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National Civil Rights Museum Hosts “The Resilience” Symposium to Address Police Violence

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On March 22, 2024, the National Civil Rights Museum is set to host “The Resilience: Combatting Police Violence through Policy and Public Safety,” marking the final national convening in a groundbreaking series focused on addressing systemic racial violence.

Scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Renasant Convention Center, this event is the culmination of “The Reckoning, The Resolve, The Restoration, and The Resilience” series.

The symposium aims to bring together thought leaders, policymakers, surviving family members of police violence victims, and activists. Their goal is to explore the historical roots of systemic racial violence and forge solutions to contemporary challenges.

“The Resilience symposium represents the peak of collaboration among those dedicated to ensuring public safety, justice, and dignity through a love for our communities,” said Dr. Russ Wigginton, President of the Museum.

The Resilience features surviving family members of Tyre Nichols, Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner and George Floyd.

The day’s agenda includes an opening panel titled “From Pain to Purpose: The Courageous Activism of Police Violence Victims,” moderated by Symone Sanders Townsend, a CNN political commentator and author. Panelists include:

  • Rodney and RowVaughn Wells, parents of Tyre Nichols;
  • Sybrina Fulton, Trayvon Martin’s mother;
  • Gwen Carr, Eric Garner’s mother; and
  • Philonise Floyd, George Floyd’s brother.

Following the opening panel, the symposium will offer two facilitated sessions focusing on community-led, trauma-informed public safety alternatives, and advocating for police reform through policy solutions. Leaders in these fields, including Eric Cumberbatch and Rashawn Ray, will lead these discussions.

A lunch roundtable titled “Ending Police Violence: Strategies for Cross-Sector Collaboration” will feature prominent figures such as Derrick Johnson, NAACP National President; Tennessee State Senator Raumesh Akbari; author and academic Michael Eric Dyson; Memphis Mayor Paul Young; and Shelby County Director for Health Services, Dr. Michelle Taylor. MSNBC’s Symone Sanders-Townsend will moderate the discussion.

Veda Ajamu, Managing Director of DEI Programs and Community Engagement, emphasized the importance of resilience in the fight for justice. “Resilience means standing firm, adapting, and advocating for change. It’s about a commitment to justice and building a safer, more equitable future for all,” Ajamu said.

The event seeks to include a wide range of participants, from various disciplines and industries, to address systemic causes of racial violence and improve citizen-law enforcement relationships. Supported by FedEx, Cummins, and The Kresge Foundation, the four-part series underscores a collective approach to fostering meaningful change.

For tickets and further information about “The Resilience” symposium and the national convening series, please visit civilrightsmuseum.org.

As “The Black Experience” expands, what will hold us together culturally?

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Many African Americans stories and traditions are passed along in the kitchen — along with recipes. But as what it means to be black changes, columnist Maya Mackey wonders what common experiences will hold Black America together? (Photo: Adobe Express)

By Maya Mackey, Inglewood Today/NNPA

Almost two weeks removed from Black History Month, I found myself pondering what Black Culture is, in modern times. There’s a running joke on X/Twitter that “we are losing recipes!” whenever young Black people (Gen Z) don’t know a Black classic, like a movie, song or “rule.”

And while we mean no harm in teasing our younger kinfolk (cause you know, we’re all cousins), it does beg the question: Why are we losing recipes? And what recipes do we even want to keep?

As with all traditions in all cultures, it is up to the elders to pass down the rituals, food, language, and customs that identify a group. So, if your auntie, uncle, mom, and so on didn’t teach you how to play Spades, well, that’s a recipe lost. But outside of Spades, Uno and Dominoes, Cookouts, Collective Dancing, and asking who made the Mac’ n’ Cheese, what is bonding us in the present?

Every time I learn something about Black American history, the lesser-told stories about pioneers of The Civil Rights Movement, I get choked up. The resilience of our people is astounding. The bravery and courage our ancestors had to muster in the face of unadulterated hatred is unmatched. But one thing about us is that we never lose our joyAs racism against African Americans soared in the 50s and 60s, alongside it, a cultural movement of pride aimed to juxtapose it.

