The New Tri-State Defender - November 17-23, 2022

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VOL. 71, No. 46

November 17 - 23, 2022

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Two-time Grammy Award-nominated songwriter and artist Sir The Baptist (left) and AOB assistant director professor Larry Jenkins record the historic gospel album “Urban Hymnal,” with AOB on campus. (Photo: Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

TSU’s Aristocrat of Bands snares two Grammy nominations “The Urban Hymnal” by Tennessee State University’s Aristocrat of Bands (AOB) is so good that the Recording Academy has nominated it for Best Roots Gospel Album, along with a second Grammy Award nod for their collaboration on a spoken word single by artist J. Ivy. Filled with organic sounds that were created on the TSU campus, the groundbreaking, 10-track album features trailblazers within the gospel music industry.

The AOB is the first collegiate band to earn even one Grammy nomination.

“This is a tremendous day in the history of our beloved Tennessee State University,” Dr. Reginald McDonald, director of bands, said.

“This is not just a band accolade, but a university-wide accomplishment. I personally appreciate our President Dr. Glenda Glover’s vision for our University.”

Artists, albums, and songs competing for trophies at the 65th annual ceremony were announced on Tuesday by the Recording Academy. The Urban Hymnal is one of five nominees within the Best Roots Gospel Album category.

The other nominees are: • “Let’s Just Praise The Lord” – Gaither Vocal Band • “Confessio – Irish American Roots” – Keith & Kristyn Getty • “The Willie Nelson Family” – Willie Nelson • “2.22” – Karen Peck and New River The Grammy’s will take place on Feb. 5, 2023 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Music moguls and acclaimed artists such as Jekalyn Carr, Fred Hammond, Kierra Sheard, John P. Kee, Louis York, Dubba-AA, Sir the Baptist, professor Larry Jenkins, Take 6 and Mali Music join AOB on “The Urban Hymnal.”

The executive producers for the album are AOB Director Dr. McDonald, Jenkins, twotime Grammy award-nominated songwriter and artist Sir the Baptist, Grammy award-winning songwriter and artist Dallas Austin, and TSU alum and platinum recording artist Dubba-AA.

LeMoyne-Owen College President Dr. Vernell Bennett-Fairs touts the new Memphis Small Business Development Partnership with Marvell Mitchell (seated), who heads Memphis’ Office of Business Diversity and Compliance. The Wednesday morning event hosted both students and aspiring business owners from the community. The five-course business initiative will begin in January of 2023 and extend through the spring semester.

(Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)

LeMoyne-Owen College, City of Memphis partner to aid small business owners

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

LeMoyne-Owen College and the city of Memphis Office of Business Diversity and Compliance have partnered to form the Memphis Small Business Development Partnership to provide support to aspiring business owners in the MidSouth.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics data

indicates 20 percent of small businesses close within the first year of operation.

The collaboration is designed to address the gap in education in entrepreneurship that contributes to small businesses failing prematurely. A suite of courses will educate business owners on how to effectively operate and sustain a successful business.

The City of Memphis Office of Business Diversity & Compliance (OBDC)

SEE BUSINESS ON PAGE 2

Due in court: man charged with soliciting killers of Young Dolph Memphis rapper killed one year ago

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Tennessee State University marching band album cover photo. (Photo: Garrett Morris)

provides technical and management assistance to existing small businesses and prospective business owners by offering no-cost, one-on-one business advising, and educational training to small businesses targeted for increasing employment, fostering growth, and improving financial stability.

“The City of Memphis is very intention-

Hernandez Govan, the 43-year-old that prosecutors charge solicited the killers of Young Dolph, is scheduled to appear before Criminal Court Judge Lee Coffee on Thursday (Nov. 17), the first anniversary of the Memphis rapper’s death.

Govan is set to appear for a court hearing on the same charges as the two alleged shooters, with an additional “conspiracy to commit first-degree murder” charge.

According to Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy, Govan is accused of approaching two men about killing Young Dolph a full six months before he was gunned down

last November.

“Hernandez Govan, 43, has been indicted on conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, first-degree murder, and criminal attempt first-degree murder,” Mulroy said in an update from his office.

“We allege that this individual solicited the murder and put it in motion. We will continue to seek justice in this killing.”

Hernandez Investigators said Govan allegedly Govan asked Justin Johnson, 24, and Cornelius Smith, 32, in June of 2021, to conspire with him to murder the renowned rapper and owner of the

SEE DOLPH ON PAGE 2

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Justin Johnson

Cornelius Smith

The New Tri-State Defender

November 17 - 23, 2022

Page 2

NEWS

DOLPH

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

Small Business Association (SBA) representatives talk with students about the services and assistance the agency provides to both new and existing businesses.

(Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)

BUSINESS

CONTINUED FROM FRONT al about what we are doing,” said Marvell Mitchell, OBDC director, at Wednesday’s rollout. “We are working alongside LeMoyne Owen College (LOC) to make sure you have all the tools necessary when you decide to go into business to insure your success.”

The rollout event is an ambitious, joint effort to certify business owners and aspiring business owners for a successful pursuit of their entrepreneurial dreams.

“We have a goal of creating 500 new businesses, and we already have 254,” said Mitchell. “LOC has the educational structure already in place, and we work with women and minorities to train and prepare business owners. The partnership just makes sense.”

Mitchell said the free certification program will help business start-ups with the tools necessary to work with the city on upcoming development projects.

“Let me tell you something,” Mitchell said. “All of the developments going on in Memphis, there are not enough vendors out here to handle all of the business that’s going to be available, that’s coming.

We see a tidal wave of business that’s coming. We just need to make sure we get the folks on the other side, which are local, small businesses ready for these things.”

The course design for the Memphis Small Business Development Partnership is comprised of five main courses, and the initiative will begin in January 2023. The courses are: *Starting a Small Business *Marketing and Management Structure *Managing Financial Capital *Business Ethics and Social Responsibility (Lab Work) *Completing a Business

Dr. Charles Needham, the program designer and instructor for the business curriculum, explains the significance of each of the five required classes.

Plan Each course is five weeks in length, and the successful completion of all courses will earn a student a clear pathway to certification as a qualified vendor eligible to secure big-dollar contracts with the city.

“Entrepreneurship is a key factor in community and personal wealth-building,” said LeMoyne Owen College President Dr. Vernell Bennett-Fairs.

“We are excited to partner with the City of Memphis in this endeavor. It is gratifying to be a part of helping small businesses sustain and thrive through business education.”

According to LeMoyne Owen College Provost and Vice-President of Academic Affairs Dr. Lisa Lang, the school’s partnership with the Office of Business Diversity and Compliance, aligns perfectly with their objectives.

“Being an institution of higher learning, we are vested in our students’ success,” said Lang. “We are committed to providing equitable access to learning environments that support diverse populations.

We want to deliver programs which promote progression, affordability, and employability.”

Bennett-Fairs said the collaboration just made sense for both the college and the city.

“In higher education today, we have to adjust to the

needs of prospective constituencies,” Bennett-Fairs said.

So everyone isn’t interested in earning an associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree. Some are interested in specialized training, and this partnership was a way to pool resources.… We can create a pipeline to OBDC and its constituencies with these classes.”

Bennett-Fairs said a collaboration with Mitchell’s office devised the “suite of courses” needed for successful businesses which are certified to work with the city.

Lang said the partnership helps to rebrand the college in the community, informing them of new and innovative programs available at LOC. Moving forward, Lang said the college wants to grow more partnerships with industries, community organizations, and businesses to continue growing opportunities for students.

Mitchell said the goal is to mentor every student through to certification and successfully establish businesses that are sustainable beyond the first five years.

“This is not only about creating wealth as you raise a family,” said Mitchell. “This is about creating generational wealth so that you can leave something for your children.

Our partnership is the beginning of changing the trajectory of so many lives in our community. We have many, many success stories to prove it.”

Paper Route Empire record label.

On Nov. 17, 2021, Dolph, whose real name is Adolph Thornton Jr., was ambushed by two masked shooters in broad daylight at a Charjean area cookie shop on Airways near Ketchum.

Govan was indicted Friday (Nov. 11) on first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder, although he was not allegedly at the murder scene.

“There is not much more we can say about the case,” said Assistant District Attorney Paul Hagerman. “Govan is charged with the murder and the conspiracy because he allegedly is the person who solicited the two other defendants to do the shooting. The rest we can’t comment on ….”

Although Govan is the third man charged in the murder, there is also a fourth defendant charged in the case.

Former Memphian Shundale Barnett, who now lives in Dallas, was charged with accessory after the fact for helping Johnson, who went on the run after his indictment was announced.

Barnett also was riding in the vehicle transporting Johnson when U.S. Marshalls captured the fugitive.

Barnett also faces charges of criminal attempt to commit first-degree murder and theft of property from $10,000 to $60,000.

The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests could follow.

Johnson and Smith also were indicted for unlawful

Memphis rapper Adolph Thornton Jr./Young Dolph. carrying and possession of a firearm, employment of a firearm with intent to commit Steve a felony, Mulroy and theft of property.

