Memphis business icon Carolyn Chism Hardy was celebrated on Thursday, August 8, 2024, for her remarkable contributions to the beverage industry and the local economy.
Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter visited Hardy Beverages as part of his statewide tour to honor Black-owned businesses during National Black Business Month. Hardy, whose career has been marked by groundbreaking achievements and a deep commitment to her community, was praised for her leadership and entrepreneurial spirit.
The event, held at Hardy Beverages, highlighted Hardy’s latest innovation—HTWO, a hydrogen-infused water that is gaining widespread recognition for its potential health benefits.
Commissioner McWhorter lauded Hardy for her role in driving economic growth in Memphis and for her dedication to innovation in the beverage sector. The event underscored Hardy’s status as a trailblazer and a powerful force in the industry.
TSD Photojournalist Gary S. Whitlow was on hand to catch the scene — and to drink better water. Check out these images!
Drink Better Water with Carolyn Chism Hardy
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Carolyn Hardy tours her beverage plant with Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter during his stop in Memphis to celebrate Black Business Month. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
Beverage entrepreneur Carolyn Chism Hardy explains the science behind her new hydrogen-infused drink "HTWO" to Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter. McWhorter's stop in Memphis was the first on his Black Business Month tour. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
Everyone on this photo is "drinking better water" — just like it says on the container of Hardy's new "HTWO" beverage. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
Thirsty? Dehydrated? Memphis business icon Carolyn Chism Hardy has your "HTWO" right here. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
City, State and Local dignitaries were on hand to celebrate the work of Carolyn Chism Hardy, and her new beverage HTWO during Black Business Month. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
One of the big four global accounting firms has been hired to conduct a forensic audit of the Memphis Area Transit Authority.
City of Memphis Mayor Paul Young announced the decision to enlist PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to peer into the hard set transit authority’s books during the Tuesday, Aug. 6 Transportation Committee meeting.
“I will tell you this is a priority for this administration. We have had countless meetings over the past couple of weeks,” said Young. “We understand how critical this is. That’s the reason we are taking these extensive steps to ensure that we don’t end up here again.”
A forensic audit is a detailed examination of financial records to find evidence of fraud, misconduct, or other irregularities. The evidence can be used in legal proceedings, or to prevent future fraud.
Baccara Mauldin is the interim CEO of MATA.
The development follows a May 21 board meeting, where interim MATA president Bacarra Mauldin told members the transit system was facing a budget deficit of $60 million. In 2022, MATA ran a $43 million deficit.
“I think it’s important to acknowledge the steps that we are taking. We put before you…a draft balanced budget of $67.8 million. We are having our finance committee meeting on August 20 to dig deeper into those numbers. To talk about some of the hard decisions the board will have to make with regards to how we execute our services,” said Mauldin.
While MATA’s problems have been mounting for years, one member blamed starry-eyed expectations for the current deficit.
“We allocated $30 million in the budget as a line item. When we had the budget discussion, I remember very specifically talking to you about how you were going to make up the rest,” Councilwoman Jerri Green reminded Mauldin. “Because the items you had in your plan was $10 million, for example, from the county. And I told you you weren’t going to get more than a million. I knew that’s the where the budget was going. I knew that’s where the votes were. And that’s what you got. So, that’s another $9 million in the hole.”
Green has a unique vantage point. In addition to her work on the council, her day job is as an attorney for the the administration of Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris.
An update on the forensic analysis – along with MATA’s overall operation – is expected during the next committee meeting.
Several members of the committee addressed complaints from citizens. Many include the experience of waiting for a bus that never comes. MATA manages an aging fleet of buses. Many are purchased from other cities fleets, after they procure new vehicles. Many break down during their routes.
Furthermore, much of MATA’s riders are on the lower end of the economic spectrum. Many disabled individuals also rely on public transit to get to and fro. Without a vehicle, a scheduled bus stop can be a necessity.
“It’s a mess. I’m not saying you created it,” said Councilwoman Pearl Eva Walker. “They’re just out there waiting. They don’t know what’s going on. All they know is it’s hot and the busses don’t show up. We even have people who are taking busses on a regular basis to sell blood for money.”
