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Biden says he was too ‘cavalier’ about black voters’ choices

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Former VP Joe Biden regarding comments he made during a conversation on "The Breakfast Club" with host Charlamagne Tha God: “I shouldn’t have been such a wise guy. ...No one should have to vote for any party based on their race or religion or background.” (Photo: Screen capture)

by Bill Barrow and Kat Stafford —

ATLANTA — Joe Biden says he “should not have been so cavalier” after he told a prominent black radio host that African Americans who back President Donald Trump “ain’t black.”

The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee quickly moved to address the fallout from his Friday remark, which was interpreted by some as presuming black Americans would vote for him. In a call with the U.S. Black Chamber of Commerce that was added to his public schedule, Biden said he would never “take the African American community for granted.”

“I shouldn’t have been such a wise guy,” Biden said. “No one should have to vote for any party based on their race or religion or background.”

That was an acknowledgement of the stinging criticism he received in response to his comments, which he made earlier in the day on “The Breakfast Club,” a radio program that is popular in the black community.

The rebukes included allies of Trump’s reelection campaign — anxious to go on the offense after weeks of defending the Republican president’s response to the coronavirus pandemic — and some activists who warned that Biden must still court black voters, even if African Americans overwhelmingly oppose the president.

“None of us can afford for the party or for this campaign to mess this election up, and comments like these are the kinds that frankly either make black voters feel like we’re not really valued and people don’t care if we show up or not,” said Alicia Garza, a Black Lives Matter co-founder and principal of Black Futures Lab.

Near the end of Biden’s appearance on the radio program, host Charlamagne Tha God pressed him on reports that he is considering Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who is white, to be his vice presidential running mate. The host told Biden that black voters “saved your political life in the primaries” and “have things they want from you.”

Biden said that “I guarantee you there are multiple black women being considered. Multiple.”

A Biden aide then sought to end the interview, prompting the host to say, “You can’t do that to black media.”

Biden responded, “I do that to black media and white media,” and said his wife needed to use the television studio.

He then added: “If you’ve got a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or for Trump, then you ain’t black.”

Trump’s campaign and his allies immediately seized on Biden’s comments. South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, a Trump supporter and the Senate’s sole black Republican, said he was “shocked and surprised” by Biden’s remarks.

“I was struck by the condescension and the arrogance in his comments,” Scott said in a conference call arranged by the Trump campaign. “I could not believe my ears that he would stoop so low to tell folks what they should do, how they should think and what it means to be black.”

Charlamagne Tha God later said on CNN, “A black woman running mate is necessary, especially after today.” He added that the question of “what makes somebody black” is a discussion for black people, not for “a white man.”

Trump himself has a history of incendiary rhetoric related to race.

When he launched his presidential campaign in 2015, Trump called many Mexican immigrants “rapists.” Campaigning in 2016, he asked black voters, “What the hell do you have to lose?”

In 2017, he said there are good people on “both sides” of the clash in Charlottesville, Virginia, between white supremacists and anti-racist demonstrators that left one counterprotester dead.

In 2018, during a private White House meeting on immigration, Trump wondered why the United States was admitting so many immigrants from “shithole countries” like African nations. He also blasted four Democratic congresswomen of color, saying they hate America and should “go back” to where they come from, even though all are U.S. citizens and three were born in the U.S.

Black voters helped resurrect Biden’s campaign in this year’s primaries with a second-place finish in the Nevada caucuses and a resounding win in the South Carolina primary after he’d started with embarrassing finishes in overwhelmingly white Iowa and New Hampshire. Sixty-one percent of black voters supported Biden during the primary season, according to AP VoteCast surveys across 17 states that voted in February and March.

Biden is now seeking to maintain his standing with black voters while building the type of multiracial and multigenerational coalition that twice elected Barack Obama, whom he served as vice president. He has already committed to picking a woman as his running mate and is considering several African American contenders who could energize black voters. But Biden is also considering candidates such as Klobuchar, who could appeal to white moderates.

There is little chance of a sudden shift in support for Trump among black voters. A recent Fox News poll shows just 14% of African Americans who are registered to vote have a favorable opinion of Trump, compared with 84% who view him unfavorably.

Seventy-five percent of African American registered voters say they have a favorable view of Biden; 21% hold an unfavorable opinion.

There is a risk, however, of black voters, especially those who are younger, staying home in November, which could complicate Biden’s path to victory in a tight election. The Breakfast Club is a particularly notable venue for Biden’s comments because the program is popular among younger African Americans.

Adrianne Shropshire, executive director of BlackPAC, a national organization that works to mobilize black voters, said many black Americans are loyal Biden supporters. But she said his comments make it harder to attract people who are on the fence about voting.

“The first thing I thought about was to what degree did this just turn off those voters and how much more work the rest of us are going to have to do to convince people that it is worth their time and their efforts,” she said.

Biden’s selection of a running mate, along with his pledge to appoint the first black female Supreme Court justice, could help motivate voters. He’s begun vetting vice presidential contenders, a process he’s said will likely last through July.

Several black women are among those under consideration, including California Sen. Kamala Harris, Georgia voting rights advocate Stacey Abrams, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Florida Rep. Val Demings, Ohio Rep. Marcia Fudge and Susan Rice, Obama’s former U.S. ambassador to the U.N.

(Stafford reported from Detroit. Associated Press writers Jill Colvin, Hannah Fingerhut and Will Weissert in Washington contributed to this report.)

