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November 18 - 24, 2021

VOL. 70, No. 46

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Robert S. White III – aka “Sam” – was steady and ready for his COVID-19 vaccine. (Courtesy photo)

Reminder: Doors still open to vaccinate the little ones by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Robert S. White III, better known as “Sam,” was among some of the first children in Shelby County to get the COVID-19 vaccine when it became available for youngsters from 5 to 11 years old. “Bobby and I wanted to make sure Sam was protected,” said Stephanie White, Sam’s mom. “We are both fully vaccinated, and we have taken booster shots.” When the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was first offered to children weeks ago, lines of eager parents with their children snaked along the sidewalk at Shelby County Health Department, 814 Jefferson Ave., even before the vaccination center was open. Those lines are no longer forming, but children are being vaccinated in steady numbers, say health officials. “We want to continue to encourage parents to bring their children in to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus,” said Dr. Bruce Randolph, medical officer at the Shelby County Health Department. “Many of the children are actually excited to be taking the vaccine. It’s like they get it. If they take the vaccine, things can get back to normal sooner.” Sam was certainly eager to get his vaccination, according to his mother. “We explained to him that it’s no different from getting shots for school,” said Stephanie White. “He and I sat down while he read through some information he researched. Sam told me, ‘Mommy, I want to get my vaccination.’ “It wasn’t available for kids at the time. But as soon as he found out children his age were now getting the vaccine, Sam was excited to receive his.” A whopping 1,000 children are slated to be vaccinated this Saturday (Nov. 20) on the grounds of the Shelby County Schools Board of Education. SCS and the health department have teamed up for a special COVID-19 vaccination event. “We had 1,000 slots, and every

SEE VACCINE ON PAGE 2

As word spread Wednesday afternoon that Young Dolph had been shot down, people flowed to the scene. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

Gunned down: Memphis rapper Young Dolph

by Brianna Smith-Herman Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Adolph Robert Thorton Jr. – known to most as rapper Young Dolph – now is known as yet another fatality in a struggle against gun violence that is testing the resolve of murder-marred Memphis. The 36-year-old rapper reportedly was making a purchase at Makeda’s Butter Cookies, 2370 Airways Blvd., when a car

drove up to the storefront and shots rang out on Wednesday afternoon. And in this age of social media, the news was transferred in an instant. “I was in the Family Dollar and heard about 50 shots rang out and immediately ran out and heard people saying, ‘they shot Dolph’,” a young woman conveyed live from her Facebook page. As fans of the rapper shared that his vehicle, a camouflage print Ferrari, was spotted in a parking lot near the scene, people

flowed to the area. At a late evening press conference, Memphis Police Department Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis cautioned about “some erroneous reports” on social media, adding that police were talking to witnesses and checking to see if there is any video of the fatal shooting. Dolph, who was seriously popular in some circles, had been involved in some very

SEE DOLPH ON PAGE 2

Young Dolph

No detention for Cummings shooter as guilty plea enters in criminal hearing by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Memphis Police Department Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis speaks Tuesday night at the Gun Violence Community Meeting held at The Pursuit of God Transformational Center in Frayser. Also engaging with the crowd was Shelby County Health Director Michelle Taylor (left). (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

Gun violence: In pursuit of an ending

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

As a series of forums about curbing gun violence unfold in Memphis, the bullets keep flying, punctuating the need, organizers say, for sustained, collective action that cannot come too soon. “I just got a call not 24 hours after last night’s gun violence meet-

ing that a local rapper just got shot,” said Stevie Moore, founder of Freedom From Unnecessary Negatives (FFUN). “At some point we’ve got to say enough is enough.” On Tuesday night (Nov. 16), the second of three-scheduled forums on gun violence drew hundreds to the Frayser area, where The Pursuit of

SEE GUN ON PAGE 2

A 13-year-old boy pleaded guilty Tuesday (Nov. 16) in Juvenile Court to charges stemming from his shooting of a fellow student at Cummings K-8 Optional School in September. The victim also was 13. The teen appeared diminutive and frail in juvenile detention blues during the virtual hearing. Charged with criminal attempt first-degree murder and related offenses, a guilty plea ended confinement for the defendant in the Shelby County Juvenile facility and opened a new chapter of life under a strict, rehabilitative and probationary regimen. Before proceedings began, Magistrate Mitzi Pollard admonished media representatives allowed in the courtroom that the shooter was not to

be named or, otherwise, identified in subsequent news stories. Cameras, cell phones and other recording devices were not allowed into the courtroom. Virtual participants appeared on a screen in boxed images transmitted from their various locations. Defense attorney Blake Ballin submitted a waiver of trial and admission of delinquency on behalf of the teen. Signatures had been signed by Ballin with the permission of both the defendant and his mother. “Mr. (defendant), by submitting this waiver of trial, you are pleading guilty to your charge. Is that what you want to do?” Pollard asked. “Yes, ma’am,” the teen said. In another question, the magistrate asked, “Mr. (teen), did you know that what you were doing was wrong at the time?”

SEE CUMMINGS ON PAGE 2

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The New Tri-State Defender

November 18 - 24, 2021

Page 2

NEWS VACCINE

DOLPH

one of them is taken,” said Randolph. “But families can still bring their children down to (the Health Department at) 814 Jefferson Ave. to receive the vaccine. We anticipate having more special events for children to get their vaccinations. Walgreen and CVS Pharmacies, pediatricians and primary care providers are also administering the vaccine.” Although the Pfizer vaccine for children is given in two shots, three weeks apart, the substance for tikes is a milder dosage and administered with a smaller needle. The vaccine is actually one-third the dose given to adolescents and adults. Clinical trials to test the children’s vaccine began in late July 2020. Test subjects were ages 12 and over. Participants, ages 12-15, numbered 2,259; and 754 were 16 and 17. Studies continued to test the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine in children younger than 12. The Whites felt that because Sam keeps such a vigorous schedule and is daily exposed to so many people, it was

public squabbles and that fact contributed to a general – but quite noticeable – sense of uneasiness that enveloped parts of the city on Wednesday. “The Memphis Police Department is providing an increased presence in areas of the city that might be directly impacted by this unfortunate incident,” said Davis. “We also encourage anyone with information about this incident to call Crime Stoppers at 901-528-2274.” Davis said there was no cause for a curfew. Born in Chicago, Young Dolph grew up in Memphis and started rapping as he got older, releasing his first mixtape, “Paper Route Campaign,” in 2008. As his profile grew, he began getting co-signs from rappers such as Gucci Mane and 2Chainz. He scored a major break in 2015 when featured on O.T. Genasis’ hit, “Cut It.” The next year he dropped his proper debut album, “King of Memphis.”

