Elite News 5 12 17 final

E

VOL 5GNO. e t19 N at i o n a l , S tat e a n d Devoted To the Truth -The Whole Truth and Nothing But The Truth

L owww.texasmetronews.com c a l S p o r t s , W e at h e r

and

lite new The Official Voice of the Church and Community

The Spoken Word is Like The Air -- But The Printed World is Always There

S

N e w FEBRUARY s U p d at15, e s2017

Telling it like it is!

Happy Mother’s Day

Nobody Covers the Metroplex Like the Elite News

In loving memory

Mrs. Mozelle Jordan Blair

May 12, 2017

Mrs. Etta Mae White Fite

Mrs. Cora Blair

See Inside Mother’s p 11 Happy Mother’s Day Mrs. Catherine Palmer Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

(Proverbs 31:28-39) Celebrating the release of Chibok girls MAY 12, 2017

issuu.com/bitsandpieces

Mrs. Lillian Jordan

Volume 62 Issue 20

Mrs. Barbara Suber Blair

Police National Week MAY 14-21 Election Results, p. 4

See You At Church This Sunday

1

62 YEARS OF SERVING THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

What Do We Have To Lose? Environmental Protections

In just the first 100 days of his presidency, President Donald Trump has shown ample disregard for environmental justice and protection. In a short period of time, the president made clear his agenda—anti-climate, anti-science, and anti-fact. The current Administration has already taken significant steps, in lock-step with Congressional Republicans, to roll back and erase the progress made by the Obama Administration to protect our health, our public lands, and our precious environment.

Since taking office, President Trump has signed a number of exec-

utive orders reversing many of President Obama’s environmental protections—promoting cleaner air, cleaner water, and more sustainable energy production. The current White House is on a fast-track to overturn decades of progress and set our nation back in the effort to combat climate change.

The Clean Power Plan, which established comprehensive carbon emission standards and put the United States at the forefront of global environmental stewardship, was one of Trump’s first targets. Instead of investing in technological and scientific innovation to make America a leader in greener, cleaner, sustainable energy production and consumption, President Trump has used his office to support the interests of corporations and interests in big oil and dirty coal on the backs of hardworking Americans.

Furthermore, the current Administration has promulgated efforts to expand environmentally detrimental offshore drilling, allow the dumping of mining waste, and potentially force an exit from the 2015 Paris Agreement which brought the world’s powers together in agreement to curb our collective carbon emissions.

The proposed budget goes even further in rejecting evidenced-based policy-making. From proposals to cripple the Environmental Protection Agency and zero-out critical programs at the Department of Energy like ARPA-E, this Administration has abandoned our nation’s effort to protect our planet and be a global leader.

The effect of this Administration’s attack on critical environmental health protections spares none, including Dallas. Despite major improvements

thanks to President Obama’s Clean Power Plan, Dallas still ranks as the 13th most polluted region for harmful ozone in our air throughout Texas and Oklahoma. In fact, the Metroplex is on track to having more than 45,000 asthma attacks by 2025 – a nation-worst.

As recent as 2015, Dallas was ranked the 7th most ozone polluted city in the United States.

The Trump Administration’s blatant disregard toward the health, economic, and national security risks associated with global climate change is shortsighted and will only further endanger Americans’ health, security, and economic stability. While we will all suffer from the consequences of short-sighted federal policy, the heaviest burden is bound to fall on those already marginalized.

Congresswoman Johnson’s statement on the release of Chibok girls

“The most recent news that Boko Haram released 82 Chibok girls would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of advocates from Dallas, the Nigerian Ameri-

2

can community as well as around the world, including the Swiss Government and the Red Cross. Although it is a joyous occasion for these young ladies to be reconnected with their families, my heart and prayers are with the families of the ones who still are waiting for their daughters to return home safely.”

“I urge the Nigerian President and his government to continue their efforts to rescue the remaining missing Chibok girls.”

issuu.com/bitsandpieces

MAY 12, 2017

Debra Blair Abron

FOR YOUR HEALTH

62 YEARS OF SERVING THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

Parkland nurses empower mothers to become confident parents DALLAS – Jessica Herrera knows what it was like to be 19, pregnant and full of questions.

But today, as a registered nurse with Parkland Health & Hospital System’s Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) program, she spends her days allaying some of the same fears she experienced as an expectant first-time mom.

“It was hard being 19 with a newborn.

I was scared and didn’t have anyone who could guide me along the way,” Herrera, who also has her BSN, said. “Now I can be that guide and mentor and provide answers to questions that everyone has but these young women don’t know who to ask.”

Like other healthcare organizations across the U.S., Parkland is celebrating the contributions of its nursing professionals during National Nurses Week May 6-12.

More than 3,500 nurses are employed at Parkland, providing compassionate care and supporting patients and their families as they navigate their healthcare journeys.

The Nurse-Family Partnership is designed to transform the lives of vulnerable first-time moms and their babies. Through ongoing home visits from registered nurses at Parkland, low-income, first-time moms receive the care and support they need to promote healthy pregnancies and help mothers boost their babies’ brain development and language skills so they can be better prepared for school.

Eight Parkland registered nurses, half of whom are bilingual, conduct home visits with first-time moms from pregnancy until the child turns 2 years old. Depending on their stage of pregnancy or the child’s age, visits are conducted weekly, biweekly or once a month. Each nurse carries a caseload of approximately 25 clients. Prior to going in the field, nurses receive a month of preparation studying the program’s protocols before traveling to Denver for a week of in-depth training on how the program works, what they may encounter and how to handle certain situations. While building their case load, supervisors and colleagues are readily available to assist when needed.

The program receives the majority of referrals from Parkland’s 10 Women’s Health Centers located throughout Dallas County.

MAY 12, 2017

Michelle Valdespino, RN, BSN likens her role in the Nurse-Family Partnership as that of a one-on-one version of the book, What to Expect While You’re Expecting.

