The New Tri-State Defender - December 15-21, 2022

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December 15 - 21, 2022

VOL. 71, No. 50

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Moves afoot to accelerate Greater Memphis as a ‘mobility leader’ Chamber sets ‘winning’ tone for EV futures, DEI and Memphis Music

by Dena Owens

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

During the Greater Memphis Chamber’s final major business and networking event for the year – and with nearly 1,000 stakeholders gathered – George Monger, founder and CEO of Connect Music Group, revealed his company’s acquisition of London’s MTX Music, expanding its global presence and efforts to help independent artists. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)

Ted Townsend, Greater Memphis Chamber’s new president and CEO, announced Tuesday (Dec. 13) that Ford has selected Memphis and West Tennessee for its two-year mobility innovation challenge starting in 2023.

Ford is partnering with the Chamber, StartCo and other agencies to review options for connecting urban and rural communities in West Ten-

nessee through sustainable electric vehicles.

The challenge, called Digital Delta, allows entrepreneurs to submit proposals for pilot projects as Ford builds BlueOval City – the electric vehicle and battery plant slated to open in Stanton, Tennessee, in 2025.

In 2024, Ford will distribute grants from $50,000 to $150,000 for selected mobility projects to be tested in the region for possible launch.

Digital Delta brings entrepreneurs into the innovative mobility process and could become a transportation blueprint for other regions around the globe.

The news came during the Chamber’s final major business and networking event for the year, where nearly 1,000 stakeholders gathered at the Peabody Hotel Grand Ballroom.

Other key announcements were made at the annual luncheon.

Moving Memphis Music Forward George Monger, founder and CEO of Connect Music Group, revealed his company’s acquisition of London’s MTX Music, expanding its global presence and efforts to help independent artists.

“Connect Music is the fasting growing business in our industry because of our team and because of some amazing people in this room,” he said.

Launched in 2020, Connect Music is a Black-owned startup company based in Memphis that has generated $3 million in sales since inception.

SEE CHAMBER ON PAGE 3

Walter L. Bailey Jr. portrait for 201 Poplar unveiled at National Civil Rights Museum

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

It was an “extraordinary” affair.

And that’s straight from the center of attention – civil rights advocate and former Shelby County commissioner Walter L. Bailey Jr. as he watched the unveiling of his portrait Tuesday (Dec. 13) during a ceremony at the National Civil Rights Museum.

“I thought the whole occasion was just extraordinary,” Bailey said.

“So many came out to see this unveiling of my portrait … and I was happy to share the moment with so many. And the portrait – extraordinary.”

The portrait will hang in the Walter L. Bailey Jr. Criminal Justice Center at 201 Poplar.

The facility, commonly known as 201 Poplar, was named after Bailey, a lawyer, in 2018 in recognition of his

long service on the County Commission, and his legal and legislative battles for civil rights, equal justice and the elimination economic inequities.

The public unveiling was attended by old colleagues, family friends, and community supporters, who desired to witness the historic moment.

“The portrait will hang in the building that was recently named in my honor, but the decision was made to host the unveiling at the National Civil Rights Museum,” said Bailey.

“It was because of the parking situation, but I thought the setting was quite fitting.”

Bailey was a young, idealistic attorney who challenged the racial and economic inequities in Memphis and Shelby County more than 50 years ago. He gained national prominence when he took on the case that deseg-

SEE BAILEY ON PAGE 8

Internationally acclaimed artist Carl F. Hess (left) – a Memphis native living in Texas – painted the portrait of attorney Walter L. Bailey Jr. (second from left) that will hang in the building named after him at 201 Poplar. Hess and Bailey share the stage with Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris and Danielle Inez, director of Innovation and Performance Analysis for Shelby County Government. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

For Council Chair Jones, methodical is standard

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Memphis City Council members must balance a panoply of issues throughout their terms, ranging from big and little ticket investments to revitalize the local economy and community, to addressing some of the highest poverty and crime rates in the nation.

However, under the direction of council Chairman Martavius Jones, most final votes likely won’t be cast without a good, hard look at the numbers.

“One of the things I make it a practice to do, I look at a problem, I study the problem and try to look at it from every angle.

“I may take a little bit more time looking at a problem before I come up with a recommendation, or strategy of how we need to tackle it. Once I’ve studied it – and I’m going to put quite a bit of time into studying it – I’m ready to make a decision.”

During his time on the council and as a member the legacy Memphis City Schools Board, that trait has permeated his decisions as an elected official.

A financial advisor for 28 years,

Jones workaday life at his firm – Jones Wealth Management Group – involves breaking down numbers and offering shrewd advice to build wealth for clients.

“One thing people will never be able to say about me is that ‘I never did my homework.’ I’m going to always do my homework and use that as a justification for any recommendation that I make.”

Jones, who is term limited, stepped into council chairmanship after then-council chairwoman Jamita Swearengen resigned her council seat after winning the race for Shelby County Circuit Court Clerk in the

Aug. 4 county general election.

On Nov. 15, council members, without opposition, officially elected Jones chairman for 2023, his last year as a councilman.

It was the love of homework that led to his entry into local politics.

Like several area elected officials past and present, Jones put his foot in the door through the old city school board.

After relocating back to his hometown from Nashville, he started attending school board meetings.

Jones soon began building a rap-

SEE JONES ON PAGE 2

Council Chair Martavius Jones: “One thing people will never say about me is that ‘I never did my homework.’” (Photo: Twitter)

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The New Tri-State Defender

JONES

CONTINUED FROM FRONT port with an area lawyer, who asked him to help with her campaign for an open school board seat.

