Vol. 2, Issue 3 March 2020 KEEPING YOU UP‐TO‐DATE MONTHLY WITH THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN SHELBY COUNTY, TN i LoveShelbyCounty.com LETTER FROM THE EDITOR By Yvonne D. Nelson, Ph.D., CNC There were a lot of events planned during the month of February in Memphis and Shelby County, TN. This month, as usual, NEWSCENE covered several of these positive events that took place and concerned our communities, educational achievements, youth, historians, housing, environmental concerns, including both for proit and nonproit activities. It is almost spring and it was just January! Don’t forget—time waits for neither you nor I, so let’s always remember to spend our time wisely. Please remember to follow us and to subscribe online at iLoveShelbyCounty.com. For those of you who prefer hard copies, thanks for your subscriptions. Subscribe to our printed editions online for $84/year, $42/bi‐annually, or purchase a single copy for the low cost of $7/month. You can call us at 901‐300‐0390, subscribe and/or pay online, or make your check made payable to DI’MANS, Inc. We are always looking forward to getting your emails at NEWSCENEShelbyCo@gmail.com. We can also be contacted by mail at DI’MANS, Inc. dba NEWSCENE, I Love Shelby County.com, P.O. Box 9146, Memphis, TN 38190‐0146. HAPPY ‘BLACK FACTS’ IS EVERY DAY MONTH! Thank you, GRADUATES OF SWTCC BENEFIT FROM PBI GRANT PROGRAM The Department of Education, Ofice of Post Secondary Education announced it was accepting applications for “New Awards: Predominantly Black Institutions (PBI) Competitive Grant Program” in May of 2015. The administration at Southwest Tennessee Community College (SWTCC) received an award in 2012, reapplied in 2015, and was awarded $3 million for the FY2015-FY2020 school years. The purpose of the PBI program is to “strengthen PBIs to carry out programs that are designed to improve the educational outcomes of minority males by reducing the net cost, median student loan debt, and likelihood of student loan default for high-need students who enroll in post secondary degree programs in college.” Matthew Shields, a Wooddale High School graduate, was one of several men who were recently rewarded for their educational achievements through the program. “I’ve been attending college off and on and this is my second stint in college since I graduated high school,” said Shields, 25. “I wasn’t mentally prepared for college when I irst got out of high school. With this go round, I was ready for it. It’s like, I want better in life and I feel like I’ve got to further my education to open up more doors.” Currently working as a Patient Escort for Methodist Hospital, Shields has plans to stay with his current employer and hopes to grow with the company while he’s there. “I’m in school for my business degree and I want to get in on the business side of Methodist,” said Shields who’s goal is to obtain a masters degree in business. “I really appreciate the founders and the makers of the scholarship program here at Southwest. I was paying out of pocket and with the scholarship, that helped me inish last semester with a breeze. Plus, I got my job last semester. If I could pay it forward to help a senior coming out of high school today, I would tell them what I’ve learned. I would tell them life is a marathon, not a race and that one shouldn’t be in competition with their peers. Everybody’s path is different. Just give it your best and don’t be scared to take a chance on yourself.”
A Clear Vision for Developing MINDS that Think! Men in Black Awards Program Opening Remarks Safari Love, Project M.O.S.T. Student Welcome Dr. Tracy D. Hall, SWTCC President Occasion Kariem-Abdul Salaam, Project M.O.S.T. Director Performance Deborah Glass-Frazier, Blues City Cultural Center Co-Founder/Project Director Introduction of Keynote Speaker Giavante Douglas, Project M.O.S.T. Counselor Keynote Speaker Shannon A. Brown, FedEx Express Sr. VP of Eastern Division U.S. Operations Presentation of Awards Sherman Robinson, Giavante Douglas, and Debra Davis, SWTCC Project M.O.S.T. Counselors Acknowledgements Sherman Robinson, SWTCC Project M.O.S.T. Counselor Information and Check‐In Kayla Tunstall, Administrative Assistant III “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character ‐that is the goal of true education.” —Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 2 Kelvin K. Davis, Laboratory Technician at SWTCC Whitehaven Center attended the Men in Black Awards ceremony held at 10 am in the Farris Auditorium at the Macon Cove Campus, Friday, February 7, 2020. Project M.O.S.T. Phone #: (901) 333-5335 Project M.O.S.T. Application: CLICK HERE!
