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JUNE 19, 2020 VOL IX NO 43

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COVID-

TESTING at PQC

Bishop Vashti McKenzie with Cheryl “Action” Jackson of Minnie’s Food Pantry

Nayla Perez, Christina Aguilar and Allie Aguilar

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HAPPY JUNETEENTH!

Carrie Dodd and Tiffany Johnson

Minnie’s Food Pantry workers with Cheryl “Action “ Jackson prepare to load food in cars

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Established 2011 CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back.

JUNE 19, 2020

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Add One More Name WAKE UP AND STAY WOKE DR. E. FAYE WILLIAMS, ESQ.

In his poem “No Man is an Island,� John Donne wrote, “Any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind.�

I’ve always been involved in humanitarian issues and the universality of justice.

This past week has been exceptionally difficult for me and anyone else with even an iota of human compassion. Two unnecessary Black male murders have recently monopolized our airwaves, and will be the topic of discussion for the foreseeable future. The current social turmoil pushes me to the limits of my endurance.

On Sunday, May 24, readers of The New York Times were greeted with a front page listing the names of 1,000 COVID-19 victims. Following was the announcement that the U.S. had surpassed the unwelcome milestone of 100,000 deaths. While the numbers are shocking and heart-rending, I’m sure some were woefully desensitized to the full scope of loss from COVID-19.

To put these COVID-19 numbers into perspective, a comparison to the Vietnam War isn’t unreasonable. By official measure, the number of American deaths in Vietnam is 58,220. That number was matched and surpassed in late April for COVID-19 deaths. Reaching the 100,000 milestone signifies a point of nearly doubling the loss of life in Vietnam. The greater tragedy is that it took U.S. forces 19 years in Vietnam to reach 58,000. We’ve nearly doubled that number in three months!

Arguably, had the Trump administration begun efforts to combat this virus one week earlier, the loss of life could have been reduced by 36,000. Instead, we add those names to the list of those we’ve lost.

Although not lost to COVID-19, one other name MUST recently be added to those we have lost: George Floyd.

By now, most Americans have seen the video of Mr. Floyd being suffocated by a police officer. The officer applied neartotal force of his body to Mr. Floyd’s neck for eight minutes.

During that time, Mr. Floyd repeatedly begged for mercy and, probably from past life lessons, remained respectful to the police. Mr. Floyd even addressed his assailant as “Sir.�

In an MSNBC interview, Princeton professor Eddie Glaude Jr. described this problem as one of African Americans having to live under the “trauma� of coronavirus and the “terrorism� of lawless policing.

Those who have lost relatives or friends to the coronavirus, or even had relatives or friends contract the disease, understand the trauma and uncertainty of living under the threat of the disease. There is genuine trauma in wondering, “Who’s next?� or “How can I avoid it?�

If one cannot understand the terrorism that Professor Glaude describes, imagine being apprehended, tried and executed by a rogue police officer. Backing-up from George Floyd on the ground and begging for mercy, we learn of the initial allegation that brought Mr. Floyd and the police in contact. A store owner called the police with an allegation of passing counterfeit currency. Whether he attempted to pass bogus money or not, there is no charge of counterfeiting that results in execution.

George Floyd joins Eric Garner, choked for selling single cigarettes; Ahmaud Arbery, killed for jogging; Tamir Rice, killed for playing as a 12-year-old child would; Trayvon Martin, killed for walking home wearing a hoodie and eating Skittles; Emmett Till, killed for allegedly whistling at a white woman; and on and on.

George Floyd endured suffocation AND ridicule to the point of his death. These killings are the result of ideation that denies the humanity of the victims. They cannot be excused because of mental illness. They are deluded expressions of superiority and control over selected victims. This MUST stop! We need no more names on this list!

(Dr. E. Faye Williams is National President of the National Congress of Black Women and Host of “Wake Up and Stay Woke� on WPFW-FM 89.3.)

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INSIDE

MY TRUTH

THE LAST WORD

QUIT PLAYIN’

As another Father’s Day is commemorated, for me it is just another day that I think about the man in my life who has had the single most impact on who I am.

Do you see the light at the end of the coronavirus tunnel?

With all 50 states and the District of Columbia) either lifting “shelter in place” orders or relaxing them, with restaurants opening, albeit at half capacityw

The televised police execution of George Floyd was a seminal moment in American history.

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JUNE 19, 2020

MY TRUTH

by Cheryl Smith, Publisher

A Father’s Love As another Father’s Day is commemorated, for me it is just another day that I think about the man in my life who has had the single most impact on who I am. To say that he was an integral part of my life is a gross understatement and over-simplification.

Fatherhood is not something that should be undertaken without introspection, serious reflection and sole searching. That’s right, “sole.” Where have you been walking and planting your feet along with your seed?

Alrighty, someone is saying, “It JUNE 19, 2020

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doesn’t take all that to become a father!”

That assertion is accurate and guess what? While you don’t have to be a man to father a child; we all have to take responsibility for the numerous “fatherless” children brought into this world annually.

Which brings me to my truth.

I applaud the men who, not only father children, but also become daddies who play an important role in guiding young boys and girls.

To those men who would like to be fathers, I say, show your sons the father

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you want them to be to their children and the man you want them to be to their wives.

It’s not easy. Parenting is not easy and that’s why I applaud mothers and fathers, and for that matter; any body who engages in the mentoring or growth and development of our youth.

I love the words on a tee shirt: “I’m not a step father, I’m the father who STEPPED up!”

What a beautiful sentiment!

I’ve seen too many men who have stepped up, filled in the gap and been that support system, when there wasn’t one.

On this Father’s Day, I salute those men.

I grieve for the men, who, because they didn’t protect their seed; have no clue that that they have someone with their DNA walking this earth.

What a tragedy, on all fronts. What a blessing when someone steps up!

I remember my daddy leaving out of the house and passing out dollar bills to me, my siblings and any other child who was around.

As a child, I thought, “that’s my money daddy is giving away.”

As an adult I know now that the money my friend received from my daddy was probably the only money they received from a man in their young years; that didn’t come with some strings attached.

I have always been proud of my father.

He talked to me about not only how men should treat me; he also talked about what men think of women and how I should carry myself.

There are so many stories I could tell of Joe Smith, and none are of abuse.

Wouldn’t it be great if all children could share positive stories about their fathers?

Today that is my prayer. myimessenger.com

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JUNE 19, 2020

The Warrior Model Rally v. Protest QUIT PLAYIN’ VINCENT L. HALL

“They spit on your flag and government Cause help the black was a concept never meant Nigger please, food stamps and free cheese Can’t be the cure for a sick disease” – Paris 1990 The televised police execution of George Floyd was a seminal moment in American history. In old school terms, this was the LP or disco version of the same song we been watching for 401 years. Instead of bullets sprayed while the subject was “running, resisting or otherwise placing an officer’s life in danger,” these animals just waited George out. He couldn’t breathe.

