Next dean in sight at Vanderbilt Divinity School

Dr. Emilie M. Townes, a noted Yale University scholar and administrator, will be the next dean of Vanderbilt Divinity School, pending board approval.

Her official start date as the 16th Vanderbilt Divinity School dean would be July 1.

Townes is currently the Andrew W. Mellon Professor of African-American Religion and Theology and associate dean of academic affairs at Yale Divinity School.

U of M taps Cato Johnson for lifetime Achievement Award

Back in the day, Cato Johnson methodically made his way through Memphis State University en route to a stellar corporate career that he has balanced against commitments to family and the Memphis-area community. On Feb. 1, his lifetime of achievements will be recognized by his alma mater, now the University of Memphis.

The University of Memphis will present the Authur S. Holmon Lifetime Achievement Award to Johnson during the opening reception for Black History Month. The reception will begin at 7 p.m. Feb. 1 at the Rose Theatre on the U of M campus. Sponsored by the Black Student Association and the Office of Multicultural Affairs, it is free and open to the public.

‘The Teacher Who Changed My Life’

Maybe it was the teacher who taught you perseverance by encouraging you to cite the reasons for the "Battle of 1812" even though you were recovering from losing your two front teeth in a pre-season football scrimmage.

Or maybe it was the teacher who helped you make the transition from an inner city school with all African-American students to one where you could count the African Americans on two hands.

Teachers continue to change lives and those who do are worthy of recognition. The New Tri-State Defender is partnering with New America Media (NAM) and other media partners in Memphis to organize an essay contest on teachers for just that purpose.

Dickerson bids farewell as NAACP president

Dr. Warner Dickerson received accolades from members of the executive committee of the Memphis Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) after concluding 11 years of service as president during the organization's annual branch meeting at Mt. Olive CME Cathedral Church on Dr. M.L. King Jr. Ave.

In a manner of speaking, former champ hits home

I was very impressed with former boxing champ Roy Jones Jr.'s message to the children at the Lester Community Center at 317 Tillman last Friday (Dec. 28).

Jones, the only professional boxer to successfully journey from light middleweight to heavyweight champion of the world, told his young audience – boys and girls – how inspirational his grandmother was in his upbringing. She was the person he most wanted to impress.

‘Dialogue with Deidre’ joins MUTV1

"Dialogue with Deidre" is the newest show on the only African-American network in the city, MUTV1.

The show, which will air weekly on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. on Cable's Channel 31, features Deidre Malone, former Shelby County Commissioner and owner of the Carter Malone Group, one of the city's major public relations firms.

Family takes fight to cancer

It's 2008.

Seven-year-old Javon Bass walks through the doors of Ronald McDonald House of Memphis clasping two-year-old Jakayla's hand. Jakayla has just been diagnosed with Leukemia and is about to embark on the fight of her young life. Javon is there to cover her.

Kwanzaa Memphis (2012-13)

Kwanzaa (or Kwaanza), which acknowledges, honors and salutes African-American heritage, is observed Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. First observed Dec. 26, 1966 to Jan. 1, 1967, it's founder, Ron Karenga, has described it as the African-American branch of "first fruits" celebrations with classical African cultural roots.

The seven-day cultural celebration is anchored by the seven principles of the Nguzo Saba, with a focus on a different principle each day.

TSD ushers in holiday parade’s downtown return

The TSDMemphis.com Holiday Parade – a new vision for The New Tri-State Defender – was launched Saturday (Dec. 22) and planning for year two already is underway.

"It was an awesome success," said TSD President/Publisher Bernal E. Smith II, who came up with the idea of reviving the downtown tradition of a holiday parade.

Top scores a family matter for MCS couple

Bryan and Daphne Wilson share more than a marital bond. They are both among a distinguished group of 1500 Memphis City Schools (MCS) teachers who netted a top score on new teacher evaluation.

Bryan teaches 7th grade social studies at Wooddale Middle School, and Daphne, a teacher for nearly seven years, teaches 8th grade language arts at Airways Middle School.

Happy Kwanzaa!

Kwanzaa (or Kwaanza), which acknowledges, honors and salutes African-American heritage, is observed Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. First observed Dec. 26, 1966 to Jan. 1, 1967, it's founder, Ron Karenga, has described it as the African-American branch of "first fruits" celebrations with classical African cultural roots.

For 30-plus years, Memphis-area observances were spearheaded by the late Adjua Naantaanbuu, who encouraged celebrants to live out the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles of Kwanzaa) every day.

Farewell Officer Lang

Memphis Police Officer Martoiya Lang worked hard to be the best at what she did, said Dr. Perry C. Little, who delivered her eulogy at Hope Presbyterian Church on Friday.

"She studied hard to make sure that she perfected her gift. She loved life. She loved serving others," said Little, pastor of Gateway Church of God in Christ.

Lang, 32, was slain last Friday, Dec. 14, while serving a search warrant, along with her partner, who was wounded but survived the deadly encounter.