Attorney Benjamin Crump, who represents the family of George Floyd, spoke at the memorial service for Floyd in Minneapolis Thursday.
Rust College new president settles in amid uncertainty
How does one go from being mayor of a major city to being president of a small HBCU in rural Mississippi?
It’s a question Dr. Ivy Taylor has answered frequently since being tapped as the new president of Rust College in Holly Springs. Connecting the dots gets a lot simpler as the former mayor of San Antonio explains that a career in politics was never the endgame in the first place.
“Once you run for office, once you get labeled a politician, people think that’s all you want to to do,” Taylor said in a TSD interview on her second day on the job. “I never aspired to actually serve in office.
“I am an urban planner,” she continued. “My background is in city planning and community development. For many years, I was focused on making places better – how do we connect institutions to create places where people thrive? At a certain point, I realized it would be more effective to focus on people – and education is a way to do that.”
At a glance, her resumé seems eclectic. But in many ways, it also seems tailored for her new role at Rust. Her work in planning should help the school upgrade and improve student housing. As mayor, Taylor developed executive experience and important relationships. And her doctoral work centered on how HBCUs and their boards navigate accreditation and the fiscal challenges so many black colleges face these days.
“We believe the abilities she gained in nonprofit management and political leadership will be readily transferable to an academic setting,” said David Swinton, chair of Rust’s board of trustees, in a May statement.
A native of Queens, N.Y., Taylor earned a degree in American Studies from Yale University in 1992, followed by a Master’s Degree in City and Regional Planning from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1998. She will formally receive an Ed.D. in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania in August.
She’s never attended an HBCU.
“I certainly recognize that folks may be a little bit skeptical that I didn’t attend an HBCU,” she said. “But I feel like it does give me a perspective that’s valuable just as far as knowing what (attending a non-HBCU) is like.”
But just two days in, she feels like she’s starting to get the experience now.
“Everybody’s been so welcoming and excited to have me here,” Taylor said. “And from what I’ve heard, Rust has a very family-oriented environment. People treat students like they’re part of their family.
“I did not get that at Yale,” she chuckled. “That did not happen.”
Taylor will spend her first few weeks observing, listening and assessing up close what the school’s needs are. She also intends to get to know the Rust Board of Trustees. Her entire hiring process was done via videoconference because of the pandemic.
Holly Springs Mayor Kelvin Buck was on the committee that selected Taylor. A Rust alum himself, Buck said that surveys of other alums revealed a pretty clear set of criteria to look for in a leader, and what the new president would need to focus on.
“We needed a president that understood what the future demands – an institution that is fully capable of maximizing technology as a means of communication as well as a means for education,” Buck said.
“That meant someone who understood the challenges of being able to raise the kind of funds that would allow us to improve and make our campus aesthetically pleasing,” he continued. “And certainly, a campus that has some of the latest technology as a part of every department.”
Those challenges were only exacerbated when the pandemic hit. Take student housing. At least one dorm, Davage Smith Hall, has a long history of bunking four students to a room – an already dated concept of campus life that seems completely obsolete in the age of social distancing.
And that’s assuming students come back to campus in numbers. The technology upgrades will be necessary for online classes should students stay away. Rust’s academic year usually starts in early August, and Taylor said the school is working furiously to have a plan for the fall semester.
“We are working to figure out the best path forward to ensure our students are safe, but also to continue to provide them a quality education,” she said. “Of course, our heart’s desires are for them to be back here in person, but we don’t know for sure whether that’s going to be feasible.
“We can’’t necessarily just do what other schools are doing because they have different resources, they may also have different pressures,” Taylor continued. “And so, though we are looking at what other schools are doing, we have to decide within the right context what makes the most sense.”
She’s also taking office in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the protests that exploded across America in response. Given Rust’s history of student activism during the 1950s and 1960s, she welcomes the opportunity to help channel the energy into meaningful social change.
“I just think we need to be creative, to use the resources we have here at Rust to help our students envision how can they engage in making society a better place,” she said. “I mean, it’s hard not to get down when you look at what’s happening right now. But we need to help students to stay focused on the potential for the future.”
Buck said the committee reviewed 70 candidates.
