The New Tri-State Defender -- December 17-23, 2020

Tigers pass hoops-turnaround test in conference opener.

Sports, Page 9

Housing crisis nears as eviction delay ends.

Special Report, Page 6

VOL. 69, No. 51

December 17 - 23, 2020

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COVID-19 UPDATE

LEGACY: The Rev. Dr. James Lavert Netters Sr. – (The New Tri-State Defender Archives)

The Rev. Dr. James L. Netters Sr. dies at 93 An icon aligned with the source of his strength

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Services over three days – beginning Friday (Dec. 18) – will note the legacy and celebrate the life of the Rev. Dr. James Lavert Netters Sr., who died this past weekend at 93.

All three services will be at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church-Westwood, where Mr. Netters served 60-plus years as pastor before transitioning to pastor emeritus.

“My beloved husband served this city, county, state and this nation well, a gospel preacher, and civil rights activist,” Mr. Netters’ wife, Nedia Netters, said in statement detailing services.

“Please pray for the family, the church family, the friends, and loved ones who feel the void and absence of a great man who served well.”

Mr. Netters had an acute understanding of trials and challenges and about how the quality of life for an individual or a group can be profoundly enhanced when God is relied upon for guidance.

The iconic Memphis servant-leader lived his life “leaning on the Lord,” serving the community he loved and readily acknowledging that he was inspired by the greatness of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “We enjoy a quality of life that only existed back then in the imagination of Dr. King,” he shared with readers of The New Tri-State Defender in January 2019 during the celebration of what would have been King’s 90th birthday.

“But Dr. King’s dream is still alive, and I carry it, living in the dream, and it is still just as strong and as forceful as it was in 1963.”

When the first three African Americans elected to the Memphis City Council were sworn in on Jan. 1, 1968, Mr. Netters was among them, taking the oath with Fred L. Davis and J.O. Patterson Jr., both now deceased. Like his contemporaries, Mr. Netters was a prominent, outspoken civil rights activists, with a commitment to participating in marches, sit-ins and other organized resistance against segregation and inequality.

“I remember as a young preacher in 1963 going to Washington where Dr. King delivered

SEE NETTERS ON PAGE 2

The first American recipient of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine was New York critical care nurse Sandra Lindsay, who received the first dose of the two-shot vaccine at about 9:20 a.m. EST on Monday, December 14. Medical officials administered the dose on camera as New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and others watched on a livestream. (Screen capture)

Vaccines arrive for Tennessee!

What you need to know now

by Dena Owens

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Vaccines to prevent the deadly coronavirus disease in Tennessee are expected to arrive Thursday (Dec. 17), according to Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare (MLH).

Healthcare workers in hospitals across the state will be first to receive the initial batch of 56,000 doses produced by Pfizer.

A second batch developed by Moderna is expected to follow.

Subsequent batches for the state’s 450,000 healthcare workers are anticipated as the roll out continues from multiple vaccine suppliers.

Experts urge healthcare workers to take the first available batches.

No timeline for administering vaccines to the public is currently available. However, age and pre-existing conditions (heart disease, diabetes, etc.) will factor into vaccination priorities.

Pfizer vaccines are already in American arms and as expected, so far, have proven safe.

MLH will begin administering vaccines immediately to frontline associates who come into direct contact with COVID-19 patients, including physicians, nurses, transporters, housekeepers, medical technicians and others.

In the African-American community, a hesitance to take the vaccines has emerged, mainly because of historical mistrust.

One of the key reasons cited for that mistrust is the Tuskegee Experiment that

occurred between 1932 and 1972. The clinical study started with 600 black men – 399 with syphilis, 201 without – who were misled about its purpose and never given proper treatment for syphilis.

The pandemic, however, has had a disproportionate impact on people of color, highlighting the virus’ stark disparities between whites and minority groups, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As result, American Americans are encouraged to take new, safety-proven vaccines to prevent more devastation from the deadly virus.

“Our community must start building trust,” says Michael Ugwueke, MLH president and CEO.

SEE VACCINE ON PAGE 3

Donnell Cobbins – a man with many facets – succumbs to COVID-19

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Father, son, brother, pastor, businessman, civic leader, friend and more all converged in The Rev. Donnell Roosevelt Cobbins, who contracted COVID-19 and died last Friday (Dec. 11), two months shy of turning 50.

His death was among 2,950 reported in the United States that day as the nation’s death toll from the coronavirus climbed to nearly 295,000.

Private final arrangements for the family and close friends will be closed to the public, according to directors at E.H. Ford Funeral Home. A public viewing is set for 3 p.m.5 p.m. on Monday (Dec. 21), at the funeral home, located at 3390 Elvis Presley Blvd.,

near Winchester Rd. For a while, Mr. Cobbins appeared to be winning his health battle.

“The first 10 days, he was fine,” said Darrell Cobbins, the younger brother with whom Mr. Cobbins built Universal Commercial Real Estate into the premiere African-American commercial real estate entity in Memphis. “Then on Nov. 19, he went to the hospital with shortness of breath.”

The pastor of St. Luke Baptist Church on Willoughby, off of Mississippi Blvd., Mr. Cobbins had been optimistic that he would be home before Thanksgiving. His brother took food over and left it for him.

“That Monday, he went on a ventilator,” Darrell Cobbins said. “We talked and texted through the weekend. We even did a three-way

Brotherly love: Donnell Cobbins (left) and his brother/business partner, Darrell Cobbins. (Family photo) call with a friend in New York.”

Things got progressively worse over the last 10 days of his life.

SEE COBBINS ON PAGE 2

The New Tri-State Defender

December 17 - 23, 2020

Page 2

NEWS NETTERS

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

Donnell Cobbins (right) with his mother, Shirley Peace Cobbins, and his brother, Darrell Cobbins. (Family photo)

COBBINS

CONTINUED FROM FRONT “I had people praying everywhere, just prayer chains everywhere,” said his mother, Shirley Peace Cobbins. “Donnell and I texted back and forth, and I left him seven envelopes of pictures and inspirational scriptures so he could open one every day.”

Two days before Mr. Cobbins died, hospital staff connected him with his daughter and son, his mother, brother and other members of the family.

“He wasn’t conscious, but I believe he could hear us,” his brother said. “I guess that was the beginning of the end.

I didn’t sleep much, listening for the phone to ring, for the hospital to call with an update or any change.”

A call came Friday at 7 a.m.

“He had a rough night, they told me,” said Darrell. “But, he was resting well. … So I called my mom to give her the update. By 8:30, I got another call that Donnell had taken a turn for the worst. By 9:15, the call came that he had passed.”

Hospital staff asked if Darrell wanted them to call his mother.

“I told them, ‘No.’ I knew I would rather she heard it from me than from them.”

While deeply grieved by the news, Shirley Cobbins said, “I felt a calm wash over me. … I felt a peace, an acceptance. I feel that Donnell had fulfilled his mission, and it was time for him to go back home.”

She recalled having been very sick while pregnant with him.

“I had toxemia, and I was rushed to the hospital so they could take the baby. The doctors said they could not save the baby, but they would do everything in their power to save me. Well, Donnell was born a preemie, weighing 4 pounds 11 ounces. We both made it.