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

GUN

CONTINUED FROM FRONT God Transformational Center hosted a “Gun Violence Community Meeting.” Host Pastor Ricky Floyd welcomed law enforcement and community leaders, including Memphis Police Department Chief C.J. Davis and Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. The next afternoon, Davis and Bonner were responding to the high-profile fatal shooting of popular rapper Young Dolph, whose legal name is Adolph Robert Thornton Jr. In a released statement, Davis called the shooting “another example of the senseless gun violence” being experienced locally and across the

CUMMINGS

CONTINUED FROM FRONT “Yes,” the defendant answered. Under the plea agreement, the teen’s movements are restricted to home and school. He must also complete “intensive, in-home services” facilitated by Youth Villages. After intensive case management, intensive after-care must also be satisfactorily completed. “Cease fire class” must be completed, and the teen’s mother must participate, the magistrate said. Emory Hammond, the victim’s father, also attended the hearing. Hammond said because of “grace and mercy,”

Robert S. White III, better known as “Sam,” with his parents, Bobby White and Stephanie White. (Courtesy photo) wise to get him vaccinated as quickly as possible. Sam’s activities include piano, basketball, karate and book touring. Many will remember Sam rapping his way into viral stardom and “The Ellen Show with his video, “ABCs – What You Can Be.” The rap is now a book and Sam is now a published author. Parents bringing children in for vaccinations may also receive the adult shots, if they have not been vaccinated and wish to do so. (For more information, call: 901-222-9000.) nation. At an evening press conference, she said, “Too many families, too many mothers and too many fathers have suffered, and frankly I think we are all tired of it.” Bonner heard about the shooting while in Franklin, Tennessee, where he was convening as a member of the Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association legislative committee. “This is such a tragedy … just one more senseless killing,” Bonner told The New Tri-State Defender. At Tuesday’s forum, Bonner and the other principal speakers listened to the concerns of those who came out and weighed in. “Memphis, we can do better,” Bonner said. “But it’s going to take all of us. We have

to put aside all of our petty issues and come together as a community.” He lamented legislation that recently became law and that he views as having opened the door for even more guns in circulation. “People will just pull the trigger because they think this is the way to resolve problems,” Bonner said. “This killing has got to stop.” Davis told the crowd Memphis police are committed to working with the community to find solutions. She echoed that on Wednesday evening. “We are committed to working with the community to stop these senseless murders. We are also committed to bringing those responsible for this (the Young Dolph) shooting and

his son survived, and Hammond wanted to see that same grace and mercy given to the shooter. Pollard acknowledged Hammond’s presence and gave him the opportunity to address the court, but he declined comment. According to Hammond, the shooter and his son had been fighting for several days. On the morning Hammond’s son was shot, the two teens were supposed to meet in the hall of the Soulville-area school in South Memphis to fight again. Somehow, the teens ended up alone in a stairwell, where the shooter pulled a gun and shot the victim in his abdomen. The shooter fled the scene in a waiting vehicle outside. Eventually, he turned himself

in to police, identifying himself as the person who had shot a student. Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dr. Joris Ray got the mother of the shooter together with the parents of the victim and prayed with them. The moment was extraordinary. Hammond said, “In the midst of accountability, I want us to remember mercy.” Hammond said the shooting was a wake-up call for him to step up and be a better father. After the teen’s first hearing on Oct. 1, he just wanted to go back home with his mother. And so, he did. “Good luck to you, Mr. (teen),” Pollard said, before adjourning court.

Fast with a punchline and boast, he could also be brutally honest about topics such as violence or growing up with parents who struggled with addiction. Some mistakenly took his song, “In My System,” as a celebration of drug use. He set the record straight in a 2017 interview with Rolling Stone: “It’s really me describing where I come from, my background, and who made me and how I was made,” he said. “It’s my mama and daddy. I got the cocaine running through my system because, like, I was saying that’s what my mama and daddy did. That’s what they was on. That’s what they was into.” Dolph was no stranger to controversy, including a feud with fellow Memphis rapper Yo Gotti. Not long after he released a video for his Yo Gotti diss track “Play Wit Yo B***h” in February 2017, over 100 shots were fired at his bulletproof SUV while in Charlotte, North Carolina. Unharmed, he released a single, “100 Shots,” a few

months later. In September of that year, he was hospitalized after being shot multiple times outside of The Shoe Palace in Hollywood. In 2019, he was the victim of a burglary. According to ABC News, his Mercedes-Benz was broken into while he was in a Cracker Barrel in Atlanta, with assailants reportedly taking off with items worth millions. His success projects as a rapper include “Role Model, Dum and Dummer” in 2018 with fellow Memphis rapper Key Glock. He also scored popular singles with “Major,” featuring Key Glock, and “RNB,” featuring Megan Thee Stallion. Throughout his career, Dolph maintained his independence, releasing albums and mixtapes via his own Paper Route Empire label. Synonymous with Memphis, he celebrated the city and its hip-hop history, once saying, “Memphis created a lot of the sound that’s going on in today’s rap. Our flow, our whole delivery, everything, it’s just the style of Memphis.”

For some, he was the good guy responsible for handing out turkeys around Thanksgiving and donating money to his former high school. With 4.6 million-plus followers on Instagram, many flooded the platform to share their condolences. “To most, he was a rapper from the city, but Adolph was much more than just a rapper,” said Lindsay Porter. “He did a lot for his neighborhood and his city. They took him out in his own hood, where he feeds families and puts money in families’ pockets to help them get on their feet – a real family man. All the schools, kids and families he’s helped, and they took him out in South Memphis. … Sad day for the city.” Makeda’s Cookies featured this post: “We are heartbroken and saddened by the passing of Young Dolph … He was a regular customer and loved Makeda’s Cookies. Our hearts and condolences go out to his family.”

other shootings to justice. We also encourage anyone with information about this incident to call Crime Stoppers at 901-528-2274.” Moore said he would like to see 5,000 people coming together downtown, making a stand against gun violence. “These young men and women have their whole lives ahead of them,” said Moore. “And they are just shooting each other. I was feeling really good about the meeting we had on Tuesday evening, and the very next day, someone

guns down this young man. “And we have another meeting on Thursday evening at Riverside Baptist Church. We must keep talking about how we can fight gun violence.” Bonner agreed that conversations must be ongoing. He also put emphasis on dealing with mental health, calling it “our community’s dirty, little secret.” “If we know someone needs help with a mental issue, we have to say something so that resources may be brought to bear to assist them,” Bonner

said. “Before some tragedy happens is the time to speak up. Mental issues are sometimes a factor in gun violence.” Addressing the media Wednesday evening in the wake of Young Dolph’s killing, Davis said, “My heart goes out to the Thornton family and everyone who was affected by this horrific act of violence. We strongly encourage everyone to stay home if you do not have to be out. We also encourage everyone to remain calm as we actively perform our investigation.”

(John Semien contributed to this report.)