White House butler who served 11 presidents, including Obama, dies from coronavirus

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Of Wilson Roosevelt Jerman, Michelle Obama said, “His service to others -- his willingness to go above and beyond for the country he loved and all those whose lives he touched -- is a legacy worthy of his generous spirit. (Photo: National Archives Catalog)

by Anne Branigin — 

For five decades, former White House butler Wilson Roosevelt Jerman helped make sure everything at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue was as it should be. He began his career there as a cleaner when Dwight Eisenhower took office in 1952, eventually rising through the ranks of White staffers and serving each U.S. president up through Barack Obama.

Last weekend, Jerman died from COVID-19. He was 91 years old.

Michelle Obama released a statement to multiple news outlets, including the BBC and BuzzFeed News, paying tribute to the beloved butler, whom she promoted to maître d’ during her tenure at the White House.

“With his kindness and care, Wilson Jerman helped make the White House a home for decades for First Families, including ours,” the former first lady said.

“His service to others—his willingness to go above and beyond for the country he loved and all those whose lives he touched—is a legacy worthy of his generous spirit. We were lucky to have known him. Barack and I send our sincerest love and prayers to his family.”

Jerman’s granddaughter, Jamila Garrett, spoke to Fox 5 in DC about her grandfather’s legacy, noting that another former first lady, Jackie Kennedy, was “instrumental” in promoting Jerman to White House butler, the BBC notes.

The perspective White House staffers have on the first family has long been a subject of fascination. In 2013, filmmaker Lee Daniels adapted the story of Eugene Allen, who started working at the White House the same year as Jerman, in his film, The Butler.

Garrett says her grandfather’s commitment to service was all-encompassing, extending well beyond the most famous home in the world.

“He was always about service, service to others. It doesn’t matter who you were or what you did or what you needed,” she told Fox 5.

“I want the world to remember my grandfather as someone who was really authentic, always being yourself,” Garrett continued. “That’s what he taught our family.”

(Anne Branigin is a staff writer for The Root. )

TSD Flash!

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Uncle Lou's Fried Chicken, 3633 Millbranch Rd., has been doing curbside and delivery only during COVID-19, with plans to open up the dining room June 1. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

“Unemployment Nightmares”; specially-called Commission meeting; a COVID-19 numbers note; today’s TSD Music Video Vibe: Malted Milk & Toni Green — “Take Me To The River.”


 

Democrats plan state-wide “Unemployment Nightmares” town hall today

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee House Democratic Caucus is holding a statewide town hall meeting — “Tennessee Unemployment Nightmares Town Hall Meeting” — to hear from and allow citizens to voice their problems regarding unemployment benefits.

The meeting is TODAY — Friday, May 22 — at 2 p.m. and will be live-streamed on The Tennessee House Democratic Caucus Facebook page and shared on other members’ pages.

“This is a chance for Tennesseans across the state to share the frustrations and horror stories they have had dealing with the Department of Labor to get the benefits that they are due,” Caucus Chair Mike Stewart said.

“The Governor needs to hear the people’s stories and maybe he will finally decide to devote the resources needed to help the people currently suffering in the State,” he added.

The Caucus recently sent a letter to Gov. Lee asking for the release of more comprehensive and timely information regarding the handling of unemployment claims.

“This (unemployment benefits) has been the number one constituent complaint from people in my district and those of my colleagues,” says State Rep. Antonio Parkinson, Caucus vice chair. “People are losing everything they own and have worked their entire lives to build.”

 


Tennessee reaches highest ever unemployment rate

(AP) — Tennessee reached its highest monthly unemployment rate ever in April as the state managed public safety concerns raised by the new coronavirus outbreak by closing nonessential businesses, a move that has led to more than a half-million jobless claims.

The Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development reported Thursday that the preliminary seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for April was 14.7%. That represents an “unprecedented spike” of 11.4 percentage points when compared to March’s revised rate of 3.3%, the department said in a news release.

Orders from Gov. Bill Lee and city and county officials led to closings of businesses throughout Tennessee as part of the mass response to the new coronavirus outbreak. Since March 15, the number of people who have lost their jobs and have been seeking or receiving payouts from the federal and state government in Tennessee has totaled more than 532,000, the department said.

The state’s highest seasonally adjusted rate had been 12.9%, which occurred in December 1982 and January 1983, the department said. READ MORE

 


Take note: County Commission meets May 27

Shelby County Board of Commissioners Chairman Mark Billingsley has announced a specially called Shelby County Board of Commissioners meeting on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. at The Peabody Hotel in the Grand Ballroom.

“We will continue on a path to a responsible and balanced budget,” said Billingsley, referring to the FY 21 Shelby County budget.

“Because this is a specially-called meeting of the Commission, other issues may be addressed beyond the budget,” he said. “Addressing our priorities is critical so I will be asking that any non-essential resolutions or discussions be deferred to our regular Commission meeting slated for June 8.”

All COVID recommendations will be followed. This will be an Open Meeting and a public physical presence is discouraged due to COVID-19. The meeting will be accessible on-line, streamed, and public comment is welcomed by phone or email. Media members will be allowed to have a physical presence at the meeting, if they desire.

 


African Americans especially likely to know someone diagnosed with COVID-19

Results based on interviews with 1,057 US adults conducted April 16-20. The margin of error is plus-minus 4.0 percentage points for the full sample

Source: AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research

 


Today’s TSD Music Video Vibe:

 

TVA’s Lyash details why the power company is the ‘right choice’ for Memphis

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TVA President/CEO Jeff Lyash. (Courtesy photo)

by Jerome Wright –

Tennessee Valley Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey “Jeff” Lyash Thursday (May 21) said he feels Memphis and the federally-owned power company can accomplish much if they remain partners.