“Little by little we go through all of the different phases of pregnancy and then what to expect after the baby comes home,” she said. “We discuss everything from labor and delivery to breastfeeding and what to eat to stay healthy. We also talk about the hormonal changes – the mood swings – that come before and after the baby is born.

These are normal pregnancy changes, but we want to make sure mom and dad know what is taking place.”

For Stardette Furlough, RN, BSN, who has been with Parkland’s Nurse-Family Partnership for just over two years, the most rewarding experience is seeing the children grow up and develop.

“I worked in a hospital nursery for several years and we’d see the babies when they were born and after two or three days they’d be discharged. Or, there would be a baby who was hospitalized and after they recovered, they went home and we never saw them again,” Furlough said. “Now I have the opportunity to impact the lives of newborn babies while watching them grow up.”

At a recent reunion of moms, toddlers and their nurses, several clients spoke of the special bond forged during their participation in the program.

“The program is very helpful for a firsttime mom especially during all the different phases that you go through,” said Ariel Hornsby who attended the reunion with her 8-month old daughter, Leira. “It’s nice to have someone to talk to who understands what you’re going through and who can show you the ropes.”

Although the May delivery of his son will mark the arrival of Cleo Ingram’s third child, this is his first with his new love, Chalin Wright. Wright describes herself as an “older mom” who was filled with anxiety and almost didn’t stick with the program, but after an initial meeting with her nurse she immediately signed up.

“Stardette [Furlough] has been incredibly supportive. She’s told me not to be anxious and what I’m feeling is normal,” Wright

said. “But as a first-time mom, I didn’t know what to expect or feel because it’s all new for me. It’s good to have that person who understands and can help you through it.”

The program has provided an added benefit for Ingram, too.

“It’s brought us closer together,” Ingram said of his partner Chalin. “We understand each other more and it’s given me the strength to be more supportive of her and her needs.”

“There are so many stories and positive outcomes from those who have enrolled in the program and stayed with it,” said Beverly Merritt, RN, MS, supervisor of Parkland’s Nurse-Family Partnership. “Dreams really do come true and you see it on the faces of the moms, dads and in the smiles of their babies.”

For more information on the Nurse-Family Partnership program, visit www.nursefamilypartnership.org. For information on services available at Parkland, please visit www.parklandhospital.com

issuu.com/bitsandpieces

ESTABLISHED IN 1960

E

LITE NEW

S

THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

VOLUME 62

EDITION 20

214-372-6500

903-862-4079 fax

Office: 5787 South Hampton Road Dallas, Texas 75232 Suite 340 Management Publisher Debra Blair Abron elitearticles@aol.com

Assistant Publisher Darryl E. Blair Sr.

Administrative Assistant Sherry Christian Leslie White

Sports

Casey”Hott Doc” Blair Production Manager

IM News Group Photojournalist

Derric Taylor North Texas Media Group

Distribution James Gray

Columnists

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Writers

Arielle Johnson Caraway Franklin

Community Calendar: elite.calendar@aol.com Advertisement: elite.production@aol.com Stories: elitearticles@aol.com

Submissions of articles, ads, obituaries, etc., are due to the Elite News every Tuesday by noon. The views and opinions of our columnists do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher or staff of the Elite News.

All checks, money orders or cashier checks made payable to Elite News shall be mailed to 5258 County Rd. 3110 Campbell, Texas 75422. Elite News Accepts all major credit cards and check debit cards.

3

Darryl Blair, Sr.

62 YEARS OF SERVING THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

Suspected Voter Fraud Now Under Criminal Investigation

By Arielle Johnson

As votes were tallied this past weekend for Dallas County, reports of multiple votes having been cast both in person, as well as by mail, started to pour in for Districts 2 and 6.

The numbers were so staggering, it resulted in an order being signed by District Court Judge EmilyTobolowsky to sequester close to 700 mail-in ballots.

Unfortunately, three days later, no determination has been made, as of yet, to determine the rightful incumbents for District 6. In fact, a criminal investigation, involving research by a forensic lab, is now underway, to determine who is responsible for this egregious act.

Mary Milam, a resident of Westmoreland Heights became suspicious when she received a mail-in ballot she had not requested.

Milam decided to reach out to the Dallas County Elections Office, and what she heard next, shocked her.

The elections office representative told her she filled out an application requesting an absentee ballot, and it was witnessed by someone named Jose Rodriguez.

Milam started to compare notes with her neighbors and discovered there were others in her neighborhood, who were also a bit perplexed, by these unrequested mail-in ballots they received from the county.

One neighbor, by the name of Dr. Pat Stephens recalls having an encounter with the “so-called” Jose Rodriguez and says when he approached her, he stated he was no longer working for Monica Alonzo, but one of her oppo-

EvEry ONE IS IMPOrTANT. You can help keep your child healthy with regular checkups and vaccines.

Every one is important. And they’re free with Children’s Medicaid.

Your child will also get other health benefits like free prescription drugs, dental care, eye exams, and glasses. Even rides to and from the doctor or dentist’s office.

Call today or visit our website to apply.

www.CHIPmedicaid.org 1-877-KIDS-NOW ChildrEn with MEdiCAid CAn gEt frEE ridEs to thE doCtor or dEntist ’s offiCE. CAll 1-877-MEd -triP to lEArn MorE.

4

issuu.com/bitsandpieces

nents.

However, when she asked him for his identification, he refused. Police were later called to the scene, but so far Mr. Rodriguez has not been found.

In many states, mail-in ballots, also known as absentee votes are allowed for all registered voters.

However, in the State of Texas, mail-in ballots are only offered to the elderly, disabled, voters who are not able to be present on election day, or early voting and eligible voters who are incarcerated.

If you meet the criteria, you then fill out an application, and a vote by mail ballot to be sent to you.

Only one vote can be entered per individual, otherwise it is considered voter fraud and may result in one receiving a fine, and/or jail time.

Re-elected City Councilman Philip Kingston stated on WFAA's Inside Texas Politics, what we are calling voter fraud, is possibly a case of the county mailing ballots to voters who had already voted by mail.