“I had worked with a woman by the name of Tomeka Hart. I worked as her treasurer for her campaign to run for the school board …When she ran, she won.”

A year later, another vacancy opened. After showing interest, Jones was appointed to fill the seat. It was soon apparent that his background in finance could prove useful.

“I thought that part of what made me the best person at the time was the fact that there was no one on the school board that had a finance background,” said Jones.

He continued, “You had a physician on the school board at the time, you had a pastor on the school board at the time, you had a lawyer… you had a former school administrator, you had somebody who was a community activist, but you didn’t have anybody with a financial background.”

As council chairman, Jones is imbued with some power.

He appoints coveted committee chair assignments. He also can place holds on votes.

Yet, he also doesn’t mind being the lone dissenting voice.

An example was his recent no vote on the confirmation of former Memphis COO Doug McGowen as Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division president and CEO to replace the outgoing J.T. Young.

Jones protested after the successor was nominated without having to compete for the position through a nationwide search. He argued that other candidates for city leadership posts, like current Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis, emerged through a national search.

McGowen, who was nominated for the MLGW post by Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland, was eventually confirmed 12-1 during the Nov. 1 meeting. Jones was the lone no vote.

Other fateful votes concerning the utility loom, including the longstanding issue of coal ash removal from TVA’s retired Allen Coal-fired Plant through predominantly Black South Memphis neighborhoods. The issue has fired up neighborhood and environmental activists, along with some council members.

But, just like his approach on the school board and his career, Jones has taken a methodical, bookkeeper’s approach of examining the numbers to come to his decision.

Wednesday (Dec. 7), the

“One of the things that has frustrated me about my time on the council is that prior council have ceded their authority to outside bodies and organizations that are not directly accountable to the taxpayers.”

— Martavius Jones MLGW board rejected signing a 20-year, rolling contract with TVA. TVA, however, will continue its relationship with the city for the foreseeable future.

The vote apparently, for now, cools the years’ long debate over whether the city should stick with the federally own electric-power supplier or find another supplier options.

If the MLGW board had voted to accept the 20-year contract, the council would have to approve the move.

Jones, who was interviewed

by The New Tri-State Defender before Wednesday’s vote, had this to say about the Memphis-leaving-TVA debate.

“Right now, whenever TVA makes an investment, they are spreading that cost over 11 million ratepayers. However, if we were to go it alone … we would be spreading all of those costs amongst basically one million rate payers.

“So, to me it’s simple math.

Do we want to create an extra financial burden and only have that burden born by people that live in Shelby, Co., Tennessee? To me, that’s a hard no,” said Jones.

He also feels that technology, like batteries, hasn’t caught up to the problem. With (energy) renewables like solar, batteries are a necessity since the power supply from the sun is cut at dusk.

“One of the impediments right now is, I don’t think we are where we want to be on the availability of storage options.”

But the council chair also believes like most things, the costs will go down as the availability comes online.

“I remember going into Best Buy. This might have been 15plus years ago. It was my first time seeing a flat screen televi-

December 15 - 21, 2022

Page 2

NEWS

sion. The price of a flat screen television, and this is when it first came out, was $9,999,” Jones chuckled. “In my opinion, that’s where we are in a lot of this stuff with renewables.”

From Jones’ vantagepoint, Memphis’ poverty rate is a more pressing issue going into his second and final term.

“We’re talking about a city that has the second-highest poverty rate of any large city in the U.S. Do we want to put that additional financial burden on them? If the costs were a little bit more in line with the realities of the people we serve, I’d be the first one to sign up for it.”

One issue he feels is ripe for council discussion that could have an impact is the Economic Development Growth Engine Industrial (EDGE) Development Board.

Created in 2011 through a joint resolution of the council and the Shelby County Commission, the economic development agency offers tax incentives to businesses that relocate to the area.

However, some of the beneficiaries fail to pay what he considers a living wage to workers. Prior to 2011, the decisions rested with elected officials instead of appointed board members.

“One of the things that has frustrated me about my time on the council is that prior council have ceded their authority to outside bodies and organizations that are not directly accountable to the taxpayers,” To balance the scales, Jones wants to claw back some authority over who benefits from a tax break. He also wants to revisit the definition of a living wage.

Currently, the board puts the number at $13 an hour. However, that figure only considers the worker. The cost of living, however, goes up drastically once you add on children or other dependents.

To make the wage more in line with most workers’ realities, he wants to boost the rate to $16. A vote to give control back to the council failed last year.

“Even if we don’t take back all the authority, we should have some say so in what are some of the provisions under which they operate.”

Jones unsuccessfully pushed for council members and the mayor to be able to serve a third term. He was successful in getting a referendum on the August ballot, but city voters rejected the idea 66.3 percent to 33.7 percent.

Jones is at peace with letting his run as Memphis City Council Chair be his political career’s swan song.

“My full-time job, I love what I do.”

The $25,000 Bank of America Memphis President/CEO Trevia Chatman (right) delivered on Monday will help Mid-South Food Bank President & CEO Cathy Pope as she guides the nonprofit’s ongoing effort to address food insecurity. (Photo: Calvin Burkes)

Bank of America delivers shot-in-the-arm donation to Mid-South Food Bank TSD Newsroom Doing good often produces good and that was the backstory on Monday when Bank of America presented the Mid-South Food Bank with $25,000 to help address food insecurity in Memphis.

Committed to encouraging bank employees to receive an annual flu shot and/or coronavirus vaccine or booster, Bank of America donated $50 per shot to the Mid-South Food Bank for each employee in Memphis who received the vaccine or flu shoot before November 23rd.

