http://tri-statedefenderonline.com/articlelive en-us http://tri-statedefenderonline.com/articlelive N/A webmaster@tri-statedefender.com Wed, 16 May 2012 23:20:00 CDT 20 http://tri-statedefenderonline.com/articlelive/blogs/152/Stanton-steps-up-to-keynote-Mothers-of-the-Nile-dinner.html U.S. Atty. for West Tennessee, Ed Stanton III, will be the keynote speaker for this year’s 4th Annual Mothers of the NILE (MOTN) Mother’s Day Dinner on Thursday, May 5. Stanton steps in for Assistant U.S. Atty. Laurie Robinson who had been expected to give the keynote address. Budget reductions in the U.S. Department of Justice derailed those plans.“He (Stanton) will address ways to prevent our youth entering the criminal justice system from the perspective of the U. S. Department of Justice, ” said Yollander Hardaway, Esq., chairman of the board for MOTN. The event will be held at the First Baptist Church-Broad at 2835 Broad Avenue, at 5:30 p.m.Stanton is the chief federal prosecutor for West Tennessee. He was appointed by President Barak Obama last year. He is a Central High School, University of Memphis, University of Memphis Law School graduate. He has served as an assistant city attorney, been in private practice and served as a part of the legal team for FedEx.Mothers of the NILE’s mission is to reduce the number of children entering the juvenile and criminal justice systems. It is a program of the National Institute for Law and Equity, a non-profit, 501(c) 3 organization.Tickets for the event are $25 and are available by calling MOTN Treasurer Myra Stiles at 272-3819 or emailing her at mstiles1@comcast.net. Dr. Karanja A. Ajanaku Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:00:00 CDT http://tri-statedefenderonline.com/articlelive/blogs/151/NAACP-picks-18--for-ACT-SO-gold.html Winners in the NAACP ACT-So talent competition were selected at the final competition held at Overton High School. High school students from Memphis and Shelby County Schools took home honors in 18 categories of competition. ACT-SO is the acronym for Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics founded by Tennessean Vernon Jarret over 32 years ago. Students compete in the broad categories of humanities, sciences, performing arts, visual arts and business. First place winners in each category are coach by local professionals in preparation for the National ACT-So competition. They will receive a free trip to the National ACT-So competition for five days in Los Angeles paid for by the Memphis Branch NAACP.   The 2011 NAACP-ACT-SO competition winners:       Dr. Karanja A. Ajanaku Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 CDT http://tri-statedefenderonline.com/articlelive/blogs/150/MEMPHIS-PROM-CLOSET-PRESENTS-THE-DRESS-GIVEAWAY-PARTY.html The Memphis Prom Closet will host its first annual “Dress Giveaway Party” this Saturday, March 26th at Northside High School library from 1:00 – 4:00p.m to close out its month long prom dress drive. This event will emulate a store setting with dresses organized on racks by size and with dressing rooms and volunteers readily available to help with style decisions when needed. With a goal to raise at least 125 dresses for this event, Memphis Prom Closet quickly exceeded that goal by receiving over 250 donated dresses and a host of accessories. Food and beverages for the Dress Party Giveaway are being provided courtesy of Kellogg’s and Jason’s Deli and at least 25 volunteers have been committed to assist on the day of the event. “I am so overwhelmed by the success of this year’s Prom Closet event! People from all over the city have signed up to volunteer; donate dresses, makeup and accessories and to make this event even better than I could ever have imagined,” said Lori Spicer, of Girl Talk Memphis. “My hope is to make sure these young women know they matter, to show them people will come together and help others and to make them feel like the queens they are!” At least 50 senior and junior girls from Northside High have signed up to attend the Dress Giveaway Party in hopes of finding a prom dress perfect for their special night. Along with dress shopping, all girls will be required to attend a series of workshops that will be held during the event. The workshops will include discussions about prom safety, etiquette, and hair and makeup tips from professional stylists. For additional information on the Dress Giveaway Party,  contact girltalk.memphis@gmail.com or 901.213.SMIT (7648). Dr. Karanja A. Ajanaku Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:00:00 CDT http://tri-statedefenderonline.com/articlelive/blogs/149/REMARKS-BY-THE-PRESIDENT-ON-LIBYA.html Tryp Convention Brasil 21 CenterBrasilia, Brazil   5:07 P.M. BRTTHE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon, everybody.  Today I authorized the Armed Forces of the United States to begin a limited military action in Libya in support of an international effort to protect Libyan civilians.  That action has now begun.      In this effort, the United States is acting with a broad coalition that is committed to enforcing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, which calls for the protection of the Libyan people.  That coalition met in Paris today to send a unified message, and it brings together many of our European and Arab partners.      This is not an outcome that the United States or any of our partners sought.  