Along with poor real-time communication with customers, MATA also suffers from a poor public image. According to one member, potential riders are turned off the taint of poverty associated with public transportation the transit system faces.
“We have a demographic in this city of poor people that the stigma for many years has caused us to be in this place,” said Councilwoman Yolanda Cooper-Sutton. “I’ve lived at in many different places, transit has just been abroad. Professionals that look like you and I rode the transit.”
To address the issues, MATA recently announced the “Three T’s Tour”, or Transforming Transit Together. The series of public meetings will take place across its service area. A schedule is available on MATA’s website at www.matatransit.com.
“I pledged early this year that we would involve the community in the process of reimagining transit,” said Mauldin. “We actually launched a schedule of community meetings. We are not out there doing it by ourselves. We have a lot of community organizations that are partnered with us for the community meetings.”
Hired on as a chief of staff in 2021, Mauldin has risen quickly climbed the ladder of the transit authority. She is also popular with members of the MATA ranks.
A petition is allegedly circulating among employees to drop her interim tag. However, the list of signatures does carry controversy. During budget season, Mauldin helped employees secure a raise. The timing of the two could be considered a quid pro quo.
“There’s something about that petition and how it’s being handled that I’m just not comfortable with,” Walker said. “I’m not comfortable with being used with respect…you got your raise, so sign the petition. I just don’t think that’s appropriate. If it’s appropriate and legal and all that good stuff, than o.k.,” said Walker.
Mauldin, who just returned from vacation, denied knowledge of the effort.
“I don’t know anything about that,” she said. “I’ve been very focused on monitoring the fiscal activities; giving input on how we can make our operations better. I don’t have any knowledge of that, or have anything to do with that. But we would absolutely happy to look into that and report back on that.”
Princeton James and Teresa Dickerson are filmmakers on the rise, collaborating on "Hoop Streets" which is shooting in Memphis now. (Photo: Jay Green/Tri-STate Defender)
The community of Memphis yet again has a golden opportunity to showcase its impressive talent pool through the production of its newest independent film “Hoop Streets.”
With production taking place in Memphis, itself several members of the community have come together to bring this large scale of artwork to life. The task of filming this film allowed every member of the community to showcase their talents in the areas of basketball, acting, video editing, and overall film making.
This production has also opened the doors for many young rising stars in these professions to sharpen their skills, gain experience, working as a team with each other, and reach greater heights themselves.
And it all started with a dream — and a dream job — for Teresa Dickerson.
“I decided to write my first screenplay 14 years ago, when I was working at the Memphis Grizzlies, my dream job,” said Dickerson, CEO of Isaiah 54 Films. “I’d always wanted to work in the NBA. I played basketball in high school and college. We’re just a basketball family. My husband played basketball, I played basketball, my son played, my nephew played.”
Like anyone who truly loves the game, it had lessons beyond the court, Dickerson said.
Dickerson (right) on the set of her film “Hoop Streets,” which is loosely based on her nephew’s struggles to realize his dreams of playing pro ball. (Photo: Jay Green/Tri-State Defender)
“I was always taught that sports are a microcosm of life, and it truly is,” she said. “I started seeing how life played out through basketball. How you could learn so much through playing team sports. And I tried to figure out a way to put that to tell a story.
“How do I tell this story about life, about sports, about how to overcome obstacles?”
Hoop Streets is loosely based on Dickerson’s nephew, whom she raised.
“Watching him grow up, playing basketball trying to live out his dream,” Dickerson said. “I just decided to put it on paper. “I really pray and that is my prayer that it will motivate and inspire, especially our young people of color.
“I really want them to know that they can go after their dreams no matter how big that dream is,” she said. “Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t achieve something. Don’t let anybody tell you that you’re gonna be dead or in jail. You gotta cancel that and don’t let people speak that over you. My prayer is that this work of art will inspire and motivate Memphis.”
The film is about Mason, a young hooper trying to overcome his short-temper and achieve his dream of pro basketball, against all odds.