The situation described herein, is much more serious and involves forged signatures, with the name 'Jose Rodriguez' showing up repeatedly as a witness to the voters' requests for a mail-in ballots.

As it stands now, given the tight race in District 6, and a recount of votes due to voter fraud, a runoff between Mayor Pro Tem Monica Alonzo and Omar Narvaez will have to take place to determine who will occupy the City Councilman seat for District 6.

Adam Medrano will remain as City Councilman for District 2 as a result of more than 1,700 votes as compared to his competitor, Brian Ostrander.

Credits: Dallas Morning News, Fox 4 News and WFAA's Inside Texas Politics In other elections for Dallas County, Dwaine Caraway will occupy the council seat for South Oak Cliff in District 4.

MAY 12, 2017

62 YEARS OF SERVING THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY MINISTER OF THE WEEK

Bexar Street May Member Of the Month

Rev. David E Wilson

Greater Cornerstone Baptist Church 8350 Forest Ln Dallas, TX 75243

CHURCH WOMAN OF THE WEEK People’s Baptist Church Rev. S.M. Wright Pastor

Mr. Carl Simon

Deacon Ministry Finance Committee Favorite Song: “I Don’t Know What I would Do Without the Lord” Favorite Scripture: John 3:16

Mrs. Doris Ann Boulden,

Mother, I salute you on this Mother's Day Your husband Rev. William Boulden and children Michael, Angela, Tamara, Eric, Charles, and Missy.

A mother, a Christian, a lady that has love, We honor you, a member of People's Baptist Church

Mrs. Doris Ann Boulden

Rev. S.M. Wright, Pastor

Essential Candles of Nature

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Essential Candles of Nature Essential Candles of Nature

May 20 Family Fun Day 05-20-2017-2PM -5PM 3534 East Berry Street, Fort Worth, TX, May 31 We need you!! The community needs an extremely large presence at the follow-up hearing for 3006 Holmes. At the last hearing, begrudgingly, Judge Dale Tillery decided to suspend the financial civil penalties of $125 per day for the 4,801 violations. In addition, the owner was given 30 more days to do ad-

Natural hand soy candles with a long Naturalpoured hand poured soy wax wax candles with a long burn, scented withessential essential oils for a touch clean burn,clean scented with oils forofa touch of Aromatherapy! For those who prefer not to burn candles Aromatherapy! who not to with burn candles we alsoFor offer those wax melts.

Our prefer products are poured love! we also offer wax Our products are poured Natural handmelts. poured soy wax candles with with a long Visit us at Http://essentialcandlesnature.com love! essential oils for a touch of clean burn, scented with Buy 5 and get one free! at prefer not to burn candles Aromatherapy! For Visit thoseus who we alsoHttp://essentialcandlesnature.com offer wax melts. Our products are poured with Buy 5 and get one free! love!

Visit us at Http://essentialcandlesnature.com Buy 5 and get one free!

MAY 12, 2017

PHOTO OF THE PAST

issuu.com/bitsandpieces

ditional repairs. The Judge also expressed that “it does not have to be perfect,” in reference to the repairs. This is after the owner failed to comply on numerous accounts. We are praying that a large showing will influence the Judge to finally hold the owner accountable for his failure to provide a safe and viable place to live. Moreover, this showing will, hopefully, make the Judge think twice about his conduct and commitment to uphold the law during proceedings. Therefore, we need at least 100 peopleto pack this courtroom and represent the community’s intolerance toward illegal activity and injustice.

5

62 YEARS OF SERVING THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

6

issuu.com/bitsandpieces

MAY 12, 2017

62 YEARS OF SERVING THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

MAY 12, 2017

issuu.com/bitsandpieces

7 

Don’t Meddle with Medicare’s Prescription Drug Benefit

By Joel White

Seema Verma, the new administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, recently praised Medicare’s prescription drug benefit for giving seniors access to affordable medicines, saying she was “thankful” for the program.

There’s a lot to be thankful for. Medicare Part D, as the drug benefit is known, provides seniors with huge discounts on medicines, enabling them to live healthier, longer lives.

That’s good news for the more than 41 million Americans who currently rely on the program for prescription drug coverage.

Nevertheless, Rep. Elijah Cummings, Sen. Bernie Sanders, and some other members of Congress believe the program isn’t cost-effective enough.

Current law says the government can’t meddle in price negotiations.

Many wrongly assume that means there are no price negotiations, which is not true. Discounts are negotiated every day in Part D, but not by the government, by the private sector.

To achieve greater savings, they’ve proposed letting the government “negotiate” drug prices.

The policy change would be a disaster. Government wouldn’t negotiate -- it would simply set prices and refuse to cover

8

medicines it deemed too expensive. That would deprive seniors of life-sustaining medications.

Part D’s success is driven by market competition, not government control.

Private insurers negotiate with drug firms to secure discounts -- an average of 35 -- off the list price of medicines.

Plans extract big discounts from drug makers by threatening to steer patients to a rival company’s drug. Consider what happened with a new class of hepatitis C treatments, which cure the disease in more than 90 percent of patients with few side effects. When only one treatment was available, plans providers negotiated rebates that shaved 22 percent off the drug’s list price.

But once a competing drug was introduced, plans negotiated a 46 percent average rebate.

Insurers transfer savings like these to consumers in the form of lower plan premiums, co-pays, and deductibles -- the Part D law requires it. Seniors can choose whichever Part D plans -- ranging from basic, no-frills options to extremely generous coverage -- suit them best.

There’s a strong incentive for insurers to keep costs low. If they don’t, seniors can jump ship and enroll in a rival insurer’s Part D plan. Because of this competition, total costs for Part D came in $349 billion lower than the

Congresswoman Johnson Releases Statement after President Trump fired FBI Director James Comey

Congressional Budget Office’s cost projections for 2004-2013.

Which other government program comes in hundreds of billions under budget?

If the government meddles with what’s in patients’ medicine cabinets, it will jeopardize all these gains.