3
CROWNING 2020 ORANGE MOUND SENIOR CENTER KING QUEEN The Orange Mound Community Services Senior Center, 2590 Park Avenue, Memphis, TN, crowned its 2020 King, Gregory Nolan, and Queen, Blenna Niamke, (front seated) on Thursday, February 20, 2020 as Royal Court members (rear from left) 2nd Runner Up Alice Marie Batts, 1st Runner Up Deloris Ketchum (hidden), 2019 Queen Willie Estella Taylor and 2019 King Preston Hurt watch. Pictured below are (from left) Hurt, Taylor, 1st Runner Up Deloris Ketchum, and Batts. Not pictured are Annie L. White and Jarrett Mallory Jr. Pictures and Story by Dr. Yvonne D. Nelson The Orange Mound Community Services Senior Center, 2590 Park Avenue, Memphis, TN, was the place to be on Thursday, February 20, 2020. The annual crowning of the 2020 King and Queen began promptly at 10 am. Vanessa Saine opened the program with a devotion and Juliette Wooden gave the welcome. Center member Shirley Cherry was the Mistress of Ceremony. Past Royalty, the 2019 King Preston Hunt and Queen Willie Estella Taylor were on hand to pass the titles on to the 2020 winners, King Gregory Nolan and Queen Blenna Niamke. Members of the Royal Court included Alice M. Batts, Deloris Ketchum, Annie L. White, and Jarrett Mallory Jr. Musical entertainment by International Blues Man Kenneth Jackson serenaded those in attendance and the Orange Mound Energizers energized the crowd with dance performances that had the crowd on their feet. 4
5
International Blues Man Kenneth Jackson kept the celebration going through his talented speaking, singing, and entertaining abilities. 6
Orange Mound Energizer member and former Grizzlies Granny, Shirley Cherry, was program Mistress of Ceremony. 7
8
9
T A: A I G A introductory genealogy workshop, hosted by Assistant Library Customer Service, employee Charvis Ford (right standing), was held from 2-3 pm on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at the South Branch Library, 1929 S. Third Street . Story and Pictures by Dr. Yvonne D. Nelson An “Intro to Genealogy” class, taught by Assistant Library Customer Service employee Charvis Ford, began at 3 pm on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at the South Branch, 1929 S. Third at Belz Street. About a dozen people gathered in the meeting room to learn how to research their family history. Ford informed those in attendance about the many genealogy services available for free in the history department on the fourth loor at the Benjamin L. Hooks Branch Library, 3030 Poplar Ave, and gave a visual tour of the genealogy section available at memphislibrary.org. “Genealogy involves collecting the names of relatives, both living and deceased, and documenting the relationships between them,” said Ford reading from the “Getting Started in Genealogy: A Pathinder for the Beginning Researcher” irst page in the worksheet packages prepared for attendees. He went on to note individuals serious about undertaking a genealogy project should (1) ind a way to organize their research by using the same notebook, dating notes, and writing down sources; (2) begin at home with information that is already known, written, and/or recorded like the family Bible; (3) get copies or vital records from within the last 50 years and census records to verify where people lived as well as the names of parents and other relatives, (4) send off for Social Security applications through the SSA to obtain full names, dates and places of birth and more; and (5) look for other research that may have been done on your family like scrapbooks and the family Bible. Ford then spoke briely about a well-known website and their free trial period which elicited a comment that the same website tends to hold back full access to information during the trial period. “They know you are trying to get it done in two weeks,” surmised Ford. “That’s why I would encourage you to stick with the public sources. Everything with the Memphis Public Library is public and free unless you decide to go off your path or you need some more information. The South Brach Library is open from 10 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday. Call (901) 415-2780 for information. 10
11
ROBIN’S LOVE PACKS THE BAGS TAKE 2: MY 901 (Above right) Robin Hall (left) congratulates 1st place contest winner Mykayla James. (Left) MAP employees Mary Brooks and Marquis Robinson congratulate Runner Up Alex Benton. (Not pictured Syria Perry) . Pictures by Linda Jones - Story by Robin Hall and Dr. Yvonne D. Nelson Middle College High School (MCHS) 10th grader and Christian Brothers College dual enrollment student Robin Hall is an active member of Pleasant Chapel Baptist Church, a member of the softball and bowling teams at MCHS, Young Actors Guild - Memphis, Girl Scouts Troop #10305, and the Memphis Ambassadors Program (MAP). A few of her community service projects have included street canvassing to spread awareness, donating items to the Mid-South Regional Food Bank, providing free tutoring services after school, serving as a