M
C
emphis
hallenge
April 2007
The Challenger
A newsletter for students, alumni and friends of The Memphis Challenge
The Executive
Director’s Echo
Aspiring Parachute Packers
Cassandra Hughes Webster
Brigitte Githinji, MC Class of 2007, St Agnes School
Cordera Woodard, MC Class of 2007, Hamilton High School
Get on your Mark,
Get Ready, Set, Go!
Do you remember hearing
and saying these words
when playing as a child?
I can remember being first in the line, wanting
to lead the pack in winning the race. The
anticipation, the adrenaline rush, waiting for the
infamous word GO – so I could break out from the
pack and run my race.
Now fast forward to today … Are you on the mark?
Are you in charge of your actions? As future leaders
you have accepted the mantle of responsibility of
going the extra mile, doing what many only think
about, and few will actually accomplish, which is to
stretch and go the extra mile to win the race.
The Memphis Challenge TEAM TREK
experience was an opportunity that I am proud
to say the senior Memphis Challengers embraced.
They were on their mark. Committing an entire
Saturday from 7:30 a.m - 4:00 p.m. to learn more
about themselves and their fellow Challengers.
One-hundred percent responsibility was the
essence of this experience, and you demonstrated
your understanding and acceptance of this value
and its importance in your life.
Each of you embraced the challenge, contributed
to the process and pushed to the end. It was a most
rewarding experience to witness the transformation
of your ideas into movable vehicles, on time, and
within budget. Now as we get ready for the last 30
days of school and final decisions are made about
college, let us not forget to persevere to the end in
our class work and projects that will reap long term
rewards. Run your race.
I N S PIRING
A N D
O
On February 24, our senior MC
Class of 2007 arrived at East High
School expecting anything and
everything. For a majority of us, Team Trek
was a mystery. Ideas and stories floated
around as we patiently waited for breakfast.
Little did we know
that by the end of
the day, we would
connect individually
and as a class. With
the help of Conrad
Lehfeldt, Team Trek
Director of School
and Community
Programs, we
confidently undertook
the most important
mission of our lives:
becoming certified
parachute packers.
Upon arrival,
many of us could
think of nothing more
than the sleep we were
depriving of attention. Who decided
to start at 7:30 am?
But within moments,
Mr. Lehfeldt made us
feel welcomed and
relaxed. Once everyone was situated, we took
the time to get to know each other better.
Though we have been a group for several
months, many of us didn’t know each other
well. We reluctantly embraced the task of
picking an animal that best exemplified who
we are as individuals. Almost instantaneously,
our class’ diverse attributes were evident.
Among the numerous qualities were athletic,
intelligent, artistic, and wise. Despite the array
DE V E LO P I NG
F U T U R E
of animals, we all had one thing in common
– we are ambitious leaders.
Being a leader, we soon learned, is more
than taking the lead. A leader must not only
initiate action but also be a listener, a mentor,
a motivator, compassionate and so many
more things. The most
important of these items,
however, is being able
to exercise 100%
responsibility. By doing
so we can attain true
freedom: the knowledge
to do not just what we
want, but what ought to
be done!
This last detail led
us to discover a new
leadership trait – the
parachute packer. What?!
At first many of us were
confused. What does a
parachute packer have to
do with leadership? The
answer, as we soon found
out, was everything.
A parachute packer is
an individual whose
leadership allows not
only him/herself, but
also others to succeed. A
parachute packer leads by example and is
accountable to those in his/her care. In order
to fully understand the concept, it was
necessary to understand that leadership has
nothing to do with position.
What makes a great parachute packer?
Together we compiled a list of traits: a
parachute packer listens, is humble,
persistent, motivational, empathetic,
Continued on page 2
ME MP H I S
LEAD ER S
Parachute Packers (continued from page 1)
dependable, honest, caring, respectful, friendly,
shares, is trustworthy, trusting, virtuous,
enthusiastic, selfless, confident, open-minded,
innovative, charismatic, intellectual,
determined, integral, supportive, encouraging,
not jealous, consistent, competent, passionate,
responsible, hard working, goes the extra mile,
wise, a teacher, friend, loving, protective,
independent, concerned, a visionary, rational
and is a genuine person. A parachute packer
does not seek credit for accomplishments and
appreciates the success of others. BUT most of
all, a parachute packer understands that though
they are not responsible for all the things that
happen in life, they are accountable for their
reaction. Therefore, a parachute packer does
not blame others for downfalls, and remains
positive even through arduous times.
