Standing in Unity For

Our County” on Veterans Day. Specifically, Brown MBC teamed with leaders and members of several other participating churches to create a unity prayer.

It started at Brown’s Main Campus at 980 Stateline Rd. and stretched along Stateline Rd. to Elvis Presley/Hwy. 51.

“We, along with other churches and, really, with other believers across the coun-

try, participated in 11/11 at 11 o’clock,” Orr told The New Tri-State Defender afterwards. “A great way to celebrate veterans and honor them for their service. But, at the same time, also stand in unity and stand in prayer for America.”

Proverbs 11:11, said Brown, states that, “by the blessings of the upright the city is exalted. But by the treacherous talk of the

wicked it is overthrown.

“So, instead of giving in to the toxic talk of the day we wanted to do a proactive partnership, a collaboration coming together to stand in unity.”

Prayers reverberated from 11 a.m. to 11:30 and were shared online at brownbaptist.org and through the churches social media platforms.

On your birthday..

Greater New Light Church, 300 E. Georgia Ave., where the Rev. George W. Robinson is pastor, was the venue for Nathalie Whatley’s 86th birthday celebration.

(Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

Saluting veterans in song...

The Memphis Baptist Ministerial Association Choir sings during a Veterans Day tribute at the VA Depot on Ball Rd. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

The New Tri-State Defender, November 12 - 18, 2020, Page 6

W.C. Handy Museum to celebrate W.C. Handy’s 147th birthday TSD Newsroom The W.C. Handy Memphis Home & Museum, operated by Heritage Tours, will celebrate the 147th Birthday Anniversary of W. C. Handy – “Father of the Blues” – on Monday (Nov. 16).

Following the ribbon cutting of the redesigned Handy Park on Beale Street at 4 p.m., everyone is invited to visit the W. C. Handy Memphis Home & Museum, located at Beale and Fourth Street. Blues/jazz artist Joyce Cobb will pay tribute to W.C. Handy by singing a medley of his signature blues songs.

W.C. Handy’s music gave Memphis the title of “Home of the Blues” and also helped make Beale Street the iconic street for which it is still known worldwide.

Annually, the W. C. Handy Heritage Awards, sponsored by Heritage Tours, honors “Authentic Beale Street Musicians” to celebrate Handy’s birthday. The awards were postponed this year.

In addition to Joyce Cobb, the recipient of the 2019 W. C. Handy Lifetime Music Achievement Award, the event will be attended by other former honorees.

Tours of the W. C. Handy Home and Museum will be given throughout the weekend in celebration of Handy’s birthday beginning Friday (Nov. 13). Hours of operation are 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

(For more information, contact Heritage Tours at 901-527-3427.)

Situated on the east end of the Beale Street Entertainment District, the blue-andwhite shotgun house is where a young William Christopher Handy lived at the turn of the century. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku)

(Courtesy photos)

Holy hip-hop veteran Mr. Del ready to release his final project

TSD Newsroom

Holy Hip Hop veteran Mr. Del is set to released his final project in the form of a double CD entitled “MD 2020.”

Known for his versatility, Mr. Del’s “MD 2020” features multiple genres with the first of the two discs, “MD 2020: SOUTHSIDE,” to be released on November 20th. It features a street, trap music vibe crafted to make heads bob.

The second CD, “MD 2020: SOULSIDE,” will be released on December 20th and is for those who love R&B and Memphis hip hop. “MD 2020” has 20 tracks that – according to promo material – “share the gospel as only Mr. Del can through scripture-laced lyrics and infectious beats.”

“MD 2020” contains appearances

by Mr. Del’s good friend and Stellar Award winner, Canton Jones, as well as Christian rapper and popular artist Lecrae’s protégé 1K Phew.

DMG (Dedicated Music Group) art-

ists Murk and D. McGhee are also on the project, along with indie singers Carla Barnes, Adajyo and James Robinson.

Although he no longer plans to release albums, Mr. Del will still produce other artists through his DMG label. He may also make an occasional cameo appearance on the projects of others.