docent, packing and distributing diapers through the Sweet Cheek’s Diaper Ministry program and creating her own service-learning project, “Robin’s Love Packed the Bags.” “I was challenged to develop leadership skills and conidence when I joined the Memphis Ambassador’s Program,” said Hall speaking of the year-round development and enrichment program that serves between 400-500 youth across the City of Memphis. “Joining MAP gave me the motivation I needed to take action in my community.” Hall initially created her project to help 5th grade girls through a stipend she received through the MAP program. “I once read that ‘Service is the rent we pay for living,’ said Hall speaking of a Marian Wright Edelman quote. “Pack the Bags was an opportunity to donate nail polish, hand sanitizer, lotion, socks, purses, snacks, educational games, and basic care products to children who would appreciate them. When I received the opportunity to help package and distribute diapers to parents with babies in need from the Diaper Cheek Ministry, I saw another chance to give back to my community. It was an offer I couldn’t refuse.” Robin’s Love Pack the Bags Take 2: My 901 was a challenge Hall made to 5th grade students. “I want to hear your thoughts!” Hall's poster advertising the contest read. “What do you think about Memphis and how would you make it a better place for all people? Or, what do you want to be when you grow up? Does your community offer you the best chance you can get? How does this make you feel?” Children had until Friday, February 7, 2020, to write a one-to-three paragraph response to one of the two questions posed. The poster went on to say that winners would be announced at 10:30 am the following Friday, February 14th, and everyone would receive a special surprise and lunch from Little Ceasar’s Pizza on Robin. “After we ate lunch, everyone took turns discussing how growing up in Memphis affects them,” said Hall who told her junior classmates, “Your voice can be a powerful tool, especially when you take time to put your thoughts in writing irst.” 12
(Left) Dual enrollment Middle College High School/Christian Brothers University 10th grade student Robin Hall treated 5th graders at Northaven Elementary School, 5157 North Circle Road, Memphis, TN 38127, to Pizza and juice on Friday, February 14, 2020. (Below) Robin’s Love Pack the Bags Take 2: My 901 contest Runner-Up student Syria Perry’s contest entry cover sheet. (Below) Northaven Elementary School Principal, Louis Padgett, attended the event and poses with Middle College High School 10th grader Robin Hall after the “Robin’s Love Pack the Bags Take 2: My 901” writing contest winners were announced at a program held in the school at 10:30 am on Friday, February 14, 2020. Syria’s entry tied with those written by Alex Benton and Ariyana Norwood and Mykayla James was the contest’s 1st Place winner. 13
I $5M: C N R C In honor of Black History Month, Collins Chapel Connectional Hospital, 409 Ayers Avenue, Memphis, TN, held a Reunion Day Tour and Celebration on Saturday, February 22, 2020, in honor of all professionals, workers who received training, patients who received services, and persons born at the facility. The event was a fundraiser held in advance of the Living Legacy Brunch scheduled for 10:30 am, Saturday, March 14, 2020, at Esplanade Banquet & Conference Center, 901 Cordova Station Avenue in Cordova, TN. Story and Pictures by Dr. Yvonne D. Nelson Originally located at 418 Ashland Court, Memphis, TN, in 1910, the Collins Chapel Connectional Hospital (CCCH) had an operating room, maternity ward, and a connectional ward when Dr. W. S. Martin became the superintendent in 1920. During the height of pre-civil rights era, the facility moved to 409 Ayers Avenue, in a building designed by Frank Graham Rice of the old Norton and Rice Architects. During those years, CCCH was the only facility available in Memphis providing quality healthcare services to the African American community in Memphis, TN. The facility continues to hold the title for being the only faith-based owned African American healthcare facility in the United States. Owned by the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, the CCCH was the only hospital in Memphis to admit African American patients, allow African American doctors and nurses to practice medicine, and to provide training for African American’s wanting to pursue a career in the medical ield until the Civil Rights Act of 1964 removed segregation and led to the requirement of blacks to be treated at other hospitals. Although this resulted in the closing of CCCH, it reopened as a nursing home in the 70s and remained open for nearly the entire next decade. The facility closed due to much needed repairs in 2010. Mt. Olive CME Church Pastor, Rev. Peris Lester opened the Reunion Day celebration with a prayer and CCCH Chairman, Bishop Henry M. Williamson Sr., Presiding Prelate of the CME First Episcopal Church, provided the historical signiicance of the hospital and spoke