To more adequately test our version of
parachute packing, Mr. Lehfeldt gave us a
mission: build a car and sell it with confidence.
At first, it seemed nearly impossible. The most
important piece of advice Mr. Lehfeldt offered
was begin with the goal in mind. He provided
us with “ART: Team Problem Solving Process,”
a three-step process that utilizes the ability to
maintain good attitudes, build relationships
and complete tasks efficiently. Using these
techniques, we were able to focus on our goal;
exhaust our group’s talents, and develop lasting
comraderie within our teams and our class.
Accomplishing the mission taught us
about our own abilities and those of our
classmates. Each group built a car – some better
than others – but we learned something way
more important. Being a parachute packer is
synonymous with being a true leader. Through
the course of the day, we learned though we
may not always be perfect leaders, we can
always strive to be the best we can be. This
means learning from all our experiences. We
began the day with personal goals and a team
mission but by collaborating and utilizing each
other’s strengths, the Memphis Challenge Class
of 2007 emerged a harmonious team of leaders,
aspiring parachute packers!
Freedom Riders
Sherie Byrd, MC Class of 2006, Vanderbilt University
I
n January, I had the honor of
commemorating the Freedom Riders of
1961. Four buses loaded with media,
college students from the Nashville area, and
six of the original freedom riders departed
Vanderbilt University to retrace the journey
that took place 46 years ago. On the road
toward Montgomery, Alabama, the riders spoke
about their experiences during the Civil Rights
Movement. Diane Nash spoke first. During
her time at Fisk, Nash found it humiliating that
blacks in downtown Nashville were restricted
from eating inside restaurants. She immediately
decided to take action against this injustice.
After attending the nonviolent workshops of
James Lawson, she became the leader of the
Nashville Christian Leadership Council – the
organization responsible for the 1960 sit-ins.
She stressed that sit-ins were always planned
months in advance of when they occurred. The
students had to anticipate problems, educate
on nonviolence, appoint spokespeople and
dress appropriately according to their “wellgroomed” policy. Because the sit-ins would
attract media coverage, they wanted to project a
certain image of dignified people.
A group of young adults, including Nash,
founded SNCC (Student Nonviolent
Coordinating Committee) in 1960. Through
this organization, Nash became the leader of
the freedom rides that departed from Nashville.
The CORE (Congress of Racial Equality)
commenced the first ride on May 4, 1961, with
13 black and white riders in Washington, D.C.
But after bombings and brutal attacks in
Anniston, AL, the ride was cancelled. Diane
Nash and Congressman John Lewis, one of
the original 13 riders, fought back with the
argument that “we could not allow the threat of
violence to stop a nonviolent campaign.”
Determined to continue the movement that
would make authorities enforce the Supreme
Court ruling declaring segregated seating on
interstate bus travel illegal, the second wave of
freedom riders left Nashville on May 14, 1961.
The freedom riders were prepared to face
death, beatings, and imprisonment. On the
night before the rides, they were told to write
notes to their loved ones in the event they were
killed. The worst attack came in Montgomery,
AL. As my bus approached this terminal,
I felt as if I had traveled back in time.
Congressman Lewis described his experience as
we looked on:
“When we arrived at the station, it was so
quiet it was eerie,” he said. But the silence ended
as the riders descended the stairs. An angry
mob of over a thousand rushed towards them
with lead pipes, bricks, and stones.
“They beat us up against a wall, and we
were left lying in a pool of blood,” continued
Lewis. Jim Zwerg, the only white rider, was
beaten severely.
“I remember the absolute hatred in their
eyes. I was pulled over a railing and thrown to
the ground. And as I got to all fours to try to
get back to the group, I was kicked in my spine.
That’s when I had three vertebrae broken. I was
thrown on my back, and a boot came down in
my face. And that’s the last thing that I
remember,” said Zwerg.
I learned that nonviolence is more than
turning the other cheek. It is a philosophy and
way of life that stems from love. Lewis made it
The Challenger
Page Two
April 2007
Sherie Byrd with Freedom Rider Diane Nash
very clear that he had neither ill will nor malice
towards the people who beat him unconscious.