Over the span of his musical career, Mr. Del has released 15 CDs. “I’ve been making music for over 20 years and music will always be a part of my life but God is pushing me to do other things within my ministry,” said Mr. Del. “I will always be grateful to the fans, pastors, and churches who supported me and realized that to reach young people it was necessary to meet them where they are through the type of music they like but with lyrics that speak life instead of death, the positive instead of the negative.

“I’m proud of what I’ve been able

to accomplish, but I’m not done yet,” he said. “I believe that ‘MD 2020’ is some of my best work with trap, R & B and that unique sound of Memphis hip-hop’ there’s something for everyone.”

The Memphis-born Mr. Del began his music career with Oscar-winning, platinum-selling secular rap group Three 6 Mafia. After dedicating his life to Christ in 2000, he left secular rap to launch his own ministry and record label.

His first solo album, “The Future” (EMI Gospel), was released in 2005 and debuted at No. 15 on Billboard’s Gospel Chart. “Hope Dealer,” released in 2007, featuredGrammy Award-winning jazz musician Kirk Whalum and peaked at No. 47 on Billboard’s Gospel Chart.

“Thrilla” (DMG/Universal Records) was released in 2009 and debuted at No. 2 on the Christian R&B/ Hip Hop Chart. He received a Gram-

my Award nomination for Best Rock Gospel Album of the year and 2010 GMA Dove Award nomination for Rap/Hip Hop Album of the year.

Mr. Del landed a song in Will Farrell’s movie “The Campaign” and made an appearance in the film “2016: Obama’s America,” which featured his scoring.

With a large catalog that includes 10 studio albums and countless collaborative albums, Mr. Del is credited with bringing forth a new sound “characterized by banging 808s and a powerful message.”

An ordained minister, Mr. Del preaches throughout the country.

Dedicated to healing hearts, he promotes healthy relationships through his books “Soul Ties I” and “Soul Ties II,” along with the “Soul Ties” podcast and seminars.

(For more information, visit www. mrdel.com.)

November 12 - 18, 2020

The New Tri-State Defender

Page 7

ENTERTAINMENT

Miss Mississippi makes history as Miss USA 2020

Newly crowned Asya Branch performed the national anthem at a Trump rally (thegrio) – After months of delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic, this week a new Miss USA was crowned. And while many were pleased that she is Black, some viewers were stunned to discover that she may also be a supporter of President Donald Trump.

Monday, Asya Branch was crowned Miss USA 2020 in a competition that aired live from Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis.

The stunning 22-year-

old succeeds another Black woman, Miss USA 2019 Chelsie Kryst. She beat out second runner-up Miss Oklahoma USA Mariah Jane Davis, and first runner-up, Miss Idaho USA Kim Layne.

Previously Branch made history as the first African American to be named Miss Mississippi USA and comes from Booneville. This is also the first time the state of Mississippi won the coveted Miss USA crown.

“I told my mom if I win Miss USA, I would have made history twice,” Branch said in an interview with Mississippi’s Daily Journal. “It’s been 10 years since Mississippi made it to the top 15 at Miss USA. I’m hoping to revise that cycle and bring the crown back home to Mississippi.”

While her achievements are undeniably impressive, some were stunned to discover that she once performed the National Anthem at a

Trump rally in Southaven, Mississippi, in October 2018. She also took part in a roundtable with President Trump.

“Incredible honor to sing the national anthem tonight in Southaven for the President Trump rally,” she wrote in a since deleted Instagram post.

Keeping in line with her conservative values, the senior at the University of Mississippi spoke about gun laws in her final statement of the evening.

Miss Mississippi Asya Branch (Evan Vucci/AP) “As someone who grew up in a home with guns, I learned at an early age how to load, how to fire and gun safety,” Branch said. “And I think that education should be available to everyone. I believe that we should require people to pass training and safety courses

before they are allowed to purchase a gun and before receiving a permit.”