“At the end of the day, Dr. Taylor’s a qualified person, male or female,” he said.
“I think the alumni understand that the process was fair, thorough, professional and transparent. I think everyone understands that and is looking forward to working with Dr. Taylor, as I do as mayor and as an alumni of Rust College.”
TSD EDITORIAL: Time to accelerate toward change!
American Citizen George Floyd was killed 828 miles and about 13 hours from the historical marker in Memphis that notes Ida B. Wells’ passion to expose and eliminate lynching. The extreme, reckless disregard for his life warrants consideration of murder at the highest degree possible.
Since Mr. Floyd was restrained to death by a Minneapolis, MN. police officer supported by silent partners, people have marched by, past and/or near the Wells marker at the intersection of Beale St. and Rufus R. Thomas. The offices of The New Tri-State Defender are within the block.
Starting from where the horror of Mr. Floyd’s videotaped last moments of suffering found them, individuals – amid a viral pandemic – have chosen to take to the streets, registering righteous, yet-controlled indignation about that homicide and demanding systemic changes.
Rightly so! People have a right to live free of the fear that enforcement of the law will be carried out by people who don’t know how to do – or won’t do – their jobs. No such bad apples are to be tolerated.
The volume of violence and destruction scarring a number of cities across America puts in context those far fewer instances of violence and destruction that have happened here. For those who have found themselves in harm’s way, haunting experiences may linger. Going forward includes funneling to them any help/guidance/support they may need.
Memphis is our city, a fact reflected in the unity of diversity that has chosen to voice demands for change from the streets and multiple other points of social intersection and interaction. Diverse individuals collaborating beyond their differences because they genuinely care actually is evident throughout the city, a fact laid bare by the novel coronavirus pandemic.
At a point in the past, a new nation – our nation – conceived in liberty took root in a bed of inequality. It has been trying to build a republic on shaky ground ever since.
Now through a collection of sobering circumstances, we can choose to be at a turning point – a rare place from which to address that deep-rooted inequity at the level needed and with the force necessary to uproot it.
It’s fitting and proper to honor Mr. Floyd and every other African American killed while doing nothing threatening. Justice must proceed in all specific incidents while measures are developed and put in place to dismantle the systemic practices spitting out the disproportionate treatment that – in worse-case scenarios – kills people.
Difficult road ahead? Yes.
Still, the mind is its own place – one from which every individual can regroup, make sense of the past, line up with endowed humanity and form fresh relationships based on the principle of equality: 1 = 1. All lives matter. Black Lives Matter.
A helpful starter is a simple truth associated with Bishop Desmond Tutu (played by Forest Whitaker in the movie “The Forgiven”) as Nelson Mandela-led South Africa lumbered out of apartheid toward the ideal of “our” country.
That truth is that there is a difference between difficult and impossible.
We must change the orbit re: police-community relations and the conversations about them. And, silence is not an option to choose at a time such as this.
Changing orbit can be done by slowing down to reposition for acceleration, which often means taking in new information, data, research from new people in the course of developing calculated and timed next steps toward sustained growth and development.
Drawing upon its founding principles, The New Tri-State Defender recommits to reporting upon, fostering, nurturing, hosting and leading – when necessary – the conversations required for “our” community to accelerate toward positive change.
MLGW reviews options for lower energy costs
Now that a draft report has outlined potential savings if Memphis Light Gas and Water Division (MLGW) ends its 80-plus-year partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the city-owned utility company still has serious discussions ahead before making a final decision.
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Last Friday (May 29), the public and members of the (MLGW) Power Supply Advisory Team (PSAT) reviewed a draft report outlining potential savings for the utility company.
Reduced costs would ultimately lower utility bills for MLGW customers.
MLGW contracted Siemens – a global innovator in energy systems, manufacturing and technology – to develop an integrated resource plan (IRP), examining alternatives to its current electric supplier, TVA.
TVA supplies electricity to 10 million customers in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and Virginia.
Memphis is the federally-owned utility’s largest customer.
Siemens compared options for supplying electricity to MLGW customers over the next 20 years.
The study is timely since MLGW earlier notified city leaders of the need to increase electric bills by $14 monthly on average – a real concern in a majority African-American city with a 26.8 percent poverty rate on top of lost jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic.