Before the first protest was set, I was ready.COVID-19 ain’t got nothing on COVID-1619. I played “The Devil Made Me Do It” by Paris. The phrase had been made famous by Flip Wilson’s famous female character, Geraldine. But Paris, a rapper known among Black hardliners and the Nation of Islam, was nothing to laugh about.

I knew the rage that was coming first.

I saw 15 years of passion and protesting with John Wiley Price and the Warriors.

Every racial incidence of this sort is compounded in the souls of Black folk by the memories of unjustifiable police killings past. Paris’ rage was tailor-made for me.

When I would listen back in the day before a picket, I would be stoked. The only fear of death was in my mother’s warnings. We picketed at least six days every week, and the mothers in this community were on edge.

Just the way the devil had planned it Rape then pillage everyone on the planet Then give ‘em fake gods at odds with Allah Love thy enemy and all that hoopla Rage has its place. Being sick and tired of being sick and tired can be a useful emotion. The level of disrespect that the JUNE 19, 2020

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Warriors felt was being heaped upon the Black community in Dallas gave us the stamina to keep coming.

The Warriors drew some big crowds from time, but mostly we were a band of about 40. Days before the first official protest, whereby billboards were whitewashed, there were 60 in tow, five of us showed up.

Even before social media, there were “media-hoes” (our term) who came to the protest so they could channel surf the six or 10 o’clock news to see themselves. Just about like social media “revolutionaries” now. If everything you do is open to Twitter or Facebook, you ain’t doing much. IJS The demonstrations revolving around Saint Floyd (My patron saint of Black male’s future) had some sparks but became peaceful. And they need to be because you cannot change chaos with chaos. Dr. King had it right. You can only change society through direct action and nonviolent confrontation.

His model was not rally, instead it was to protest. He often complained that the problem with the Negro was that he had a 10-day memory, and once we got past the emotions, we are prime to be victimized again and restart the whole process. They say that insanity is doing the same thing again and again and expecting a different outcome. If so, we, Black folks, and progressives of all races are insane.

This time we have to pick a course, stay the course and finish the course. It

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can’t be scatter-shooting or emotional.

This ain’t about hating police, it’s about the retrofitting racist systems. This is the difference between white boys with “Affluenza” and colored boys who end up in toe tags for the same crimes.

Over the next few weeks, I want to share what the Warriors did at the eight major institutions where we forged sustained negotiations, protests, attacks, and agreements. Brute force will not get us where we want to go. In fact, I am grateful and glee-stricken to see that whites have outnumbered minorities in these protests.

Believe me, history says that if these gatherings had not had so many young white participants, the casualties and callousness of the local, state, and national war machines might have been astronomical. (Google MOVE in Philadelphia and realize that a Black Mayor ordered this bombing.)

“So let the rhythm roll on while I kick this Brothers gonna work it out, with a quickness And now you know just why a panther went crazy The devil made me” America had two weeks of rallies. Stay tuned for Protests 101, which begins here next week.

Thanks, Paris.

Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and award-winning columnist.

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Big question for see-no-evil backup cops:

Why did you not step in?

I WAS JUST THINKING...

By Norma Adams-Wade

There practically is nothing left of the George Floyd murder case that has not been exposed, explored and condemned – an unarmed and restrained Black Man mercilessly killed by a seemingly callous White cop.

Floyd died on Memorial Day, May 25 after thenMinneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee to Floyd’s neck for eight minutes, 46 seconds.

During that time, Floyd laid handcuffed on the ground – two other officers also holding him down, a fourth standing guard. Floyd continuously pleaded: “I can’t breathe!”

Finally, near his end, he uttered “Mama, Mama,” and died, officials say, right there under Chauvin’s knee.

Floyd’s pleas have become cries heard ’round the world as protects have erupted globally from people of all colors, creeds and political ties. Protesters and commentators have issued scathing rebukes of the four officers’ murderous actions.

Floyd was suspected of passing a counterfeit $20 bill for cigarettes at a nearby retail store.

Floyd’s body has been laid to rest now after a lengthy and emotional televised funeral service on June 9 in Houston, his home town that he left to move to Minneapolis. The police officers have been myimessenger.com

charged with their crimes and await trial. Public protests have swelled and settled into a determined pattern of never-say-die-until-justicefor-Floyd-rains-down-likewater-from-on-high.

But I was just thinking... the larger-than-life question, the elephant on that sidewalk where Floyd died, is: why did none of the three other officers intervene while the evil-faced, hands-in-pocket alleged murderer Chauvin performed his prolonged, demonic, fatal deed?

Why? We humans are obsessed with this bothersome, pesky question when logic, reason, and decency elude us. I am sure you, like I, have long heard of military training where subordinates must never challenge a superior officer on pain of being court marshaled for insubordination. But is that what this was?

In the Floyd wrongful death case, does such a militarized philosophy apply? Surely the other officers’ inner conscience must have told them that something was awry, that Chauvin’s behavior – that has led to a 3rd-degree murder charge -- was not “normal.”

At least one attorney has told us – and we will hear more as the trials unfolds – that at least one of the other officers was so new to the job – less than a week on duty – that he felt he had no right to challenge the more-seasoned Chauvin, as he pressed the life out of the 46-year-old incapacitated former high

school star athlete.

Media reports say another attorney claimed publicly that his client told other officers “You shouldn’t do that,” as they pinned down the helpless captive. Lawyers, we know, will work feverishly to concoct defenses that juries perhaps will buy, and maybe, in this case, throw out the charge that the three rookies are guilty of aiding and abetting a killing.

The public is digging deep in its consciousness, searching for effective ways to transform the ongoing protests into solid actions that will produce positive change.

One example is a proposed law that Democratic State Rep. Lorraine Birabil of Dallas is designing.

The proposed law –if it makes its way through the legislative process – would make it a crime for police to remain silent when they see another officer using excessive force. The proposed law uses the same principle that community and education leaders are using to teach students to stand up against bullying: “If you see something, say something” is the growing philosophy and one that makes good sense on its face.

Terrance Hopkins is president of the Dallas Black Police Association and a 29year Dallas Police veteran officer and Tactical Planner.

Hopkins has been very vocal in various media about his association’s position on the Floyd killing – particularly actions of the three rookie officers.

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In a lengthy LinkedIn interview with broadcast journalist Tashara Parker, also a WFAA-TV (Channel 8) anchor, Hopkins said rookie officers are free to challenge a veteran officer; and in Floyd’s case, the three other officers should have stepped in to stop Chauvin.

“It is incumbent upon any partner-officer to say ‘Hey you are going too far.

Let me handle it. You step back’ ...” Hopkins said. “In law enforcement, we know that (expectation) to be true.

Photo credit: LinkedIn

Terrance Hopkins, pres, Dallas Black Police Assoc.

But do you see it done a lot of times? Sometimes not.

In this case, folks just stood idly by when they could have easily changed the entire outcome...”

Similarly, the world is waiting, but not idly, to see the trial outcome.

Norma Adams-Wade is a veteran, award-winning journalist, Graduate of UT- Austin and Dallas native. One of the founders of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), she was inducted into the NABJ Hall of Fame

JUNE 19, 2020

Babylon Confusion in 2020 part 2 FAITHFUL UTTERANCES

BY DR. FROSWA BOOKER-DREW

I think there are a lot of things we can learn from the scriptures and apply these lessons to our lives today.