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The New Tri-State Defender

November 18 - 24, 2021

Page 3

NEWS

2 men set to be cleared in the 1965 killing of Malcolm X by Jenifer Peltz The Associated Press

NEW YORK – Two of the three men convicted in the assassination of Malcolm X are set to be cleared Thursday after insisting on their innocence since the 1965 killing of one of the United States’ most formidable fighters for civil rights, their lawyers and Manhattan’s top prosecutor said Wednesday. A nearly two-year-long re-investigation found that authorities withheld evidence favorable to the defense in the trial of Muhammad Aziz, now 83, and the late Khalil Islam, said their attorneys, the Innocence Project and civil rights lawyer David Shanies. Aziz called his conviction “the result of a process that was corrupt to its core – one that is all too familiar” even today. “I do not need a court, prosecutors or a piece of paper to tell me I am innocent,” he said in a statement. But he said he was glad his family, friends and lawyers would get to see “the truth we have all known, officially recognized.” He urged the criminal justice system to “take responsibility for the immeasurable harm it caused me.” Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. tweeted that his office would join the men’s attorneys in asking a judge

Thursday to toss out the convictions. “These men did not get the justice that they deserved,” Vance told The New York Times, which first reported on the developments. Innocence Project co-founder Barry Scheck called the case “one of the most blatant miscarriages of justice that I have ever seen.” One of the civil rights era’s most controversial and compelling figures, Malcolm X rose to fame as the Nation of Islam’s chief spokesperson, proclaiming the Black Muslim organization’s message at the time: racial separatism as a road to self-actualization. He famously urged Black people to claim civil rights “by any means necessary” and referred to white people as “blueeyed devils,” and he later denounced racism. About a year before his death, he split from the Nation of Islam and later made a pilgrimage to Mecca, returning with a new view of the potential for racial unity. Some in the Nation of Islam saw him as a traitor. At age 39, he was gunned down as he began a speech in Harlem’s Audubon Ballroom on Feb. 21, 1965. Aziz, Islam and a third man, Mujahid Abdul Halim – also known as Talmadge Hayer and Thomas Hagan – were convicted of murder in March

Muhammad Aziz, a suspect in the slaying of Malcolm X, is escorted by detectives at police headquarters after his arrest in New York, Feb. 26, 1965. Along with Khalil Islam, Aziz, previously known as Norman 3XButler, is set to be cleared. (AP Photo, File)

Khalil Islam (center) is booked as the third suspect in the slaying of Malcolm X in New York, March 3, 1965. Islam, previously known as Thomas 15X Johnson, one of two men convicted in the assassination of Malcolm X, is set to be cleared after more than half a century, with prosecutors now saying authorities withheld evidence in the civil rights leader’s killing, according to a news report Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021. Detective John Keeley is at right. (AP Photo, File) 1966 and sentenced to life in prison. Hagan said he was one of three gunmen who shot Malcolm X, but he testified that neither Aziz nor Islam was involved. The two, then known as Norman 3X Butler and Thomas 15X Johnson, maintained throughout that they were innocent and offered alibis at their 1966 trial. No physical evidence linked them to the crime. “Thomas 15 Johnson and Norman 3X Butler had nothing to do with this crime whatsoever,” Hagan said in a sworn statement in 1977. Hagan was paroled in 2010.

A message was left Wednesday at a phone number he had when paroled. He identified two other men as gunmen, but no one else was ever arrested. According to The New York Times, the re-investigation found the FBI had documents that pointed to other suspects, and a still-living witness supported Aziz’s alibi – that he was at home with a leg injury at the time of the shooting. The witness, whom authorities had never interviewed before and was identified only by the initials “J.M.,” said he spoke to Aziz on the latter’s home phone the day of the

killing, the newspaper said. Also, the review found that prosecutors knew about but didn’t disclose that undercover officers were in the ballroom when the gunfire erupted, and police knew that someone had called the Daily News of New York earlier that day saying that Malcolm X would be killed. The New York Police Department and the FBI said Wednesday that they had cooperated fully with the re-investigation, and they declined to comment further. Aziz was released in 1985. Islam was released two years later and died in 2009. Both continued to press to clear their names. “I did not kill Malcolm X,” Aziz said at a news conference in 1998, after the Nation of Islam tapped him to run the mosque where the slain leader had preached. A decade later, Islam told a gathering at a Harlem bookstore: “I need to be exonerated. I had to walk 22 years in

prison.” And after their release, he and Aziz lived under the cloud of being Malcolm X’s supposed assassins. “Exonerating these men is a righteous and well-deserved affirmation of their true character,” Shanies said in a statement. Deborah Francois, a counsel in his office, called the convictions “the product of gross official misconduct and a criminal justice system weighed against people of color.” The Manhattan district attorney’s office publicly acknowledged it was considering reopening the case after Netflix aired the documentary series “Who Killed Malcom X?” last year. The series explored a theory by scholars that the two men were innocent and that some of the real killers had escaped. (Associated Press writers Michael R. Sisak and Karen Matthews contributed to this report.)

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PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, November 18 - 24, 2021, Page 4

Creating an AEP formula that is fair, easy to understand, equitable, and promotes high performance would be a monumental task. But this is an excellent opportunity for state leaders to make a definitive statement about the high value we place on public education in our state.

Change the funding formula from BEP to AEP; then fund schools accordingly highest-paid educators in the nation. Create an Advance Education Program (AEP) funding Special to The New Tri-State Defender formula that (1) reflects the high value we place on our teachers, (2) provides the resources school leaders need to Our governor Bill Lee and state legislators are starting achieve high (not just basic) levels of performance and (3) to tinker again with Tennessee’s school funding formula. that incentivizes and hold schools accountable for achievSo, what are they up to? Why now? What is going on? ing such results. Those are all excellent questions. And for now, we only That sounds like a great idea to me, especially while our have partial answers. again, as always, be winners and losers at the conclusion budget coffers are flushed with federal covid relief dollars But how we fund education in our of this journey. and higher-than-expected tax revenue. state is one of the most important conSo, since we are moving forward with this process of Creating an AEP formula that is fair, easy to understand, versations we can have. According reimagining our complicated and antiquated school fundequitable and promotes high performance would be a to the state budget, combined with ing apparatus, why not start by changing the name of the monumental task. federal and other funding sources, funding formula from BEP (Basic Education Program) to But this is an excellent opportunity for state leaders to the state spends about $6.9 billion on AEP (Advanced Education Program) and fund schools acmake a definitive statement about the high value we place K-12 education, the single largest excordingly. on public education in our state. pense category in the state budget. In other words, let’s reset the expectations for our Though both Gov. Lee and Commissioner Schwinn Tennessee spends about $10,894 schools and fund them in a manner that reflects the high have declined to give specific reasons why the state is unper pupil, which is about $4,000 less expectations and the advanced level of performance we Curtis dergoing this review at this particular time, keep in mind per pupil than the national average, Weathers expect from our students and educators. politics is always lurking in the background. according to the Education Law CenFor example, right now, we are funding schools at a very Gov. Lee is approaching a 2022 re-election campaign, ter. basic, minimal level. and a longstanding lawsuit filed against the state about edTennessee’s current BEP (Basic Education Program) Tennessee has one of the lowest per-pupil expenditures ucation funding, by Tennessee’s two largest metro areas, formula was created in Davidson and Shelby coun1992 through the Educaties, is scheduled to go to trition Improvement Act unal early next year. der then-governor Ned And lastly, Gov. Lee has McWherter. been touting a student-cenIt consists of a mind-bogtered funding approach as a gling 46 components the possible framework to adstate uses to determine how dress the funding issue. This much money schools get for type of funding takes into expenditures such as teacher consideration each student’s salaries, books and transporneeds, circumstances and tation, for example. learning path, and supposedThe formula was last uply provides greater levels of dated in 2007 by former accountability. governor Phil Bredesen, but But student-centered later, under governor Bill funding also allows money Haslam, parts of that update to follow a child to his or were rolled back. her school based on the stuSo how will this new effort dent’s needs. Such a model to change the BEP impact could potentially pave the schools? Students? way for Tennessee to launch Well, many believe that a private-school voucher whatever happens, any type program, which I’m sure is of significant changes to our appealing to Gov. Lee and funding formula will have other voucher advocates ripple effects across the state Tennessee Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn weighs in after Gov. Bill Lee says it is time to throughout the state. at every level of our K-12 proceed with a full review of the state’s K-12 public funding of education. (Screen capture) So, let’s keep an eye on educational system. Gov. this process as it continues to Lee and state Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn in the nation. As a result, the average public school teacher unfold. This is an opportunity to fix a broken system as both have emphasized the importance of making sure that salary in Tennessee is about $54,251, but the range typilong as people have genuine motives guiding the work. school systems throughout the state, when this process is cally falls between $47,362 and $62,629, which is among Stay safe everyone! all said and done, do not end up with less funding than the lowest in the nation. they started with. You want better educational results? Then maybe we (Follow TSD education columnist Curtis Weathers on But there are no simple fixes and, in spite of Schwinn should raise the performance expectations for our teach- Twitter (@curtisweathers); email: curtislweathers@ and Lee’s aspirational hopes, most believe there will ers and pay them accordingly by making them among the gmail.com.)