Take the shot; invest in the community; good produces good.

Bank of America Memphis President Trevia Chatman presented the result – a $25,000 check – to Mid-South Food Bank President & CEO Cathy Pope.

“Bank of America is with us throughout the year,” said Pope. “Either volunteering at one of our events or coordinating a booster campaign like this. They do a really good job of highlighting hunger in our community and responding to it, all year long.”

Bank of America’s

long-standing commitment to hunger relief includes having donated $150 million toward such efforts in 2015.

“Through this campaign, we are supporting the health and safety of our teammates and supporting Mid-South Food Bank fight food insecurity here in Memphis,” said Chatman.

Pope embraced Bank of America as “a great partner” for the Mid-South Food Bank, particularly “to do the booster campaign and highlight hunger during times of need, like when the pandemic hit or during the holiday season.”

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

December 15 - 21, 2022

Page 3

NEWS

“A greater Memphis expects an entrepreneurial eco-system that elevates and accelerates our valued small businesses and expects to continue to lead and win in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and belonging, because when we expect more, when we expect greater … Memphis wins.” — Ted Townsend

Pat Mitchell Worley, chief executive officer for the Soulsville Foundation, said of outgoing Greater Memphis Chamber President/CEO Beverly Robertson, “If she tells you it can be done, you believe her.”

CHAMBER

CONTINUED FROM FRONT The company is a music platform converting payments to profits while providing music publishing and distribution services and offers worldwide exposure to Memphis’ globally recognized hip-hop and R&B music artists.

Connect Music reviews details of the music business with artists and creators, including how legal agreements and pay from streaming work.

The company empowers artists through ownership of recording copyrights and intellectual property rights.

Monger’s collaborators include former NBA Grizzlies player Zach Randolph, who joined Monger on stage during the announcement.

Black Business Grant winners named Tuesday’s announcements included winners of five, $5,000 Black business grants sponsored by the Chamber and IKEA U.S. Community Foundation.

As part of IKEA’s $3 million National Black Business Initiative, Memphis winners receiving the grant money include Jamerson Strategic Consulting, LLC, Communiride, Muggin Coffee, Definition of Cutz and Total Package Health and Wellness.

Changing of the Chamber guard Townsend thanked the Chamber’s former president and CEO Beverly Robertson, for leading the agency “from tragedy to triumph” during

New Greater Memphis Chamber President/CEO Ted Townsend (center) and Beverly Robertson celebrate with Chamber officers and staff. Townsend said his personal vision for the Chamber is “to build a greater Memphis for all.” (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender) the pandemic when businesses were struggling to stay profitable and safe for clients and employees.

Also, thanks to Robinson, the Chamber is now on sound financial footing with multiple revenue streams versus only membership fees when she began the role of president and CEO four years ago.

“If she tells you it can be done, you believe her,” said veteran Memphis music executive Pat Mitchell Worley about Robertson during a

filmed statement at the event.

Townsend said his personal vision for the Chamber is “to build a greater Memphis for all.”

As the city renews its passion for pro football with the return of the USFL’s Memphis Showboats, Townsend envisions a culture of “winning” not only in sports, but across the board in education, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the region’s industries, including logistics, healthcare, music recording, filming, and electric

vehicle manufacturing.

Townsend said he will complement the work Robertson produced by focusing on three components — economic development, public policy, and workforce development.

He encouraged building “a greater Memphis where ‘winning’ is hard-wired in our DNA. “That means we expect a greater Memphis for all, that we expect to win in the classroom at levels never before seen in the neighborhoods that

define us and make us unique, and where public policy effecting business is not only being crafted here, but possibly impacts our ability to change the world.”

“A greater Memphis expects an entrepreneurial eco-system that elevates and accelerates our valued small businesses and expects to continue to lead and win in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and belonging, because when we expect more, when we expect greater … Memphis wins.”

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PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, December 15 - 21, 2022, Page 4

“I have been sitting in the background watching our interim superintendent, and she has exceeded all of my expectations. She is out in the community, eating lunch with the students, building relationships, repairing some bridges that were knocked down by past administrations.”

— Althea Greene

The search for a new superintendent seems to be off to a pretty good start

by Curtis Weathers

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The search for a new superintendent for Memphis Shelby County Schools (MSCS) seems to be off to a pretty good start. I like the selection process and I love all of the public discourse.

Plenty of people have opinions about how the process should unfold, including yours truly.

Full disclosure: I am no fan of national searches for superintendents, especially for MSCS-sized schools.

Past results have never jusCurtis tified the cost.

Weathers Our school district is a billion-dollar entity, with almost 14,000 employees. We should not have to look elsewhere for leadership.

We should be growing and nurturing our own.

Within our community, we have the resources and wherewithal to find, nurture and produce a plethora of executive leaders capable of leading the district.

I refuse to believe that out of all the educators and leaders born and raised in Memphis we cannot find someone “homegrown” capable

of successfully leading our school system.

I had an opportunity to chat recently with MSCS School Board Chair Althea Greene. I learned she is not opposed to choosing someone local to lead our system but wants to make sure we check all of the Althea boxes in our efforts to find Greene the next superintendent.

“I believe what we need is actually right here in our community,” Greene said. “And I say that because MSCS is unique in its makeup, and Shelby County is unique.

“So, I know we’re doing a national search, and people will probably apply from all over the United States, but I pray that what we need will come out of our community.”

Be advised, I am cheering for the home team.

If it doesn’t pan out, I will enthusiastically support whomever the board chooses.