1. In the midst of our suffering and pain, we can not stop living and give up. God commanded the Israelites to grow crops and have babies even while they were captivity. For us, it is important that we continue to plant seeds to contribute to the future we want to see but it also is an opportunity for us to give birth to our dreams. Those dreams maybe individual aspirations or collective opportunities to advocate for the laws, policies, and lives we want and deserve.

2. Relationships are critical. I was conducting a leadership circle for a group of amazing Black women. I asked the women to share how they are caring for themselves in this time of madness and sadness. Over and over, the women talked about having love in their lives and how love helped them endure and not give up. They shared repeatedly about connecting to friends, family members and loved ones so that they were surrounded in love. We need each other to get through this.

3. Our cities do not prosper unless we are prospering. When we are denied economic, health, civic/ voting, employment, and other opportunities to excel, our cities will continue to be challenged. The inequities that African Americans have suffered are not only a stain on America’s history, but it currently JUNE 19, 2020

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impedes our progress to really be the country that we could be. Until we fully embrace each person as a creation of God and treat them accordingly, we will continue to see systems and policies that are created to only benefit those in power. In doing so, we miss out on the endless possibilities for growth and innovation because everyone is not represented and empowered at the table.

4. We are seeing a leadership vacuum in our country. A lot of people profess to know God but their actions are not lining up with what God commands. We must be careful of what information we listen to. I think we have bought into the dreams of others sacrificing what we really wanted and needed to thrive. Even as much as we tried to do everything by the book, it hasn’t always benefited us and for some of us, we’ve made excuses for the bad behavior and lies we’ve seen. As a people, we must continue to be diligent in what we listen to and believe. Just as the message is important, consider the messenger as well. When we stop seeking God as our leader and place so much importance on others and in our own abilities, we can become confused. It becomes a barrier from real, true communication that can lead to resolving issues and peace.

Leaders communicate. Leaders listen. Leaders are not about self.

Leaders seek peace because God commands us to do so.

5. I have asked God repeatedly why—why must we continue to endure and go through this pain.

Long before George, there have been many who have lost their lives to state sanctioned violence. It is as if people just continued to go along with their lives with minimal

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attention for just a bit. I believe that the year 2020 is really about vision and clarity. God is exposing our mess and showing us who we really are.We are witnessing a time that is new for all of us. We must still hang on to the belief that there is a plan and purpose for our lives.

This is a moment of expression and strategy at the same time. It is an opportunity to use our gifts and talents to change systems that have been oppressive. In this season, if you cannot march, you can write letters and sign petitions.

You can complete the census. You can register to vote. You can call legislators. You can support Black Businesses. You can donate to organizations on the frontlines and support our entities that are committed to social justice.

Do not give up hope even as we deal with the confusion of what might feel like Babylon.

And as much as I am tired of this ongoing pain and frustration, I am encouraged in knowing that as we seek God and support one another in fighting for justice, we will make the changes necessary. We will get it done while holding on to our faith, not losing peace, and allowing love and not hate to reign.

“If you want one year of prosperity, grow grain.

If you want ten years of prosperity, grow trees.

If you want one hundred years of prosperity, grow people.”

--Chinese proverb Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is the Founder and CEO of Soulstice Consultancy, specializing as a Partnership Broker and Leadership Expert for companies and organizations to thrive with measurable and meaningful impact. She also is the VP of Community Affairs and Strategic Alliances for the State Fair of Texas.

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What About the Children?

THE LAST WORD DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX

Do you see the light at the end of the coronavirus tunnel? With all 50 states and the District of Columbia) either lifting “shelter in place” orders or relaxing them, with restaurants opening, albeit at half capacity, things seem to be slowly returning to “normal” whatever that is.

Many of us are still “social distancing,” as defined by the Centers for Disease Control as staying six feet away from each other and covering our noses and mouths.

We are in a recession. It won’t get better until we have a corona vaccine, and until we provide more support for workers.

The recession will abate when people get back to work, and when people start spending money. But most parents can’t confidently return to work without safe, reliable child care. And it isn’t clear how small children can observe social distancing guidelines, standing six feet away from other children.

Will child care centers have to accept fewer children so that they can keep children apart? How will it affect their bottom line? Many daycare providers won’t survive coronavirus, reducing the already scarce supply of child care.

Summer plans have gone kaput. Air travel is down 90 percent, as people

still aren’t ready to get on a plane. What does that do to family vacations or plans for summer camp? Many parents look forward to a kid-free week or so, and many children enjoy the educational enrichment that comes with summer camp. Now, many parents will patch together plans. Something is likely to fall between the cracks.

In some jurisdictions, the delivery of education will look very different than in the past. Some districts are considering having young people at school one or two days a week, or a week or so a month. How will working families manage child care when young people are not at school?

If getting people back to work is essential to economic recovery, then we had better start thinking of the children. Why is there such a shortage of affordable child care?

Why don’t we have a families policy that supports families with food, child care, and other necessities? If we want parents to work, then we have to be prepared to support them.

Many people see the child care issue as a women’s issue because most people assume that women should be in charge of their children. But in nearly half (46 %) of all households, both parents work.

Child care should not be solely a woman’s job. If we are to meet our labor market needs, then the child care issue is not a women’s issue, but a societal issue.

Part of the issue is ensuring that child care workers and other domestic workers paid fairly. The average child care worker

earns $11.17 an hour, or about $23,000 a year. If a single mom with two children that much, she is below the poverty line.

How can she focus on caring for your children when she always worried about making ends meet?

In July 2019, Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Congresswoman Premila Jayapal(D-WA) introduced the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights to protect the 2 million domestic workers who provide caretaking for seniors, children, and others. The legislation has not passed the Republican-led Senate, but its introduction is significant. Several states, including New York, Washington, and Hawaii, have passed similar legislation.

Perhaps the indifference to legislation like this is reflective of the fact that the majority of domestic workers are women of color and immigrant women.

These women are relatively powerless unless they are organized, and Ai-jen Poo, who leads the National Domestic Workers Alliance committed to organizing domestic workers. When we ask about the children, we must ask about their children first since they are among the most vulnerable.

The children of people who are economically secure will enjoy good care. They’ll have tutors, computers, broadband, vacations and more. They won’t get the opportunity to play, but their parents have the means to get them everything else they need.

But the children in low-income families won’t have everything they need. They will fall behind in school with the patchwork arrangements that are available to them.

Some will go hungry because some food programs have run out of food.

People can’t go back to work unless they have a safe place to keep their children.

Our recession reminds us of the need for universal child care and fair treatment for domestic workers. People love to say they believe that children are the future, but even as they move their lips, no sound is coming out, there is no action.

Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an author, economist, and social commentator.

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JUNE 19, 2020

Hair Dad ABOUT YOUR HAIR

BY DR. LINDA AMERSON

The bond between a father styling his child’s hair is priceless. The nurturing time can be used to impart education on many levels.

