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MLK@90: NBA legend Bill Walton brings levity, laughter to Grizzlies MLK symposium

NNPA NEWSWIRE — “That’s why it’s so refreshing when a white American takes a stand on those issues, the way Walton did at the MLK symposium. Not only does it signal that someone other than black folk are paying attention to these issues, it calls the rest of America to action.”

Published

8 years ago

January 23, 2019

Oakland Post

By Lee Eric Smith, The New Tri-State Defender
lesmith@tsdmemphis.com

At this point, I’ve lost count of how many MLK Day Grizzlies games I’ve covered. Same for the extracurricular activities surrounding the game — the panels, the service projects and, of course, the Earl Lloyd Sports Legacy Symposium, which immediately precedes the game.

The symposium provides the honorees the chance to make compelling, thoughtful and mostly safe remarks about Dr. King. This year, those honorees were recent NBA champion Chris Bosh; WNBA champion and University of Tennessee alumnae Candace Parker; Wayne Embry, who became the NBA’s first African-American general manager in 1972; and NBA legend and hoops commentator Bill Walton.

As Grizzlies’ TV announcer Pete Pranica made his opening remarks, I was settling in for a healthy – but safe – conversation about Dr. King.

Why do I keep bringing up the word “safe?”

Because while Dr. King absolutely is worthy to be recognized as the great human being and American citizen he was, events like these double as public relations opportunities – meaning, they must pay respect to Dr. King while at the same time not ruffling any feathers or making anyone uncomfortable. By contrast, Dr. King died ruffling feathers and making people uncomfortable.

By and large, the MLK symposia have been . . . blah. I mean, I’m glad the team does them, don’t get me wrong. But I’ve already heard (insert 60s era athlete here) talk about segregation countless times. I’ve listened to (insert recent NBA star here) talk about the stories they learned about King from their parents. I mean no disrespect, but . . . yawn.

Which is why watching Bill Walton take over Monday’s 2019 symposium was so entertaining. Walton is a notorious talkaholic, and he was on a verbal bender Monday afternoon. He started even before he was introduced, joking that Pranica (a longtime friend) was his grandson.

“He was very well behaved as a boy,” Walton joked. The crowd laughed, and not for the last time.

Walton showed the most deference to Embry, who talked about his experiences as a GM in an America still not quite used to desegregation:

https://twitter.com/GrizzliesOnFSSE/status/1087464378008387584

But everyone else on the stage was fair game. Pranica asked Bosh a question. Walton cut him off and reeled off a long answer before finally allowing Bosh to respond.

https://twitter.com/GrizzliesOnFSSE/status/1087462075851431936

Pranica asked Parker what advice she would give to children she speaks to. Parker gave a thoughtful answer — said she would encourage young people to work hard and develop a passion. She told a story about how her younger brother became a physician instead of a professional athlete like Parker and her older brother.

https://twitter.com/GrizzliesOnFSSE/status/1087465721901211648

And before the crowd could finish applauding, Walton immediately jumped in: “I must disagree with Candace. . . .” before ripping off another Waltonian missive.

I must give a quick shout to this remark from Parker, when asked what the Civil Rights issues of today are. Her answer: “I hope at some point, there are two or three women …sitting up here one day.”

https://twitter.com/GrizzliesOnFSSE/status/1087462752694616065

Throughout the event, he playfully jabbed at Pranica, who did a remarkable job of respecting Walton while keeping the live-streamed event from going off the rails. Walton also respectfully poked fun at Embry as the only person on the panel older than himself. He also shouted out his former teammate at Portland, former Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins, who was in the audience.

And if you’re thinking, “Dang, Bill Walton was being downright disrespectful,” well, you’d be right – if it weren’t for three things: One, the old man has a way with words. Two, he had the audience laughing half the time. And the other half of the time, Bill Walton was saying things that weren’t “safe” — and the crowd was saying “Amen.”

Pranica asked Parker what she thought the civil rights issues of today are. She said something thoughtful, but safe. Then Walton blurted out, “Voter suppression!”

At one point, the people in front of me murmured to each other: “He preaching, ain’t he?” The response: “Gon’ have to pass the plate in a minute . . .”

Of course, modern social issues like voter suppression, mass incarceration and police brutality are not “black” issues, even though they disproportionately affect African Americans. They are American issues, which is why it can be frustrating when it seems the only demographic speaking up about injustice are black folks.

That’s why it’s so refreshing when a white American takes a stand on those issues, the way Walton did at the MLK symposium. Not only does it signal that someone other than black folk are paying attention to these issues, it calls the rest of America to action. It’s not talked about much, but decades ago, many white people bled and died speaking out against racism and discrimination. In those days, it could get you killed, regardless of your skin color. To take a stand took courage.

Arguably, it takes less courage these days. But it was still refreshing to hear Walton say what needs to be said. Even if he was a bit obnoxious about it to his fellow honorees.

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NFL: Week Two Recap | Jalen Hurts did not fold; Caleb Williams exits game with injury

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts found Darius Cooper with nine seconds left for the game winning touchdown as his team beat the Tennessee Titans 24-20 in Nashville. Hurts finished the day 26/37 for 264 yards. He threw for two touchdowns and two interceptions. Prior to the final drive, the Eagles ran 25 plays for 45 […]
The post NFL: Week Two Recap | Jalen Hurts did not fold; Caleb Williams exits game with injury appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

2 weeks ago

September 20, 2026

Oakland Post

Prior to the final drive, the Eagles ran 25 plays for 45 yards. During the final drive Hurts went 6-8 with 61 passing yards and the touchdown. Titans defensive tackle — and team captain — Jeffery Simmons said this week that the way to defend Jalen Hurts is to make him “play quarterback.”