by Curtis Weathers

You want better educational results? Then maybe we should raise the performance expectations for our teachers and pay them accordingly by making them among the highest-paid educators in the nation. Information • Inspiration • Elevation Published by Best Media Properties, Inc.

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The New Tri-State Defender

November 18 - 24, 2021

Page 5

RELIGION COMMENTARY

God is good to Chadney! by Vincent L. Hall NNPA Newswire

Most times, I indulge in a process I call a “parallel didactic.” My parallel didactics attempt to tell two stories at the same time and do both of them justice. The truth is, I got a little ADHD and can’t stay on one subject. So, this is a two-tracked story about a song and the phenomenal woman who introduced me to it. Chadney Christle, for lack of a more lucid term, is a beast. She is a rare combination of vocals, verve and virtue that culminates in the purest form of musical performance and worship. Now I admit that I have a penchant for full-figured women with broad smiles and strong lungs. Chadney fits my fancy! She can rattle that raspy refined contralto like Lela Hathaway. However, she can utter the dulcet tones and croon like Kim Burrell. Chadney can go satin or sackcloth, but she will “go in.” She is a well-rounded musician, who can traverse more than a couple of instruments and can blend and balance her own background vocals. If Prince Rogers Nelson had a sidekick, her name would be Chadney. Miss Christle sang BGV’s (that’s background vocals for you ushers and missionary leaders) with gospel-recording artist Kim Washington and George Huff of “American Idol” fame for Jennifer Hudson. Their performance on “The Jefferson’s” remake featuring Jamie Foxx landed Emmy awards for each of them. As a lifelong Baptist, who learned to crawl in my grandfather’s parsonage, I appreciate her Church of God in Christ roots.

‘God is Good’ May your struggles keep you near the cross And may your troubles show that you need God And may your battles end the way they should And may your bad days prove that God is good And may your whole life prove that God is good – Jonathan McReynolds COGIC was generally misunderstood by the “mainstream Black Church.” However, no one can deny their passion for ministry, praise and worship. The same holy dance, tambourine beating and loud hallelujahs Vincent Baptists used to scoff L. Hall at is now considered “good church.” Chadney brings the fire with a “Holy Ghost” anointing and earnest spirit that goes past performance to prophetic postulation. In other words, it ain’t just a show; she sings a gospel that she know! (sic) When she presented us with this worship song, “God is Good,” it beckoned me to look deeper. Worship music ought to make you look into your own soul. This song did. The late Dr. Manuel L. Scott Sr., former pastor of the Saint John Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas, was famous for his

When she presented us with this worship song, “God is Good,” it beckoned me to look deeper. Worship music ought to make you look into your own soul. This song did. (Photo: Official Chadney Christle / Facebook) sayings and admonitions. For example, he would often warn us to be careful “because every man and woman is carrying a heavy load.” He said that before COVID-19, and it would serve us to remember that as we walk among one another. We have witnessed more deaths, sudden deaths and early deaths than we have ever imagined. Between this pandemic and the usual march of what my grandmother called “The Death Angel,” most of us are devastated whether we realize it or not. This song, prayer, doxology speaks to God being in the midst of our struggles, troubles, and battles. Moreover, it teaches us to hold fast to our faith. “May your bad days prove that God is Good.” That was a sermon for me and maybe for some others. Chadney and I spoke about it and agreed that the last stanza took a turn that must not be missed or

glossed over. “Let your whole life prove that God is good!” The first four stanzas are all about personal hardships. The last one points to your obituary.“Let your whole life prove that God is good!” The last caveat is satisfied by the goodness and blessings we bestow on others. The two-minute song seems simple enough, but it is more profound and paradoxical than most can truly fathom. This “parallel didactic” was meant to bring both Chadney and this song to your attention. It was designed to help you appreciate God, even in your worst times. God has been good to me, Chadney and to you! #imbouttoshout (This column by Vincent L. Hall – an author, activist and award-winning columnist – appeared ﬁrst in the Texas Metro News.)

A spiritual report … Mt. Olive Cathedral C.M.E. Church, 538 M.L. King Jr. Ave., was the venue last Saturday (Nov. 13) for the First Episcopal District’s Trinity Fall Virtual Reporting meeting. Pictured with Bishop Henry M. Williamson are Bethel Harris, Claude Bass, Wayne Williams, Ronald Williams and Peris J. Lester I. Below: The Rev. Versie Easter of Forrest City, Arkansas commands attention. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)

Still standing strong … Pastor Steven Turner (right) of Pentecostal Baptist Church was the guest speaker as the Rev. Derrick D. Davis (left) and Tabernacle of Praise Missionary Baptist Church celebrated the church’s 18th anniversary last Sunday (Nov. 14). (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

The New Tri-State Defender, November 18 - 24, 2021, Page 6

PROOF THAT MUSIC OPENS DOORS

‘Garry Goin Presents’ set to debut with ‘A Tribute to Ray Parker Jr.’ by Candace Gray