In the USA, there is a movement for proud fathers, aka “Hair Dad!” He willingly researches techniques for hair styles, which are age appropriate for their

princess, and future leaders.

Dads bond with their children through this simple act.

Here are some recommendations I would like to share with “Hair Dad” regarding scalp care for your children.

You should examine your son and daughter’s scalp weekly.

Look for any changes on the scalp, such as pimples, lesions, dry scalp, flaky scalp, redness, raised nodules, itchy areas he/ she may complain about, hair breakage, hair thinning, smooth patches, grey or black patches; to name a few.

Shampoo her hair weekly,

especially if she is active in any athletic activity because her scalp will sweat. Sweating leads to scalp odor. Advise your son to shampoo 3 times weekly for short hair, locs and braids weekly, or as often as necessary for scalp odor.

Change her pillow case more often, every 2-3 days. Sometimes, new pillows need to replace old ones, like the ones with ‘head indentations’ in them.

Hair accessories, such as cloth headbands, night wraps, bonnets, scarves or du-rags need to be washed often.

Keep on hand at least two night coverings to interchange the dirty with clean.

If at all possible, DO NOT allow your child to go to sleep with wet hair and scalp. Wet hair on the pillowcase can lead to mildew. Also, a fungus is easily transferred to children if you have indoor cats and dogs as pets. Kids touch everything in the home, practice disinfecting surfaces often.

Furthermore, popular site for fathers is dadsdohair.com, where men share many techniques and tips. Another site is Youtube. com. On both sites, men will video record and share the stepby-step methods used to achieve a hair design.

Kudos! Kudos! Kudos! To all “Hair Dads” who show the world their children are groomed!

Happy Father’s Day! Dr. Linda Amerson, Board Certified Trichologist, 817 265 8854. #39yr Veteran Hairandscalpessentials.com

JUNE 19, 2020

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JUNE 19, 2020

Father’s Day Tribute Valder Beebe Tribute to Jas Beebe “best father that we know.” Father of our four kids (Michael, Donovan, Alexander and Christian).

My tribute comes as I watched him be the doctor when they were sick, the driver for music, football, soccer, counselor when the dog and the gold fish died. Our Hero!

Jas Beebe

Michael Hernandez Marva Sneed

My dad was a laborer and the first thing he taught me was that manual labor was not for me. I spent my summers reading and playing baseball. My dad and me always talked baseball. It was something we had in common until the day he died.

The one thing I’ll never forget is how my father, even though we were poor, taught me to do for the needy.

He always said, “Visit people in the hospital and in jail because that’s when they really need a friend.”

My Father was my best friend.

He loved me totally unconditionally. He gave me everything I ever asked for. I was a real daddy’s girl. He knew how to solve problems I could go to him with anything and he knew exactly what to say. I learned a lot from my dad. I love you, daddy.

Stewart Curet Prayers of Safety Protection Healing Recovery and Wellness for the World ”Happy Father’s Day & Blessings to All Those Dad’s Involved With Their Family’s Endeavors.” God Bless Always

Jerry Redd

Shonedra Redd

Becky

Mr. Johnnie Brown

JUNE 19, 2020

Thank you, Daddy, for loving and supporting me always and completely with no questions asked. I needed that.

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J Curet Alvarez

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Dad, not a day goes by that I don’t miss your smiling face, corny jokes, or as we get off the phone you saying “stay sweet.” Thanks for being the epitome of a man, we honor you, forever and always myimessenger.com

Dr. Stacia Alexander My daddy will forever call me Shorty. Hendu can talk you under a table but when his baby girl calls to talk, I get his undivided attention.

I am thankful for him being a father that understood the importance of being present.

His legacy of adoration will continue for generations.

Hendu

Ashley Moss

Earnest E. Gray, Jr.

Eva Coleman

One anniversary away from a decade and it still feels like yesterday.

Daddy, It’s 5’oclock somewhere and we are still missing you.

Love Mary, Ashley and Ashton

As far back as I can remember, my Dad always owned a camera and our family took lots of pictures. He bought my first video camera in 1990 and worked hard to pay for my entire college education. Through him, media is in my DNA. I’m forever grateful and inspired!

Earnest E. Gray, Jr. & Eva Gray Coleman

L.L. Hall

Vincent Hall My Father, L.L. Hall always stressed “conditional” generosity — A Baby can get it, but a Lion can’t take it. It was a remix of Malcolm X. “Be peaceful, be courteous, obey the law, respect everyone; but if someone puts his hand on you, send him to the cemetery.”

Thanks Dad #blackmanhood

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Because of my Dad...

He possibly encouraged me with creativity that was also within me which made me the best to be As I discovered and learned I’d stray but always returned As I yearned for my Dad

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Nina Garcia I hadn’t discerned he was concerned About my life to be content And not have time spent In remorse to descent a path of repent I saw his tranquility as he had the ability to instill in me humility giving me lucidity

Although not perfect his love exuded That I never had alluded over time that concluded My strengths were suited To give the best of me with all my ability Finding the epiphany is what he wanted to see JUNE 19, 2020

Coronavirus In Spotlight FOCUSED BY HELEN GIDDINGS

The emergence of the devastating Covid-19 crisis has forced every nation and people everywhere to recognize our interconnectedness. This Coronavirus pandemic has shifted the way we live, communicate and do business. It has cost many people their livelihoods and, as of May 28, 2020, infected almost 6 million people globally. Still growing, the heart-breaking number of deaths is more than 350,000, to date. Indeed, all of us are left with an indelible mark and forced to actively adjust financially, psychologically, and emotionally. The impact would have been greater but for the dedication, courage and resilience of so many. We all recognize Covid-19 is brutal and is challenging us in ways we never could have imagined in our lifetime. Although every ethnicity and demographic has been catastrophically affected by this disease, the elderly and people of color lead as the greatest impacted.

In addition, no population in the racial identity spectrum has been hit harder than African Americans, who make up 13.4 percent of the US citizenry. According to recent national reports, African Americans are dying at three times the rate of whites. While these numbers are greatly disturbing, they are, unfortunately, not entirely surprising. For some time now in Texas, we have been well aware of significant health disparities between Caucasians in contrast to African Americans and U.S. Hispanics. Perhaps not coincidentally, the legislative policies have a direct impact on the support that addresses those concerns.

In 1989, the late State Representative Fred Blair passed legislation to create the Council on Minority Health Affairs.

This interagency committee held statewide hearings to gather information and bring attention to the discrepancies in health services between whites and people of color. Those hearings led Mr. Blair to the creation of the Texas Office JUNE 19, 2020

I MESSENGER

of Minority Health. Although made with heroic stride, unfortunately, he was unable to obtain an appropriation to fund the office. In 1993, during my first year in the Texas Legislature, I picked up his mantle and successfully authored legislation funding the Office of Minority Health (OMH). Over the years, several legislators, most notably, Representative Garnet Coleman and former State Representative, Dawnna Dukes, continued leading efforts to stabilize and strengthen the OMH. In 2017, partisanship ruled the day and legislators dismantled the Office.