“He’s a representation of Memphis,” Dickerson said. I see that in Memphis. I see a city that’s a great city, but we’re going after our dreams against all odds, because there are a lot of obstacles that stand in the way of our children. So we really want to inspire the city and the country.”
Princeton James, Dickerson’s production partner, feels the same way. Growing up in nearby Coldwater, Miss., James majored in accounting at The University of Mississippi. But he never gave up on his childhood dreams of acting.
“I knew I wanted to be an actor when I was a kid and my teacher told me to be ‘realistic. You’re gonna be an accountant.’ And that’s what I thought I would become,” he said. .
After graduating from Ole Miss, James moved to Atlanta to pursue acting. One Sunday at church there, he heard a word that moved him.
“The preacher preached about operating your gift — saying people will suffer if you don’t operate your gifts,” James said. “So I left my job that Tuesday, went to an internship in Dallas, came back to Memphis and started my company. That was 2016, and I’ve been going ever since.”
James did plenty in front of the camera but first dabbled behind the scenes in a movie called Uncorked. Later, James and Dickerson would meet in Houston, and their production alliance began.
James reflected on the challenges he faced as a director.
These young actors prepare to hoop. Or is it young hoopers preparing to act? (Photo: Jay Green/Tri-State Defender)
“Well I like to think of them as opportunities to grow and how to collaborate better, managing people, working with individuals, and understanding that this is a collaborative effort,” he said. “I don’t really see it as a challenge more so it’s just an opportunity for me to learn, grow, and build. But whenever you collaborate on a vision everybody’s opinion matters.
Also keeping the morale up when it comes to the rest of the team, so that they feel valued, loved, and cared about. And that their presence, their talent, their energy, their gifts, and their opinion all matter so I would say that would be the opportunity that I continued to learn and grow in is just to manage that.
Filmmaking is just like any other type of project. Things are gonna come up that you did not see coming,” he said. “Locations are gonna cancel — that has nothing to do with us, but we have to navigate those waters and figure out what’s best for the production, what’s best for the team, what’s gonna keep the team safe, energized, and healthy. All while preserving the initial vision of the Executive Producer (Dickerson).”
He then described this as his main strategy for managing the set, Mr. James further added how inspired he was by Mrs. Dickerson’s vision while also continuing to “operate” his gift as he greatly expressed his excitement to continue in the production of this venture. The very idea of this entire production is groundbreaking as the vision of a single person has brought an entire community together in order to achieve a single magnificent goal that will create bonds in the community that could last for years to come.
The resolution was moved without a recommendation, after members learned the majority of the cash may already be in the school board’s fund. It is expected to be discussed at the upcoming full commission meeting on Monday, August 12.
“We can’t move the dollars. We need for Memphis and Shelby County Schools to sign the check,” said Miska Clay-Bibbs. “We said ‘Yes’ to it. We put it forward. There’s no reason it shouldn’t be there.”
Members also need to nail down the actual amount needed to complete funding for the science lab.
Entering the discussion, the project was thought to be short by $2.3 million in funding. However, $1.3 million may already be on hand – if the school board can be compelled to guarantee its availability.
“The STEM building, right now, the money should be still sitting in finance. It’s still here in this building – finance. They have to turn in receipts to be reimbursed by finance. It’s very impossible for them to turn in receipts on a school they’re not building,” explained former Commissioner Eddie Jones.
Jones, who is currently Shelby County Probate Court Clerk, served on the commission when discussion on the project began in 2016.
Jones’ assurance echoed the belief of Commissioner Clay-Bibbs, who was confident money “is at Hollywood,” referencing the street where the Memphis-Shelby County School Board is headquartered.
The other $1 million would pay for a storm shelter – that may no longer be required.
“There’s a state law that recently changed as to why that may not be needed,” said Clay-Bibbs. “That to me, gives me enough pause right now.”
Reservations among members soon became apparent when informed of proper budget procedure.
“To do this, we may have to understand how to adjust the numbers, so that this amount is available. I’m not saying it’s available now,” said Michael Thompson, Shelby County Budget Director.
Set by the commission, the school system’s yearly Maintenance of Effort budget is $427,399,000. Funding comes from property taxes, the wheel taxes and other sources. After the MOE is fulfilled, the remaining balance is distributed to the schools.