about the $5 million dollar renovation project currently underway. Conveniently located in the medical district neighboring the Veteran’s Administration Hospital, Methodist Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Regional One Health, UT Center for Health Sciences and other hospitals, the goal of the project is to renovate the CCCH into a 28-bed specialized healthcare facility and skilled nursing facility. The facility will employ registered professional nurses for physical and occupational therapy patients, medically-needy patients, short- and long-term rehabilitation and care returning it to its former status of being a professional medical training facility for the vast number of healthcare students entering the industry for years to come. The CCCH’s approved Certiicate of Need will allow for specialized and individualized custodial care, physical, speech, and occupational therapy, medication management, bed and board, social services, and dietitian and nutrition program services to be offered. A brief recognition of persons born, treated, and/or employed at the facility including relatives of those who practiced during the height of the organization’s history spoke and brief remarks were scheduled to be made by Paul Young, City of Memphis’s Director of Housing and Community Development, Rev. Dr. Keith Norman, Pastor, First Baptist Broad Church and Vice President, Government Relations at Baptist Memorial Healthcare Corporation, Willeen Hastings, CEO at Memphis Health Center, Inc., Rev. Dr. D’Arcy Deveaux, Pastor, Emmanuel Baptist Church and Regional One Health Spiritual care Liaison and Staff Chaplin, Vickie Haynes Terry, ED, NAACP Memphis Chapter, Shelby County Commissioners Eddie Jones and Reginald Milton, and others. Lynette Long, daughter of Henretta PHOTO By Yvonne D. Nelson 14
Moore introduced her mother who trained at the CCCH to be an LPN in the early 50s and went on to train as a RN. “My mother was born and raised in Milan, TN,” began Long. “She knew from early in childhood that she wanted to be a nurse. The only place she was able to make that dream come true anywhere in this area was here at Collins Chapel.” Bishop Williamson Sr. followed Long’s remarks by acknowledging her as being a ‘wonderful daughter’ and explained how some of our children ‘don’t get it’. “Some of our children don’t get it; we have a great legacy, but it must be passed on,” said Williamson Sr. “Sometimes our children don’t get it. Many times we own the land, but then we loose the land. We sell the land. Land is the one thing God isn’t making any more of. You need to hold on to the land. And then hold on to the professionals and this daughter is passing it on.” Bishop Williamson Sr. thanked Long and her mother before introducing Moore’s former co-worker, Geraldine (Stinson) Reed. “Mrs. Reed worked here in surgery,” Williamson exclaimed. “Mrs. Reed, come here and sit by your Bishop! She is going to tell us what it was like to work here and serve here, at Collins Chapel Connectional Hospital. “I go back a little bit farther than this building, I helped to build this building,” said Reed. I was at the old building. As a matter-offact, Ms. Moore and I trained together at the old building in the early 50s. I worked with Dr. Castleberg and some of the other doctors and you said it was white and black doctors, which it was, Jewish. We didn’t discriminate against any faith. I grew up a CME. That’s how I got here in the irst place—because I grew up a CME. To work in surgery was the last few years of the hospital from the late 50s until the early 70s when it closed was when I worked in surgery. We didn’t do any major heart surgery, but we did do major lung surgery, and we did what the hospitals were doing at that time. Then the E.H. Crump hospital opened. They were the city-owned black hospital that black people could attend, so that’s when we folded as a hospital.” Williamson commended Reed on her abilities to speak eloquently and again referenced the need for children today to understand the importance of becoming educated. He reminisced about the training offered to students at CCCH and how it helped form them into lifelong professionals. Bishop Williamson Sr. said, “Great healthcare professions, they could train from cradle to career!” The program ended with a request for donations for the historical landmarks $5 million dollar renovation and expansion project. All were invited to make a one-time or recurring tax-deductible donation in the amount of their choice ($100—$5,000 suggested) to preserve and bring the Collins Chapel Connectional Hospital back to life. Larger gift donors were instructed to contact the CME Church at (901) 345-4114 for naming rights opportunities and more information. Tickets for the Living Legacy Brunch to be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, March 14, 2020, at the Esplanade Banquet and Conference Center, 901 Cordova Station Avenue, Cordova, TN 38018-6316, are $100/person and include admission to the brunch, and a souvenir booklet with ads and sponsorships. Checks should be made payable to: Collins Chapel Connectional Hospital and mailed to Post Ofice Box 16776, Memphis, TN, 38186-6776. Payments can also be made online at https://www.paypal.me/ccchmemphis. On hand for the Collins Chapel Connectional Hospital Reunion were (seated from left) former CCCH trainee Henretta Moore and daughter Lynette Long, former trainee Geraldine (Stinson) Reed, and CCCH Board of Directors and Executive Committee Chairman, and CME Church First Episcopal District Presiding Prelate, Bishop Henry M. Williamson Sr. 15
