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Both Teams Played Hard, but Douglass and Ridgeway fall short in TSSAA Championships

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By Saturday morning, the field of championship hopefuls in the TSSAA Boys High School Championship Tournament had been narrowed down to the finalists, and two teams hailed from Memphis: Douglass High School in the 2A Championship game against Alcoa and Ridgeway vs. Knoxville Fulton in the 3A Championship game.

Alas, in the end, neither team hoisted the championship trophy, with Alcoa defeating Douglass 76-65 and Knoxville Fulton running away with Ridgeway, 68-47. Here are the summaries:

Alcoa Rolls Past Frederick Douglass to Capture TSSAA Class 2A Championship

Alcoa High School used a strong defensive effort and a balanced offensive attack to defeat Frederick Douglass 76-67 Saturday afternoon at the Murphy Center to claim the TSSAA Class 2A Boys’ Basketball Championship.

Alcoa raced out to a 15-12 lead after the first quarter and never trailed, extending their advantage to 33-25 by halftime. The Tornadoes’ defense limited Frederick Douglass to just 12 points in the second quarter and continued to pressure them throughout the game.

Alcoa senior guard Jahvin Carter led the way for the Tornadoes with a game-high 28 points, shooting 10-of-13 from the field, including two three-pointers. He was named the game’s Most Valuable Player.

“We had a great game plan coming in,” Carter said. “We knew we had to limit their transition points and take away their three-point shooting. Our defense was the key tonight.”

Alcoa junior forward Jamir Dean added 14 points for the Tornadoes, while senior forward Moro Ayl chipped in with 12 points.

Frederick Douglass senior guard Taquez Butler led his team in scoring with 25 points, but he was the only Brewer to reach double figures. Alcoa did a good job of containing senior forward Marjavis Chandler, who was held to 10 points.

“Alcoa is a well-coached team and they played a great game,” Frederick Douglass coach Michael Brown said. “We had our chances, but we just couldn’t get enough stops down the stretch.”

With the win, Alcoa captures its fourth consecutive state championship and ninth overall in Class 2A.

Fulton’s firepower overwhelms Ridgeway for 3A Championship, 68-47

Ridgeway’s historic run came to an end in the TSSAA Class 3A boys’ basketball championship game on Saturday, March 16th, 2024. The Roadrunners fell to Knoxville Fulton 68-47 at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, in their first-ever state title game appearance.

Ridgeway battled hard in the first half, keeping pace with a high-scoring Fulton squad. However, Fulton pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring the Roadrunners 15-10 and building a lead that Ridgeway couldn’t overcome. Fulton’s Tyler Lee led all scorers with 22 points, while Taj Kimber added 13. The Falcons showcased an efficient offense, shooting 50.8% from the field for the game.

Marlon McShane put in a valiant effort for Ridgeway, scoring 15 points and grabbing 7 rebounds. The Roadrunners struggled from behind the arc, hitting only 2 of their 8 three-point attempts, while Fulton found success from deep, connecting on 6 of their 12 attempts.

Despite the loss, Ridgeway’s groundbreaking season has made a strong statement for their basketball program. Their drive and determination in reaching the championship game, including potential upsets along the way, are a testament to the team’s growth and potential.

Street-sign dedication for Rev. O.C. Collins Jr. set for Sunday, March 17

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In an event steeped in gratitude and community spirit, Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church will unveil a street sign dedicated to the legacy of Rev. O.C. Collins, Jr. The ceremony, set for March 17, 2024, at 12:45 p.m., marks both a physical and symbolic intersection of faith and public service at the corner of Looney Ave. and Ayers St.

OC Collins Street Sign Unveiling

Rev. O.C. Collins, Jr., hails from a venerable family long associated with spiritual guidance and community engagement in Memphis. His father, Rev. O.C. Collins, Sr., left a 47-year legacy of leadership at the Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, influencing a generation with his stewardship and commitment to outreach.

When fire consumed the church sanctuary in 1990, it was Rev. Collins, Sr.’s resilience that led the congregation to temporary worship at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Labor Center, culminating in a triumphant return to a renovated church home in 1991 .