As the CBO has made clear, the government wouldn’t be able to negotiate prices that are lower than what private insurers already get. To keep costs down, the government might ration access to medicines by establishing a formulary -- a list that dictates which drugs are covered, and at which co-payment levels.

James Comey

Today, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson released the following statement after President Trump fired FBI Director

James Comey: “I am deeply concerned by FBI Director James Comey’s abrupt firing by President Trump. I can’t help but think the timing of this questionable decision coincides with the FBI’s full engagement in pursuing an investigation into the Russian interference of the 2016 Presidential election.

“I call on President Trump to explain his decision to the American people as well as provide a full accounting and justification for this decision.”

If the government were to establish a formulary, it would be one-size-fits-all.

We’ve seen this happen at the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA’s formulary doesn’t cover onefifth of the top 200 most commonly prescribed Medicare Part D drugs, according to a 2015 study by the research firm Avalere Health.

Part D largely owes its success to the free-market principles of choice and competition. Let’s hope Ms. Verma defends those principles as the drug cost debate heats up. Getting the government more involved in Part D plans would be a step backwards for patients and taxpayers.

Joel White is president of the Council for Affordable Health Coverage.

issuu.com/bitsandpieces

MAY 12, 2017

ACLU Issues Texas ‘Travel Advisory’

government’s constitutionally flawed use of detainer requests, which ask local law enforcement to hold people for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement WASHINGTON — The Amer(ICE), even when they lack the ican Civil Liberties Union issued legal authority to do so. a “travel alert” today informing “We plan to fight this racist and anyone planning to travel to Texas wrongheaded law in the courts in the near future to anticipate the and in the streets. Until we defeat possible violation of their constiit, everyone traveling in or to Textutional rights when stopped by as needs to be aware of what’s in law enforcement. store for them,” said Terri Burke, The alert comes amid the executive director of the ACLU of passing of a Texas law known as Texas. “The Lone Star State will SB4. The law gives a green light become a ‘show me your papers’ to police officers in the state to state, where every interaction with investigate a person’s immigration status during a routine traffic law enforcement can become a citizenship interrogation and postop, leading to widespread ratentially an illegal arrest.” cial profiling, baseless scrutiny, Between 2008 and 2012, ICE and illegal arrests of citizens and non-citizens alike presumed to be requested local law enforcement to hold 834 U.S. citizens, some of “foreign” based on how they look whom subsequently spent days or sound. The travel alert applies in jail as a result. Under SB4, the to all travelers to Texas, including state of Texas is placing the rights U.S. travelers from other states and U.S. citizens. In addition, this of its residents, including U.S. citialert applies to all encounters with zens, in extreme jeopardy.

“It is simply a matter of time befederal, state, county law enforcefore illegal arrests occur. Local law ment including local police and enforcement will have to decide sheriffs. between violating a person’s rights “The ACLU’s goal is to protect all Texans and all people traveling and being severely fined, thrown in jail, or even being removed through Texas — regardless of from office for choosing not to do their immigration status — from illegal harassment by law enforce- so,” said Burke.

Praeli said, “Everyone has conment,” said Lorella Praeli, ACLU director of immigration policy and stitutional rights in this country.

The state of Texas, and every law campaigns. “Texas is a state with enforcement officer, must respect deep Mexican roots and home to those rights. The ACLU stands immigrants from all walks of life. ready to safeguard those freedoms Many of us fit the racial profile that the police in Texas will use to against those who seek to diminenforce Trump’s draconian depor- ish them.”

Local ACLU affiliates also issued tation force.” a Texas travel alert. These include: SB4 requires Texas law enforceCalifornia ment to comply with the federal Traveling to Texas May Result in Violation of Constitutional Rights, ACLU Warns

MAY 12, 2017

Colorado Delaware Hawaii Louisiana Maine New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Wisconsin Wyoming

issuu.com/bitsandpieces

SB4 will go into effect on September 1, 2017. However, the ACLU is concerned that some law enforcement officers may begin to treat residents and travelers unfairly now. If you believe your rights have been violated because of SB4, please contact the ACLU of Texas at 1-888-507-2970.

ACLU “Know Your Rights” materials are available in a variety of languages here: www.aclu.org/know-your-rights

9

On the Town with Elite News

Visit The Exhibits At the Martin Luther King Jr. Center

Greater Cornerstone Baptist Church Annual Festival & Health Fair

The Interview: A True Saint Named ‘ASaint’ Written by Arielle a.k.a. Determinator1

I met ASaint, Brock Jones and his lovely wife, Dominique, in the Summer of 2012, at an outside gospel jazz fesArielle tival. I was introduced to them, by one of my former ministry partners, named Phea Kennedy. She could not have picked a more embarrassing time to introduce me to them, as I found myself hurrying to swallow a piece of chicken I had in my mouth, as well as hide a greasy fried chicken drumstick I had in my hand. The best thing I could think of at the time was to spin around briefly, to toss the chicken, and use the side of my dress to smear chicken oil on it, then do an about face to extend a clean hand as a welcoming gesture. I could tell from their welcoming smiles, my lack of preparedness had been forgiven, and their willingness to engage in conversation with me, Grace was with me on this day.

Brother ASaint had already ministered through Holy Hip-Hop when we were introduced to each other. I must confess, I have witnessed different styles of Holy Hip-Hop for years, but nothing as fervent, and mesmerizing as what I saw and heard on this particular day. ASaint had the type of energy capable of igniting a glimmer of a flicker of a flame into a full fledged inferno. I felt it, and everyone else around me felt it as well.

10

No one was forced to stay in their lawn chair or stand directly in front of the stage when ASaint hit the stage, but I guarantee you, if you were concentrating on adding a dollop of anything to your plate at the picnic table when ASaint got on the mic, you simply stopped as your attention was drawn to the stage. His words and message were clear, and he just exuded what life is like when you Love God and his Son, and realize you have a calling on your life to spread his word. If there was no sound, and your attention was on ASaint as he ministered, spiritually, you would feel the sincerity and the love through his facial expressions, and hand and body gestures.