14 15 16
17
A TRIBUTE TO... A R I C A of C, I, L A A … MOTHER GEORGIA ANNA KING Photo Credit: Tyrone P. Easley ©WOA.ORG mbru.org D 18
Story and Pictures by Dr. Yvonne D. Nelson Mother Georgia King, also known as Queen Akua, founded the Memphis Bus Riders Union in 2012 and turned 80 years old on Monday, February 17, 2020. A special surprise celebration was held in honor of the daughter of a Union City entrepreneur at 6 pm that evening at the Kukutana African American Museum, 1098 Firestone Street, Memphis, TN 38107. Best known for her leadership and activism in the Memphis community, King was honored with the MLK 50 Award for those same characteristics in 2018. Words that eficiently describe the many works of Queen Akua equate to the numerous branches that hang from a mighty oak tree. During the summer of 1960 when she was 20 years old, King visited the city of New York where she had her irst glimpses of people with no where to call home. Seeing masses of people sleeping on the streets deeply bothered King. Those visions led her to her mission and personal desire to represent and to work with and for the homeless, something she still does to date. The branches of Queen Akua’s tree extend in all directions, encompassing those who suffer from intellectual disabilities, alcohol and drug misuse, homelessness, and other looked over ills of our society. Fast forward to 1989. As one of the leaders of the Southern contingency of the New Exodus Walkers, Queen Akua and her group walked from Roanoke, VA to Washington DC to speak for the homeless. Facing small towns with racist views against blacks, Hurricane Hugo, a Category 5 natural disaster that took 61 lives, and more, Queen Akua pushed forward until she and her group of followers reached her destination, some 255 miles away. All the while she was leading the group and greeting unwelcoming parties with the phrase “Praise the Lord” as they passed by. That year, $250 billion dollars had been removed from the budget to help the homeless. Approximately 200,000 activists from all over America had made their way to the Capitol that year and their efforts restored the funding to the Federal budget. “The Lord has allowed me to live to be 80 years old,” said King the evening of her birthday. “I was planning to rest today, but I had to come out for this surprise celebration. “My goal is to pay tribute to my walk to Washington all year.” 19
H 20
K 21
A. 1994 “W A” A W COURAGE: A , , - P : M G K B. Q A (S M) 80 M, F 17, 2020. M K K A A M, 1098 F S, M, TN 38107 C. M G K D M MC (R R) ( ) T J, J M, M P, MC, K, S H, M H D. J 14, 2015 “MBRU (M B R U) F F C A. A hp://www.mbru.org/blogs/post/MBRU‐Founder‐Featured‐in‐the‐Commercial‐Appeal/ E. A G 8 B M G “Q A” K K A A M, 1098 F S, M, TN M, F 17, 2020 F. B () M G “Q A” 80 M, F 17, 2020 G. M G K’ M H ( ) M P H. M G K’ J M , M G K, I. E -, P L, B 80 M, F 17, 2020, M G “Q A” K J. M G “Q A” K “A B B C M G K Y A L B M” K. T (L C, B F, S S,), , C B, S, T W L. B C M G “Q A” K 80 M, F 17, 2020, D. C A’ K A A M, 1098 F S, M, TN 38107 M. B S S B, T M-O O M (T.M.O.M.) F B S, B B M G “Q A” K A N. H C L S M, F 17, 2020, M G K’ 80 O. A M. K, - F S P F K A A M M F, D. C A, P. R F I D P/CEO, P W/P (W R)/ D, P, A S L. C R Q 80 B C Q A, M G K. 22
M 23
NEWSCENE NONPROFIT CORNER... .. THE SIERRA CLUB TN CHAPTER CHICKASAW GROUP Sierra Club Conservation Past Chair and current member, Dennis Lynch (center), ended the program by giving out several calendars, a book, and a few other items using a ticketed number pulling approach at the February meeting of the Sierra Club Chickasaw Group. B. Story and Pictures by Dr. Yvonne D. Nelson The Sierra Club TN Chapter/Chickasaw Group held an "idea sharing and input opportunity" from 6:30 to 8:30 pm on Thursday, February 20, 2020, at the Benjamin L. Hooks Branch Library, 3030 Poplar Avenue. Discussion included sharing the group’s seven major activities for 2020. “The 7 major activities that we will highlight are 1) reduce, reuse, recycle (and refuse), 2) energy and climate, 3) environmental justice, 4) outings, 5) membership, 6) communication, and 7) open-ended brainstorming for suggestions of other areas we should be involved—where you want to be involved,” said co-chair Ramie Bell. “We call this program ‘Eco-Speed Dating,’ just come and hear our brief ‘come-ons’ and then ‘let’s date!’” And the dating began as attendees made it from one end of the room to the other