(MEMPHIS, Tenn. – July 2, 2025) The Tri-State Defender will host its third TSD in the Community Forum, focusing on education and education policy. The forum is scheduled for Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church Broad, located at 2835 Broad Avenue, Memphis, TN 38112.
This forum will bring together parents, educators, community leaders and policymakers for a candid conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing local schools, and attendees will also learn how they can play a role in strengthening the education landscape for children and families across the Mid-South.
The event is free and open to the public, and registration is required through Eventbrite: www.tri-statedefender.com/
“Access to quality and equitable education has been a challenge for African Americans for a long time and remains so today,” said Stephanie R. Jones, The Tri-State Defender editor. “Education is foundational to the future of our city, and we want to help create a space where everyone—from parents to policymakers—can be part of the conversation and the solution.”
The panel will include:
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Senator Raumesh Akbari, Esq., Tennessee State Senator
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Dr. Christopher B. Davis, President, LeMoyne Owen College
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Dr. Tracy D. Hall, President, Southwest Tennessee Community College
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Dr. Nickalous Manning, Executive Director, Journey Community Schools
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Dr. Roderick Richmond, Interim Supt for Memphis-Shelby County Schools, will send a representative to participate in the forum.
The discussion will be led by Lori Spicer Robertson, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital vice president and chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion officer and founder and CEO of Wundher, a digital media and membership community designed to reconnect women and mothers to their joy.
Upcoming TSD in the Community Forums include:
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Public Safety in August
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Government and Politics in October
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Entrepreneurship in November
TSD in the Community is sponsored by The Tri-State Defender and W&T Contracting Corporation.
About The Tri-State Defender
The Tri-State Defender (TSD) is one of the longest, continuously published newspapers in the South that caters to the news and information needs of the African American community. In January 2024, TSD transitioned to a digital format to keep readers informed quickly as news hits that affects the community. First published November 1, 1951, the weekly newspaper has been an anchor element in the multi-platform delivery of news and information. TSDMemphis.com is now the primary source for news along with the TSD Daily Digital and social media platforms. To learn more about The Tri-State Defender, visit www.tri-statedefender.com.