“We think TVA is the best choice for Memphis. What we’d love to do is get through this, have Memphians confident they’ve made the right choice and we can face the future and start making things happen,” said Lyash in a telephone interview from TVA’s Memphis headquarters.

And, making the right choice is crucial for a number of reasons, among them cheaper electric bills for consumers and economic development initiatives that uplift communities, and attract businesses and their jobs.

That is important for a city where 26.8 percent of its citizens live below the poverty line; 31 percent for Memphis’ African-Americans, according to the latest Census estimates. A little more than 64 percent of the city’s estimated 652,000 citizens are African Americans.

The authority’s board of directors appointed Lyash, a veteran utility executive, to head the agency in February 2019. TVA, created in 1933, is the nation’s largest public utility. Memphis has been a partner since Nov. 6, 1934.

The “get through this” comment from Lyash was a reference to the roiling discussions taking place about whether Memphis’ city-owned utility, Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division (MLGW), should stop buying electricity from TVA.

Supporters of the split say it would save Memphis anywhere from $453 million to $547 million annually. Memphis and Shelby County collectively pays TVA about $1 billion a year for electricity.

The MLGW board, with input from the utility’s president, J. T. Young, will make the final decision. MLGW has commissioned a Power Supply Advisory Team to make recommendations to Young and the board, based on a detailed Integrated Resource Plan from Siemens that will spell out different arrangements, what they cost and the variables.

Beyond the savings, advocates for a change question TVA’s long-term viability because of its debt, about $21.4 billion.

“TVA does not have a crushing debt burden. As a matter of fact, among our peers, we have the lowest debt for the assets, with the strongest balance sheet,” Lyash said.

“That’s how we were able to step up during this COVID-19. We’re providing $2 billion worth of credit support for local power companies across the valley that are struggling financially. This is a strong organization … All that, frankly, is just misinformation.”

Some change advocates have implored Mayor Jim Strickland and the Memphis City Council to take action. However, it’s MLGW’s call.

For Lyash, though, it is not about who makes the decision.

“What’s really important is who bears the burden of whatever decision is made – that’s the people of Memphis.”

Others are urging the utility to move cautiously, citing, among other things, that MLGW possibly would have to invest some $8 billion to build any power plants or transmission lines needed for power from elsewhere.

Lyash said if Memphis, TVA’s largest customer, decides to move on, MLGW will not be able to use TVA’s infrastructure, including the new Allen Combined Cycle Natural Gas Plant,  to provide electricity to its customers.

“The TVA built the Allen Plant and we built the transmission service to serve 10 million people across the valley – 154 local power companies. If Memphis leaves the system, you leave that behind because that was built not just to serve Memphis, but to serve the whole Tennessee valley.

“So, TVA doesn’t have any interest in selling that plant. We don’t have any interest in allowing other companies to use our transmission. The reason is because we fully utilize them for the benefit of our customers and we have to continue to do that,” he said.

Lyash acknowledged the long-held perception in some Memphis circles that TVA takes billions out of Memphis, but does not fairly reciprocate in investing in the city.

“I can’t change the past. It’s even difficult to change the perception of the past. All I can focus on is what we can do together going forward. Because that’s really what’s important….

“The perception that TVA’s presence in Memphis is not what it should be, I agree with that … I think that’s something that has my commitment to change in future.”

He said there were a number of reasons for the perception, but that over the last two decades “the notion of partnership broke down and MLGW and the city didn’t always want to see TVA or hear TVA.

“TVA maybe used that as an excuse not to do that, but I think the underlying root cause is we never developed a partnership here the way we need to.”

Some African-Americans do not think TVA has done enough to help uplift impoverish African-American communities and Lyash said he is aware of that.

“I’ve been trying to learn and listen here. I certainly think TVA has been a good partner for Memphis and we’ve certainly done an excellent job of attracting economic development and helping this city to grow and prosper.

“But I’ll also say that TVA hasn’t adjusted its programs and approach well enough for the specific needs of Memphis.”

TVA President/CEO Jeff Lyash made Memphis one of his first stops after he stepped into the position. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku)

That fact, he said, was “brought home clearly” in his first few months on the job when he met with representatives of the faith community here, including the Rev. Keith Norman, senior pastor of First Baptist Church-Broad Avenue, “where they told me, ‘You guys have great energy efficiency programs, but, you know, a high percentage of our population are renters. And the interests of the landlord on becoming more energy efficient aren’t aligned with the interests of the tenant. Can you do more there?’”

They continued, he said, by telling him TVA does a great job with economic development, but that development doesn’t always trickle down.

He said Norman asked, “Can’t you target economic development for underserved areas? Can’t you target economic development at small minority-owned businesses?”

Norman was right about both those things, Lyash said, “But we can’t do this ourselves. … We have to partner with MLGW and the city of Memphis, and we can’t do it in a month or a year.

“We’ve got to be committed to it for decades. I think this is one of the challenges for Memphis and it’s a challenge of TVA. It fits right into our mission.”

Pointing to TVA’s role in helping bring an Amazon fulfillment center to the Raleigh-Frayser area that will employ about a 1,000 people, Lyash said, “I think there are other things like that we can do to take the programs we do well and make them work better for the special needs that Memphis has.”

Throughout the interview, Lyash stressed the importance of maintaining the TVA-Memphis partnership.