“I think it’s important that we not ban guns because,” she noted. “It’s our Second Amendment right and we just need more safety surrounding that.”

2020 Election coverage draws 56.9 million viewers during prime (Nielsen) – An estimated 56.9 million people tuned in to watch coverage of the 2020 U.S. presidential election during primetime on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020.

While coverage varied by network, 21 networks aired live coverage from approximately 8:00 p.m. ET to 11:00 p.m. ET. The chart below highlights the sum of

the average viewing audience for these networks. It’s important to note that out-ofhome (OOH) viewing as well as connected TV (CTV) viewing are included in the 2020

total figures for this television (TV) ratings advisory. Contribution coming from CTVs can be as much as 11percent for televised political events.

COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, November 12 - 18, 2020, Page 8

Focus on pandemic, economy, education at annual retreat of Shelby County lawmakers

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Although the annual retreat of the Shelby County delegation of state legislators was virtual this year, it hosted some of the state’s most powerful decision makers and influential elected officials.

The two-day event convened four hours each day Monday (Nov. 9) and Tuesday (Nov. 10) in the ZOOM format.

“We decided to do a virtual retreat this year because of the pandemic,” said Rep. Antonio Parkinson, the delegation’s chairman. “But when setting the agenda, there were three very important priorities we wanted to focus on – the pandemic, the economy and education.”

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee kicked off the retreat with opening remarks, followed by a question-and-answer session with legislators.

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland and Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris headlined their own segment, both also answering questions by participants.

Memphis City Council Chair Patrice Robinson and County Commission Chair Eddie Jones also were present.

“I think we were able to glean a number of takeaways from our speakers,” said Parkinson. “These discussions help to shape our agenda as we prepare for the legislative sessions ahead. Normally, we have a longer retreat, but in this virtual meeting, I didn’t want legislators to have to sit in front of a screen all day.”

Parkinson said he was especially impressed with Mayor Strickland’s concerns about recovering tax money for Memphis and the Tennessee Highway Patrol negligible presence along local highways.

“Our city mayor expressed great concerns about the drastic reduction

in revenue from income tax reduction,” said Parkinson. “The Republicans reduced it for the rich. He also wants to see the Highway Patrol on Memphis Rep. Antonio highways like Parkinson we see in other parts of the state.

These are concerns we will take back up to Nashville.”

Harris’ address to the delegation was a Tuesday’s highlight, punctuated with the concerns about COVID-19 outbreaks and challenges of a safe return to normalcy.

“The outbreaks in our jail facilities coincide with what’s happening in the rest of the country,” Harris said.

“But by the end of the year, a new ventilation system will be installed

in 201 Poplar, that kills the virus as it circulates through the air. That is great news.”

Harris expressed a need for more uniformity in mandates and guidelines that direct public masking and school policy.

“I appreciate the cooperation and uniformity in approach between the seven municipalities in Shelby County,” said Harris. “What we need is uniformity throughout the state. We need a statewide mask mandate. But until we get more aggressive interventions on the state level, Shelby County must continue doing what we can to fight the virus.”

Harris also expressed concern that there was such political division nationally as well as in Tennessee.

“It’s been a tough year and a tough election period,” Harris said. “I’ve seen some headlines in Tennessee that raise concerns. Let’s do what we can to unify and to stop the trend of undermining the election.”

Although Harris did not mention Lee by name, one of the legislators sent a link while Harris was speaking, of a headline citing the governor’s refusal to acknowledge Biden as president-elect.

Other GOP governors and Republican officials around the country have joined this pro-Trump movement.

Jones, the County Commission chair, said the commission is concerned that the county is losing $20 million annually to keep the penal farm operational.

He asked state legislators to push for an increase in what the state gives per day for each inmate. A sharp decrease in the inmate population there is an issue, Jones said.

Jones also asked that lawmakers work on decriminalizing marijuana.

“People get time in prison for having small amounts of marijuana on them, prison terms that are much too long. This mainly affects people of color …,” Jones said.