School board chair Greene and our school board are committed to picking the best candidate available, whether that candidate is from outside of Memphis Shelby County Schools or employed by the district.

Interim Supt. Toni Williams is engaged in a perfect job interview process. She will be under

a microscope for the entire school year, subject to one monumental challenge after the other.

Thus far, according to Greene, she is doing an excellent job.

“I have been sitting in the background watching our interim superintendent, and she has exceeded all of my expectations,” Greene said.

“She is out in the community, eating lunch with the students, building relationships, repairing some bridges that were knocked down by past administrations….”

And, Greene is no longer opposed to Williams tossing her hat into the ring.

“No, she can apply just like anyone else,” said Greene. “I am retracting what I said before. She has done such an outstanding job, and I would not want to hinder her from applying.

She is more than welcome to apply, and I say that with all transparency.”

So, with Toni Williams doing a great job as interim superintendent, why should she be replaced with an unknown and maybe unproven candidate?

It does not make sense, Memphis!

At the end of a search process and there are three top candidates, with one from Memphis, I would be inclined to pick the Memphis candidate every time.

The board has launched the MSCS Super Search website, which includes a feedback form, timeline and a few frequently asked ques-

tions. In conjunction, the board also has started hosting community input sessions.

Last Thursday (Dec. 8), I attended the first session at Snowden Middle School. While I was slightly disappointed in the crowd size, I was encouraged by the comments shared by parents, principals, teachers, and community members.

Those attending the session wanted what we all want in our superintendent: someone the community can “trust,” supports teachers, listens with an open mind, and shows “genuine” concern and love for our children.

Those in the audience made it clear that while superintendents matter, the real heavy lifting in a child’s education is done by the parents, classroom teachers, and the principal leadership – in that order.

The community sessions, including one scheduled for a Saturday to accommodate those who work during the week, will continue into the new year. For a full listing of meeting times and locations, visit mscssupersearch.com.

I look forward to the remaining sessions. I hope to see more people in attendance. This is an important process.

Public input is greatly needed.

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

The news industry has reached an inflection point, and much work is still needed to secure a bright and sustainable future for minority-owned publications. Newspaper employment has fallen by 70% in the past 15 years, and 20% of America’s counties are at risk of becoming news deserts.

Small minority-owned newspapers will be hurt by Proposed Journalism Competition Preservation Act

by Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. NNPA News Service

In September, lawmakers in Washington rushed through major legislation that would reward massive, legacy media corporations at the expense of smaller community-focused and minority-owned newspapers.

While the Journalism Competition Preservation Act (JCPA) is meant to protect publications like those in the National Newspaper Publishers Association, it would ultimately threaten our ability to inform our communities, line the pockets of massive media conglomerates and hedge funds, and lead to the proliferation of harmful misinformation.

Good intentions sometimes have negative and counterproductive consequences.

The goal to foster quality, local journalism and journalist jobs is well-intentioned. Local news outlets provide Americans with important information about the political, economic and cultural issues that matter to them. The news industry has reached an inflection point, and much work is still needed to secure a bright and

sustainable future for minority-owned publications.

Newspaper employment has fallen by 70% in the past 15 years, and 20% of America’s counties are at risk of becoming news deserts. The top 25 media chains now own a third of all U.S. newspapers. ThouDr. Benjamin sands of newspapers have F. Chavis Jr. been acquired by hedge funds and private equity firms like Alden Global Capital or by media behemoths like Gannett, Lee Enterprises and McClatchy.

For these media companies, a local newspaper is an asset for profit – not a valuable source of local information. Big media chains acquire newspapers, lay off journalists and staff, drive down wages and shutter publications forever – as they spend millions on executive salaries and stock buybacks.

Now, these same media companies and hedge funds are a step closer to receiving huge payouts – without any accountability or transparency to

direct funds to local journalism and journalists.

The JCPA would require tech platforms to carry and pay any eligible news publisher for “access” to content. While this may, again, seem well intentioned at first look, upon deeper inspection the law defines “access” so broadly it will require payment for simply crawling a website or sharing a link.

Similarly, while a number of conglomerates are scoped into the bill, true independent or small newspapers are explicitly excluded from the legislation because the bill says that an eligible publisher must earn more than $100,000 per year.

Many African American and other BIPOC news outlets are independently owned. Furthermore, these news outlets have developed and grown their audiences because mainstream media publications excluded the perspectives of minority voices. The Black Press built our own news outlets to support our own voices.

As a result, this legislation would only further reinforce harmful racial exclusion trends, rather than actually help smaller local publications like those in the NNPA. Similarly, recent amendments to the bill

requiring non-discrimination would require platforms to carry and pay for hate speech and objectionable content that could be harmful to BIPOC communities. If passed, the JCPA would boost misinformation and extremist content.

News publications from either side of the aisle that support extremist views will not only receive money, but tech platforms will be required to carry them on their services. This will make it even harder for platforms to moderate harmful and false content. We know that communities like ours will suffer most.

Congress and the Senate should reject the current draft of the JCPA and go back to the drawing board on real solutions for America’s local news problems – solutions that benefit all Americans, instead of just giving handouts to the biggest media corporations in the nation.

(Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. is President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) based in Washington, DC representing the interests of the Black Press of America since 1940. The New Tri-State Defender is a NNPA member.)