“I think there are great things we can do together. As partners we can lower rates. We can deploy solar here in a way you couldn’t do on your own. We can focus on economic revitalization of the inner city here in Memphis, where I know there are struggles.

“We can work together to reduce the energy burden. You got a low price, but you have high energy disbursement because energy efficiency isn’t strong here; because median household income needs to be raised and we can work on making that better.”

MLGW is on a five-year contract with TVA and has to give the authority five years notice to leave the system. TVA is seeking a 20-deal with MLGW. Why?

“We offered to our local power companies last August a 20-year partnership agreement … because we think of the issues we face in the energy sector. We want to be highly competitive to a crack industry.

“We’ve got to drive down greenhouse gas emissions. We’ve got to make investments in technology, electric vehicles … energy efficiency, renewables.

“In order to be that, it’s best if we partner together and we make those investments knowing that we’re going to keep at this until we are successful over the next two decades,” Lyash said.

So far, 140 of TVA’s partners have signed on to the long-term deal, Lyash said, which for Memphis would come with a $22-million-a-year lower electricity price and, among other things, a strong effort to create renewable energy, namely solar.

“TVA has been a tremendous partner (with Memphis) on economic development. Since 2012, TVA has brought over 40,000 jobs to Memphis and over $5.5 billion of investment. So economic development is a tremendous advantage,” Lyash said.

Right now, though, advocates for a change are looking at the estimated billions in savings over time if MLGW decides to buy electricity from another provider.

To them, that also is economic development in terms of lower costs translating to lower electric bills for consumers and an enticement for industries looking for locations that have low energy rates.

(Jerome Wright is deputy editor for The New Tri-State Defender. Reach him at [email protected].)

Phase II: Black businesses reopen in ‘new normal’ reality

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Memphis and Shelby County allowed more non-essential businesses to reopen on Monday (May 18) after weeks of closure due to coronavirus (COVID-19).

Phase 2 Back-to-Business directives classify business types permitted to reopen. The plan also allows social gatherings of up to 50 people, up from 10 in Phase 1.

Black-owned businesses have been hit hardest amid COVID-19 – some may close permanently without supportive clientele.

Hair and nail salons, barber shops, tattoo parlors, health clubs, gyms, tourist attractions, contact sports facilities and other non-essential services requiring closeness must still follow safety guidelines.

Restaurants and bars, and non-essential businesses named above may now operate at 50 percent capacity, up from 25 percent in Phase 1.

All reopening businesses must comply with industry-specific safety regulations dictated by the State of Tennessee.

Physical distancing at six feet apart, washing hands with soap and water and disinfecting surfaces are standard safety precautions.

Health experts strongly advise wearing cloth masks in public places to avoid spreading the highly-contagious (and potentially deadly) virus.

Shelby County Health Department officials advise businesses to make appointments and post signs to inform the public on virus prevention.

“We’ve always been an appointment-only full-service nail salon,” said “Wynter,” owner of Polish Girl Nail Café, 2852 Poplar Ave. She prefers to go by her first name only.


 


“We operate above state regulations, our clients appreciate this.”

Wynter has owned her Memphis salon for 10 years. She began her nail business in Chicago.

“Most black nail salons are walk-in, but there’s no way they have adequate time to properly sanitize. Now, all will be on the same page.”

Polish Girl Nail Café won’t reopen until mid-June to undergo business adjustments. Updates will be posted at: www.polishgirlnailcafe.com.

Black business owners are hopeful that clients will feel comfortable returning to essential and non-essential businesses amid COVID-19.

Signs point to renewed interest.

“I’ve seen more traffic this week versus two weeks ago,” said Todd Brooks, MD, owner, Mid-South Wellness Clinic for Men, 6005 Park Ave.

Todd Brooks

His clinic returned to full- time operating hours on Monday. The office operated half-days for a month to limit disease risks.

Dr. Brooks keeps hand-sanitizer and Lysol Spray on hand to sanitize door knobs, counters, wait-room furnishings and even magazines.

“Patients use our disinfectants more now because of the pandemic. We also give surgical masks to our patients who want or need one.”

Dr. Brooks says he’s somewhat disappointed in fellow African-American physicians locally in terms of the response to COVID-19.

“In the past, local physicians were more engaged with the community, providing information through presentations and media interviews.”

After completing a face-to- face consultation, Dr. Brooks said he has performed more Tele-Health services (patient appointments using Zoom technology or the phone).

He has ordered 100 more coronavirus tests to prepare for a potential rise in cases and strongly advises frequent hand washing.

Other essential minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs) that remained operational have practiced safety guidelines for both employees and clients.

“We allowed our most vulnerable employees to work- from-home,” said Jimmy Tucker of Self+Tucker Architects.

Jimmy Tucker

The 24-year-old MWBE at 480 Dr. M.L.K Jr. Drive employs 20 staffers and will celebrate its 25th anniversary in September.

“Employees in the office practice physical distancing and wear masks when feasible.”

The full-service architectural, interior design and urban planning firm is considering safer materials and structures as new construction continues in Memphis and beyond.

“In general, we’re looking at materials that can be easily cleaned that are less susceptible to germs, including carpet materials,” said Tucker.

Self+Tucker is creating more separation in designs through enclosed cubicles with higher dividers between desks.

The firm is also reviewing ventilation systems that circulate more fresh air.

“For a hostel we’re designing, we’re considering the comfort level for people when they come. From a design perspective, we have a different mindset on how to do business.”

For the broader small black business community, Tucker said good information is being developed through trade associations to help firms stay afloat during the pandemic.