Johnson also faces additional charges from a non-related case. He failed to register as a sex offender, violating the Sex Offender Registry Act. Young Dolph died on the scene when two shooters pulled up in a stolen white Mercedes, jumped out of the car, and sprayed Makeda’s Cookies with automatic weapons as Dolph and his brother stood at the counter inside.

Govan has an extensive criminal record, dating back 26 years, with charges ranging from domestic assault and aggravated assault to drug possession and weapons violations.

No motive or any additional

details were available regarding Govan’s indictment, but he was connected to the rap music industry through his daughter, 25-year-old Destinee Govan.

She was slain in late September while riding in a car with another woman.

Two men jumped from the vehicle in front of the women’s vehicle and opened fire on them. Destinee Govan was pronounced dead at the scene, but the other woman sustained only minor injuries.

One person was arrested in connection with the shooting after police found him with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. It is unclear whether gunfire was returned from the women inside the vehicle. The second shooter has not been arrested.

Destinee Govan was a Memphis-born rapper known as “Lotta Cash Desto.” She was considered a promising hip-hop artist on the rise after Lil Uzi Vert, another artist out of Philadelphia, had signed her.

Johnson and Smith are scheduled to return to court on Jan. 20.

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PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, November 17 - 23, 2022, Page 4

COMMENTARY

Want to change the dynamic for mom & pop shops?

Try a community development financial institution

by Jacqueline Johnson

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

My business could have gone under during COVID pandemic – not due to the pandemic, but because many small, locally-owned businesses in underserved areas typically have a tough time getting equal access to funding.

But River City Capital, a community development financial institution (CDFI), stepped in at just the right time to keep Fresh Gulf Shrimp in business.

Being from Mobile, Alabama, I know good shrimp. I came to Memphis in 2009 for a career in education, but I saw a need and I couldn’t let it go.

People love shrimp.

The industry had a ton of opportunities and no one else was doing it right, as I understood shrimp to be done.

The local vendors were overcharging, and I knew that I had better connections. To this day, I get my shrimp from Bayou La Batre, Alabama and New Orleans and Texas — Gulf shrimp at its best.

I started selling shrimp on the side of the road in 2012 and moved up to

Jacqueline Johnson, owner of Fresh Gulf Shrimp, said local community development financial institutes such as River City Capital “are an impactful resource because they provide access to capital for minority and women-owned businesses in underserved communities ... they know their clients, they understand their struggles and know the depths of their integrity.” (Courtesy photo) a food truck in 2013.

The first event I facilitated was Memphis in May 2013. When I opened my window and saw those people lining up for po’boys, I knew I wasn’t going back to teaching.

The year 2023 will be our 10th Memphis in May. COVID nearly put a stop to all of that in 2020, but River City Capital came through with a grant. They

“My advice to other small business owners is to deal with companies that respect and believe in what you’re doing. Many people and places will discourage your vision. Don’t listen to them.”

– Jacqueline Johnson reached out to all the small vendors in Memphis that weren’t supported, and they kept us going.

I could’ve gone out of business, but that funding sustained us through the pandemic.

Traditional banks wouldn’t help us because we weren’t “underserved” enough. For one of the only female seafood owners in Memphis in a male-dominated industry, that grant money was huge.

Banks have an under-valued obligation to support female business owners.

So, when I wanted a loan to expand in 2022, there wasn’t a question. I went with the same local CDFI. The other banks wanted my business too, but they weren’t there when it mattered.

River City Capital knows my story and respects my story. They care about the concept and the business and the people. Local CDFIs are key to the Memphis economy because they work with local businesses instead of bringing in new ones.

Local CDFIs are an impactful resource because they provide access to capital for minority and women-owned businesses in underserved communities. They have more flexible lending policies than traditional banks, more reasonable interest rates and less risk for the borrower.

Most important, they know their clients, they understand their struggles and know the depths of their integrity.

In October, we used our loan to help cater a Big City Steel health event and served 3,000 meals in a two-day weekend. They had only pre-paid for 1,000, but because I had the funds for the inventory, when they needed an additional 2,000 servings, we were able to take on the project.

We’ve also used the capital to open

a corporate office, start an intern program with Memphis-Shelby County Schools, hire more staff, and potentially sell my REMOULAUDE901 Sauce and Everything Seasoning in stores.

We’re on track to sell over 100,000 pounds of shrimp this year because River City Capital propelled me to expand the business the way I needed to.

My advice to other small business owners is to deal with companies that respect and believe in what you’re doing.

Many people and places will discourage your vision. Don’t listen to them.

Start where you are. Local CDFIs have the capability to take your business to the next level.

