Knoxville civil rights leader Avon Rollins Sr. passed away Wednesday

Local civil rights leader Avon Rollins Sr., the Knoxville native who led protests in the 1960s when he was in college, passed away Wednesday. He was 74.

Rollins, who worked to get African-Americans access to businesses downtown, explained his role to WBIR's Bill Williams in a 2006 interview: "We were students at the University of Tennessee. I was, along with Marion Barry.  And we joined forces with students from Knoxville College. And we began to demonstrate at the theaters downtown, principally at the Tennessee and the Bijou.  Probably hundreds of people were put in jail as a result of the demonstrations."

Rollins was a founding member of the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee. He later took part on the 1963 march on Washington.

Last year, state lawmakers dedicated the Cherry Street overpass on Interstate 40 to Rollins.

At the dedication, Rollins had this to say about his legacy, "I have an Avon-ism says that my ears do not hear what you say because my eyes see what you do. And I try to live a life so others can see the good things I try to accomplish and try to do."

Incoming state House Rep. Rick Staples posted a tribute to Rollins late Wednesday night on his Facebook page. Staples' post reads:

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Avon Rollins. He was an extraordinary man, who believed in making this country better, for all those who live here. We will remember all that he has done for our community, and the countless sacrifices he has made as well."

Others who have weighed in:

Robert Booker: “I’m saddened to hear about the death of my friend Avon Rollins. He was an outspoken leader who spent his life making our community a better place. My prayers are with his family. I've known Avon since the early sixties, since right after he graduated high School.  I’m pleased with what he did with the Beck Center, how he was able to get money to add the additions to make it more useable to the community.”

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett: “I’m saddened to hear about the death of my friend Avon Rollins. He was an outspoken leader who spent his life making our community a better place. My prayers are with his family.”

Madeline Rogero: "Avon Rollins was a great champion for civil rights, in Knoxville and nationally. He was a leader as a University of Tennessee student, fighting for desegregation here, and he helped found the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, which fueled the civil-rights movement nationally. Avon believed strongly in preserving and interpreting African-American history and culture, and he was a guiding force at the Beck Cultural Exchange Center for decades. I’m personally saddened by the loss of my friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and many, many friends.”

Knoxville Area Urban League president Phyllis Nichols: “It’s hard to have a conversation about the civil rights movement in Knoxville without mentioning the name of Avon Rollins. Dating back to 1963 and the iconic photo of Rollins lying in front of the Tennessee Theatre protesting segregation, the ‘face’ of civil rights in our area often has included this remarkable servant leader. He will be missed, but his legacy will endure. The Knoxville Area Urban League is committed to promoting the equality and empowerment for which he fought.” 

Staples, Gallman on Inside Tenn.

Staples, left, Gallman, on right

Candidates running for the East Knoxville district formerly represented by ex-longtime state House member Joe Armstrong are the focus of this Sunday’s edition of Inside Tennessee on WBIR 10news.

The 30-minute political show kicks off at 9:30 a.m. and features two of the three challengers vying for the 15^th District seat.

Guests include Rick Staples and write-in candidate Rhonda “Mousie” Gallman, both Democrats.
Independent challenger Pete Drew did not show up for the discussion.

Armstrong officially retired in September in the wake of his federal felony tax evasion conviction and just days before the Tennessee General Assembly met for a special session.

A jury in August found the long-time East Knoxville Democrat guilty of filing a false and fraudulent tax return, but declined to convict him on two other charges - conspiracy to defraud the United States, and attempting to evade and defeat taxes.

His sentencing is set for Nov. 30.

Armstrong has since appealed and is seeking a new trial.

However, he can no longer represent the 15^th District in the state House or hold any other public office because of the conviction.

As a result, the Knox County Democratic Party picked Staples to replace him in the Nov. 8 general election. He faces Gallman and Drew.

Staples and Gallman on Inside Tennessee will talk about a number of issues, including what they liked that Armstrong did; how they would improve upon some of the issues he spearheaded; and what they would do about a potential gas tax, something Gov. Bill Haslam has pushed.

The panel features moderator John Becker, WBIR reporter Mike Donila, public relations expect Susan Williams, a Republican, and attorney Don Bosch, a Democrat.

Armstrong seeks acquittal or new trial in federal tax evasion case

State Rep. Joe Armstrong is asking that a federal judge toss his felony tax evasion conviction or at least grant him a new trial.

A jury earlier this month found the long-time East Knoxville Democrat guilty of filing a false and fraudulent tax return, but declined to convict him on two other charges - conspiracy to defraud the United States, and attempting to evade and defeat taxes.

In court records filed Monday by Armstrong’s defense team, his attorney noted that the jury’s verdict was “inconsistent.”

MORE: Renewed motion for judgment of acquittal or new trial

Lawyer Gregory P. Isaacs said the jury shouldn’t have found him guilty of filing a false tax return if it acquitted him on attempting to evade and defeat taxes.

Isaacs argued that courts in cases where a defendant is charged with both "attempted evasion" and "filing a false return," then prosecutors “must show some distinct facts between the two in order to submit both charges to the jury.”

“In this instant case, the United States did not show any differentiation in the factual basis supporting Court Two and Count Three, rather one narrative of alleged conduct premised upon identical evidence and proof,” Isaac’s motion filed in U.S. District Court states.

Prosecutors, who have said they will seek prison time for Armstrong, have not responded to the motion.

During his week-long trial, the government contended that the 14-term state representative used his position to buy state cigarette tax stamps before an increase was passed by the state Legislature. He then sold them for a profit – about $321,000 – but failed to report tens of thousands of dollars of the income on his 2008 tax returns, prosecutors said.

The government said Armstrong worked in conjunction with his Kentucky-based accountant to hide the money from the IRS by funneling it through one of his accountant’s businesses.

The accountant, Charles Stivers, had pleaded guilty for conspiracy to defraud the United States and prosecutors offered him leniency to testify against Armstrong.

In his motion, Isaacs said the District Court “should give significant weight to the impeachment” of Stivers including “his repeated inconsistencies and false statements.”

“Based upon the credibility of Mr. Stivers, the District Court should totally disregard all of his testimony, leaving insufficient evidence to establish Mr. Armstrong acted willfully,” the motion states.

As a result of his conviction, the Knox County Democratic Party picked Rick Staples to replace Armstrong in the November general election for the 15^th District House seat. He faces independent Pete Drew.

Armstrong’s sentencing is set for Nov. 30.

Staples picked to replace Democrat Armstrong in state House race

The Knox County Democrats last night picked Rick Staples to replace state Rep. Joe Armstrong in the race for the 15th District House seat.

Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you should know that Armstrong was recently found guilty of filing a false tax return, which is a felony, which means he's no longer in contention for the seat he's held for 28 years.

Anyhoo, it came down to Staples, who's lost two local races, Armstrong's wife, LeTonia, and former Knoxville Mayor and City Councilman Dan Brown.

Staples will take on independent Pete Drew in the November general election.