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Community Leader Jeff Sanford Dies at 81

Jeff Sanford (Photo courtesy of the Sanford family)

Jeff Sanford, a Memphian who dedicated his public life to building the city he had come to call home, died March 4, 2024. He was 81.

Jeff was born in Denver in 1942 to Velma (Beechen) and Bernard Sanford, and grew up in Sioux City, Iowa. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in political science and moved to Chicago to start his career at North Advertising.

He married Susan Haspel of Memphis, whom he met as a fellow student at Wisconsin.

He moved to Memphis in 1969 to join S.M. Haspel and Son and immediately became active in the community.  He was appointed to the Memphis City Council in 1977 when the seat was vacated by Mike Cody, who was appointed United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee. Jeff was then elected to the council in 1979 and served until 1983; he was Council Chair in 1980. He was recognized for Excellence in Government Service by the National Conference of Christians and Jews in 1983.

In 1987, he founded the Jeff Sanford Company, an independent marketing and communications firm that represented both local and national clients across many industries, from government agencies and accounting and law firms to nonprofits and media outlets. 

He married Cynthia Ham in 1992.

In 1998, Jeff became president of the Memphis Center City Commission (now the Downtown Memphis Commission) and developed a specialty in Downtown revitalization and planning. His leadership of the commission and its four affiliates led to $5 billion in new projects and unprecedented Downtown growth. At the end of his tenure, he received the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Jeff left the Center City Commission in 2010, and he reopened his consulting practice, focusing on helping both local and national clients with urban revitalization, redevelopment, organizational effectiveness, and strategic planning. He led projects for other cities seeking to emulate Memphis’ success, including Chicago, St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Houston, and Omaha and presented to organizations around the world, including in Canada, Peru, and Australia. 

Throughout his life, Jeff was deeply involved in his community. He served and held leadership positions on many boards, including as chair of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau, Memphis in May, and as a member of the Board of The Greater Memphis Chamber, Memphis College of Art, the Riverfront Development Council, and Freedom Preparatory Academy Charter Schools. He was the past Chair of the International Downtown Association. 

Jeff is survived by his wife, Cynthia Ham, his daughters Jill Burrows (Aaron) and Julie, and grandchildren Poppy and Elsie Burrows. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Nancy Pullins. Jeff’s memorial service will be held at the Halloran Centre in Downtown Memphis on Saturday, March 16th, at 11:00 am. The family requests memorial donations in lieu of flowers be made to support Bridge Builders programs at BRIDGES, USA, or the charity of the donor’s choice.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Edge Out Nets

Jake LaRavia drives to the basket against Nic Claxton.
Jake LaRavia drives to the basket against Nic Claxton. Credit: NBAE/Getty Images

With a final score of 106-102, the Grizzlies staved off a Nets team that had beaten them by 25 just a week prior.

The Memphis Grizzlies have officially snapped their five-game losing streak after grabbing a narrow win over the Brooklyn Nets. It also marks head coach Taylor Jenkins’s 200th regular season career win.

Let’s get into it.

Once again, Memphis is fielding a team that would look more at home in the G-League, with five of their active players having spent time there this season. Jaren Jackson Jr. missed his third consecutive game due to right quad soreness.

It was a game of fits and starts, with both teams trading leads throughout. The Grizzlies were able to squeak by the Nets in the second quarter to take a one-point lead into halftime.

Despite turning the ball over 19 times leading to 25 Brooklyn points, Memphis was able to notch three more field goal attempts. A welcome change for the Grizzlies, who have had at least five fewer field goal attempts than their opponents in four of the past six games.

The first-half standout for the Grizzlies was Jake LaRavia, who scored 10 of his 14 total points in the first half. But it was Luke Kennard who shined the brightest in the second half, with all four of the Grizzlies three-point makes during the third and fourth periods.

Luke Kennard finished the night with a season-high, game-high 25 points, two rebounds, and seven assists while shooting six of nine from three-point range.

Santi Aldama closed out with 12 points, five rebounds, and four assists.

Vince Williams Jr. put up 11 points, five rebounds, six assists, and two steals.

Trey Jemison added 10 points, seven rebounds, and one block on five of six field goal shooting. Jemison spent a large part of the game in foul trouble and fouled out midway through the fourth quarter but was able to make an impact in his 18:49 of playing time.

From the second unit:

Jake LaRavia put up 14 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

Lamar Stevens finished with 13 points, six rebounds, one assist, and one block.

Who Got Next?

The Grizzlies are headed to Philadelphia to face off against the 76ers on Wednesday night. Tip-off is at 6:30 p.m. CST.