“God let me keep him 49 years. God has a new, fresh angel.”

Darrell Cobbins reflected on the early days with his younger brother, business partner

“Donnell and I texted back and forth, and I left him seven envelopes of pictures and inspirational scriptures so he could open one every day.”

— Shirley Peace Cobbins and best bud.

“We were the only children of my mother and father,” he said. “My parents divorced when we were still very young.

We were the only grandkids up until the time we were 15 and 17. So we had all the love and attention. Everyone called us ‘the boys.’ We were one syllable: ‘DonnellDarrell.’ We were joined at the hip.”

Catholic schools provided the early-education foundation; then Memphis University School. They cried at the airport when it was time for Donnell to go off to Kemper Military School and College in Boonville, Missouri. It was the first extended time they had spent apart.

As they evolved the Universal Commercial Real Estate firm, the brothers for a time hosted monthly breakfast events, which brought aspiring entrepreneurs together with accomplished business people.

Donnell Cobbins took a couple of runs for elected office, coming up short in a city council race and a county commission contest. Former Shelby County Trustee David Lenoir tapped him to work as a property reclamation specialist to battle blight and help rebuild neighborhoods.

On Saturday, his brother shared one more particularly sobering reflection: “I slept better last night than I have for the past three weeks,” he said. “All those nights I was waiting for the hospital to call, I didn’t want to sleep that deeply. I wanted to wake up as soon as the phone rang.

“That’s all over now.”

his ‘I Have A Dream’ speech. I helped set up the stage as thousands and thousands of people gathered there at the Lincoln Memorial,” Netters recalled.

“We were setting up, and I remember sitting down at the back of the stage when he began speaking. I was riveted to that seat as he encouraged and uplifted us all.

“After that, I would have the opportunity to meet with him several times at his room in the Lorraine Motel. He would stay in that same room all the time.

Of course, we marched along side of him during the Sanitation Strike.”

A teacher, Mr. Netters’ passion for education and equality led him to activism.

In 1964, as Mr. Netters recalled, “seven of us were inspired by Dr. King to stage a sit-in on the city bus. We were arrested, and they put me in the car with Jesse Turner (former national NAACP treasurer, Tri-State Bank president and Shelby County Commissioner). While we were in that police car, Jesse told me to pray, and I said: “‘Lord Jesus, forgive these police officers for taking us to jail, for they know not what they do. They are arresting us because they want to maintain the status quo. But forgive them, Lord.’

“Then, one of the officers put his hand on his billy club and said, ‘OK, preacher, that’s enough.’ Then I said very loudly, ‘And Lord, AMEN.’ Jesse and I would laugh about that for many years.”

An announcement of Mr. Netters’ death was posted about 10 a.m. Sunday on the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Facebook page.

Mt. Vernon’s pastor, the Rev. Melvin D. Watkins Jr., made brief remarks, praising Netters’ work. He said, in part: “…Pastor Netters went home to be with the Lord today, surrounded by his loving family…Let’s kept the Netters family, the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church family…and all who mourn the passing of this icon, trailblazer…and friend in prayer. …”

Ora Jackson, 99, remembered growing up with Mr. Netters.

“I taught him in Sunday School back at Olivet Baptist Church when Rev. L. O. Taylor was pastor,” Jackson said.

“At that time, Olivet was located at Calhoun and Third. … I was just a few years older, but I taught the Intermediate Class.

Netters was a teenager at that time.

“His mother lived over there

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1977 S. Third St. See the Memphis Cash Saver grocery ad at memphiscashsaver.com

The Rev. Dr. James L. Netters Sr., with his wife, Nedia Netters, at his side. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/TSD Archives) on Webster and Wellington, not far from where we were living. They were so poor in those days. We all were.”

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. posted a tribute on its Facebook page, concluding.

“Rest in Peace our dear Brother.”

Mrs. Netters requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Dr. James L. Netters Sr. Scholarship Fund, or the Westwood Youth Devel-

opment, Inc., 501(c)3. All gifts can be mailed to: Mt. Vernon Baptist Church-Westwood, c/o Netters Memorial Fund, 620 Parkrose Ave., Memphis, TN 38109 Or, gifts may be sent through: Givelify: Mt. Vernon Baptist Church-Westwood.

The services are: • Friday, Dec. 18 – public viewing is scheduled from noon to 6 p.m., with a Family Service of Celebration to follow.

• Saturday, Dec. 19 – public viewing is set from 10 a.m. to noon, with a Civic and Community Service of Celebration following.

• Sunday, Dec. 20 – a final public viewing is slated for 10 a.m. to noon, with the official and final Celebration of Life at 1 p.m.

Requirements of masking and social distancing will be strictly enforced by funeral directors and church personnel.

R.S. Lewis and Sons Funeral Home has charge.

The New Tri-State Defender

December 17 - 23, 2020

Page 3

NEWS

Quartet of partners envision more Black doctors for Memphis

by Dena Owens

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare (MLH), Meharry Medical College, University of Memphis (UofM) and Church Health Center have signed an agreement to increase the number of Black medical students from Memphis.

Through new educational strategies, the partnership will produce more Black physicians and clinical experts to serve disadvantaged communities, including Orange Mound, Frayser, North Memphis and Whitehaven in Memphis.

“African Americans in our community will have more opportunities to see physicians that look like them,” said Michael Ugwueke, MLH president and CEO. “This plays an important role in positive healthcare outcomes for Black communities.”

No other city in the nation

has witnessed such a historic, four-institution partnership of this type, according to Dr. Ugwueke.

“We will add more Black medical experts to the pool every year. By 2030, the partnership will see measurable goals reached (as African American neighborhoods have more access to Black clinical experts).”

Currently, only 5 percent of physicians in the nation are African American, said Ugwueke.

He asserts that finding people of color isn’t the only answer to increased wellness in the Black community. However, “there is a critical need for Black talent and providing medical experts they trust.”

The agreement (to be finalized by March 2021) offers new medical training opportunities to students of Meharry and UofM, and clinical residents of MLH. As a major research institution with more than 21,000 students, UofM will provide

Black students direct access to postgraduate medical and biomedical sciences programs at Meharry.

Research collaborations between Meharry, MLH and UofM will produce new disease treatments, disease prevention strategies and best practices in community healthcare.

To inspire interested youth at the high school and middle school levels in Memphis, the partnership will provide students information on what it takes to get admitted to medical school for a future career.

“This partnership allows MLH to expand on our commitment of providing exceptional training opportunities for the next generation of physicians, nurses and medical professionals,” said Ugwueke Church Health Center, the largest faith-based, privately funded healthcare organization in the U.S., will extend educational and health care services to citizens of Memphis through the partnership.

Meharry Medical College, one of the nation’s oldest and largest historically black academic health science centers, will use the partnership to educate increased numbers of physicians, dentists, researchers and health policy experts.

Diabetes and new cases of HIV are three times higher in Shelby County than the states average of these diseases. Yet, in Memphis, the number of primary care physicians and specialists serving the population is lower than the state’s average.