The money can be used to fund efforts like the long-planned STEM lab.
“We do have to be mindful of where the funding may potentially come from. The education fund balance is strictly used to support the education maintenance of effort. If there are any funds remaining in there, it does go to the school to support these kinds of efforts with the appropriate allocation,” said Thompson.
The proposal follows the failure of air conditioning systems on a sweltering first day of class at several schools. Deferred maintenance was blamed for the disruptions.
“I’ve got to go back and face my community. Who, I was bold enough…to say ‘we need to raise taxes, because those who were on bodies before us didn’t look at the deferred maintenance for the schools,’” said Commissioner Charlie Caswell.
In the interim, sponsor Edmund Ford, Jr. said he would study the new state law. He also promised to get the Memphis Shelby County School Board Chair to provide a written commitment to the project.
Prior to the discussion, a modified version of the ordinance was introduced. The amended version fell short because it was not reviewed by “finance.” The original proposal had been reviewed by Shelby County Attorney Marcy Ingram, according to Ford.
“As this item does not meet the requirements of this body, we would have to look at this in greater detail to understand the impact on the education maintenance effort,” said Thompson.
The bulk of the funding for the public-private partnership – around $7 million – has been raised through donors.
The money for the partnership is planned to be administered by local nonprofit SchoolSeed. Montgomery Martin Contractors have been hired for the build-out.
In addition to a STEMnasium, the planned facility would feature 12 classrooms for instructors to aid students in A.P. and Dual Enrollment classes in biology, chemistry, calculus and college algebra. Computer science and coding classes will also be offered.
Dr. Anntriniece Napper is President of the Memphis Shelby County Educators Association.
The Memphis-Shelby County Education Association, or MSCEA, is a pivotal organization within the Shelby County Schools system, representing a diverse array of professionals dedicated to education.
With more than 3,000 members, MSCEA brings together teachers, mental health employees, education support professionals, and other educators to advocate for the betterment of public education.
Currently under the leadership of Dr. Anntriniece Napper, the educator’s union seeks to foster a collaborative approach to improve the quality of education in the Memphis-Shelby County area.
“The Memphis-Shelby County Education Association was one of the first unions formed over 40 years ago,” she said.
Dr. Anntriniece Napper
Dr. Napper, a seasoned educator, and leader, emphasizes the organization’s mission to advocate for teacher’s benefits, including things like insurance and compensation, and to work to improve the school system as a whole. As schools began to open in the Mid-South, teachers and administrators are gearing up for a successful school year.
One concern that teachers hope to address and improve is testing scores. After a significant decline in standardized testing scores during the pandemic, Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) has seen a steady increase in performance, yet, these scores are still far from where educators believe they should be.
One key figure in addressing these issues is Dr. Marie Feagins, now in her first full academic year as MSCS Superintendent. Since taking over in April, Feagins has made several changes that she believes will help in the classroom. These are changes that educators like Dr. Napper deem necessary.
“I support Dr. Feagins because she had to make changes that would benefit the students, ” said Dr. Napper. “She wanted more resources in the schools for the students, she wanted less people in the Central Office, and she wanted more people in the schools.
“Some of the people in the Central Office needed to be in the schools — literacy coaches, math coaches, science or social studies coaches — they needed to be in the schools helping the teachers and helping the students,” Napper continued. “So the things that she has done I agree with her.”
In 2023, only 23.62% of third-grade students were at or above proficient levels in ELA. While the percentage increased to 26.6% in 2024, there is still an urgent need for targeted interventions and support. This is an issue that Dr. Napper believes could be the direct result of the testing practices within the district.
“They’re testing our kids too much,” said Napper. “They’re tested so much that teachers don’t even have an opportunity to be creative with different lesson plans.”
This extensive testing starts as early as kindergarten, which Napper says is problematic for many reasons. When students enter Kindergarten, they are still learning simple things like fine motor skills, and they are expected to test like older children.
“I taught kindergarten, and right before the pandemic they wanted my kids to test when they don’t even know how to hold a pencil,” said Dr. Napper.