Even yesterday, the international community offered Muammar Qaddafi the opportunity to pursue an immediate cease-fire, one that stopped the violence against civilians and the advances of Qaddafi’s forces.  But despite the hollow words of his government, he has ignored that opportunity.  His attacks on his own people have continued.  His forces have been on the move.  And the danger faced by the people of Libya has grown.      I am deeply aware of the risks of any military action, no matter what limits we place on it.  I want the American people to know that the use of force is not our first choice and it’s not a choice that I make lightly.  But we cannot stand idly by when a tyrant tells his people that there will be no mercy, and his forces step up their assaults on cities like Benghazi and Misurata, where innocent men and women face brutality and death at the hands of their own government.      So we must be clear:  Actions have consequences, and the writ of the international community must be enforced.  That is the cause of this coalition.       As a part of this effort, the United States will contribute our unique capabilities at the front end of the mission to protect Libyan civilians, and enable the enforcement of a no-fly zone that will be led by our international partners.  And as I said yesterday, we will not -- I repeat -- we will not deploy any U.S. troops on the ground.      As Commander-in-Chief, I have great confidence in the men and women of our military who will carry out this mission.  They carry with them the respect of a grateful nation.       I'm also proud that we are acting as part of a coalition that includes close allies and partners who are prepared to meet their responsibility to protect the people of Libya and uphold the mandate of the international community.       I've acted after consulting with my national security team, and Republican and Democratic leaders of Congress.  And in the coming hours and days, my administration will keep the American people fully informed.  But make no mistake:  Today we are part of a broad coalition.  We are answering the calls of a threatened people.  And we are acting in the interests of the United States and the world.      Thank you very much. Dr. Karanja A. Ajanaku Sat, 19 Mar 2011 00:00:00 CDT http://tri-statedefenderonline.com/articlelive/blogs/148/REMINDER-TSD-accepting-Women-of-Excellence-nominations.html Nominations now are open for the Tri-State Defender’s third annual Women of Excellence High Tea and Awards Celebration on April 29.TSD, the Mid-South’s leading source of news, politics, entertainment and lifestyle information from the African-American perspective, hosts this lavish event to honor and recognize the remarkable achievements, contributions and work of outstanding African-American women from Greater Memphis. Churches, corporations, community groups and friends and family members are invited to fill out and send back the nomination form on page 10, telling us of a deserving woman who has distinguished herself by her professional achievements, community and religious service or her efforts to sustain and advance African-American progress.Honorees become part of an exclusive network of leaders who are inducted during a luxurious event attended by many of the city’s influential political, business and religious leaders.Forms should be mailed to the Tri-State Defender, Women of Excellence, 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN 38103. All nominations must be received by March 25. Dr. Karanja A. Ajanaku Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:00:00 CDT http://tri-statedefenderonline.com/articlelive/blogs/147/quotSupermoonquot-and-Earthquakes-Is-there-a-Correlation.html (AccuWeather.com) --  11 March 2011 -- AccuWeather reports there has been much speculation about the upcoming "supermoon" on March 19, 2011 and what impacts it could have on the Earth.Earthquakes and tsunamis, like the devastating ones that just hit Japan Friday, as well as volcanic eruptions and major storms, are included in the list of possibilities, according to some astrologers and conspiracy theorists.There are scientists, however, who argue that "supermoons" do not play a role, and that natural disasters that have occurred around the time of a "supermoon" are just coincidence.What Is a "Supermoon?"A "supermoon" occurs when a new or full moon is at or near (within 90 percent of) its closest approach to Earth in a given orbit. This is the definition provided by Astrologer Richard Nolle, who gave this phenomenon its name in 1979.According an article written by Nolle, "supermoons" occur four to six times a year, and the "supermoon" on March 19, 2011 will be the second one this year.AccuWeather.com Astronomy Blogger Mark Paquette discussed the topic of "supermoons" earlier this month. According to his research, an extreme "supermoon" occurs when the full or new moon is at 100 percent of its closest perigee to Earth, or the closest it can possibly get to Earth.The "supermoon" on March 19, 2011 will be extreme.Past "Supermoons" That Have Coincided with Natural DisastersThe last "supermoon" this year was in effect Feb. 12-21, Nolle said, just before the earthquake that left Christchurch, New Zealand in ruins on Feb. 22, 2011.Nolle also stated that the last extreme "supermoon" occurred on Jan. 30, 2011, several weeks after the catastrophic