“We must seize opportunities when something negative happens. We can be flexible since there are no layers of management where we can’t easily make change.”

Tucker also stressed the importance of forming bank relationships since loans granted and dispersed were not necessarily equitable.

“Despite that, we must look for ways to change our businesses.”

According to the Shelby County Back-to-Business plan, Phase 2 reopening will last longer than Phase 1 before moving to Phase 3, the last part of the reopening plan.

Phase 2 was determined by 14 days of reduced COVID-19 risks according to a variety of data categories and approved by Shelby County health experts.

“We’ve made significant progress, which allowed us to move to phase two today (Monday), but we continue to have work ahead of us, particularly focusing on our most vulnerable populations,” said Dr. Alisa Haushalter, Shelby County Health Department director during a press briefing.

“The last phase of the Back-to-Business plan includes large gatherings of as many as 250 people,” said Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris.

“That’s why we plan to be in this phase, Phase 2, for the next 21 days, not 14 days (like Phase 1). We will move forward, but we will move forward carefully and responsibly.”

(To view the entire Back-to-Business plan for Memphis/ Shelby County, visit: https:// backtobusiness.memphistn.gov/.)

Drug overdoses in Memphis spike during virus outbreak

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From April 7 to May 7, 58 people died of drug overdoses in Shelby County, the highest county total for a 30-day period since record keeping began in January 2019.

by Adrian Sainz — 

Demand for opioids such as fentanyl has surged during the new coronavirus outbreak in Tennessee’s largest county, where more than 100 people have died of drug overdoses since mid-March, officials said Tuesday.

Officials in Shelby County, which includes Memphis, said more than 750 drug overdoses and 112 deaths have been reported since March 15, when the county began issuing stay-at- home orders related to the virus response.

Overdose deaths have eclipsed the number of fatalities from COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, Shelby County Health Department Director Alisa Haushalter noted during an online news conference. As of Tuesday, 88 people had died from the virus in the county, Tennessee’s largest by population.

“We have had an unprecedented number of overdoses, and an unprecedented number of deaths,” Haushalter said.

From April 7 to May 7, 58 people died of drug overdoses, the highest county total for a 30-day period since record keeping began in January 2019. The count is compiled from a database of incidents reported by first responders and the West Tennessee Regional Forensic Center.

The county health department has issued seven “spike alerts” in the past several weeks. The alerts call attention to a sharp rise in drug overdoses, including those involving heroin and fentanyl and other opioids. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is many times stronger than heroin.

Social factors tied to the virus response have contributed to the increase of overdoses, including a sense of isolation from staying at home for an extended period, estrangement or separation from friends and family members, job losses leading to financial problems, and a fear that drug treatment facilities are not open or available for those in addiction recovery, U.S. Attorney Mike Dunavant said.

“All of that has an effect on the mental health and the physical health of people,” Dunavant said during the online news conference. “Unfortunately, what we know about addiction science, that does in fact drive demand for these substances up.”

Drug dealers are rising to meet that demand, Dunavant said.

The sharp rise in deaths does not surprise Dr. Nora D. Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Volkow said she has been very concerned about the effect of the new coronavirus on opioid users on a national scale.

Volkow said more people may be using opioids alone, preventing them from getting nalox- one, an overdose reversal drug.

“If you are social distancing yourself and injecting by yourself, no one is going to observe that overdose and no one can deliver naloxone,” Volkow said in a phone interview. “You are much more likely to die than if you were actually with someone else nearby that can help you.”

In Shelby County, drug courts and drug treatment facilities have remained open during the virus outbreak. The health department is providing free overdose reversal kits and treatment resources at locations around Shelby County this week.

Suit seeks jail release of those most at risk from COVID-19

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The lawsuit filed against the Shelby County Sheriff's Office seeks the release of those detained in jail solely on the basis of their inability to satisfy a financial condition of pretrial release, or solely on the basis of a technical violation of probation or parole, unless the county demonstrates that an individual poses a flight or safety risk.

A lawsuit filed Wednesday against the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office seeks emergency action to “protect medically vulnerable people” – including people with disabilities – detained at the jail and who are at high risk of severe injury or death from COVID-19.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee; the American Civil Liberties Union; Just City; Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP; and attorneys Brice Timmons and Steve Mulroy filed the federal class action lawsuit t on behalf of people incarcerated at the jail.

The lawsuit asks for identification of medically vulnerable individuals held at the jail and the immediate release of vulnerable people. Most immediately, it seeks release of those detained solely on the basis of their inability to satisfy a financial condition of pretrial release, or solely on the basis of a technical violation of probation or parole, unless the county demonstrates that an individual poses a flight or safety risk.

“Public health experts agree that, in light of these unprecedented circumstances, jail officials must act swiftly to protect those most vulnerable to serious illness or death from COVID-19,” said Andrea Woods, staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union.

“Jails are among the highest-risk environments for the virus, so the threat posed to people incarcerated and working in the Shel- by County Jail is severe. Failure to act will yield more infections, hospitalizations and deaths in both the jail and the larger Memphis community.”

Reached by phone, Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. referred The New Tri-State Defender to the public information officer, Capt. Anthony Buckner, who said, “I am sorry. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Department does not comment in relation to ongoing litigation.”

Earlier moves by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office have included putting public visitation on hold at the Jail, Jail East and Juvenile Detention to “further protect detainees” and restricting attorney visitation to video at 201 Poplar and Juvenile Court and non-contact at Jail East.