“Black is beautiful” was a slogan, a campaign, and a mission in the 1960s and 1970s. Black people began to embrace, or rather, re-embrace their natural hair–sporting afros, braids, or other non-chemically treated styles. Some even learned Swahili to connect to Africa. James Brown upped the ante with his iconic song, “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud.” The 70s brought us Soul Train, a cultural mosaic of music, fashion, and the hottest dance moves to TV screens across America.

The 80s launched B.E.T., the first solo Black-centered channel of relevance today. Martin Luther King Jr. day was established as a national holiday and Michael Jackson became a solo sensation. Oprah became an overnight sensation! The 80s gave way to Black entertainers in particular, breaking color barriers and fighting to be “legitimized” by mainstream media.

When the 90s and 2000s came around, Blackness was at the height of popularity (at least on TV). The plethora of sitcoms featuring storylines of Black families and friends has never been as robust as it was during this era. From “Martin” to “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and “Living Single.” followed “Girlfriends,” “The Parkers” and “One on One.”

Black people got to see themselves reflected on screen in diverse ways. Air Jordans became synonymous with Black Urban culture.  Terms like “Ghetto Fabulous” were coined due to the styles of Mary J. Blige and Destiny’s Child. Then the cultural pendulum swung back and Black people were sorely missing from programming in the first half of the 2010s. Even today, the height of Black television has not been reached since its demise around 2005.

In a post-pandemic world, where our communities have once again fallen victim to recessions, and larger family get togethers aren’t as frequent, I wonder where the pendulum of Black American culture will swing next.

Cord Jefferson, the Oscar-winning screenwriter of 2023’s American Fiction, gave rousing speeches both when he accepted his Academy Award and when he was later interviewed off-stage.  He urged Hollywood to financially back more diverse, lower-budget films. It was a reasonable and much-needed ask.  Yet, Black Twitter was divided the next day on whether Jefferson was perpetuating a culture war against “Hood Blacks” and “Suburban Blacks.”

The problem with that line of thinking and false accusation is that a.) There is a third subset of Black folk who are neither from the hood or the suburbs and b.) There are indeed Black people from the hood that have non-stereotypical interests such as anime, a love for EDM music and a passion for nature and hiking.

I was frankly annoyed that such an unproblematic request by Jefferson became obtusely misunderstood by so many people. Cast aside Cord Jefferson and the Oscars, there has still been much discourse about the normalizing of abnormal things in our community. And while we know that a racist system is to blame for a lot of the Black American plight, free will is always on the menu.

If the 60s cultural movement was about uncovering our natural beauty, the 70s and 80s were relentlessly joyful, and the 90s and 2000s were about flexing our economic come up, what will the next ‘big thing’ be to signify Black people moving forward? As it becomes more normal to have Black people in power and more of us are living in and creating multicultural families, what of Black American life will prevail? What do we keep? What do we innovate next? 

I hope it’s one of living well, no matter what hood you come from.

Maya Mackey writes for Inglewood Today, an NNPA member newspaper.

The Tri-State Defender Goes Paperless

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TSD Reader

If you’re looking for your familiar paper version of The Tri-State Defender as in one actually printed on paper — well, you won’t find it anywhere. As of January 2024, we’ve gone paperless!

There are quite a few changes underway at The Tri-State Defender as we position ourselves and our news organization to thrive in the future. And one of those changes is that we are no longer printing a weekly edition of the newspaper. More to come later!

But we know people are used to the “newspaper” feel. So as we evolve into the future version of The TSD, we share with you our newly redesigned digital edition:

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 April!

There are many more changes on the way! Stay with us . . . and stay tuned!

STATISTICAL NIGHTMARE: Mulroy presents juvenile crime data to public safety committee

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Shelby County Juvenile Court

With data in hand, Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy provided an update on juvenile crime to the Memphis City Council Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 19.

Last year, 6,178 minors faced charges in Shelby County Juvenile Court. Of those, 23% were vehicle-related.  