earthquake that hit Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010.Paquette also pointed out in his blog that the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Indonesia on Dec. 26, 2004 occurred about two weeks prior to a "supermoon" on Jan. 10, 2005.More natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina, are mentioned in conjunction with "supermoons" in Nolle's article.So What Effect Do "Supermoons" Actually Have on the Earth?The moon does obviously have an influence on the Earth.As Rich Briggs, research geologist with the U.S.G.S. stated, "The gravitational pull of the moon creates Earth tides and sea tides and causes portions of the Earth's surface to bulge."In response to Friday's devastating earthquake offshore of Japan, however, Briggs said, "The moon does not need to be invoked to explain what caused this event. There are much simpler explanations."He explained that the earthquake occurred along a major subduction zone, or convergent boundary."Along this subduction zone, the Pacific plate is colliding with the North America plate at a rate of 8 cm per year," Briggs said, "So that's the rate at which strain is accumulated. Over many decades and centuries, all that strain accumulates and eventually releases in one sudden rupture."He added that slips along the fault when it ruptured Friday measured 18-20 meters, or about 60-65 feet.(By Heather Buchman, Meteorologist for AccuWeather.com) Dr. Karanja A. Ajanaku Fri, 11 Mar 2011 00:00:00 CST http://tri-statedefenderonline.com/articlelive/blogs/146/AARPWalgreens-Wellness-Tour----FREE-Health-Screenings.html Wondering how your blood pressure or cholesterol levels look? You can get $140 worth of health screenings FREE when the AARP/Walgreens Wellness Tour bus comes to town.   The bus will be at several Memphis Walgreens stores between March 15-28 before heading on to Mule Day festivities in Columbia, Tenn.on March 31-April 3.   Go to http://www.wellnesstour2010.com/ or call 1-866-484-8687 to find out when it stops near you.   All participants also get a free 1-year AARP membership or extension. The AARP/Walgreens Wellness Tour kicked off the second leg of its two-year, national mobile health testing tour with a goal of providing more than $60 million worth of free health tests by April 2011. The free tests, which include total cholesterol levels, blood pressure, bone density, glucose levels, waist circumference and body mass index will help provide adults with a critical foundation for early disease detection and prevention. “These tests can save lives,” said AARP Tennessee State Director Rebecca Kelly. “We hope that thousands of Tennesseans will take advantage of this amazing opportunity.” For more information, visit www.aarp.org/tn or www.aarp/walgreenstour.com. You can also follow AARP Tennessee on Twitter at www.twitter.com/aarptn or like us at www.facebook.com/aarptennessee.   Dr. Karanja A. Ajanaku Fri, 11 Mar 2011 00:00:00 CST http://tri-statedefenderonline.com/articlelive/blogs/145/TV-One-slates-COMEDY-ALL-STARS.html Beginning Friday March 11 at 9 PM (and repeating at midnight), TV One puts a fresh face on classic stand up comedy with "Comedy All-Stars," a four-week run of some of the most hilarious stand up comedy specials in history. Comedian Joe Clair hosts and provides new perspective each week on the specials, which feature Robin Harris, Eddie Griffin, Martin Lawrence, George Wallace, Mark Curry and Damon Wayans in performances culled from the HBO comedy vault, including the One Night Stand series from the late 1980s and early 1990s. Joining Joe to recollect about these classics is "In Living Color" funny man and stand up comic Tommy Davidson, except in the case of Eddie Griffin and George Wallace, who show up in person to share their thoughts with Joe about stand up comedy. The comedy specials kick off on Friday, March 11 with a half-hour routine by the late, great Robin Harris, followed from 9:30 – 10 by the hilarious star of film and television Eddie Griffin. On Friday, March 18 at 9 PM, it’s time for Martin Lawrence in “You So Crazy,” a classic stand-up comedy special where the film and television superstar talks about everything from racism, to relationships to his childhood. On March 25 at 9 PM, TV One presents back to back half-hour comedy specials featuring consummate funnyman George Wallace followed by a young, energetic Mark Curry. On Friday, April 1 at 9 PM, it’s Damon Wayans in the classic special, “The Last Stand,” in which the multitalented comedian, writer and actor will make viewers laugh out loud as he talks about kids, work, life and more. The recent host of "The Best Of. . .Stand Up" on TV One’s Black History Month special initiative, "Way Black When," Joe Clair is a renowned stand up comic himself who has frequented comedy shows such as "Comic View," "Def Comedy Jam" and "Comics Unleashed." Dr. Karanja A. Ajanaku Wed, 09 Mar 2011 00:00:00 CST http://tri-statedefenderonline.com/articlelive/blogs/143/Coronation-Tea.html On Sunday, March 20th, the Tiara Tea Society and Memphis Mayor A C Wharton will be crowning Ceniyah Dotson as its eighth princess. The tea will be held at Le Pavillon at 1052 Brookfield Rd. from 2 - 4 p.m.   The keynote speaker will be Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Janice Holder, and Mayor Wharton will be performing the coronation.   