To address these challenges, Dr. Napper suggests aligning the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) standards with those of TN Ready, ensuring a more coherent testing framework.
“It’s not fair to our students,” she said. “First, they’re doing the TNReady practice, then you give them the TCAP, and those TCAP standards do not align with the TN Ready standards, so how can the kids do well if the standards are not aligned?”
Napper stresses the importance of early childhood education. This is essential for children to be adequately prepared to enter the school system.
“Pre-K is a very important part of a student’s academic career, so I feel every child should have the opportunity to go to Pre-K.
Napper also advocates for programs to educate parents on early childhood development.
“Maybe some of the parents do not know the steps to take when the kids are babies from maybe eight months until they go to school, and maybe they need to have some programs to help the young parents with their kids before they come to school.”
As the Memphis-Shelby County Education Association continues to champion the interests of educators and students, it remains a vital voice in the ongoing dialogue about the future of public education in Shelby County. Through its advocacy and collaboration, the organization is poised to make significant strides in enhancing the educational landscape, ensuring that both educators and students have the support they need to succeed amidst these ongoing challenges.
Antonio Adams and Walter Person have been approved as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer for the City of Memphis.
After months on the job, Chief Operating Officer Antonio Adams and Chief Financial Officer Walter Person were unanimously approved during the council’s Tuesday, Aug. 6 meeting.
“I’m not sure if any other person could navigate the challenges of right now better than soon-to-be chief operating officer Antonio Adams…The city is better because he is leading and serving,” said Council Chair JB Smiley.
The introduction of Adam’s and Person’s nominations was met with applause prior to their votes during the full council meeting.
“Can we keep this spirit all year long?” Adams joked.
Adams and Person also served during the previous administration of Jim Strickland, along with several members of Young’s leadership team. Most were nominated and approved in January.
In April, Young’s team discovered an $11 million budget shortfall from the FY2023 budget. It failed to account for the hires of over 100 new Memphis Fire Department personnel.
Angered council members swiftly passed a resolution to cover the oversight. Holdovers attached to the previous budget – like Adams and Person – also lost the benefit of the doubt. Both denied knowledge of the lapse.
BUt the relationship was quickly repaired. During FY2025 budget negotiations, the pair kept in close contact with council members throughout the season. Approved in late June, the $858 million document includes a 49-cent property tax hike, along with an increase in solid waste fees.
Young’s original proposal featured a 75-cent property tax increase.
“I had the opportunity… to work with Antonio and Walter through what was probably the most complicated budget process in a long time,” said Council Member Chase Carlisle. “I just appreciate the effort, the candor, the honesty, the hard work, the intensity, the grace under pressure – publicly.”
Memphis Police Department Interim Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis remains the lone nominee to lack council approval.
Members tabled her nomination after her approval fell one vote short during a committee meeting. As a result, her approval will require a seven vote majority in committee before the full council can consider it.
Previously, Young said he intends to reintroduce Davis’ nomination after a new budget was approved.
Adams, Person and Davis were appointed as interim directors at the end of 2023. Young presented his nominations at the same time.
Massey approved to lead EDGE
Members also approved the nomination of Joanne Massey for President of the Economic Development Growth Engine (EDGE) during Tuesday’s Personnel & Governmental Affairs Committee meeting.
Massey is the current vice president of operations. She was hired in 2023. Both Young and Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris nominated her for the top spot.
“I expect nothing but great things from EDGE,” Young said.
A vote by the Shelby County Commission is next.
The post has been vacant for over two years. The previous president was Reid Dulberger, who resigned in 2021. He was also the fist EDGE president.
Randy Richardson, the Memphis and Shelby County Port Authority vice president, has also served as interim EDGE president.
“It’s up to us to do something about what we’re seeing, not just for businesses, not corporations, but for the kids in our community today who are going to be our leaders tomorrow,” said Massey.
Massey also worked in Strickland’s administration. She resigned as the director of Business Diversity and Compliance Department in 2021. At the time, Strickland was expected to place her on leave. The decision allowed Massey to receive severance pay. Non disclosure provisions were also put into effect.
Her resume includes work as a project manager and a lead supervisor at the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.
