GARLAND JOURNAL

MY TRUTH Cheryl Smith Publisher

Live Long Enough!

LOWERY

If you live long enough, you will have many life-changing moments. There will be those times, those moments when you think life can’t be any more challenging.

You’ll find that life does go on, this too shall pass, or whatever you’re going through will make you stronger. When I lost my Father, then my Godfather, my Godmother and then my Mother, I was devastated.

Each death left me torn inside. Nothing anyone said could erase the loss. Each loss was something I felt I had to deal with myself. You see, folks always want to tell you how you should grieve. With each “life-changing moment” in my life, I have had to deal and keep living. I know regardless of what others said, life for me

Another Shining Giant, Rev. Joseph Lowery, dies at 98. See page 2.

Photo: Courtesty of Joseph and Evelyn Lowery Institute

Dr. Joseph Graves Jr. has never been the same. I know how I feel!

Which brings me to my truth.

We’re dealing with a pandemic. It appears once again, here’s another lifechanging moment that is all part of living. There’s a virus that has spread around the world and there appears that there’s absolutely nowhere you can hide.

However, there are steps that you can take that might save your life. Unfortunately, some have not taken seriously the reports they’ve heard or read about coronavirus/ COVID-19.

As I listened to Dr. Joseph Graves Jr. of the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering at North Carolina A&T State University on Roland Martin Unfiltered (#RMU), I was impressed by the meticulous way he explained to the viewing audience what we are going through and what we should be doing.

He’s just one of many experts, who Mr. Martin has managed to uncover and share with his audience. But you have major television networks with huge budgets yet, they still manage to be unable to diversify their sources. I knew there were Black people who could speak to any issue on this earth, but too often they are overlooked. I appreciate the information Dr. Graves shared. He was knowledgeable and I felt he was a credible source.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been told constantly to wash my hands and eventually to self-isolate. I’ve already canceled four flights for March and April, along with numerous speaking engagements. The future looked bleak.

Could this be the end?

Well, talking to elderly loved ones, I was assured that it wasn’t the end as they talked about other life-changing moments that have happened in the past. I was assured See MY TRUTH, page 5

Metrocare offers Mental Health Support Line for Area Residents Metrocare has announced the in-stallment of a countywide dedicated phone line for residents who need to speak with a mental health professional due to struggles related to coronavirus (COVID-19). The resource line is the Agency’s latest effort to help the community’s state of health and wellness during the current crisis.

Dallas County residents experiencing anxiety, fear and/or depression because of the rapid succession of changes to their daily lives can call 214-743-1215 during business hours Monday through Friday. Metrocare professionals will be available to assist individuals in accessing mental health services and provide referrals for other resources that may be needed.

“In a crisis of this magnitude, we absolutely must protect and guard every aspect of our personal health, which certainly includes our mental wellbeing,” said Dr. John W. Burruss, CEO of Metrocare. “Our skilled experts can provide assistance to those who are understandably concerned or upset.”

The purpose of the phone line is two-fold: to broaden support for anyone in the County

who needs it and to highlight and expand quicker access to telehealth for those in need to get help without coming into a clinic.

“As we began to see these events unfold and our numbers increase dramatically in our clinics, our team recognized the need to expand our care to reach all those who are suffering emotionally,” said Burruss. “Everyone is doing their part, and I am proud of how we have risen to the challenge of adapting our services for the community,” Burruss called the new support line and telehealth initiative unprecedented, but necessary.

“With all of the resources at our disposal, including the ability to provide broader access to services through telehealth,” said Burruss, “I realized, if we don’t help, who will? Who else can do this important work? “As we do day in and day out, we stand ready to help those in our community who may be experiencing significant mental health needs.”

The Metrocare resource line is: 214-7431215 for Dallas County residents.

Additional resources are provided at: metrocareservices.org/coronavirus.

VOL IX ISSUE 15 APRIL 1, 2020

NABJ, JAWS blast Trump Special to the Garland Journal The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and Journalism & Women Symposium (JAWS) stand firmly against President Trump’s unacceptable treatment of PBS Newshour’s White Yamiche Alcindor House Correspondent Yamiche Alcindor.

When Alcindor pressed Trump at a March 29 briefing about his statement that some states might not need as many medical ventilators as they had requested to treat COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) patients, Trump interrupted her several times and told her “Be nice. Don't be threatening.”

A couple of weeks ago, he also called Alcindor’s question “nasty” when she asked him about the closing of the pandemic response unit within the National Security Council in 2018.

As far back as November 2018, Trump leveled verbal abuse at Alcindor along with fellow Black women journalists Abby Phillip of CNN and April Ryan of American Urban Radio Network. NABJ condemned these attacks in a statement here and JAWS condemned these attacks in a statement here.

Both groups have noted the president’s pattern of using demeaning language toward women journalists of color and other journalists.

It is not the job of journalists to be “nice,” but to hold public officials accountable, a role that cannot be understated when misinformation runs rampant at White House briefings on the deadly epidemic that threatens hundreds of thousands of lives.

"In these extraordinary times for our country, it is imperative that journalists ask the tough questions of our elected officials on behalf of a public that is in need of critical information for their lives,” said JAWS President Mira Lowe. “Berating or demeaning journalists is objectionable and uncalled for. We stand solidly behind Yamiche and other women journalists who are pressing on and doing their jobs despite the attacks on them.”

“Now more than ever our communities need facts and the truth. Yamiche and her colleagues are working hard to stand true to the principles of journalism, and to acquire and share the information that we all need to overcome this pandemic as a collective unit,” said NABJ President Dorothy Tucker. “The president’s attacks against her and others are not only unnecessary but demeaning and inappropriate. They are a distraction during a critical time in all of our lives. We applaud Yamiche and all journalists who are pressing forward in service to the public despite what they are facing. We again call for the president to stop the mistreatment of journalists.”

JAWS supports the professional empowerment and personal growth of women in journalism and works toward a more accurate portrayal of the whole society.

Street Names Tell Rich Stories, part 2 I WAS JUST THINKING...

By Norma Adams-Wade Starks Avenue, another append-age off the main passage of Bexar Street in the Lincoln Manor community of South Dallas/ Fair Park, is named for African American educator, businessman and civic leader John Paul Starks.

We’ve been talking about the origin of some Black

community street names, and the level of distinction one’s life must reach in order for others to honor you by permanently putting your name on a street sign.

Countless people will utter your name as they travel along in traffic, or write your name as the return or delivery address

on an envelope, or say your name as they give direction to a site on the street that bears your name.

Heavy stuff.

Starks was born in Brandenburg, Kentucky in 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It was the same year that enslaved Africans in Texas got the delayed word that President Abraham Lincoln had declared an end to the institution of slavery two years earlier in 1863.

The Dallas street was named for Starks during the World War II years, somewhere between the 1930s and 1940s.

But how did that come to be?

Let’s explore.

Starks was age 18 when he moved to Dallas in 1883 and became a Dallas public school teacher and later a principal.

He became active in local African Methodist Episcopal churches, married Sally Ewell, a church organist, and together they had two sons and a daughter.

He went about doing good in different arenas for Dallas’ Black population – education, business, religion, civic and social leadership. Dallas’ Black See THINKING, page 4

2

GARLAND JOURNAL - APRIL 1, 2020

LOWERY - Dean of the Civil Rights Movement, Special from TV One The Reverend Doctor Joseph E. Lowery (B.A., B.D., LL.D., D.D., L.H.D.) — hailed as the “Dean of the Civil Rights Movement” upon his receipt of the NAACP’s “Lifetime Achievement Award” — has assumed and executed a broad and diverse series of roles over the span of his eight decades: Leader, Pastor/ Preacher, Servant, Father, Husband, Freedom Fighter and Advocate.

One milestone in this remarkable journey took place on August 12, 2009 when President Barack Obama awarded him the nation’s highest civilian honor — The Presidential Medal of Freedom, in recognition of his lifelong commitment to the nonviolent struggle for the causes of justice, human rights, economic equality, voting rights, peace and human dignity. Prior to that, on January 20, 2009, in his inimitable style; Dr. Lowery delivered the Benediction on the occasion of President Obama’s inauguration as the 44th President of the United States.

