If you’ve been following us in 2024, you know things are different.
We’ve gone paperless (mostly — more on that in a moment), so we can ramp up our online operations. Thus we’ve introduced the “e-Edition” of our newspaper. It’s a whole new look and feel for us here at TSD, and we think it’s symbolic of a new era of covering Memphis and the Mid South as only we can.
Our newly redesigned Print Edition — circulating on paper somewhere near you! More to come!
Speaking of the page: There IS a print version of the TSD out now, though in limited circulation. As we continue to rebuild our distribution network, you’ll see it more, but look for our monthly print edition featuring the Black Mayor’s Coalition on Crime out and about.
Click below to access a PDF of our paper — laid out in familiar style. You can flip pages, zoom, etc., all from your computer, tablet or smartphone. And be on the lookout for our monthly print edition as we get closer to May!
There are many more changes on the way! Stay with us . . . and stay tuned!
Members of the Shelby County Commission Audit Committee passed a resolution pressing the Shelby County Clerk’s office to provide a corrective action plan addressing recommendations from the Tennessee State Comptroller’s office during its Wednesday, April 17 meeting.
The item also calls on County Clerk Wanda Halbert to explain why her department hasn’t adhered to the directives – including submitting financial reports for March and April. The reports are due on the 10th of every month.
“We’re going to be in the same situation we’ve been in for the last many months, of flying blind and not knowing what our revenues are. So it really is incumbent upon this body to ensure that these recommendations are being followed up on. That’s what we’re requesting from the clerk,” said Commissioner Mick Wright (Dist. 3).
Halbert did not appear at the meeting.
Tennessee State Comptroller Jason Mumpower sent a team of auditors to Memphis in early March, after Shelby County Trustee Regina Newman pulled inaccurate revenue reports submitted by the clerk’s office.
The list of recommendations from the state followed.
It was the second audit of the department. The county previously cracked the department’s books at the request of the commission. The state comptroller’s office concurred with its assessment.
“She is now on notice that errors have been found, or that a corrective action must occur. She must adhere to that,” said Shelby County Director of Budget and Finance Audrey Tipton. “I can say we are receiving her reports right now. We want to continue to monitor that and review what she has to ensure that it’s correct.”
Issues with Halbert’s management of the clerk’s office date back to the height of the pandemic, when a months-long backlog of vehicle tags and other county issued permits occurred. Numerous difficulties have beset the office since.
The news that Halbert is issuing reports gave one member pause. There were also concerns the commission was overstepping its bounds. Like the sheriff’s department, the clerk’s office is imbued with a degree of autonomy.
“We will learn at the next budget season review in proper timing, whether or not the corrective action plan was honored,” said Commissioner Britney Thornton (Dist. 10). “That is required by the auditors…There are no additional processes we have to address. Those were already addressed in process.”
She also pointed to shortfalls in staffing that has plagued the clerk’s office during Halbert’s tenure. However, those needs were not brought up the county’s ladder.
“Clerk Halbert has not made a request. This is the third year in a row that she’s made that representation, but has not made a request of HR to have such compensation studied,” said Gerald Thornton, Shelby County Director of Human Resources.
“She will call every now and then through her representative and say they think they have extra money,” he continued. “After we explain to them the processes, there has not been a follow up from the clerk’s office since I’ve been here.”
It is Director Thornton’s third year with the department.
The calls for patience also failed to resonate with members. The county requires monthly reports so it can track and estimate revenues. The fact that Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris is currently prepping a budget for submission to the commission underscores their necessity.
The resolution passed 5-2. Voting in favor were Charlie Caswell, Amber Mills, Mark Whaley, David Bradford and Wright.
Members Erika Sugarmon and Thornton voted no, while Edmund Ford, Jr. abstained.
The item moves to the full commission with a favorable recommendation. A second reading is expected during the upcoming Monday, April 22 meeting.
Wright amended the resolution to request the reports for March and April. The original item called for reports for February and March.
New Dawn Benefit Concert is set for April 20 at Mt. Vernon
New Dawn Social Services (NDSS), a Memphis-based non-profit organization that works to help men and women reenter the community after incarceration or rehabilitation, is hosting a benefit concert on April 20th.