They should get more recognition for the work they’ve done keeping Memphis local businesses on track through the pandemic. The support provided by River City Capital is nothing outside of amazing. It’s life-changing, really.

(Jacqueline Johnson is the owner of Fresh Gulf Shrimp. For more information about River City Capital go to https://www.rivercitycapital. org/.)

‘Give light and people will find the way’

by Marion Wright Edelman NNPA News Service

Earlier this year, members of the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) Freedom Schools team and other colleagues had the opportunity to attend a training session near the plantation on Maryland’s Eastern Shore where Harriet Tubman was enslaved and where she returned again and again after her own escape to lead others to freedom.

The retreat’s theme was “Give Light and People Will Find the Way,” the title indomitable civil rights movement justice warrior Ella Baker used for one of her training workshops at the Highlander Folk School in Tennessee.

This message is relevant to the CDF Freedom Schools program’s work today teaching young people they can make a difference in themselves, their families, their communities, their country, and their world with hope, education, and action, and the same message could also describe some of the inspiration the team drew from Harriet Tubman’s legacy.

During the retreat, they visited the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park in Church Creek, Maryland and sites important in her life, including the plantation where her family was enslaved and the dry goods store where she was assaulted and suffered a traumatic brain injury as a child. She was standing inside that store when an enslaved boy ran in being chased by an overseer who ordered Harriet to help grab the boy.

When she stood between the boy

Marian Wright Edelman (Photo: childrensdefense.org) and the white man and did not move, the overseer hurled a lead weight at her head, leaving her bloody and unconscious. She suffered seizures, sleeping spells, and debilitating headaches the rest of her life, but also began experiencing vivid dreams about God and visions and premonitions about escaping slavery.

Seeing these places and the land where she had to travel and hide reinforced how difficult her mission was and how much courage and determination she needed to possess in order to survive.

Now, through the National Historical Park, a state park and visitor center, the Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center, and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Scenic Byway, a 125-mile trail that includes waterways and safe houses she and others used as they fled towards freedom, these sites are preserved as a piece of American history that can teach and inspire young people today.

The importance and inspiration of teaching history was also central in

(Photo: Courtesy of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park) the message the CDF Freedom Schools team heard when acclaimed author Carole Boston We a t h e r f o r d joined the retreat for a conversation.

Carole Boston Her books Weatherford for children and young adults often revisit key moments and people in African American history, and one of her most loved is the lyrical, beautiful Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Award-winning book “Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom,” illustrated

by Kadir Nelson.

During the meeting, she asked her listeners to consider how Black history is often taught through a lens of enslavement and oppression. She then challenged them to consider this question: “Who taught us to be free?”

She continued, “You can’t teach what you don’t know, and you don’t know what you weren’t taught.” She said as she wrote “Moses,” she was inspired by the parallels between Harriet Tubman and the biblical Moses, who both took it upon themselves to free themselves and their people, and she challenged CDF Freedom Schools leaders with a charge to take up that call — teaching the next generation how to be free.

These are crucial lessons. Teaching all children about our shared history

by exposing them to books by excellent authors like Carole Boston Weatherford and others who are part of the CDF Freedom Schools curriculum, and by taking them to visit important historical and cultural sites like the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park, are ways of giving children the light they will need to be prepared to plot their own futures….

Children cannot vote, but they desperately need parents, teachers, and leaders who will be lanterns, not adults who seek to dim the light.

(Marion Wright Edelman is the founder and president emerita of the Children’s Defense Fund. This column was first posted by The Washington Informer.)

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The New Tri-State Defender

November 17 - 23, 2022

RELIGION

Page 5

At St. James, a good thing keeps on going …

St. James Baptist Church Pastor Rodney Herron (center) is committed to the principle of letting people “know that somebody loves them, somebody cares.” This week’s pre-thanksgiving turkey giveaway was a way to show that anew and he was joined by others who shared that sentiment, including PaperRoute Woo (left) and Snupe Bandz of Paper Route Empire.

Free turkeys – several hundreds of them – were distributed on the grounds of St. James Baptist Church on Wednesday (Nov. 16) by Pastor Rodney Herron and St. James supporters, including the notable presence of several associates of Young Dolph’s Paper Route Empire label. The Memphis rapper, whose name was Adolph Robert Thornton Jr., frequented the church, whose congregation embraced him as a beloved son. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender) Young Dolph was killed on Nov. 17, 2021 as he made a cookie run to a nearby eatery ahead of his intention to meet St. James Pastor Rodney Herron to finalize details of that year’s pre-Thanksgiving turkey giveaway. The giveaway went on amid the tragedy and was held again this year with Dolph’s memory in mind.