Born in Huntsville, Alabama, his legacy of service and struggle is long and rich. His genesis as a Civil Rights advocate dates to the early 1950’s where, in Mobile, Alabama he headed the Alabama Civic Affairs Association; the organization which led the movement to desegregate buses and public accommodations. In 1957, with friend and colleague, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. he was a Co-founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) He served as Vice President (1957-67); Chairman of the Board (1967-77); and as President and Chief Executive Officer from Feb. 1977 – Jan.15, 1998.

In 1961, while still in Mobile, he was one of four Alabama pastors whose property was seized by the Alabama Courts in an historic, precedent setting libel suit, Sullivan v. NY Times, Abernathy, Lowery, Shuttlesworth, & Seay, because of their civil rights work. The United States Supreme Court vindicated the ministers in a landmark ruling which defined and clarified constitutionally protected freedoms, and made possible the accurate and unfettered reporting of civil rights campaigns. To this day, the case is an important element in setting forth the protections afforded the free speech rights of the press, and of citizens advocating and protesting for justice and societal change (Read Make No Law by Anthony Lewis, 1964).

In March 1965, he was chosen by Dr. King to Chair the Delegation delivering the demands of the Selmato-Montgomery March to Alabama Governor George Wallace. As the world witnessed, Wallace ordered the marchers beaten in the incident that came to be known as “Bloody Sunday” — an act that ultimately led to enactment of the Voting Rights Act. Years later in 1995, as Dr. Lowery led the 30th Anniversary Re-enactment of the historic march, former Gov. Wallace personally apologized to him for his conduct.

In Birmingham, he served as president of the Interdenominational Ministerial

Alliance, which spearheaded the hiring of the city’s first twenty Black police officers, among other accomplishments.

He was also a leader in the movement in Nashville to desegregate public accommodations.

As president of SCLC, he negotiated covenants with major corporations for employment advances and business contracts with minority companies. He led one of the first protest campaigns against the Atlanta based Southern Company for contracting to purchase ten million tons of coal from South Africa (1977). He was among the first

maximize efforts to arrest the culprit(s).

His message of “let us turn TO each other not ON each other!” was heard and embraced by the Atlanta community. He also provided offices for the “mothers” until they were able to secure their own space, and helped initiate a fund for them with Citizens Trust Bank.

Dr. Lowery led the historic Alabama to Washington pilgrimage (1982) to free Maggie Bozeman and Julia Wilder, who had been falsely convicted of voter fraud.

This march helped secure the extension of critical provisions of the Voting Rights Act through 2007. Nationally recognized

five persons arrested at the South African Embassy in Washington, D.C. in the “Free South Africa” campaign (1984).

He co-chaired the 1990 Nelson Mandela visit to Atlanta following his release from prison, and awarded Mandela the SCLC/ Martin Luther King, Jr. Human Rights Award.

In 1998, he was Keynote Speaker at the African Renaissance Dinner in Durban, South Africa honoring Mr. Mandela’s retirement. He was invited to keynote the dedication of a school and hospital in East Germany honoring Martin Luther King, Jr; led a Peace Delegation to the Middle East and met with the President of Lebanon and with Yasser Arafat to seek justice by non-violent means; led another Peace Delegation to Central America; and led protests against the dumping of toxic waste in Warren County, N.C, where he was arrested twice, which gave birth to the environmental justice movement.

He was arrested in Atlanta in 1968, fighting for the rights of City garbage workers. During the “Missing and Murdered Children’s crisis” in 1979, he was a leader in working for calm in the community, and in urging federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to

as a strong proponent and advocate for affirmative action, he is a Cofounder and Chairman Emeritus of the Black Leadership Forum, a consortium of National Black Advocacy Organizations, where he served as its third President, following Vernon Jordan and Benjamin Hooks.

He served on the Board of Directors of MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority)for 23 years, and was chairman for three years (including during the ’96 Olympics). He was instrumental in securing millions of dollars in contracts for minority businesses.

Since retiring from SCLC in January 1998, he has helped Black farmers settle a discrimination suit in Federal Court valued at $2 billion against the Department of Agriculture. He assisted Black auto dealers seeking redress from discrimination claims against auto manufacturers, and has supported black concert promoters in their fight against exclusionary policies of talent agencies.

As Convener of the Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda (GCPA), he is active in election reform and voter empowerment, economic justice, criminal justice reform, including

continued from front page

alternative sentencing and a moratorium on the death penalty. He is in frequent demand as a speaker across the nation and on college campuses.

Recognition of Dr. Lowery’s contributions and service has been diverse and meaningful. As part of the celebration of his birthday on October 6, 2001, Clark-Atlanta University announced the establishment of the Joseph E. Lowery Institute for Justice & Human and Rights. The Institute seeks to provide a forum for dialogue and a laboratory for research and analysis of issues related to human rights, workers’ rights, civic engagement, voting rights, Antipoverty measures, environmental and sustainability matters, racism, sexism and economic justice. In addition, the Atlanta Board of Education instituted the Annual Joseph E. Lowery Lecture Series on Civic Participation, and the Atlanta City Council changed the name of Ashby Street to Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard. At its 2003 commencement, the University of Alabama awarded him the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.

Boston University chose him to receive its first Martin Luther King, Jr. award, and Wayne State University gave him the first Walter Reuther Humanitarian Award.

Ebony Magazine, in recognizing Dr. Lowery as one of the nation’s “15 Greatest Black Preachers,” described him as the “consummate voice of biblical social relevancy, a focused prophetic voice, speaking truth to power”. He was internationally celebrated and admired for just such inspired and bold messages of “truth” when he delivered eulogies at the funerals of Rosa Parks and Coretta Scott King. One commentator observed that… “He prophetically and poetically memorialized a life devoted to peace and justice at the funeral of Mrs. King before presidents, governors and lawmakers and a world-wide television audience….. in an unprecedented opportunity to speak truth directly to power.”

As a United Methodist minister, he was elected as delegate to three General Conferences, and presided over an Annual Conference (Acting Bishop) in 1966. His prophetic voice was instrumental in moving the Church toward the goal of inclusiveness. He served as pastor of United Methodist churches in Mobile and Birmingham, Alabama, and in Atlanta, Georgia, where he pastored Central United Methodist Church for 18 years.

As an historic note, it was in this Church, that Clark College was organized. During his tenure at Central, thousands of new members were added to the Church, and Central Methodist Gardens — a 240 unit Housing Development was constructed for low and moderate-income families.

He served as Pastor of Cascade United Methodist from 1986-1992. Upon his retirement, he left the Church $1 million, ten acres of land, and blueprints for the new edifice—which has since been constructed. He is married to the late Evelyn Gibson Lowery, founder of SCLC/W.O.M.E.N, and an activist in her own right. He is the father of five children.

Black and Clark adapts for COVID-19

Linda MItchell Black and Clark Funeral Home The COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in an unprecedented time and Black and Clark Funeral Home (Black and Clark) is rethinking or changing traditions and normal elements of the business that have existed during our 106 years of history.

But, even with these changes, we always believe in excellence and service with integrity.

The current limitations and recommendations by the City, State, and Federal governments are changing how we conduct business. As Chief Executive Officer, I have to take into consideration the health and safety of our families and employees. For the families, we realize that memorialization is critical to celebrating

a loved one and beginning the healing process.

For our employees, we mandate certain protocols that will maximize safety precautions while staying within the guidelines of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Thus, I am changing or adapting, in a variety of ways, the funeral process. First, the size of the service will be limited to 50. During this time, families will have to select the most immediate family members and friends to attend services. Our chapel holds 350 people, so the spacing of individuals will not be a problem.

Graveside services combined with some of the safety measures can also be a good choice for services when the weather warms.

Family members should be aware of even the smallest gesture like hugs and handshakes are currently not deemed to be acceptable.

I realize this change may be very difficult because our culture believes in showing love,

compassion, and support through physical contact. For now, we will exclude limousine service because of proximity in the vehicle. We must be also conscious of the health of the driver as well. Unfortunately, during this season, we will hold no wakes.