They, instead, chose to withhold funding and ignore the need to collect data that could lead to improving the health status of people of color.

It is time to honor the facts, reinstate funding and reinvent the Office of Minority Health. A serious dissecting of the evidence will certainly reveal how lack of access to healthcare, socio, and economic inconsistency factor in the Covid-19 crisis; showing those most impacted by the virus are often uninsured or have inadequate coverage. An even more comprehensive analysis would not only show how difficult it is to manage diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and other illnesses, but to do so without health insurance. Many African Americans who fell ill or died have poor working conditions and are essential/service workers who seldom have the option to work remotely. These individuals often work in crowded environments and rely on public transportation; where social distancing is difficult, inevitably increasing their risk of Covid-19 exposure.

There are a host of unanswered questions regarding the treatment of African Americans during this pandemic. Were African Americans insensitively turned away for testing and/or treatment? Are these experiences real? Did ambulances refuse to transport them? Questions like these are posed, as many credible research studies have validated that medical treatment for people of color is so often disproportionately different from that of whites who present the same symptoms. The multi-layered reminders mirroring the intent and devastation of the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment conducted on African Americans by the United

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States Public Health Service from 1932 to 1972 ruminate in our hearts and minds.

At the surface, these issues may appear to be solely African American. But, they are the whole of American issues; they penetrate to the soul of who we are. Yes, Texas needs a healthy economy. Conversely, we need a full workforce that is robust, productive and can not only get us there, but allow us to thrive through the next level.

Maternal and infant mortality, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure are only some illnesses that ravage the African American community as a byproduct. Social and economic imbalances and their effects -- low-income worker conditions, a desert of nutritional foods availability that often create reliance on fast foods, coupled with lack of transportation to get to medical appointments--must be addressed. Billions of dollars that should help to take care of Texans who suffer mild to severe health challenges are being unrightfully redirected to other states.

Governor Greg Abbott created the Supply Chain Strike Force to provide medical solutions to contain Covid-19. He similarly created a Strike Force for recommendations on reopening the economy.

To implement a Governor appointed task force for a more all-encompassing healthcare and truly bring balance to health incongruity could make a significant difference in the advancement of Texas. Wise and nonpartisan leadership is the portal for which true change can occur. There is a great need to address bias that hinders wholesome patient and provider engagement for everyone. Accountability is essential. Communication is crucial. Action towards a structure that acknowledges the breadth of humanity as an undeniable oneness, while simultaneously embracing the importance of properly dispersing resources accordingly, would just make good sense.

What do you say‌Governor?

Helen Giddings is a former Texas legislator representing southern Dallas and DeSoto in the Texas House. She is also a successful entrepreneur and the founder of an empowering conference called the Women’s Leadership Summit (WLS).

myimessenger.com

Let’s VOTE The final weekend before the deadline to get registered to vote in the upcoming Presidential Primaries, Henderson’s Chicken on Al Lipscomb Way in south Dallas, held a voter registration drive to give Dallas residents a final chance to get registered to vote.

Linda Henderson, from Henderson’s Chicken, put together a group of community members to lead the drive. Jimmy Porch provided the music and State Senator Royce West stopped by to lend his encouragement.

Wearing facemasks and practicing guidelines set up by the county. The group was able to accomplish their goal of getting non-registered voters signed up for the upcoming presidential election.

Fund supports local business Guns and Roses Boutique has been a staple in Dallas, TX for more than eight years.

On Friday, May 29, 2020 the boutique was destroyed by selfish looters who took advantage of the protest. The restoration of Guns and Roses Boutique starts NOW! Princess Pope, owner and leader has been a prominent pillar in the community, and often praised for her support.

As a fashion industry leader, she provides education and mentorship to aspiring myimessenger.com

fashion designers and entrepreneurs.

A donation campaign was started to help cover damages to Guns and Roses Boutique.

The donations will be spent to cover any expenses the insurance does not cover, including but not limited to: inventory, property damage, merchandise and loss of use for the business.

The GoFundMe link is https://gf.me/u/x5qxji for Rebuild Guns and Roses Boutique.

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Princess Pope stands in front of her boutique shortly after fending off looters JUNE 19, 2020

www.grandpasecret.com

Please wear your mask and wash your hands!

JUNE 19, 2020

I MESSENGER

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myimessenger.com

Reflecting on FATHERS

Sen. Royce West

By Royce West Texas State Senator As I reflect on the joy that I feel as a father and a proud grandfather; I can’t help but express my feelings about another father whose children are commemorating their first Father’s Day without him.

Just a little over a week ago, millions around the world watched the celebration of life services for George Floyd.

It was an emotional ceremony as many speakers referenced the violent death of Mr. Floyd at the hands, or should I say knee, of a Minneapolis police officer. myimessenger.com

This loss is especially tragic and alarming because of the brutal nature of the act.

Mr. Floyd’s inhumane and savage death was similar to so many others we have heard about over the past four centuries; but this time it was recorded and the world, including our children and grandchildren witnessed him taking his last breath, begging for mercy as he called out to his mother.

And just like during the civil rights protests of the 1960s when television cameras focused on protesters falling under the assaults of police officers, attack dogs and water

hoses; viewers watched in horror as Derek Chauvin murdered Mr. Floyd and fellow officers did nothing to end the madness.

I know the pain of losing a loved one and I am so grateful for the loving relationship my father and I shared and the wonderful memories we created before he peacefully transitioned.

Mr. Floyd’s children’s last vision of their father is one I would not wish on anyone. Hopefully, they can take solace that their father didn’t die in vain. George never imagined that God had something special for him to do that day. His death will change the hearts and minds of people worldwide concerning BLACK LIVES MATTER. Then, as we deal with the emotion of yet another senseless death; unfortunately we are in the midst of a worldwide pandemic which will keep many families from gathering together as we practice social distancing.

We also must take into consideration that we are in the midst of a surge in positive coronavirus cas-

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es. COVID-19 is real and in this country alone we have experienced over 117,000-related deaths.

Despite the opening up of cities across the country, I urge you to exercise caution. It is imperative that everyone understands that coronavirus is real and we must all take precautions to not only ensure the safety of ourselves, but also those we love.

Although the first service honoring fathers was held a few years prior, Father’s Day was first celebrated 110 years ago in 1910; to honor fathers and fatherhood.

Especially during these times, we must continue to celebrate the men who are honoring their commitment to their children and families.

Lest we forget, there are also those men who step in and assume that leadership role in the homes, our communities and the world.

So, in the spirit of Mr. George Floyd, whose daughter so eloquently spoke of the love he showed her; I celebrate all fathers and applaud them for using their lives as an example.

JUNE 19, 2020

Supreme Court upholds that workers cannot be fired for being Gay, Lesbian or Transgender

By Rebecca Aguilar Texas Metro News Senior Correspondent LGBTQ workers will now have more protection at work. In a 6-to-3 decision, the US Supreme Court ruled against discrimination in the workplace on the basis of sexual orientation.

