The New Tri-State Defender

10/14/2026

Memphis to host community meeting on wealth and financial empowerment

The City of Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development, in partnership with the CityStart Initiative, will host a community meeting to create a blueprint for advancing wealth and financial empowerment for Memphians....

The City of Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development, in partnership with the CityStart Initiative, will host a community meeting to create a blueprint for advancing wealth and financial empowerment for Memphians. It begins at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 14, at the Hickory Hill Community Ce...

10/14/2026

Shelby County Commission advances data center moratorium; regulatory ordinance in works

A moratorium on data centers in unincorporated areas of Shelby County advanced to a second reading on a slim plurality of votes during the Monday, Oct....

A moratorium on data centers in unincorporated areas of Shelby County advanced to a second reading on a slim plurality of votes during the Monday, Oct. 12 meeting. The 12-month pause on new data center construction in Shelby County mirrors an ordinance under consideration by the Memphis City Council...

10/13/2026

Memphis HBCU enrollment swells to all-time high at LeMoyne-Owen College

The nation’s fifth-oldest historically Black college, LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis, has exceeded its enrollment goal for the 2026-2027 academic year with a total of 957 students, marking a 37% increase compared with the previous year....

The nation’s fifth-oldest historically Black college, LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis, has exceeded its enrollment goal for the 2026-2027 academic year with a total of 957 students, marking a 37% increase compared with the previous year. Although LeMoyne-Owen recruits far and wide for applicants, ...

10/13/2026

LAST CALL FOR NOMINATIONS!

Today, October 12, is your FINAL DAY to nominate your favorite businesses for the 2026 Best in Black Awards before voting begins!

This is your chance to recognize the Black-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who continue to make an impact in Memphis and beyond.

Nominate your favorites today!
Submit your nominations and get your tickets here: https://tri-statedefender.com/bestinblack/

Save the date!
Join us Thursday, November 12, at the National Civil Rights Museum as we celebrate Black excellence!

Don't miss your chance to nominate. Voting is up next!

10/12/2026

Writer and showrunner Felicia Pride returned to Memphis with some exciting news: Netflix’s A Different World reboot has already been renewed for a SECOND season!

During an Oct. 3 Creative Talk Back hosted by The Cooler, Pride discussed the power of Black storytelling, creative ownership and opening doors for the next generation of storytellers.

For Pride, it’s about more than bringing an iconic series back to television. It’s about ensuring Black creatives have the opportunity to tell their own stories and shape what comes next.

Read the full story: https://tri-statedefender.com/a-different-world-a-new-generation-of-storytellers/10/10/

10/11/2026

‘Holding Lightning’ revisits Whitney Houston’s extraordinary voice and tragic fall

“Holding Lightning: The Life, Loves, and Art of Whitney Houston” by Emily Lordi, c.2026, Mariner, $32.00, 336 pages…...

“Holding Lightning: The Life, Loves, and Art of Whitney Houston” by Emily Lordi, c.2026, Mariner, $32.00, 336 pages Snippets of favorite tunes and dance moves copied from must-see videos often live inside the minds of loyal fans long after the performers fall off the charts. But in the new book,...

10/10/2026

From the football field to the fight for social justice. ✊🏾

Colin Kaepernick made a stop in Memphis at the National Civil Rights Museum to discuss his book, ‘The Perilous Fight’, and the ongoing fight for racial equality, justice and meaningful change.

In a city deeply rooted in the Civil Rights Movement, the conversation highlighted the connection between past struggles and the work that continues today.

📍 National Civil Rights Museum | Memphis, TN

10/10/2026

‘A Different World’: A new generation of storytellers

https://tri-statedefender.com/a-different-world-a-new-generation-of-storytellers/10/10/

For Felicia Pride, returning to Memphis was an opportunity to talk about what happens when Black creatives claim their voices, control their stories and create pathways for the generation coming behind them. Pride, writer and showrunner of Netflix’s “A Different World” reboot, was the featured...

10/10/2026

Wing Wars 901 turns Soulsville into a celebration of Memphis

Ask Memphians which local restaurant offers the best wings in the city and prepare for an argument....

https://tri-statedefender.com/wing-wars-901-turns-soulsville-into-a-celebration-of-memphis/10/10/

Ask Memphians which local restaurant offers the best wings in the city and prepare for an argument. At Wing Wars 901, Memphis finally had an opportunity to settle the debate — or at least try. The inaugural specialty food competition on Oct. 3 brought together wings, basketball, Jookin, music, loc...

10/09/2026

Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies knows a thing or two about making a lasting impression! As a past Best in Black Award winner, Makeda’s reflects the excellence, dedication, and community support that these awards were created to celebrate.

We caught up with Maurice Hill to hear what winning Best in Black has meant for their business and the importance of being recognized by the community they serve. ❤️

Your nominations help us celebrate businesses like Makeda’s!

Link: https://tri-statedefender.com/bestinblack/

🏆 Nominate your favorites for the 2026 Best in Black Awards and join us on November 12 at the National Civil Rights Museum as we celebrate Black excellence in Memphis!