writing their ideas on Post-It notes by subject. Towards the end of the event, member Steven Sondheim spoke about the MemphisFlyer Toxic Battles: The Fight for Environmental Justice in Memphis article written by Alex Greene and encouraged those in attendance to read it for themselves. The Global Warming Emergency Network (GWEN) is a “family of volunteers working to save the environment and the people of Earth from global warming, the greatest threat humanity has ever faced.” Free copies of the GWEN global warming poster are available online at Bit.ly/GWdisplay and all interested participants are encouraged to email GWEN2020.org/gmail.com to receive occasional newsletters that include activities, global warming information, and future meeting dates. Newly elected co-chair Tony Cernosek distributed packets of information on global warming to participants. Inside was a color copy of the GWEN global warming poster and a packet of information including 1) simple truths about global warming, 2) selected readings for books and videos to watch to learn more about global warming, 3) practices everyone can incorporate into their daily routines, if they haven’t already, to stop global warming and save money, and 4) additional things people should consider to help save the environment. The Sierra Club was founded in 1892 to explore, enjoy, and protect the planet. The Chickasaw Group is a grassroots environmental conservation organization representing over 1,000 members located in West Tennessee. The organization is currently seeking volunteers for Clean Water & Aquifer (Protect Our Aquifer Partnership), Parks & Open Spaces, and Transportation, For more information on the Chickasaw Group, visit sierraclub.org/Tennessee/Chickasaw. 24
(Left) Sierra Club TN Chapter/Chickasaw Group member Steven Sondheim shares information about environment research done in Memphis, TN. (Above) Sierra Club TN Chapter/ Chickasaw Group co-chairs (from left) Tony Cernosek and Ramie Bell discuss the February meeting input before closing out the program held at the Benjamin L. Hooks library from 6:30-8:30 pm on Thursday, February 20, 2020. (Below) The event included a Eco-Speed Dating session to help ideas to low. INFORMATION ABOUT THE SIERRA CLUB TN CHAPTER/CHICKASAW GROUP NEWSLETER LIBRARY FACEBOOK TWITTER LINKEDIN CONTACTS NATIONAL SIERRA CLUB BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION VIDEO LINKS (BALLOTS ARE FOR ELIGIBLE MEMBERS ONLY) Click me! 25
Is the Byhalia Pipeline is Coming to a Neighborhood Near You? Legend: The orange line represents the proposed crude oil pipeline project designed to connect the two (purple) existing crude oil pipelines. Please visit Byhalia Connection.com to stay abreast of updates regarding the Byhalia Connection pipeline proposed route, discover how landowners may be impacted now and in the future, and to sign up to receive information and project updates. Story and Pictures by Dr. Yvonne D. Nelson The Byhalia Connection pipeline is a proposal for erecting a “crude oil pipeline system that will run nearly 45 miles from Shelby County TN, to Marshall County, MS.” The proposed pipeline is designed to connect two existing crude oil pipelines, “the Diamond Pipeline which provides the Valero Memphis Reinery with crude oil for eight states including Tennessee, and the Capline Pipeline, which runs from the Gulf Coast to central Illinois.” Currently these pipelines do not connect and need to be connected to “strengthen the region’s economic vitality and American energy independence.” A series of community open houses were held to allow impacted homeowners and businesses the opportunity to connect with project representatives to learn more about the proposed project. Events were held in Southaven and Byhalia, MS January 21-22 and on February 8, 2020; and events were held at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Westwood in Memphis on January 23 and February 8. An additional meeting was arranged for the Boxtown Neighborhood Association. It was held at White’s Chapel AME Church, 1712 Fields Road in Memphis on Saturday, February 15, 2020. “The White’s Chapel meeting was a question and answer session and very few questions were answered without the company representatives,” said State Representative, District 86, Democrat Rep. Barbara Ward Cooper. Of the two meetings that Cooper attended, she stated that many of the questions inquired as t1o (1) how the pipeline would affect resident’s health and safety, (2) who would monitor the pipeline, (3) what market value had been assigned for property invasion, (3) the location and depth of the excavation area, (4) the average time before the possible deterioration of the pipeline, (5) the beneit to the community for installing the pipeline, and (6) the plan for evacuation” especially should the need arise quickly. Lots of trinket-type giveaways designed to promote the project and several project representatives were on hand and ready to explain the pipeline proposal to all who cared to listen or had questions they wanted answered during the last day of listening sessions at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Westwood on Saturday, February 8, 2020. The morning session included a center station with morning foods and drinks and the inal community open house took place at the Landers’ Center in Southaven, MS, at 2 pm that same afternoon. 26