Data cited in a release about the lawsuit asserted that as of April 30, 192 people at the jail had tested positive for COVID-19, one jail employee had died and that the greatest number of deaths in Tennessee from the virus have occurred in Shelby County.

The plaintiffs also assert that – according to the latest report available – 86 percent of inmates at the Shelby County Jail were there pretrial.

“As public health experts have consistently warned, jails are dangerous incubators for this disease-threatening the health of those who live and work behind bars as well as their surrounding communities,” said Thomas H. Castelli, ACLU of Tennessee legal director. “Incarceration should not be a death sentence.”

The lawsuit alleges that people incarcerated at the jail are forced to live, sleep and eat in close proximity to each other, are not provided with appropriate sanitation and protective measures, and are unable to access critical medical resources, placing them at extraordinary risk of infection with a potentially fatal disease.

“It is especially cruel that most of the people at great risk of infection in the jail would not be there if they had financial resources,” said Josh Spickler, executive director at Just City. “Now is the time for Shelby County to end money bail, significantly reduce its jail population, and focus on protecting the entire community from this deadly virus.”

“The Shelby County Jail’s response to the rapid spread of COVID-19 in its facility has been a case study in ignoring a problem in hopes that it goes away,” said Attorney Brice Timmons said.

The lawsuit alleges that the sheriff’s office is violating the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution as well as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act.

“Dangerous conditions at this detention facility threaten the lives of individuals vulnerable to COVID-19, and the clock is tick- ing for much-needed improvements at the facility,” said Joseph J. Bial, lead counsel for the Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP team.

The lawsuit, Busby v. Bonner, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee.

Prince in his time needs to be seen now!

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Prince and the Revolution: Live in Syracuse isn’t a footnote to his legend. It is central.

by Bomani Jones —

Bomani Jones

YouTube is hosting a Prince and the Revolution concert from March 30, 1985, in Syracuse, New York. It is the most incredible Prince thing on the Internet, surpassing both the guitar solo from “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” at the 2004 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony and his explanation to Chris Rock about why he wouldn’t do “Bad” as a duet with Michael Jackson.

Watch it. I doubt you have a better way to spend two hours.

The audio from the concert has been turned into an album on streaming services. These developments are a big deal. Up to now, has there been a definitive live Prince performance and album? He released plenty of concert albums, an eclectic mix reflecting whatever he was on at that time. But he doesn’t have a Live at the Apollo or Gratitude, a documentation of him in his prime, squarely in his moment rather than looking back. The film Sign o’ the Times is revered by Prince fans but, clearly rushed and shot on sound stages at Paisley Park, it’s no Homecoming.

Prince and the Revolution in Syracuse? That’s a movie, and it’s being captured in the time that defines his legendary career. The night was too magical to be expected, or else this would have been shot with all the cameras, from all the angles, because all of it demanded attention. It felt like sex, love and the freedom to put them together or split them apart, with guilt little more than a fleeting thought.

With constant passion, there’s room in this show for every note in the emotional register, for God and devilish thoughts to party together for a couple of hours. It would seem manic if it wasn’t so clear that Prince was always in control of the only things that mattered in that time and place – himself, the music, the tens of thousands of fans.

It’s like watching Michael Jordan in 1992. This isn’t about guile or savvy. No one’s leaning on any tried-and-true fadeaway jumper. This is a relentless attack, inexhaustible energy, contagious swagger and intoxicating brilliance from a singular, once-in-a-lifetime artist. This is the radiant confidence of someone with one chip in the bag – for Prince, that was 1999 – knowing he’s rising to immortality. He’s in a perfect pocket, familiar to the audience but still fresh and new. For two hours, as would be the case for about two years, the world – in ways big and small – was his.

Prince’s day-one fans in the Carrier Dome were probably disappointed with the setlist at this show. Most of the tracks he played on the 1999 tour were gone, and all the songs but one were released between 1999 and his then-current juggernaut, Purple Rain. The hypebeasts were certainly pleased, but so was everyone else. The show’s presentation leaned heavily on Purple Rain and his videos, often the same shots with a similar wardrobe. The first number of the show was the first of the film, “Let’s Go Crazy,” with the “dearly beloved …” intro and everything.

The energy surges immediately, the groove rocking and bouncing at once, Prince in a purple pantsuit with a feather something around his neck, somehow fully engaging the audience with intimate eye contact while destroying the guitar solo. It’s all a giant flex, his No. 1 single from his No. 1 album and film, and he knew there was no one else on earth who could pull any of it – including turning those gritty riffs into a sweaty dance number about going to heaven – off. There was no one to check him because there was no one who could catch him. And now, for the first time, he had a band good enough to share his billing.


Every single Prince tour remembered — and ranked

He was Jimi, Jackie and James in those 23 minutes, but always Prince. It was everything that was his best, whether it was micro-level things such as dancing and singing, or bigger picture things like working with the band.

There were so many brilliant arrangements and reimaginations, from “Let’s Pretend We’re Married” squarely in the Little Richard space to “When Doves Cry” building from its eerie bassless origins to a full-throated, nine-minute jam. “Baby I’m A Star” turned the performance into his “Stop Making Sense,” with the stage full of his merry band of freaks in everything from scrubs to lingerie having as much fun as everyone else. It was the Prince experience on sensory overload, the class picture and senior song of the coolest misfits imaginable.

The dance party closed with a benediction. “Purple Rain” has become Prince’s signature song – aided by the branding of the movie and the public’s affection for songs about colors – but of all his best songs, it’s the one that sounds the most like someone else could have come up with it. It’s not like “If I Was Your Girlfriend” or “When Doves Cry,” concepts no one else could think of. There are others who could come up with “Purple Rain’s” lyrics, and there are dozens of tracks that sound more distinctly like Prince. It is him at his most conventional, but never is he stronger.