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Veteran musician and long-time Memphian, Garry Goin, is cultivating an amazing career, replete with inspiration, once-in-a-lifetime performances and divine intervention. When the global pandemic hit, Goin, the Memphis Grizzlies House Band musical director, like most musicians, saw a dramatic reduction in income and found himself needing to make a different move. During those challenging times, Goin had an epiphany that would set the course for the next phase in his career: Garry Goin Presents. The first installment in this proprietary music production series, Garry Goin Presents: A Tribute to Ray Parker Jr., is set for Saturday, (Nov. 20) at 7:30 p.m. at the Halloran Centre for Performing Arts & Education next door to the Orpheum Theatre. (Go to Orpheum-Memphis.com for tickets, which are $47, plus fees.) Goin’s journey to here was a long and winding road that started with a friendly bet, a barter and an Elvis movie. Goin recalled the scene: He and his brother Richard (two of five boys in the Goin clan) were watching a movie with his Uncle Tommy. A puffed-up Richard bet he could sing and play just like Elvis if their uncle would buy him a guitar. He bought the guitar. Anxious but trepid, Goin knew he wanted that guitar and offered Richard a trade – Richard’s guitar for Garry’s stylish shirt the older brother had been eyeing for quite some time. After playing around on the guitar one day, Goin had the courage to ask his mom, affectionately known as Mama Jean, if she’d pay for him to get guitar lessons. Without hesitation, she said yes. “And we were poor,” said Goin. “She could have easily said no, and that would have been understandable. But that ‘yes’ changed the course of my life!” So, on a city bus, he was off to his first guitar lesson. “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” would be the first song a 16-year-old Goin would learn at his first lesson. “At the end of the lesson, I jumped out of the chair and said ‘Man, that’s magic!’,” Goin exclaimed. He knew something had ignited inside of him and, at that moment, on the bus ride home, he knew what he would do for the rest of his life – music. Suddenly, this bashful kid from Cleveland, Ohio had found his voice. He couldn’t get enough of it, practicing guitar at least four hours a day. “That guitar was my opening, eye-opening, LIFE-opening,” Goin recalled, thinking. “This is going to take me where I need to go!” A guitar opened the door Goin’s career took off. He has played with some of the best in the business, including Stevie Wonder, David Porter, Howard Hewett (Shalamar) and Kirk Whalum – all mentors and sources of inspiration – and so many more high caliber artists across the U.S. and the world. But what began as a career in guitar performance gradually evolved to include music production, engineering, writing, artist management and show production. Inspired by musical icons Berry Gordy, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, The Beatles and Prince, Goin always has been mesmerized by these artists’ ability to tell a story and make people part of their world. “Ray Charles had the ability to pull you into his story and before, you knew it, you’re part of the story,” Goin said. “Aretha did that, too. Like on “Dr. Feelgood” – you could see the picture, just by listening to her. And Ray Parker Jr., does this, too, and does it well!” Parker also an inspiration and good friend to Goin, is an artist who creatively blends lyrics, melodies and music to tell an amazing story. That is why he was chosen to inaugurate Goin’s carefully curated tribute series. Parker is most notably recognized for his cowriting and production with Chaka Kahn on “You Got the Love,” New Edition on “Mr. Telephone Man,” Holland-Dozier-Holland on “Want Ads,” and the iconic “Ghostbusters” theme song. (The new “Ghostbusters” movie, “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” will be released Friday (Nov. 19). Parker will be in Memphis for this show Saturday (Nov. 20), then fly to Los Angeles for a Ghostbusters World Tour.) This one-of-a-kind, 90-minute show will feature story-telling between Goin and Parker, videos about Parker’s career in music and film, and live music played and sang by Parker, Goin and Memphis musicians who work with Christina Aguilera, Stephanie Mills and Stevie Wonder. According to Goin, “Ray loves Memphis and has a huge respect for Memphis music.” (Learn more at Orpheum-Memphis.com. Follow Garry on social media @GarryGoin.)

Garry Goin is ready to move forward with “Garry Goin Presents: A Tribute to Ray Parker Jr.” It is set for Saturday, (Nov. 20) at 7:30 p.m. at the Halloran Centre for Performing Arts & Education. (Courtesy photo)

Garry Goin (left) and David Porter. (Courtesy photo) Ray Parker Jr. is the first artist to be featured in the series “Garry Goin Presents.”

Garry Goin (left) and Kirk Whalum. (Courtesy photo)

The New Tri-State Defender

November 18 - 24, 2021

Page 7

ENTERTAINMENT BOOK REVIEW There’s some fêting of African American women in this book but mostly, author Zeba Blay (who is credited for first using the hashtag #carefreeblackgirls) writes about the many ways that a Black woman can be perceived negatively or even in ways that are harmful.

Many people don’t understand: ‘Black women are everything’ by Terri Schlichenmeyer Special to The Tri-State Defender

You used to like to skip. Filled with delight, you danced down the sidewalk, not minding at all who was watching. Back then, your body moved with exuberance, your legs took you everywhere fast, you jumped and rolled and reached and it was joyful. So, what happened between then and now that keeps you from that happiness? As in the new book “Carefree Black Girls” by Zeba Blay, you became a Black woman. Over the course of the last few years, Zeba Blay says she’s felt as though she was “spiraling,” emotionally. Outside forces, politics, racial issues, violence, misogyny affected her so strongly that she became reclusive and, she says, “attempted to take my own life, twice.” As a writer, she “constantly, maybe even obsessively” thinks “about what it means to be a Black woman” today. What she came to realize about the subject is something that many people don’t understand: “Black women are everything.” They are cele-

brated, emulated in fashion and song, they are teachers, influencers, designers, trend-setters, activists, and sometimes, their stories aren’t told or are told in ways that are wrong. Despite, for instance, that Lizzo is obviously comfortable in her own body, too many people still openly fat-shame her and other Black women for their size. The old trope about Black women being “freaks” goes back to slavery and today, it’s harming relationships. Black girls’ experience is stereotyped, and Black women have such a reputation of being “strong” that some are afraid of showing vulnerability. Black women aren’t just judged on the color of their skin, they’re judged by the darkness and lightness of it, and if this sounds angry, well, that’s another subject: why are “angry Black women” so stereotyped? Either way, for many Black women, it’s like walking on eggshells, always “acutely aware of the confinements of (an) existence... that others do not have...” Take a good look at the subtitle of “Carefree Black Girls.” See the indication of a “celebration?”

“Carefree Black Girls: A Celebration of Black Women in Popular Culture” by Zeba Blay c. 2021, St. Martin’s Press $16.99 / $22.99 Canada 260 pages If that’s what you’re looking for – a confetti-and-cake gala about the achievements of Black women – you’re going to be disappointed. Nope, there’s some fêting of African American women in this book but mostly, author Zeba Blay (who is credited for first using the hashtag #carefreeblackgirls) writes about the many ways that a Black woman can be perceived negatively or even in

Zeba Blay ways that are harmful. There’s no celebration in that, as Blay shows. Using her own experiences as guiderails, she points out many of the ways society fails to give Black women the respect they deserve, instead heaping criticism or worse, often when they’re just living their lives. Alas, Blay doesn’t offer much that can be done to counter this, although her list of “moments

when I felt truly free” may give some hints. But will readers just be frustrated by then? It’s possible; although achievements are mentioned and portraits of influential Black women are included, the “celebration” is smaller than you might expect. You may love “Carefree Black Girls” or it may be something you’ll decide to skip.

COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, November 18 - 24, 2021, Page 8

CodeCrew is headed to schools with tech in mind by Najee El-Amin

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Memphis-based tech organization CodeCrew has been awarded nearly $1 million towards implementing computer science programs in the state’s school districts. Teaming up with CSforALL, the pair was able to acquire the threeyear grant from the National Science Foundation in late October. The funds will be utilized to create opportunities for local K-12 facilitator training throughout Tennessee. The duo will begin what they call the SCRIPT (Strategic CSforALL Resource and Implementation Planning Tool), which intends to bring attention to the benefits and value of a computer science curricula. Beginning in the spring of 2022, CodeCrew will lead a series of workshops that will educate district administrators, school leaders and other educators on how to administer SCRIPT. CodeCrew’s most recent accomplishment has garnered the attention of officials throughout the state. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee took time to weigh in on impressive achievement. “The jobs of today and tomorrow increasingly rely on technology,” said Lee. “This NSF grant and its focus on preparing school districts across the state to teach computer science aligns closely with our Future Workforce Initiative. With both of these innovative initiatives statewide, we intend to make Tennessee a top state for job creation in STEM.” CodeCrew has served the community for more than half a decade and have been making waves throughout its tenure. Early this year, a trio of CodeCrew’s top scholars were selected as the winners of Tennessee Congressional App challenge and have received strong national attention. In June, CodeCrew also was able to launch The Code Collective initiative with the help of the NBA Foundation. The program trained young adults on the fundamentals of software development and provided the students with a monthly stipend as a bonus. CodeCrew was one of only nine organizations the NBA Foundation selected for grant funding. CodeCrew Executive Director Meka Egwuekwe has been leading the charge since the beginning and recognizes the weight this new opportunity carries with it. “Our work will increase and positively impact computer science education on a statewide level,” said Egwuekwe.“Computer science education is foundational, and this grant CodeCrew Executive will help ensure Director we are strategic Meka as we guide Ten- Egwuekwe nessee school districts in bringing the incredible value of computer science education to our state’s students.” The grant is the second recent piece of good news for CodeCrew. Earlier this month, it was announced that the organization is moving its headquarters to the University of Memphis Research Foundation (UMRF) Research Park. “One of the main goals of the research park is to connect, collaborate and share resources with innovative entrepreneurial companies,” said Dr. Jasbir Dhaliwal, U of M executive vice president for Research & Innovation. “We’re proud to support organizations like CodeCrew to help further their mission of connecting underrepresented youth in Memphis to career pathways in technology,” Dhaliwal said.

Council gains more say-so on pipelines with ordinance

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defenderl

Memphis City Council members Tuesday (Nov. 16) strengthened their hand against future pipeline developments after unanimously passing a long-awaited rights-of-way ordinance that gives the body final say on future underground infrastructure projects. “The right-of-way ordinance regulates every street and right of way in the city. It completely covers the universe of potential routes that any kind of pipeline or any kind of utility can use. It cannot go forward without your consent,” said council attorney Allan Wade. “I’m always jealously protecting your authority and this gives you complete authority to make the decision about where utilities are located.” However, the most stringent of pipeline opponents didn’t get everything on their anti-pipeline wish list

after the council rejected a lingering joint ordinance with the county. That ordinance would have prohibited oil pipelines construction within 1,500 feet of schools, churches, parks and recreation areas. Wade felt it redundant and said it could also weaken the right-of-way ordinance. Several council members agreed. It was the third and final reading for both ordinances. Several Memphians spoke in support of both ordinances before votes were held, including activists prominent in the anti-pipeline efforts. “The truth is this, if another crude oil pipeline was coming, we know which community they would try to go through,” said Justin Pearson, co-founder of Community Against the Pipeline. “We know what the demographic would be. We know what the finances of those people are. “And the only folks who can create that power, who can say, ‘If you want to come here, you gotta come through us,’ is this group (the coun-

cil) right here,” said Pearson, as he gestured towards the council members. “So, we need you to use all your power, don’t just use half of it.” The movement was spawned from the proposed Byhalia Pipeline project. Texas-based Plains All-American ultimately pulled out in the summer after staunch opposition. It was considered by many to be a threat to the Memphis Sands Aquifer, the city’s main source of fresh water. It also would have run through primarily Black neighborhoods in Southwest Memphis. The rights-of-way ordinance had been amended since the last meeting on Nov. 2. Some of the concerns that welled up were protecting existing underground pipes – gas mains, water mains, sewer, stormwater and telecom. It also spells out other worries like bonding and oversight. “There was some concern that pipeline companies don’t provide bonding, don’t provide insurance. This provides all of that. It also provides intensive oversight by our en-

gineering department in terms of location and types of materials,” added Wade. A general, broadened definition for utilities was also settled on. There was some concern that an ordinance that dealt strictly with crude oil pipelines could give companies such as Texas-based Plains All American Pipeline an opening to claim the ordinance was discriminatory. “So, that eliminates any argument that I didn’t do it before. That public utilities have some innate right to condemnation,” said Wade. “This ordinance doesn’t just deal with oil pipelines, it deals with all utilities ... electric, gas, wind, water, steam – all types of utilities that use pipelines. “Therefore, I think it is more defensible. Because it is not singularly targeted, it can withstand an equal protection challenge, which there is case law in Tennessee and in federal courts where you target a particular industry. You have the burden of proving that is not discriminatory.”

Liberty Bank’s mission amplified at Robert R. Church Awards by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Hundreds turned out – in person – Wednesday (Nov. 17) for the MidSouth Minority Business Council Continuum’s 2021 presentation of the Robert R. Church Sr. Achievement Awards Luncheon. Last year’s event was a scaleddown version of the luncheon because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The luncheon’s keynote speaker was Angel Price, regional director of Commercial Lending & Business Development for Liberty Bank, which recently purchased Memphis landmark Tri-State Bank. She shared Liberty’s vision for elevating the financial outlook of Memphians in minority and underserved communities. Accounting for Tri-State Banks $100 million in assets, Liberty now has total assets of $1 billion. “How did we get to a billion dollars?” Price asked. “We achieved that milestone through merger and acquisition, laid a charter in 1972 with only $2 million. We established a presence in Baton Rouge…then in Jackson, MS, and the Greater Kansas City, MO, Market…” Liberty is “more than just a bank,” said Price. “We are a member of the CDFI, Community Development Financial Institution.…Because I am from this community, I feel a responsibility to figure it out…” Price said low credit scores and low-income present challenges to minority businesses and families who have in the past resorted to predatory lenders. Liberty’s focus will be on “figuring it out” for the disadvantaged trying to buy homes and fund businesses. “With the acquisition of Tri-State Bank, I am, in my own way, continuing the work that was started by so many people before me,” said Price. “I stand on the shoulders of Robert R. Church. I stand on the shoulders of Dr. J.E. Walker…and I am excited to pass on the work that they started.” MMBC Continuum Board Chair, Pastor Keith Norman, touted the benefits of entrepreneurial enterprises and encouraged others to think in terms of creating their own business opportunities. “Moving forward together and po-

The Tennessee Valley Authority was named Corporation of the Year at the Robert R. Church Sr. Achievement Awards Luncheon. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)

MMBC Continuum Executive Director Jozelle Booker (left) with Angel Price, regional director of Commercial Lending & Business Development for Liberty Bank and the guest speaker at the Robert R. Church Sr. Achievement Awards Luncheon. sitioning the Memphis community, and elevating all people to a place … where not only will those who serve the meals be able to enjoy them, those who clean the houses are able to live in them,” Norman said. “The MMBC Continuum and the Tennessee Minority Business Devel-

opment Business Center, we’re focused on insuring that you have those opportunities … and that you’re not just laboring on behalf of others. But that the fruit of your labor, the rewards of your labor … will benefit even the generations to come.” MMBC Continuum Executive Di-

rector Jozelle Booker touted the organization’s work to support minority-owned businesses in Memphis. The awards were named for the late business leader and philanthropist Robert R. Church Sr., who is renowned as the first African-American millionaire in the South. The Tennessee Valley Authority was named Corporation of the Year from a finalists’ group that also featured Shelby County Schools and Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare. Others honored were: • MBDA (Minority Business Development Agency) Business of the Year –Castle Black Construction, Inc. Finalists in the running were Fresh Start Facility Services, Inc., and Unistar-Sparco Computers, Inc. • Scalable M/WBE (Minority/ Women Business Enterprise) Business of the Year – ACTION Janitorial Paper Safety, which competed with finalists Electronic Responsible Recyclers, LLC and The Ransomed Group, Inc. • M/WBE Quality Assurance Business of the Year – ACTION Janitorial Paper Safety. Finalists were Oteka Technologies and SKB Facilities & Maintenance Inc.