The Tiara Tea Society, founded in 2006, is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that recognizes and honors girls in dire situations. This year’s princess is native Memphian Ceniyah Dotson.   Ceniyah was only a few months old when she was seriously wounded during a violent crime in March 2008. She is now three years old.   For members, admission is $77, with $50 of that going toward dues. For guests, admission is $47, which includes a $20 donation directly to Ceniyah. A larger donation can also be made at each level if desired. Children’s admission is $18.   Please call 377-6065 or 210-3515 to reserve seating. To make a donation for Ceniyah, make checks out to the Tiara Tea Society and mail to P.O. Box 341841, Bartlett, TN 38184. The Tiara Tea Society will also be recognizing a new Grande Dame to the Circle this year: Mrs. Carol Prentiss, who has spent her life helping others.   To learn more about TTS, please visit www.tiarateasociety.com Dr. Karanja A. Ajanaku Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:00:00 CST http://tri-statedefenderonline.com/articlelive/blogs/142/JILL-SCOTT-SIGNS-DISTRIBUTION-DEAL-WITH-WARNER-BROS-RECORDS.html  BURBANK, Calif. (3/3/11) -- After over 4 million records sold and numerous awards across music and film over the past decade, three-time Grammy Award winning singer/actress Jill Scott is proud to announce that she has entered into a distribution deal with Warner Bros. Records. The unique relationship with the iconic label bolsters the Jill Scott brand into the next phase of her successful career. Jill’s eagerly awaited fourth studio album, The Light Of The Sun will be released later this year.“I’ve always looked to empower my fans through my message of love, independence and strength,” comments Jill. “A lot has gone on in my life since my last album, so I’m extremely excited to share the new music with all of the people that have supported me these past ten plus years. This album is very revealing, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.” “As the music industry evolves, the relationship between artist, management and label is constantly changing,” comments Shawn Gee of Sports & Entertainment Financial Group, Jill’s business partner. “Foregoing the traditional formula and strategically creating a true partnership amongst us all, I have to commend Warner Bros. for recognizing Jill’s worldwide brand and acting on it.”  Warner Bros. Records CEO Todd Moscowitz reveals, “Jill Scott is a masterful performer with a proven artistry across film, TV and music. We are thrilled at the prospects with this partnership and eager to steward the next phase of this uber-talented artist’s career.” Currently in the studio putting the final touches on The Light Of The Sun, a sneak preview was most recently given to the hundreds of thousands that packed her widely successful 20-city national arena tour with Grammy Award winning singer Maxwell. The powerful duo sold out full arenas throughout the country, including New York City’s legendary Madison Square Garden and Los Angeles’s Staples Center. Fans can expect to hear even more off the new album when Jill headlines the upcoming Essence Music Festival alongside Kanye West and Mary J. Blige, July 4th weekend. Three-time Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter, New York Times Best-selling poet, and critically acclaimed actress are only a few titles held by Jill Scott. Before being named People Magazine’s Top TV Breakout Star of 2010 and appearing on VH1 Divas alongside Aretha Franklin, the triple threat began her career collaborating with musical icons, The Roots, Will Smith, and Common in the late 90s.  In 2000, she released her much anticipated debut record, Who is Jill Scott? Words & Sounds, Vol. 1, a double platinum album that earned Scott several Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist. Two more critically acclaimed albums followed, Beautifully Human: Words & Sounds, Vol. 2 and The Real Thing: Words & Sounds, Vol. 3 which garnered two more Grammy Awards and spawned multiple worldwide tours.  Not just limited to music, Jill Scott is a true multimedia brand across books, clothing, TV and film. Most recently, Jill was cast as the lead character in the HBO/BBC mini series filmed on location in Botswana, The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, a Peadbody Award winning show directed by the late Oscar Award winning director Anthony Minghella. Before that, Jill starred alongside Tyler Perry & Janet Jackson in the #1 national movie series Why Did I Get Married? as well as Lifetime Movie Network’s Sins of the Mother, the made for TV movie which became the second –most watched premiere in the network’s history. A consummate writer at heart, she penned The Moments, The Minutes, The Hours, a compilation of poems that instantly became a New York Times bestseller. Scott also developed an intimates line for Ashley Stewart and founded Blues Babe, a registered 501(c)3 foundation which supports minority students pursuing college degrees.   For up to date, confirmed album announcements and live concert appearances, please visit WWW.MISSJILLSCOTT.COM  ### For more information, please contact:LUKE BURLAND/ WARNER BROS. RECORDS818-953-3764; luke.burland@wbr.com SHERLEN ARCHIBALD/ THE CHAMBER GROUP212-366-5801; sherlen@thechambergroup.com Dr. Karanja A. Ajanaku Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:00:00 CST