Tri-State Defender to Host “TSD in the Community Forum” on Women in Leadership

by | Feb 25, 2026 | CMG News

(MEMPHIS, Tenn. – February 25, 2026) The Tri-State Defender will host its next TSD in the Community Forum, focusing on women in leadership. The forum is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, at 6 p.m. at 4651 American Way Dr, Memphis, TN 38118.

This free, public event will invite the community to hear from the women shaping our community every day in Memphis and Shelby County.

The event is free and open to the public, and registration is required through Eventbrite: www.tri-statedefender.com/community

“As we recognize Women’s History Month, we want to highlight women who are making a tremendous impact in Memphis and Shelby County,” said Stephanie R. Jones, editor of the Tri-State Defender. “This forum is about amplifying the voices of women who are breaking barriers, building businesses, strengthening institutions and mentoring the next generation.”

The panel will include:

  • Gale Jones Carson, President, Memphis Urban League

  • Dr. Telisa Franklin, Entrepreneur and Community leader

  • Natalie McKinney, Chair, Shelby County Schools Board of Education

  • Edith Kelly Green, Partner, The KGR Group

Lori Spicer Robertson will lead the discussion.

Upcoming TSD in the Community Forums include:

  • Health and Wellness — Wednesday, May 6, 2026

  • Government/Politics — Wednesday, June 3, 2026

  • Education — Wednesday, July 1, 2026

TSD in the Community is sponsored by The Tri-State Defender and Google.

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.