The Dream

Pictures from Time Magazine's #OneDream Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of The March on Washington

Today, like many of you I am reflecting on the Dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  I am always filled with emotion listening to the speeches and remembering the price my parents paid to also make Dr. King's dream a reality.  Because my parents and many of yours, marched, protested, boycotted, and were good followers of a great leader.  They were not afraid to be counted and they made things happened to make life better for not themselves, but us. His dream became their vision . Their vision became our goals. It was One Man. One March. One Speech. One Dream. But, One Nation's people advanced the One Dream.

But looking at our situation today, we still demanding jobs, quality public education for our children, a peaceful world. health care, and civil rights for all.

Although, we have more African American and women in elected and appointed positions, we also have more poverty  and the University of Memphis just reported that 50% of Shelby County are working poor people.

My parents, and yours did not face threat of danger so elected officials can trade votes to attain a new title or position and the trade off is to not support education for our county's children.

They did not work by day and organize at night  for us to bow down when our cafeteria, custodial, and bus drivers are asked to accept less than a living wage and no benefits.  They marched for just the opposite.  Even if we fail in the vote, they marched so we could take a stand for the least of these and our vote is counted with standing with giving opportunity to the least of these.  To paraphrase Dr. Martin Luther King, "Not everybody can be famous, but everybody can be famous."

They did not boycott to forfeit the opportunity for black and freedom loving elected officials to become the oppressors.  I know, that was harsh.  But, I must get your attention.  I support PK and want to vote for it.  But, when you are less than honest with this public, it troubles me. The referendum is a regressive tax, which means it will hurt poor people more than others. I want to support it, but when 1/2 of the funds collected will be used to lower property taxes of the wealthy and well-off by taking money from the poor and working poor, it become a "bait and switch". When the State Comptroller criticizes our Pilot program and the money our city owes the Memphis School Board and we do nothing to address, either.  It troubles me. They didn't boycott to forfeit government that represents all its people for one that lacks integrity.

The dream was for me; I was ten years old at the time.  It was for our children and grandchildren, and the children I will never know.  It was for our children to aspire and know they can be whatever they choose to become if they prepare themselves in its pursuit.  It had nothing to do with calling each other "Bs", "Ws" and "Ns".  He already knew we could do that.  He called us to a dream of a higher purpose.

The dream wanted a peaceful nation and world.  Noble Prize winner Barack Obama understands that war regrettable is sometimes necessary to obtain "peace".  But, it should be a last resolved.  And we must have peace in our streets and peace in our homes, and peace in our hearts. We must say "No" to crime and "yes" to hope through education, family values and standards. 

The dream had lofty goals to improve the quality of our lives.  The dream had nothing to do with our titles, but how we live our lives.  It had nothing to do with our laurels and awards, but how we stand for righteousness and it challenged a country's moral integrity.  The dream was not a "bean counter".    Instead, the dream ensured that every American was counted and valued as a human being with the right to pursue his or her life, liberty and happiness.

So, let celebrated the 50th Anniversary but live the dream.

TaJuan

The Notetaker

Say "Hello" to Shelby County Schools

Well, hello Shelby County School System ! That was difficult because some of us are still in pain while saying "goodbye" to Memphis City Schools.   I never felt the merger was in the best interest of Memphis. But, I understood the threat Shelby County Schools lead by David Pickler to impact our funding by pursuing special school districts.  I always felt we should have welcomed that fight and gone to court because special school district for Shelby County would have been unconstitutional.

As a former school board member and city council chair, I was disappointed that the city disavowed themselves from supporting education by stripping their funding and forcing them to cut their budget. And the fact that they refused to find a way to pay them what is owed is an insult that I won't forget during the next election. Councilman Bill Morrison lead that charge to take the money from Memphis City Schools while he worked for Shelby County Schools and received a promotion from the school system. 

But Karma is something. Every since that money was removed this Council has not solved its budget problems.  The challenges they faced grew larger.  Bad Karma.

Honestly, the merger and the actions of the City have been painful for our school system.  I have talked to former cafeteria workers who confessed that they regretted the vote for the merger. I met a man on a truck cutting my neighbor's grass who worked for the custodial department.  Now, he trying to feed his family the best he can and they are now without healthcare.  He felt betrayed by his Union who told them that their jobs were protected and the merger would be good for them.  The law only protected the salaries of the teachers. 

 Here are the facts.

• Shelby County Teachers received a raise, but not Memphis City Schools Teachers because the law required their salaries to be equalized. Shelby teachers made less that Memphis City School Teachers and now they make the same.
• Four thousand people lost jobs from the school system the last three years.  Many will not find jobs because out here and our officials know that because those skill sets are needed in the new corporate manufacturing  and technology jobs. 
• The merger hurt our working poor because those who are working for the system will not receive a living wage and benefits.
• The unions were dismantled. 
• We are spending less per pupil on education when our needs for children in schools are greater.