“Hate is too heavy a burden to bear,” he said.
Nash also made it clear that when they were
trying to decide how to act, they would ask the
question, “Is this the loving thing to do?”
Unfortunately, the freedom riders never
made it to New Orleans because they were
jailed. However, with their nonviolent direct
action, they did accomplish their primary
goal of desegregating interstate bus travel. The
passion, dedication, and commitment of these
young people changed America forever.
After seeing the historic sites such as the
Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church
and the Birmingham Civil Rights Museum and
listening to the stories of the actual freedom
riders, we were all encouraged to somehow
make a difference in our world. Lewis desired
that the 2007 Freedom Ride would “renew,
inspire and encourage people to take a page
from the past and apply it to your own life.”
Now it’s your turn.
The March for Life By Brittney Bibbs, MC Class of 2007, Bishop Byrne High School
Earlier this year, 30 Bishop Byrne High School students and three teacher/
chaperones boarded a bus to embark on a pilgrimage. This pilgrimage consisted of a
14-hour bus ride to Washington D.C., where ambitious students would take part in
several activities mainly the March for Life.
The March for Life is an annual event in which thousands travel to Washington
D.C., to march for those unwanted children who have been murdered by abortion. The
“Memphis 33” journeyed to be altruistic witnesses to the deadly and immoral truth of
the Roe v. Wade decision on January 22, 1973, which legalized abortion in America.
Since the legalization of abortion, millions of fetuses have been stripped from their
mother’s wombs in the developing stages. This selfish act is seen by many as a mere act
of a woman’s freedom to have or not have children. But, the underlying truth is this
decision is not and can not be a simple decision of a woman; it is murder. The number
one eradicator of the African-American race in recent years? Abortion. It is not only
an immoral act but it’s also genocide of the African-American race and to all
Americans. African American women are not the only women having abortions, but
they do make up the vast majority. It seems as though we are killing more children
than we are having and that is a horrifying idea, in the “posterity” of the human race.
We toured our nation’s capital and visited memorials and monuments. We took part in a Youth Rally and then began the actual March from
The Capitol Building to The Supreme Court. In front of The Supreme Court, women that had abortions and not only regretted their actions but
also continued to suffer from guilt, shared their stories and warned about the lasting effects of a procedure that only lasts a few minutes. There
were even men who mourned their loss of the chance to be a father, because they did not stop their female partner from having the abortion. The
sad reality of abortion is that many are totally uninformed and have no idea of the truth behind abortion. Postpartum depression and even breast
cancer are some effects women have suffered.
After taking part in the March, I see the importance of taking a stand for life. If we allow others to kill our own children, we lose our very future.
This article is the opinion of the writer and not necessarily the opinion of The Memphis Challenge.
From South Memphis to the UK: A Journey to Remember
By Clytisa Drinkwater, MC Class of 2007, Central High School
A
s I sat in the small window seat of the
plane, I cried. I don’t know if my tears
were from joy, fear, or stress. For the
past two weeks, I had been extremely busy
preparing for what would be an adventure
of a lifetime. It was real! I was on my way to
New York as a participant in the Merrill Lynch
Fellowship. Although I was very psyched, no
amount of excitement could’ve prepared me for
this highlight in my life. Over the course of two
weeks, I laughed, cried and experienced things
that will stay with me forever.
The Merrill Lynch Atlantic Fellowship is a
cross-cultural study abroad program that was
started by Merrill’s CEO, Stanley O’Neal. It is
geared towards minorities from underserved
areas of the United States and the United
Kingdom. The purpose of the Fellowship is to
give those individuals the chance to not only
learn about business and finance, but to explore
the topics through hands-on experience. I
learned about the world of business, but
more so, I learned about myself and gained
invaluable life lessons.
My week began with a two-day retreat to
a team building camp, Project U.S.E., in Red
Bank, New Jersey. At camp, I built my own tent,
started my own fire and most importantly,
participated in activities to strengthen my
leadership and teamwork skills. These skills
proved necessary during the Fellowship.
