The 30th Annual Prestigious Stone Awards: An Interview with Ms. Tina Byrd
Local & National News | October 16, 2025 | 5:25 p.m. CDT

Edited: October 18, 2025 | 12:30 p.m. CDT

Written by: Gilbert Barnes Carter III

It was an absolute pleasure to interview the impressive Ms. Tina Byrd ahead of the 30th Annual Stone Awards ceremony on Saturday, October 18 at 5:00 p.m. at the Bartlett Performing Arts Center, 3663 Appling Road. Ms. Byrd, also known by her performance name, "Lovely Chyna", is a very talented actress and songstress. Her presence and service have been two of the best aspects of the awards show ceremonies for the past 13 years. 

1. How do you serve as a member of the Stone Awards family? Why are you compelled to serve? 

"I serve as a senior committee member for the House of Mtenzi. I am also the lead Stone Awards ceremonies hostess and correspondent for the House of Mtenzi and the Stone Awards. I have been featured during local radio and television news interviews to share about the amazing activities that we have through the annual Stone Awards festivities and the House of Mtenzi programming." 

"Now Gil, I love when someone asks the following question because my heart flutters. I always become overjoyed when I share my reasons for why I am compelled to serve. I was just an adolescent when I first saw what real service is. My grandmother, Ms. Dorothea Tidwell, showed me how to serve every day. She showed me what service looks like. I saw her serve at home with family members and friends and in church. That is all that I saw when I was with her. I saw that everywhere I went with her. I saw how her service prompted people to smile in return. I saw how the reciprocation made her happy which made my heart happy. May she rest in peace."

"I am compelled to serve because I see it as an opportunity to uplift others and contribute to a greater purpose. In serving, we not only support those in need, but also discover our own inner passions and strengths. For me, it is a journey that fosters connections, ignites hope, and inspires growth. I believe that the essence of service lies in our shared humanity and the profound impact that we can have on the lives of one another. Each act of kindness, no matter how 'small', has the potential to create ripples of change that extend far beyond our immediate surroundings. So with that being said, we have to continue to inspire each other through acts of service. We have to remind ourselves that every effort counts in making this world a better place. We must keep the spirit of service alive! Whether it is through lending support to a friend, simply sharing a smile, or volunteering, we have to remember that every action counts!"

"My grandmother, Ms. Dorothea Tidwell, showed me how to serve every day. She showed me what service looks like. I saw her serve at home with family members and friends and in church. That is all that I saw when I was with her." - Ms. Tina Byrd

2. A specific stigma in Memphis is how community leaders operate in factions or silos. How do the Stone Awards committee members facilitate the festivities without creating competition and/or minimizing the impact and visibility from other community-based awards show ceremonies?

"I must say that we certainly do not operate out of competition nor isolation. The Stone Awards is definitely not designed as another faction or silo. The following quote by Brother Cam Mtenzi is the perfect description of our work for over 30 years. 'The Stone Awards is built on the mix of unity, moral commitments, community involvements, economic empowerment, development, and the spiritual vibe of the Most High God's spiritual fruits which are LOVE, JOY, PEACE, KINDNESS, PATIENCE, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, and SELF-CONTROL.' We became established in 1989. We are still going strong to this exact moment in 2025. We now honor leaders from eight states. That fact is one of the clear indications of the high level at which we operate as a family."

"We became established in 1989. We are still going strong to this exact moment in 2025. We now honor leaders from eight states. That fact is one of the clear indications of the high level at which we operate as a family." - Ms. Tina Byrd

3. Who are the distinguished Stone Awards honorees this year? What is the Stone Awards honoree selection criteria?

"I am so ecstatic to announce just some of the amazing and phenomenal foot soldiers, leaders, legends, and trailblazers for the 30th Annual Prestigious Stone Awards!"

(Please send a message to livein3d@3dhomemanagement.biz with the keyword "STONES" on the subject line to request to receive the complete list of Stone Awards honorees this year.)