The Collins family’s contributions are etched in the Memphis community. In 1999, a section of Vance Avenue was named in honor of Rev. O.C. Collins, Sr., a testament to his profound impact. The dedication, attended by local dignitaries including the city mayor and councilmen, was marked by the unveiling of a “Reverend O.C. Collins, Sr. Avenue” sign .

Rev. O.C. Collins, Jr.’s dedication is mirrored in his leadership, with a focus on community development initiatives that honor his father’s vision. From infrastructure improvements to support for local ministries and a long-term goal of providing affordable housing, the Collins family continues to foster the well-being of their congregation and neighbors.

As Memphis residents gather to witness the unveiling, the sign will stand not only as a marker on a map but as a beacon of the enduring bond between the church, its leaders, and the community they serve. RSVPs for the event can be directed to [email protected] or 901.489.2653, as the church looks forward to welcoming attendees in celebration of Rev. O.C. Collins, Jr.’s service.

The forthcoming street sign is a physical embodiment of the Collins family’s spiritual and communal legacy—a reminder that their journey of faith extends well beyond the walls of their church.

TSSAA Championships: Knoxville Fulton Stages Comeback, Tops Fayette-Ware 56-49 in Classic Showdown

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Denaj Kimber scored 15 points, including a pivotal fourth-quarter surge, to help Knoxville Fulton overcome an early deficit and claim a 56-49 victory over Fayette-Ware in a thrilling state playoff game Thursday night.

Fayette-Ware struck first, led by Eric Jones Jr. and Jeremiah Hayes, building a five-point lead midway through the third quarter. Knoxville Fulton refused to back down, with Tyler Lee and Taj Kimber sparking a late third-quarter run to cut the deficit to two points entering the final period.

The fourth quarter showcased a seesaw battle. Fulton’s Kimber opened the scoring with an electrifying layup. Fayette-Ware answered with a three-pointer from Jones Jr., but Kimber and Lee countered with timely shots and aggressive defense, helping Fulton regain the lead with three minutes remaining.

Fayette-Ware, led by a resilient effort from Hayes and Tarecous Stevens, refused to concede. They battled back within two points, but crucial free throws from Knoxville Fulton’s Dexter Lewis in the game’s final minute ultimately sealed the hard-fought victory.

Key Stats

  • Fayette-Ware: Hayes (13 points), Jones Jr. (11 points), Stevens (14 points)
  • Knoxville Fulton: D. Kimber (15 points), Lee (12 points), Lewis (5 points with key late free throws)

Turning Point

The game’s momentum shifted decisively in the fourth quarter when Fulton’s Denaj Kimber took charge, scoring back-to-back baskets to ignite his team’s offense and propel them into a lead they would not relinquish.

Looking Ahead

Knoxville Fulton advances in the state tournament, demonstrating the grit and determination that will be crucial in future rounds. Fayette-Ware, despite the loss, showed tremendous heart and could be a force to be reckoned with next season.

Let me know if you’d like any adjustments in terms of tone or focus!

TSSAA Championships: Ridgeway runs away with David Crockett 62-39, advances to next round

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Ridgeway David Crocket

In a thrilling Tennessee high school boys basketball playoff game, the Ridgeway Roadrunners emerged victorious over the David Crockett Pioneers with a final score of 62-39. ​ Led by standout player Brian Carter, who contributed 23 points, the Roadrunners dominated the game from start to finish, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive tenacity. Carter’s ability to score from all areas of the court, combined with his strong rebounding and defensive presence, proved to be a key factor in Ridgeway’s success.

The Roadrunners’ dominance extended beyond Carter, as Rayshun Golden, Marlon McShane, Joshua Thornton, and Emanuel Allen all made significant contributions to the team’s victory. Golden’s perfect shooting performance, McShane’s scoring ability and playmaking skills, Thornton’s defensive prowess, and Allen’s dominance on the boards all played a crucial role in Ridgeway’s offensive and defensive success.