The New Tri-State Defender

November 18 - 24, 2021

Page 9

NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS

Entrepreneur Training Institute celebrates inaugural graduation

NOTICE TO BIDDERS Shelby County Government has issued Sealed Bid number I000706, Shady Oaks Pump Station Improvements. 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.

TSD Newsroom “We don’t help you FIND a job; we help you MAKE one.” That’s the tag line for the Entrepreneur Training Institute (EPI), which held its first graduation ceremony – a hybrid event with some attending virtually – last Saturday (Nov. 13). Founded in 2018 by Beverly H. Anderson, EPI’s mission is to provide entrepreneurs with the training, education and opportunities needed along their journey to personal and entrepreneurial success. Anderson said EPI seeks those that are “unemployed, underemployed or unemployable looking to provide a better quality of life for themselves and their families. Now more than ever, people are finding themselves unemployed, underemployed, unemployable or even looking for a way to earn additional income with a self-employment venture.” EPI offers classes in three

SEALED BID I000706 DUE DATE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16TH, 2021 AT 2:00 PM CST

Entrepreneur Training Institute Founder/Director Beverly H. Anderson (right) with instructor Jeraldine Hunter-Gaddes (left) and institute graduates who participated in person at the hybrid event. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises) areas: Non-profit Development 101, Small Business Development 101, and Personal Income Tax Preparation. The 6-week sessions are designed to equip students with the basics needed to start their own self-employment journeys. Anderson and Jeraldine Hunter-Gaddes, owner of Beyarata Mobile Disaster Tax Service, were he session instructors. Here are the Fall 2021 graduates: • Non-profit Development 101 – Lisa McNulty and Nicole Gates. • Small Business Develop-

ment 101 – LaJoyce Harris, Lisa McNulty and Marie Thomas. • Personal Income Tax Preparation – Peggy Cash, Karen Smith-Clark, Annie Dortch, Nicole Gates, Tonya Harrison, Tacarra Hodges, Tara Mabon, Allice McGee, Esther Newman, Ella Whittie-Walker, Denise Williams and Angela Jett (2020 graduate). The next session is scheduled to begin January 2022. (For more information about the Entrepreneur Training Institute, call 901-498-7675; email entretraininginsti@gmail.com or visit www.myETInstitute.org.)

GETTING IT RIGHT

‘A change in scenery’ … The Rev. Terry Mackey, pastor of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Phoenix, Arizona, preached at the Memphis Baptist Ministerial Association meeting on Nov. 9. Drawing upon Psalms 23, his topic was “A change in scenery.” He is the son of the Rev. Eugene Mackey, who pastors Lilly of the Valley Baptist Church here in Memphis. A caption in last week’s edition included incorrect information. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

(SB-I000706) SHADY OAKS PUMP STATION IMPROVEMENTS Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/ join/715736557 You can also dial in using your phone. (For supported devices, tap a one-touch number below to join instantly.) United States: +1 (872) 240-3412 - One-touch: tel:+18722403412,,715736557# Access Code: 715-736-557 MANDATORY PRE-BID MEETING –A mandatory pre-proposal meeting to address questions will be held on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. (CST). Until further notice, all Shelby County Government Purchasing Public-facing meetings/services will be limited to phone, video and online transactions whenever possible. Vendors can access the meeting via teleconference by utilizing the following access codes: Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/ join/193725437 You can also dial in using your phone. (For supported devices, tap a one-touch number below to join instantly.) United States: +1 (571) 317-3112 - One-touch: tel:+15713173112,,193725437# Access Code: 193-725-437 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

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:

Monica Chanel Snelling Tax Parcel #: 07508700003000 Tax Sale #: 1503 Price Offered: $375.00 Terms: Cash

AJ Investors LLC Tax Parcel #: 05001100000180 Tax Sale #: 1002 Price Offered: $281.25 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 January 11, 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.

Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 2:00 p.m. on January 10, 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:

AJ Investors, LLC Tax Parcel #: 03505000000010 Tax Sale #: 1404 Price Offered: $375.00 Terms: Cash

AJ Investors, LLC Tax Parcel #: 05000400000080 Tax Sale #: 1502 Price Offered: $375.00 Terms: Cash

Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 2:30 p.m. on January 10, 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.

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 10, 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

A N I M P O R TA N T M E S S A G E F R O M M E D I C A R E

“WE SAVED ON PRESCRIPTION COSTS. IT PAYS TO COMPARE PLANS.”

MEDICARE PLANS CHANGE EVERY YEAR. Use Medicare.gov to find plans and to more easily compare: · Part D prescription plans for cost, coverage, and convenience. · Medicare Advantage plans for changes in network providers, co-pays, and more. Find plans at Medicare.gov or call

Need help with Medicare costs? If your 2021 income is below $18,000 you may qualify for help with Medicare costs. To find out about Medicare Savings Programs that could be available for you, call TennCare at 1-800-342-3145.

1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048).

Paid for by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

The New Tri-State Defender

November 18 - 24, 2021

Page 10

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: Calvin Richmond Tax Parcel #: 02605600000370 Tax Sale #: 1502 Price Offered: $375.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 1:00 p.m. on January 10, 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: Calvin Richmond Tax Parcel #: 02605600000280 Tax Sale #: 1304 Price Offered: $300.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher,

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. DEADLINES: Display ads Friday 5 p.m. Classiﬁeds ads Monday 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

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 January 10, 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: FAFT Development Group LLC Tax Parcel #: 04200400000120 Tax Sale #: 1101 Price Offered: $1275.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of

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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 January 10, 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.

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 January 10, 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

Richardson Tax Parcel #: 04104200000180 Tax Sale #: 703 Price Offered: $1350.00 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 January 10, 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.