Students who complete training through the 4-institution collaboration will be prepared to serve citizens in both urban and rural settings.

Ugwueke foresees a better future for the health of local citizens. “(Currently) there’s nowhere nearly enough physicians to serve our population.

The partnership will help students to stay in Memphis and serve our underserved communities.”

SCS leaders ask county for $30 million to address possible learning loss and literacy

by Laura Faith Kebede Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Shelby County Schools leaders asked county commissioners for nearly $30 million for their next budget to expand summer programs for struggling students and to hire teacher assistants to improve reading.

The request would increase to about $50 million annually in the third year as the Memphis district hires more teacher assistants for students in K-2.

The school board met with Shelby County commissioners Tuesday evening to provide details about possible learning loss from school closures in the spring and share the administration’s proposals to help students catch up.

The Memphis district has delivered instruction all online since August, a method Superintendent Joris Ray defended to county commissioners as the state pressures districts to reopen classrooms.

“In-person learning is better than remote learning, but remote learning is not broken,” Ray said.

Educators worry that existing inequities will widen between students of color and white students because virtual learning has shown to be less effective than in-person learning.

Shelby County Schools previously reported that early student test results show learning loss was not as bad as national researchers predicted.

But the number of Memphis students on grade level was still low. Ray acknowledged the district’s low performance is not new, but also said the pandemic’s historic disruption has strained district resources.

The district’s current budget is about $1 billion, but district staff typically ask for more money each year. The request would be on top of the amount the county is obligated to fund.

County commissioners did not act on the request Tuesday, but budget discussions typically start in January and stretch until June.

Tami Sawyer, the commission’s education committee chairwoman, said more money for education is paramount.

“We have a murder rate that’s

rising, and when you look at these numbers, there’s your answer,” she said. “The question needs to be, ‘Why aren’t we putting our youth first?’”

In May, the county commission, which provides about half the district’s money, mostly from local property taxes, rejected the district’s $21 million request for the current school year. At the time, commissioners cited a tight budget from the pandemic’s economic downturn. In the past five years, commissioners have added millions of dollars to the education budget, but that has slowed recently.

Here is what is included in the district’s request starting in fall 2021: * $11.8 million: Kindergarten through second-grade classrooms will each have a teacher assistant to support students learning to read. The request would increase to $23.7 million in the second year to add first graders and $35.5 million in the third year for second graders. * $10 million: A five-week summer program for students struggling the most in English and math in all grade levels

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* $4.8 million: Take-home literacy kits for students in kindergarten-11th grade. This would be a one-time cost. * $2.3 million: Yearlong teacher coaching for virtual instruction. * $1 million: An annual four-week summer program for new teachers, teacher assistants, and after-school program leaders.

Total COVID-19 cases in Shelby County and surrounding counties as of Wednesday Dec. 16, 2020 (Image: twitter.com/ShelbyTNHealth)

VACCINE

CONTINUED FROM FRONT “Pastors, elected officials and everyone should advise and encourage neighbors and others. The vaccine is as safe as it can be – the alternative is not better.”

Dr. Ugwueke said he will take the vaccine when it’s his turn and will do so Michael publicly Ugwueke, to encour- president/CEO, age others Methodist Le Bonheur to do the Healthcare same.

M L H will keep the vaccines at the proper temperature – either in a freezer, or by using the thermal shipper with dry ice.

Like other health systems, MLH conducted surveys to measure acceptance of the vaccine among its staff.

Preliminary results indicate that 45 percent of respondents will take the vaccine, 26 per-

cent responded maybe and 28 percent say they will not receive it.

MLH is using educational materials and early vaccine adopters to provide individuals all the information they need to make the best choice for themselves.

The vaccine is an individual choice, but is not mandatory.

COVID-19 is highly contagious and deadly as indicated by 300,250 deaths nationwide.

Locally, the Shelby County Health Department reported 779 new COVID-19 cases Wednesday (Dec. 16), a continuation of the local surge in cases. The county has recorded a total of 57,599 cases of COVID-19 this year.

Four new COVID-19 deaths also were reported, bringing the total number of virus-related fatalities to 756.

Dr. Ugwueke is concerned about the surge in cases and eager for a turnaround.

“We are encouraging our employees to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their loved ones and patients. It is the only way we will be able to begin to turn a corner with this insidious virus.”

Crises don’t last.

Commitment does.

It’s not about challenging times. It’s not about “new normals”. It’s about staying true to what matters most.

At Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, your safety remains our top priority. And we’re more committed than ever to your health. We will continue to do all we can to support our community and improve every life we touch. We’re here for you. Every single day.

To learn more about our services, visit methodisthealth.org.

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PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, December 17 - 23, 2020, Page 4

COVID-19 in our schools; something doesn’t add up!

by Curtis Weathers

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Shelby County Schools Supt. Joris Ray has modified district plans for re-opening schools and returning to in-person learning in the second half of the school year.

His reasons for doing so centers on the growing surge of COVID-19 cases in and around Shelby County.

As of now, pre-K-5 students will start in-person learning Feb. 8, and students in grades 6-12 will start Feb. 22. But this is a time period healthcare professionals say will be the most dangerous and deadliest period of the pandemic thus far.

So, we will see if this decision holds.

I support Supt. Ray’s cautious and layered approach to reopening district schools and his willingness to adjust plans based on the conditions on the ground. I would have preferred, however, that he cancel all manner of in-person learning going forward.

The superintendent’s number one priority always has been keeping students, teachers and staff safe. He has relied on data from the Shelby County Health Department to make decisions (based on the science) to help accomplish his objectives.

Leaders of other school systems in and around Shelby County, who have access to the same data, chose early on to implement full in-person learning or hybrid models.

Some have since reversed those decisions in the wake of outbreaks in their schools. But they all profess

to making data-driven decisions that are in the best interest of their community.

But let me be clear: I am vehemently opposed to Curtis sending teachWeathers ers and students back into school buildings during this pandemic. I think it is unsafe and while the data suggest that COVID-19 is transmitted between children at a much lower rate inside school building, adults, teachers and staff are at far greater risk.

Shelby County Schools recently conducted surveys that showed 68 percent of parents and 83 percent of teachers want to continue virtual online learning from home.

We all agree that having children attend school in person is safe only when community spread and transmission of the virus is under control.

This virus has been spiraling out of control across the entire nation for months. There is little hope that things will change significantly until vaccines have been more widely distributed, which is projected to be mid to late spring of 2021.

But the role of children in the spread of COVID-19 still is not fully understood, although more and more studies suggest that schools are safer than originally thought.

Experts continue to study the role of children in transmission in and outside of educational settings.

Shelby County Schools recently conducted surveys that showed 68 percent of parents and 83 percent of teachers want to continue virtual online learning from home.

Children aged 10 years and younger can transmit SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) in school settings, but we still do not know enough about the impact of COVID-19 on children 5-17 years of age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Some school systems in Shelby County started the school year with in-person learning and later, because of outbreaks in their schools, had to shut it down and move to virtual programs.

This was predictable from the start.