But, with all those facts, I still salute this Board for finding a way to keep the doors of public education open for over 130,000 children this year.  And now that it is merged, let's work toward student achievement.  They played the hand they were dealt. It was not a good hand, but they did not quit and for that I say "Thank you". As my Granny would say, "You made a way out of no way."  

The one thing we can do to support our new system is demand that the Mayor and Council work out a multiple year payment plan to give them the $57 million that will be needed to educate our children.  It is almost insulting to talk about a sales tax increase for PK when the City won't pay what they owe, already. 

Congratulations to Dr. Freda Williams who stood on principle when all attacked her.  Congratulations to Commissioners Hart and Jones for leading the charge for Something New in Memphis and Shelby, a merged system.  This is third chapter of this saga.  The story has a chance to prove me wrong and I hope it will.  But, I must give much respect to those on both sides of this issue.  Shelby County School is "ours".  Let's work like it belongs to all of us.  I am sad about saying goodbye to MCS, but I am hopeful for our future.  And I will commit to Shelby County Schools?  Will you? So, City of  Memphis, pay your tab.

TaJuan Stout Mitchell
The Notetaker
Taking Notes and a few names...

VMA 2013 Influenced by Memphis

Memphis is Justin Timberlake's hometown. And he is proud of the influence Memphis on his entertainment career.  He also invests time in the new talent around Memphis. Justin has made a brand name, polished the name, and shares his  fame,  and that's a real treasured entertainer from Memphis..

Drake talked in an interview  about summer road trips with his Dad  to visit his "Uncle Willie". He considers Memphis as the place where he fell in love with blues and R&B music.  He loved hanging around his uncle's studio.  That uncle was the great and late, Willie Mitchell. His performance was "on fire".  How ya' like me now, Rihanna? She was trying not to show any expression on her face while he performed.

And Katie Perry selected her movie director from the Memphis area,  the writer and director of Hustle and Flow, Craig Brewer. He is such a good ambassador for the Memphis movie and entertainment. Craig is an advocate for the Shelby County Film and Tape Commission.By the look of Katie's grill, maybe it was not all was positive. ( LMBO ) Just kidding, but I have to keep up my Granny status of what's acceptable and what's tolerated.

Then, there is the performance everyone is buzzing about, Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke's Blurred Lines.   Robin is married to Paula Patton who is the cousin of the famous Streeter Family in Memphis.  In fact, Charles Streeter, drummer for Jennifer Lopez, bunked out in their home when he went to start his career in Hollywood. 

Now, what concerns me about the performance is that Shake Club Dance of Miley Cyrus'. I can't imagine Paula Patton's face in the audience. Normally, you don't disrespect a Sister like this without getting a few choice words that even a Church lady would let slip on such a special occasion. 

I understand having to grow up and claim your adult status.  But, she is really tripping over going up. And  she has placed a new spin on "smelling yourself". Believe me, I am 60 years old.  It's not that critical, Miley. I understand, you don't want to be an "Isabella" but aspire to more than a Flavor Fla.  I take that back because some of them have a lot more class compared to what I saw last night.

 We all went through "the cry for self identity".  I also understand blurring the lines and walking to the edge.  But, this girl is about fall off her "Up Hill Climb".   I miss Hannah Montana!  I know she was fictional , but who is this woman? Miley Cyrus is the child of a great country western singer. If you are going to make a total 360 degree turn change the name, too. Something like,  "World Peace or Artist formerly known as..." would work and we understand Hannah and Miley do not live here anymore.

Seriously, I am afraid if she keeps going 175 miles a hour on the public stage's freeway, there will be a tragic end. Some folk in this public will push you for "more, more, more" in a danger zone and place flowers at the place where it came to an end. Then, look for the next victim.

Enuf' Said... proud of Justin, Drake, Katie and like I Robin's song.  That's something for Memphis to BHappy about today.

TaJuan
The NoteTaker

Taking notes and a few names of life's events, issues, and happenings.

Luttrell's Position is not in Memphis' Best Interest

In today's Commercial Appeal, Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell testified before a state committee supporting annexation by vote of the annexed residents. Now, this is not in the best interest of Memphis or any other municipality. A political person like myself, would call this a "preserving the base" move. Who is the base? Glad you asked: The majority republicans in unincorporated areas.
Luttrell was quoted as saying, "As I watched the confusion, consternation and anxiety surrounding that, I just thought there’s got to be a more harmonious way of meeting the needs of all concerned,” Luttrell said. As a result — and in preparation for his TACIR presentation — the Mayor said he spoke with the Mayors of all seven Shelby cities and local planners to gather information.