During the four-hour long presentation, Siemens compared TVA’s 20-year contract proposal to alternative energy suppliers based on critical factors – affordability, sustainability, price risks, market risks and the impact on local economic development.
Switching to a new energy supplier could save MLGW $150 to $200 million annually, according to the report, which placed a solid number on how much MLGW could save.
Supporters of a TVA-MLGW split said earlier it would save Memphis anywhere from $453 million $547 million annually. Memphis and Shelby County collectively pays TVA about $1 billion a year for electricity.
Alternatively, TVA’s proposal would save MLGW about $120 million annually.
In addition to cost savings, the report indicated that a move to cleaner, alternative energy sources – natural gas and solar energy for electricity – would lower the city’s carbon dioxide emissions by 50 percent, producing better air quality and a healthier ecosystem.
To get the lower cost and better air quality, MLGW would need to switch from TVA to Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) – a regional energy transmission operator serving 42 million customers across 15 states in northern, central and southern regions of the U.S., plus parts of Canada.
MISO, which began operations in 2001, finds the best deal on power needs for consumers, including renewable energy sources. The organization uses utility distribution systems like MLGW to provide power to homes and businesses.
MLGW would have to add three new transmission lines to connect to MISO power in Arkansas and Mississippi at an estimated cost of $728 million.
For MISO membership, the annual cost to MLGW would be about $730,000 annually.
The PSAT, comprised of 20 business and civic leaders throughout Memphis, was organized in 2019 in to provide diverse, collaborative opinions on the energy needs of Memphis.
J.T. Young, MLGW president and CEO, facilitated the meeting for PSAT and the public.
Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) – a nonprofit promoting clean and safe energy choices – appears to support a switch to a new energy supplier.
“We welcome the findings from this new study, which, although conservative, clearly supports MLGW leaving the TVA system, a move that will both lower costs for customers and benefit the environment,” says Stephen Smith, SACE executive director.
“The report conducted by Siemens strongly recommends that MLGW explore the market with a request for proposals (RFP), and indicates it is highly unlikely that staying with TVA will be good for Memphis customers in the long term.”
Siemens said MLGW should extend request for proposals to energy suppliers to confirm their 20-year energy cost estimates.
Young says MLGW may request such bids for its power supply, but not until the IRP draft report is finalized in a few weeks.
Here are the next steps to potential energy savings:
- After PSAT members consider proposals in the Siemens report, the advisory team will present the study to the MLGW Board of Directors for review.
- The board will make a decision to approve or deny the report.
- If approved, the report will then be presented to the Memphis City Council for review.
No date is set, but MLGW estimates late July or August for that presentation.
Get engaged and ask questions:
MLGW will host a public virtual/phone meeting that will include a question and answer period Thursday (June 4) from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Following the June 4 meeting, citizens will have a 30-day period to make comments.
(For more information about Midcontinent Independent System Operator, visit: https://www.misoenergy.org/.)
#Access901: You Oughta Know – Mille Manny
Mille Manny – cause getting to a million of course! – is a 17-year old rising star creating his own hybrid sound, which he calls “hip pop.” While he may put you in mind of Chris Brown, he’s seventeen-seventeen not a Chris Brown 17.
His “Dadager” Ernest Strickland (what’s the opposite of “momager???”) is NOT going for any wildin’ in these streets, mannish shenanigans, foul-mouthed lyrics or any such similar foolishness. His current single, “Mind Games,” is radio ready and kid friendly with stellar production quality from Memphis Trackboy and smooth vocals that easily rival any of the other youngers in the game.
When you see Manny, you may expect Cali sound. Though he spent a few years there, be clear that he is a Memphian all day! He is ready and willing to be one more artist that puts Memphis on the map. He recognizes that he has been provided with a lot of opportunities so as he levels up in the game, he will be ready to reach back and reach across.
By now it’s common knowledge that Memphis has racks on racks of talent but lack the opportunities and access to go higher and further.
“Once I make it to where I can come back and start helping, I want to give kids my age an opportunity they may not have,” said Manny. “Whether it’s a recording studio….kids having a place to do homework…[or creating] a family-oriented environment.”
