1. WHAT WE LEARNED IN JANUARY:

Activists gathered near the park bench where Shelly Thompson died of extreme cold in January 2018. (Photo: Johnathan Martin)

2. WHAT WE LEARNED IN FEBRUARY:

Even young demonstrators were on hand demanding better wages. (Photo: Lee Eric Smith)

3. WHAT WE LEARNED IN MARCH:

Penny Hardaway’s first appearance as head coach of the University of Memphis Tigers generated a buzz – just as expected -that reverberated throughout the city. (Photo: Terry Davis)

4. WHAT WE LEARNED IN APRIL:

WE LEARNED: How far Memphis has come since Dr. King’s assassination – and how far we have to go.

For years, Memphis had been preparing for MLK50 – a citywide commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s death on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel on April 4, 1968. In a city still deeply divided along racial and economic lines, the occasion provided a measuring stick for how far Memphis has come as well as where there’s work to be done.

As part of an extended look at life inside one of Memphis’ poorest ZIP codes, The New Tri-State Defender published a special tabloid: “MLK50: The View from 38126,” telling stories of hope and heartache.

WE LEARNED: At 77, former Memphis mayor Dr. Willie W. Herenton is considering another run for his old job.

WE LEARNED: About Dorian Harris and how his family was dealing with his murder at a North Memphis convenience store.

5. WHAT WE LEARNED IN MAY:

Kelvin Cowans’ book “The Whispering Woods of Sherra Wright.” (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku)

WE LEARNED: J.T. likes coming home. Homegrown pop star Justin Timberlake brought his “Man of the Woods” tour to FedExForum. Another show is set for 2019.

6. WHAT WE LEARNED IN JUNE:

“Everything is new to me. I have an appreciation I’ve never had before,” said Alice Marie Johnson. “I take time to enjoy simple things I took for granted.”

The reality superstar learned of the case of Memphian Alice Marie Johnson, serving 22 years for a nonviolent drug charge. She pleaded Johnson’s case in a meeting with President Donald Trump – who pardoned Johnson in August.

ALSO:

Hundreds of fans watched the Jumbotron at FedExForum as Jaren Jackson Jr. was named the Grizzlies pick at No. 4 in the 2018 NBA Draft. (Photo: Warren Roseborough)

WE LEARNED: Who the Grizzlies would take with the No. 4 pick. Michigan State standout Jaren Jacksonn Jr. wowed Grizz brass with his defensive acumen, athleticism and work ethic.

WE LEARNED: Ain’t no party like a Yo Gotti party. The popular hip-hop artist hosted his annual birthday bash at FedExForum once again.

7. WHAT WE LEARNED IN JULY:

Known professionally as “Lank The King,” Orange Mound native Langston Hampton is set to host championship boxing at FedExForum on July 21. The event is called “The Big Payback” and will feature future boxing Hall of Famer Demarcus Corley as well as a slate of fighters from Floyd Mayweather’s camp.
(Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku)

8. WHAT WE LEARNED IN AUGUST:

Lee Harris – the next mayor of Shelby County. (Photo: George Tillman Jr.)

9. WHAT WE LEARNED IN SEPTEMBER:

Janice Banks (right), the mother of 25-year-old Martavious Banks, who was shot by a Memphis Police Department officer on the evening of Sept 17, shares a supportive embrace during a protest outside of Memphis Police Association headquarters at 638 Jefferson Ave. (Photo: Johnathan T. Martin)

10. WHAT WE LEARNED IN OCTOBER:

Kidron Taylor, 23, looks past Trump’s provocative style. (Photo: Lee Eric Smith)

11. WHAT WE LEARNED IN NOVEMBER:

WE LEARNED: COGIC is coming back to Memphis! Well, eventually.

The Church of God in Christ announced that after convening in St. Louis for its annual convocation, the event will return to Memphis in 2021. COGIC left Memphis in 2009, saying the church had outgrown Memphis. Several city and civic leaders lobbied to bring the convocation back, but it was a $300,000 incentive package from Memphis Tourism that did the trick.

ALSO:

Top recruit James Wiseman of East High will play in the MLK Tournament. (Photo: Terry Davis)

We learned where America’s top college prospect James Wiseman would play basketball. The East High School star announced he would wear Tiger blue next fall, reuniting him with his former high school coach, Penny Hardaway.

We learned midterm elections matter. After an endless stream of political ads and numerous debates, voters turned out in record numbers, electing Republican Bill Lee to succeed outgoing Gov. Bill Haslam, while Marsha Blackburn replaces retiring U.S. Senator Bob Corker. We also learned that voters want to give Instant Runoff Voting a chance.

We learned Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dorsey Hopson would be stepping down to take a private sector job.

Rev. James Nelson is focused on giving back. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku)

We learned why James Nelson keeps running for St. Jude. The hospital saved his daughter’s life, so Nelson shows his support in the annual marathon.

We learned – or maybe the better word is remembered – how thrilling FedExForum can be when it’s full of roaring Memphis Tiger fans. After months of hype, Hardaway won his first game as a head coach, defeating Tennessee Tech, 76-61.

12. WHAT WE LEARNED IN DECEMBER:

Kameron Johnson was a third grader at Coleman Elementary. (Courtesy Photo)

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