Let’s fast forward five years later, with your old friend here deciding to finally post to Instagram regularly, as a way of keeping in touch with my favorite artists. Well...one day, as I am looking at the responses to the likes I received from a picture I took of myself outside of the church (notice, I said outside the church, and not of me at the altar or making a donation) I noticed I had received a like from ASaint @ASaintmusic on Instagram.

Right away, I thought to myself, let me do a little snooping around to see what is going on with my brother. What I discovered is not only has the music grown and added a sort of soul funk flava to it, but Brother ASaint is playing the guitar now, his family has grown

and he and his wife Dominique have formed a 501c3 ministry called TransformUs, Inc. TransformUs, Inc. was officially developed through incorporation in 2016, however, the idea was born from the idea to bridge the gaps between racially different Christian communities and the community of people surrounding the structures we call churches in 2010. Brother ASaint figured he would use his music as a stepping stone to carry out the mission of the TransformUs movement, since he was already using it to verbally express the mission of TransformUs. Since its inception, TransformUs has been able to make sizeable contributions to the Honduras, Philippines, the Garland/Rowlett Tornado Relief fund and many other communities here and abroad. As I watched the footage from the organization’s trip to the Honduras, on the ASaintmusic.com site and witnessed them building a house for future residents who had not yet been selected, tears started to form in the corner of my eyes. There may have been a slight language barrier and cultural differences, but as ASaint stated, TransformUs works hard to mirror many of the passages in Romans 12 – i.e. Be transformed by the renewing of your minds, contribute to the needs of the saints, extend hospitality to strangers.

ASaint’s latest album is entitled, ‘Freedom’.

Please go to cdbaby.com and listen to the

issuu.com/bitsandpieces

samples. The tracks from ‘Freedom’ and the album are available for purchase on this site, as well as iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Amazon, Apple Music, ASaintmusic.com and wherever else digital music is streamed or sold. If after listening to the man’s music you wish to see him live, you are very lucky if you live in the Dallas area, because he is out here performing at least once or twice every week. Sometimes, believe it or not, at local bars...yes, everyone needs salvation, so please don’t judge. If you are outside of Dallas, or even the U.S., please check the calendar, because he maybe showing up in your city or country very soon. His event calendar is posted on ASaintmusic.com A couple of events definitely worth mentioning before closing – ASaint has his own day at Clyde Warren Park on Thursday, July 20 and he will be a part of the Tour Stop for Disciple in October 6, which will be taking place at One Cause Church in Irving, TX. By the way, please subscribe to the newsletter when you visit the site.

Additional Links for ASaint: Youtube – View ASaint in action and subscribe to the ASaint Music Channel Facebook – www.facebook.com/ASaintmusic Facebook Non-Profit Page – www.facebook.com/ TransformUsMovement Twitter - @_ASaint_

MAY 12, 2017

62 YEARS OF SERVING THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

by Kimberley Blair Pleasant I started having children later in life so I’m still trying to figure out all the “Rules of Motherhood”.

In spite of the fact that I myself am still learning and working my way Mozelle Blair through this difficult but fulfilling role of motherhood, I have been blessed with several Godly female role models in my life that I am able to call on or refer to whenever I have doubt about if I’m doing things right.

But no one is more important than my mother who I look to when I have ever been unsure about my role as a mother.

She has always given my siblings and I sound advice on what we needed her advice on. What is more important is that she has not only given us the advice but she has given it based on what is biblically right.

Over the years I watched my mother raise us, she was always loving and kind.

A Mother’s Love

It was never a moment when we couldn’t go to her for anything we needed.

Whether it be a hug, kiss, support at an extracurricular activity, and yes, even a butt whipping if we needed it. Now, I can say this, the butt whippings were very rare, for the girls anyway.

My mother has always been real with me, sometimes too real.

And, yes, it may have been hurtful to hear the truth but I listened. Although, I may not have liked what she had to say, I knew what she was saying was right and that she wouldn’t say or do anything to hurt me.

When she did something wrong my mother would apologize and then try to figure out how to fix what was wrong. She has never made herself out to be more than what she was. Although, in our book, my siblings and I thought she was a Rock Star! Where my mother was, was where we wanted to be. She’s not perfect but we think she is pretty darn close. We joke and call her “DEBRA 4.0” because we have always been in Awe of her ability

to love each us of and neither of us ever felt like we didn’t get her love. My mother always told us we were beautiful or handsome, smart, intelligent, and that we could do anything we set our minds to.

But what most impressed me about my mother is that she always prayed. She always took us to church and made sure we were involved in church activities. I remember her telling me when each of us were born she gave us back to God so He could protect us. I remember her telling me that it was scary to do, but she knew even as a young mother that’s what she had to do.

So, when I had my first child I was so scared! I was older and had become afraid I would never have children and then God Blessed me not once but twice.

I didn’t know what I was doing and didn’t know if I would follow all the rules of what it took to be a mother, but what I did know is that I had my mother to look to for advice.

I also knew the first thing I had to do

was to give my children back to God, and as I did it, I was scared also, but I knew it was what I had to do. Then I knew that my mother would be there to guide me through this maze of motherhood. And, even if I didn’t follow all the rules correctly, I would be fine because my mother told me there are no rules to motherhood, some things you know, some things you learn, and some things you make up along the way. She also told me as long as you had Jesus, the Son of God, everything would be ok.

So, to all you Mothers out there, whether you are a mother by giving birth, adoption, or raising a family member or friend’s child, a woman is not a mother because she has a baby, a mother is mother because she raises a child and loves them unconditionally and is there when needed to guide them on this of journey of life.

Happy Mother’s Day to you and may God continue to Bless each of you!

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

(Proverbs 31:28-39)elitearticles@aol.com

A Complete Boutique 1702 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Dallas, TX 75215 214-928-9327

MAY 12, 2017

issuu.com/bitsandpieces

11

Elementary students build confidence through ballroom dancing Two Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD) elementary schools have danced their way into the ballroom dancing finals in Arlington later this month.