I still cannot understand why school boards and superintendents make decisions that put students, teachers and staff in harm’s way.

Maybe it’s their politics. But if not their politics, perhaps it is the data they are using to help make these decisions.

I frequently visit Tennessee’s Department of Education COVID-19 dashboard for up-to-date information regarding the spread of the virus in schools. The purpose of the dashboard is to inform parents and the community about the prevalence of COVID-19 cases on school campuses.

This data, however, often has been called into question. It has been re-

Shelby County Schools recently conducted surveys that showed 68 percent of parents and 83 percent of teachers want to continue virtual online learning from home. (Screen capture via scsk12.org) ported that thousands of student and staff cases are being excluded from school district totals.

All schools do not report their cases to the site and, because of privacy concerns, the state suppresses or excludes data when there are fewer than five cases at a school.

According to an analysis by Chalkbeat (an organization that covers educational news in Tennessee and other states), about 85 percent of districts in Tennessee have been submitting information to the state since early September.

That data, however, is often incomplete and the reporting is inconsistent.

So, it is possible that the data we are seeing today regarding the spread of the virus in schools (throughout Tennessee) is being grossly under-reported.

As suspect as some data might be, it still does not support decisions to move to or resume in-person learning going forward.

While in-person learning is abso-

lutely the best environment in which to teach our children, for the sake of our community’s health and safety during this unprecedented time, I highly support decisions to move schools to virtual online classes through at least the first three months of 2021.

Again, experts are sounding the alarm (and so am I) that this holiday season will bring a tsunami of COVID-19 cases and death to states and cities around the country.

Community spread and transmission are already at an alarming level and it will get much worse (not better) over the next few months.

School districts should continue to do all they can to provide high-quality virtual learning experiences to all its students until the data begins to trend toward more favorable conditions for in-person learning.

Just my opinion. Stay safe people!

(Follow TSD education columnist Curtis Weathers on Twitter (@curtisweathers); email: curtislweathers@gmail.com.)

THE CULTURAL COACH

Pitching COVID-19 vaccines fall short without plan to fix healthcare system

by Linda S. Wallace

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

It is just another walk on just another day until my dog, Gabby, and I pass a high, wooden backyard fence, where three snarling dogs grow tired of captivity and push open the gate.

The escapees head straight for Gabby, a bodacious dog who has committed the unfortunate offense of pooping in front of their yard.

The angry dogs take turns barking, growling, howling and yapping, part of an effort to let us know we are the enemy. We stand quiet and still. More posturing, followed by more silence.

“Go away,” I finally command, summoning up the husky, resolute doggie voice I had learned in doggie-training school. “Leave, now!” I order, this time pointing my finger to the north.

To my surprise, the dogs sniff at me curiously, and then run off in the direction I point.

Cultural beliefs and behaviors can lead us into cultural collisions, where one side unintentionally commits a grave offense. Our ability to manage such encounters is linked to our

level of preparation, our ability to stay calm, and our cultural knowledge or literacy.

In my case, I had taken Gabby to obedience school, where Linda S. humans learn to Wallace speak to dogs and dogs learn to listen. Had I not invested my time learning those calm yet firm doggie voices and commands, I suspect my story might have had a tragic ending.

Today, as Americans prepare to line up to take the new vaccine for COVID-19, I am thinking that we find ourselves in a similar situation.

The healthcare community and the pharmaceutical industry have a trust and a knowledge gap to contend with, especially with communities of color. Many Americans have said they won’t get inoculated even though the COVID-19 vaccines have been proven effective by scientists.

Let’s recap: A dangerous virus is

circling around us but too little has been done until now to prepare and address this crucial moment in time.

Oh well. So what do we do?

Working on diverse messaging is crucial. We need to draw upon cultural literacy in deciding which argument to use and who best to deliver the message.

That alone is not enough. My doggie story tells us why: The three dogs Gabby and I encountered eventually were captured by their owner, brought back home and returned to the yard. The next time Gabby walked by, we crossed the street to avoid the pack. I never let her poop in front of them again.

You see, that was the grave offense in their minds.

We corrected this situation and, in doing so, gained their trust. We lived together as good neighbors.

So it is now. Before we start asking people to take the vaccine, we have to assure them that we intend to address their grievances.

We must ensure that distrustful Americans – minorities are not the only ones within this group – have access to culturally competent med-

ical professionals and value-driven pharmaceutical companies. (Anyone remember what happened with opioids? The wounds still are painful to many Americans.)

Hospitals, medical schools, drug companies, government agencies and government regulators, we need to know you intend to stop others from polluting our community and fostering health hazards rather than providing healing and relief.

That is how you gain our trust.

Stop letting people poop in our yards!

This is a huge part of the conversation. While you are urging us to take the vaccine, you simultaneously need to reveal your plan to provide a better quality of healthcare.

We are listening.

(Linda S. Wallace is a free-lance journalist and communication specialist who helps clients develop cross-cultural messages for the workplace and the media. Readers are invited to submit questions on work or personal problems related to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or physical differences. Address your questions to culturalcoach@aol.com.)

“Before we start asking people to take the vaccine, we have to assure them that we intend to address their grievances. …

We must ensure that distrustful Americans – minorities are not the only ones within this group – have access to culturally competent medical professionals and value-driven pharmaceutical companies.” — Linda S. Wallace, The Cultural Coach

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The New Tri-State Defender

December 17 - 23, 2020

Page 5

RELIGION

‘Our Faithful Comeback’ is helping small, faith-based groups amid pandemic Grant deadline is Dec. 18 TSD Newsroom

In this Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020 photo, with the U.S. Capitol building in the background, supporters of President Donald Trump stand along Pennsylvania Avenue during a rally at Freedom Plaza, in Washington. Vandalism at four downtown Washington churches after rallies in support of Trump are exposing rifts among people of faith as the nation confronts bitter post-election political divisions.

(AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez, File)

Church vandalism exposes divisions over faith and politics

by Elana Schor The Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Vandalism at four downtown Washington churches after rallies in support of President Donald Trump is exposing rifts among people of faith as the nation confronts bitter post-election political divisions.

Among the damaged houses of worship were two historically Black churches where people ripped down Black Lives Matter banners, with video posted to social media showing one banner being burned. Those defacements – which are being investigated as possible hate crimes, according to the police – raised questions among some clergy and churchgoers about why more fellow Christians were not speaking out against the incidents.

The Rev. Dr. Ianther Mills, senior pastor at Asbury United Methodist Church, issued a statement Sunday likening the torched banner to a cross burning and said Monday that she hopes more evangelical Christians condemn the destruction.

Mills also underscored that she didn’t “want to make this into a political statement” and said her intention was to “move us all to greater healing and to more of a commitment to building a beloved community where all are welcome.”

The church plans a Thursday prayer service to help foster unity and healing, she said.

The nearby Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church reported that vandals slashed a banner printed with colors supporting LGBTQ rights and rejecting “acts of hate or violence” against others, pastor Don-

na Claycomb Sokol said.

She added that the episode at her church was “incredibly minor compared with what happened to our neighbors” and urged that attention be paid to the damage at Asbury and Metropolitan A.M.E. Church, both historically Black institutions.