The concert will be held at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church from 7:00 to 9:00 pm and will feature local performers Mzzz. Kecia, Kimberly Verner, Stevenon Clark, Brittney Pruitt, and Danny Cosby.
All proceeds from the concert will go to support NDSS’s programs and services, which help residents with housing, financial literacy classes, mental health counseling, and addiction recovery support. NDSS also has a program specifically for women called Mary’s Place, which provides transitional housing and support services.
“Individuals being released from the penal and rehabilitation institutions need access to effective and evidence-based reentry programs that provide a written plan of action, wrap-around services, and resources to decrease the risk of re-entry and relapse,” says a statement on the nonprofit’s website. “New Dawn Social Services exists to help those individuals become productive citizens and start afresh with the proper tools & resources to be successful.”
NDSS has a four-phase program that residents must complete. The first phase focuses on assessment and goal setting. The second phase provides residents with the resources they need to meet their goals, such as housing, employment, and education assistance. The third phase helps residents to develop the skills they need to live independently, such as budgeting, cooking, and parenting. The fourth phase is focused on aftercare support.
According to the NDSS website, the organization has a 72 percent success rate, meaning that about 7 out of 10 former residents are able to live independently or with loved ones and maintain their sobriety after completing the program.
The benefit concert is a great opportunity to learn more about NDSS and the important work they do, as well as to enjoy some great music. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased athttps://www.ndssmemphis.com/how-to-help or by scanning the QR code.
Now roughly 100-days into his first term as Mayor, Paul Young continues to celebrate his administration’s early victories, acknowledge the setbacks, and ask Memphians to get involved in making the city a better, safer place to live.
And with a transparency not often seen in politics, Young announced that when he presents his budget to the City Council next week, it will include a request for a tax increase.
Hundreds of Memphians — police, council members, community leaders and citizens — filled the lower level of Mount Vernon Church in Southwest Memphis for Young’s 100-day address on Tuesday evening.
In his opening remarks, he ran down the highlights of his tenure so far, including the recent Black Mayor’s Coalition on Crime meeting in Memphis, the latest data on trash pickup and blight control, and other early victories.
But he also acknowledged the “hits” Memphis keeps taking, including a shooting he learned about at Douglass Park literally minutes before he took the stage. He paused to honor the men and women of the Memphis Police Department, and requesting a moment of silence for Officer Joseph McKinney, who was killed in the line of duty last week.
And throughout his speech, Young was clearly seeking to inspire, painting a vision of Memphis that’s mostly free from litter and neighborhoods with high-speed fiber optic internet access.
“Envision a transit system that effectively connects residents with jobs, childcare, healthcare, and groceries,” he said. “A system where a single card allows you to access buses, micro-transit options, vibrant community centers, and your local library to check out materials, content, and classes.”
But Young also knew he had to ask for something as well.
“But we really, simply and plainly, need more revenue,” Young said. “As much as I don’t want to be the one standing here and saying that, I also don’t want to be the one to let you down — to allow you to live in a neighborhood where ‘getting by’ is the standard.
“Our current budget keeps us where we are. And we’re good at getting by,” Young continued. “But I think it’s time for us to step into a reality that allows us to flourish. When I go to City Council next week to present our budget, I’m going to ask for a tax increase.
“I’m putting it out there straight, no lying, so you can hear directly from me,” he added. “I’d rather not ask. But I believe it’s the right thing for our city.”
Young announced a number of other initiatives:
Here are the key announcements from Mayor Paul Young’s 100 Day address organized with brief explanations for each initiative:
New Public Safety Positions: The addition of two high-level public safety roles including a public safety advisor to the mayor and a chief strategist for public safety, focusing on data-driven approaches and community safety efforts.
Establishment of a Police Foundation: A new foundation to enhance law enforcement resources and community policing initiatives, announced in collaboration with the Memphis City Council and the Greater Memphis Chamber.