For Stevie Moore (speaking), fighting violence in the community is an ongoing mission. (Courtesy photo)

Unity Walk Against Gun Violence’ calls for ‘community responsibility’

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchel

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Stevie Moore, founder of Freedom From Unnecessary Negatives (FFUN), knew months ago that he urgently needed to organize a community march against violence.

“Back toward the beginning of the year, several children had already been killed in senseless gun violence,” said Moore. “And then, the pandemic hit. There was an election coming up, too, and I did not want this to become a political issue.”

On Saturday, Nov. 14, FFUN’s two-mile walk will begin and end at the Shelby County Juvenile Court and West Tennesse Regional Forensic Center parking lots, located at the corner of Poplar Ave. and N. Orleans St. Participants are asked to arrive early for the walk, which starts at 10 a.m. Masks and social distancing will be mandatory.

Moore’s goal is to raise awareness in the African-American community about how gun violence affects daily life, especially for those children who regularly witness these crimes.

“It seems like the only violence we speak out against is white policemen on black people,” said Moore.

“When George Floyd was killed, blacks were down at city hall writing on the wall, ‘Black Lives Matter.’ But when our children are killing one another and young babies are murdered, you don’t hear anything about ‘Black Lives Matter.’

“It seems like the only violence we speak out against is white policemen on black people. When George Floyd was killed, blacks were down at city hall writing on the wall, ‘Black Lives Matter.’ But when our children are killing one another and young babies are murdered, you don’t hear anything about ‘Black Lives Matter.’ ” ­— Stevie Moore

Too many lives have been lost, he said.

“Last year, about this time, there were 14 murders of children (in MEMPHIS???) through gun violence. Now, the number is more than double that. It is up to 30 children this year. We’ve got to start speaking out about gun violence in our own community.”

The walk coincides with FFUN’s “Pledge to Protect,” a set of rules Moore uses as he teaches and mentors young people. The pledge covers civic and community responsibilities: • If you see something, or hear something, say something.

• Solve problems peacefully, with respect.

• Never resort to physical or verbal violence.

• Know where your children are.

• Check on your neighbors and get to know them.

• Join or start a Neighborhood Watch in your neighborhood.

Taking a tough stance with today’s youth may not be the most effective strategy, Moore said.

“You hear older people talking

about they don’t know what’s wrong with these kids,” said Moore. “But a judgment is made without knowing what issues are going on at home, what mental issues, or what drug issues may be involved. These children don’t have daddies and granddaddies.

That’s what’s wrong with them.”

Moore advocates a community-based approach where everybody pitches in.

“The question is, ‘What are you doing?’” Moore said. “One of the families I’m working with now, the mother is 29 years old, with seven children. We need to stop complaining. The children are here, now. You be the auntie, the uncle, the daddy, the grandmother. Gang-bangers are young people looking for acceptance.”

Moore started FFUN in 1983. The organization’s “Stop The Killing” initiative was started in 2003, the same year his son, Prentice Moore, was gunned down.

“Everyone should bring photos of loved ones they have lost to gun violence,” Moore said. “We are walking

by Regional One on the route, where so many have died.”

Clean Memphis Project…

With the need apparent at this location at Ayres and J.W. Williams (formerly Lane Ave.) the focus was on cleaning, planting trees and making a buffer zone to circulate air and promote conservation. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

The New Tri-State Defender

November 12 - 18, 2020

Page 9

COMMUNITY

Reprieve for Pervis Payne execution cause for celebration of family, friends

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

TVA’s virtual open house, which will kick off the month-long public comment period, will be held on Nov. 17 (5 p.m.-7 p.m.) at www.tvavirtual.com/allen. (Courtesy photo)

TVA kicks off public comment period on Allen Fossil Plant with virtual open house TSD Newsroom The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) will host a virtual open house with live Q&A and a public forum for comment on the safe removal and long-term storage of coal ash from the Allen Fossil Plant site.

In April 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) passed regulations—generally known as the CCR Rule – that govern the disposal of coal ash (coal combustion residuals or CCRs).