The tearing down of Black Lives Matter signs came after pro-Trump demonstrations in the capital that attracted a sizable number of Proud Boys, a neo-fascist group prone to violent encounters. The protests were planned to bolster the president’s claims of election irregularities.

Police in Washington are seeking public help in identifying suspects in the defacements, with the FBI’s Washington field office also offering a reward.

The Rev. William H. Lamar IV, pastor at Metropolitan A.M.E., said in an interview that he saw not division but two separate faiths, contrasting his own beliefs with that of conservative evangelicals whose faith “clearly buttresses the status quo.”

Cornell William Brooks, former president of the NAACP and a member of Metropolitan A.M.E., said, “When evangelicals can speak on behalf of unborn babies, can speak on behalf of law and order when it comes to white people and white property, but are silent when it comes to banners that proclaim ‘Black lives matter,’ the moral silence is stupefying. …

“We’ve gone from having to say ‘Black lives matter’ to now having to say ‘Black churches matter,’” added Brooks, a professor at Harvard University’s Kennedy School graduate program.

The Episcopal bishop of Washington, who criticized Trump during the

The Rev. William H. Lamar IV, pastor at Metropolitan A.M.E. Church (Twitter) summer’s racial inequality protests after protesters were forcibly cleared in order for him to stage a visit to a fire-damaged church, issued a statement Monday with the dean of the Washington National Cathedral decrying the recent church vandalism as well as “the racist and religious overtones surrounding the effort to discredit the presidential election.”

Johnnie Moore, president of The Congress of Christian Leaders and an evangelical adviser to the administration, said via email that “we must put extremists on the far right and the far left on notice that these acts stop now.”

White House spokesman Judd Deere said by email that “President Trump condemns violence in all forms and any group that expounds hate and bigotry.”

Cameron French, a Biden-Harris transition official said in a statement that places of worship are sacred spaces and protected under the law and “acts that target these places because of their views, are unacceptable and undermine our work to build a more perfect union.”

Dubbed “Our Faithful Comeback,” a new grant initiative zeroes in on small, faith-based organizations, whose community outreach efforts have been made more difficult by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, Shelby County Board of Commissioners Chairman Eddie Jones, and Shelby County Commissioner Reginald Milton launched the “Our Faithful Comeback” grant fund to assist 170-plus small, faith-based organizations set up a virtual option for congregation services.

In addition to organizations receiving live-streaming equipment and set up, another 50 small faithbased organizations received a $1,500 reimbursement for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Faith-based organizations, including churches, synagogues and mosques with 100 or fewer active members are still eligible to apply for support until December 18.

Qualified applicants may apply by visiting www.shelby.community and clicking the Our Faithful Comeback Grant button.

“Some residents in Shelby County rely on places of worship for their most critical needs, including food ministries, clothing ministries, and so much more,” said Jones. “When places of worship cannot offer virtual services, there is a risk of not having a way to communicate with their members or community. Our Faithful Comeback ensures smaller faithbased organizations stay connected and safe to remain operational during this time.”

Harris said the Memphis-Shelby County community depends on churches, synagogues and mosques to serve some of the most vulnerable populations.

“Several small faith-based organizations in Shelby County have

halted in-person services to slow the spread of COVID-19, and have struggled to stay connected to their members,” said Harris. “We hope this program puts these organizations in a position to re-connect with their members safely.”

The impact of COVID-19 has caused some places of worship to close indefinitely, said Milton.

“Although some places have been able to re-create connection through virtual services, smaller places of worship often do not have the finances or know-how to support this. It is an honor to support a grant that will deliver to these organizations the means to connect with their communities.”

Pastor Leon Jones Jr. of The Dwelling Place Christian Church is among those to already have received support through Our Faithful Comeback.

“I am truly thankful to Shelby County for providing a grant for live-streaming equipment,” said Jones. “I had a great experience working with Forever Ready Productions. They are professional and helpful. The process was quick and seamless; I picked up my equipment on Friday and was streaming on Sunday.”

Pastor Josh Germany of New Heights Memphis said, “The equipment provided through Our Faithful Comeback has transformed the experience of our congregation during this difficult time. This has been such a blessing to our church.”

At St. Paul Douglass Missionary Baptist Church, Lady Beverly Ann Davis is heaping praise on Shelby County Government and Production One for what she called “a blessing to our ministry with this grant.

“I was amazed at how easy it was to set-up and operate the camera.

Because of this grant, we have been able to connect with our members online via live-streaming.”

“Several small faith-based organizations in Shelby County have halted in-person services to slow the spread of COVID-19, and have struggled to stay connected to their members. We hope this program puts these organizations in a position to re-connect with their members safely.”

— Lee Harris

The New Tri-State Defender

December 17 - 23, 2020

Page 6

SPECIAL REPORT

Housing crisis nears as eviction delay ends

Black Caucus sounds alarm, reviews relief options

by Dena Owens

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Dec. 31 marks the end of the nationwide eviction moratorium sparked by an effort to help those whose financial situations were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Renters who missed payments over the past seven months will owe a lump sum to landlords by the deadline, or face possible eviction in January.

“Housing in Memphis and our country is in a fragile state,” said Paul Young, director of the Memphis Housing & Community Development Office (HCD). “A lot of individuals and families are falling behind on rent and mortgage payments.”

On Dec 9, Young addressed the Tennessee Legislative Black Caucus during a virtual meeting hosted by Rep. Jesse Chism (D-Memphis).

State legislators drew advice from housing and legal experts to mitigate a looming crisis, while hoping for Congress to pass a new stimulus bill.

Mortgage payers have abundant relief options. But resources for renters are limited.

For Memphis, housing problems existed long before the pandemic.

The city leads the nation in evictions, averaging 2,500 to 3,000 per month.

Memphis also has a 38,000unit affordable housing shortage.

Economic impacts of COVID-19 only underscored the crisis and made it worse.

Young pointed legislators to relief options at: http://home901. org/covid-resources.

Citizens can apply for rental and mortgage assistance on the site, or take advantage of the Eviction Settlement Program (ESP).

Many tenants who go before the courts are unrepresented and don’t know their legal rights, giving landlords an advantage, according to Young.

ESP provides free legal representation to tenants and pays landlords directly to help them recoup losses.

ESP works in partnership with Memphis Area Legal Services, University of Memphis and Neighborhood Preservation, Inc. HCD is seeking public and private funding to extend ESP beyond Dec. 31.

Doreen Graves, West Tennessee liaison for Tennessee Housing

Development Agency (THDA), said statewide housing troubles caused by COVID-19 include: • F a i l u r e Paul to pay rent or Young a mortgage due to loss of income.

• Inability for seniors on fixed incomes to cover repairs in older homes.

• E v i c tions resultDoreen ing in homeGraves lessness.

Graves discussed relief options, such as the reinstated Hardest Hit fund, which provides an interest-free loan to homeowners behind on mortgage payments.

Borrowers can pay their mortgage, property taxes and insurance while seeking a job or training for new work.