“We did see an increase in juvenile crime in a couple of discrete categories related to vehicles –  breaking into cars and stealing cars,” said Mulroy. “There are a higher number of charges when it comes to auto theft and auto burglary,” said Mulroy.

Budding offenders can learn their craft through social media. Methods include popping steering columns, using a USB cord, or a key fob. The most targeted models are Kia, Nissan, Dodge and Infiniti.

Many of the teens have been in the juvenile court system since early childhood – the majority of the court’s work is child-related. In many cases, family caregiving was in short supply, along with resources. 

“If you come into our system at one-year old or 10-months old with a child welfare-related issue, if we do not get the proper interventions in place, we will likely see you at 12, or 14, or 16 in our delinquency caseload,” said Stephanie Hill, SCJC Chief Administrative Officer.

To curb recidivism – or graduating to violent crimes, like carjackings – the court created a CARS unit. Those with repeated auto-related charges are given priority, starting with a speedy disposition hearing. From there, a “whole series of rehabilitative interventions” are enforced. 

These include electronic monitoring, Youth Service Bureau supervision, status updates every 30 days for four months, community service, mandatory school attendance and no contact with victims, for example. 

“The idea is to move and get that done quickly. That’s been up and running for a number of months now. We’re hoping that it will help prevent a lot of these under-18 defendants from gravitating towards violent crime,” said Mulroy.

“That doesn’t mean that there are never occasions where it’s appropriate to have adult transfers…but it should be done as a last resort, not as a first instinct,” he said.

There were 84 transfer requests made in 2023. The threat of transfer also aids the D.A.’s office in settling cases.

Although rehabilitation services are available, the option lapses at age 19. If an older teen enters the system, that leaves little time. As a result, many states have adopted a “middle ground” approach, called “blended sentencing” It allows teens to remain in the juvenile system until they are 24. 

“That could be an extra period of incarceration, or that could be an extra period of intensive probation with supervision. It gives you that middle ground option at the discretion of the court,” said Mulroy.

A bill pending in the state legislature would allow district attorneys the discretion to file for the option. Juvenile courts would make the final decision. In addition to bi-partisan support, it has the backing of the Shelby County Crime Commission and Mulroy’s office. The proposal has passed in the Senate. “Behind the budget,” it’s chances of passing this year are slim.

A competing House version makes blended sentencing mandatory, regardless of the defendant’s criminal history. It provides no discretion to a judge or D.A.

“We obviously don’t favor that version,” said Mulroy.

As the legislation idles in Nashville, another option may be closer to home. When prompted, Mulroy requested funding for an additional Pure Academy – four to be exact. The nonprofit private school is located at Armey Road in Memphis.

“They’re doing a lot of interventions in what happens in Shelby County; directed at Shelby County and maybe overriding local control in many areas. But if we could just get some funding for a couple more Pure Academies, I think that alone would be extremely useful.”

UPDATED: Satanic Temple Challenges MSCS in Court Over Alleged Discrimination

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Satanic vs MSCS

In a move that sharpens the national conversation on religious freedoms and educational policy, the Satanic Temple has filed a lawsuit against Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS), alleging discrimination that infringes on constitutional and civil rights.

The legal action, taken on March 19, underscores the growing debate surrounding the place of religious organizations in public education.

The suit, lodged in the U.S. District Court, contends that MSCS has systematically barred the Satanic Temple from participating equally in school programs available to other religious groups. This exclusion, the Temple argues, violates their members’ First Amendment rights and highlights a broader issue of religious bias within the district’s policies.

“MSCS cannot pick and choose how much it charges an organization renting its facilities based on how much it does or does not favor the organization’s viewpoint, the content of its speech, or its religious beliefs,” the suit states. “Further, MSCS’s unconstitutional behavior has chilled the Satanic Temple’s speech and substantially burdened its ability to exercise its religiously motivated practice of offering inclusive, welcoming religious clubs at public schools.”

Attempts by the Satanic Temple to offer educational materials and programs parallel to those provided by other religious organizations have been thwarted, according to the lawsuit.