“The proposed plan that we are presenting will discuss TVA’s approach to remove CCR from the onsite storage units and address shallow impacted groundwater near the East Ash Pond,” explained Latrivia Welch, community relations program manager for the Allen Fossil Plant site.

“This virtual experience, which will go live on the 17th, has been thoughtfully designed to tell the

story behind the closure-by-removal process. We also want to answer questions that the public might have, which is why Q&A is so important.”

The virtual open house, which will kick off the month-long public comment period, will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020, from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. at the following link: www.tvavirtual.com/allen.

Participants should pre-register for the event.

Feedback from the public also will be permitted on the virtual home page starting on the 17th. Additionally, the public can download the plan and offer comments by visiting www.tva.com/allen, beginning the 17th.

The Allen Fossil Plant site, located at 2574 Plant Road, was shuttered in March of 2018 and replaced with the Allen Combined Cycle Natural Gas Plant, which went into operation in May 2018.

The event was initially supposed to take place in-person at The Guest

House at Graceland but will now be available via a virtual experience that will mirror the Guest House’s ballroom.

“Community leaders are encouraged to share the dates with contacts in advance so that everyone can attend,” Welch said. “The great thing about pre-registration is that you will receive a reminder email on the day of the event, so you don’t forget.”

TVA is seeking public comment on the proposed plan until Dec. 17, 2020. The public may submit comments during the open house and by email (lswelch0@tva.gov), U.S. mail (2574 Plant Road, Memphis, TN 38109, c/o Latrivia Welch), phone (901-789-8847), and website (www.tvavirtual.com/allen). Comments must be received by Dec. 17.

All comments received, including names and addresses, will become part of the administrative record and available for public information.

Shelby County Register opens new satellite office TSD Newsroom Shelby County Register Shelandra Y. Ford will open a new county Register of Deeds satellite office Monday (Nov. 16).

The public is invited to attend the opening at 157 Poplar Ave., room 124, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The satellite office will provide all the services of the main office

COVID

CONTINUED FROM FRONT Department. ... Local health systems are being asked to play a role as well. Essentially, anyone who can give vaccines will be asked to partner,” Haushalter said.

First responders like healthcare workers, EMS, firemen and police would be at the front of the line to receive the vaccine.

They will be followed by the more vulnerable, such nursing home residents and the elderly, or those with comorbidities like diabetes and cancer.

Finally, the vaccine would be available to the general population.

“Even based on the good news we heard this morning, we would not anticipate a vaccine until next year. There is a lot of additional testing that has to occur before the vaccine is ready for the market,” said Haushalter.

on Mullins Station in a location that may be more convenient for thousands of citizens.

Light refreshments will be served at the grand opening. Everyone is asked to wear a mask and social distancing will be in place. The opening also will be streamed live on the Shelby County Archives Facebook and Instagram pages.

The Register of Deeds is Shelby County’s elected record keeper for

Meanwhile, flu vaccinations are still being recommended. The seasonal flu shares many symptoms with the coronavirus. Flu vaccination is also viewed as a dry run for the eventual delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine, which will require mobilization of state and local health departments, hospitals and businesses that provide vaccinations. Two doses will need to be administered to provide immunity.

“Then we quickly mobilize with partners to be able to administer the vaccine. That essentially means everyone gets reassigned to give vaccines until we have exhausted that,” said Haushalter.

Free flu shots will be available on Nov. 19 at the Lamar Emmissions Station at 1720 RKS Commercial Cove and the Millington Health Clinic located at 8225 US-51. Both locations also offer COVID-19 tests.

For days and hours of the

tax liens, property titles, mortgages, bankruptcy documents, marriage settlements, contracts, powers of attorney, real estate conveyances, armed forces discharges and various affidavits.

The Register also manages the Shelby County Archives, which preserves the history of the county and provides a valuable resource to members of the community researching the past.

two drive-thru, flu vaccination locations, call the Shelby County Health Department at: 901-222-9000.

