The New Tri-State Defender

10/23/2026

What does America’s founding promise mean 250 years later?

Nationally renowned scholar, bestselling author and political commentator Eddie Glaude Jr. will deliver the Constitution Day lecture, “America at 250,” on Friday, Oct. 23, at Rhodes College in Memphis.

The annual event invites reflection on the U.S. Constitution, the role of government, and the rights and responsibilities of American citizens.

Glaude, the author of Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own and We Are the Leaders We Have Been Looking For, brings his perspective on American history, democracy and the nation’s future to the conversation.

📍 Rhodes College | Memphis, TN
📅 Friday, October 23

Read the full story: https://tri-statedefender.com/scholar-author-eddie-glaude-jr-to-speak-at-rhodes-colleges-constitution-day/10/21/

10/22/2026

📰 THE LATEST E-EDITION IS HERE!

The October 22 edition of The Tri-State Defender is now available!

🔴 This week’s headlines:

▪️ Memphis Safe Task Force isn’t going anywhere soon — What’s next for the federal public safety initiative?

▪️ Grieving the lost futures of five young Memphians — Remembering the lives, friendships and futures cut short by a tragic Hickory Hill crash.

▪️ Memphis needs more housing, but building it is only half the battle — Examining the challenges surrounding the city's push to expand housing opportunities.

From public safety to housing and the stories impacting our neighborhoods, we're keeping Memphis informed.

Read the full e-edition now:
https://issuu.com/thenewtristatedefender/docs/the_tri-state_defender_-_october_22_2026

Dive into our extensive resources on the topic that interests you. It's like a masterclass to be explored at your own pace.

10/22/2026

Memphis City Council approves data center ordinance; moratorium falls short

Despite intense public pressure, Memphis City Council members rejected an 18-month moratorium on new data center construction in favor of a drawing up regulations for the controversial tech facilities during a security-laden Tuesday, Oct....

Despite intense public pressure, Memphis City Council members rejected an 18-month moratorium on new data center construction in favor of a drawing up regulations for the controversial tech facilities during a security-laden Tuesday, Oct. 20 meeting. The council approved an ordinance that includes a...

10/22/2026

Grieving the lost futures of five young Memphians ages 17-21

The day after her birthday, Syria Fifer sent a text to her grandfather, the Rev. James Fifer....

https://tri-statedefender.com/grieving-the-lost-futures-of-five-young-memphians-ages-17-21/10/22/

The day after her birthday, Syria Fifer sent a text to her grandfather, the Rev. James Fifer. “Granddaddy, how ya’ doing?” she wrote, along with a thumbs-up emoji, according to television news reports. It was the last time the two communicated with each other. Fifer was among the five young pe...

10/22/2026

The Aunties are getting into POLITICS, POWER & PURPOSE!

Episode 10 of ‘Aunties Unfiltered’ welcomes Justin J. Pearson for a candid conversation about leadership, representation, accountability and the future of Memphis.

From his journey to the Tennessee General Assembly to his campaign for TN House of Representatives, Pearson discusses community advocacy, the challenges facing Memphis and what meaningful change looks like.

And you already know the Aunties aren’t holding back!

What does Memphis need most from its next generation of leaders? 👀

🎥 Tune in to Episode 10 of ‘Aunties Unfiltered’ for the full conversation!

🗳️ ELECTION REMINDER! Early voting runs through October 29, and Election Day is Tuesday, November 3! Make your voice heard. VOTE!

💬 Watch, comment, share and subscribe for more unfiltered conversations with the voices shaping our communities.

10/21/2026

Collage Dance celebrates Memphis culture, soul with “Origins”

Collage Dance, one of the 50 largest ballet companies in the nation, will perform “Origins,” at Playhouse on the Square in Memphis, Oct 23-25, opening the 17th repertory season for the pre-eminent, Black-led performing arts organization....

https://tri-statedefender.com/collage-dance-celebrates-memphis-culture-soul-with-origins/10/21/

Collage Dance, one of the 50 largest ballet companies in the nation, will perform “Origins,” at Playhouse on the Square in Memphis, Oct 23-25, opening the 17th repertory season for the pre-eminent, Black-led performing arts organization. Company artists will bring four contemporary ballets to th...

10/21/2026

Scholar, author Eddie Glaude Jr. to speak at Rhodes College’s Constitution Day

Nationally renowned scholar, bestselling author and media commentator Eddie Glaude Jr. will deliver the Constitution Day lecture, “America at 250,” Friday, Oct....

Nationally renowned scholar, bestselling author and media commentator Eddie Glaude Jr. will deliver the Constitution Day lecture, “America at 250,” Friday, Oct. 23, at Rhodes College. The annual event commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787 and aims to reflect on the role and f...

10/21/2026

SAVE THE DATE! BEST IN BLACK AWARDS 2026! ✨🏆 Memphis, it's time to celebrate Black excellence!

Join The Tri-State Defender as we honor the businesses, entrepreneurs and community leaders making an impact across the Mid-South!

📅 Thursday, November 12, 2026
📍 National Civil Rights Museum

🎟️ Tickets are on sale NOW! Don't miss your chance to be part of this special celebration of Black achievement, entrepreneurship and community.

🔗 Purchase your tickets today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/best-in-black-awards-tickets-1998783709882?aff=oddtdtcreator

10/20/2026

Memphis schools state takeover paused again

By Bri Hatch The state takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools has once again been temporarily blocked, this time by a local judge on Monday, Oct....

By Bri Hatch The state takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools has once again been temporarily blocked, this time by a local judge on Monday, Oct. 19. That decision came minutes before the state-appointed oversight board was set to meet for the second time this month, oversight board Chair Billy O...