“The Year of Victory” …

That was the theme as Tabernacle of Praise M.B.C. celebrated the 19th Anniversary of Church Service last Sunday (Nov. 13). Pictured (right): Pastor Steven Turner (right) embraces the Rev. Derrick D. Davis, the host pastor; Cloreinda Turner, the wife of the Rev. Turner, comforts Glenda Davis, the wife of the Rev. Davis. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

The New Tri-State Defender

November 17 - 23, 2022

RELIGION

Page 6

COGIC IN REFLECTION

COGIC delegates share a laugh as a vendor applies his trade.

When the spirit hits you …

This portrait of COGIC Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard was displayed on an easel at the 114th Holy Convocation, the first in Memphis in more than a decade. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/ The New Tri-State Defender)

Praise dancers punctuated this service.

Throughout the Convocation, services such as these stirred delegates.

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

November 17 - 23, 2022

Page 7

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COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, November 17 - 23, 2022, Page 8

Council chooses new leaders with ease

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Barnhart delivers an otter and a sturgeon, two of the building blocks of River Play, the new playground in the reimagined Tom Lee Park. In the distance is the Hyde Civic Canopy where community events will take place. (Photo: CG Comms Group)

Otters arrive, making way for a playground for all

by Candace Gray

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Memphis River Parks Partnership is charged by the city of Memphis to maintain all of Memphis’ river parks.

Of those, Tom Lee Park is the largest and, until now, the least built-out.

The Partnership broke ground on a new Tom Lee Park in December 2021 and reached a major construction milestone this week with the arrival of an otter, sturgeon and other wooden wildlife replicas.

These larger-than-life Mississippi River basin animals and cypress trees will create the backdrop for River Play, the new playground in the new Tom Lee Park.

“This playground is going to be the best around for hundreds of miles,” said George Abbott, director of external affairs for Memphis River Parks Partnership.

Other playground features include a second otter, salamander, caterpillar, three slides, a zipline, balancing beams and more.

“It will all come together to create a beautiful, fun, interactive playground experience that I think will be fun for kids but also for some older folks, as well,” said Abbott.

The playground designer, Monstrum, out of Denmark, is known for using native ecology to inspire design and spark curiosity among users.

The River Play playground will be only the seventh Monstrum playground in the United States and second in the South and Southwest, after Tulsa, Oklahoma.

“They’re designed for you to find your own way around them … it’s not just walk up the steps and go down the slide. It’s more like ‘How do I get around there?’ and so it’s a little more interesting, more interac-

A sturgeon, representing Mississippi River basin wildlife, is gently placed by a crane in River Play at the new Tom Lee Park. tive, encourages kids to talk to one another and learn a little bit while they’re playing,” said Abbott.

The Partnership’s overarching goal is to create a playground, park, and space where everyone can feel welcome and enjoy dynamic features year-round.

The playground is in the second of four distinct park zones, the one meant for activity and play. Other areas of the park are designated for different experiences.

The New Tom Lee Park’s Four Zones Together, the park’s features combine to create a dynamic and engaging experience with breath-taking river views at every turn, from north to south.

• The Civic Gateway features the Cutbank Bluff, a radically redefined park entrance and access point from Vance Avenue and the first ADA-accessible route up and down the bluff.

The new access leads to the Gate-

way Plaza, hosting a major water feature and natural stone seating nestled beside a shaded community tree grove.

• The central Active Core will buzz with activity as the home to the park’s signature all-ages play space and outdoor exercise equipment at River Fit. The one-of-a-kind 20,000 sq. ft. Civic Canopy will host music, sports, events and more with the unrivaled backdrop of the river. A river deck and two river lawns will play host to the free nightly show of spectacular Mississippi River sunsets while pavilions and shaded seating provide options for food and restrooms.

• Designed as the quieter, more serene and peaceful part of the park, the Community Batture will feature topographic changes that unlock new river views, sloping lawns for family enjoyment, meditative paths, a Peace Walk and a River Overlook that will accommodate smaller outdoor gatherings.

Community tables and hammock groves provide places to relax, unwind and gather in small groups.

• The Habitat Terraces, at the southernmost end of the park offer an intimate and immersive experience with nature, featuring educational spaces, sound, and sensory gardens, and plenty native plants and wildlife.

It has not been determined if Memphis in May’s Beale Street Music Festival and the World Championship BBQ contest will take place in the park as in previous years.

The park is slated to open in late 2023.

Stay tuned for more information about how you can be one of the first testers of the park in early 2023.

(Visit TomLeePark.org or Memphis River Parks Partnership for more information.)

For the children...