“Aggressuve intervention” Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris kicked off Tuesday’s (Nov. 10) COVID-19 Task Force update by calling for more uniformity and “aggressive intervention” to curb the pandemic from state officials.

“We are still in the fight against COVID,” Harris said.

“We must continue the course.

This is not two viruses — a rural virus and an urban virus.

This is one virus, and we must all work together to mitigate the spread.”

Harris’ call for more action came as the Shelby County Health Department reported new cases of the virus continue to rise.

Brownsville, Tenn. Mayor Bill Rawls joined Lee in pleading for caution and great-

A team that includes clergy, legal representatives, clinical mental health professionals and legislators are celebrating Pervis Payne’s temporary reprieve from execution, while working on dual fronts to see that Payne receives clemency and gets released from prison.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, citing “challenges and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” granted Payne a temporary reprieve from his scheduled Dec. 3 execution.

Payne, who has an intellectual disability, was convicted of the 1987 murder of Charisse Christopher and her daughter. He now faces an execution date of April 9.

“We went up to Nashville and had a meeting with the governor’s chief counsel,” said Bishop David Hall, pastor of Temple Church of God in Christ. “We have to speak when morality and the government are juxtaposed. It is against the law to execute a person with a mental disability. Our position is that in this matter, the government must be on the side of morality.”

The group asked Lee for clemency so additional evidence can be presented in court on Payne’s behalf.

Tennessee state Rep. G.A. Hardaway, chairman of the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators (TBCSL), has filed legislation to protect the intellectually disabled from state executions.

But the bill that will give Payne a “pathway back to court,” said Hardaway, won’t get through committee and moved through the legislature until about the end of January and the first of February.

The legislation would give Payne and others like him time to present their intellectual disability claims in state court.

Although the U.S. Supreme Court and the Tennessee Supreme Court have ruled that the execution of people with intellectual disabilities is unconstitutional, there is currently no process in Tennessee for convicted people with intellectual disabilities to have their disability claims heard in court.

“The Supreme Court ruled in 2002 that persons with intellectual disabilities could not be executed,” Hardaway said. “All these years, legislation needed to be passed to get Pervis Payne back to court, so the issue of his disability could be dealt with.”

Hardaway’s bill will go to commit-

er uniformity directed at the state level.

“It is critical that all the counties continue to collaborate,” Rawls said. “We need a statewide mask mandate, but until them we must keep working together until more intervention comes from the state.”

Rawls cited a study at Nashville’s Vanderbilt University, which showed counties in the state that had aggressive interventions in place, such as mask mandates in public places, experienced approximately half the fatalities from COVID-19.

“Please take an abundance of caution and postpone family gatherings until next year,” Rawls said. “During the Fourth of July holiday, Haywood County (where Brownsville is the county seat) had a great surge of new infections because cluster outbreaks from family gatherings quickly turned to into cluster outbreaks in the community.”

tee when the legislature convenes in January. He said the bill should be before the whole body by the end of January, or early in February.

The late-April reprieve gives Payne’s advocates time to schedule another day in court.

“The Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators welcomes this opportunity to pursue justice,” said Hardaway. “We have temporarily avoided a tragic miscarriage of justice, merely because of a curable gap in the rules of law.”

Kelley Henry, Payne’s legal counsel, said evidence had been sent off to test for DNA and that the defense team is hopeful it will provide proof of Payne’s innocence of the double murder. Results are expected back in later this month.

However, vital evidence, such as the victim’s fingernail clippings have disappeared from the file, but were never tested for DNA. “How can you execute a man and vital evidence has somehow disappeared over the years? Hall said.

“The death penalty has always been racially abused, especially in cases where blacks have been accused of killing whites.”

Payne has sat on death row for more than three decades, convicted without some evidence in his case being tested for DNA. In September, attorneys from the Nashville Innocence Project led a charge to have the remaining evidence DNA-tested.

“This reprieve granted to Pervis Payne has averted an unconstitutional act … by the state of Tennessee,” said Hardaway.