Dancing Classrooms is a 20-lesson ballroom dancing program that was open to elementary schools. The ballroom dancing Colors of the Rainbow Semi-Finals saw fifth-graders from seven Dallas ISD elementary schools compete: Brashear, DeGoyler, Dunbar, Foster, Harry Stone, Holland, and Zaragosa elementary schools.

Brashear and DeGoyler advanced out of the semifinals to compete in the finals later this month “The purpose of the Dancing Classrooms program is to build social awareness, confidence, and self-esteem through social dance,” said Barbara Johnson, Director of Health and Physical Education Department. “Dancing classrooms not only teach students how to ballroom dance, but they also gain social skills while getting some exercise that feels more like fun.”

The Colors of the Rainbow Semi-Finals event extended the journey and encouraged the schools to become even more of a community through sending a team to participate in the competition.

“This is about more than the dance skills, but also about classroom behavior, discipline and overall attitude,” Johnson said. “Being a part of the team is a great opportunity for those students who may best benefit from the experience.”

The finals are scheduled for Tuesday, May 16, at 6 p.m. at the University of Texas in Arlington.

12

The finals are scheduled for May 16.

Photo courtesy Dallas ISD.

issuu.com/bitsandpieces

MAY 12, 2017

MAY 12, 2017

issuu.com/bitsandpieces

13 

62 YEARS OF SERVING THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY The Office of Dr. Demetra Jones 4432 Malcolm X Blvd. Dallas, TX 75215 Ph. 214-565-4330 Office Hours: Mon -Thurs 9am-5pm Fri 8am - 12pm & Sat 7:30am - 12pm

Dental Whitening Crowns Fillings Extractions Dental Cleaning Sealants Dental Bridges Invisalign MTM Root Canal Dental Partials and More!

Walk-Ins Welcome

14

issuu.com/bitsandpieces

www.sdsmiles.biz

MAY 12, 2017

Sports with Bill Blair

Casey "Hott Doc" Blair

62 YEARS OF SERVING THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

Houston Community College GED Graduates Turn a Page HOUSTON – Many of these students have waited years for this day.

For some of them, receiving the General Educational Development (GED) Certificate culminates an arduous journey. It began decades ago and has been accompanied by the responsibilities of parenthood, work and school. This occasion will turn a page that will transform their lives and give them endless educational opportunities.

Wednesday, May 10, 179 students in the Houston Community College (HCC) GED program received their certificate in a ceremony filled with the pride of friends, families and graduates. A GED is the equivalent of a high school diploma earned by students who did not complete 12th grade and affords recipients the opportunity to acquire associate or other college degrees. Was held at General Educational Development (GED) Graduation Ceremony HCC Central College Auditorium,

1300 Holman St., Houston, TX 77004. Eva Loredo, HCC Board of Trustees Chair, stated, "this is only the beginning." “We encourage you to continue your journey with HCC,” Loredo tells GED students.

“More than changing you, seeking an education improves the lives of those who rely on you and look to you for guidance, including your parents, your children your loved ones and your colleagues.”About HCC Houston Community College (HCC) is composed of 15 Centers of Excellence and numerous satellite centers that serve the diverse communities in the Greater Houston area by preparing individuals to live and work in an increasingly international and technological society. HCC is one of the country’s largest singly-accredited, open-admission, community colleges offering associate degrees, certificates, workforce training, and lifelong learning opportunities. To learn more, visit www.hccs.edu.

Prairie View A&M University -THIS WEEK IN PANTHER ATHLETICS

Friday, May 12 Softball – vs. TBD at SWAC Tournament, Montgomery, Ala., TBD (radio on pvpanthers.com) Saturday, May 13 Softball – vs. TBD at SWAC Tournament, Montgomery, Ala., Time TBD (radio on pvpanthers. com) ON THE HORIZON Wednesday, May 17 Baseball – vs. Alabama St. at SWAC Tournament, New Orleans, La., 9 a.m. (radio -pvpanthers.com) Thursday, May 18 Baseball – vs. TBD at SWAC Tournament, New

MAY 12, 2017

Hundreds Bowl to Help Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star in Dallas and Collin Counties Nerium International Strikes it Big in “Bowl for Kids’ Sake” Fundraiser Tournament Saturday, May 13

Nerium International Chief Leadership Officer BBBS "Big" Renee Olson with "Little" Ryan

Hundreds of Big Brothers Big Sisters

Orleans, La., Time TBD (radio on pvpanthers. com) Friday, May 19 Baseball – vs. TBD at SWAC Tournament, New Orleans, La., Time TBD (radio on pvpanthers. com) Saturday, May 20 Baseball – vs. TBD at SWAC Tournament, New Orleans, La., Time TBD (radio on pvpanthers. com) Sunday, May 21 Baseball – vs. TBD at SWAC Tournament, New Orleans, La., Time TBD (radio on pvpanthers. com) All times central Home events in bold *denotes SWAC games

issuu.com/bitsandpieces

supporters, volunteers, matches and community advocates will attend the signature Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraiser.

This fun annual event helps raise much-needed money to create new matches between “Bigs” and “Littles” that will make a lifelong impact in children’s lives. Global anti-aging company Nerium International will participate in this year’s tournament for the fifth year in a row! Nerium Ripple Foundation will match funds raised by Nerium teams up to $10,000 in support of BBBS Lone Star children in Collin and Dallas Counties.

During the 2016 event, $10,000 was raised and nine new “Bigs” were recruited. With the theme of “Takin’ it Back Old School,” participants will be dressed up in favorite attire from the 1960s through 1990s era!

Plus, there will be bowling, games, photo booth, raffle, complimentary food and beverages! Saturday, May 13, 2017 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. AMF Richardson Lanes 2101 N. Central Expressway Richardson, TX 75080 972-231-2695

THIS IS IT

The David W. Carter Class of 1977

will be Celebrating their 40th year Class Reunion June 23– 25 If you are interested in attending, contact Charles Williams (972) 227-0336 or log on to http://mobile.dudasite.com/site/DWCClassof77 to complete your registration form. For additional info, check out Facebook!