(Top left) Jon (not pictured), Andrew, and Bill discuss pipeline safety with event attendees. (Top right) Southwest Memphis resident Venita Brooks was told about the event held February 8, 2020, in the multipurpose room at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church—Westwood. (Top) Mary Youpel of Energy American Petroleum Institute (API) was on hand with a display table full of everyday products made from crude oil and a fact sheet about energy in Tennessee. (Below) Karisma Williams (left) assists State Representative, District 86, Democrat Rep. Barbara Ward Cooper in signing in at one of the last events held on the proposed Byhalia Connection pipeline project. 27
Homeless advocate, Mother Georgia King (seated) and Dwayne A. Jones Construction Company co-partner and brother of Dwayne, Maurice Jones, dropped in on the open house event held Saturday, February 22, 2020 at one of the three built “Tiny Homes” models. C. Story and Pictures by Dr. Yvonne D. Nelson Dwayne A. Jones said he and his two brothers loved growing up in the Orange Mound community where he still lives today. “When we were growing up we used to play football at our friend’s houses. We played box hockey and other games in the park. We grew up in a neighborhood environment. A lot of people that we knew have moved away. Their parents have passed away and they’ve let the houses go for whatever reason. Now there are vacant lots, a lot of boarded up, and some burnt up homes. It’s just not the same. The children growing up in the community today are getting a different feel for the neighborhood than my brothers and I did growing up here.” Dwayne is on a mission to change the future of his historic Orange Mound community. The history of the area goes back to the 1850s when owners of the Deaderick Plantation sold a tract of land to a wealthy developer and created a low-cost subdivision for African Americans to build homes on. Those homes were built on very narrow tracts of land only wide enough to hold “Shot-Gun” type homes known for “being able to open the front and back doors and see all the way through the house from either end. Being that the original lots were so narrow, traditional homes could not be built on them and people began to abandon them when they couldn’t attain or afford to attain adjacent land to expand on. The concept of the “tiny-house” didn’t just hit the scene. Many owners of larger homes have downsized to smaller spaces as changes in their lives have warranted the same. Some tiny-houses are built on trailers for mobility, but Jones had another idea. He builds his tiny-houses on narrow tracts of land like those in the Orange Mound community in Memphis, TN. Building a tiny-house can be just as costly as building any other size house since you still have the same components to build, just in smaller portions. Jones’ brother Maurice helps reduce the cost of labor by providing sweat equity for his share of the partnership. “This may not be the home for everybody, but it is the perfect home for somebody,” said Jones while standing on the doorstep of one D. of his homes currently for sale speaking to a small group of curious home shoppers during an open house event. while . “I’ve been here. I’m going to stay here and I’m going to continue to build here.” To learn more about the DAJ Construction Company, call Dwayne A. Jones at (901) 210.7885 or email dwayne@dwayneajones.com 28
Orange Mound resident Dwayne A. Jones (far right), of DAJ Construction Company, speaks to guests who dropped by to take a tour of his one-bedroom, “Tiny House” loor plan. The home, currently for sale, is located at 2697 Supreme Ave in the Orange Mound community of Memphis, TN. Below (from left) the kitchen area with built-in vent-a-hood is designed to support a full-sized range and refrigerator. The bedroom with closet area comfortably holds a queen-sized bed, and the bathroom with shower is large and roomy. 29