The ruling has given Veronica Jimenez of Dallas some relief. By day she presents as a male at her job at a dental office. Only some of her family members and friends know she’s transitioning from male to female.

“I’ve faced prejudice in the workplace for being trans, but kept quiet to keep my job,” said the 49-year-old. Veronica is her name as a woman.

She asked us not to use her male name because she still fears she will be

JUNE 19, 2020

discriminated against at work.

The Court’s decision expands the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include sexual orientation along with race, gender, and religion. The majority vote included two Republican-appointed justices, Neil Gorsuch and Chief Justice John Roberts who joined the Democratically appointed justices in the majority opinion.

The ruling in part states:”Because discrimination on the basis of homosexuality or transgender status requires an employer to intentionally treat individual employees differently because of their sex…an employer who intentionally penalizes an employee for being homosexual or transgender also violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.” Currently, 22 states

I MESSENGER

have laws that protect workers based on sexual orientation. Twenty-one states have laws protecting workers from discrimination based on gender identity.

Cece Cox is the CEO of Resource Center, which advocates for the rights of the LGBTQ community in North Texas. “Despite everything going on in the world today, this is a watershed moment for our community. The message from the Court today was clear: there is no room for discrimination against LGBTQ people. We applaud the Court for standing on the right side of history and will continue the fight for full equality.” said Cox. Veronica Jimenez has faced discrimination and racism because she is a Mexican-American transgender woman. She says the high court’s decision gives LGBTQ people the right to be who they want to be.

“It makes me feel that, like even if, with so much ugliness and hate in the world, there are some good people in powerful places fighting for people like me.”

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Cox said the ruling would hugely impact Blacks and Latinos in the LGBTQ community who face the most discrimination.

“We know that Black and Latinx LGBTQ people still face disproportionate discrimination in many areas of their daily lives.

While today’s decision is a step forward, our work does not end here.”

Aimee Stephens was the woman who brought the trans rights part of the case to the forefront.

In 2013 she told her co-workers at a funeral home that she was having gender reassignment surgery to transition to a woman. She was fired after six years as a funeral director. Her former boss testified in Court that she was fired because she “was no longer going to represent himself as a man.” Stephens died in May in Detroit from health complications.

The UCLA Williams Institute reports there are one million workers who identify as transgender in the LGBTQ community and more than seven million Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual workers in the US. myimessenger.com

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JUNE 19, 2020

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MAY 20, MAY 20,2020 2020

June 2020 June17,3, 2020

Virtual Community Calendar

TRI-Cities NAACP hosts Community Policing Form “ExecSecretary of the National Association of Black Journalists. Join utive Force Unjustified” Moderator Traelon T. Rodgers panel in on Facebook/@CherylSmith and BlogTalkRadio.com at 11 Cedar Hill Chief of Police, Ely Reyes, DeSoto Chief of Police am- 1pm. Questions ask Cheryl at 646-200-0459.

Joseph W. Costa, Duncanville Chief of Police, Robert Brown, Lancaster Chief of Police, Samuel Urbanski.

June 5, 2020 7:00 pm on Zoom https://shsu.zoom.us/ For more info: email tricities.naacp@gmail.com.

A Message For You, “The Stimulus Show” Ask Dr. Amerson with Marva Sneed. 11 am -1 pm. CST. On ‘’Sexual Assault AwareFacebook Live/@TexasMetroNews and Blogness’ at 11am CST on TalkRadio.com. Call in and join the conversationDfwiRadio.com at 646-200-0459.guest 1987 Dr. Mae C. Jemison the 1st. is Author & Life Coach BlackJune woman Maurita Brown shares 19 astronaut. & 21 Ask Dr. Amerson Listen to information about a topic which is often swept under the rug. our Father’s Day segment Statistics given ‘Motown and resources.

TipsononAsk hairDr.& scalp care, & alo- Jim Austin Online Juneteenth Live Streaming Music FestiSounds’ From MarvaMarion with Love pecia, #ScalpDoctor #39yrveteran #7yrhost val with: Meadows. StreamAmerson, with musicians 11:15 am Terry Allen CEO of The concert will ing will be live on YouTube!

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Houser CaféProjMoNABJ Community Webinar: How They12,SeeChad Us | Black MaleCEO Media and BlogTalkRadio.com. guest Michael 4th Annual646-200-0459.

Juneteenth Today’ event ssponsored

by Black Café Moment provided Richardson ect Moderated by: Bill Whitaker, This is ISD 16,000 for Guinn Poet ofthetheZanspoken Wesleyword.

Holmes Jr. Community Outreach mentum families in need.to accurately an NABJ and initiative designed Center. Titled Hustle & Flow. Two sessions will students NNPA’s LivebePublishers Broadcast offered each day JuneHosted 15-19 via Zoom. Learn reflect the contributions of black males in

by Stacy M.more Brown aboutJournalist/Corresponspeakers and their topics and Reg- the media, and promote networking, mendent 12pm CST EST. Live on Facebook/ ister1pm at: www.zwhjcoc.org.

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June 20, 2020 2020 June 8-25,

FATHER’S DAY

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JUNE 19, 2020

“Could Black Lives Matter Save the Slavery Reparations Movement?”

THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES

BY THOMAS MUHAMMAD

Hey wouldn’t you just love to see President Donald Trump and his Republican regime locked up in a room forced to listen to The O’Jays song “Ship Ahoy” I bet they’d truly get our point on slavery Reparations you think?

Whoaa, but wait!

For full transparency we need to also add former President Barack Hussein Obama and his former Vice President Joe Biden right?

You see when Obama first became president in 2008 he instructed his then- Speaker of the House, yeah Nancy Pelosi, to demand that Congressman John Conyers “to take Reparations off the table cause he didn’t want to talk about it, because it was too controversial!”

So, both darn politrick parties have been playin with us! To hell with them both on this issue!

And now House Bill HR40 which Congressman Conyers pushed for more than 14 years that called for a study of slavery Reparations is now in the hands of Congresswoman Shelia Jackson-Lee of Houston.

Yeah the most notorious tv camera hunter in the world second to Trump!

You remember she faked a resolution approved by no one just to get on the program at the late singer Michael Jackson’s funeral!

Everyone knows “The most danJUNE 19, 2020

I MESSENGER

gerous place on Earth: is between Sheila Jackson Lee and a camera/ microphone.

But the BLM youngsters right now have the power in their hands to get the debate going big time, if they just stay in the streets!

But, let’s face one pure thing right now! The original leaders that first created the Black Lives Matter (BLM) Movement of 2014 in the aftermath of Mike Brown’s death are NOT involved in leading this current uprising.

Yeah, their slogan Black Lives Matter is being used! But this is being done basically by a number of loose youth factions that have come to life outraged at seeing the video on the killing of Brother George Floyd.

The original founders had been largely marginalized during their campaign in Atlanta, Georgia 2016!

They demanded that Atlanta stop sending their police to Israel for trainings, because the techniques proved to be extremely deadly. Officer Derek Chauvin was probably trained there as well. If he was, it will soon come to lite!