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The New Tri-State Defender

December 15 - 21, 2022

RELIGION

Page 5

Good work rewarded …

Shelby County Commissioner Van Turner Jr. (center) and Reginald Milton (right), a former commissioner and now a Shelby County Government administrator, presented Monument of Love Baptist Church Pastor Derrick Joyce with a generous financial donation from the NAACP Memphis Community Enhancement Fund last Sunday (Dec. 11). Rev. Joyce was overjoyed. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

Rejoicing …

New Growth in Christ Christian Center, 7550 East Shelby Dr., was the setting as the National Council of Negro Women Memphis Shelby County Section held its annual Holiday Luncheon Celebration last Saturday (Dec. 10). The event included the introduction of officers and committee chairs. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

Knowledge is power …

Higher Education Day was celebrated at Mt. Pisgah Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, 2490 Park Avenue, last Sunday (Dec. 11). (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

The New Tri-State Defender

December 15 - 21, 2022

Page 6

ENTERTAINMENT

Dr. Willie Dean chatted with supporters at his book-signing event at LeMoyne-Owen College on Sunday (Dec. 11). (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

Dr. Willie Dean detailed ‘Overcoming’ at LeMoyne-Owen College book signing

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

“Overcoming: How Faith, Family, and Friends Helped One Black Man Beat the Odds,” chronicles the life journey of Dr. Willie Dean.

Those bedrocks helped Dean rise from a poor, African-American child born to sharecropper parents, to becoming the first president and CEO of the Omaha, Nebraska YMCA. Dean discussed his book and chatted with supporters during a book-signing event Sunday (Dec. 11) at LeMoyne-Owen College.

“This work symbolizes my faith in God and the importance of family and friends in my life,” Dean said.

“It also takes a thoughtful look back at the barriers I was able to overcome, with the grace of God — racism, bullies, divorce, a near-death experience following cancer surgery, and the deaths of a spouse and my parents.”

Dean said the book took about 10 years to write.

“Over the course of eight years, I was jotting down notes from what I could remember as well as research,” said Dean.

“It took me another two years to actually write the book.”

Completing an autobiography has its

own reward, said Dean. But the road to publication was not always a smooth one.

“Before choosing to self-publish, I applied to eight Christian publishing companies,” said Dean. “Growing up in the South, there is a pervasive racism every day in the experiences of African Americans. Instead of saying ‘the “n” word,’ I spelled out ‘nigger.’ All the publishers turned down the book because of ‘foul language.’”

But Dean felt direct quotes from those who heaped oppressive, racist experiences would more poignantly create the moment for a reader.

“I wanted readers to feel the way I felt when people used the “n” word,” said Dean. “Initially, my life told in my own words was my gift and legacy to three adult sons. But as I worked on the project, I saw that it could be so much more.”

Dean said some of the most satisfying experiences have been talking to live audiences at book signings about some of his most harrowing experiences.

“One of the events I write about happened when I was only 8 years old,” said Dean. “We were driving on (U.S.) Highway 61, from Memphis to Oklahoma City.

And I remember when my dad tried to pass this old white man. The man would speed up and not let him come back over.

“Oncoming traffic was coming, and my father had to floor the accelerator to get past this driver. And I thought, ‘What did

Dr. Willie Dean we do to this man that he hated us so much — someone we didn’t even know.’”

Dean also looks at several other cases of African-American men, who have senselessly lost their lives at the hands of vigi-

lantes and police.

Dean is the husband of former Memphis City Schools superintendent, Dr. Carol Johnson-Dean, who has also accompanied Dean to scheduled book-signings.

“I enjoy the interaction and exchange as well, of others who can identify with many of the experiences described by my husband,” said Johnson-Dean. “We connect with others who understand how disheartening it can be, dealing with racism.

The book has sparked so many meaningful conversations.”

“When I graduated in 1969, Black boys in America had only a 70 percent chance of getting a high school diploma,” said Dean.

“But through the grace of God, I earned my bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees at Memphis State University, University of Nebraska at Omaha, and the University of Minnesota, respectively.”

Dean said that through his faith and support from family and friends, he has enjoyed “an illustrious, 35-year career with the YMCA.” “I rose from program director of a Y branch in Memphis, to becoming the first African-American president and CEO of the Omaha YMCA in the organization’s 123-year history.

“After retiring from the YMCA, I was blessed to be named executive director of KFAI Radio Station and YouthCARE in Minneapolis, Minnesota.”

COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, December 15 - 21, 2022, Page 7

Memphis Black Arts Alliance turns 40 with salute to best, brightest creators

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Nearly five months after graduating from Fisk University, Anthony “AJ” Hassell is playing basketball in Vlore (Va-lura), Albania. (Courtesy photo)

From Greater Memphis to Albania, basketball still driving ‘AJ’ Hassell

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Playing basketball overseas – with headlines swirling about pro-basketball superstar Brittney Griner’s detention and release by the Russians – still seems like a dream come true for Anthony “AJ” Hassell Jr. “Sometimes, I can’t believe this is really my life,” said Hassell.

“I am actually doing something I really love and getting paid very well for it. I realize how blessed I am.”

The 6’3” shooting guard is fresh out of college. Nearly five months after graduating from Fisk University in Nashville, Hassell finds himself halfway around the world in Vlore (Va-lu-ra), Albania.

Many college hoopers aspire to play professionally in the NBA. To get some experience under their belts, they take the foreign route and commit to playing in semi-professional leagues overseas.

Instead of sitting out a couple of seasons waiting on a spot in the NBA, a better option is to play overseas.

“Thousands are hoping to be selected by a team in the NBA,” said Hassell. “The competition is unbelievable. So, the first thing I did after graduation was hire an agent. In almost no time, I was on my way to Vlore.

“I miss family and friends, but it’s a great adventure. When I get back home to Memphis, then I will pursue a career in medicine.”