Melvoin played the opening riff, backed by sparse drumming and synths, with the palpable feeling something is about to happen. In Syracuse, he spent minutes just playing around on the guitar, his long, thin fingers effortlessly dancing up and down the fretboard while the band played a loop. Then the tone went from one familiar tone to another, the Hohner BlackCat handed off, emerging at center stage with the infamous white cloud guitar, ready to passionately sing what George Clinton described as “Jimi Hendrix singing country music.”

That’s all buildup to the solo. “Purple Rain” is always about the solo, as the production adds a little more as it goes and the singing becomes more urgent before the first note of the solo explodes through the speakers. It’s at this moment that Prince, wielding an ax nearly his size, towers over his peers and every other mortal, his shadow wider than ever. He jumps in everyone’s lane – soul men, shredders, preachers and sinners – and runs them off the road.

And live, when it seems he can’t wail any louder or more plaintively, he breathes into the strings and exhales even more fire. For minute after minute, as the maple guitar belts out the sustained high notes it was perfectly built to produce, anyone who could hear or see him belonged to the moment, and only Bobby Z.’s perfectly timed crash cymbals to shake you from the trance.

The solo brings people to tears, but it isn’t sad. That solo in Syracuse is a climactic, euphoric release of undistilled emotion shared by all, but particular to each individual.

They all sang along to “Darling Nikki,” but “Purple Rain” hits the hardest without words. It becomes what you want or need it to be. And those 19 minutes in Syracuse were anything anyone could want or need in the world.

Everything hits differently now that Prince is dead. He left four years ago, and his estate has steadily released content fans were aware that Prince never shared. The merchandising has been awkward on occasion, but the music has been incredible. Rehearsal and demos tapes such as Originals and A Piano & a Microphone 1983 have spoken to simpler times, allowing a window into Prince as a creator and collaborator, without all the noise that augments his legend.Music is timeless, but understanding what Prince meant in his time can’t be captured with audio and still photos.

But much like Michael Jordan, there’s a generation who missed when Prince was on top. Music is timeless, but understanding what Prince meant in his time can’t be captured with audio and still photos. They can get a sense of the greatness in snippets, but feeling it takes a little more. Experiencing him in the context of his prime brings it all together, head, heart and shakin’ butt in the same space. This is why people loved this man so much.

If you already have a good idea about what Prince was, there’s a dual experience watching the concert. To watch it is to be squarely in its moment, but there’s a reassuring familiarity with so much on screen. The brown Fender Telecaster is the same one he used in Purple Rain, the same one from “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” is with him, like always. His interplay with the crowd was much like it was for decades, minus the piano humping he either stopped because he went Witness or because he was too old for all that. It was a reminder that somehow, through all the changes in times and sound and how he reacted to both, the guy who broke through in 1978 was the same one in 1985 and the one we lost in 2016.

Prince live in Syracuse isn’t a footnote to his legend. It is central. The persona of Prince had fully caught up with his talent. His skill now matched his ambition. He was a multimedia phenomenon, and he did it without significant artistic compromise. And this is what a night with Prince and the Revolution was like. This is what made people sing, dance and cry.

This is why he’s unforgettable. And bathing in this concert and album, sharing it with anyone unaware, is how he remains that way.

(Bomani Jones is the host of ESPN’s “High Noon” and “The Right Time” podcast. Apparently, he’s taller than he appears to be on television.)

 

TSD Flash!

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Shelby County Government Division of Community Services, Mayor Lee Harris and Kroger are partnering to provide food and essential items to residents during the COVID-19 pandemic with funds approved by the Shelby County Board of Commissioners to establish the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund Program. Approximately 300 food and essential boxes were handed out during the distribution at Agricenter International last Thursday. (Photo: Brian Ramoly)

Feeding those in need, services for Dr. Hooks, Coming: Ice Cube’s NNPA exclusive, COVID-19 by the numbers; AAC update and today’s music video vibe: Erykah Badu’s “On & On.”


 

Services Saturday for Dr. Mose Yvonne Hooks

In 2016, Dr. Mose Yvonne Hooks shared with the Memphis in May board her experience as a founding board member 40 years earlier. (Facebook)

Services for Dr. Mose Yvonne Hooks — teacher, professor, superintendent and educational advocate — have been set for Saturday (May, 23) at Mt Olive CME Church, 538 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Ave.

Visitation for Dr. Hooks, who died last Friday (May 15), will begin at 10 a.m. The funeral is slated for 11 a.m. Attendees are asked to wear masks and observe Centers for Disease Control social distancing guidelines, maintaining a space of six feet from other attendees at all times.

N.J. Ford and Sons has charge.
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Plan ahead: Ice Cube to speak to the Black Press of America for NNPA exclusive

 

On Thursday (May 21) at noon CT, Ice Cube will sit for an exclusive interview with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). The discussion will be broadcast live on Facebook and YouTube (facebook.com/blackpressusa/live and youtube.com/nnpa) and archived to various platforms, including Facebook, YouTube and Vimeo.com.

“The NNPA is pleased and excited to do this live stream with our Brother Leader Ice Cube on behalf of the Black Press of America,” said Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., NNPA president and CEO.