Hurts said to Simmons after today’s game: “You started that sh**. I had to finish it.”

Running back Saquon Barkley suffered a stinger in the first half but he ultimately finished the game. He had four carries and nine yards and one catch for eleven yards. He will get an MRI for his injury, but admitted to Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network he was fine.

Caleb Williams leaves game against Vikings with apparent lower-body injury

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was helped off the field with a right leg injury with 7:42 remaining in the fourth quarter. Williams was down, writhing in pain after scrambling to his left. After departing the injury tent, Williams raised his right fist, acknowledging the crowd while expressing his frustration. Testing will commence on Monday to find out more details about his injury.

“We’ll know tomorrow,” Johnson admitted regarding Williams’ injury. “He’s in good spirits. He’s a team player.”

Williams finished the day with 138 passing yards and one interception.

“I’m actually happy it’s nothing with the knee — that was my first inclination,” Johnson said. “But, a hamstring could be pretty damaging as well. So, we’ll see. We’ll see how bad it is tomorrow and we’ll go from there.”

Bryce Young once again dominated the Falcons

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young is 5-1 against the Atlanta Falcons and is undefeated at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Today, Young threw for 287 yards and three touchdowns as he led the Panthers to a 34-3 dismembering of the Atlanta Falcons. Georgia Tech alumnus Darren Waller caught two touchdowns and linebacker Devin Lloyd returned one of his two interceptions for a touchdown.

Cooper Rush started his second straight game for the Falcons and it did not go well. The partisan crowd voiced their displeasure after Rush completed 10/17 passes for 86 yards and two interceptions. Jack Strand entered the game for Rush prompting cheers from the Falcons fans. The rookie threw a pick-six on his first career pass attempt. Strand was the first QB to accomplish that feat since Sam Darnold in 2018 and is the first Falcons player to do that since Brett Favre in 1991. Strand finished the day with 59 passing yards and 16 rushing yards.

According to reports, quarterback Michael Penix, Jr. is expected to make his season debut this Thursday at the Green Bay Packers. His return should help the Falcons. They are the first team since the 2008 Rams to not run any plays in the red zone after the first two games to open a season.

The bright spots for the Falcons today were the Spelman College Jaguarettes performing with the Falcons cheerleaders and Florida A&M’s marching band, The Marching 100, also performed during halftime!

Jayden Daniels gets carted off after apparent arm injury

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels appeared to injure his left elbow on the final play of the first half in his game against the Dallas Cowboys. During the play, Daniels got stepped on, braced himself for the fall, and his elbow bent the wrong way. Daniels draped a towel over his head as he exited the field on the cart.

He was later ruled out.

Daniels suffered a dislocated elbow to the same arm during week nine of last season against the Washington Commanders, which led to him being shut down for the remainder of the season.

The post NFL: Week Two Recap | Jalen Hurts did not fold; Caleb Williams exits game with injury appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

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The Complete Negotiation Framework — Every Stage, Every Tactic, Every Win

Master the complete vehicle-purchase negotiation framework with Roosevelt Gist and Roosevelt. Learn every stage, tactic, and win!
The post The Complete Negotiation Framework — Every Stage, Every Tactic, Every Win appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

2 weeks ago

September 20, 2026

Oakland Post

Negotiation framework stages, tactics, and winning strategies from AutoNetwork

Roosevelt Gist and Roosevelt deliver the complete vehicle-purchase negotiation framework in Episode 8 of The Color of Our Money Is Green. This episode covers the three foundations of every effective negotiation, the full seven-stage negotiation sequence with exact language for every stage, and five of the most common dealership tactics with the specific response each one requires.
What You Learn in This Episode:
The three foundations that make every negotiation tactic work
The complete seven-stage car-buying negotiation sequence
Exact language for every stage of the dealership conversation
Five common dealership tactics — the turnover, the four-square, the packed payment, spot delivery, and forced add-ons — and how to counter each one
Why signing preliminary paperwork isn’t the same as signing the final contract
___________________________________________________________________
“The Color of Our Money Is Green: A Buyer’s Guide to What Cars Actually Cost” — stan.store/RGist
____________________________________________________________________
AutoNetwork helps serious car shoppers inspect any new vehicle online before walking into a dealership. I’m Roosevelt — I’ve been reviewing cars and shaping digital car buying and credit union auto leasing since before YouTube car reviews existed.
You’ll find detailed walkaround reviews, POV test drives, and buyer-focused breakdowns covering comfort, space, features, and real-world value.

How to use the channel:
Watch the walkaround of the car you’re considering
Visit AutoNetwork.com for the full review
Check CouponsOffersAndDeals.com for current dealer specials
Walk in already knowing what you want — and what it should cost

AutoNetwork.com
CouponsOffersAndDeals.com
Affiliate disclosure: some links earn a small commission at no cost to you and help support the channel. Insta360 is one of those partners.

The post The Complete Negotiation Framework — Every Stage, Every Tactic, Every Win appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

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Mazda CX-90 Luxury: Heated Seats & Premium Comfort! #shorts

Stay toasty in the CX-90! Plush Nappa leather, heated/ventilated seats, and a memory-equipped heated steering wheel deliver ultimate luxury.
The post Mazda CX-90 Luxury: Heated Seats & Premium Comfort! #shorts appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

2 weeks ago

September 20, 2026

Oakland Post

Mazda CX-90 interior with heated seats offering premium comfort.

Experience ultimate comfort in the CX-90. Nappa leather, heated/ventilated seats, 8-way power adjustments, and memory settings for both front passengers. The heated steering wheel with memory tilt/telescope adds premium convenience.

Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/EH5A4eQ4ipY