$50 Million Challenge Grant: A significant funding boost for community safety and development, with a national foundation providing a challenge grant to be matched by local donations, aiming for a total of $100 million.
Data Sharing and Collaboration Agreements: Initiatives to improve coordination and data sharing among local law enforcement, judicial systems, and educational institutions to better target crime prevention and intervention.
Reduction of Crime Goals: A commitment to reducing violent crime by 10% annually, supported by new strategies and the public safety dashboard to be unveiled in a weekly newsletter.
SEPED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) Grants: Announced a partnership with EDGE for providing $1 million in SEPED grants over four years to help businesses implement safety improvements.
But as he closed out, Young made a plea for HUMAN resources as well — people to roll up their sleeves and stay upbeat even in the face of depressing news.
“When the world hears about us, I want them to think of black wealth, culture, arts, and excellence,” he said. “I’m going to ask you, the residents of Memphis, to help keep part of that culture here. Stay in Memphis and help us continue the work of making our city better.”
Specifically, Young admonished young people who may feel like the grass is greener in other cities to stay home and nurture the grass right here.
“If you’re a young person thinking your talents will be better served elsewhere, reconsider because Memphis needs you,” he pleaded. “We need you to be the future of tech, transit, and workforce development. We need you to make medical breakthroughs and platinum records. We need you to open restaurants and retail shops, to join boards, and to use your voices for good. We need you to mentor, give back, and run for office.
“Creating the Memphis we all want to see is going to take everybody,” he said. “I firmly believe that we’re going to look back at 2024 and say this is when the change happened.
“We keep getting hit with negative news, but instead of becoming defeated, we become more determined,” he said. “Let’s go out and do it.”
Drawn by the African drums, four-year-old Ayden Christopher beats his way forward. (Photo: Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell/The New Tri-State Defender)
The 2022 Africa in April Cultural Awareness Festival was vibrant with children, an indication that its original intent has taken root.
Dr. David Acey
“I was at the gate where so many children came in,” said Executive Director Dr. David Acey. “There is never a charge for the younger ones, but I told many of the teens to just come on it because it was so wonderful seeing our children come out to the festival.”
For four-year-old Ayden Christopher, there were two things that made his first visit to Africa in April memorable: the African drums and superbubble shooter toys. When asked what he liked most about the festival, Ayden answered, “I like my new friends and all the bubbles.”
Children and teens were seen having bubble-shooting battles on the grass in the middle of Church Park. Ayden and his “new friends” screamed and ran, dodging bubble clouds and shooting back.
Youngsters gravitated to the African drums, walking right up and trying their hand at beating them. Ayden made quite the haul during his time at the festival, leaving with a drum, two bubble shooters, a light-up sword, and memories made with “new friends.”
Stacy Ragston, daughter of the late Memphis singer, Ruby Wilson, brought her grandchildren to Africa in April. She said the outing was their “back to happy” after the pandemic. (Photo: Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell/The New Tri-State Defender)
“Children are really what this is all about,” said Stacey Ragston, daughter of the late Memphis singer, Ruby Wilson.
“I brought my grandchildren because I want them to see Africa in April and experience their culture,” said Ragston. “Children have been running and playing all day. It’s just so good to see them outside again. This is our ‘back to happy’ from a pandemic that robbed us of so much.”
Mother of twins, Rosalyn Gates, gloried in the warmth of “village” and “community.” She stored away glimpses of her 5-year-old girls running in the grass with other children, shooting cascades of bubbles.
“Normally, when I take the girls out somewhere, I am frantically looking after them every moment,” said Gates. “But I can see them playing with other children, and I know their screams and laughter. I wanted to show my girls African culture, but they are getting more than just an education.
“Older adults are looking (after) the children. It feels like a village. It feels like community. We are not strangers here, but neighbors.”
Children being children at the Africa in April Cultural Awareness Festival. (Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell/The New Tri-State Defender)
According to organizers of the 35th Annual Africa in April Cultural Awareness Festival, an estimated 30,000 were in attendance during the five-day event. This year, the Republic of Malawi was honored.