Defensively, Ridgeway stifled the David Crockett offense, limiting their scoring opportunities and forcing turnovers. ​ The Roadrunners’ relentless pressure and disciplined defense resulted in numerous steals and disrupted the Pioneers’ offensive flow. With a strong defensive effort from the entire team, Ridgeway was able to control the game and prevent David Crockett from mounting a comeback. ​

In terms of statistics, Ridgeway outperformed David Crockett in several key areas. ​ The Roadrunners displayed their shooting efficiency, with a field goal percentage of 56.3% compared to the Pioneers’ 30.4%. Ridgeway also dominated the rebounding battle, grabbing a total of 31 rebounds compared to David Crockett’s 25. ​

With this victory, Ridgeway advances to the next round of the playoffs, while David Crockett’s season comes to an end. ​ The Roadrunners’ impressive performance in this game sets them up as a formidable contender in the upcoming games. As they continue their playoff journey, Ridgeway will look to build on their success and maintain their winning momentum.

Dorie Ann Ladner, civil rights activist who fought for justice in Mississippi and beyond, dies at 81

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by Chevel Johnson Rodrigue, The Associated Press

Dorie Ann Ladner, a longtime fighter for freedom and equality in her home state of Mississippi with contributions to the NAACP, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and voter registration drives, has died, her family confirmed.

Dorie Ladner

“My beloved sister, Dorie Ladner, died peacefully on Monday, March 11, 2024,” her younger sister, Joyce Ladner, wrote on Facebook. “She will always be my big sister who fought tenaciously for the underdog and the dispossessed. She left a profound legacy of service.”

Dorie Ladner was 81.

In a telephone interview Tuesday with The Associated Press, Joyce Ladner said she and her sister were born 15 months apart and grew up in Palmer’s Crossing, a community just south of Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

“My sister was extraordinary. She was a very strong and tough person and very courageous,” she said.

One example of that courage, she recalled, happened when they were about 12 years old and went to a store to buy donuts.

“The white cashier came up behind Dorie and hit her on the butt. She turned around and beat him over the head with those donuts,” Joyce Ladner said with a giggle.

“We were scared but you know how you have that feeling of knowing you had done the right thing? That’s what overcame us,” she said.

Dorie Ladner and her sister went on to help organize an NAACP Youth Council Chapter in Hattiesburg. When they attended Jackson State College in Jackson, Mississippi, they continued demonstrating against the segregation policies within the state. Those activities ultimately got both of them expelled from the school but in fall 1961, they both enrolled at Tougaloo College where they became active members of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.

“SNCC was the green beret of the civil rights movement,” Joyce Ladner said. “She dropped out of college three times to work full time with SNCC. She was extremely intense about the rights of Black people. She would tell me ‘I can’t study while our people are suffering.’”

Dorie Ladner was one of the first workers to go to Natchez, Mississippi in 1964, to help people register to vote, her sister said. The experience was harrowing at times, amid heightened Ku Klux Klan activity.

“Oftentimes the phone would ring at 3 a.m. which was never a good sign,” she said. “The person on the other end of the line would say ‘Dorie, y’all have two choices. You can stay in there and we’ll burn you and the house up or you can come outside and we’ll shoot you to death.’ That kind of stress would be unbearable for almost anyone, but they stayed.”

Ladner said one of the people her sister helped register to vote was Fannie Lou Hamer, who often said that experience and her involvement with SNCC helped her find her voice for freedom. She also knew other civil rights luminaries such as NAACP state field representative Medgar Evers, who was assassinated in 1963; Hattiesburg NAACP leader Vernon Dahmer and Clyde Kennard, another NAACP leader who had attempted to integrate the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg.

Dorie Ladner was a key organizer for Mississippi Freedom Summer, a volunteer campaign launched in June 1964 to attempt to register as many African American voters as possible in Mississippi. She also attended every major civil rights protest from 1963 to 1968, including the March on Washington and the march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, Joyce Ladner said.

Dorie Ladner died in Washington, D.C., where she called home since 1974, her sister said.

“She became a social worker and worked in the ER at DC General Hospital for 28 years,” she said. “That was an extension of her organizing and fighting for people, helping people through their crises.”

In addition to Ladner, Dorie Ladner’s survivors include her daughter, Yodit Churnet, and a 13-year-old grandson “who she doted on,” Ladner said.

A memorial service is pending.

TSSAA Championships: Memphis Middle College falls short against Gordonsville, 49-40

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Memphis Middle College Gordonsville

In a hard-fought battle at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, TN, Memphis Middle College faced a tough opponent in Gordonsville. The game was a gritty defensive showdown, with Memphis Middle College ultimately falling short, 40-49.