The Temple’s legal battle seeks to challenge what it perceives as a pattern of exclusion that, they argue, erodes the pluralistic intent of public education. Through this lawsuit, the organization aims to guarantee that its perspectives and educational offerings are accorded equal consideration and access within MSCS’s slate of activities and programs.

This litigation emerges against a backdrop of intensifying scrutiny of religious freedom and the role of religion in public schools. Legal analysts suggest that the case’s outcome may set a precedent for how religious organizations are accommodated within public institutions nationwide.

Community responses to the lawsuit have varied, with some endorsing the Satanic Temple’s pursuit of equality and others voicing apprehensions about their inclusion in school programs. TSD Education Columnist Curtis Weathers weighed in on the issue in January.

But the suit argues that all of that doesn’t matter when it comes to First Amendment rights.

“Under the First Amendment, MSCS cannot deny the ASSC equal access to its

facilities,” the suit says. “Whether school board members, administrators, staff; clergy, or other community members like or dislike the Satanic Temple is simply not relevant.”

The TSD has not yet been able to reach MSCS for comment, but will continue efforts. WREG reports that MSCS does not comment on pending legislation, adding that the newsroom later received a statement from MSCS:

“Memphis-Shelby County Schools has an established policy for facility rentals that applies to various groups, regardless of affiliation. The facility rentals policy can be found on our website: https://www.facilitron.com/scs38112.

“We want to assure everyone that there have been no disruptions to the daily operations of our school or education at Chimneyrock Elementary. Our legal team is actively working on the lawsuit, and as a school board, we are committed to ensuring that students, staff, and families are supported as we finish the school year successfully.”

Shelby County Commission approves report on bail reforms

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It took a couple of bites at the apple, but Shelby County Commissioners approved a state-required report on a set of bail reforms 8-3-1 during the March 18 meeting.

The report will be sent to state officials. It is required to hit their desks on April 1. 

It was preceded by a failed 5-4-1 vote, as commissioners continue to question the efficacy of the reforms. 

“I think a lot of my constituents have a lot of unanswered questions about how this program is working and frustration with particular incidents they’ve seen over the past several weeks,” said Commissioner Mick Wright.

Commissioner Shante Avant requested reconsideration after members were informed of the state mandate by a county attorney.

“You are required to send the evaluation to the state…,” reminded Commission Attorney Marcy Ingram. “So, if the item fails and you don’t have a special called committee meeting, or something of that nature to get this report to the state by April 1, you will be in violation of the state law.” 

Beginning in March 2023, the data runs through the remainder of the calendar year. The 10-month statistical trail revealed that 66.1% of defendants held at the Shelby County lockup were given out-of-reach bail costs.

Nearly half  — 32 percent — posted bail within 72 hours.

In contrast, 7 percent of defendants were given affordable bail.

The amounts are set by judges and judicial commissioners. District attorneys can make recommendations during the hearing.

Meanwhile, a smaller slice of data from July through December 2023 focused on recidivism rates. Over seven months, 26 percent arrested were already bonded out for a previous crime. Of these, 17 percent were for violent offenses. Another 4 percent were re-arrested for violent crimes.

Commissioners scrutinized the report during a March 6 Law Enforcement, Corrections and Courts Committee meeting.

Voting in favor of the resolution were Charlie Caswell, chairwoman Miska Clay-Bibbs, Edmund Ford, Jr., sponsor Erika Sugarmon, Britney Thornton, Michael Whaley, Wright and Avant. David Bradford, Amber Mills and Brandon Morrison voted no. Henri Brooks abstained, while Mickell Lowery did not vote.

Both Avant and Sugarmon also did not vote on the first attempt. They were joined by Wright, who switched his vote to yield the majority.

Earlier, the resolution was pulled from the consent agenda at the request of Wright.

Along with a new bail hearing room, the reforms passed in August 2022 include individualized hearings with representation no later than three days after arrest. A suspect’s financial circumstances are examined using the Vera Institute’s “Ability to Pay” calculator.

 

SLIDESHOW: Introducing “Rev. O.C. Collins Jr. Street!”