“When we first started, there was only a vision,” said Acey. “We wanted the festival in spring, the time of renewal and rebirth. We wanted our people to be educated about where they came from. So, we honor African countries. We had no money, just a dream. And 35 years later, we see the village manifested. There is no village without the children.”
The celebration was set in historic Robert R. Church Park in downtown Memphis, April 20-24.
Mbyesey Kah, a vendor selling bubble shooters and light-up swords, did well with his variety of children’s toys. (Photo: Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell/The New Tri-State Defender)
Mbyesey Kah, the vendor selling bubble shooters and light-up swords, did very well with his variety of children’s toys.
“This is my sixth year at Africa in April,” said Kah. “Business is always quite good, but there is something more. Such a spirit of unity, something I really love. I am from Senegal, but my business is in Atlanta now.
“In all of my years at Africa in April, I have never seen so many children. We are running out of all the toys. Watching the children makes me happy. It reminds me of our village at home.”
For Acey, the festival was different this year in a very significant way.
“The festival has two very important elements of African life,” said Acey. “The village and the marketplace – they are essential to African culture. Our vendors and the children have created both. But our children are the heart of the village. I will remember 2022 as the year of the village. It is such a beautiful thing.”
Bridge Builders, a youth empowerment program, teaches life lessons through fun exercises. (Courtesy Photo)
In the heart of Memphis stands BRIDGES, a beacon of hope and transformation for the city’s youth. Its signature program, Bridge Builders, established nearly four decades ago, has evolved from a youth service organization to a dynamic force for social change.
The program empowers young people to become leaders in their respective communities and the Memphis community at-large. And BRIDGES is making room to engage and empower even more young people.
Mario Hendrix: Mario Hendrix is a triple threat member of the Bridge Builders community, having been a participant, now serving as the VP of Programs; his children are also Bridge Builders. (Courtesy Photo)
“We believe that every young person has the potential to make a difference,” said Mario Hendrix, vice president of programs for BRIDGES. “Our mission is to provide them with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive.”
With more than 800 applicants to date, and 660+ students currently engaged in its year-round Bridge Builders program, BRIDGES is creating a space for students to connect, collaborate, and effect change, its three main tenets. However, the organization has set its sights even higher, aiming to enroll 1,000 students in the program this year, returning to pre-pandemic levels.
This year’s COLLABORATE program deadline is Friday, April 19th. Interested 6-11th grade applicants across the city can apply here.
Bridge Builders, a youth empowerment program, teaches life lessons through fun exercises. (Courtesy Photo)
“We’ve seen firsthand the impact that BRIDGES can have on young people’s lives,” said Dana Wilson, executive director for BRIDGES, who just recently announced her retirement, effective December 2024. “Our goal is to reach as many students as possible and empower them to become agents of change in their communities.”
Wilson works alongside a Youth Advisory Board comprised of Bridge Builders who assist with strategic planning, programming and even interviewing staff. There is also a Youth Justice Action Committee (YJAC) that immerses students in the justice system. The sky is the limit, especially now that we’re on the other side of the global pandemic.
Reflecting on the challenges posed by the pandemic, Hendrix emphasizes the importance of in-person, experiential learning opportunities, especially given the diversity in learning abilities.
“Technology is a valuable tool, but it can never replace the face-to-face interactions that are foundational to our programming,” Hendrix said.
At the core of Bridge Builders’ success is its youth-empowerment initiatives, which give students a voice, build their confidence, and connect them to organizations that are inciting change.
One of the life lessons Bridge Builders learn is teamwork in order to solve problems. (Courtesy Photo)
Students are learning they are valuable members of the community, while learning soft skills, like conflict resolution and respect, essential for problem-solving and effective communication.
One of the hallmarks of Bridge Builders’ programming is its emphasis on honest conversations and vulnerability. “We encourage students to express their emotions openly and explore the root causes of social issues,” said Hendrix. “It is through these conversations that real change can occur.”
Hendrix attributes some of BRIDGES’ success to its approach of not “talking AT” the students, but rather listening to them. Even fun activities often lead to poignant questions that drill deeper into community issues. Consequently, youth leaders feel their opinions and input are valuable.