State Rep. Antonio Parkinson and several other locally-elected officials heralded a $500,000 state allocation that will go to Tennessee Youth Mentorship and Sports during a recent event at the Ed Rice Community Center in Frayser. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender.)

Memphis City Council members had no trouble filling their leadership posts for the 2023 year, after members Martavius Jones and JB Smiley Jr. were picked for the council chair and vice chair positions, respectively, during the body’s Tuesday (Nov. 15) meeting.

Each nomination was approved through unanimous rounds of applause.

Smiley, who came up short this summer in a bid for the Democratic party’s nomination for governor, nominated Jones.

“I think he’s done an excellent job filling in the shoes of Councilwoman (Jamita) Swearengen. I would like him to serve a full term,” said Smiley.

While serving as council vice chair in 2022, Jones filled in after former chair Swearengen resigned her District 4 seat. She was elected Shelby County Circuit Court Clerk in August.

He also was recently the lone no vote for the eventual approval of Doug McGowen as the new CEO

and President of MLGW. The second-term councilman criticized the nomination process after Mayor Jim Strickland presented the outgoing MemMartavius phis COO as the Jones nominee, without first conducting a nationwide search.

Jones pointed out that other nominees to posts, like police chief, have been part of a national search.

Jones’ approval was followed JB by council memSmiley Jr. ber Jeff Warren’s nomination of Smiley. Council member Frank Colvett, a former chair, moved to close the nomination by “acclamation.”

Jones is in his second and final term on the council.

Another Healthy Place…

The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation and the City of Memphis held a groundbreaking for the new Blue Cross Healthy Place at Foote Park on Wednesday, Nov. 16. The BlueCross Foundation is investing $750,000 in the project, including $650,000 for the build and $100,000 in a maintenance fund. Representatives from the BlueCross Foundation, the Memphis Housing Authority and the City of Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development were in attendance. Pictured: Kevin Woods, Market President; Keith King: Manager, BlueCross Health Places. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender.)

SCORE workshop to intersect with business-minded youth The event will also contain a youth vendor fair TSD Newsroom Rebecca Matlock Hutchinson knows that it has “become quite common for young people to create businesses.” She also knows many need help.

On Saturday (November 19), the SCORE CDC will offer such help during the Youth Entrepreneur Workshop at their office, which is located at 571 Vance Ave. in need-heavy ZIP code 38126.

SCORE stands for South City, a Community of Opportunity, Revitalization, and Empowerment. Hutchinson, SCORE’s executive director, founded the CDC in 2017. She decided to host the workshop after meeting several young people who expressed an interest in making their own money.

Rebecca Matlock Hutchinson (Courtesy photo) “We want to make sure that they, along with their guardians, have a good foundation and the knowledge to be successful,” said Hutchinson.

“It’s open to youth who are thinking about starting a business and those who already have one. We want them to know that it’s OK to dream big and their age shouldn’t deter them.”

Set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the free event is open to ages 10 to 17 and their guardians. Experts will speak on topics

such as how to start a business, goal setting, e-commerce, marketing, and how to guide a youth entrepreneur.

The event will also contain a youth vendor fair, where those who have products to sell can do so and receive feedback/suggestions from experts on how to best market themselves in that setting.

“We want to try to keep track of the youth to determine if any start a business,” said Hutchinson, “and (if any) join one of the entrepreneur programs that will be recruiting at the workshop.”

SCORE is designed to “intentionally and strategically implement civic engagement activities in the South City community at the grassroots level and connect residents to opportunities that help provide them with the tools, information, and skill sets needed to empower themselves.”

The mission of SCORE is to “build community capacity and promote economic equity while restoring a sense of community ownership, pride, identity, and empowerment.”

The Youth Entrepreneur Workshop is funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

(For more information and to register, visit https://bit.ly/3UY89Fc. Or, call 901-504-5392.)

The New Tri-State Defender

November 17 - 23, 2022

NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS

PUBLIC NOTICE AGENCY: TDOT Aeronautics, Environmental Section

2022 Spark + Flame Business Recipients

The Tennessee Department of Transportation, Aeronautics Division (TDOT) has assessed the potential environmental impacts for the proposed Tree Obstruction Clearing Project at the Charles Baker Airport. TDOT has determined the project as proposed would not significantly affect the quality of the human environment and that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not necessary.

An Environmental Assessment (EA) was prepared and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) has been issued. The EA and FONSI are available on our website https://flymemphis.com/environment/ or you can request a copy from Mr. James Hay, Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority, Director of Development at (901) 922-8224 or jhay@flymemphis.com . This project is funded under a grant contract with the State of Tennessee.