Other business:
Council members also approved a referendum ordinance to move a ballot question to the November 5 ballot. It was originally scheduled for the election which took place on August 1.
The amendment to the city charter would require candidates for Mayor and City Council to live in town two years prior to election day. Currently, there are no residency requirements for mayoral hopefuls.
In 2023, the charter’s five-year requirement was struck down in Chancery Court. It had been in place since 1966.
Ben Crump (second from left) on Wednesday, October 12, announced a class action suit against the United States government on behalf of the National Black Farmers Association. (Photo: Mark Mahoney / DreamInColor Photo / NNPA)
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire
This week marks a monumental victory for Black farmers as they begin receiving payments from the $2.2 billion Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP). After decades of advocacy and struggle, John Boyd, President of the National Black Farmers Association (NBFA), declared the day “a huge win.”
Nearly two years ago, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Section 22007, authorizing compensation for farmers who faced racial discrimination in the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) farm lending practices before 2021. This week, around 43,000 farmers will receive payments of up to $500,000, with the average award being $82,000.
Reflecting on this long-awaited achievement, Boyd recounted his journey, which began almost 40 years ago when he first experienced these injustices. “No matter how it is sliced, the $2.2 billion in payouts is historic,” he said. This follows previous settlements, including a $1 billion payout in 1999 and a $1.25 billion settlement in 2013.
The NBFA’s relentless efforts have also paved the way for similar settlements with Hispanic and women farmers ($1.3 billion), Native American farmers ($800 million), and the Cobell case settlement ($3.4 billion).
Boyd’s dedication to justice has been challenging. He faced hateful phone calls, mail, and even death threats. Despite these obstacles, he remained steadfast in his fight. “Total restoration is impossible, but for me, the fight was about justice,” Boyd emphasized.
Midtown Group, an unbiased third-party administrator, oversaw the DFAP’s administration to ensure a fair adjudication procedure for each farmer’s case. Although the 40-page application process and long wait times added to the farmers’ pain, the payments represent a bittersweet victory. Boyd acknowledged that issues such as banks denying operating funds or farm ownership loans persist, as do recent allegations of racial discrimination against companies like John Deere.
For those denied assistance through the DFAP, there is no appeal or review process, a reality Boyd profoundly regrets. Many Black farmers have died waiting for justice, but today’s announcement brings some closure. Boyd reflected on his tireless efforts, from lobbying Congress to protesting with his mules “Struggle” and “Forty Acres,” and riding his tractor, “Justice,” to Washington. Listening to Senior White House Advisor Stephen Benjamin detail the award notifications and check disbursement made it all worthwhile. “Today is a huge win for the NBFA,” he declared.
In October 2022, civil rights attorney Ben Crump announced a class action suit against the United States government on behalf of the NBFA. The lawsuit came after findings that Black farmers lost approximately $326 billion of land due to discrimination during the 20th century. Crump and the farmers argued that the federal government breached its contract with socially disadvantaged farmers under the American Rescue Plan Act.
Despite these challenges, President Biden reaffirmed his commitment to addressing inequities in farming. “Farmers and ranchers work around the clock to put food on our tables and steward our Nation’s land. But for too long, many farmers and ranchers experienced discrimination in farm loan programs and have not had the same access to federal resources and support. I promised to address this inequity when I became President. Today that promise has become a reality,” Biden stated.
Author, Entrepreneur and Financial Literacy Advocate John Hope Bryant was in Memphis recently as part of his American Aspiration Tour. He teamed up with Memphis Mayor Paul Young for a fireside chat that frequently felt more like a revival.
You can read all about it in this week’s e•Edition, but there was one part that I just had to expand upon, and you’ll have to say some words out loud to make it work.
Bryant’s mantra, which he repeated frequently that day, is that “Financial Literacy is the Civil Rights issue of this generation.” Note the word there: “Civil.”
Later, he would say that it’s time to claim our SILVER rights — as in, to learn how money works (and doesn’t work), so that we can get on with creating a better life for ourselves and generational wealth for our successors. Note the word: “Silver.”
Civll Rights. Silver Rights. Civil. Silver. Thilver. It’s a bit of a thung thwister, no?
