The Early Word: State dismantled DEI; city wants sanctions in Nichols case
Howdy, Memphis. It’s Wednesday, May 14, and the city’s second-annual barbecue fest wars begin today. Call it the Rib Rumble, the Smokin’ Showdown, the Clash of the ’Cue Cookers, whatever you want. But Memphis in May’s longstanding World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest begins today, and Mempho Presents’ much newer SmokeSlam BBQ Festival starts tomorrow. Is this city too small for two barbecue fests at the same time? Probably. But here we go.
In other meaty news (but not literally), Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris is taking his budget proposal to the Shelby County Commission today. And there’s apparently more at stake than dollar figures and the county property-tax rate.
Local government entities may no longer be required to make sure minority- and women-owned businesses receive a share of government-contracting dollars. That’s because a state bill, called the “Dismantling DEI Departments Act,” that passed this spring appears to have effectively banned minority-contracting programs statewide. The new rules were a consideration at last week’s Memphis Shelby County Sports Authority meeting, when the board approved funds for a FedExForum architect. As for the City of Memphis, Memphis Mayor Paul Young doesn’t seem too worried.
The City of Memphis wants a federal judge to impose penalties on attorneys for Tyre Nichols’ family in their civil-rights case against the city. The Nichols family legal team issued a statement Monday that said any discussion that their civil lawsuit over Nichols’ death would bankrupt the city is fearmongering. The city responded with a call for sanctions, claiming attorney Ben Crump and his team are misleading the public. The city said it’s not insured against the $550 million in damages Nichols’ family is seeking.
Plus, Edmund Ford Jr.’s trial date is coming soon, but TJ Shorts may not be coming to the Memphis Grizzlies.
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Bianca Phillips
Bianca Phillips is a Northeast Arkansas native and longtime Memphian who’s worked in local journalism and PR for more than 20 years. In her days as a reporter, she covered everything from local government and crime to LGBTQ issues and the arts. She’s the author of “Cookin Crunk: Eatin’ Vegan in the Dirty South,” a cookbook of vegan Southern recipes.
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