Building the Future
With Bridge Builders’ 40th anniversary in sight, Hendrix has big expectations about the future.
“We’ve come a long way since our humble beginnings,” said Hendrix. “But our work is far from over. We remain committed to empowering the next generation of leaders and building a brighter, more inclusive Memphis.”
A recent $1 million donation from the McKenzie Scott Foundation is making that future even brighter. The donation will enable BRIDGES to provide even more from a programming standpoint, and to an even broader audience.
“We look at the needs of the students and how we can satisfy them, with a goal of providing more access for students, and even more programming opportunities,” said Hendrix. “Additionally, we’re launching our Youth Action Center, where students and adults can learn to be partners, find their voice and receive training to be even better community advocates and leaders.”
Looking ahead, Hendrix envisions a future where BRIDGES continues to amplify youth voices, foster leadership, and promote diversity appreciation.
“Our goal is to create a community where every young person feels valued and supported,” he said. “With each new student welcomed into the BRIDGES family, we take another step towards that vision.”
As he prepares his team for growth, Hendrix wants to set the record straight.
“You don’t have to be a straight-A student to be a Bridge Builder,” said Hendrix. “We want to empower those who are NOT already on a leadership track. ALL are welcome and can learn something to help them become community leaders.”
For more information about BRIDGES, visit bridgesusa.org.
Memphis’ main provider of civil legal services for its underserved community will lose their principal source of funding – around $1.7 million – after a congressionally-financed organization concluded Memphis Area Legal Services is no longer up to the task.
MALS was informed of Legal Services Corporation’s decision, along with its plans to shift its financial support to Jackson, Tenn. in a correspondence on April 5.
“MALS has not shown an ability to improve program operations, stabilize the program from continued declines in both services and funding, or engage in best practices for effectively and efficiently providing civil legal services under the grant,” wrote LSC president Ron Flagg.
The deadline to submit transition plans to West Tennessee Legal Services and finalize services is Friday, April 26. The Jackson-based firm will do its best to fill the gap and will begin to pick up the extra workload on July 1.
“We look forward to working closely with MALS during this transition period. Suffice to say, our commitment to our Jackson-area clients remains as strong as ever, and we look forward to being of service to clients in the greater Memphis region,” said WTLS Deputy Director Caitlin Hakim in a statement.
Furthermore, the letter states the firm doesn’t “meet the criteria” to continue to receive the grant. In addition to LSC’s standards, it also includes the American Bar Association’s yardstick.
According to The Daily Memphian, MALS chairman Brian Heim confirmed the letter.
MALS provides civil legal services for individuals and families facing foreclosure, eviction or homelessness. It also handles cases related to domestic violence, denial of health care or assistance, consumer fraud and predatory lending.
The lion’s share of the firm’s clients – 80 percent in 2022 – are women.
However, MALS case closures are also in decline.
The same year, the firm closed 1,625 cases, compared to 4,062 closed cases in the Jackson office. It isn’t just a short term trend, either. Over the past five years, MALS closures have dropped in half.
Fundraising efforts and staffing stalled also. As a consequence, the firm’s reliance on federal dollars increased.
MALS has been under the interim direction of Judge Loyce Lambert-Ryan since February. The former Shelby County General Sessions Court justice replaced executive director Cindy Ettinghoff, who left the post voluntarily.
U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, is expected to discuss the matter with LSC brass in Washington, D.C. today.
Legal Services Corporation is a seeking $1.8 billion for fiscal year 2025 – the same year MALS can reapply for funding. Grants cover a six-month period. MALS received its last infusion on Jan. 1.
Congress established LCS in 1974 to provide legal aid for civil cases to people who could not afford representation. It currently funds 131 nonprofit legal aid programs.
MALS was established shortly after Martin Luther King’s assassination in 1968 by then Burch, Porter & Johnson attorney Mike Cody.
The last city to have funding pulled was Detroit, five years ago.
When you talk to educators who are on the front lines in our schools, you can’t help but sense the mental anguish they all suffer with on a daily basis, especially in our urban schools. The emotional stress at every level seems overwhelming at times.