If a family member or friend wants to remember the decedent, they can come to Black and Clark and sign the memorial book or read the obituary on our website, www.blackandclark.com.

Just recently, Black and Clark added steaming services via the internet. Family and friends can watch the service using their desktop or laptop computer or mobile phone. It is important to note that DFW National Cemetery is allowing

only the hearse to enter the grounds.

Committal services and the rendering of funeral honors are suspended. Family members and/or friends can go to the DFW National Cemetery after 4:00 pm to see where the loved one is buried.

Each day we must identify new business practices to serve our families with compassion and excellence yet be cognizant of the environment we live in now. Given these changing times, we are willing to spend as much time as needed, by phone or in-person to answer questions and help relieve emotions and anxieties.

I am always available. Please call me at 214-376-8297.

-Linda Mitchell

GARLAND JOURNAL - APRIL 1, 2020

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Meals on Wheels Volunteers and Staff Work Under New Coronavirus Guidelines but Make Sure Elderly Get Fed

By Rebecca Aguilar Ruth Williams and her granddaughter, Megan Manning, recently arrived at the Visiting Nurses Association’s kitchen in west Dallas to collect meals they’d deliver to senior citizens. They are part of an army of Meals on Wheels volunteers who daily provide meals to 4,500 homes in Dallas County.

“It’s important to give back because, at one time, my father was a recipient.

So every opportunity that I have to do good is important to me,” said Williams.

But the coronavirus has

changed the way volunteers and paid drivers deliver the meals and deal with the people they feed. The VNA has now adopted the guidelines set by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help stop the spread of the virus.

VNA’s managing director of Development and Communications, Jennifer Atwood, says volunteers have been encouraged to do what they have always done, wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before, during and after they deliver the meals.

“We are serving a vulnerable population, and we want to protect our seniors that we serve, our volunteers, and our staff,”

VNA staff member, Jennifer Atwood, collects meals she will deliver she explained. Gregory Shirley is like many volunteers. He delivers a meal and often offers a hug or handshake to those who see him every day. “It’s in my nature to

make sure these people are fed, because a lot of times this may be their only contact or only meal. So it’s important to them, so it’s important to me.”

But Atwood, who also

delivers meals, says volunteers and paid drivers can no longer hug or shake the hands of any of the Meals on Wheels clients. Social distancing is now a priority. While Dallas County officials have banned community gatherings of more than 50 people, Meals on Wheels cannot deliver to senior recreation centers where the elderly would get their daily lunch.

Now VNA has arranged for 1,500 people to do curbside pickup at various locations so they can still get a good meal. Daily volunteers and paid drivers head out on 300 routes in Dallas County after they pack bright blue zip-top

bags with packaged hot and cold meals from coolers at the VNA kitchen and other pickup locations.

Atwood says today Meals on Wheels needs more help because some older volunteers have decided now is not the time to be outside. “We’ve had a few groups who have decided not to deliver, but for the most part, our volunteers understand the importance of folks getting a meal.”

One such volunteer is 70-year-old Ruth Williams who says she knows at her age she’s vulnerable to COVID-19, but she’s willing to take her chances of delivering meals to several senior citizens.

New Relief Fund established by Next Generation Action Network Story and Photo

By Jessica Hayden Stressing the importance of communities coming together, especially during the coronavirus pandemic, Next Generation Action Network founder and President Min. Dominique R. Alexander and National Director of Direct Action Indianna Taylor recently announced the formulation of a relief fund initiative.

The two explained how important it is for the citizens to get involved with the Relief Fund efforts.

Priding itself on being a helping hand to the Dallas Metroplex in times of crisis, like COVID-19, they

have started a GoFundMe account to raise money for families, senior citizens, and the homeless in need. To date, they have received two donated U-Haul trucks to deliver packages to families and homeless shelter owners to distribute.

Also, they say they should be receiving backpacks for the homeless soon. “The health and wellness backpacks include items recommended by the Center for Disease Control,” Dominique Alexander said, adding that COVID-19 has impacted many low-income families, students, and homeless people.

Indianna Taylor and Dominique R. Alexander NGAN officials say they are aware of the growing need for food, toiletries, and disinfected items. Plus, for students not having their school supplies, they will offer

to provide these items.

Further, this unforeseen coronavirus disease has caused problems for parents, business owners, and the students who have to stay home because of

this massive problem.

The current conditions of the amount of months students and everyone else will be at home are unexpected as of now.

That is why it is a good idea for everyone to play a role in donating to the relief fund. Now how do you know if you qualify for the Relief Fund?

The foundation’s focus is on donating to students that are homeless, senior citizens living on fixed incomes, parents facing unemployment, children learning at home, and adults with chronic homelessness in Dallas.

According to Taylor, Dallas citizens should support

these efforts; that way, the Next Generation Action Network organization can make deliveries to the community.

They need monetary donations and volunteers to help with tasks for the Relief Fund; however, they will only have small groups of 10, to stay in compliance with Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson’s rules to keep people safe.

“A community united will conquer COVID-19,” said Alexander. “We all must band together to help keep the Dallas-Fort Worth community safe.” For more information, call 800-5218220 ext. 1 or email info@ thengan.com

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COVID-19 Testing Sites Open

By Marva J. Sneed Staff Writer

Payton. “The individual will proceed to where we’re standing here which is the actual testing location. Where they are swabbed and are given information about how they’re to receive the test results.

“Additional instructions are provided to them on how they can continue to live their life in the Community with their family if it’s positive or if it’s negative more just situational awareness about coronavirus.”

Payton also explained the drive-thru protocol.

He said that a safe structure is needed to perform testing while maintaining separation with the caregiver.“So measures have been established also under federal guidelines and recommendations.” The sites will be open from 8 am-8 pm and able to test up to 5,000 people each day.

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There was a line of cars already lined up at two testing sites for the opening at 8:00 am at one location on Saturday and another on Sunday. Saturday, cars lined up at the American Airlines Center on a chilly morning. Drivers were instructed to remain in their cars and follow the line.

Sunday, at the second testing location at Ellis Davis Field House 9191 S. Polk St. Dallas, where three white tents had been erected, 50 yards apart.

Parkland Mobile Units were next to the testing tent and Dallas City Council member Casey Thomas II was on hand with first responders. Police and Fire officers were on sight directing traffic.

The Councilman said, “I thought it was important for me to be at

this location here in Oak Cliff. We wanted to have a location in Southern Dallas County that was convenient for our Seniors, First Responders, DART Drivers, and our Health Professionals who may have symptoms of the coronavirus.”

Randall Payton, with the City of Dallas, explained how the threestep phase for drive-up testing would work. He said: “They are checking the criteria first. That’s going to be the first thing that they do. Cypress Mill will verify that the participant meets the criteria that have been established and then if you meet the criteria you will drive down from the entrance to the registration.

“You will have to provide a photo ID and sign a consent form. And then at that time staff will fill out a patient care report requisition.” Then the testing will begin, said

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GARLAND JOURNAL - APRIL 1, 2020

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Corona Confusion and March Madness THE LAST WORD

By DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX

Basketball fans were looking forward to March Madness, those weeks when the best college teams face off against each other. Madness is replete this March, but it isn’t on the basketball courts. The dangerous coronavirus which can be transmitted by a cough, a touch, or “direct contact� is spreading all over the world.

It is madness that the United States, which loves to brag about our world superiority, comes up short when it comes to coronavirus testing.

Many who have been exposed to the virus have not been tested because test kits are in short supply. In reaction, March Madness has been canceled, as has professional basketball and other sports. In New York and other locations, public safety prohibits large gatherings, causing St. Patrick’s Day parades to be canceled.

Broadway is likely to go dark because of the prohibition of groups of more than five

hundred people, and most Broadway theaters hold more than a thousand people. Some colleges and universities have told students to stay home for spring break and offered online classes. Some K-12 schools are closed for weeks because of the virus. And millions of workers have been told they should work from home because of the virus.

All of these factors contribute to the volatile stock market; all of the gains shareholders realized since 2016 have now been wiped out.