DavidWCarterSeventySeven

15

Marsalis Missionary Baptist Church

Rice Chapel A.M.E. Church

2723 S Marsalis Ave Dallas, TX 75216

"Standing on your Faith"

4122 South Marsalis Avenue Dallas, Texas 75216 Church (214) 376-6527 Fax (214) 302-3302

Sunday School 9:00 AM Sunday Service 10:00 am Wednesday Night Bible Study 7:00 pm

Elder R C Emanuel Pastor

Rev Oliver W Lomax

Dr. Carey C Toney Sr. Founder Pastor Teacher 1st Lady C>aShawn Toney Pastor

St. Paul Baptist Church

1569 Ann Arbor Ave Dallas, TX 75216 Church (214) 375-2913 www.chtchurch.org Pastor

Paradise Missionary Baptist Church 1222 E Red Bird Dallas, TX 75241 Church: (214) 376-1534

Sunday School 9:20 Morning Service 10:45 am Rev Anthony Nolan Sr Pastor Wednesday Bible Study 7:00pm

The Lord Missionary Baptist Church

1600 Pear Street 6722 Bexar St Dallas, TX 75215 Dallas, TX 75215 Phone: 214-421-3741 Church 214-428-5459 Fax: 214-421-3926 Sunday School 9:30 am Early Morning Worship: 7:45am Worship 11:00 am Sunday School: 9:30am Rev. Lelious A Johnson Morning Worship: 10:45 Pastor

Advertise Your Minister hereCall us at 214-372-6500 And ask for our rates

Read online at

issuu.com/bitsandpieces

Rev. Marlon J. Duncan Pastor

Greater Mt Pilgrim Baptist Church 1010 Bayonne St Dallas, Texas Church: (214) 744-1677

Morning Glory 7:45 am Sunday School 9:15am Morning Worship 10:30 am

Rev. Ned Armstrong Pastor

issuu.com/bitsandpieces

Denny D. Davis Pastor

2110 E. Eleventh St. Dallas, TX 75203 Church (214) 972-0218 Sunday Service 7:45 & 10:00 am Wed. Prayer Meeting 11am & 10am Wed. Night Bible Study 7:00pm www.gebcdallad.org

Rev. Burley Hudson Pastor

Friendship West Baptist Church

Pastor

New Leaf Family Church

16

Dr. Timothy J. Brown Pastor

Christian Holy Temple Church

Willing Workers Baptist Church

1707 St Augustine Rd Dallas, Texas Church (214) 398-6641 Service Times: Sunday School 8:30 am Sunday Worship 9:30am Wednesday Bible Study 7:00

Hours of Oporation Mon - Fri: 7am - 10pm Phone: (214) 946-3584 www.newbethell.com

St. John Grand Prairie Campus 1701 West Jefferson Grand Prairie, TX 75051 Phone: (972) 264-1483 Sunday Worship 7:00 9:00 & 11:00 Email: sjbcsupport@sjbcfamily.com Website: http://sjcfamily.org

Greater Emmanuel Baptist Church

2023 Mouser St. Dallas, Texas 75216

Rev Daryl Carter Pastor

4142 Gladewater Road Dallas, Texas 75216 Church (214) 770-1326 or (214) 428-1266 Sunday School: 10:00 am Sunday Morning Worship;11.00 am Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 pm

Rev. Terry White Pastor

New El Bethel Baptist Church

Carver Heights Baptist Church

2510 E. Ledbetter Road Dallas, Texas 75216 Church: 214-371-2024 Sunday Worship Services Sunday School - 8:30am Worship Hour - 9:30am Wednesday - 7:00pm

Church 214-943-6007 Sunday School 9:00 am Morning Worship 10: 00 am Prayer & Praise Worship 7:00 pm www.marsalisavenuebc.com

St. John Missionary Baptist Church

2020 W Wheatland Rd, Dallas, TX 75232 Church (972) 228-5200 Sun Morning Services 8:00 am & 10:45 am Wednesday Bible Study 12 Noon & 7:00 pm

Frederick Douglass Haynes, III Pastor

Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church "A Church That Cares"

Rev. Michael R. Hubbard, Sr., Rev. Michael R. Hubbard, Sr., Pastor Pastor 5144 Dolphin Road ~ Dallas, Texas ~ 75223 Phone: (214)823-1018 ~ Fax: (214)8243813 www.hmbconline.org Service Times: Tuesday Night: @ 6:30 p.m. (S.W.A.T.) Children & Youth Night Wednesday: 12 Noon & 7:30 pm. Bible Study ~ 7:00 p.m. Prayer Meeting Sunday: 9:00 a.m. Sunday School; 10:05 a.m. BTU/Disciplines of Discipleship; 10:45 a.m. Morning Worship MAY 12, 2017

Concord Church

www.ConcordDallas.org

Rev. Bryan Carter Pastor

24 Hour Prayer Line (972) 223-9898

Apostle Herman Murry Jr. Pastor

www.fullgospilwhollytemple.org

Greater New Zion Baptist Church

Bible Study Tue. 11am Wed. 6:00 pm

Rev. Kennedy Young, Jr. Pastor

Morning Woreship 8:00 & 10: 15am Sunday School 9:00 am Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday 6:00 pm

Rev. C JR Phillips Pastor

Rev. Joe S Patterson Pastor

9550 Shepherd Rd, Dallas, TX 75243

Church: (214) 341-6459

Rev. Tommy Brown Pastor

Sundays @ 11:00 A.M.