One thing for sure the BLM Movement as currently organized has proven they could possibly get any damn thing they wanted.

Slavery Reparations should be their main goal! And no I’m not out in the streets and I ain’t coming out. I’m too damn old. Been there done that and hell yes when I did it was fun!

But today just sitting here writing this column puts me in the mood for an energy nap.

You know like when I was in Ex-

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line Center’s kindergarten we children needed a nap to recharge our batteries!

Yeah funny, but true! The last time I participated was to show my outrage when a police officer in McKinney pushed a little sister’s face into the ground, simply because she was at a damn pool party.

After walking over two miles I ran outta gas and Brother Dominique Alexander had to call me a cab!

So yeah I’m old!Last night I downloaded Santana’s Greatest Hits just to hear “Black Magic Woman!”

I do believe that we can get the debt paid for slavery. The US should recognize the debt is growing every day. The interest alone could break America, but that debt must be paid and the payment must be now!

The type of slavery practiced in America was extremely horrible and purely inhumane, because for the first time in history a law was passed making a person a slave from birth to death!

This type of slavery had never been practiced any place in the world that you were a slave simply because of the color of skin!

Since the young protesters are not in school, can’t work, gotplenty of energy and are too bored to stay in the house; they should be chanting daily, “Reparations Now!” Until then the Struggle Continues...

Thomas Muhammad is Chairman of the National Black United Front(NBUF)- Dallas Texas Chapter

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FREE COVID-19 TESTING

Drive thru testing is now available by appointment

Testing Location:

Testing Hours:

Baylor Scott & White Health and Wellness Center

Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

at Juanita J. Craft Recreation Center

(Weather permitting)

4500 Spring Avenue Dallas, TX 75210

Criteria for testing site is as follows: •

Must have temperature of 99.6 or higher, shortness of breath or cough: OR

•

Anyone 65-years-old or older: OR

•

Anyone with chronic health issues ( diabetes, asthma, heart issues, etc.) OR

•

Any first responders, DART drivers, healthcare workers, grocery store and essential retail store workers

Anyone not meeting the criteria above will not be tested at the testing site and should contact their healthcare provider.

Testing is by appointment only.

To schedule an appointment please call 972.817.6259.

Please be sure to bring a photo ID and wear a face covering.

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JUNE 19, 2020

JUNE 19, 2020

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“We are open for carryout.

We care about our customers and our community and we thank you for your business during this difficult time.�

Hours of business: Monday-Thursday 11:30 am-9:00 pm.

Friday 11:30 am-10:00 pm.

Saturday 12:00 pm-10:00 pm.

(469) 899-7927

140 S Clark Rd Cedar Hill, TX 75104

3309 S Malcolm X Blvd

Call orders in (214)-859-3472

Dallas, TX 75215

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We run specials Monday-Thursday

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JUNE 19, 2020

3917 W. Camp Wisdom Rd. Suite 103 Dallas Texas 75237.

469-399-0096

Open Tuesday-Saturday 11am-8p.

During this pandemic we are still open for call-in and pick up orders. We have specials Tuesdays $5 burger baskets with fries and Wednesdays $5 chicken strip baskets with fries. Our menu is filled with so many delicious items. We have Bar-B-Q plates, Crab boils and so much more. We would love to serve you.

6090 Bonnie View Rd Dallas, TX 75241 Hours of services may differ

Phone: (214) 372-6321

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Dr. Amerson adapts to Temporary Business Closure Dr. Linda Amerson, Board Certified Trichologist, has adapted to the temporary closure of LA's Hair and Scalp Clinic. We continue to offer our award-winning products to consumers. Our exclusive products are manufactured by a facility in Garland, TX. Premium quality natural ingredients are used to assist with dry, oily, itchy, flaky, inflammed scalps, as well as hair breakage, hair thinning and regrowth.

Everyone may order from our website, and we will ship your product order to you. http://www.hairandscalpessentials.com We need your support.

In addition, we offer Video Consultations globally! We will schedule an appointment, give a diagnosis, them make a recommendation. We are available to serve you in the comfort of your home. Call us today - 817.265.8854 http://www.hairandscalpessentials.com We need your support.

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JUNE 19, 2020

Fathers Day Tribute - Men Who Gave Us Power

By The Power of 3 Women

Ester Davis’ Father

Esterday.com The first presidential proclamation honoring fathers was issued in 1966 by President L. B. Johnson. The idea was conceived however, decades earlier. Williams Smart, a widowed Civil War veteran who was left to raise six children on a farm was the inspiration behind proclaiming an official Father’s Day. According to the Census Bureau, the estimated number of fathers across the nation in 2014 was 72.2 million.

The number of fathers living in married couple families with children younger than 18 was 24.6 million.

Dip coming up: The number of single fathers in 2016 living with their children under age 18 was 2.0 million. Seventeen percent of single parents were men. Nine percent were raising three or more children younger than 18 So, you can see from these relatively late census reports, that Fatherhood/Dad’s have changed in American homes. My wish is that all children be raised in a home with two loving parents. It makes a significant difference.

I was raised in a home with a married couple. They were married for JUNE 19, 2020

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55 years before my Mother changed her address. Actually, I had a bountiful childhood, with a brother, two sisters, 25 cousins in the area, four cats, four dogs and baby chicks every Spring. We were raised with lots of space and a lot of love and attention.

We never moved from the house my grandfather built when I was three years old. My grandparents lived on acreage with a smokehouse, hunting dogs, a cow, chicken coop, a halfacre garden and horses.

My Dad, James Saddler, taught us to drive everything with wheels on it and we could drive the family cars.

Hunting season was a big, big deal, because only the men/boys went hunting. Well, one year, my Dad took me with my uncles and cousins, and I will never forget that excursion. My Dad was a good provider and a really smart man. He owned trucks and was a respected mechanic, but on weekends, he dressed GQ in a suit, cleaned his fingernails and looked utterly handsome, even at the Sunday evening baseball games in his uniform.

It was a wonderful world, and all the precious memories throughout the years have been a stabilizing force. Happy Father’s Day to all the good men.

Valder Beebe Show.com I’ve watched my husband James, be a father to our three sons; Michael, Donovan and Alexander. As the boys have grown up I have listened to their life stories and each of them views their father differently. Yet when they tell their stories of growing up or now being an adult male they will reference “what dad showed me.”

James Beebe, the love of my life, the father of our children was a fa-

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ther by example. James never missed work, nor did he ever stay home and take sick days.

While the children were small, James was the parent for our kids at doctor appointments, violin lessons, soccer games, swim practice and football. He was the dad who always made sure the kids got to whatever and arrived on time. He did all of this while supporting me finding my way in the world of work. Those times were challenging for us and as I look back; those were blessed times of our marriage, raising our kids and building life together.

Today, after 33 years of life together my husband has been what God our Father expects of an earthly father.

James has lived by example, faithful to God, committed to his wife and family; succeeding in spite of the odds of society against him.

Today, our children are adults. The two oldest reside in Texas and the youngest in California. They are all fine fathers, husbands, boyfriends and adult men. The women they have chosen for partners are very lucky, because each of our sons bring a specialness to our lives as parents.

