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.

TSD Holiday Parade on Saturday!

After two consecutive weeks of rain and inclement weather, it appears the third time is the charm! At last and to our delight, and that of many of our dedicated and patient readers, The New Tri-State Defender will host the first TSDMemphis.com Holiday Parade in downtown Memphis on Saturday, Dec. 22.

The holiday parade marks the continued growth and evolution of our publication in our ongoing quest to inform, inspire and elevate our community. It also marks the renewal of a Memphis tradition, with the return of a Christmas-season parade to downtown. We intend to build upon this first year to have one of the city's most anticipated annual holiday events.

Six more schools added to Achievement School district

Six more Memphis area schools are joining Tennessee's statewide Achievement School District (ASD) – an announcement made at a press conference (Dec. 14) last Friday at Frayser Achievement Elementary School in the Frayser neighborhood of North Memphis.

"We're thrilled to welcome these schools to the ASD," said ASD superintendent Chris Barbic. "We've seen great things happening in our schools this year, and can't wait to begin working with our new parents, students, teachers and community members to prove the possible."

Still producing human capital

Over mountains and through valleys, The LeMoyne-Owen College has endured all types of financial, social and economic terrain. Today – after 150 years of weathering storms – faculty, students and alums agree that the college is strong as it breaks ground toward continued growth and improvement.

A story that began with society's "least of these" in 1862, LeMoyne-Owen – operating under a different name – was a school and safe house for runaway slaves and freedmen. After moving to Memphis in 1863, the institution experienced one of its first setbacks when a fire consumed it during race riots. Conflict and civil unrest remained after the withdrawal of federal troops in 1866, but the college – then called Lincoln Chapel – was rebuilt and reopened its doors in 1867 with 150 students and six teachers.

In memory of officer Martoiya Lang

A "Sea of Blue" procession in honor of slain Memphis Police Department Officer Martoiya Lang will begin at 5:30 p.m. today.

The procession of Memphis Police Department vehicles will depart from the 2600 block of Hollywood, heading south to eastbound Interstate 40 to Walnut Grove and will end up at Hope Presbyterian Church.

‘Grustling:’ A ‘Dad’ and a daughter’s road to college

This was not the 1980's television hit "The Cosby Show," where the problems of the central characters were solved in 30 minutes or less. This father was not a doctor who was married to a lawyer living in a spacious brownstone with five kids in tow but never a mention of a late bill.

Interviewing Gary Greer about the often-stressful times of putting his daughter, Amber, through college was more like reality TV.

Jones vs. Pickler and the public’s right to know

David Pickler was a late arrival to Tuesday's Unified School Board meeting. Martavius Jones had been keeping an eye out for him, having concluded that he could not go forward with what is being a labeled a "bombshell" if his fellow board member was not present.

"There is no way that I can make these assertions without him being present," Jones said Wednesday in an interview with The New Tri-State Defender. "I would have waited until the next meeting."

Aerotropolis Master Plan Website up and running

A new website with updates on the Memphis Aerotropolis Master Plan is up and running.

The Aerotropolis Master Plan focuses on a 50-square mile study area surrounding the Memphis International Airport called Airport City. The Airport City area encompasses some of the city's struggling businesses, neighborhoods, and commercial and retail centers.