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Flyer Video Special Sections We Recommend We Saw You

We Saw You with Karen Carrier Ep. 2

Memphis restaurateur/artist Karen Carrier never ceases to amaze me. She and I sat down recently for an interview for We Saw You — a new video series about Memphis and Mid-Southerners hosted by me. She told me about the time she met Salvador Dali. 

Dali? Excuse me?

Yes! It’s the kind of amazing story you’d expect Carrier to have in her vast repertoire.

The story is part two of a six-part series on the noted chef/owner of Beauty Shop Restaurant, DKDC, Mollie Fontaine Lounge, and Another Roadside Attraction catering.

Stay tuned for more from Karen Carrier on We Saw You!

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News News Blog News Feature

Community Advocates Speak Out as 18 Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills Are Heard in Legislature

Photo: Cecilie Johnsen | Unsplash

As a slate of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is headed to the Tennessee legislature this week, community leaders and advocates are speaking out.

For the week of March 4th, 18 pieces of legislation are scheduled for hearings in the Tennessee General Assembly. 

“Legislation before House and Senate committees this week targets diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, makes it easier to ban books, and attempts to legalize discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity,” leaders said in a statement prior to the meeting.

Molly Whitehorn, regional campaign director for the Human Rights Campaign, said the state currently leads the way on “discriminatory trends” in the country.

“It has passed more anti-LGBTQ+ laws than any other state, with more than a dozen passed since 2015,” Whitehorn said. “This week alone we are seeing discriminatory adoption bans, gender-affirming care bans, a bill to dissolve the Human Rights Commission with no wind-down period, and even a bill revising K-12 non-discrimination policies moving through the legislature.”

Opponents of the proposed legislation, including Whitehorn, held a press conference over Zoom to condemn the upcoming bills and explain the harm that previous laws have caused.

Rep. Justin J. Pearson (D-Memphis) called this upcoming week “alarming for our democracy,” as these bills represent a continued attack on LGBTQ+ people in the state. He also said there are more pressing issues that lawmakers should be concerned with, such as poverty and housing.

“The reality is that in this legislature, division and separation and othering of communities is what is consistently causing pain, hurt, and heartache to our most marginalized communities,” Pearson said. “It’s hard to be on the House floor and see people talking about banning pride flags, but not talk about banning assault weapons that are killing children across our state and across our country.

Molly Quinn, executive director of OUTMemphis, said it’s “astonishing” that the LGBTQ+ community has to continuously defend themselves against attacks such as the list of proposed bills to be heard this week.

“That means there is no other single subject receiving this much attention in the halls of our legislative branch this week,” Quinn said. “There are so many essential issues affecting communities in Tennessee right now, and we need our lawmakers to be focusing on what our communities truly need and not using these bullying tactics to distract from other social problems.”

Quinn said the effects of these bills “trickle down into the community,” explaining that the effects of discriminatory bills last year caused more young people to reach out to OUTMemphis than ever before, as many had faced discrimination in school settings. Quinn added they had a “three times” increase of people reaching out to their emergency services.

“It was unlike anything we had ever seen,” said Quinn. 

Quinn said attacks on the transgender community reached “unprecedented political levels” last year. In the previous session, the Tennessee legislature passed legislation that made it illegal for healthcare providers to administer puberty blockers and other forms of gender-affirming care to minors. 

Another attack targeting transgender people in the state involved the dismissal of a lawsuit which would have allowed individuals to change their gender markers on their birth certificate. As a result of this, TaMesha Kaye Prewitt, transgender service manager for OUTMemphis, said she went into “emergency response mode” after this decision. She said her community is “exhausted and brokenhearted” by the continuous attacks by the Tennessee legislature. 

“I live and work alongside a community of courageous trans individuals, but we are fed up and see the harms of these bills,” said Kaye Prewitt. “Each time these bills become law, we see the real impact up close on families and individuals.”

The Tennessee Equality Project has dubbed these bills the “Slate of Hate,” and a full list and description can be found here.

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Film Features Film/TV

Music Video Monday: “Limelight Honey” by Lawrence Matthews

Multi-hyphenate hype man Lawrence Matthews is back with a new sound and a new music video. He’s shed his Don Lifted musical persona after three albums of ambient-infused angst (and many Music Video Monday appearances over the years).

Matthews’ new music has a harder edge, thanks to blues and R&B samples courtesy of the Fat Possum Records catalog that have been expertly reworked by producer C Major.

The video for Limelight Honey was created by Lawrence and his brother Martin Matthews. It expands on the austere style of his earlier videos, and promises a bold new direction for the artist. Take a look:

If you would like to see your music video featured on Music Video Monday, email cmccoy@memphisflyer.com.