Much of this might have been avoided, but for the fact that 45 did not initially take this virus seriously. Instead, when informed of this pandemic, the President’s initial reaction was a wholly vacuous assurance that the virus was “just like the flu,� and would go away “when it gets hot.� Instead, the repercussions from the coronavirus are massive. The stock market tanked during the week when 45 first dismissed

the virus, and then imposed travel restrictions, preventing some people from traveling to the United States The spread of the coronavirus reveals weaknesses in the armor of the country, some describe as “the greatest country� in the world. The coronavirus has been declared a pandemic, a world emergency.

The United States is woefully unprepared to manage this emergency. The focus of this administration has been to slash the public sector and provide tax breaks for the wealthy.

Public health (or any other kind) has not been a priority for this administration. Managing a world pandemic is beyond the capacity of the private sector.

Both Democratic presidential candidates Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders have given substantive speeches on their approach to this coronavirus.

Unlike the President, these Democrats were concerned with the children who get school lunch when schools are closed. They were concerned with the contingent workers who won’t get paid when they don’t work, unlike government and other employees who will be paid no matter what. Both

Biden and Sanders talked about the weakness in our public health system, and the ways that hospitals will be burdened if this virus gets worse. Yet, 45 addressed this matter with a pithy eleven-minute speech that was full of outright lies and misinformation.

When 45 campaigned four years ago, he said he’d fix infrastructure, which is a bipartisan issue. As soon as he entered the Oval Office, the infrastructure plan was forgotten. A strong and resilient public health system should be part of our infrastructure.

Instead, that sector has been ignored by an administration that would rather feather the nests of billionaires than ensure

that everyone who has been exposed to the coronavirus can be tested.

The National Society of Civil Engineers issues a report card on our nation’s infrastructure every two or three years. The most recent report card, from 2017, gives us a D+ grade on our infrastructure, our highways and bridges, public buildings and waterways, and more. We get a D+, and yet some brag about our “greatness.� Once we were a world leader, but now we are a laughingstock, especially when our country has abdicated from leadership, blaming the pandemic on China and Europe. Anyone who understands globalization knows that our countries are

intertwined, and there are no borders strong enough to eliminate disease.

Will March Madness turn into Adversity April and Miserable May? Will the Congress pass measures that will ameliorate the effects of this virus on our health, and on our economy? Candidates Biden and Sanders have offered ideas to minimize the impact of the coronavirus. Is anybody paying attention?

Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist. Her latest project MALVEAUX! On UDCTV is available on youtube.com. For booking, wholesale inquiries or for more info visit www. juliannemalveaux.com

U.S. Must Face Terrible Past of Lynching WAKE UP AND STAY WOKE

BY DR. E. FAYE WILLIAMS, ESQ

(Trice Edney)-I don’t think anyone would argue that America doesn’t have a tragic history of lynching, and as much as some would like to think, that part of America’s history is not so long ago.

As a matter of fact, some of us would argue that the potential for lynching is still with us.

In 2005, Dick Gregory, Mark Planning, Janet Langhart-Cohen and I began a project to change the names of despicable racists on buildings who had the stain of lynching on their hands and their calendars.

We began with U.S. Senate buildings.

To be exact, we chose the Russell Building named for Sen. Richard Russell of Georgia. Sen. Russell was a founder and leader of the conservative caucus. He served in the U.S. Senate for almost 40 years. He led

Southern opposition to the civil rights movement.

We thought that our country had become more enlightened and once learning who Russell actually was, removing his name would be a breeze.

Well, it wasn’t.

Some of our most beloved senators thought it would be a bad idea with the most-often cited reason that if we removed Russell’s name, what would stop the removal of names of people we supported from other buildings Convinced that we were not even going to get more enlightened senators to support the removal, Louisiana Sen. Mary Landrieu and Virginia Sen. George Allen offered an

option that would seek to have the U.S. Senate finally apologize for lynching. We agreed to support that effort.

For a long time, Mr. Gregory, Mr. Planning, Ms. LanghartCohen and I walked from

then-Sens. Joe Biden, George Allen, Mary Landrieu, Chuck Hagel, John McCain, Diane Feinstein, Patrick Leahy, Barack Obama, Ted Kennedy, and others.

Lynching was listed in the

office to office encouraging senators to vote for what finally became S.Res.39 apologizing for Senate inaction that could have saved countless lives. It wasn’t easy because several senators opposed the resolution.

Among those who supported the resolution by agreeing to be sponsors were

resolution as “the ultimate expression of racism in the United States following Reconstruction.�

It apologizes to the victims of lynching and the descendants of those victims for the failure of the Senate to enact anti-lynching legislation — nothing more; yet, there were senators who voted against

I was just thinking, community benefitted from Stark’s endeavors and the people were grateful.

Researchers say in 1923, thousands attended his funeral at St. James AME Temple when he died at age 57, after a long illness.

Researchers say the funeral procession lasted two hours and that more than 2,500 individuals viewed Starks’ body during services. Many dignitaries attended, including a former mayor, former Dallas school superintendent and bank executives.

I was just thinking about Starks and how proud he would have been if the many accolades bestowed on him after he died had been heaped on him in life.

Don’t get me wrong. Starks knew his own value while he lived, and his actions gave value

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to his people.

Here are some of his achievements as chronicled in The Handbook of Texas Online research guide. • Began teaching in Dallas public schools in 1883 at age 18. • Became principal of Colored Elementary No. 4 in 1895. It later was renamed Frederick Douglass Elementary in 1902 and Starks became principal. • Retired from teaching and administration in 1922 after 39 years. • After advocating for many years, Starks and other leaders saw their efforts realized when Booker T. Washington High School opened on Flora Street near downtown Dallas. • A year after Starks died, Frederick Douglass Elementary

the resolution. We weren’t even asking to make lynching a crime at that time.

Well, a few days ago, Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) did take the next step and got that bill through the House 15 years later to make lynching a crime! It’s shocking that it took so long to do that, but even more shocking is the fact that Reps.

Louie Gohmert ( D - Te x a s ) , T h o m a s Massie (RKy.), Ted Yoho (R-Fla.) and Justin Amash (I-Mich.) voted against the bill! The presidency of Donald Trump is charged with carrying out laws Congress decides and the men I have just named are responsible for making the laws! I have to wonder if their constituents will in good conscience send them back to Washington or will they vote “No� on them?

For more than 150 years, and antilynching bill failed in the Senate even though the House and several presidents had supported antilynching measures.

Does this sound like the current Senate that refused to convict Donald Trump even though the House had proven without a doubt that Trump was guilty of the charges against him? Congressman Rush decided the time had come to make lynching a crime so he introduced HB 35 — named for Emmett Till.

If Trump’s behavior and lynching human beings are not crimes, we are a shameless nation and have no right to tell another nation what decency is. Now, let’s see what the current Senate will do about lynching.

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.

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE School was renamed J. P. Starks Elementary. That building was closed in 1964 and torn down in 1972. A new Starks Elementary opened in 1986 at 3033 Tips Blvd. in Oak Cliff. • In the business arena, Starks was a co-founder of the pioneering People’s Undertaking Co. in 1900, one of Texas’ first Black corporations. • Helped form a corporation in 1914 that rescued the pioneering Black newspaper in Dallas, The Dallas Express, founded in 1892. • Other involvements included: was a publisher of the Business and Professional Directory of Colored Persons in Dallas in 1911; led YMCA activities and loan, Red Cross, and community service drives during World War I.

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5

Johnson announces Federal Funding toward ending Homelessness FROM THE CAPITOL

BY CONGRESSWOMAN EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (D-TX)

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

announced that the City of Dallas has been awarded a Continuum of Care Grant

in the amount of $ 287,443 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“I am pleased to announce that the City of Dallas will be receiving $287,443 in funding to support our Texans experiencing homelessness,” said

Congresswoman Johnson.

“This funding will assist our local government offices in their dedicated efforts to address housing insecurity in our communities. I am proud to support this federal funding, and I know the City of Dallas will put it to good use.