As we look at our fathers, sons,

Valder Beebe’s husband, James

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brothers, uncles, cousins and friends, do not look through the lenses that society has defined for us. As a colleague in media, Cheryl Smith is known for saying, “don’t believe the hype.” Don’t believe the negative images, words or situations created to demoralize, demean or reduce the power of the men that we love.

We must create and tell our own success stories of the men in our lives who strive against the odds to care for us as family. As they strive to earn a living and to be a man in a world that continually challenges their rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, I say we encourage, support and lift up the men in our lives. We can love the men in

our lives through the lenses of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. hairandscalpessentials.com My father John Samuel Amerson, Sr. was drafted to the army at the age of 18, where he served in Japan during WW II. John Sr, took pride in being the provider for his family and six children continue the legacy...Athie, John Jr, James, David, Connie, and

Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Community Outreach Center presents Juneteenth: Hustle and Flow Coaching | June 15-19, 2020 An array of topics and speakers are on the agenda for the fourth annual Juneteenth event sponsored by the Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Community Outreach Center. This year’s event Atled Hustle & Flow will include a series of coaching sessions for what is being termed the “Hustle & Flow Krewe.” Two sessions will be offered each day June 15-19 via Zoom.

Hustle & Flow means the way a group of individuals conduct their business. These sessions are primarily for individuals who have a hustle from which they make money. Hustle and Flow Krewe coaching is designed to teach parAcipants who have a hustle basic educaAon on how to make their hustles grow into a business and how to get to the next level in their business pracAces. Ten dynamic speakers are set to share informaAon to that end. Learn more about speakers and their topics at www.zwhjcoc.org. Click on Juneteenth.

DAY 1 June 15 (Monday) 10 -11:30 am | Welcome to the New Economy | Frances Smith-Dean 1 – 2:30 pm | You Are More Than a Conqueror: Transforming the Hustle Game | Kerry Reynolds DAY 2 June 16 (Tuesday) 10 – 11:30 am | Innovate Your Business with Market Research | Judith Collins 1 – 2:30 pm | Real Estate: An Old Game for a New Season | Kesha Hall DAY 3 June 17 (Wednesday) 10 – 11:30 am | Tax Strategies for the Self-Employed and Business Owners | Alfred Record 1 – 2:30 pm | Why Should Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Be Important to Me? | Ezra James DAY 4 June 18 (Thursday) 10 – 11:30 am | Grow Your Business with 0 Dollars Using the Power of Social Media | Jasmine Anderson 1– 2:30 pm | PodcasZng—a Great Way to Connect with your Audience | Alexis Williams, Terry Price DAY 5 June 19 | Friday 10 -11:30 am | Types of EnZty Structures | Markeyta Mitchell 1 – 2:30 pm | Understanding the Sales Game | Audrey Brown To register, go to www.zwhjcoc.org and click on Juneteenth.

For more informaZon, contact Jasmine Anderson at jasmine.anderson@zwhjcoc.org

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Dr. Linda Amerson’s father, John

me; grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Love of family was always important.

Dad worked for 30 years until retirement. My father was a Christian and a deacon. Going to church and being active was mandatory in the Amerson household. Dad and Mom loved Christian music. I reflect on music in our home with a piano and organ.

We formed a gospel group... sopranos, altos and bass among the six of us, our late cousin, Claudell Smith, plus others grew to 10. Rehearsals were EVERY Saturday evening. Dad and mom would sit on the front porch listening to us. Little did we know at that time, the neighbors also, took a seat on the front porch to listen to us.

Dad loved the Church, to sing, eat, watch television, dominoes, ride his 10 speed bike daily, and fishing was his favorite pasttime. Dad was there for me when I told him I wanted to move to Arlington in 1986. Dad, Mom and James helped me open my own business in Arlington in 1993. We renovated a vacant space. Dad was a great handyman, mother did her magic with upholstering and decor.

Dad also taught me to put God first, always be aware of your surroundings, count your money twice, and to not accept just anybody as a life partner. He was very proud of me with my career accomplishments and drive.

He was married to my mother for 53 years until his transition March 21, 2005.

Happy Father’s Day! JUNE 19, 2020

WE’RE OPEN No More Hugs and Kisses...

JUST GOOD FOOD!

FOR BUSINESS!

2536 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Dallas, TX 75215

2120 N St Augustine Suite 100 Dallas, TX 75227

(214) 565-1025

(972) 329-1414

Thanks for your cooperation and continued support of Black Jack Pizza!

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Hanging with Hollywood

DA 5 BLOODS MOVIE REVIEW BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ

Spike Lee hits the nail on the head of the portrayal of the Black soldier during the Vietnam war in his new NETFLIX film DA 5 BLOODS. In the movie four former soldiers, played

by Delroy Lindo, Clarke Peters, Norm Lewis and Isiah Whitlock Jr, return to Vietnam to retrieve the remains of their fallen squadron leader and to find a stash of gold that they left buried in the jungle.

Once they get there they are also joined by Lindo’s character’s son, played

by Johnathan Majors, an excellent actor who is a graduate of the Yale School of Drama.

Stormin’ Norman, played

by Chadwick Boseman (BLACK PANTHER), is their fallen leader who was their “Malcom” and “Martin Luther King” during the war. He was loved and respected by the squad and every member of the

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platoon was deeply affected by his death; mainly Paul, Lindo’s character, who dreams of Stormin’ Normans ghost and who still has conversations with his former leader and mentor.

DA 5 BLOODS is one of Spike Lee’s finest movies to date. It tells the history of the “Black Lives Matter” movement from a historical perspective taking it back to Dr. King with excellent acapella versions of Marvin Gaye’s socially-conscious music of the 70s that sets the mood for the film.

The returning soldiers have to deal with issues from their past while on their journey but they are up for the task. They each do an excellent job in supporting roles. Also Amanda Nguyen as “Hanoi Hanna” deserves mention for her portrayal as radio host and official dispenser of propaganda, who talks directly to the “Soul Brothers” and shows them more understanding than their own government.

DA 5 BLOODS is rated R for violence and runs a little bit long at 2 hours and 34 minutes, but hey, it’s on NETFLIX in your home. I think DA 5 BLOODS is a fine piece of cinema and on my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate it a JUMBO (with extra butter), my highest possible rating.

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We’re open and ready to serve you!

Elaine’s

Jamaican Kitchen

(214) 565-1008 2717 Martin L. King Jr Blvd, Dallas, TX 75215

JUNE 19, 2020

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FEBRUARY 8, 2019

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Do you know this man?

POLICE have not apprehended “Pookie” the serial rapist.

We know he has attacked members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and there is a $5,000 reward offered by Crime Stoppers.

HE IS A SERIAL RAPIST

He targeted members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. but this is more than about a sorority. We’re talking about a community.

Come on PEOPLE! Don’t you CARE? Will it matter when it is your sister, mother, aunt or grandmother or maybe YOU?

877-373-8477 JUNE 19, 2020

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