“Cube continues to spit truth to power in his lyrics, videos, music and the genius of his creative talent and high energy. In addition to learning more about his latest project, our discussion is especially important in light of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic and the increased racial tension between African Americans and the police.” READ MORE


COVID-19 by the numbers

The number of COVID-19 cases increased by 128 over a 24-hour period, a health official said today (Wednesday), adding that the jump was “no cause for alarm.”

While COVID -19 cases rose to 4,005, the boost could possibly be attributed to Mother’s Day exposure this past weekend or case clusters from nursing homes, according to Shelby County Health Department Director Alisa Haushalter.

Memphis and Shelby County moved to Phase II of the Back To Business Plan on Monday. That phase, which is projected to be in effect for 21 days, raised the maximum number of persons allowed to gather from 10 to 50. Businesses such as nail salons, tattoo parlors and spas were given the OK to reopen adhering to guidelines.

Additional businesses, such as museums, some attractions and some contact sports facilities were also given the nod to open.

The COVID-19 death toll in Shelby County is 90. That represents an increase of two since Tuesday.

 


AAC announces formation of COVID-19 Medical Advisory Group

The American Athletic Conference has announced the formation of a COVID-19 Medical Advisory Group, which comprises medical professionals from each of the Conference’s member institutions. The group is chaired by Dr. Greg Stewart, director of sports medicine at Tulane University.

“There is no more important task ahead of us than protecting the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, officials, support staff and fans as we contemplate the reopening of our fall sports,” said Commissioner Mike Aresco.

“We look forward to providing our schools with guidance, assistance, recommendations and best practices and protocols for a safe return to competition for student-athletes, while also protecting the health and safety of administrators, support staff, officials and fans,” said Dr. Stewart

The Advisory Group will address the unique challenges that The American and its colleagues in other conferences will be facing if, and when, there is a return to competition in all sports. Among these will be critical questions involving testing, tracing, sanitation, hygiene, and practice and training guidelines as well as protocols for dealing with COVID-19 positive cases. The Advisory Group will work closely with the Conference membership to develop and disseminate health and safety best practices and recommendations.

The American Athletic Conference previously announced the cancellation of all athletic competition and championships for the remainder of the 2020 spring season and suspended all in-person athletic activities through May 31. In addition, the 2020 American Summer Kickoff and Media Days will be held virtually at a date to be determined.


 

 

Today’s TSD music vibe:

 

Tennessee State president ‘thrilled’ by Oprah Winfrey gift

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This Feb. 8, 2020 file photo shows Oprah Winfrey during "Oprah's 2020 Vision: Your Life in Focus" tour in New York. Winfrey announced Wednesday, May 20, 2020 that her Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation will donate money to organizations dedicated to helping undeserved communities in Chicago; Nashville, Tennessee; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Kosciusko, Mississippi, where she was born. (Photo by Brad Barket/Invision/AP, File)

NASHVILLE — Tennessee State University President Glenda Glover said she was “thrilled” to receive a call from Oprah Winfrey asking what she could do to help Nashville residents suffering from the economic turmoil caused by the coronavirus.

Tennessee State University President Dr. Glenda Glover.

Glover and Mt. Zion Baptist Church Bishop Joseph Walker III worked together with other churches and groups to create Nashville Nurtures, which recently distributed 10,000 Kroger gift cards for $200 to families, thanks to a $2 million donation from Winfrey.

Speaking to reporters by video conference on Tuesday, Winfrey said she doesn’t usually talk about her charitable work, but she’s discussing it now because she wants to inspire other people to help during this pandemic. She said the $200 gift cards serve an immediate need but also give people a sense of hope.

She also recalled getting pulled out of class at TSU to take a call from Chris Clark, the longtime news anchor at WTVF-TV, who asked, “I understand that you’re in radio, would you like a job in television?”

Glover said she was touched by Winfrey’s “concern for her hometown, for those who were laid off, the single parents, those about to lose their homes because of COVID-19.”

Bishop Joseph Walker III

Glover and Walker said the work that Winfrey has begun will continue. Nashville Nurtures will help people connect to groups that provide food assistance and other aid. Meanwhile TSU has begun what it calls the COVID-19 Academy, which provides free job training and continuing education to those who may have lost their jobs because of the pandemic.

The pandemic has shown us “how we are all connected, and how we are one,” Winfrey said, “because look who turned out to be essential.”

“What I am hoping is that no one looks at a grocery cashier the same, no one looks at the guy who’s stocking groceries the same, no one looks at the food that has come to the table and the truck driver that had to get it to the grocery store the same.”

In other virus-related news, just a handful of nursing home facilities have been able to test all of their residents and staff for COVID-19 nearly three weeks after Gov. Bill Lee ordered them to do so.

According to the Department of Health, 34 of the state’s nearly 700 nursing homes had completed coronavirus testing as of Monday. Another 23 facilities intend to complete their testing by next Tuesday.

Agency spokeswoman Shelley Walker said 622 facilities have “submitted preliminary information” to the state regarding their testing status. However, she didn’t answer directly when asked if all the facilities would have the testing completed by May 31.

“TDH will continue to work with nursing homes on a case by case basis to complete this initiative,” Walker said in an email. “While many nursing homes are able to complete testing on all residents and staff members themselves, some need PPE, testing kits and/or the support of the National Guard or local or regional health departments to collect specimens.”

More than 100 people have died at long-term care facilities in Tennessee because of the coronavirus, while nearly 1,000 cases have been confirmed in 51 facilities. That’s out of 309 virus-related deaths across Tennessee as of Wednesday.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within weeks. For some, especially older adults and those with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness and be life-threatening.

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(Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.)