Memphis Middle College started slowly, scoring just 3 points in the first quarter, but they rallied in the second half. Patrick Mask led the charge with an impressive 16 points, showcasing his range with three 3-pointers and steadfastness at the free-throw line. Cruz Arnold also contributed valiantly with 13 points and solid defense.

Gordonsville maintained a narrow lead throughout the game, with Memphis Middle College closing the gap several times. The scoring was close in the second half, but Gordonsville’s consistent offense in the paint and clutch free-throw shooting sealed the victory.

Rebounding was a key factor, with Gordonsville edging out Memphis Middle College despite strong efforts from Samarion Irving and Rahn Evans, who fought hard on the boards. Memphis Middle College’s defense put up a formidable front, with crucial blocks and steals that kept the game within reach until the final minutes.

The game’s intensity was reflected in the close scoring runs, with Memphis Middle College’s biggest lead being 3 points and Gordonsville’s at 15. The lead changed hands three times, underscoring the competitive nature of the match.

The match statistics were a story of sheer will and grinding defense, with Memphis Middle College shooting 35 percent from the field and Gordonsville 45.5 percent. In a game where every possession counted, Memphis Middle College fought to the end, a quality that defines their season and the character of the team.

As Memphis Middle College bows out of the tournament, they do so with pride and a sense of accomplishment. The grit and unity displayed are the building blocks for future seasons, with the experience gained from games like this one forging a more formidable squad for the challenges ahead.

As the final buzzer sounded, Memphis Middle College’s season ended, but not without the players leaving everything on the court. It was a season of growth and tenacity, traits that will undoubtedly fuel their ambition for next year. Memphis Middle College’s journey in the tournament may have concluded, but the lessons learned and the unity forged will resonate far beyond this game.

TSSAA Championships: Chattanooga Prep rides dominant first half to roaring 85-53 win over Union City

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Chattanooga Prep Union City 2024

In the highly-anticipated TSSAA Class 1A quarterfinal showdown at the Murphy Center, Chattanooga Prep asserted their dominance with a convincing 85-53 victory over Union City, a game that promised excitement but ultimately showcased the might of Chattanooga Prep’s offense.

The opening quarter set the tone for the contest, with Union City’s Ben Kaili opening the scoring. Union City, exhibiting fierce competitiveness, managed to keep the deficit to a mere three points by the quarter’s end. Malaki Davis’s consistent scoring and Jack Trulky’s robust presence on the boards kept Union City’s hopes alive as they ended the first quarter 14-17.

However, the second quarter saw Chattanooga Prep shift gears, with Ta’Suade Williams leading a 30-point barrage, demonstrating exceptional skill beyond the arc and flawless execution at the charity stripe. This explosive quarter left Union City trailing by 29 points at halftime, despite their best efforts to stem the tide.

Union City, undeterred by the scoreboard, entered the second half with resolve. Kenny Moss and Joseph Lattus provided sparks of energy off the bench, with Lattus converting crucial free throws. However, Chattanooga Prep’s depth became increasingly evident, as contributions from Eli Gaines and Derrick Robertson kept their momentum unbroken.

Defensively, Union City worked to disrupt Chattanooga Prep’s flow, with Finn Frankum and Tayeshari Jones bringing intensity to the court. Yet, Chattanooga Prep’s offense, led by an inspiring performance from Ta’Suade Williams, continued to find answers, maintaining a comfortable lead through the third quarter.

As the final quarter progressed, it was clear Chattanooga Prep’s offensive prowess and strategic execution had taken its toll on Union City. The final minutes ticked down with Chattanooga Prep’s bench clearing, as all players contributed to sealing the victory.

For Union City, the loss concludes a season filled with hard-fought battles and a display of true sportsmanship. As the final buzzer sounded, the team walked off the court with heads held high, knowing that the experience gained this season lays a strong foundation for the challenges that await next year.

The determination and resilience shown by the players have not only earned them the respect of their peers but have also galvanized the community, setting the stage for the return of a formidable Union City team in the next season.