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

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

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:

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Jasmine Moore & Gerry

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: Jasmine Moore and Gerry Richardson Tax Parcel #: 04104200000170 Tax Sale #: 903 Price Offered: $900.00 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 January 10, 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

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: MODIFICATION:Jasmine Moore Tax Parcel #: 04104200000180 Tax Sale #: 703 Price Offered: $1350.00 Terms: Cash

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The New Tri-State Defender

November 18 - 24, 2021

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SPORTS

The New Tri-State Defender, November 18 - 24, 2021, Page 12

Tigers swat unbeaten Saint Louis with strong, rim-protecting force by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

With the University of Memphis trailing for the first time in this young season and down by three in the first half to Saint Louis, the Tigers asserted their defense and that pretty much ended the upset plans of the visiting Billikens at FedExForum on Tuesday night. Undefeated coming in against the No. 11 Tigers (3-0), the Billikens (31) briefly kept up with the Tigers before Memphis – riding a defense that Terry disrupted Saint Davis Louis’ offensive flow – spurted ahead to stay and won 90-74. Memphis led by as many as 17 in the first half, which ended with the Tigers up 42-27. Although the sample size is small, the Tigers so far this year have managed to establish first-half leads that they’ve built upon after halftime. The Billikens only could get as close as 12 points, with the lead hovering around 20 points. The defense was the collective star of the game for the Tigers as the Billikens were held to 31.2 percent shooting. Memphis blocked 14 shots, just one short of the team record. Jalen Duren was a rim protector in the first degree, blocking six shots (as many as Saint Louis had total) and altering many more. Landers Nolley II, who was not feeling well prior to the game, finished with a team high 10 rebounds; and he had three blocked shots. “We are the second tallest team

Tyler Harris came off the bench firing. He led the Tigers with 18 points, connecting on four of five shots from beyond the arc.

Jayden Hardaway (25) and Earl Timberlake of the Tigers apply defensive pressure on Yuri Collins of Saint Louis as UofM head coach Penny Hardaway (left) gets into the flow of the defense. (Photos: Warren Roseborough) in the NCAA and we are using our length,” said University of Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway. “I am proud of the guys for rim protecting.” Travis Ford, Saint Louis’ head coach, said, “I thought we competed. It is hard to simulate what they do. I watched both (previous) games they played. I give them credit for us not playing well. We played against a great team. They will be by the end of the year. They are going to be hard to deal with.” Memphis shot 54.4 percent from the floor and 47.1 percent (8/17) from deep. The scoring was led by Tyler Harris (18 points), who got a welcome-home reception from the crowd that appreciated his return from Iowa

State, where he transferred following his first two years with the Tigers. “I am really proud of Tyler Harris,” said Hardaway, acknowledging “an uncomfortable situation” for Harris, who is used to being a minutes-getter but is not starting for a Memphis program that has had a serious talent upgrade since his departure. “I talked to him when he came back here,” said Hardaway. “I said, ‘I believe in you, but it is going to be tough this time around, because we have so much talent. I am going to try to find a way to get you some minutes.’” Harris played 19 minutes, also registering an assist and one rebound. “It felt really good out helping

my teammates,” said Harris. “I was out there having fun and smiling out there. I have been trying to do that the entire season. It has worked out for me.” Reflecting on the fans’ ovation, Harris said, “It felt good, like that is the way it is supposed to be. … like a moment that I have already lived.” Harris has a game plan for being ready when called upon. “When I was at Iowa State we were not winning. When I look up (now) I am happy that we have the talent to win. I just want to come and help the team to boost up and stay positive.” Emoni Bates, who continued to dazzle with crisp passes and deadly three-pointers, finished with 16

points. Jalen Duren had 13 points and Josh Minott, who fouled out for the second straight game, had 12 points. Bates said the Tigers were prepared for what they expected from Saint Louis. “We knew what the game plan was for them,” he said. “They was going to come out and play us as hard as they can. We just had to stay composed as a team and attack the defense.” Jordan Nesbitt, who played for the Tigers last season, started for the Billikens, finishing with 13 points. Terrence Hargrove Jr. led the way for Saint Louis with 20 points. The ugly – and no way to hide it – factor for Memphis was 24 turnovers. And still the Tigers had complete control of most of the game. “It is strange and scary; they took 20 more shots (77 to 57) then us,” said Hardaway. “When a team takes 20 more shots than you … and gets 23 offensive rebounds, you (often) lose by 20. It is a true testament to who we are and how we keep scraping and finding a way. The field goal percentages (are) what keeps up going.” Next up for the Tigers: Memphis returns to the court at FedExForum on Friday (Nov. 19) to host Western Kentucky at 7 p.m. The Hilltoppers defeated the Tigers last year in South Dakota as part of the Bad Boy Mowers Crossover Classic.

COMMENTARY

Viewing Memphis’ pounding by the Suns as an NBA slice of life by Karanja A. Ajanaku kajanaku@tsdmemphis.com

No matter your line of work, you’re likely to take a “lick” on some days. At the end of such a day, you boil it down to lessons learned and – as soon as possible – pick back up with some rejuvenating part of life beyond work. Insert Memphis’ 119-94 drubbing by Chris Paul and the Phoenix Suns at FedExForum last Friday night (Nov. 12) and you have the licking. Ja Morant brings the rest of the picture into view. Prior to the game, Morant, who continued his torrid start to the season with 26 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists, was courtside, drawing smiles from his baby daughter,r Kaari Jaidyn. Moments after the Grizzlies absorbed a tipoff-to-final-buzzer throttling, that’s just what Morant was back to doing. As for the lessons learned, it was more of a fresh restatement of what already was known from Morant’s vantage point. “Play harder, for 48 minutes. Games we did we win, it is that simple, ready to play to the end, all four quarters.” Memphis head coach Taylor Jenkins: “Obviously, took a lick tonight. We’ve just got to be ready to play better tomorrow.” The Grizzlies have shown two versions of themselves: one on strong display in handing Steph Curry and

Ja Morant blazes past Chris Paul of the Phoenix Suns.

Ja Morant in a family moment, with his daughter, Kaari Jaidyn, showing she already has stage presence. (Photos: Warren Roseborough)

the resurgent Golden State Warriors their first loss of the season; and the other evident in blowouts such as against the Suns. The Suns played like defending Western Conference champions, holding a crowd-quieting, 30-point lead at one point. “I’m not going to use youth as an excuse or anything like that,” Jenkins said about the varying performances of the Grizzlies so far in the young season. “It’s just a matter of just finding consistency and just going out there and just playing better.” When playing well, Memphis’ defense has led to offense, which the Grizzlies’ sharpshooter, Desmond Bane, points to as the direction for getting back on the winning track after consecutive losses. “A strong defensive effort. I think

Getting to “fine” would be aided by shooting better. The Grizzlies struggled recently against the Hornets and against the Suns. “I was joking around saying that is probably the most threes I have missed since high school in a twogame stretch,” Bane said, continuing “… everybody is telling me to keep shooting the ball.… I put the work in, so I am not worried.’” On shots not falling, Morant said, “We cannot control that, we have to shoot the ball. Hope we make it, shoot with confidence, make them miss and turn to the next play.” And, when the game is over, boil it down to lessons learned, picking back up – as soon as possible – with some rejuvenating part of life beyond work as the season and its cycles unfold.

we need to get back to enjoying playing defense and flying around for 48 minutes. I feel like our defense has let us down in the games we lose. “We are better when we get out in transition and are able to run, play at a faster pace. We have not been able to do that because teams are scoring at a high rate.” The goal is consistency and it “goes back to defense,” said Bane, who had nine points and eight rebounds. “We are not being consistent guarding and we dig ourselves a hole. It’s tough to climb out. We have had a tough start to the season, played a bunch of good teams. Almost all of our losses will probably be to playoff teams this year, or last year. We just have to bounce back, but we have a resilient group, so I think we will be fine.”

Desmond Bane takes a shot at interrupting Chris Paul’s offensive intentions. (Photo: Warren Roseborough)