Not only was Hassell a standout on the basketball court, but he also excelled academically.

At DeSoto Central High School, his cumulative average was a perfect 4.0. At Fisk, he continued notable competitiveness in both arenas.

“In my junior year, I transferred to Dalton State University in Georgia,” said Hassell. “But as it turned out, I didn’t really like it. The experience was not a bad one. It was just different from Fisk.

I returned to Fisk in my senior year, and that’s where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Biology.”

Hassell, 23, is enjoying every aspect of life overseas. But is there a downside?

“If there is a downside, it would be that you have to be careful, living in a different culture,” said Hassell.

“We watched Brittney Griner’s case with extreme interest. When she was sentenced to (nine) years in a Russian prison, it blew me away. She had a vape cartridge. It wasn’t even weed.

“For American players overseas, that was a serious cautionary tale. But I was glad to see her back home.”

Griner was released earlier this month and returned to the United States in a prisoner-swap deal.

“It’s not a downside for me,” said Hassell. “I know to be careful, not to attract attention to myself. You never know who is watching.

“I hang out with my teammates, who are Albanian. So, I get to enjoy the culture. My teammates provide a wall of protection for me.

When I am ready, I intend to return home safely to my family.”

Hassell plays on Team Flamurtari — for now.

“I believe I will know when it’s time to come back home,” said Hassell. “Right now, I am having the time of my life. I was always in premed. But I’m looking more toward the business side of medicine.

“All options are open. I’ll make a decision when it’s time. Right now, I am grateful for my life presently. Home for the holidays is a blast.”

Albania is in southern Europe. The population is only 3 million, and the majority of residents are Muslim.

The country gained independence in March of 1992, when the communist leadership was voted out by a free election.

During an epic celebration on Saturday (Dec. 17) of its 40th anniversary, the Memphis Black Arts Alliance (MBAA) will honor accomplished African-American artists who have made a local, national, and global impact with their artistry.

“When we got started four decades ago, I envisioned nurturing ambitious artists and creators,” said MBAA founder Bennie Nelson West. “We wanted to provide an incubator through which their gifts and talents could be honed and perfected.”

A special tribute to West will be featured in the largest event in the organization’s history.

Among a stellar lineup of honorees, who hail from Memphis, are actor Elise Neal, Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and producer Katori Hall, Grammy Award-winning producer Boo Mitchell and widely acclaimed rapper Al Kapone.

“Our sons and daughters have not only broadened our legacy in music, but Memphis artists have excelled in every creative endeavor. Elise Neal was born right here in Memphis, graduating from Overton High School for the Creative and Performing Arts.”

Kapone remembers when he received the email informing him that he was included in this class of honorees.

“I first found out on Nov. 9, but the tickets hadn’t gone on sale yet,” said Kapone. “The hardest part was not saying anything, but I was just so excited and happy to stand with these other great artists and creators.”

West said her mother and father were creative, and she grew up loving all artistic pursuits, both performance and exhibition.

“I, myself am one of the Nelson family,” said West. “Talented artists and creators have come out of the Nelsons, including Prince Rogers Nelson, the artist known as ‘Prince.’

I spent 10 years in Manhattan. New York, of

Al Kapone (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/ GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender) Bennie Nelson West (Courtesy photo) course, is the artistic center of the world.”

MBAA began 1982 as a collaborative of 19 African-American organizations and more than 100 artists.

“We are excited to honor our 40-year history and the legacies of these extraordinary Memphians,” Lar’Juanette Williams said MBAA Executive Director Lar’Juanette Williams.

“We are proud to celebrate each of them because of their major accomplishments and global artists … We look forward to heralding their work, sharing their stories, and showing our appreciation for their artistic genius.”

Kapone expressed gratitude for the recognition with such celebrated awardees.

“I have been rapping since I was in the sixth grade,” said Kapone. “I fell in love with hip hop, and I would perform wherever I could, in the hallway at school, in the lunchroom, beating on the table.

“I loved doing just what I was doing,” said

Kapone. “I loved the genre, hip hop, just for the artistry and creativity in writing and performing for my peers. I have no doubt that this is what I was called to do.”

Although Kapone’s career has brought him global fame and wealth, money was never the goal, he said.

West said she wanted African-American children to have a space all their own “We have spent 40 years helping Black youth what it really means to be young, gifted, and black, to use a well-known song lyric,” said West. “It is so gratifying to look at how far we have come.”

The Arts-A-F!RE Celebration Experience will kick off the prestigious evening at 6 p.m., in the Halloran Centre for the Performing Arts & Education grand lobby, followed by the Honors and Awards Ceremony at 7 p.m.

A variety of activities will comprise the event, including live music, dancing, silent auctions, and loads to eat and drink Additional honorees are entrepreneur and designer Moziah Bridges, world-renowned musician Jimmy Kinard, drummer Charles Streeter, music professor and producer Dr. Ashely Davis, recording artist and American Idol Finalist Lil Rounds, and visual artist Mosal Morszart.

Tickets can be purchased at www.memphisblackarts.org.

Memphis Holiday Parade on Beale Street – 2022

The Robert R. Church Dance team made its way along Beale Street as the Memphis Holiday Parade unfolded on Saturday (Dec. 10). ((Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)

Parade-goers of all of ages found common ground in their enjoyment of the annual event.

Billed as the grandest holiday parade in the region, the 2022 Memphis Holiday Parade adorned Beale Street.

