“November 1, 2016 marked 65 years of the Tri-State Defender’s continuous publication in Memphis and the Mid-South, making us one of the longest running publications and media entities in the area and one of the longest operating African-American-owned businesses,” said current TSD President and Publisher, Bernal E. Smith II “In the spirit of recognition and celebration, we will observe this milestone and our efforts to inform, inspire, and elevate the quality of life of our readers and audiences.”
Mid-South Peace & Justice Center is proud to announce that among the honorees is our own, Organizing Director, Paul Garner, who is being recognized as a Civil Rights & Civic Leader. Paul began volunteering with the Mid-south Peace & Justice Center in 2011 and was hired as an organizing coordinator for H.O.P.E. or Homeless Organizing for Power & Equality in 2012. Since then, he has worked on numerous organizing campaigns, helping to found Memphis Bus Riders Union and Memphis United. He continues to coordinate the Center’s work around criminal justice reform, leading efforts to restore and strengthen our Civilian Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) and to develop Know Your Rights Theatre workshops that have educated over 1000 youth about their rights when interacting with police. Currently, he is working to establish networks of service opportunities to address our high number of youth offenders with unserved court ordered community service through MSPJC’s Juvenile Justice Project.
Congratulations Paul!
For more information and to purchase tickets, contact the New Tri-State Defender at (901) 523-1818 or visit http://tsdmemphis.com/