The Continuum of Care

Program is designed to promote a community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness; to provide funding for efforts by nonprofit providers, States, and local governments to quickly rehouse homeless individuals, families, persons fleeing domestic violence, and

youth while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused by homelessness; to promote access to and effective utilization of mainstream programs by homeless individuals and families, and to optimize self-sufficiency among those experiencing homelessness.

Together we must stand FROM THE NAACP

By Derrick Johnson @DerrickNAACP President and CEO

As the coronavirus accelerates its spread across the United States, the NAACP is springing into action to keep the communities we serve safe and healthy.

Because of the deepseated racial inequities embedded in our country’s economic systems, the effects of the outbreak could be compounded for Black, Brown, Asian, and

indigenous communities.

Our comprehensive strategic response ensures that accurate information reaches our communities, and it advocates for fair and equitable policies that protect the safety and wellbeing of everyone.

Both the Senate and the House of Representatives have now passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. This bill is a good first response to a

pandemic. Among other things, the bill contains paid family and medical leave—which has long been an NAACP legislative priority—that would enable working people to stay home when they or a loved one is sick.

However, Congress must take swift and decisive action to alleviate the economic impact this crisis will cause for communities of color, paving the course for an equitable recovery for all Americans. Please, join us in urging lawmakers to pass a follow-up bill that ensures an economic relief package for everyone.

But we can’t stop there,

and ultimately end—the pandemic. More than 21,000 concerned citizens tuned in live to this musthear discussion.

And our team of policy experts are advocating tirelessly and relentlessly for increased access to childcare in at-risk communities, provision of food assistance to families enrolled in the free meal program via mobile delivery and food vouchers, and immediate cessation of efforts to mislead and divide the public for personal political gain—especially by falsely suggesting that persons of certain nationalities are responsible for the spread

so the NAACP has stepped up and is doing whatever it takes to protect our communities: • We released a guide to help officials responsible for addressing health, economic, and other impacts, in remediating some of the issues that are disproportionately affecting communities of color.

• We hosted an emergency tele-town hall featuring a panel of faith, medical and political leaders who addressed how our community members can protect themselves along with safety measures the federal government is taking to mitigate—

MY TRUTH: Live long enough, that I needed to take heed and pay attention, despite the conflicting reports we were all being fed daily.

I was reminded to do as the esteemed El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz encouraged, do my own research.

The World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control were two of my initial

resources. As I poured over research, in my head I was thinking about the late, great Dick Gregory who I knew would have helped me to put things into perspective. I knew as Mr. Gregory said, “information is power.”

In the case of the coronavirus, the information could be a

lifesaver and I needed to take the information from experts like Dr. Graves, so I could take the necessary precautions to save my life and the lives of others.

So, no matter how much I want to go where I want to and do what I want to; I realize that it is important that I take heed.

I also know that those

loved ones who are no longer with me would have given me the same advice.

Everyone has their own journey and at some point during my journey, I know I have been hard-headed, hell-bent on doing my own thing.

I’ve heard that “a word to the wise is sufficient.” Well, what about the unwise? I

of the virus.

As you can see, we are prepared to work for as long as it takes to protect everyone—fairly and equally. But we can only do that with the support and commitment of our members and supporters like you.

That’s why I’m asking you to help keep this critical and life-saving work on track with a generous donation.

I hope you and your families are safe and healthy. And I hope you’ll join us in standing together in these uncertain times.

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

say, “Stop.”

Take a chill pill. Use this time to reflect.

Do as noted author and poetess Nikki Giovanni said, “Listen to your heartbeat. Spend time alone.”

What a novel concept.

Since we’re hearing that life will never be the same, guess what? Once we have

gotten past this pandemic, you must have changed also because there is definitely going to be some changes and you’re in a better position to cope if you have used this situation and not let this situation use you.

It may not be a revolution, but it can be an evolution.

PEOPLE: Get ready!

Texas Hospitals respond to COVID-19

Ted Shaw Texas hospitals moved quickly to tighten visitor policies, advocate for funding and personal protective equipment, address nonessential procedures and request childcare flexibilities

for health care workers to ensure hospital COVID-19 preparedness. Texas hospitals are working with state leaders to continue strengthening the infrastructures in place to respond, and additional resources are needed to protect health care workers and the general public.

Hospital officials are urging the public to strictly adhere to shutdowns and social distancing rules as they continue to quickly to ramp up additional capacity, seek much-needed supplies and work to protect their frontlines

staff. THA applauds the state’s leadership on orders issued last week to help mitigate the spread. “Hospitals are always ready for emergencies, but COVID-19 will tax the system. That’s why it’s critical we get assistance with the resources we need,” said Ted Shaw, president/CEO of the Texas Hospital Association.

“The additional production of masks, respirators, and ventilators that the U.S. government is pushing for is vital. But this is just half the battle. People must aggressively follow the rules

Paid sick leave necessary

Royce West According to TX Sen. Royce West, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has highlighted the desperate need for federally mandated paid sick leave in the United States. “As many as 78 percent of American workers live paycheck to paycheck according to a recent survey,” he said. “We know, statistically, many of those families are African American and Hispanic. The potential economic hardships this could cause a Texas family are tremendous.”

Noting that African American and Hispanic Texans will be disproportionately impacted, he continued, “I think of a Hispanic dad or a single African American mother who works two jobs to

make ends meet, has no vacation time, no savings, and ends up out of work for two weeks, and it stops me cold in my tracks.

“You know what comes next-they can’t pay the rent and are evicted, they get behind on their car note, their electric bill, and more.”

Sen. West is no stranger to these scenarios. “I have had families-- white, Hispanic, and African American--sit across from my desk in my senate district and tell me this is what happens. I’ve seen mothers and fathers who don’t want to ask for help but are stuck when they have nowhere to turn because of a sudden, brief illness,” Sen. West said.

“Two weeks out of work may not be much if you make $200,000 a year, have a vacation, paid sick time, and savings. “To Hispanic and African American families who are middle class and lowincome, it could mean economic devastation.”

Sen. West added that for families of color already on the razor’s edge of poverty, it may mean the difference between a roof

over their head or homelessness.

He said he believed every working American should be entitled to at least seven calendar days per year of federally-mandated paid sick leave.

“Frankly, that’s not enough. It really should be more. However, I am a pragmatic person, and I know that we must build a coalition to get this passed in the Senate and in the House,” he said. “I will introduce this legislation when I am in the U.S. Senate, and work to build a coalition to get it passed.

He continued, “Republicans are fond of saying Texans should pull themselves up by the bootstraps. And many times, when they use that language to attack programs such as food stamps, housing vouchers, and disability services, we know that is dog-whistle racism.

“You cannot pull yourself up by the bootstraps when you can’t afford boots, and that is the situation in which many African American and Hispanic Texans find themselves,” West continued.

“We must do more for working Americans and working Texans.”

to protect themselves and our health care workforce.”

Texas hospitals are urgently focused on the health and safety of staff, including nurses, doctors, and other frontlines staff. Hospitals are seeking additional masks, swabs, gowns and medical equipment to replenish supplies. Hospitals have activated their emergency plans, are planning for significant surges in patients and are managing limited supplies of personal protective equipment.

The THA COVID-19

Taskforce convened last week to address plans for nonessential services, hospital visitation policies, increased hospital coordination, and patient discharge issues. THA has requested and received numerous waivers to increase capacity and is tracking their status through THA’s COVID-19 resource page for hospitals.

Texas is urgently advocating for federal funding and other resources to help hospitals and health care systems adequately respond and protect the people of Texas. In

an effort to protect health care workers and conserve medical supplies, THA worked to tighten visitation policies and is working with the state to address the need for restrictions on non-essential procedures.

Hospitals are closely coordinating with experts and officials from public health, nursing homes, regulatory agencies, state leadership, health care professionals and other industries to identify resources and vulnerabilities to help inform the overall response.

Texans need help finding work Senator addresses crisis

The true scope of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) is becoming more evident with each passing day; possibly by the hour. At this reporting (3/28/20) over 100,000 cases of the virus have been confirmed nationwide.

Across the U.S., some 170 lives have been lost. But there’s another side. Businesses - due to federal, state and local limits on public gatherings - have been dealt a stunning blow. Many, such as dining establishments and entertainment venues have been forced to shutter their doors. This means that thousands across Texas and millions across the country are suddenly finding themselves out of work.