University of Memphis Department of Instruction and Curriculum Leadership Position: Clinical Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education with Emphasis in Urban Education Seeking to add a collaborative and innovative colleague for a full-time, nine (9) month, nontenure-track faculty position. Start Date is August 21, 2023. Review entire job posting at https://workforum.memphis.edu.

Pictured (l-r): Tiffany Byrd, supplier diversity administrative assistant; Alonzo Weaver, senior vice president, chief operating officer and chief utility officer; Jozelle Booker, MMBC Continuum president & CEO, Tamara Pate, supplier diversity coordinator; Renise Holliday, former supplier Diversity Coordinator; Randy Orsby, Procurement & Contracts Department Manager. (Photo: LCTCity Productions)

MLGW honors local businesses, employees at 25th annual Spark + Flames Awards

by Paula Anderson

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) held its 25th annual Spark + Flame Awards Nov. 3 at Downtown’s Halloran Center for Education and Performing Arts.

The event kicked off with a red carpet and reception for attendees to meet and greet before the awards ceremony.

Tamara Pate, MLGW supplier diversity coordinator and MLGW board member Leon Dickson served as co-hosts for the awards ceremony.

“This year, the Awards ceremony returned in person and acknowledged deserving MLGW staff along with certified minority, women and locally owned small businesses,” Pate said.

He continued, “The small business owners provided new insights regarding our projects, high quality products and services at competitive prices and are now ready to meet the challenges of other organizations.”

The award recipients included minority-owned businesses Pete Mitchell & Associates, W&T Contracting Corporation, Onyx Technology, and Tate Computer Systems.

Local owned business CTD Staffing, and woman-owned businesses Automotive Tool Group & Mason’s Professional Services.

The Lifetime Achievement award was presented to Jozelle Booker, president and CEO of the Mid-South Minority Business Council Continuum and a former MLGW diversity supplier officer, who began her career at MLGW in 1998.

“Receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award for Supplier Diversity from MLGW was a very humbling experience. When I entered the supplier diversity space over 25 years ago, I was accepting a position that I never imagined would become my life’s work and passion.

“I am not a native-born Memphian, but I am deeply rooted in this community and

NOTICE TO BIDDERS Shelby County Government has issued Sealed Bid number I000742A, Purchase of X-Ray Machines. Information regarding this Bid is located on the County’s website at www.shelbycountytn. gov . At the top of the home page, click on the dropdown box under “Business”, Click on “Purchasing” and “Bids” to locate the name of the above-described Sealed Bid. SEALED BID I000742A DUE DATE MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2022 AT 2:30 PM CDT (SB-I000742A), Purchase of X-Ray Machines Shelby County is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drug-free with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service.

By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Jozelle Booker - Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient committed to its growth and economic prosperity for all its citizens, my neighbors,” said Booker.

One of the minority-owned business recipients was Pete Mitchell & Associates, Inc. - a local insurance agency.

George Hillard, president of Pete Mitchell & Associates, Inc., said, “MLGW has given my company the opportunity over the years to provide insurance coverages and risk management services for multiple policies as a prime and subcontractor.”

Several MLGW employees also were recognized for their service and hard work.

Igniters award recipients were Randy Orsby, manager of procurement and contracts; Dr. Von Goodloe, vice-president of shared services, and Dana Jeanes, senior vice-president, chief financial officers and chief administrative officer (secretary-treasurer).

Lawyer Carlee McCullough, former MLGW board commissioner, and Renise Holiday, former supplier diversity coordinator received the Pioneer awards.

“MLGW continues to ensure that minority-owned, women-owned, and locally owned small businesses have maximum, practicable opportunity to participate in the procurement of goods and services with the division.

Currently, supplier diversity participation is 42 percent of MLGW’s total procurement spend, said Pate.

(Paula Anderson is a freelance business journalist. She can be reached at writingbydesign7@gmail.com.)

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: TABATHA RUBIN Tax Parcel #: 04800300000010 Tax Sale #: 1802 Price Offered: $3600.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice.

If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:00 a.m. on December 16, 2022, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: James Campbell Tax Parcel #: 02905400000230 Tax Sale #: 1802 Price Offered: $3,000.00 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 December 16, 2022, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: CHAMPS CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTORS, LLC Tax Parcel #: 09001900000440 Tax Sale #: 1701 Price Offered: $19500.00 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 December 16, 2022, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Leon K. Stevenson Tax Parcel #: 04201100000260 Tax Sale #: 704 Price Offered: $1013.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 1:00 p.m. on December 15, 2022, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

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

OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Tina Mulrooney Tax Parcel #: 06005800000130 Tax Sale #: 1703 Price Offered: $4300.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice.