TSD education columnist Curtis Weathers
The mental health crisis in our nation’s K -12 schools is a real and troubling phenomenon and has, in many places, reached epidemic proportions, with countless students, teachers, and administrators battling anxiety, depression, trauma, and other psychological challenges that can profoundly impact academic performance, social relationships, and overall well-being.
The severity and scope of this crisis cannot be overstated.
K-12 teachers are increasingly feeling the impact of student mental health issues in their classrooms. As the prevalence of anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health challenges among students continues to rise, teachers are often on the front lines of identifying and supporting students in distress.
This surge in mental health challenges is not a new phenomenon but has been exacerbated by the disruptions of the pandemic, the pressures of social media, and an overwhelming focus on academic performance.
In a report from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in six youth ages 6-17 in the U.S. experience a mental health disorder each year, and suicide has become the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10-34. These statistics underscore the urgent need for schools, communities, and policymakers to prioritize mental health support and intervention as a critical component of K-12 education.
In addition, an estimated 31.9% of adolescents aged 13-18 have an anxiety disorder, while 13.3% have major depressive episodes.
But this surge in mental health challenges isn’t just a statistic, it disrupts classrooms, hinders students’ ability to learn, and potentially leads to tragic outcomes.
I speak with teachers daily, and many of them feel overwhelmed and ill-equipped to handle the complex mental health needs of their students. The emotional labor of supporting students in crisis, coupled with the demands of teaching and the lack of sufficient mental health resources in many schools, can create a challenging and, quite frankly, unsustainable environment for educators.
So, what’s the answer?
There’s no single, easy answer to the complex problem of mental health and its impact on K-12 education. However, to combat this crisis in our nation’s schools, a multi-pronged, proactive approach is crucial.
Proactive mental health support and early intervention ensure that students, staff, and teachers have the resources and support they need to succeed both academically and professionally.
In my research, I found several school systems across the country that have implemented notable initiatives to address mental health issues. One such example is the Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS) in Maryland. BCPS has taken a proactive and comprehensive approach to support the mental well-being of its students and staff.
For example, BCPS has partnered with local mental health organizations to provide a wide range of services, including family therapy, individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, family therapy, and community-based clinics.
The district has trained its staff in trauma-informed practices to better understand and support students who have experienced adverse childhood experiences and chronic stress.
BCPS has implemented restorative practices as an alternative to traditional disciplinary measures, focusing on building relationships, repairing harm, and creating a positive school climate.
The district has also prioritized the mental health of its staff by offering wellness programs, employee assistance services, and professional development opportunities related to self-care and stress management.
The district actively engages families and community partners in its mental health initiatives, hosting workshops, events, and outreach programs to raise awareness.
While the district’s model is not perfect and continues to face challenges, it serves as a promising example of a school district taking a holistic, systemic approach to address mental health issues in an urban educational setting.
By prioritizing mental wellness in the educational system, we can support students’ academic success, overall well-being, and ability to thrive. Students equipped with coping mechanisms and emotional regulation skills are better prepared to manage their academics and the challenges in their lives.
For our teachers and staff, supporting mental health reduces job-related stress and decreases the risk of leaving the profession, which these days is immensely important.
Prioritizing mental well-being contributes to a greater sense of fulfillment and motivation for educators. When teachers feel well, they are better equipped to create an effective teaching and learning environment for their students.
Given the escalation in mental health challenges among urban students and teachers, we must conclude that mental health is no longer merely a concern in this setting but a critical and transformative dimension of modern education. Schools can no longer focus merely on academics without addressing students’ emotional needs because those needs directly impact learning success.
This necessitates rethinking traditional educational models, investing in mental health resources, and training educators to understand and support mental well-being, not just as an add-on but as a fundamental element for achieving educational goals.
GG Jackson at the rim against the Denver Nuggets. (Photo: Warren Roseborough/Tri-State Defender)
The final game of the season – one no Grizzly fan, player, or coach wanted – finally came to an end at FedExForum with the Denver Nuggets playing. The Nuggets are battling for playoff seeding, while some Grizzlies players are fighting for their professional livelihood. Denver would defeat Memphis 126-111.