Shelby County Commissioner Henri Brooks (Lifetime Achievement Stone Award)

Legendary Art Gilliam (Book Author Stone Award)

Legendary Stan Bell (Lifetime Achievement Stone Award)

Dr. David Acey and Mrs. Yvonne Acey (Stones-In-Selma Civil Rights Award)

The 87th Anniversary of the Jubilee Hummingbirds. . .

Honorees from Selma, Alabama who served as foot soldiers during "Bloody Sunday". . .

Mr. Kirk Carrington 

Ms. Annie Pearl Avery

Mr. Joseph Smitherman

Ms. Ruth Brown Anthony

Selma City Councilman Michael Johnson 

Honorees from Tulsa, Oklahoma. . . 

Mr. Bobby Eaton, Jr.

Honorees from Little Rock, Arkansas. . .

The late Ms. Thelma Mothershed-Wair

It is important to note that Mother Thelma Mothershed-Wair will be honored as a distinguished honoree posthumously.

"The selection criteria is based on a careful review of the respective biographies of the prospective honorees by representatives with the Ma' and 9 Mustard Seeds charitable foundation. The body of work of each prospective honoree is reviewed. Their levels of commitment, community service, and leadership are major factors. Their moral compasses must be cemented in a sure foundation to receive consideration as well. The Ma' and 9 Mustard Seeds representatives make the final decisions."

4. What are three great facts about the Stone Awards that Memphians should know?

"First, the Stone Awards honors the outstanding achievements of individual trailblazers, heroes, sheroes, legends activists, and local artists who have made a significant impact in our beloved Memphis and surrounding areas. From community leaders to civil rights leaders, these awards are symbols for those who are dedicated to making our city a better place. It is a celebration of passion, hard work, and a spirit of giving back. When we recognize these trailblazers, we inspire others to dream big and take action."

"Second, the Stone Awards is not just about recognition. It is also about connections. The ceremonies bring together diverse voices and talents from all walks of life, creating a vibrant atmosphere of collaboration and inspiration."

"Third, the Stone Awards reminds us of the power of perseverance and resilience. Every honoree has a unique journey filled with challenges and triumphs proving that hard work pays off. Now, let us celebrate these remarkable individuals and take their stories to heart. Whether you are attending as a curious spectator, nominee, or a supporter, remember that you are part of something bigger - a movement that uplifts and empowers. Now let us keep the ENERGY HIGH and THE SPIRIT OF MEMPHIS ALIVE!"

The 30th Annual Prestigious Stone Awards festivites include the House of Mtenzi Fundraising Event and Pre-Party at K3 Studio Cafe, 1130 South Third Street, at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, October 17; the "Stones-In-Selma" Q & A Panelist Session ahead of the Stone Awards ceremony at the Bartlett Performing Arts Center, 3663 Appling Road, at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 18; and a fantastic photo shoot and reenactment of the monumental Memphis Sanitation Workers' strike that took place in 1968 at the W.C. Handy Park pavillion, 200 Beale Street, at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 19.

Photo Credits:

Header Photo by: Mr. Cam Mtenzi / Mr. Stanley Campbell

Body Photo (1) by: Mr. Cam Mtenzi / Mr. Stanley Campbell

Body Photo (2) by: Mr. Cam Mtenzi / Mr. Stanley Campbell

Body Photo (3) by: Ms. Tina Byrd

Body Photo (4) by: Ms. Tina Byrd

Gilbert Barnes Carter III is a Memphis-based author, child welfare advocate, community organizer, emerging farmer, gardener, journalist, and social justice advocate. He began his social justice advocacy and work by serving as a Shelby County Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) Board volunteer in 2005. He has worked since then to effectuate change for low-wage, immigrant, and migrant workers as a Temporary Workers Campaign Manager with Workers Interfaith Network; an advocate for Teamsters Local 667 sanitation workers; and a community / field organizer to uphold blight reduction, efficient public mass transit, environmental justice, food access, food justice, food security, narrative change, and public safety.