Story and Pictures by Dr. Yvonne D. Nelson If you literally know nothing about my situation, what makes you think that you are qualiied to make a decision about what concerns me, especially without my input? In 2012, Mother Georgia King began asking questions like that and she’s still asking them today. “Being on the front line has been interesting,” said King on Saturday, February 22, 2020, during the 8th anniversary celebration of the Memphis Bus Riders Union, an organization she founded in 2012 to ight for better bus service for the people who depend on mass transit services. “The work continues to go on,” said King referring to the efforts of Memphis BRU Secretary/Treasurer Justin Davis and co-chairs Sammie Hunter and Cynthia Bailey. Davis opened the meeting by thanking those who took time to come to the celebration held on the 4th loor of the newly renovated beautiful Crosstown Concourse housed in the former Sears-Roebuck building near Cleveland and Autumn Avenues. (Above) Mother Georgia King (seated) founded the Memphis Bus Riders Union in 2012. (Below) Rhodes College Intern, Ace Cole (standing center behind table) volunteered time to help ensure the 8th anniversary of the MBRU was a huge success. “On this day, our 8th anniversary, we have numerous made several accomplishments to be proud of in 2019,” said Davis who mentioned that he had found out early in the week that the organization could add securing its irst dedicated funding source to its growing list of things to be proud of. “We’ve tackled everything from bus stop locations to routes, terminals, and funding and are exceptionally proud that we won the ight to obtain bus passes for Shelby County High School students and their parents last year.” The group did express dismay at the fact that every mayoral candidate except Strickland took them up on their offer to ride the bus and mentioned that more work is needed on route patterns, night and weekend routes, and creating routes were none currently exist among other things. For more information or to make a donation, please email memphisbru@gmail.com or phone (901) 205-9737. 30
DID YOU KNOW? There are several moneyless ways you can support nonproits like DI’MANS, Inc. dba NEWSCENE and the McCorkle Road Neighborhood Development Association, Inc. of Memphis (serving all of ZIP Code 38116). When you shop at Kroger you can, AT NO COST TO YOU, support DI’MANS, Inc. by enrolling in the Community Rewards Program and earning rewards for DI’MANS every time you shop! Visit Kroger.com/ communityrewards and support Organization #DN098. Smile.Amazon.com is a website operated by Amazon with the same products, prices, and shopping features as Amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile, again, AT NO COST TO YOU, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to DI’MANS Inc., the charitable organization of choice. Email us at NEWSCENESHELBYCO@gmail.com for details today! Questionable things in Memphis?!! VIEW FROM RIVERSIDE DRIVE... 31
CFC #46643 AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon with the same products, prices, and shopping features as Amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice. Location: Memphis, TN | Year Founded: 2009 DI’MANS, Inc. (Click here) to shop at SMILE.AMAZON.COM Mission: DI'MANS, Inc. was formed to establish a positive, proactive force in the ight against juvenile crime and juvenile delinquency. The goal of DI'MANS, Inc. is to bring adults dedicated to positively shaping future generations together to assist disadvantaged youth in becoming productive citizens as adults. Help Support Causes in Your Community! (Click here to sign up) Did you know you can support nonproit organizations in your community just by shopping at Kroger? It's easy when you enroll in Kroger Community Rewards®! To get started, sign up with your Plus Card below, and select a local organization you wish to support. Once you're enrolled, you'll earn rewards for your chosen organization every time you shop and use your Plus Card! Enroll now for the Kroger Community Rewards Program. And remember….all participants must re‐enroll each year to continue earning rewards for their chosen organization. DIRECTIONS: 1) Go to Kroger.com; 2) Create an account or sign in; 3) Drop down the arrow at your name 4) Select “My Account” 5) Click on Community Rewards on the left side of the screen) M OT DIMANS, I 32 M R D (Click here)
33
34
35
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSCENE, the NEW SCENE where NEWS is SCENE, for $42.00 bi‐annually or just $7 per Month! Single and multiple copies are also available for purchase. Thank you for subscribing to NEWSCENE, our online newsmagazine publication. We are the NEW SCENE where NEWS is SEEN! We hope you enjoyed the stories about and the pictures taken at events we visited last month. We are looking forward to sharing more pictures and stories with you next month about the many events taking place this month. As you know, we can’t be at more than one event at a time, but we are here to assist you to get your events online, in our calendar, and in print. Don’t forget you can click on the links that are included to visit websites, blogs, Facebook pages and more! We want to be the irst place you look to learn about the things happening in your community, but we won’t know about what’s happening unless you tell us. Write to us at NSC@gmail.com or call (901) 300-0390 to leave us a message. We promise to return your call in a timely fashion. V @ LSC. NEWSCENE... ...is currently seeking INTERNS and passionate and outgoing volunteer photojournalists who can write stories and take pictures at local events. Interested persons should phone (901) 300-0390 for details. 36
1 Publizr