He adds, “There seems to be a general consensus that annexation by referendum is preferred, and I’ll start by saying that’s my position. I do think that being one of the few states that has not embraced annexation by referendum, that we’re somewhat behind the 8-ball and that we could in large part relieve a great deal of the anxiety surrounding any annexation by moving forward with annexation by referendum,” he said.

“(With) our current process, there are serious questions about whether due process is followed when major decisions are made and people who are affected by those decisions do not have input into that process. I think many consider that a flaw in the system.”

Mayor Luttrell your comments do not represent the best interest of Memphis. How can you represent Shelby and disregard what's best for Memphis, the largest city and the major economic force in the county? How do you speak for Memphis and infer that you spoke to the seven municipal mayors about your position and Mayor Wharton is not aware of such a conversation. Having talked with Mayor AC Wharton today about this issue, he stated that he is unaware of the seven Mayors that were referred to in this article because Luttrell did not talk to him and he is opposed to referendums for annexations.
The annexations lines and territories were assigned to municipalities over 20 years ago. If you bought property in a municipality that was a reserve of Memphis, property owners knew one day the City would claim its property. Memphis paid for the infrastructure and now that is is fully developed, Memphis should have the ability to annex that investment. If you bought into our reserves that was on "you" . But to change the rules in the middle of the game is a slap in the face of the citizens that helped to invest in that area and its potential growth. A vote by the residents does not protect the towns and cities whose taxpayers funded the expansion of utilities and roads into the areas. For example the extension of sewer lines into Gray's Creek was a Memphis investment into that area.

Memphis deserves to be represented in these discussions and since we can't count of Mayor Luttrell  on this issue will Mayor Wharton please step up? Communicate the City's position on this issue for the consideration of the committee.http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2013/aug/22/shelby-county-mayor-favors-referendums-for/?partner=RSS

Something to BHappy About...Memphis is Generous!

It's a wonderful revelation that one of the poorest cities in America can be the 2nd most generous city in the country. Amazing!  That city would be my hometown, Memphis, TN.

This was a fact that was reported by Huffington Post today. And the maps are on their Website. However, they attributed it to being a Red Bible Belt State. Well, I want to make a valid point of information. The area that was found to be the most generous in Shelby County and 2/3 of Shelby County is Memphis. This County is a Blue County surrounded by the Red Counties.  And yet, we are the 2nd most generous. Amazing!

Regardless of the high poverty rate, the crime rate, the citizens have big hearts in Memphis.

I can believe that I want thank each person who supported the fundraiser that will benefit the Midsouth Bank that serves people whose needs are basic and can be heartbreaking.

Next week, we will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington. I am inspired by our City's Dream Defenders and was happy to honor them last night -- Claire Kolhiem, aspiring actress who played the lead role in the Color Purple. Claire is truly gifted. Myron Mays, a communication geru who is providing events to uplift and inspire a young adult generation, Bryan Carson, who got the political gene from his mother, putting his own signature on it as the Chairman of the Democratic Party.  He is working with an intergenerational Executive Committee. Deidre Malone, a businesswoman, and civic leader who treads a trail led by other women for the an opportunity to lead Shelby County Forward!!!!!  She is going to break the glass ceiling for the women in this county and become our first elected Mayor who happens to be a woman.

We also applauded the work See E Clark and Elizabeth Hart for stepping up to organize our city's response to Trayvon Martin Stand Your Ground. Young adults who did not wait for the old heads to organize, but called the meeting themselves and we came.

We wanted to see "The Butler" together and raise money for the Food Band and Dr. Phillip R. Bowden Mdpa and his beautiful and smart wife, Richie, did not hesitate to write a check to the Mid South Food Bank and Larry Williams, owner of Classic Soulz, handed me a sizable contribution to make sure we reached our goal. Our friends at the Malco Theaters, who opened their doors, donated resources to make these events happen to help some in our community whose basic needs are not met. We raised $3,650.00 to feed the hungry within two weeks. (Applause) 

But, with all that support, it comes down to you. Yes, it's "you"! Every ticket you purchased, every encouraging word you gave, and every act of kindness (ushers), made the difference. Thank you.

Never stop caring about our city, its people, and its future.

When everything was over, Ronald Mitchell Sr., my love, husband and friend, caught me glazing at the stars in the backyard. All I could say was, "Oh Lord, How Great Thy Art!" 

That's one reason why Memphis is the 2nd most generous city in the Country. And I gotta BHappy about that!!!