Sunshine Bible Sunday 10:00 am Fellowship Dinner 5:20 pm

www.calvarytemplemesquite.org

Dr. W. R. Willis Pastor

New Birth Baptist Church

444 W Ledbetter Dr, Dallas, TX 75224 Church: (214) 374-0828 Early Morning Worship 7:50 am Sunday School 9:30 am Morning Worship 10:30 am Evening Worship 7:00

Sunday School 9:00 AM Praise & Worship 10:25 AM Morning Worship 10:30 AM Prayer Meeting 7:00 PM Bible Study 7:30 PM

Rev. George & Michael Pryor Pastor

8350 Forest Ln Dallas, TX 75243 Church (214) 349-7701

Pastor

Worship Services Sunday 7:30 am Early Morning Worship Sunday 10:30 am Worship Service Rev. David E Wilson www.greatercornerstone.org Pastor

MAY 12, 2017

Rev. W. C. Davis Pastor

Prayer Meeting Bible Study 7-8:30 pm

Sunday Worship 8am & 10:45 am

Sunday School 9:45 am Wedensday Night 7pm

Dr. H.E. Anderson, Sr., Senior Pastor

New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church

Rev. Stanley E. Smith

Greater Cornerstone Baptist Church

3919 Munger Ave, Dallas, TX 75204 Church: (214) 824-8312 Sunday School 9:30 am Sunday Worship 11:00 am

The “Exciting” Singing Hill Baptist Church 6550 University Hills Blvd, Dallas, TX 75241 Church: (214) 375-5952 Fax (214) 371-1611

Look To See You At Church This Sunday

Church (972) 642 - 9125

Pastor C.T. Marshall

Munger Avenue Baptist Church

Faith Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church 4205 South Robinson Road P O Box 540515 Grand Prairie, Texas 75054

2018 S Marsalis Ave, Dallas, TX 75216 Church: (214) 943-3579 Sunday School 9:30 am Sunday Worship 10:45 am Bible Study Wednesday 7:15 pm Thursday 11:00 am

Chris L. Simmons Pastor

Calvary Temple Community Church 1501 Clay Mathis Rd, Mesquite, TX 75181 Church: (972) 222-3708 Praise & Worship Service Sundays @ 8:00 A.M. and 11:00 A.M. Children’s Church

New Mount Zion Baptist Church

Intercessory Prayer Every Wednesday, 6:15 PM - 7:15 PM Bible Study Every Wednesday, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Young Adult Praise Team First Thursday, Third Thursday of the month, 6:30 PM - 7:00 PM

214-371-2633

6000 Singing Hills Dr, Dallas, Texas 75241 Church: (214) 374-6631

39727 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy, Dallas, TX 75237 Church: (972) 572-Fight (3448)

2210 Pine St Dallas, Texas Church (214) 421-4119 Sunday School 9:30 am Worship Service 11:00 am

6960 S. Polk St. Dallas, TX 75232 Sunday Worship 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Wednesday Bible Study 12 noon and 7:00 PM Church

1819 Martin L King Jr Blvd, Dallas, TX 75215 Church: (214) 426-5468 Sunday Worship 8:00am & 11:00am Sunday School 9:30am Wednesday Bible Study 7:00pm

St . Phillips Missionary Baptist Church Bexar Street Baptist Church

Full Gospel Holy Temple

Sunday School 9:15 Sunday Morning Worship 9:15 am Sunday Evening Worship 8:00 Tuesdays & Saturdays 8:00 am

Cornerstone Baptist Church

East Gate Missionary Baptist Church

6808 Pastor Bailey Drive, Dallas, TX 75237 Ph: 214-331-8522 Sunday Worship: 8:00am, 10:00am, & 12:00pm Wednesdays: 7pm

Lighthouse Church Of God in Christ 2127 S Corinth St Rd, Dallas, TX 75203 Church: (214) 371-2421 Morning Worship 11 am www.lighthousecogic.com

Superintendent Michael Clerkley, Sr Pastor

issuu.com/bitsandpieces

411 N Hampton Rd, DeSoto, TX 75115 Church: (469) 297-4771 Sunday School 9:00 am Morning Worship 10:30 am Wednesday Women’s Men’s Monday 7:00 pm

Divine Inspiration Missionary Baptist Church

4325 W Ledbetter Dr, Dallas, TX 75233 Church (214) 337-1713 Sunday School 9:15 am Morning Worship 10:30am

Rev. Wade Pastor

17

62 YEARS OF SERVING THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY GED Graduates Turn Page – Many of these students have waited years for this day. For some of them, receiving the General Educational Development (GED) Certificate culminates an arduous journey. It began decades ago and has been accompanied by the responsibilities of parenthood, work and school.

This occasion will turn a page that will transform their lives and give them endless educational opportunities.

Wednesday, May 10, 179 students in the Houston Community College (HCC) GED program received their certificate in a ceremony filled with the pride of friends, families and graduates.

A GED is the equivalent of a high school diploma earned by students who did not complete 12th grade and affords recipients the opportunity to acquire associate or other college degrees. Was held at General Educational Develop-

18

ment (GED) Graduation Ceremony HCC Central College Auditorium, 1300 Holman St., Houston, TX 77004. Eva Loredo, HCC Board of Trustees Chair, stated, "this is only the beginning."

“We encourage you to continue your journey with HCC,” Loredo tells GED students. “More than changing you, seeking an education improves the lives of those who rely on you and look to you for guidance, including your parents, your children your loved ones and your colleagues.”

About HCC Houston Community College (HCC) is composed of 15 Centers of Excellence and numerous satellite centers that serve the diverse communities in the Greater Houston area by preparing individuals to live and work in an increasingly international and technological society.

HCC is one of the country’s largest singly-accredited, open-admission, community colleges offering associate degrees, certificates, workforce training, and lifelong learning opportunities. To learn more, visit www.hccs.edu.

issuu.com/bitsandpieces

MAY 12, 2017

62 YEARS OF SERVING THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

KGGR Dallas-Fort Worth

“The Station That Never Stops Giving!”

KGGR AM and FM (1040AM & 102FM) Dallas, TX

General Manager: Ann Arnold Phone (972) 572-5447

For additional information please contact: KGGR AM & FM 5787 South Hampton Suite 285 Dallas, TX 75232 MAY 12, 2017

issuu.com/bitsandpieces

19

Mother’s Day Weekend May 10, 11, 13 & 14

20

issuu.com/bitsandpieces

MAY 12, 2017