The New Tri-State Defender

NEWS

December 15 - 21, 2022

CLASSIFIEDS

LEGAL NOTICES PERSONAL PROPERTY PUBLIC NOTICE As required by Tennessee Code Annotated Section 67-5-903, the Shelby County Assessor will be mailing Tangible Personal Property Schedules to all active businesses within Shelby County on Friday, January 13, 2023. The filing deadline is March 1, 2023.

Please call the Shelby County Assessor’s office at 901-222-7002, if you need assistance.

Attorney Walter L. Bailey Jr. and his wife, Carolyn Bailey, take in remarks at the unveiling of the Walter L. Bailey Jr. portrait that will hang at 201 Poplar.

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

BAILEY

CONTINUED FROM FRONT regated Shelby County Public Schools, as well as handled the legal defense of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., during the sanitation strike in 1968.

Perhaps his most famous legal success was the landmark Supreme Court ruling that established that law enforcement officers could not use deadly force when a suspect is fleeing unless his or her life is threatened.

Bailey also was a decades-old advocate for removing the statue of Confederate Gen. and Ku Klux Klan founder Nathan Bedford Forrest for the then-city-owned Medical Center park that was formerly named for Forrest. The statue was finally removed in 2017.

Bailey was reflective about the unveiling.

“The naming of the building to honor me, and the unveiling of this portrait shows how much we have evolved in Memphis and Shelby County,” said Bailey. “Sure, there are still challenges that have to

Legal Notice Statement of Qualifications for Construction Manager at Risk for Tailout Trail at Tom Lee Park RFQ No. 1

be faced, but we have come so far. The Civil Rights Museum held great significance for me in that moment yesterday.”

George H. Brown, former Circuit Court and Tennessee Supreme Court judge, who was there to witness the unveiling, was also reflective about the occasion.

“Walter and I went to high school together,” said Brown.

“We have been life-long friends, and we were colleagues for more than 50 years.

I thought it was a great event.

I have so much regard, respect and love for Walter Bailey. We have come a long way in this city. This was an affirming and satisfying moment.”

In 1971, Bailey was elected to serve out a term on the Shelby County Commission, and in 1972, he was elected to a full term. Bailey served in this capacity until 2006, when term limits prohibited him from running.

In 2010, Bailey ran again for the commission seat, once the mandated time had passed.

He was unopposed. Bailey stepped down in 2018.

Bailey was born on August

21, 1940. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School and attended Southern University on a football scholarship. He became involved in civil rights activities organized by his brother, the late Judge D’Army Bailey.

The portrait was a creation of internationally acclaimed artist Carl F. Hess, a native Memphian who now lives in Texas. His subjects have included mayors, federal judges, ambassadors, governors, bishops, and pastors.

His portraiture famously includes former President Barack Obama, and his wife, Michelle Obama.

Hess is one of the most highly acclaimed, African-American artists in the country.

When he was in sixth grade, his art teacher recognized an “artistic eye and talent.” He was sent to Memphis College of Art for classes on a full scholarship.

Hess continued art classes throughout grade school. Hess has publicly credited the guidance of his art teachers at Overton High School for the level of success he enjoys today.

Allworld Project Management, LLC, as the Owner Representative for the project Tailout Trail (TT) located at Tom Lee Park is soliciting qualification packages for Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) on behalf of Memphis River Parks Partnership.

The intent of this RFQ is to obtain qualification proposals to provide Construction Manager at Risk services that start or commence during the Construction

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Beginning December 14, 2022, the documents comprising the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) may be obtained from the following link: https://allworldp. sharepoint.com/:b:/t/PRJ-00352/ EdVGkBiSYihIi870Iu2JMhsBZJB1 nimclQ7q4t4hdB2vcg?e=qDsT7T Statements of Qualifications: Email SOQ’s to mstevenson@

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allworldmail.com, until 3:00 PM (CST), January 12, 2023. Late SOQ’s will be rejected and will not be considered for award. Additional instructions for submitting the SOQ are included in the RFQ. Allworld Project Management shall not discriminate in recruitment or employment conditions because of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, veteran status, or other status as defined by all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and orders.

SPORTS

The New Tri-State Defender, December 15 - 21, 2022, Page 9

Tiger forward Destyne Thomas battles with an MTSU player for an offensive rebound. (Photo: Liaudwin Seaberry Jr.)

Second-quarter breakdown looms large as Memphis falls to MTSU

by Liaudwin Seaberry Jr.

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Down by eight after the first quarter, the University of Memphis was within striking distance of Middle Tennessee State University. And while there were nagging, opening-quarter lapses, it was the second quarter that produced a hole too deep for a recovery by the Tigers.

The Lady Raiders (6-2) from Murfreesboro outscored Memphis 21 to 4 in the fateful second quarter and held off the Tigers 69-53.

Trailing 42-17 at intermission, UofM head coach Katrina Merriweather’s Tigers (5-5) were searching for a solution. A determined team of Tigers emerged from halftime and took it to MTSU, outscoring the Lady Raiders 20 to 9.

The final quarter was pretty much a standoff, with Memphis outscored by a bucket.

Fueled by guard Jalynn Gregory’s 22 points, including seven three-point shots, MTSU never surrendered their advantage.

The Lady Raiders outrebounded the Tigers 22-15 in the first half.

“MTSU is not known for being a team that’s strong on the offensive boards, but you have to give them credit for out-hustling us several times on the glass during the first quarter,” said Merriweather.

A large reason for the Tigers’ struggles centered on the shooting woes of star guards Jamirah Shutes and Madison Griggs. While Shutes managed to score 13 points, Griggs was held scoreless as Memphis shot 29 percent from the field.