Writers gotta shout out good wordplay, especially when weaving in an important message. Fortunately, Bryant can explain it better than I:
Here’s what else is in this week’s e•Edition:
Operation HOPE’s John Hope Bryant Champions Financial Literacy
John Hope Bryant, Chairman of Operation HOPE, made a compelling case for financial literacy during his stop in Memphis as part of the American Aspiration Tour. Speaking at the Cossitt Library, Bryant emphasized that financial literacy is the civil rights issue of this generation. He shared inspiring stories of individuals who have benefited from Operation HOPE’s programs, highlighting the importance of improving credit scores and promoting homeownership to uplift marginalized communities .
Project 2025: The Blueprint for America’s Democratic Demise
Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson provides a stark warning about Project 2025, a 920-page blueprint for a potential second term of former President Donald Trump. Wilson criticizes the project for its plans to dismantle democratic institutions and erode civil liberties, urging voters to choose democracy over dictatorship in the upcoming elections .
Back to School Extravaganza: A Community Success
The Back to School Extravaganza held on July 27 at New Direction Christian Church was a major event aimed at preparing students and families for the new school year. Organized by Shelby County Commissioner Miska Clay Bibbs, the event offered free services such as haircuts, dental exams, and vaccinations. The community’s enthusiastic participation, coupled with support from various sponsors, ensured that every child left equipped and confident to start the academic year .
Historic Griggs Business College Set for $750K Renovation
In a significant boost for historical preservation and community development, Property Power and Preservation (P3) has secured a $750,000 grant for the rehabilitation of the Griggs Business and Practical Arts College. The grant, partially funded by the African American Civil Rights grant program, will cover structural repairs, restoration of historical features, and the creation of educational programs to highlight the college’s impact on the community .
Stay tuned for more updates and stories that matter to our community. For more information and to read the full articles, visit TSDMemphis.com.
“Financial literacy is the civil rights issue of this generation. I call it ‘Silver Rights,’ the right to financial literacy, access to capital, and the ability to create wealth. It’s as important today as civil rights were in the past.” — John Hope Bryant (Photos: Lee Eric Smith/Tri-State Defender)
On July 30, hundreds gathered at Cossitt Library in Downtown Memphis to hear a conversation between Memphis Mayor Paul Young and renowned financial literacy advocate John Hope Bryant of Operation HOPE, Inc.
But as Bryant made a fiery case for financial literacy and economic empowerment, the fireside chat felt more like Sunday church — with Bryant preaching from the pages of his new book “Financial Literacy for All” and Young holding down the Amen Corner.
“Financial literacy is the civil rights issue of this generation,” Bryant told a packed room at the library. “Nothing changes your life more than God or love, than moving your credit score 120 points. If you want to save Memphis, you need to focus on raising credit scores and homeownership.”
Bryant was a firehose of wit, wisdom, insight, inspiration and financial savvy at the Memphis stop of his American Aspiration Tour 2024. The tour is a nationwide initiative aimed at uplifting marginalized communities through enhanced financial literacy and economic empowerment.
The tour features insightful discussions, workshops, and testimonials from individuals who have benefited from Operation HOPE’s programs, emphasizing practical steps to improve credit scores, foster homeownership, and encourage small business development.
Arnika Carter founded Loaded Juice with support from Operation HOPE. (Photo: loadedjuice.store)
One testimonial came from Arnika Carter, co-owner of Loaded Juice in Memphis. Carter recounted how Operation HOPE’s small business class helped her expand her business. Struggling with personal health issues, Arnika started her juice business to improve her gut and skin health. The business quickly gained popularity, prompting her to seek further education and resources to grow her brand.
Through Operation HOPE, she met a guide who provided invaluable resources and guidance on creating a business plan and preparing for small business loans. Arnika successfully secured a $25,000 loan and she’s been rolling ever since — literally.
“With that loan, I have been expanding my local juice business. At first, I just offered cold-pressed juices,” she told the crowd. “Now, I have my food truck.”
Leanne Brown also shared her inspiring story of overcoming financial challenges with the help of Operation HOPE.