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A special moment shared with family. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)

In a heartfelt display of gratitude and community spirit, Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church recently unveiled a street sign dedicated to the legacy of Rev. O.C. Collins, Jr.

The ceremony, which took place on March 17, brought out family, friends and church members to celebrate the occasion. TSD Photojournalist Gary S. Whitlow was on hand with his camera to capture the moment at the corner of Looney Ave. and Ayers St.

Check out the images below!

Memphis Black Restaurant Week Returns with Cuisine from across the Diaspora

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Cynthia Daniels (Courtesy photo)

Memphis Black Restaurant Week is back and residents are already well into their culinary adventures through the city’s Black-owned restaurants, enjoying special deals and supporting local businesses.

Launched in 2016, MBRW is a powerful initiative highlighting the talents of Black chefs and restaurateurs within Memphis. It serves as a catalyst for economic growth and fosters a sense of community pride. Since its inception, MBRW has generated over $2.5 million for participating restaurants.

“Memphis is a wonderful city, full of promise and potential,” said Cynthia Daniels, founder of MBRW, in a 2022 Tri-State Defender story. “Sure, we have our problems. Every big city does. But seven years ago when I started, I envisioned what the week could become.”

This year, 29 restaurants are participating, each offering unique deals and special menus. Whether you crave soul food classics like fried catfish and mac and cheese, or have a hankering for innovative takes on global flavors, there’s something to tempt every palate.

Why participate in MBRW?

  • Enjoy delicious deals and multi-course menus.
  • “It is thrilling to see it grow so quickly. That first year, I had eight participating restaurants. This year, I have 28, despite the very real struggle of establishments struggling to keep their doors open,” Daniels reflected.

    Daniels encourages Memphians of all backgrounds to make an “intentional effort” to support Black-owned restaurants throughout the year. “If we only go and eat at Black restaurants during Black Restaurant Week, then we’re all kind of missing the point,” she said.

    How to participate:

    • Visit the official MBRW website for a list of participating restaurants and their offers.
    • Make reservations in advance.
    • Share your MBRW experiences on social media with #MBRW2024.

    “Sharing a meal together brings people together. It always has. When dollars are spent in the Black business community, everyone wins. Supporting Black restaurants is something we can all get behind,” Daniels emphasized.

    • Discover new culinary gems within Memphis.
    • Support Black-owned businesses, a vital part of our community.
    • Experience the rich tapestry of Memphis’ Black culinary heritage.
    • Enjoy delicious deals and multi-course menus.

    “It is thrilling to see it grow so quickly. That first year, I had eight participating restaurants. This year, I have 28, despite the very real struggle of establishments struggling to keep their doors open,” Daniels reflected.

    Daniels encourages Memphians of all backgrounds to make an “intentional effort” to support Black-owned restaurants throughout the year. “If we only go and eat at Black restaurants during Black Restaurant Week, then we’re all kind of missing the point,” she said.

    How to participate:

    • Visit the official MBRW website for a list of participating restaurants and their offers.
    • Make reservations in advance.
    • Share your MBRW experiences on social media with #MBRW2024.

    “Sharing a meal together brings people together. It always has. When dollars are spent in the Black business community, everyone wins. Supporting Black restaurants is something we can all get behind,” Daniels emphasized.

    901 FC Stumbles Against Indy Eleven in Heartbreaking Home Loss

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    After winning a thrilling season opener last week, Memphis 901 FC suffered a bitter 2-1 defeat against Indy Eleven in a thrilling interconference clash at AutoZone Park on Saturday afternoon. The Beale Street Boys fought valiantly but couldn’t overcome an early deficit and a second-half red card.

    The first half belonged to the visitors, who struck twice before the break. Indy Eleven capitalized on Memphis’ sluggish start and punished the home side’s defensive lapses.

    However, the tide dramatically turned in the

    second half when Memphis defender Oscar Jiménez received a second yellow card, leaving his team a man down.

    Despite the numerical disadvantage, Memphis 901 FC roared back to life. They pressed relentlessly, outshooting Indy 17-11 for the match.

