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TWO SIDES Different opinions about VOL XVIII ISSUE 25 AUGUST 7, 2019
MY TRUTH
QUIT PLAYIN’
SQUAD: Are you man enough?
Cheryl Smith Publisher
Carolyn the warrior The last time I spoke with Carolyn Davis, we had a spirited conversation about the future of Dallas, Texas. It was a subject she was really passionate about. But that was the case with everything that she cared about. Family was important to her and we lamented over the growth and development of our children, as well as the passing of our mothers; which was in close proximity. You see when you lose your mother, it’s easy to bond with others who are on that same journey. Carolyn’s daughter, Melissa, will not have that opportunity because sadly the same drunk driver that took Carolyn’s life also took her daughter’s life on that tragic day, July 15, 2019. To say that I am distraught would be an understatement. I’m disturbed about the drunk driver, 36-year-old Jonathan Alger Moore, and a system that has allowed him to continue to keep his freedom, despite his repeated encounters with the law. It was a fellow journalist who called me to share the news. An identity had not been released yet and the scene was still active. I could have gotten to the location in less than five minutes, but I couldn’t bring myself to go. I wanted instead, to believe that I had received misinformation, even though I knew my source was
By Vincent L. Hall Donald John Trump lives on the farthest furlough from any Black Superhero you could imagine, but his demonic attack on “The Squad” last week, made me reminisce about Shaft. No, not the one from this summer, I loved that one, but Donald likes to live in the past so I went there with him. In the third saga of the Shaft trilogy; “Shaft in Africa,” Richard Roundtree ditches his debonair “private dick” persona for the sake of some people he’s
been hired to free. Shaft’s job is to break a racket that smuggles immigrants into Europe and then exploits them. Substitute America for Europe and it sounds familiar, huh? Like American businesses that smuggle immigrants in order to fatten their profit margins? Go get the movie, but when you do, also pick up the Soundtrack. One of the See QUIT PLAYIN, page 5
West announces U.S. Senate run
John Paul II football team By Cheryl Smith
State Sen. Royce West speaks at press conference, as wife, Carol looks on Photo: Eva D. Coleman
By Cheryl Smith
Melissa Davis-Dunn and Carolyn Davis
reliable. Carolyn died that night and I went to bed with a heavy heart. Melissa was taken to the hospital, where eventually she transitioned. I met Carolyn about 30 years ago. I smile today thinking about her fast-talking, intense conversations. You could count on her to be candid and also expressing concern about a myriad of issues. I was also the recipient of her endearing reference, “My sister.” She wasn’t focused on superficial things. Her life was an example when you think about a car: Carolyn was not focused on what she drove, it was more about the drive in her. And that’s what brings me to my truth. I will remember Carolyn Davis for her love of her God, her family, her people, and her community. This sister knew how to speak truth to power and she was fearless in her resolve when dealing with issues that were important to her. As information about her death was released, many spoke up and shared their stories about Carolyn. Many talked about what a special person she was and her deep love for her people. There were several stories about her commitment to justice and fairness. I knew her as honest, down-to-earth, sincere and fearless. She was always helping someone, not because she expected something in return; but because it was what she felt was right. See MY TRUTH, page 4
high school football team’s photo
Many are saying the best option to unseat Sen. John Cornyn in 2020 formally entered the race with the filing on July 19 and an official announcement the following Monday. Royce West, a senior statesman from Dallas entered the Dallas County Democratic Party Headquarters Event Center, to a room filled with diverse supporters from across the state, pledging their support of his candidacy.
and mentor Eddie Bernice Johnson. Sen. West addressed a number of issues before declaring that he was ready for “this moment,” and he is battle tested. Touting a record that stretched across all barriers to “do what was best for Texans,” the Wilmer Hutchins High School and UTA graduate, who received his law degree from the University of Houston said it was time “to reclaim Lyndon B. Johnson’s seat.”
Former Dallas Mayor and U.S. Trade Ambassaor Ron Kirk expresses support Photo: Eva D. Coleman
It was a tight program that featured Dallas County Treasurer, Pauline Medrano as the host. In introducing speakers, she proclaimed that “Royce is my choice!” In heartfelt remarks, retired educator Shirley Fisher and Ambassador Ron Kirk expressed their support, followed by an introduction from U.S. Congresswoman
Admitting that the road to victory is long, Sen. West said the status of the “country is more divided today than I have ever seen.” Calling out President Donald Trump for “stoking seeds of divisiveness and weaponizing race,” the Senator called for a united effort to deal with issues, See WEST, page 8
When calls came into the office of I Messenger Media, there was frustration expressed about a photo of members of John Paul II’s football team wearing chains and what appeared to be a noose. The photo was posted on social media with the following message: Texas Metro News received this picture. It was also posted on social media. You can read more about it in the next edition. In the meantime, how do you feel about this high school football team’s photo? We want to hear from you! Post here or email us at editor@ myimessenger.com Numerous responses were shared and the person, who provided the photo, did not want to be identified. She did say, however that she was outraged and that just because the coach was African American, “did not make the photo right.” Requesting anonymity, the irate caller said, “my first glance at the photo I was outraged. It was hard to not become emotional. Of all the images of Black men, this is the one we see!” Admitting that there was also a white team member wearing chains in the photo, the caller said the photo was still offensive and sends the wrong message, because of images of slavery. Annette Gonzales Taylor, Director of Communications for the Diocese of Dallas spoke about the picture and posting on social media. According to Ms. Taylor, the students had just completed a strength and conditioning program.
One of the coaches, she said, posted a picture celebrating the hard work that the young men put into the program. Shortly after the posting, someone reached out to the coach, who is African American, and told him that the photo was “insensitive, not a good look.” “It was not up very long,” she said, adding that there was no malicious intent on the part of the coach and the young men were proud of their achievement. The chain, she explained further, is a common practice for teams working out and was not a noose. Former Dallas Cowboy George Teague is the head coach of the team and Ms. Taylor says he definitely did not want the team to be portrayed negatively. Conversely others have said the discussion is a waste of time because similar photos have been posted for decades. And Ms. Taylor says that at John Paul II, diversity is celebrated and accepted. Here are some of the responses: Aaron McMurry, “The nerve of some people to misconstrue something like this is pity. Man these boys are all brothers in one Athletic Department and are showing their strength as one and in numbers.” He continued, “The chains represent strength and the non-noosed rope is how they use those chains so that the chain links dont (sic) cut thier (sic) hands.” Toska Medlock Lee, “This is what happens when parents don’t teach our history at home. I guarantee you that my sons would
See PHOTO, page 2