According to the Texas Workforce Commission, over just two days, March 16 and 17 this week, nearly 20,000 Texans filed for unemployment benefits. Over a 7-day period in March 2019, fewer than 13,000 (12,858) Texas workers

filed unemployment claims.

And this may be just the tip of the iceberg. Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently waived the normal 7-day wait period to be eligible to file for unemployment benefits. Now, Texans can file the same day they land out-of-work. This week, Texas Workforce’s online filing system was met with such demand that it crashed the site.

These are tough times for all, but help is on the way.

Today, we made the short trip from the Texas Senate District office to the Red Bird location of Workforce Solution Greater Dallas to announce plans for a virtual hiring fair that will take place sometime over the next two weeks, on a date to be announced.

The idea for a virtual hiring fair event is in keeping aligned with the federal, state and local push for social distancing, not having large numbers of people confined in enclosed spaces, which have proven even more

conducive to the spread of the highly contagious COVID-19 virus.

According to Workforce Solutions President Laurie Larrea, while many hospitality jobs have cut work hours and laid-off workers, other industries like healthcare, grocers and those of logistics are looking to hire right now!

If you are looking for work, or for information about the upcoming virtual hiring fair, go online and keep checking at www.wfsdallas.com, or www.WORKinTexas.com.

Information on filing an unemployment claim can also be found by calling 800-9396631.

The consequences posed by COVID-19 are harsh. Being out of work makes life even harder.

Helping those unemployed to find work makes dark days a little brighter. Prayer and hope can light the way.

GARLAND JOURNAL - APRIL 1, 2020

6

Hollywood’s Movie Review Going to the Movies affected by COVID-19

From Marva

with

By Marva Sneed

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, movie releases and movie theaters are being affected. Most new movies are being delayed, until perhaps as late as this summer. The new James Bond thriller, No Time to Die has been pushed back to November, F9, the new movie in the Fast and the Furious franchise is now scheduled for next year and Black Widow, the new Marvel Comics movie, has been rescheduled to an unspecified date.

Most other planned blockbusters have all been delayed by the threat of the virus or have released their films on streaming

platforms such as Netflix or on-demand.

Also, movie theaters such as AMC and Regal have been closed.

Meanwhile, as the quarantine continues, you can rent first-run movies at the theater’s website and at Amazon. Industry experts predict movie theaters will be closed for six to 12 weeks.

Promise Kept:

Socialites Make Room for Homeless Teens

L is a , R e g g ie “R P 2 ,” a n d R e g g ie P e rr y Story and Photos

by Eva D. Coleman Lifestyle Editor Lisa and Reggie Perry light up any room they walk into.

Their presence is immediately felt because they’re always impeccably dressed and their personal display of affection, or PDA, for each other is genuine. From fancy threads to a gorgeous home and nice cars, they take nothing for granted.

As they enjoy the fruits of their labor, they take comfort in making others comfortable, especially young people of color.

“No matter what we’ve had happen, losing my dad and my best friend so close to each other, Reggie’s health; those kids at Promise House still have needs,” Lisa said. For the past 14 years, this power couple has hosted a fundraiser to benefit others, with Promise House, a safe haven and transitional facility in Dallas for homeless teens, being the main beneficiary for the past 11 years. Promise House takes in homeless teens with little to no options of another place to go.

“All of our placement is intensive; kids coming from juvenile detention centers, kids sleeping in caseworkers’ offices, difficult kids,” Promise House Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Charles Wolford said. “We

provide quality services to a different population, and we’re tasked with finding a place for them to go.”

Wolford also shared that African American and Hispanic teens make up 68 percent of their population. Reggie had a conversation regarding Promise House in which he says Wolford mentioned a lack of support from the African American constituency. That conversation served as a catalyst to mobilize a base that was formulated long ago with a social event the Perrys created, Catfish and Blue Jeans.

“You were required to wear jeans because I want you comfortable,” Reggie explained. The invite-only event had friends taking part in food, entertainment, and fun at the Perrys’ residence. The name of the event evolved into All That SWAG. To gain admittance, invited attendees had to show proof via receipt at the door that they had purchased items from a designated registry of needs for Promise House.

This year’s event, at Verona Villa in Frisco, was the first to take place outside of their home. Retaining its exclusivity as an invite-only event, it was planned in three weeks! With the Perrys’ circle of influence, there was little doubt regarding the outcome. “I’mma call on my crew and they gon’ come

through like they always do,” Lisa Perry said.

In January 2020, she lost a best friend to cancer. Her father died two days afterward from various health-related issues.

All of this while her husband had recently endured a cancer battle of his own.

Witnessing and encouraging others throughout trying times is nothing new for her. Her hair studio, Illusions by Lisa, cares for cancer patients and persons dealing with alopecia or hair loss. Her approach to handling personal losses and challenges

things even more clear.

“It’s like your lens being cleaned,” he said. “It gave me a very clean lens.”

He mentioned material things that some people concentrate on acquiring and how they don’t add up in the bigger picture. “All of the “things” are not equal to time,” he said, adding that facing mortality made him look at how he spends his time; his family, wife Lisa and son Reggie, affectionately known as RP2, being his first priority.

Reflecting, with the end of

M u s ic ia n P a u l R o g e rs a n d L is a P e rr y proves to be no different.

“I choose happiness,” she said, via a social media post thanking friends for their support during her losses. “It’s required to keep my mental state in check.” While 2020 began with the loss of loved ones, mid-year 2019 helped Reggie gain a new perspective on life. His June 2019 diagnosis of throat cancer, seven weeks of treatment and a testimony of now being cancer-free made

life in mind for this longtime successful sales executive, goes hand-in-hand with his beginning. Reggie was adopted when he was five months old, by a couple that initially had one biological child and later adopted two more children after him.

“Everyone can overcome their starting point, but everybody needs help,” he said.

The monetary contribution from All That SWAG is just a

are encouraged and many are being covered with no out-of-pocket expenses. As in all instances, check with your insurance provider regarding coverage.

VBS: Dr. O’Brian, welcome to the Valder Beebe Show for the first time. Let’s start with basic understanding; what is the Coronavirus?

DRO: It’s a zoonotic disease that spreads from animals to humans. And actually, scientists are trying to uncover the exact cause of this term ‘breakout’.

In the family of hundreds

of viruses that can cause fever to respiratory illness, it’s been around since the 1960s and it’s actually the common cause of the common cold as well as bronchitis and pneumonia.

VBS: Who does the Coronavirus impact?

DRO: It’s among all of us but it really is impacting the elderly and those with i m mu n e - c o m p ro m i s e d systems. The elderly that may have heart disease, lung disease or the diabetes population as well. Like I stated ‘it really is affecting those with immune

On From Marva with Love, I interviewed Kayla Tucker Adams Chief Communications and Public Relations Strategist of KTA Media Group, L.L.C. Kayla helps organizations elevate their brand reputation and public awareness through strong media relations, crisis management, and social media campaigns, and strategic partnerships. Over the years she has developed deep relationships with national and international media outlets that have allowed her client’s organizations to massively grow their impact. Her goal as a Communications & Public Relations Strategist is to create a national or global platform for organizations to do their best work.

MS: Kayla, Tell us a little about yourself and how you got started on this journey?

KA: Well thank you so much for that amazing introduction. You really did sum up a lot of what I do in that introduction. I am a Public Relations Executive and Media Strategist and what that means is I get the spotlight for your particular organization. I work with non-profit organizations, thought leaders, red-carpet events and movie premiers.

I also work with school districts, businesses, and pretty much any industry that need to garner the spotlight. That needs to get their issues in the public eye and get their reputation elevated. And tell the positive story of what their organization is doing.

MS: Is that your passion?

KA: Well you know it actually is my passion. I love working in Public Relations.

I have worked in Public Relations now this is my 20th year. I work once again

K a y la Tu c k e r-A d a m s with all types of industries.