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News News Blog News Feature

Dozens of Guns Surrendered in Guns to Gardens Event

Credit: Guns to Gardens Louisville via Facebook

Seventy-nine firearms were surrendered and dismantled at Memphis’ first-ever Guns to Gardens safe surrender event last month.

Guns to Gardens, hosted by Evergreen Presbyterian Church, took unwanted guns in a drive-through event and dismantled them with chop saws. The gun parts will be given to artisans at the Metal Museum to make garden tools and art. The church called the event “a form of direct action to intervene in record levels of gun violence.”  

Participants were offered Kroger gift cards for their guns in the 24-hous event. In all, 48 vehicles drove through and $6,350 in gift cards were given out. Thirty-five volunteers from 12 organizations participated.  

Here’s what was surrendered: 

● 79 firearms surrendered and dismantled

● 48 single-shot rifles/shotguns

● 30 handguns

● 1 assault-style weapon

“With this being our first Guns to Gardens event in Memphis, we honestly weren’t exactly sure what to expect in terms of participation,” said Reverend Patrick Harley, pastor of Evergreen. “To say that we were overwhelmed by the response is truly an understatement. 

“Cars were lined up down the street, with some folks waiting patiently for nearly two hours. We started out with two chop saws and added a third to help handle the incredible number of guns that were being surrendered. 

“And people shared such touching stories about why they wanted to surrender these guns. We are so grateful to those who participated and to the volunteers and ally organizations who helped make this event happen. This clearly showed there is a strong desire among Memphians for this type of solution to help reduce gun violence in our city, so our hope is that we can host similar events in the future.”

The Metal Museum will display the new tools and art made from Guns to Gardens in a special event on March 23rd from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

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Uncategorized

New MSCS Superintendent Gets to Work Early

Credit: Memphis Shelby County Schools

Incoming Superintendent Marie Feagins has started working with Memphis-Shelby County Schools under a per diem agreement, allowing her to begin a transition to the superintendent role while the school board hammers out her contract.

Feagins’ temporary employment took effect March 1, according to a press release from school board Chair Althea Greene. Greene said she expects Feagins, a Detroit public school district administrator, to begin officially as MSCS superintendent on April 1, months ahead of the July 1 start that board members had targeted during the search process.

Greene said it is important for Feagins to begin work soon, especially as Tennessee’s largest school district faces major budget decisions and state lawmakers consider several changes to education policy, including a major expansion of private school vouchers that could affect district revenues.

“Dr. Feagins is excited to be here now to start making Memphis and Shelby County her home,” Greene said.

Since the board selected Feagins on Feb. 9, she has been in Memphis for several meetings, including a lunch Friday co-hosted in part by former Memphis schools Superintendent Carol Johnson-Dean.

“Everybody wants to welcome her, and they want her to be successful,” Johnson-Dean told Chalkbeat, adding that several community leaders attended, including both the city and county mayors. She said school board members did not attend.

Feagins also attended part of the Memphis school board’s February business meeting on Tuesday and received a standing ovation. A separate press release at the time said she was working on a plan for her first 100 days on the job.

But the school board has not otherwise discussed her employment in a public meeting, and board members have taken no votes on a contract.

Board members Mauricio Calvo and Stephanie Love said Friday afternoon that they had not seen the per diem contract.

Board policy allows the district to enter contracts for some services that cost less than $75,000 without seeking a board vote. The press release did not provide details about Feagins’ pay. Chalkbeat has requested public records about the short-term contract.

Chalkbeat’s attempts to reach Feagins for comment Friday were unsuccessful.

Greene said she expects the board to take action on Feagins’ superintendent contract at a meeting scheduled for March 26.

Laura Testino covers Memphis-Shelby County Schools for Chalkbeat Tennessee. Reach Laura at LTestino@chalkbeat.org.

Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools.

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Flyer Video Special Sections We Recommend We Saw You

We Saw You with Karen Carrier Ep. 1

We Saw You — a new video series about Memphis and Mid-Southerners hosted by yours truly — continues with a seven-part series about restaurateur Karen Carrier, owner of Beauty Shop Restaurant, DKDC, Mollie Fontaine Lounge, and Another Roadside Attraction Catering.

I visited Carrier in her eclectic, art-filled home, where, in this first installment we talk a bit about food. In future episodes, viewers will learn more about how Carrier’s culinary career, and her life as a visual artist.

And she can play the piano!

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Fall to Trail Blazers 107–101

Memphis Grizzlies forward GG Jackson (45) shoots the ball during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at FedEx Forum on March 2, 2024. (Wes Hale Photo)

At least they didn’t get 30-pieced this time.