Advocates’ worst-case scenario is for Payne’s sentence to be commuted. According to family members, Payne’s story never changed. He went to see his girlfriend. She was not at home. As he started to leave, he heard noise in the apartment across the hall of a distressed nature.

The door was open, he went in, and found three victims brutally stabbed, a woman and two children.

Payne said he pulled a knife out of the woman’s neck and got blood all over him. He said realized police would think he did it, so he ran and was found by police a few minutes later.

According to clinical professionals, Payne tests at an IQ level of 68.

“There are some things that are just right to do,” said Hall. “There has never been a lynching that did not have both police and judicial complicity. Executing Pervis Payne would be most assuredly a lynching.”

Rawls said, given that there is an upcoming holiday season coupled with flu season, gatherings should be put off until next year.

“COVID-19 is a marathon,” said Rawls. “It is not a sprint.

And, although we are tired of the restrictions, we must continue to take an abundance of caution.”

Amy Garner, public information officer with West Tennessee Healthcare, said the system’s seven hospitals in Shelby, Fayette, and Tipton Counties, care for about 15 percent of the state’s total hospitalizations.

“We take care of COVID patients across 18 counties,” Rawls said. “A month ago, there were 67 patients in our hospitals. Today, there are better than 100 — 122, I believe.

Also, patients in need of ventilation are increasing.”

Shelby County Health Department Deputy Director David Sweat said there is still plenty of testing capacity not

being used. He said individuals, who are positive, continue to go about their day as if they did not have the virus.

“One out of three people who do have the virus are going about their normal day, to work and school, and activities of daily living,” said Sweat.

“This is the main reason for the uncontrolled spread of the virus.”

The positivity rate of tests being taken is presently at 8.8 percent, Dr. Bruce Randolph urged those who feel sick and are showing symptoms get tested and remain at home until test results come back.

“Right now, only 35-50 percent of testing capacity in Shelby County is being utilized,” Randolph said. “Anyone who feels sick should go to any of the testing locations and stay home from work or school.”

The New Tri-State Defender

November 12 - 18, 2020

Page 10

SPORTS

QB White leads the way as the Tigers find a way to beat against South Florida

by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

University of Memphis quarterback Brady White keeps saying that he is all about team as accolades continue to come his way. Such was the case, again, last Saturday as the Tigers found a way to turn back the University of South Florida (34-33) at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.

White Terry put the Davis team on his senior shoulders and scored two touchdowns in the final five minutes of the game to secure the win. He finished with 437 passing yards and 5 touchdowns.

The victory made White the winningest quarterback at Memphis. His 24 wins moved him past Lloyd Patterson (1975-78). White also tied Danny Wimprine for most passing touchdowns in a career with 81. He is only 777 yards from become the all-time passing leader in the school’s history.

“It is a great to have the number of wins in program history, but the number isn’t what matters,” said White.

“It’s the winning that matters.

That’s what I’m all about, and that’s what this team is all about.

“I’m glad we got it done, but it’s not me,” he said. “My name gets the credit and that’s awesome, but if only people knew half of how much goes into a win and how many people are involved in our program and on our staff. That is for everyone, not just me.”

White was named the AAC Offensive player of the week for the third time this season.

On a beautiful Saturday afternoon for a football game, the Tigers played host to the Bulls in front of 10,300 fans, who saw Calvin Austin continue to impress. Austin had 102 receiving yards and two touchdowns, including the game winner with 1:06 left to play. He tied Anthony Miller for consecutive 100-yard games.

The Tigers have won 13 straight home games, which is a program record (previously Nov. 25, 2016-Oct. 3, 2018).

The current streak began with

Because of their long-standing friendship, UofM head basketball coach Penny Hardaway will release the P3 shoe on Nov. 20 in remembrance of Desmond “Dez” Merriweather. (Courtesy photos)

Memphis’ Brady White was named the AAC Offensive Player of the Week for the third time this season. (Photos: Terry Davis)

Sean Dykes was too much for South Florida to handle en route to 147 yards and two touchdowns. a 47-21 win against Tulsa on Nov. 10, 2018. The Tigers have won 25 of their last 26 games at home.

