The 33rd Southern Heritage Classic Cultural Celebration was a three-day, multi-event affair that – according to many
of the thousands that attended – once again delivered some much-needed fun. Events accompanying the Classic were enjoyed
by fans young and old. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)
Now in our review, 2022 was chock-full of images that reflected Greater Memphis in myriad ways.
This selection of photos from The New Tri-State Defender’s archives tells one of many stories that can be woven from the year’s experiences.
Bobby O’Jay, who was a fixture as WDIA’s program director, checks out the advanced control board in the new WDIA studio. O’Jay fell unconscious during his show (May 3). He suffered a fatal massive heart attack. (Photo: Courtesy of Mark Stansbury)
COGIC Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard delivered a brief and dramatic eulogy, extolling both his relationship with “Mother” Louise D. Patterson and a scriptural message. Evangelist Patterson, the widow of Bishop Gilbert Earl (GE) Patterson, the former presiding bishop of the Church of God in Christ, died Nov. 20. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/ The New Tri-State Defender)
The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. takes in accolades from now former Shelby County Commission Chairman Eddie Jones (right), with now former Commissioners Reginald Milton (left) and Cheyenne Johnson (center) joining in with Bishop Henry M. Williamson Sr, former presiding bishop of the First Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church and others. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)
After an extended absence, the Church of God in Christ Holy Convocation — No 114 — returned to Memphis. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)
COGIC delegates at the 114th Holy Convocation share a laugh as a vendor applies his trade. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)
Kadesha Gordon, the first African American to serve as principal of Immaculate Conception Cathedral School, was excited to welcome the Wildcats back to the Pre-K–8th-grade campus. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)
Students and teachers were set on go Monday (Aug. 8), the first day of school at Circles of Success Learning Academy, which U.S. News & World Report ranked as one of Tennessee’s five best charter elementary schools in 2021. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)
A quartet of partners – powered by a $6.6 million grant – helped “marginalized populations make informed and intelligent decisions about their health.” Seeking a COVID-19 shot, this local resident was vaccinated at Hickory Hills Community Center. (Courtesy photo)
Zaniah Holst, 3, spent part of her summer learning to garden from her grandmother. (Photo: Shirley Jackson/The New Tri-State Defender)
Starbucks employees seeking to form a union welcomed the support of the Rev. Dr. William Barber, the president and senior lecturer at Repairers of the Breach and co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival.” Clasping hands with Barber is Nikki Taylor one of the union seekers dubbed the “Memphis Seven.” (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)
During a ceremony at Memphis National Cemetery, two police officers led a rider-less horse that was followed by a procession of hearses as commemorators recalled the massacre of African-American soldiers at Fort Pillow. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)
The Rev. Dr. Earle J. Fisher and the Rev. Dr. Rosalyn Nichols in Robert R. Church Park on Beale Street before each spoke at a rally that set the tone for a march to the plaza of the National Civil Rights Museum during the Poor People’s Campaign stop in Memphis. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
The 2022 Africa in April Cultural Awareness Festival was vibrant with children, an indication that its original intent has taken root. Drawn by the African drums, four-year-old Ayden Christopher beats his way forward. (Photo: Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell/The New Tri-State Defender)
Beale Street was royal ground as the Memphis in May International Festival’s monthlong salute to the Republic of Ghana crescendoed with a visit by King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the 16th Asantehene (King of Asante). The afternoon celebration featured a traditional Ghanian “Durbar Ceremony” to “honor ancestors, cleanse society and pray for the fruitfulness of the land and the welfare of the people.” (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)
Student reaction was mixed about the University of Memphis basketball programs replacing Memphis Madness with a Memphis Basketball Block Party. Thumbs up, however, for Al Kapone performing “Whoop That Trick” at the Block Party. (Photo: Warren Roseborough/The New Tri-State Defender)
Fast Eddie Lewis: “It was routine. … I trust the guys on the return, and I just ran it. I knew I scored.” The University of Memphis Tigers shut out the Lions of North Alabama 59-0 at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. (Photo: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender)
In the second round of the NCAA Tournament, the University of Memphis Tigers lost a hard-fought game against Gongaza (82-78). The finality of the season hits Memphis guard Landers Nolley II, who is comforted by teammate Josh Minott (right). (Photo: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender)
Ja Morant drives and scores for two of his 30 points against the Utah Jazz in his first game after being named an All-Star Game starter. (Photo: Warren Roseborough/The New Tri-State Defender)
Long-serving State Rep. Barbara Cooper died on Oct. 25 at 93. Members of her family are escorted from a tribute service at Immaculate Conception Cathedral. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)
A year after Memphis Rapper Young Dolph’s murder, free turkeys – several hundreds of them – were distributed on the grounds of St. James Baptist Church by Pastor Rodney Herron and St. James supporters, including the notable presence of several associates of Young Dolph’s Paper Route Empire (PRE) label. The Memphis rapper, whose name was Adolph Robert Thornton Jr., frequented the church and the congregation embraced him as a beloved son. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)
Send them forward: MLGW’s Richard Thompson, senior communications specialist, signals for the first of those waiting to receive cases of bottled water at the Lamar site to come toward him. As the water-pressure issue mounted, free bottled water donated from multiple sources was distributed at various sites. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
Omar Baruti (left) and Eke Abioto embrace this young Kwanzaa-goer’s desire to participate on the first day of Kwanzaa during the celebration of Umoja (unity). (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
