ARTS & LEISURE Tri-State Defender, Thursday, November 17 - 23, 2011, Page 11


‘Celebrate our past, elevating our future’


TSD kicks off 60th anniversary journey


by Bernal E. Smith II Special to the Tri-State Defender


celebrities, several big announce- ments, seven fantastic local restaurants and catering compa- nies and hundreds ofMemphians, TSD readers, elected officials, business leaders, and everyday great citizens assembled for one fantastic evening made up the mathematical ingredients for suc- cessful kickoff to the New Tri- State Defender’s 60th Anniver- sary last Thursday (Nov. 10) evening. Hosted by the New Tri-State


great beginning to a tremendous celebration of history? Two


international music What are the components for a


Sponsors showed up and showed out on food for the gala event.


tor Dr. Karanja A. Ajanaku shar- ing a historical perspective on the TSD and the Black Press, atten- dees enjoyed an extended collage of hits from Blues Legend Bobby Rush, including several dynamic guitar and harmonica rifts. The iconic Rush was especially ener- gized as he was also celebrating his 76th birthday (Nov. 10). Renowned vocal artist Toni Green, singing a special rendition of “Happy Birthday” toMr. Rush, treated him and all the attendees to an impromptu performance. I was excited to share with our


audience the final draft of our new-look logo and masthead, as well as a draft from the cover of the new format of the newspaper – all to be launched in first quar- ter 2012. We also announced the pending launch of our new web- site


which is targeted to go live by Dec. 15, 2011. Lastly, we had an opportunity


www.tsdmemphis.com,


certainly missed a real treat, an opportunity for reflection, con- nection and the signaling of a new direction! Fear not for this is just the beginning and there will be other opportunities to help us celebrate our past while elevating our future. Mark your calendars for the 60th Anniversary Black Tie Gala and GrandAffair,March 24, 2012. Until then, keep reading!!


City Council Harold Collins and radio personality Thaddeus Matthews.


who came out and supported this momentous occasion with us. If you missed the event, you


AT&T, Lipscomb and Pitts, Com- cast,WLOK, Justmy.com,MATA and Real Times Media. I also want to thank Chow Time, Uncle Lou’s Chicken, Felecia Bean Catering, Sanders Catering, Chef Tim Moore, Neely’s BBQ and Cupcake Cuties for showing up and showing out on the food! And a special salute to all those


great performances and exciting announcements, Bell closed out the night like only the “Bell- ringer” can. Stan allowed me to demonstrate my multi-talented abilities, in this case showing off my skills on the dance floor in leading a group in the “Wobble!” A good time was had by all and, more importantly, we were able to begin the celebration of a true Memphis treasure, the Tri-State Defender. Thanks to all of the sponsors:


to unveil artist “frank d. robin- son’s” painting of the TSD’s 60 years of impact on Greater Mem- phis. The painting was auctioned for $1,200 and will be available in print. Only 500 artist-auto- graphed prints will be available for sale. Following the incredible food,


Defender and MC’d by V101.1’s Stan “the Bellringer” Bell, the event started with a great musical montage by local Memphis band, Sidney Kirk and Friends. After my initial comments and reflec- tions, 9th District Congressman Steve Cohen provided insightful thoughts as to the importance of the Tri-State Defender to the Memphis community. Following TSD Executive Edi-


Following the incredible food, great performances and exciting announcements, it was time to “Wobble.” (Photos byWar- ren Roseborough)


Executive Editor Karanja A. Ajanaku and Georgia “Queen Akua” King renew an old acquaintance.


State Rep. Reginald Tate and Yvonne Acey, associate director of the Africa in April Cultural Awareness Festival.


Judges, politicians and educators were all part of the var- ied crowd.


Blues legend Bobby Rush delivered on a collage of hits.


TSDʼs 60 years of impact were captured in this painting by “frank d. robinson.”


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