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Tuesday, December 09, 2008

A Dynasty Is Being Built

Talk about a chip off the old block. This man is just like his father. I am now convinced more than ever, the big fallout between Kenneth Whalum Sr. and his son was simply a passing of the torch. The father didn't want his son's leadership to be in the shadow of his own. So they had to make his departure controversial or less than smooth to say the least. The late Kenneth Whalum Sr. left his mark in the Memphis community. The son has some big shoes to fill. But he's up for the challenge.

I had a chance to talk with Kenneth Whalum Jr. about his push for a police academy in the Memphis City Schools. I could tell he hadn't been challenged on his position before. This young baptist preacher has the ability to move a black crowd. Even when it's in the wrong direction. I don't see where it will help our crime situation now, but I understand what he is doing. Just like his father had a strong following at the U.S. Postal Service here in Memphis. They have even renamed the main local facility in his honor. His son is aiming for the same thing with the police department. Can you imagine the weight it would carry if Jr. had this same standing with the MPD? A Whalum dynasty is being built.

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