(MEMPHIS, Tenn. – June 29, 2026) The Tri-State Defender will host its next TSD in the Community Forum, focusing on education and education policy. The forum is scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, at 6 p.m. at Alpha Memphis Education Foundation (AMEF), located at 4122 Barton Dr, Memphis, TN 38116.
This free, public event will invite the community to hear from educators, school board members and education policy professionals.
The event is free and open to the public, and registration is required through Eventbrite: www.tri-statedefender.com/
“Education is one of the most important issues shaping the future of Memphis and Shelby County, impacting not only our students, but also our workforce, economy and quality of life,” said Stephanie Jones, editor of the Tri-State Defender. “Through this forum, we are creating a space for parents, educators, policymakers and community members to engage in meaningful dialogue about the opportunities and challenges facing public education. We invite the community to join us for this important conversation and be part of the discussion on how we can work together to support student success and strengthen our schools.”
The panel will include:
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Cardell Orrin, Executive Director, Stand for Children Tennessee
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Tomeka Hart Wigginton, President & CEO, United Way of the Mid-South
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Sable Otey, School Board Commissioner, Shelby County Board of Education
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Dr. Derek King, Principal, Craigmont High School
Lori Spicer Robertson will lead the discussion.
TSD in the Community is sponsored by the Tri-State Defender, Google and the Alpha Memphis Education Foundation.
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 affect the community. First published on 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.
For more information or if you would like to interview someone from The Tri-State Defender, contact Jennifer Sharp, The Carter Malone Group LLC, at 901.278.0881 or jsharp@cmgpr.com.