    “I think if a team was going to score a goal in the second half it was going to be us,” said Memphis Coach Stephen Glass. “Everything we didn’t do in the first half, we did in terms of pure endeavor and desire to go forward and be dangerous and we almost got the reward.”

    In the dying moments of stoppage time, AB Cissoko scored a spectacular bicycle kick goal – his first USL Championship goal – to ignite hopes of a comeback. But time ticked away, and the Beale Street Boys ultimately fell short.

    Afterward, head coach Stephen Glass lamented his team’s slow start. “We can’t start games and allow teams to dictate pace,” he said. “We got what we deserved based on the performance in the first half.

    “You can’t take away how disappointing the first half was,” Glass said.

    Glass praised his players’ resilience despite the adversity but emphasized the need for greater consistency. “We need to start games like we played the second half… there’s awareness that you cannot start games like that in this league,” he said.

    The Beale Street Boys face a quick turnaround, with an early bye week before traveling to face Sacramento Republic FC in their first Western Conference road clash on March 30th.

    Grizzlies lose to OKC — but Desmond Bane is back from injury and looks great

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    Desmond Bane warms up after two months out with injury. (Photo: Warren Roseborough/Tri-State Defender)

    Desmond Bane made his return to the Memphis Grizzlies after missing two months due to an ankle injury. Bane made his first shot, a three-pointer. The Thunder defeated the Grizzlies 118-112 to sweep the three-game season series over Memphis. The Grizzlies fall to 23-45.

    Bane may have been out for a while, but he didn’t lose his shooting touch. He scored 11 points in the first half and connected on 3 of 4 from three-point range. Bane played 14 minutes in the first half. Jaren Jackson Jr. returned from his two-game absence and made his presence felt, scoring 9 points in 15 minutes of action.

    “The offense flowed better with Bane in the lineup,” [Coach Taylor Jenkins] said. “We had 34 assists. The ball was humming. We did a good job early in the game in transition. Later in the game, it fell off. Everyone in our starting lineup had four-plus assists. It was a big step in the right direction.”

    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting. Chet Holmgren had 7 points and 4 rebounds in the first half. The Thunder entered the game only half a game out of first place in the Western Conference. They took a 56-54 lead into halftime.

    Even a Block Panther can get dunked on. It’s rare, but it happens. (Photo: Warren Roseborough/Tri-State Defender)

    The Thunder ran out to a 9-point lead (63-54) with 10:11 left in the quarter. Jaren Jackson Jr. hit a three-pointer to tie the game at 70-70 with 5:47 [remaining]. Too many empty trips and not enough stops allowed the Thunder to open a 91-78 advantage heading into the final quarter.

    An 8-0 run to start the quarter got the Grizzlies back into the game (91-86) with 10:38 left. Memphis cut it to a two-point game (93-91) with 9:32 left. The Thunder’s size and depth were just too much for the Grizzlies to overcome.

    Even with injuries, you can still count of Memphis for maximum effort, like this swarming of OKC’s Chet Holmgren. (Photo: Warren Roseborough/Tri-Stae Defender)

    The Thunder (47-20) were led by a balanced offensive attack. Six players finished with double-digit scoring. Holmgren had 22 points and 11 rebounds. Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 20 points and 7 rebounds, and Jalen Williams had 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.

    Bane finished with 22 points and 7 assists in 32 minutes of action. Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 19 points, had 7 assists, and 6 rebounds. GG Jackson had 19 points, and Jake LaRavia had 14 points off the bench. Santi Aldama had 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists.

    “GG Jackson got a career-high 30 points in his last meeting and 19 tonight. On why he plays so well offensively against them,” [a reporter asked]. “They play heavy in their shifts. So respacing is huge for us. Anytime someone drives, just be visible. That opens up the three for me,” [Jackson replied].

    It will be a while before the Memphis Grizzlies return to FedExForum. They have a four-game Western road trip upcoming. The Grizzlies will face the Sacramento Kings on Monday, March 18, and the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, March 20. They will return home to face the Los Angeles Lakers on March 27.