For the second straight game, the Grizzlies had 13 players on the injured list. The remaining available players continue to play hard. The Nuggets held a three-point advantage after the first quarter (29-26).
Jamal Murray, recently returned after his own injury, had a good first half. He had 19 points and played a key role in a 9-0 run later in the second quarter to pull away from the Grizzlies. The Nuggets took a 66-54 lead into halftime. GG Jackson did his best to keep the Grizzlies close, scoring 20 points in the first half.
The Nuggets are coming off a disappointing loss against the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night. A win over the Spurs would have solidified their position for the number one seed in the Western Conference. Even with a win over the Grizzlies on the final day of the season, they’ll need a lot of help to get that top seed.
Nuggets head coach Michael Malone must have given his team some encouraging words at halftime, because they came out on fire in the opening minutes of the third. They quickly built a 20-point lead (76-56) with 8:12 left in the quarter. The Nuggets led at the end of the third quarter (94-75).
On what he said to the team at halftime, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone noted, “Phoenix is up 14 points. If you want to get the number two seed, go out and get it. The starting group to start the third quarter was outstanding. The guys were locked in and engaged.”
The Grizzlies made a mad push to get within 13 points of the Nuggets, but the Nuggets didn’t want to give up their chance at a top playoff seed. They’ll be the number two seed in the Western Conference with the win.
Denver (57-25) had eight players reach double-digits in scoring. Murray led the way with 21 points, and Christian Braun had 19 points and 10 rebounds off the bench. Nikola Jokic had 15 points and 15 rebounds. The Nuggets outrebounded the Grizzlies 54-44. Their 57 wins fall just one short of their record of 58 wins for the most in a season.
Jamal Murray and Scotty Pippen Jr. scramble for a loose ball. (Photo: Warren Roseborough/Tri-State Defender)
Memphis (27-55) was led by Jackson with 44 points (a career-high) and 12 rebounds. Jake LaRavia continued to be Jackson’s great sidekick, scoring 29 points with four assists. Scottie Pippen Jr. had 15 points and seven assists.
On Jackson’s development as a professional, Jenkins said, “What he has been doing on the court is a direct reflection of what he is doing off the court. GG has been unbelievable since day one. His work ethic has been phenomenal.”
Jackson, in humbleness, on his career game said, “We wanted to come out and get the win, but like Denzel Washington said (I’m leaving with something). I’ll take it. Some of them were forced. I thank all the coaches for believing in me. They told me to keep shooting. That’s what I like to hear.”
On the fans, Jenkins said, “The fans have been phenomenal. It has been a difficult season. The love our fans have for us, I could feel it all season and in the last few days. We are going to miss them over the next few months. I want to thank all the fans.”
Memphis had 33 starting lineups this season and 32 players on the active roster in games this season. These numbers are far ahead of the second-place teams. For some who played this season, it may be the end of their professional careers. For others, they will have quality work on film for other teams to evaluate.
Next up for the Grizzlies will be reconstruction and preparation for the NBA Draft Lottery in May and the NBA Draft in June. Many tough decisions will have to be made before the start of next season.
TSD Photojournalist Gary S. Whitlow caught some of the sights and sounds of the day . . . check these images out!
Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo 2024 at Agricenter (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri...
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That's a lot of bull right there. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
One of those Bronco-riding brothers. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
This event is called "bull dogging" and it was invented by none other than Bill Pickett himself, more than 100 years ago. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
Memphis Mayor Paul Young -- in his black hat -- rode shotgun on a stagecoach into the rodeo. He later read a proclamation acknowledging the history of black cowboys. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
During a rousing performance of the Negro National Anthem "Lift Ev'ry Voice," this cowgirl proudly charged around the arean floor with the African heritage flag on display. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
Is this her first rodeo? Naptime for baby... (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
Several cowgirls competed in the barrel racing competition at the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
Calfs were roped and tied at the Bill Pickett Invitiational Rodeo on Saturday April 13, at Agricenter International.(Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