TSSAA Championships: Bartlett Holds Off Hot-Shooting Brentwood, Advances to Quarterfinal

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Bartlett vs. Brentwood tssaa

The Bartlett Panthers gritted out a tough 51-45 win over a sharp-shooting Brentwood squad in a tightly contested first-round matchup of the TSSAA Boys Basketball Championship. Bartlett overcame Brentwood’s fiery three-point barrage with rebound dominance and clutch free-throw shooting to secure the hard-fought victory.

Brentwood, ignited by Daniel Cochran’s 21 points including three 3-pointers, refused to back down. But Bartlett consistently responded, with Christian Alston leading the charge with 13 points. The Panthers dominated the boards, outrebounding Brentwood 26-13, a key difference in the low-scoring affair.

Bartlett’s defense clamped down in the second half, limiting Brentwood’s outside shooting while capitalizing on second-chance opportunities. R’Chaun King was a force for the Panthers, scoring 10 points, with 8 of those coming at the free-throw line.

The victory propels Bartlett (32-4) into the next round of the state tournament, where the Panthers will continue their quest for a championship title.

Key Stats

  • Rebound Advantage: Bartlett’s decisive 26-13 rebounding margin proved crucial.
  • Free Throws: The Panthers shot an impressive 78.6% from the charity stripe, converting 22 of 28 attempts.
  • Defensive Adjustments: Bartlett limited Brentwood’s three-point shooting success in the second half, a sign of strong in-game adjustments.

State Comptroller’s audit of Halbert reveals about $3M shortfall for roads, school projects

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Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert

Tennessee State Comptroller Jason Mumpower effectively rubber-stamped a new set of figures from a recent audit of the Shelby County Clerk’s Office that reflects $8.7 million in revenue from a $25 wheel tax approved last year, on Tuesday, March 12.

With seven months on the books, the revised numbers from November to February show the tax is on pace to fall short of its $17 million projection. Drawing between $1.1 million and $1.3 million a month on average with four months left in the fiscal year, the levy will likely fall around $3 million short.

The state’s chief accountant sent a “boots-on-the-ground” team of auditors to Memphis last week after Shelby County Trustee Regina Newman pulled inaccurate revenue reports offered by Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert.  Some of the reports had been re-posted.

“I have no confidence in the Clerk’s Office to manage its affairs without outside intervention,”  Mumford said at the time.

Newman released the updated totals Tuesday.

The corrected numbers come as Mayor Lee Harris prepares to submit his FY2025 budget in May. In addition to muddling current budget projections, the errant math further complicated Shelby County’s debt service obligations. The fiscal year begins July 1.

Passed in June, the wheel tax is paid by owners when they purchase a new vehicle, or when they renew their car tag. After it’s paid to the clerk’s office, it goes into an administration account. It went into effect in July.

That month, Halbert’s office collected $4,275 from the tax.

The $25 number was a comedown from a $50 levy Harris sought to fund the $700 million rebuild of the Regional One Health campus. Shelby County Commissioners rejected the stronger option that was projected to bring in $34 million per year.  The money will also finance the construction of high schools in Cordova and Frayser. 

During a commission Budget & Finance Committee meeting last week, it was revealed the latter two are already over budget. Furthermore, cost estimates for the original plans have doubled.

The situation was described by Memphis-Shelby County Schools chief strategic planning and operation advisor as a “worst-case scenario.”

Halbert was slated to appear at the March 6 meeting – while the audit was progressing –  but failed to appear. Instead, she requested a one-month extension.

While the audit has concluded, the scrutiny into Halbert’s job performance continues. A special prosecutor appointed by Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Chris Craft  is currently investigating if Halbert’s ouster is warranted. Hamilton County District Attorney General Coty Wamp was appointed to lead the inquiry after Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy recused himself.

The commission’s ire with Halbert dates back to the COVID-19 pandemic, after a months-long backlog of thousands of vehicle tags and other controversies occurred during her first term. After being reelected, she attracted Mumpower’s attention when she took an impromptu vacation to Jamaica while her office was digging out of its hole. The jaunt led to a temporary closure.