The Emergency Solutions Grant – a $33 million fund – covers housing for citizens who become homeless due to the pandemic.

Graves recommended additional resources, including: • Convergence Memphis, a program to increase Black homeownership.

• eHome America, an online tool for housing education, foreclosure prevention and money management.

• Renterdefender.org, a chat system for tenants to understand their legal rights.

• THDA programs supporting home repairs and energy efficient upgrades for low-income citizens.

“We stand in the middle of unprecedented times,” Graves said.

“The only way to fight is through

collaboration.”

Va n e s sa Bullock, housing managing attorney for West Tennessee Legal Services, Vanessa said stateBullock wide housing problems have long existed, but intensified with COVID-19.

Her current concern is legal representation for tenants.

G. A. “ Te n a n t s Hardaway have rights and legislators should refer tenants to their local legal services agency to make sure all rules are followed,” Bullock said.

Bullock said Tennessee’s four legal services agencies help greatly when tenants are aware of the resource.

“Tenants don’t know to come to us … some feel they have to pay money, but the legal representation is free.”

Bullock warned that neither tenants nor landlords can bypass the judicial process, but “people could be on the streets by the end of January if landlords aren’t paid in full.”

Landlords, both federally subsidized and private, have had to comply with the moratorium set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Some small-scale landlords fear financial loss.

Landlords seeking assistance or free legal advice should contact the Help for Tennessee Hotline at 1-844-435-7486, which is manned by volunteer attorneys.

Bullock advised tenants facing eviction not to put off obtaining legal representation or alternative housing.

A shortage of affordable housing stock can be troublesome, she said, but legal services agencies can provide limited housing search tools.

In West Tennessee, Bullock noted witnessing small-scale landlords selling properties to

HOUSING AND EVICTION RELIEF RESOURCES Memphis Tenants and Homeowners – For rent or mortgage assistance, visit: http:// home901.org/covid-resources Memphis Tenants – For free legal representation, call 901-524-1183 Memphis Black Homeownership – For resources, visit: https://www.mba.org/ advocacy-and-policy/convergence/convergence-memphis Tennessee Housing Development Agency – For senior and low-income resources, visit: https://thda.org Tennessee Landlords – For assistance and free legal advice, call 844-435-7486

Related Resources Homebuyer Education and Foreclosure Prevention – Visit: https://www.ehomeamerica.org Legal Rights for Renters – Visit: https:// renterdefender.org Public Officials: For eviction data and help forming a relief plan, visit: http://evictionlab.org

out-of-state, absentee landlords who are now “running slums.”

This can lead to deteriorated housing stock, “but a lot can be done if the money is there to create housing programs that can be replicated.”

State Rep. G. A. Hardaway (D-Memphis) asked about possible legislative actions to minimize a housing calamity.

Bullock said the courts could order a temporary hold on issuing eviction writs, especially if judges knew the date federal aid would arrive. She stressed that to defeat the problem, federal aid is crucial.

The THDA’s Graves says THDA has funds, but not enough to offset the estimated $457 million to $599 million in unpaid rents in Tennessee since COVID-19 began.

As a step towards relief, state legislators will urge Tennessee’s Congressional to support stimulus funding.

Hardaway made a sobering comment about housing issues in Memphis and the nation.

“Until the health crisis is alleviated, the housing crisis may get worse,” he warned.

COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, December 17 - 23, 2020, Page 7

Council embraces task force plan setting police force size and more

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

A resolution adopting the recommendations, including setting the number of police officers, of the Public Safety Task Force was approved on a 9-1 vote by the Memphis City Council during Tuesday’s (Dec. 15) meeting.

The proposals came at the request of Mayor Jim Strickland’s office.

The task force, led by Councilwoman Rhonda Logan, includes representatives from the City Council, the police and fire departments, police union members, activists and the city’s chief human resources officer.

The recommended strength of the police department was 2,500 officers.

The plan sets guidance for recruitment, hiring, training and retention.

There are currently 2,100 officers on the force.

The number was settled upon after a pair of studies suggested 2,800 and 2,400 officers, respectively. The former was deemed excessive for the city’s needs and could leave it vulnerable to accusations of over-policing.

A study being conducted by the Deliotte consulting firm and commissioned by the mayor’s office is looking at the makeup of police shifts.

The costs of additional officers are

expected to be covered in the current budget.

The plan also would try to transition officers to civilian roles and bring back COACT, or community action Rhonda units. Disbanded Logan in 2011, 16 units were shut down after they were found to be improperly maintained.

It also calls for the creation of a partnership with Shelby County Schools to engage youth about public safety and its career options, as well as “True Blue Tuesdays.”

An audit of the Division of Police Services psychological test also is in the plan. Its findings would be presented to the council’s Safety and Homeland Security Committee. Paid time off for mental therapy for officers would be required as well.

Public safety training hours would be increased, as would training in conflict resolution and de-escalation tactics, such as verbal judo and cultural awareness.

Police ethics, just and fair policing, gang awareness through social media, community policing, police

corruption and civil rights violations would also be addressed.

Councilwoman Jamita Swearengen, during the council’s executive session, proposed holding the item back, arguing that the process hadn’t been transparent. She said some of her constituents had questions that remained unanswered.

Among this group is MICAH (Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope), which had called for the vote to be delayed.

“Without sharing his vision publicly, the constituents feel that it hasn’t been fair to them or the council,” Swearengen said.

Councilman Worth Morgan objected to a delay.

Councilman Chase Carlisle, added, “It seems like a bizarre accusation that the process wasn’t transparent when the mayor was responsible for a task force that we put together and selected the members and had open meetings on. That committee submitted recommendations to this body.

This body then discussed it and voted on committee two weeks ago.”

Carlisle, Morgan, Swearengen, Jeff Warren, Patrice Robinson, J. Ford Canale, Frank Colvett, Edmond Ford Sr. and Cheyenne Johnson voted in favor of the resolution. Martavius Jones voted against it.

TVA, Nation Enrichment Project hold drive-thru coat giveaway for kids Special to The New TriState Defender They all thought there would be rain.

Just 12 hours before the holiday drive-thru coat giveaway, the city had a very wet evening with temperatures in the mid-30s. By the time the sun broke the horizon on Dec. 12, however, there was the promise of a bright sunny day with the highs in the 60s for the Mid-South area.

It was almost a perfect fall Saturday to giveaway coloring books, face masks and coats for children outside Holy Nation Church of Memphis on Old Brownsville Road.

“This is a good sign,” said Angela Austin, construction manager for the Allen Fossil Plant in Southwest Memphis, as she and her team prepared for a long day of service.

A few weeks ago, TVA reached out to the church’s nonprofit Nation Enrichment Projects NEP), asking for help in mobilizing an event to help school-aged children get coats before the winter weather gets bad.

NEP’s executive director answered the call, set up social media commercials, created flyers and reached out to their base to contact as many families as possible.

TVA did the same, even recruiting other local nonprofit partners to share the event through their channels.

The event was a success. More than 600 families responded and reserved spots to pick up 650 coats. All the families had to do to collect their coats was provide sufficient proof that their K-5 students were enrolled in school via a progress report or report card.