“Give credit “Hannah to MTSU’s de(Riddick) fense for forcing both Maddie and was a player Jamirah into taking that would’ve very tough shots gotten more during the entire game, along with playing time most of our squad,” had she not Merriweather said.

Memphis pushed suffered an back in the second injury last half behind the season.” efforts of sophomore forward Han— Katrina nah Riddick, who scored six of 12 Merriweather points during the third-quarter rally. Four deep shots by MTSU’s Gregory kept Memphis at bay.

“Number 10 (Gregory) was the only player for them who converted multiple three-pointers, and only two players from their team hit a three the whole afternoon,” Merriweather said.

Merriweather was encouraged by the play of Riddick, who played sparingly as a freshman last season.

“Hannah was a player that would’ve gotten more playing time had she not suffered an injury last season,” Merriweather said.

“She’s been a spark for us, and with her improved abilities on the offensive end, she’s developing into the player we envisioned she’d become.”

Jaren Jackson Jr. set his career high and a franchise record with eight blocks against the Hawks, including this swat of DeAndre Hunter’s shot as the Grizzlies won 128-103 at FedExForum on Monday night. (Photos: Warren Roseborough/The New Tri-State Defender)

With Kennedy Chandler rolling toward this slam, Atlanta’s Trent Forrest chose to watch.

Where do the Grizzlies stand?

by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

With Monday night’s blow-by win (128103) over the Atlanta Hawks, the Memphis Grizzlies have completed the first third of the season and are nearly halfway to the All-Star game, where highlight-reel Ja Morant is a “shoe-in” for his second straight appearance.

Sharpshooter Desmond Bane was making a strong case for his first appearance before a nagging toe injury sidelined his chances. And Jaren Jackson Jr., who started the season on the injury list, is now Terry blocking his way into Davis consideration.

Neither Morant nor Bane suited up against Atlanta as Memphis (18-9) easily brushed aside the also-shorthanded Hawks before 16,544 fans, who had plenty to shout about even without the absent star power. Jackson swatted away a career-high and franchise-record eight shots, which he packaged with 15 points, 7 rebounds and two assists in 24 minutes.

It was the sixth consecutive win for Memphis. Through the first third of the 82-game run, the Grizzlies have carved a 12-2 homecourt record and are 4-0 on the current five-game homestand. They are a half-game out of first place in the Western Conference, where the New Orleans Pelicans roost on top Here are some of the reasons the Grizzlies have continued to match the success of previous seasons: Core four meets the standard, plus The Grizzlies’ core four – Morant (27.7 ppg), Bane (24.7), Jackson (18.7) and Brooks (17.7) – have all played up to and/ or above their play of last season Jackson, the self-described Block Panther, has 32 blocked shots through 10 games, with 6.1 rebounds per game.

Hampered by injuries, the four have not played one game together this season.

However, with their next-man-up standard, the Grizzlies are in the top 10 of the NBA’s offensive and defensive rankings.

They are one of six teams ranked in the top 10 in both categories.

Young players develop, contribute Santi Aldama filled in well while Jackson was out. He is averaging 9.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. His 32 blocks attest to his marked improvement on the defensive end.

Thrown into the fire because of team injuries, rookies David Roddy and Jake LaRavia have gained valuable game experience, which has resulted in much-needed improvement in their defense.

Memphis’ Tyus Jones is trailed by Atlanta’s A.J. Griffin as he drives to the hoop for two of his 22 points.

David Roddy battles the Hawks’ Frank Kaminsky for this loose ball.

Reserve point guard Tyus Jones noted the newcomers’ improvement.

“It’s fun for me just to see because I see the work they put in every day. I see how they come in, willing to learn, willing to wait their turn and things of that nature,” he said.

“It’s cool for me and for everyone else to see. You know, them getting their opportunity and having some success.”

Consistent bench production Led by Jones’ 10-plus points per game, the bench has been rock-solid.

Starting in place of Morant against the Hawks, Jones had 22 points and 11 assists and three steals in 25 minutes, which placed him among a select group of NBA players. Since 1973-74, Jones is the third player with at least 20 points, 10 assists, and three steals in 25 minutes or less.

Along with Chris Paul, the other player was Lionel Hollins, a onetime Portland star and former Grizzlies coach.

Against the Hawks, Brandon Clarke scored 11 points and Aldama had 16. Both average just below 10 points per game and each average just above 5 rebounds.

“We always talk about our depth,” said head coach Taylor Jenkins. “Nothing changes from our starting unit to our guys coming off the bench. … Guys we’re playing different rotations. It seems every few games it changes up, but it’s a credit to them that they just have faith in each other, and we keep it really simple.

“We know what we’ve got to do defensively and offensively. If you trust in your teammates, trust in the system, you’re all going to benefit from it, and it’s a credit to them that they’re enjoying it.”

Only three players – Jones, Roddy and Clarke – have appeared in all 27 games.

Defense keys success No mystery here as the Grizzlies know their success is keyed by the defense. With that defense-first mentality, they score off of the results.

Memphis is ranked sixth in total defensive efficiency, which reflects a strong move up the rankings from the beginning of the season.

In the win over the Hawks and paced by Jackson, the Grizzlies blocked 12 shots.

“Our rotations are on point … we’re moving as one,” said Jones. “It’s not choppy at all. It’s not two people guarding the pick-and-roll and the other three on the backside are just standing … we’re communicating at a high level, and we are just in sync right now. … Obviously having Jaren back, that helps with being more active.”

Next The Grizzlies end their five-game home stand on Thursday when they face last season’s Eastern Conference champion, the Milwaukee Bucks, at FedExForum. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.

The New Tri-State Defender

December 15 - 21, 2022

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