I really love it. I also love cause marketing and public relations working with those nonprofits even corporations and entities that have a story to tell. They are doing something for the common good that is going to help the public. That is going to generate funds for some needed educational entity that is much needed in our environment and our community. I am very blessed that I often get a chance for my work and my passion collides because I do a lot of social and cause marketing type projects.

MS: How do incorporate what you do into helping them with branding and getting the word out for small business?

KA: I do love working with small businesses. I will admit that I do have clients that are mid-size to large corporations and school districts. campaign….

Follow Kayla Adams on LinkedIn and Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @ KaylaAdams PR.

Tune in to From Marva with Love on blogtalkradio.com/cherylsmith Fridays 11 am-1 pm part of the promise the Perrys make to address the needs of Promise House. There’s a level of physical comfort and sustainment beyond the event that’s provided as well.

“They raise in-kind donations, linens, sheets, towels, and awareness,” Wolford said.

“Financially, they introduce us to their constituent groups who give as well. It’s a tremendous impact to our agency having them and we can’t put into words what their support has been.”

“It was one night of fun for us, but that $20,000 is gonna make a year for this organization,” said Reggie Perry. All That SWAG consistently raises great amounts of cash and needed items for Promise House. The evening is full of entertainment, raffle items and giveaways consisting of the Perrys’ “favorite things” that attendees vie for all throughout the night.

Going forward, a commitment was made by the Perrys for their signature event to benefit Promise House

and The Warren Center, both organizations that champion and support children.

At a recent wrap-up celebration at their home in Frisco, for friends who they felt were key to the success of All That SWAG 2020, the power couple expressed love and appreciation for the accomplishments that are consistently achieved when their group comes together for the betterment of the world.

“Thank you for trusting us,” Reggie said to the SWAG team members assembled in the living room. “We’re going to take SWAG bigger. As a collective, there’s no way we can be stopped,” Lisa added.

During this time of crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic, please consider making a monetary donation to Promise House to help support and provide basic need items for some of our most vulnerable teens.

For more information and to donate, visit promisehouse.org

The Celebrity Interview: Dr. O’Brian THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

Dr. O’Brian

By VALDER BEEBE

Recently with the conditions that prevail on the planet and in the United States, I invited medical physician Dr. O’Brian into the studios to answer some of the many questions posed on the Valder Beebe Show social media pages regarding Coronavirus Disease also known as COVID-19.

As we are still in the midst of this Pandemic, this interview is meant to inform our listeners, viewers and readers to be better informed. Any question regarding the current pandemic should be directed toward your health provider. Those with insurance coverage, TeleDoc call-in questions

comprised systems.’

VBS: What age group is considered the elderly?

DRO: Anyone over the age of 65 years old.

VBS: Dr. O’Brian why are we seeing this problem?

Is it the first time we’ve seen this problem? DRO: The first time when looking at the coronavirus as this kind of severity of an outbreak.

What we saw back in 2009, with the H1N1 Swine Flu, we’ve seen similar types of pandemics occur.

Speed is everything with this Coronavirus. Back in 2002 SARS which was a severe acute respiratory syndrome. But right now the speed and the way this is rapidly moving is to be concerned about.

Valder Beebe Show THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW On-Demand video: ValderBeebeShow.com, 411RadioNetwork.com, Youtube.com/valderbeebeshow; PODCAST audio: Soundcloud.com/valderbeebeshow, Soundcloud.com/kkvidfw; Broadcast:KYBS FM Y99.9, KRER FM 102.5, Streaming TV PChatman Network and VBS affiliate broadcasters; On-Demand 411 RadioNetwork.com,. – Now available on 411RadioNetwork APP . Valder Beebe Show is a Power of 3 Women media influencer consortium partner.

GARLAND JOURNAL - APRIL 1, 2020

Dallas Wings Player returns from Hungary, Self-Quarantines and Prepares for Season

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Megan Gustafson of the Dallas Wings played her first year of overseas basketball in Hungary during the WNBA’s offseason. She was there when the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak hit but has since safely made it back to the States and is now in selfquarantine.

“I am doing well, currently at home in Port Wing, Wisconsin on a 14-day home quarantine,” she said via text message on March 17th. “It is not required but highly suggested since I just got back from Hungary.”

Gustafson said she is allowed to go to the grocery store, “so I went once for a supply run with my dad but other than that, I have been resting up at home.”

Unlike the NBA, which was in the midst of its season when the Coronavirus Outbreak hit, the WNBA had yet to start its season. The WNBA draft was slated for April 17, training camps were to begin April 26th and the season was to start mid-May. WNBA officials made a statement last week stating they were monitoring the outbreak and would make decisions on its season soon.

Meanwhile, Gustafson, who recently signed a multi-year contract with the Wings, is staying in shape for whenever the season begins.

“I have been working out once a day doing YouTube cardio and strengthrelated workouts, as well as going for bike rides and walks with my puppy, Pancake,” she said. “It’s been less than a week since getting back, and honestly, this is a really good time to take it easy and rest my body in prep for the upcoming season.”

She said she will wait until her quarantine period is up before heading to the local school gym to “get up shots. There will also be a lot of sidewalk ball handling sessions in the coming days.”

Gustafson spent a majority of the 2019 season with the Wings after being selected by the team No. 17 overall. She averaged 2.9 points per game and 2.5 rebounds in 9.5 minutes a game. The Wisconsin native tallied 11 points and eight rebounds in backto-back games (7/30 at Las Vegas and 8/1 vs. New York) during her rookie campaign. The University of Iowa product averaged 16.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game for NKE- Csata in Hungary.

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Do you know this man?

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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?

Love Lives I refuse to allow this sadness to destroy my heart.

Love is not banished by death.

Bruised, yes. Tattered, yes.

Displaced, oh, yes.

But, never destroyed.

No matter how dark your sorrow, love will grow forth.

8

GARLAND JOURNAL - APRIL 1, 2020

Just Call Him D-Nice:

A Real-time Lesson in Relevance, Leadership and Branding

NBA Teams and Players Unite in Support during Coronavirus Outbreak

M a v s C e n te r D w ig h t P o w e ll (P h o to C re d it: C h a rle s “C it y ” G d a b e d o )

By Kristin Harper What started off as an Instagram Live “Homeschoolin’ Social Distancing Dance Party” on March 21st has turned into a record-breaking, star-studded #ClubQuarantine online party, hosted by the legendary D-Nice. After seeing several organic mentions on my social media, I joined Saturday afternoon from the comfort of my home. I didn’t log off until after midnight. The music was on FIRE, the comments kept me engaged, and the list of all-star celebrities party-goers seemed to never end. D-Nice went eight hours strong, and he was back at it the day after.

What D-Nice did, and is still doing, is brilliant for several reasons: 1) He worked with speed to solve an unmet need with a bullseye target audience.

Homeschooling is no easy task, and even more challenging for parents who are thrust into this role without warning or preparation. Pile on top of that working from home, breaking up sibling rivalries and being a short-order cook. Whew, child! This was a long week! (Cue the marketing insight) By taking our minds off the quarantine, D-Nice eased the stress of parents and nonparents alike at a time when our lives and routines were being disrupted.

He uplifted our spirits and solved an unmet need. Plus, he had first-mover advantage.

2) People love recognition. The sweetest sound to a person’s ear is their own name, and D-Nice was very generous with shoutouts. As celebrities joined the party, he called out their names, almost in a humbling “oh my gosh, I can’t believe they’re in the party” type of way. It was so authentic.

Then he would say, “We need Will and Jada to join. Where you at, Will and Jada?”

It didn’t take long before Will, Jada, and many more celebrities joined the party. It was magical! He had every right to be starstruck. Saturday night’s celebrities included Oprah, Michelle Obama, Janet Jackson, Rihanna, Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, Lenny Kravitz, Halle Berry, Nile Rodgers, Lalah Hathaway, Missy Elliott, Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden, Dwyane Wade, Fab Five Freddy, Mark Zuckerberg, Taraji P. Henson, Queen Latifah, Donnie Wahlberg, Angela Bassett, Bruno Mars, Sheila E. and many more.

This is one of many reasons I “partied” for more than six hours and am back at it on Sunday. I wanted to see who was going to join next.

reason to persevere through challenging times… whether Negro spirituals, blues, gospel, R&B or hip hop. Sometimes music is the only medicine the heart and soul need.