You aren’t watching Groundhog’s Day, the Memphis Grizzlies and the Portland Trail Blazers just played two consecutive games on two consecutive nights in FedEx Forum. Unfortunately for Grizzlies fans, they lost them both, but how they lost the second game might be more infuriating.

After being up by as many as 18 points, the Grizzlies succumbed to the Blazers in overtime.

Big props to Anfernee Simons, whose 18 points between the fourth quarter and overtime sealed the deal for Portland. In bonus time, Portland outscored Memphis 12 to 7.

The Blazers held the Grizzlies scoreless for the final two minutes of regulation and forced a season-high 24 turnovers that Portland converted into 24 points.

The Grizzlies outshot the Blazers from three-point range (37.5% to 31.4%) but Portland shot better overall than Memphis (42.4% to 36.1%).

Being short key players has been a hallmark of the season for Memphis, but the absence of Jaren Jackson Jr for the second night did the Grizzlies no favors. Once again fielding a roster that looks more at home in the G-League didn’t help matters any.

It is good for player development that these guys are seeing as much time on the court, but not without having more tried-and-true NBA players to balance things out.

Vince Williams Jr finished with a team-high 21 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks while shooting 4 of 7 from beyond the arc and 7 of 14 overall.

Santi Aldama also closed out the night with 21 points, adding 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block while shooting 5 of 9 from beyond the arc and 7 of 15 overall.

The only other Grizzlies player to score in double digits was GG Jackson, who put up 17 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals.

Who Got Next?

The Grizzlies are hitting the road for two games. Monday night they will face off against the Brooklyn Nets. Tip-off is at 6:30 p.m. CST.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Blazers Snap Nine-Game Skid With 30-point Win Over Memphis

Memphis Grizzlies forward Lamar Stevens (24) shoots the ball during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at FedEx Forum on March 1, 2024, in Memphis TN. (Wes Hale Photo)

On Friday at FedExForum, the Portland Trail Blazers snapped a nine-game losing streak with a 122-92 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, thanks in large part to a stellar third quarter. The Blazers outscored Memphis 40-27 in the third. 

When asked how the team would bounce back from the 30-point loss at home, Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins seemed visibly upset and uttered, “We have to — this is embarrassing.”

How embarrassing was it, though? Both teams have been impacted by injuries and were missing key players.

For Jenkins, missing key players was not an excuse for the team’s performance against Portland: “They played extremely well, and we didn’t have it. We played poorly.”

Rookie GG Jackson II who finished with 11 points off the bench on Friday night didn’t like the feeling of letting the fans down. 

“You see your fans leaving with like eight minutes left in the game —that really sticks to us as players,” said Jackson II. “They want to come see us play. That’s kind of like them slapping us in our face saying, ‘We don’t want to see you play.’ We got to change that.” 

The Grizzlies have dropped their third straight game and 12th in their last 14. For an organization that finished second in the West the previous two years, it is a huge letdown. 

Jake LaRavia has been mired with injuries most of his tenure with the Grizzlies. As a reserve on Friday, he led the Grizzlies with a career-high 21 points, going 7-for-13 from the field. 

The second-year forward’s play was one bright spot for Jenkins on the night. “It was really encouraging,” Jenkins said of LaRavia’s performance. “I thought he came out aggressive — shooting the 3-ball, getting downhill, getting to the free throw line, [and] a couple assists. I thought he did some good things defensively. Definitely some things that [he] can clean up on the defensive end; playing a little bit more physical on the ball, better one-on-one. I think, as a team, we just got embarrassed one-on-one, but he was a bright spot for sure. Love his movement off the ball, movement with the ball, but being aggressive, that was the biggest takeaway.”

The 22-year-old forward is averaging 9.8 points, 4 boards, 2 assists, and 1 steal in four games since returning from an ankle injury. 

Lamar Stevens had a season-high 19 points off the bench. With no starter scoring more than 10 points for the Grizzlies, Stevens and LaRavia tried their best to carry the load. 

Since joining the Grizzlies prior to the trade deadline, Stevens has been a reliable frontcourt player. In his last seven games for the team, he has shot 56.3% from the field while averaging 12.1 points, 5.1 boards, 1 assist, and 1 block in just 20.7 minutes per game.

Up Next 

Like deja vu, both teams will play again tonight, at FedExForum with a 7 pm tip-off. 

The Grizzlies will look to put up a better performance in front of the home crowd. “Every loss motivates a basketball player, but this one in particular definitely motivates us,” Jackson II said after Friday’s blowout loss.