If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:30 a.m. on December 15, 2022, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: ANDRES MEJIA Tax Parcel #: 06202300000280 Tax Sale #: 1802 Price Offered: $4600.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice.

If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:00 a.m. on December 15, 2022, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

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

Page 9

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: Leon K. Stevenson Tax Parcel #: 04002500000180 Tax Sale #: 1802 Price Offered: $600.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:30 a.m. on November 15, 2022, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Leon K. Stevenson Tax Parcel #: 04301900000090 Tax Sale #: 804 Price Offered: $1125.00 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 December 15, 2022, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

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

The New Tri-State Defender

November 17 - 23, 2022

ENTERTAINMENT

T:5.437"

PARTS TECHNICIAN. DISC JOCKEY. EARN A LIVING. MAKE A LIFE. Shanise Harrell

Memphis Parts Distribution Center gm.com/earn-a-living-make-a-life

©2022 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

Page 10

SPORTS

The New Tri-State Defender, November 17 - 23, 2022, Page 11

Brandon Clarke of the Grizzlies dunks on former teammate Kyle Anderson of the Timberwolves. (Photos: Warren Roseborough/The New Tri-State Defender)

Ja Morant drives to the basket and is fouled by DeAngelo Russell of the Timberwolves as Memphis beat Minnesota 114-103 at FedExForum on Nov. 13.

Morant’s 36-point explosion not enough for Grizzlies to beat Pelicans

NEW ORLEANS (AP) – C.J. McCollum scored 14 of his 30 points in the third quarter and the New Orleans Pelicans overcame Ja Morant’s 36-point effort to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 113-102 on Tuesday night.

McCollum had averaged just 9.5 points on 27 percent shooting in his previous four games, but he was 7 of 13 from long range to help make up for Zion Williamson’s scoring absence with the star forward out with a bruised right foot.

“I’ve been playing like crap lately and feeling like crap and shooting the ball really poorly, which is uncharacteristic,” McCollum said. “You’re going to make shots; you’re going to miss shots. My track

“We’ve just got to be able to finish in the paint and knock down open looks,.

That’s pretty much what we’ve been doing all season, which made us a good team offensively.”

— Ja Morant

record speaks for itself in how I work and how I perform. You just keep swimming.”

“You’ve got to tip your cap,” Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said.

“Obviously, they’ve got some lethal

scorers in McCollum, Ingram and their teammates did a good job tonight.”

Morant had a 24-point first half to power Memphis to a 60-59 lead. Morant did his damage driving into the paint and also from the outside, going 8 of 12 from the floor, including 2 of 3 from long range. He also made 6 of 8 from the foul line and had three first-half steals.

Dillon Brooks added 19 for Memphis.

But Morant wasn’t happy with his team’s 42-point second half.

“We’ve just got to be able to finish in the paint and knock down open looks,” he said. “That’s pretty much what we’ve been doing all season, which made us a good team offensively.”

TIP INS

• Grizzlies: F/C Jaren Jackson made his season debut after missing the first 14 games after right foot surgery. He looked rusty on 3-of-14 shooting.

• Memphis G/F Desmond Bane, averaging 24.7 points a game, was out with a sore right toe.

• Morant returned after missing Sunday’s loss at Washington with left ankle soreness.

UP NEXT Grizzlies: Host Oklahoma City on Friday night.

Tracking the Tigers’ bowl hopes…

Jaylon Allen of the Tigers tackles Jordan Ford of Tulsa. With a 5-5 record, Memphis needs a win to become bowl eligible and maintain their string of post-season appearances. (Photos: Warren Roseborough/The New TriState Defender)

Tyler Murray of the Tigers and his teammates celebrate after he comes up with an interception en route to helping Memphis beat Tulsa at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium last Thursday.

The New Tri-State Defender

November 17 - 23, 2022

11/11

Honoring those who serve

24/7

With over 200,000 veterans and service men and women reentering the workforce each year, Bank of America is supporting the unique needs of our heroes as they transition to civilian life and careers.

Some steps we’re taking to support veterans and military members: • Offering free online resources through BetterMoneyHabits.com on topics specific to them, from home buying to retirement • Expanding the number of financial centers near military installations to address the needs of military customers • Continuing our hiring momentum — more than 15% of our new hires are military veterans

My teammates and I here in Memphis are proud to support our military service men and women, especially as we celebrate Veterans Day. Thank you for your service.

Trevia Chatman President, Bank of America Memphis

What would you like the power to do?® Learn more at bankofamerica.com/memphis

Bank of America, Better Money Habits, Mejores Hábitos Financieros and the Bank of America logo are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation.

Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Credit Opportunity Lender © 2022 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

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