‘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.

Tennesseans to lead National Black Caucus

NASHVILLE – The National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) will be led by Tennessee Rep. Joe Armstrong (D-Knoxville), who will serve as president of the organization over the next two years.

Joining Armstrong in leading the group will be Rep. Karen Camper (D-Memphis) who will continue to serve as Region IV Chair (Ky., Tenn., Va., and W.Va.), as well as Rep. Brenda Gilmore and Rep. Johnny Shaw, who will serve as Executive Committee members at-large. Allyson Sneed, legislative assistant to Rep. Shaw, will serve as chair of the staff organization.

‘We Bleed Blue’ in honor of Officer Lang

Women from myriad walks of life in many shades of blue gathered at First Baptist Church-Broad Street on Tuesday in remembrance of slain Memphis Police Officer Martoiya Lang, the first female MPD officer killed in the line of duty.

They are part of a new campaign – We Bleed Blue – put together, in part, to raise funds to help assist Lang's four daughters, who range in age from 2-14 years of age. The campaign's organizers feature Ruby Wharton, partner in The Wharton law firm and wife of Memphis Mayor AC Wharton Jr.; former Shelby County Commission Chair Deidre Malone; Shelby County Dist. Atty. Amy Weirich; former Memphis City Council member TaJuan Stout Mitchell; and National Democratic Committee Member Gale Jones Carson.

New monitor could be a lifesaver

In an effort to help save more lives, Rural Metro, a 911 emergency provider for Shelby County, is upgrading the current 911 system with the implementation of Physicontrol's Lifepack 15 cardiac monitors.

The monitor gives EMS crews in the field an in-depth look at the heart with 12-lead capabilities or an opportunity to look at the heart from 12 different angles and help paramedics recognize the most serious conditions.

TSD Student of the Week: 12/19/2012

University of Memphis student Xavier Jones is participating in GE Capital Aviation Services' AMS (Asset Management Services) University Co-Op Program.

As part of the co-op program, Jones is learning about AMS's business model, key market drivers and competitive landscape while honing his analytical, presentation and persuasion skills as he completes his studies. He will work for the marketing and sales team three days a week through next May.

Grizz honor fallen officer, Sandy Hook victims

Prior to tip-off of the Memphis Grizzlies and Chicago Bulls game at the FedExForum, the Memphis Police Department Color Guard was present on-court during the National Anthem.

A moment of silence was taken in memory of fallen Memphis police officer Martoyia Lang and the 26 victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, CT shooting throughout this week.

On Friday (Dec. 14) 20 children and six adults in Newtown lost their lives during a massive school shooting. Meanwhile, local Memphians were just digesting the news that Memphis police officer Martoyia Lang was killed while serving a warrant that morning.

So long, Dr. Thomas!

When attending a retirement party, you expect to hear celebratory remarks, accolades, tributes and acknowledgements of a job well done. Sunday (Dec. 16) was no different as a sold-out crowd attended the "Black Tie Retirement Celebration" for the Rev. Dr. Frank Anthony Thomas.

Church folk from Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, family members, colleagues from near and far, pastors, friends, and sons and daughters in ministry were all on hand at the Hilton Hotel, located at 939 Ridge Lake Boulevard.

Dr. Wright in Memphis

 Dr. Jeremiah Wright will be the keynote speaker on Sunday (Dec. 16) as Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church says goodbye to Senior Pastor Dr. Frank A. Thomas.

The Black Tie Soiree will occur at the Hilton Hotel located at 939 Ridge Lake Blvd., beginning at 4 p.m.

Olympic Cares Toy Drive

Families – some 800 of them – received toys on Wednesday as part of the Olympic Cares Toy Drive.

The toy giveaway unfolded at Neighborhood Christian Centers (NCC), Inc., located at 785 Jackson Ave. It was hosted by event partners Olympic Tax Service LLC and MAPCO Express Inc., and included donations made directly to the NCC.

TSD Holiday Parade set for Dec. 22

The TSDmemphis.com Holiday Parade – sponsored by The New Tri-State Defender – has been reset for Saturday, Dec. 22.

There is no rain forecast for that date (and we hope that remains the case). The parade, which signals the return of a tradition to the downtown area, will begin at 11 a.m. It is the inaugural parade to travel the recently designated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and will be in support of Olympic Cares Toy Drive.