REMEMBERING BRIAN CLAY (1969-2024): In his own words

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Editor’s Note: Shortly after I accepted this responsibility as Interim Editor here at the TSD, I got a message from Brian Clay, inviting me to the latest — and sadly, now, the final taping of his local community affairs talk show, “The Brian Clay Chronicles” on Feb. 28. I had a conflict, but would have loved to be there for his interviews with Mayor Paul Young and other luminaries. So it was shocking on Tuesday, when I learned he had died after a long illness. Late last night, my predecessor, Karanja Ajanaku, emailed me this column Brian wrote in 2018 that he felt reflected who Brian Clay was, what was important to him, and why he was an inspiration to so many. After reading it, I couldn’t agree more. — Lee Eric Smith

By Brian Clay, Special to The New Tri-State Defender

In 1992, I graduated from LeMoyne-Owen College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in political science, with a minor in English. I then went to work as a legislative assistant for then-Memphis City Councilman Shep Wilbun.

Brian Clay
Brian Clay

I felt on top of the world – a new degree, working for a progressive political figure, Dr. Willie W. Herenton had just become the first African American elected Memphis mayor (thanks to the Memphis People’s Convention) and the Bluff City seemed to be on the upswing.

During all of that goodness, another cool thing was the country’s number one song – “The Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat) – by the alternative hip-hop group, Digable Planets. It was the first single from the mild-mannered, jazz-rap trio’s debut album, emerging in the early 90s while the Southern rap era was giving birth to Eight Ball & MJG.

The cool vibe of “The Rebirth of Slick” resonated with me and many of my friends. It was the sound of freedom and an embrace of various cultures and lifestyles of a new generation, becoming the anthem for many – African Americans, white people and others – during the evolution of Generation X.

It was an era when things hoped for seemed possible. For me, the cool and melodic groove symbolized the generation that would put the philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the other civil rights warriors into practice. Late President John F. Kennedy’s desire to see one nation would happen during this era. The United States would be, as the late President Ronald Reagan declared, that “Shining city on the hill.”

Fast Forward to 2008 when many of my college classmates were getting married, finishing graduate school and becoming viable parts of the community. Barack Obama, a junior U.S. senator from Chicago is the first African American elected president, signaling to many a major step toward long-delayed equality in this country.

It wasn’t long, however, before Obama was engulfed in a backlash that shook many African Americans to the realization that we were fooling ourselves in thinking that racial equality had either arrived or was just around the corner.

President Obama and his ultra-classy wife, Michelle, both Ivy-league educated, withstood vile indignities. Meanwhile, successes racked up – the Affordable Health Care Act, the end of Osama Bin Laden and progressive domestic policies.

However, our progressive thinkers underestimated the contempt that closeted racists had for the progression made under Obama. The thought of Donald J. Trump defeating Hillary Clinton, well, never felt real. Surely his list of race-based moves would derail his bid.

Nope. And his continuation of such tactics as President 45 is numbing. Republicans have empowered this racist, narcissistic President to spew lies and open the gateway for hate to become in vogue – again.

Or, maybe it never went away. Fifty years after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in Memphis, America has the whitest White House and the most racially exclusive cadre of presidential appointees since the presidency of Herbert Hoover.

Do I think most white people hate people of color? Heavens no!!! However, racism can be practiced without hate.

White people – those who perpetrate racism directly and those who stand idly by – have the ability to overlook racism for a variety of reasons. They can work for a company knowing that their employers would never hire a black person. They ignore racist remarks by friends or relatives simply because they don’t want to disturb the relationship.

How can any person, especially African Americans, stand by and accept children being locked up in modern-day concentration camps while their parents are locked away in other facilities in the name of “immigration reform?” Sounds like a new form of slavery to me!

As much as I love the song “The Rebirth of Slick,” I reject the rebirth of hate. I choose to follow the words of Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA):

“Already, you have members of your Cabinet that have been booed out of restaurants, who have protesters taking up at their house who sang, ‘No peace, no sleep. No peace, no sleep.’ And guess what, we’re going to win this battle … so let’s stay the course. Let’s make sure we show up wherever we have to show up.

“And if you see anybody from that Cabinet in a restaurant, in a department store, at a gasoline station, you get out and you create a crowd and you push back on them and you tell them they’re not welcome anymore, anywhere … Mr. President, we will see you every day, every hour of the day, everywhere that we are to let you know you cannot get away with this.”

(Brian Clay was founder/executive director of Greater Memphis Media, Inc. and host of The Brian Clay Chronicles Lecture Series.)