Memphis turned in an energy-filled performance in the fourth quarter. The defense only allowed the Bulls three points in the frame while scoring 14 points in a five-minute span.

“We like to keep things interesting around here,” said Memphis head coach Ryan Silverfield. “You can call us the cardiac cats. I don’t know how talented we are, but we fight.”

On why the team was different in the fourth quarter, Silverfield said, “I have been searching all year. I hope it does not take us to the fourth quarter to wake up. I do not know what it is. I know they are willing to fight and I will take that. We have got to find a way to start faster.”

Maligned much of the season, the Memphis defense played one of its better games

of the season, allowing 27 points. Most of the points were associated with having to defend a short field after the Tigers’ offense did not convert on fourth down.

Memphis only allowed the Bulls 330 total yards – the fewest number of yards the unit has allowed this season.

Quindell Johnson again was the leading tackler for the Tigers with 7 tackles. Memphis had 3 sacks and 9 tackles for loss.

by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

“Do It For Dez” was the motto of the East High School basketball team.

Dez was former friend to the head coach of the University of Memphis head basketball coach Penny Hardaway.

Desmond Merriweather is the reason that Penny got in the coaching profession.

The fans of the Tigers and some former players are better for Hardaway being a head coach. Merriweather was the coach of Lester Middle School and got Hardaway to volunteer

there. Merriweather took the head coaching job at East High School.

Merriweather passed in 2015 from colon cancer and the team adopted that #DoIfForDez. That did not end with winning the Tennessee State High School championship it continues to live on everyday in the life in Penny Hardaway.

Hardaway will release the P3 shoe on November 20 in remembrance of Merriweather. The shoe is a combination of the East High School and the University of Memphis school colors.

An honor for Dykes Sean Dykes was named to the AAC Weekly Honor Roll.

Dykes had seven receptions for a career-high 147 yards and two touchdowns. He is the third tight end in Memphis history to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards and is only 40 yards behind Joey Magnifico’s program record for the position.

Dykes ranks No1 nationally among tight ends in third down catches (12) and yards

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NEXT: Memphis was scheduled to travel to Annapolis, MD to play the always tough Naval Academy and the triple-opposition offense.

Those plans were scrapped after the American Athletic Conference announced the game has been postponed due to positive COVID-19 cases at the Naval Academy and the ensuing contact tracing of student-athletes. Memphis and Navy do not share a common open date through the rest of the 2020 season. The AAC reportedly will consider a number of options about playing the game at a later date.

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The New Tri-State Defender

November 12 - 18, 2020

Page 11

CLASSIFIEDS 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: Glynis Cox-Finnie Tax Parcel #: 06010200000320 Tax Sale #: 1501 Price Offered: $500.00 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 January 18, 2021, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Eric W. Martin Tax Parcel #: 0350180000017C Tax Sale #: 1602 Price Offered: $2500.00 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 January 22, 2021, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400

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

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

Rates are non-commissionable and are quoted at the net rate. No refund for early cancellation. For additional information contact Sales Dept. at (901) 746-5201 or email: advertising@tsdmemphis.com.

DEADLINES: Display ads Friday 5 p.m.

Classifieds ads Monday 5 p.m.

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 January 18, 2021, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

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: Maquitta Wilkins-Bullard Tax Parcel #: 06100200000120 Tax Sale #: 1603 Price Offered: $3500.00 Terms: Cash

Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400

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 December 15, 2020, 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: MIM LLC Tax Parcel #: 07002800000160 Tax Sale #: 1603 Price Offered: $800.00 Terms: Cash

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: Bessie McLin Tax Parcel #: 06021300000440 Tax Sale #: 1002 Price Offered: $1100.00 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 December 22, 2020, 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

Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10)

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The New Tri-State Defender

November 12 - 18, 2020

Page 12