After Project U.S.E., it was off to the busy
streets of New York City as a business and
finance “intern.” I met with the most prominent
employees at Merrill Lynch, including Stanley
O’Neal. I also had courses in business etiquette,
career document writing and interviewing
skills. In our downtime, we visited the New
York Mercantile Exchange, the Museum of
American Finance, Columbia University, the
United Nations and Times Square. Before I had
a chance to digest my week in New York, it was
off to London for part two of my adventure.
In the UK, we met with the London wing
of Merrill Lynch and received rigorous financial
training from some of London’s finest. We also
visited the British Museum, the London Eye,
the House of Commons and the US Embassy.
I enjoyed viewing The Lion King at Lyceum
Theatre and Antony & Cleopatra at the world
famous Globe Theatre.
Although I truly enjoyed every aspect of
the Fellowship, my favorite part was getting to
know and make life-long friendships with 18
The Challenger
Page Three
April 2007
spectacular students from the US and UK.
We were of various races, religious
preferences, and backgrounds, but we were
a unit for two weeks. Bob Wieczorek, a tutor
from 7City Learning, gave all of the participants
a toy airplane made out of a hundred dollar
bill, because “our careers are going to soar.”
And I agree, because of this experience I have
the knowledge and confidence to soar above
the clouds.
aise
ais
a
ise
Props & Praise
Recognizing the achievements of Memphis Challengers
Kenya Bradshaw, MC Class of 1994, was
appointed by Governor Phil Bresden to the
Tennessee Center for Diabetes Prevention
and Health Improvement Board of Trustees.
She also accepted a position as Community
Development and Planning Specialist with The
Urban Child Institute in Memphis.
Timothy Howze (Central), MC Class of 2007,
won second place in at the Annual Regional
Science Olympiad hosted by Christian Brothers
University.
selected to participate in the 2007 Memphis in
May Student Exchange to Spain.
Brittney Bibbs (Bishop Byrne), MC Class
of 2007, was recently recognized in The
Commercial Appeal as a First Tennessee
Academic All-Star.
Robert Cheeks (Dartmouth), MC Class of
2003, served as emcee for the annual MLK
celebration at Dartmouth College. The keynote
speaker was Harry Belafonte.
Upcoming Events
APR
10
Mock Interviews (seniors)
Russell Montgomery/OI Partners
5050 Poplar Ave, Suite 2121
5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
APR
14
MC Day of Service
9 a.m. - 12 noon
Memphis Food Bank Warehouse
1269 Heistan Place
APR
20
MC Class of 2008
Application Deadline
APR
23
Toastmasters Youth Leadership Program
& All Shook Up Celebration Reception
Memphis Area Association of Realtors
6393 Poplar Ave
6:00 p.m.
APR
30
Senior Pictures and Scholarship
Information Due
Mission:
The Memphis Challenge endeavors
to reach outstanding Memphis-area minority students,
assist them in attaining admission to nationally
recognized colleges and universities, and place them in
internships with Memphis-area firms. The ultimate goal
is for these students to accept the Memphis Challenge
and return to Memphis in the future as community
leaders.
Brandon Asemah (Middle College) 2007 Junior
MC, is the inaugural President of the newly
formed Shelby Farms Youth Alliance. He was
recently featured on National Public Radio and
the Memphis Health and Fitness Journal.
Ashleigh Taylor (White Station) 2007 Junior
MC, is a regional finalist for the NAACP
ACT-SO Oratorical Contest after receiving
First Place Bronze Winner. In July, she will
complete in the national competition in
Detroit.
Keiondra Harris (Central), MC Class of 2007,
participated in the University of Memphis
Honor Band, received a $1,000 scholarship
and traveled to San Antonio with the band to
perform in The Alamo Showcase of Music.
T. Christopher Thomas (Houston), 2007
Junior MC, and Keadrea Wilson (Whitehaven),
MC Class of 2007, were among 16 students
Daijia Shields (City University School of
Liberal Arts), 2007 Junior MC, through the
Memphis Rotary Prep Program, will attend
Cushing Academy in Massachusetts this
summer.
Robert Cheeks with Harry Belafonte
M
C
emphis
hallenge
The Memphis Challenge
516 Tennessee Street, Suite 129
Memphis, TN 38103
901.312.9620 901.312.9624 fax
www.memphischallenge.org