Some families picked up as many as five coats for children.

“We wanted to make this process as easy as possible for parents,” said Taquiya J. Thompson with Special Projects and Government Relations at TVA. Parents and guardians were happy to receive the free coats and the children

Latonya Sneed (TVA) and a Nation Enrichment Projects volunteer deliver and check coats before distributing to a family. (Courtesy photos)

After the last coat is delivered, volunteers from TVA and NEP take up socially-distanced positions for a photo capping a day of service. were happy to get a free TVA TEAM coloring book and complimentary mask from the Allen Fossil Plant team.

“In the middle of a very tumultuous cold and flu season with the daunting financial impacts associated, with the COVID-19 pandemic complicating an already hard year, parents are struggling not only to provide gifts for their children during the holiday season, they are struggling to provide the basic necessities,” said Andrew Perpener, executive director for Nation Enrichments Projects.

“I’m delighted that TVA reached out to NEP to assist with this drive-thru coat giveaway. Our mission, very much like TVA is to enhance the quality of life for all that we serve.

“I hope even those who do not need a coat for a little one will spread the word to those who might benefit from this Saturday’s event,” Perpener said.

Over the last few months, TVA has hosted several events with local partners like NEP to help the community ravaged by the pandemic.

“We recognized that there was an immediate need this winter. With so many lives forever changed or put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we as a company knew we needed to step in and do more to help families.

“We are just happy to have other organizations such as NEP to partner with for these important events,” said Mark Creech, TVA customer delivery executive director.

Protestors marched along Second Street from Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum to Memphis City Hall on Tuesday.

“Mama Peaches” (left) and two Democratic Socialist Party members found common cause in opposing the proposed pipeline. (Courtesy photos)

Byhalia Pipeline protesters fear contamination of soil, water

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Despite several meetings with community residents and environmental advocates, pushback continues against the Plains All-American Pipeline Company’s Byhalia Connection Pipeline.

A Tuesday afternoon march by a group few in number was the latest act of protest. The main organizer, Salamander Pride, said those who joined the effort had similar concerns for the threat to the quality of soil and water on and around the proposed pipeline’s route.

“We had some members of Black Lives Matter, Party of Socialism and Liberation, the Sunrise Movement, Ms. Z, and the Democratic Socialists of America,” said Pride.

“We are all concerned about the environment, particularly the land and our water supply. In just a few years, people are going to be fighting about water. Life on earth won’t be sustainable.”

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) conducted a virtual public hearing in late August to hear concerns of those who will be most affected by the pipeline’s location as well as environmentalists warning against contamination.

On Nov. 9, TDEC published an online record of objections expressed by residents and environmentalists, along with the department’s official response to those concerns.

The hearing was designed for opponents of the pipeline to request that all applications for permits to proceed with the project be denied.

Many of the concerns had to do with “environmental social justice” and disregard for the “historically underserved, low-income and minority communities” which would be directly affected.

TDEC responded in the publication that there is no EO (Environmental Order) or specific language that “requires or provides TDEC… (to) consider environmental justice

within the environmental regulatory program actions.” It went on to state that equal treatment of all communities in administrating environmental…programs is a priority of the department.

On Nov. 17, Vice-President of Environment and Regulations Compliance William Gore, was sent a letter from TDEC granting the permits requested, “subject to conformance with accepted plans, specifications and other information submitted in support of the referenced application.”

The state of Tennessee issued “certification for the proposed activity,” enclosing the documents in Gore’s letter. The missive added, “This certification also serves as an aquatic resource alteration permit. Failure to comply with the terms of this permit or other violations of the Tennessee Water Control Act of 1977 is subject to penalty in accordance with T.C.A. § 69-3-115.”

Tuesday’s march followed a Saturday afternoon meeting at T.O. Fuller State Park. Pride complained in a statement following the meeting that the pipeline is “cutting across some of the poorest neighborhoods in the city.”

Baxel Booker, a resident and community organizer, said Saturday, “For too many years, Boxtown has been the dumping place for the rest of Memphis.”

Plains All-American Pipeline principals released a statement, in part, stating: “As we engage in the community, we are working to share the benefits and clarify some incorrect assertions about our project by reinforcing the facts, including: • “The vast majority of the pipeline will be underground.

• “The pipeline will not be routed under homes.

• “The aquifer is located at a substantially greater depth than our pipeline, which will typically be 3-4 feet below the surface.

• “There is no expected impact to the air quality when the pipeline is in operation.”

The New Tri-State Defender

December 17 - 23, 2020

Page 8

SPORTS

PLAY IT BACK: Memphis ends hold-on season with hold-on win over Houston

by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Playing in Montgomery, Alabama two days before Christmas was not a vision shared early on by Memphis’ football Tigers, yet it now is set to be their reality.

It’s what comes at the end of a 7-3 season punctuated by the COVID-19 pandemic, players opting out before a down was played and a slate of postponed and/or rescheduled games.

The 2020 Montgomery Bowl against Florida Atlantic University is itself a replacement – a sub for the Fenway Bowl that was canceled earlier this year.

It’s the kind of scenario that brings God readily to mind for some. Memphis quarterback Brady White makes a case in point.

“I would not be here (at Memphis) if God had not pointed my path here. I am thankful for my teammates, even though our year may not have turned out perfect,” said White, who became the Tigers’ all-time leading passer by throwing for 246 yards and two touchdowns in a rollercoaster win over Houston at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium last Saturday.

After the game, White, whose 10,406 total passing yards moved him past Danny Wimprine, did a victory lap to thanks fans who stayed to the final horn; one fan netted his game gloves.

“It is a privilege to be num-

ber one in all of the bigtime categories and to be considered one of the best to ever play Terry here,” Davis s a i d White. “I appreciate all of the people that have laid the foundation for me – Danny (Wimprine), Paxton (Lynch), all of those guys.”

Perseverance amounted to a one-word mantra for the “regular” season right down to the end with a thrilling 30-27 home-field victory over Houston’s Cougars.

The victory margin was a field goal as the clock expired

by Riley Patterson, his first walk-off kick for a win. Memphis was in complete control of the game, but allowed the Cougars to erase a 21-point lead (27-6) in the third quarter.

The cardiac cats, as head coach Ryan Silverfield has nicknamed his team, were at it again.

Since joining the Memphis coaching staff, Silverfield has been a part of 31-3 record at home. This is the first time a first-year head coach at Memphis has been undefeated at home.

Memphis has won 15 straight home games, currently the fifth longest in the nation. Memphis has won 18 straight home games against

Calvin Austin III kept alive the Tigers’ streak of having a 1,000-yard receiver. Austin needed 49 yards to eclipse the milestone. He had 74 yards on seven receptions, bringing his total to 1,025 yards. (Photo: Terry Davis) unranked opponents.

The senior class won 37 games over the last four years.

White logged a 19-1 record at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.

Against Houston, the Tigers’ defense came through.

Near the end of the first half, Quindell Johnson picked off a pass for the third straight game.

