What state is Shelby County in?

Asked by the Kiwanis Club to speak on the "State of the County," Shelby County Mayor Mark H. Luttrell Jr. vowed not to " sugar coat things."

"We have serious issues that are facing our county," said Luttrell, speaking Wednesday at the University Club on Central at Lamar. "Issues that require aggressive leadership and collaboration – issues like education, crime, blight, access to healthcare, juvenile court reform, government inefficiencies, and lack of job growth.

"If we bring the right people to the table, have candid discussions, and educate the public, I believe we can overcome these challenges."

Changes in 2013-14 student transfer process

"Instead of getting in line, parents will get online," says William White, executive director of Research, Assessment, Evaluation and Student Information at Memphis City Schools.

White's words concisely describe the new General Choice Transfer process, designed as an easier way for parents to apply for student transfers in the public school system.

Starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb, 15, and running through April 1, parents throughout Memphis and Shelby County may apply for student transfers for 2013-14 using any available computer with Internet access without standing in line.

U of M set to host ‘The Warmth of Other Suns’ author

Isabel Wilkerson, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author, will deliver the Belle McWilliams Lecture in American History at the University of Memphis on Thursday evening.

The first African-American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize, Wilkerson will speak during an event that begins with a reception at Rose Theatre at 6 p.m. Her lecture is set for 6:30 p.m.

In her book, "The Warmth of Other Suns," Wilkerson describes one of the great under-reported stories of twentieth-century American history: the "Great Migration" of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North. She tells the story of three who made the journey, of the forces that compelled them to leave, and of the many others – famous and not so famous – who went as far as they could to realize the American Dream.

AT&T Tennessee has big plans for African-American History Month

AT&T Tennessee has put its support behind two special exhibitions as part of its salute to African American History Month 2013.

That support includes a $25,000 contribution to the Tennessee State Museum to help fund the exhibition of the Emancipation Proclamation in Nashville, Feb. 12-18. AT&T also plans to unveil a new exhibition highlighting the 2013 honorees of the Tennessee African American History Calendar sponsored by the company.

The local NAACP & ‘5 Game Changers’

A strategic plan helps a new group president put a stamp on the course he or she has in mind. This week, the Rev. Keith Norman, the new president of the Memphis Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), rolled out his.

Dubbed the "5 Game Changers for the 21st Century," Norman's plan comes as the Memphis Branch NAACP pushes forward with its annual fundraising campaign, the Freedom Fund Gala, which takes place March 20 at the Memphis Cook Convention Center.

Norman, senior pastor of First Baptist Church-Broad, has taken over the NAACP reigns held for 11 years by Dr. Warner Dickerson.

Faith in prayer power drives ‘Hands Around 201 Poplar’

Bloomfield Baptist Church will conduct a prayer vigil at the Criminal Justice Center, 201 Poplar, from 10:30 a.m. until noon on Saturday (Feb. 2).

"Hands Around 201 Poplar" – year two – is to send the message inside and outside of the city's lockup that a wholistic approach must be included, if American society is to stem the plague of violence dominating the news daily.

"We are doing this to declare a moratorium on crime for the month of February," the church's pastor, the Rev. Ralph White, said. "As people of faith, we are asking others who believe that prayer can make great changes to come join us to pray for the inmates, law enforcement personnel and the innocent throughout this city."

New deadline for TSD teacher essay contest

Here's your chance to win an iPad Mini and $250 to $500!

In no more than 500 words tell The New Tri-State Defender about "The Teacher That Changed My Life!"

The TSD – in partnership with New America Media (NAM) and other media collaborators – are presenting this essay contest opportunity. The deadline has been extended and now is set for Feb. 11. Mail-in entries must be postmarked by then, and all entries are subject to the contest's Official Rules.

Black Caucus preps for legislative session

Two hours before State Rep. Larry Miller and the Tennessee Black Caucus that he chairs were scheduled to meet with Gov. Bill Haslam on Wednesday, Miller (D-88) provided an insider's view of the road ahead for the state's African-American lawmakers.

The backdrop for his reflections included two key elements: the GOP's supermajority voting strength; and apprehension within some political circles that the 108th General Assembly will bring harsh decisions for Shelby County's African-American population.

Teacher finds value in student feedback

Turkeesa Helton, an 8th grade Language Arts teacher, is working during her planning period at Bellevue Middle School dressed in a plaid shirt, necktie and argyle socks as part of Tacky Day for Homecoming Week.

Her willingness to participate in the school's activities isn't the only reason students may think she's pretty cool.

Her Tripod scores say so.

Retirement bittersweet for longtime school nurse

Irma Morgan Moore's family and friends respect her ability to make sound decisions. So after Moore decided to retire from her job as a nurse circulating through Memphis City Schools, more than 100 of them gathered at Precious Moments Banquet Hall to honor her and acknowledge her choice.

"I was assigned and traveled to three or more schools a day," said Moore, a traveling nurse who was assigned to schools from Collierville to Millington. "It was good experience. I was able to bond with the children and I knew that I was helping them."

A safe and simple apple pie

It is unrealistic to think that most resolutions made in January will be fulfilled by the end of the year. A new month has already begun, and old habits, I'm sure, will return. We set goals, but aren't motivated enough to see them through.

We fall short of our goals because we don't know how to get there. We desire to achieve positive results without concentrating on the means necessary to attain them. This is especially true for people who have declared this to be the year they will eat healthy and lose weight.

BAEO and Dr. Sapp push more options for education

The Black Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO) is partnering with award winning gospel artist Dr. Marvin L. Sapp for a community dialogue on educational opportunities for Black families in Tennessee.

The free event featuring the Grammy nominated Sapp – a Grand Rapids, Mich. pastor and Dove, Stellar and BET award winner – will be Friday (Feb. 1) at Greater Community Temple at 5151 Winchester Rd. It begins at 7 p.m., with the doors open at 6 p.m.

The session will include a discussion about the status of education for African-American students and the options that are available for parents seeking better educational opportunities for their children.