Leanne Brown shared her inspiring story of overcoming financial challenges with the help of Operation HOPE. (Photo: Lee Eric Smith/Tri-State Defender)
Initially reaching out to the program with a low credit score in the 500s, Leanne worked closely with financial coach Lester Watts. Despite initial doubts and setbacks, her persistence paid off, and within 12 months, her credit score improved by 120 points.
This significant improvement allowed her to achieve homeownership, profoundly impacting not just her and her family’s lives, but the broader community.
“Not only do you buy a home, but you change the community. When we change the community, we change lives,” she said.
And all of that was before Bryant started erupting financial a-ha moments. Whether it was history lessons, conservative DEI backlash, or weighing in on how Young should respond when businesses come knocking, Bryant peppered the audience with wit, profound insights and hard data to back up his points. Among them:
On building wealth: “Real wealth is built in your sleep—through real estate, stocks, bonds, business, homeownership, investment accounts, and education.”
On changing the culture:“It takes 20 years to change a culture. In the last 20 years, I think we’ve made dumb sexy. We’ve dumbed down and celebrated. And now it’s time to make smart sexy again.”
On drug dealers: “(Being) a drug dealer is unethical and illegal . . . but one thing they’re not is DUMB. They work with import-export, finance, marketing, wholesale, retail, customer service, security, territory, logistics . . . and a gang leader is a frustrated union organizer.”
On attracting economic activity to Memphis: “(Mayor Young’s) job is to be a salesman or a saleswoman for your city. And if somebody with legal money, ethical, legal money — not Pookie-nem, but legal, ethical money, a billion, $100 million, $50 million — and they want to do something positive, or remotely positive, or could be positive, in the City of Memphis, his job is to say yes.
John Hope Bryant, founder of Operation HOPE, and Memphis Mayor Paul Young engage in a dynamic discussion on financial literacy and economic empowerment during the ‘American Aspiration Tour’ event at the Cossitt Library. (Photo: Lee Eric Smith/Tri-State Defender)
“If it’s not hurting the citizens of Memphis and not coming out of the city’s account, that’s his job, to say yes,” Bryant continued. “Figure it out, say yes, drag it to the negotiating table and work out the details so it benefits the City and the citizens of Memphis.”
Those were among his opening remarks — about 20 minutes straight. But while the session was intended to be a conversation with Young and the audience, no one was bothered at Bryant’s rapid-fire style.
“You were on a roll, so I didn’t want to stop you,” Young quipped as Bryant caught his breath.
By ZIP Code, Bryant broke down the financial realities of Germantown (38139) and New Pathways (38126), areas just 15 minutes apart geographically, but wildly different.
A comparison of economic disparities between Germantown (38139) and New Pathways (38126) in Memphis. The graphic highlights significant differences in average credit scores, median household incomes, homeownership rates, and life expectancy, underscoring the urgent need for financial literacy and economic empowerment initiatives. (Courtesy graphic)
Germantown boasts an average credit score of 755, while New Pathways lags significantly behind with an average score of 583. This credit score disparity reflects broader economic inequalities, with Germantown’s median household income at $165,956 compared to New Pathways’ $16,112.
Homeownership rates further illustrate the divide, Bryant said, with 96.4% in Germantown versus a mere 12.4% in New Pathways. Additionally, Bryant pointed out that life expectancy in Germantown is 82 years, compared to just 71.3 years in New Pathways. He noted that improving credit scores and increasing homeownership could significantly enhance economic stability and quality of life in underserved areas.
“If we can move credit scores 100 points, we can stabilize this city,” Bryant said to raucous applause. “Addressing these disparities is crucial for the future of Memphis.
Thanks to a bulk purchase by First Horizon Bank, event attendees received a free copy of Bryant’s bestseller “Financial Literacy for All,” and lined up afterward to have their copies signed. He encouraged guests to read and share it, and buy copies for public and school libraries.
“Financial literacy is the civil rights issue of this generation,” Bryant reiterated. “I call it ‘Silver Rights’ — the right to financial literacy, access to capital, and the ability to create wealth. It’s as important today as civil rights were in the past.”