He also, correctly, points out that people always expect kids to wait until they’re older to pursue dreams but assures young people, “The time is now. Wait for nobody. You don’t have to hold off (on pursuing your dreams.)”
Manny has a big vision for himself which includes cresting the top of the music charts and elevating his brand, Slick Cocky, to Rocawear levels. He is already networking across having collaborated with 17-year old video director Cameron Boyd (K.W.A.D. Films – Kid With A Dream) on “Mind Games” and making special appearances on songs with BlocBoy JB, Lil Migo and Fresco Trey.
Memphis artists like Yo Gotti, Moneybagg Yo, Kevo Muney and Blac Youngsta top his collab wishlist. Reaching beyond our berg, he would like to work with H.E.R, Drake (obviously!), Chris Brown, DJ Khaled.
(JD Note: I personally would like to hear a H.E.R. duet. Putting that in the universe for you Manny!)
But first things first – the business. As his dad Ernest says, “If you don’t have the business side, it’s pretty much just a hobby. He handles the music. I handle the business.”
He ensures that Manny is informed and engaged throughout every step of the process. He says they even go through practicum exercises so that Manny is prepared for various situations.
With the guidance and backing of dad, Manny has been able to secure distribution through United Masters, which is one of Steve Stoute’s companies. If you know the music industry, you know that Steve Stoute is a major player. One small step for Manny and a giant leap for Memphians!
Perhaps more importantly, Dad keeps a close eye and tight rein to ensure that he stays, “steeped in his core values.” Again, good on ya! There are so many ways that the game can send kids hard left.
One of those values is keeping it clean. We are inundated with song after that song that, while they may SLAP, are not quite appropriate for younger ears. Even the radio versions! As I mentioned earlier, Manny’s lyrics are kid friendly. You won’t find any cuss words, N words or less than flattering synonyms for girls and women in his lyrics.
“With my music, I make you like it. You don’t even know you’re missing the cuss words. I’m able to go through more doors [because of it].” Yep. And this mom of a middle schooler approves!
So what’s next?
On the business side, Manny is working on securing airtime on Memphis radio stations. While he has gotten some solid traction on social media and YouTube and some success with Internet radio, the goal is to create a solid foundation here in Memphis, prioritizing our audience base.
On the music side, look for the first single off of his 6-Song EP “Ride My Wave” dropping on June 11.
“I feel like it’s something no one’s heard before. I’m just excited and ready for y’all to hear it.”
The single “All in” will be available on all music platforms.
(Check out Mind Games here: https://youtu.be/ce-pI1_LRWw. Follow Manny on Instagram: @millemanny_)
Miller steps down from the University of Memphis
The winds of change continue with the University of Memphis basketball team. The last gust of wind blew assistant coach Mike Miller from the sidelines.
Miller informed Tiger Nation of his decision to step down via Instagram.
“The last two years have been amazing, and I have so many people to thank: Coach Hardaway for believing in me, all our players for the commitment, the University of Memphis and its incredible fans, my wonderful wife and kids, and the entire city of Memphis for everything you have done for me and my family. All of you made this opportunity possible for me, and I’m truly grateful,” said Miller.
“As much as I’ve loved this job and had a blast being part of the special program Coach is building, the past few months have made me realize that it’s time for me to spend more time focused on family and wherever the journey will take me next,” he said.
“I will find a way to stay in basketball and continue to make an impact on this city that I love so much! I will always be a TIGER.”
Miller has two sons, who are playing high school basketball at Houston High School. The oldest is senior Mason Miller and the younger is Maverick Miller.
Both players have received offers to play at various schools, including the University of Memphis.
Mike Miller was rumored to be a candidate for the University of Nevada Las Vegas opening last season. It was widely speculated that Miller would be a candidate for a head coaching position this season.
The way the season ended did not result in many jobs openings that would have fit into Miller’s criteria.
The retired NBA veteran helped Lebron James and the Miami Heat win an NBA title. He did not close the door to returning to the sidelines anytime soon.
A vital piece in the recruiting process for Hardaway, Miller led the recruiting for Boogie Ellis, Precious Achiuwa and Lester Quinones.
His departure will hurt because of all of the contacts he has with grassroots programs across the country.