People are attracted to your authenticity.

D-Nice has been performing as a deejay, beatboxer, rapper, producer, and photographer since the 80s when he was in the hip hop group Boogie Down Productions. The service he’s providing this week falls squarely in his area of expertise. What I love most is that he’s just being himself…deejaying to music people love, wearing a simple t-shirt, and changing his hat every so often to keep the crowd entertained and express his unique personality.

So what’s the ROI for his servant leadership?

Day 1 viewers totaled around 200; March 21st’s virtual dance party exceeded 100K people after several hours; within the first 15 minutes of starting March 22nd’s virtual dance party, more than 100K people joined. He has since co-hosted the Couch Party: A Voter Registration Live Set with former First Lady Michelle Obama.

D-Nice’s Instagram followers more than quadrupled from 200K before his first broadcast to 1.1M and counting during his second. He has garnered media articles, including Forbes, the New York Times, CNN, USA Today, Essence, People, Billboard, and more.

His brand value – and bank account – just skyrocketed. A few people encouraged viewers to tip the deejay through CashApp @BrandNice.

I gladly obliged. He provided an amazing service and did it with excellence. And, while this idea probably didn’t begin with profit in mind, I’m certain his calendar will be booked, and he can charge a premium for his services.

D-Nice, thank you for bringing the world together at a time when we needed it most!

By the way, he might still be spinning on the ones and twos. Visit D-Nice’s Instagram page to join the virtual party.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

And best of all, every time a musical performer joined, D-Nice played their songs. Simply brilliant!!!

4) His live social distancing parties spoke to several human truths: People crave community. Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, human beings crave the community. We are living through unprecedented times and gathering with friends and like-minded people brings comfort…even online.

Music has healing power. Music is emotive. It brings joy. It makes you feel better. Music makes you move from side to side with the rhythms of each beat, uniting people from all walks of life, around the globe.

As African-Americans, music has long been a mental, emotional escape and a

Since the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) shut down its season on March 11th, the majority of NBA players, their teams and the League itself has supported any and all efforts to combat the global virus that has brought the world to a virtual standstill.

Stars of the NBA, including the Mavs’ Luka Doncic, the New Orleans Pelicans’ Zion Williamson and reigning league MVP and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks –as well as several team owners – have committed to helping cover the lost income of arena employees since the season was suspended.

On March 13th, Williamson said that he will cover the salaries for all of the Pelicans’ arena staff workers for the next 30 days on his Instagram page.

Antetokounmpo has donated $100,000 to the Bucks’ staff at Fiserv Forum. Bucks officials said soon after that they would match his contribution.

Cleveland Cavalier Kevin Love made the same commitment of $100,000 for Cavaliers’ arena staff.

Utah Jazz All-Star Rudy Gobert – the first player to test positive for COVID-19 – has donated $500,000 for arena employees and relief in Utah, Oklahoma City and his native France.

“NBA teams, arena owners and players are working together in partnership to support arena employees impacted by our season hiatus,” NBA spokesman Mike Bass said in a statement last week.

“Within the last day, many have already announced their plans while others are in the process of formulating them.”

Local Response

3) He answered the essential question for every brand builder – what’s in it for me? For marketers, we call it a benefit, and his virtual parties provided many, many benefits: Feelings of happiness and relaxation Reasons to dance A sense of belonging A feeling of community entertainment “Access” to celebrities Avoiding FOMO — fear of missing out

By Dorothy J. Gentry Sports Editor

Kristin Harper is CEO of Driven to Succeed, LLC, a leadership development company that provides keynote speaking on leadership and emotional intelligence, and brand consulting for businesses, entrepreneurs and high achieving individuals around the world.

Kristin built her career at Procter & Gamble, The Hershey Company, and Cardinal Health, a $130B Fortune 16 healthcare company. She’s known for building successful brands including Crest®, Oral-B®, and Hershey’s KISSES®, and helping people accelerate their careers.

If you’re looking for an inspiring, engaging speaker for your next event, a fresh approach to brand innovation or reinvention for your business, or expert guidance to bring your entrepreneurial idea to life, I’d love to talk with you.

Visit www.DriventoSucceedLLC. com, inbox or email me at Kristin@ DriventoSucceedLLC.com.

Locally, the Dallas Mavericks – the team at the forefront of this move to assist arena workers – recently announced that owner Mark Cuban, star guard Luka Doncic and center Dwight Powell have teamed up with the Dallas Mavericks Foundation to donate $500,000 to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Parkland Hospital.

The donated funds will be allocated to support childcare for healthcare workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response.

“We can’t thank our healthcare workers enough for putting their patients’ well-being before their own,” Cuban said. “I am thankful to Luka and Dwight as we partner up to support healthcare workers who are doing everything they can to

keep our community healthy.”

Daniel K. Podolsky, MD, president of UT Southwestern, said the Mavs’ $500,000 donation will ease the burden of many healthcare workers on the frontlines of the fight against the Coronavirus.

“We are deeply grateful to the entire Dallas Mavericks organization, and especially to Mark, Dwight and Luka, for their incredible generosity in providing emergency childcare funding benefitting the frontline healthcare workers of UT Southwestern and Parkland,” he said.

“This will alleviate a tremendous burden faced by so many nurses,

M a v s G u a rd L u k a D o n c ic (P h o to C re d it: Ja m e e la h Jo h n s o n )

physicians, lab technicians and other care team members working nonstop on our COVID-19 response. Having support for childcare will be one less thing they have to worry about.”

UT Southwestern and Parkland frontline caregiving staff include inpatient intensivists, advanced practice practitioners, physicians, nurses, phlebotomists, sonographers, radiology technicians, transporters, lab technicians and pharmacists.

Additionally, support staff includes front desk staff, medical assistants and janitorial staff who are critical to the functioning of an urgent care environment.

Allocation of the funds to individual staff will be made as expeditiously as possible.

“Thank you to our amazing healthcare workers,” said Doncic. “They are sacrificing so much to care for others, and I am honored to help.”

Added Powell: “We are extremely grateful for the amazing bravery shown by our health professionals during this difficult time.

We feel it’s our duty to do whatever we can to support their efforts.

“We continue to practice social distancing and good hygiene, while hoping this fund helps prevent families from further hardship as a result of their sacrifice.”

Support for

Nonprofits The Mavs’ efforts to support the local community and nonprofits across North Texas affected by the outbreak of COVID-19 has not stopped with the above measures.

The Mavs Foundation is contributing $100,000 to area nonprofits that are providing support for individuals and families affected by COVID-19.

North Texas area nonprofits receiving donations from the Mavs Foundation include the North Texas Food Bank, VNA Texas Meals on Wheels, Minnie’s Food Pantry, Community Food Bank of Fort Worth, Hunger Busters, Senior Source, CitySquare, Hope Supply Co., Communities Found-tion of Texas and the North Texas Community Response Fund. The Mavs will also make a donation of Kroger gift cards to students and families in need of food from Dallas ISD. “There are so many people who need help right now. We want to do our part to get them the support they need,” said Cynt Marshall, CEO of the Dallas Mavericks.

“Whether it’s by giving time or helping with funds, we are ready to make a difference in the lives of our fellow community members. We’re all in this together!”

Mavericks center Maxi Kleber also donated a $20,000 gift to CitySquare to ensure local students still have access to the third meal of the day usually provided by now-closed after-school sites.

The Mavericks organization is also partnering with Mayor Eric Johnson and the City of Dallas by having Mavericks players share public service announcements, as well as with the Dallas Independent School District to feed families and support virtual learning for its students.

To spread awareness and minimize the spread of COVID-19, the Mavericks also provided 100,000 units of hand sanitizer to nonprofits, police and civic organizations.

Latest NBA News Since the announcement that the Association suspended the 2019-2020 season, the NBA went one step further on March 20th and shut down all teamtraining facilities to staff and players to mitigate the Coronavirus situation.

Players are being encouraged to take aggressive measures to continue to avoid contact with others and remain home as much as possible.

No timetable has been set for when the NBA season will resume.