The Memphis defense put points on the board when Jay-

lon Allen, who got his first career start, picked up a fumble and took it 85-yards for a touchdown. Coming into the game, Allen, who recorded three tackles against Houston, only had two tackles for the season.

“I have been waiting on this opportunity,” the Houston native said, reflecting on getting the start. “I have been praying on it. It is a dream come true.

“I knew if I had to put my-

self out there, I had to put my best foot forward and ball out.”

Morris Joseph had eight tackles, including 2.5 tackles for losses and a sack. Thomas Pickens had nine tackles to lead the way for the defense.

NOTES: • Calvin Austin III kept live the team’s streak of having a 1,000-yard receiver. Austin

needed 49 yards to eclipse the milestone. He had 74 yards on seven receptions, bringing his total to 1,025 yards.

• This is Memphis’ fifth straight year with a 1,000-yardplus receiver: Anthony Miller, 2016, 2017; Damonte Coxie, 2018, 19.

• The Tigers’ string of post-season appearances extends to seven with the 2020 Montgomery Bowl.

December 17 - 23, 2020

The New Tri-State Defender

SPORTS

CLASSIFIEDS NOTICE TO BIDDER(S) Shelby County Government has issued Seal Bid I000642 for New Medical Equipment for the Shelby County Health Department. 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 Office” then “Formal Bid Listing” to locate the name of the above-described Sealed Bid. DUE TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021 AT 2:30 PM SEALED BID SB-I000642 NEW MEDICAL EQUIPMENT 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.

THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS IS RESERVED By order of LEE HARRIS, SHELBY COUNTY MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT NOTICE TO BIDDERS

D.J. Jeffries led the Tigers with 16 points against Auburn, also contributing seven rebounds in a disappointing loss. (Photo: Joe Murphy)

Tigers win hoopsturnaround test in conference opener

by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

How long does it take to get over a “gut-wrenching” loss in a basketball game that the losing coach knows his team could have – probably should have – won?

The Tigers lost 74-71 to Auburn on Saturday in Atlanta during the Pit Boss Grills Holiday Hoopsgiving. (On Wednesday, the Tigers beat Tulane 80-74 on the road in their season’s American Athletic Conference opener.)

“This is the hardest loss for me. It is gut wrenching,” said Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway after the Auburn game.

Memphis led 63-62 with 4:11 left in the game. Defensive lapses allowed Auburn to go on an 8-2 over the next 2:13.

Normally good from the free-throw line, the Tigers only connected on 11 of 23 attempts. And the turnover bug that haunted the team last year, well, it was biting away.

Memphis had 18 turnovers and only 14 assists.

Missed shots – many easy at the rim layups and put-backs – were painfully present.

“Focus,” Hardaway said of the remedy.

“Guys are going in there and they know the bigs are going to be there and you just got to make shots. I think the focus isn’t there always. There was a lot of craziness missing free throws and layups.”

The Tigers were good on the glass, grabbing a season-high 24 offensive rebounds Moussa Cisse had 14 total rebounds.

D.J. Jeffries led the way for the Tigers with 16 points, adding seven rebounds. Boogie Ellis and Alex Lomax each had 10 points. Landers Nolley II and Cisse each had 9 points.

Auburn’s freshman guard, Justin Powell, pushed and pulled the SEC Tigers toward victory, hitting four of six three-pointers (most in the second half) and finishing with 26 points.

Up next Memphis’ next home games are Dec. 21 against Tulsa and Dec. 29 against USF.

Page 9

Shelby County Government has issued Sealed Bid number I000647 Cooling Tower Replacement, 201 Poplar Avenue, CJC. Information regarding this Bid is located on the County’s website at www.shelbycountytn. gov . At the top of the home page, click on the dropdown box under “Business”, Click on “Purchasing” and “Bids” to locate the name of the above described Sealed Bid. SEALED BID I000647 DUE DATE THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021 @2:00 PM (CST) (SB-I000647) COOLING TOWER REPLACEMENT, 201 POPLAR AVE, CJC All bids will be opened and read via teleconference by Shelby County Government at the time mentioned above. Please use the following information to join the bid opening: To join by phone, call the necessary numbers below: External: +19012222777 Internal: 22777 Meeting ID: 9012222260# Meeting PIN: 06222# A Voluntary Pre-Bid Meeting – All interested respondents are invited to participate in this meeting via teleconference on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at 9:00 am (CST). Please use the following information to join the pre-bid meeting: To join by phone, call the necessary numbers below: External: +19012222777 Internal: 22777 Meeting ID: 9012222260# Meeting PIN: 06222# A one-time only walk through will be on January 7, 2021 at 9:00AM. Interested parties should report to 201 Poplar, Suite 1-20.

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:

John Settles Tax Parcel #: 03901600000100 Tax Sale #: 1603 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 2:30 p.m. on February 26, 2021, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

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

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Marcos Gomez and Elizabeth Castaneda Tax Parcel #: 04105600000310 Tax Sale #: 602 Price Offered: $50.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:00 a.m. on January 18, 2021, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

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

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Dominique Batson Tax Parcel #: 06100500000210 Tax Sale #: 1503 Price Offered: $505.13 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice.

If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:00 a.m. on March 2, 2021, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

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

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Modifications - Dominique Baston

THE NEW TRI-STATE DEFENDER CLASSIFIEDS 1509 Madison Ave. Memphis, TN 38104 PH (901) 523-1818 FAX (901) 578-5037 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 (901) 746-5201 or email: advertising@tsdmemphis.com.

BEER PERMITS Flat Rate: $35 GENERAL INFORMATION:

Tax Parcel #: 06100400000260 Tax Sale #: 1603 Price Offered: $505.13 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 March 2, 2021, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

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

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Domonique Baston Tax Parcel #: 06100400000260 Tax Sale #: 1603 Price Offered: $664.54 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 March 2, 2021, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

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All ads subject to credit approval. The New Tri-State Defender reserves the right to correctly classify and edit all copy or to reject or cancel any ad at any time. Only standard abbreviations accepted. Copy change during ordered schedule constitutes new ad & new changes. Deadlines for cancellation are identical to placement deadlines. Rates subject to change.

ADJUSTMENTS: PLEASE check your ad the first day it appears. Call (901) 523-1818 if an error occurs. We can only offer in-house credit and NO REFUNDS are issued.

THE NEW TRI-STATE DEFENDER assumes no financial responsibility for errors nor for copy omission.

Direct any classified billing inquires to (901) 523-1818.

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

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

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Faye Doris Tolbert Tax Parcel #: 04100500000270 Tax Sale #: 1501 Price Offered: $500.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice.

If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:00 a.m. on March 2, 2021, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

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

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: Marcos Gomez and Elizabeth Castaneda Tax Parcel #: 04105600000330 Tax Sale #: 701 Price Offered: $50.00 Terms: Cash

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

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The New Tri-State Defender

December 17 - 23, 2020

THEY’VE SERVED US, NOW LET’S SERVE THEM. Learn more at: ilovememphisblog.com/eatlocal

We know these are difficult times. Here’s one way to make them easier: Eat local. You get a tasty break from cooking; Memphis’ restaurant community gets some local love.

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