Garland Journal 12-22-22

SERVING NORTH EAST TEXAS

My Truth

By Cheryl Smith Publisher

Don’t Believe me? Just

Watch!

This was definitely a week of victories and defeats!

Black men were dominating the headlines, which gave many an opportunity to witness how low and how high we can go when taking on or taking out a Black man.

Last year around this time, we were preparing to announce our Person of the Year. I felt then and still today that we made the right choice in selecting Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders of Jackson State University (JSU).

He wasn’t chosen because there was an expectation that he would stay forever, instead it was because during the time he was at that HBCU, he elevated the program and others, addressed a number of systemic issues and called out inequities for the world to see; and he gave many hope and the courage to speak up and do something!

If folks said they had no idea about the disparities or double

More Than 7,500 Toys Donated to Area Youth by Tyrese Maxey Foundation

The Tyrese Maxey Foundation wrapped its month-long multicity Toy Drive by dropping off toys at Children’s Health Dallas on Monday, Dec. 19. Over the course of the past month, the Tyrese Maxey Foundation has collected more than 7,500 plus toys.

All toys collected were donated this past weekend and at the start of this week to Children’s Health Dallas, Youth Services Incorporated, and the Philadelphia Housing Authority.

Here in Dallas, the Foundation arrived at Children’s Health Dallas with a caravan of cars full of toys. Foundation members, partners, and Children’s Health Child Life Specialists worked together to unload and transport all toys

Dean Sentenced in Jefferson killing!

Jury gives former police officer more than 11 years

Pandemic impacted churches, faith groups

By Norma Adams-Wade

The COVID-19

“Change has come and we’re likely

not going back to old times that will not work anymore,” said Rev. Roy Locke, senior pastor at New Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, 2000 West Pleasant Run in Lancaster. “We’ve got to hold on to those times that were so meaningful; and at the same time stay tuned to where the Lord will lead us.”

Current trends indicate that Rev.

A Fort Worth jury on Thursday afternoon sentenced former Fort Worth police officer Aaron Dean to 11 years, 10 months and 12 days in prison for the fatal killing of Atatiana Jefferson. Dean, who resigned from the Fort Worth police department shortly after the shooting, was

inside the hospital. Those in attendance included, The Tyrese Maxey Foundation Board of Directors, The Maxey Family, Chilis’ store representatives, the Max Levels Elite Basketball Team, Tesla Dentistry, and Texas Roadshow.

Although Tyrese Maxey could not be in attendance, he still dropped in over Facetime to give his gratitude to all those who made this toy drive possible, show his commitment to his hometown community, and say hello to all those in attendance.

Sam Cooke crooned in the mid-1960s that “A Change Is Gonna Come.” Now more than a half-century later, major change has come for countless churches and faith groups across the land.

pandemic has brought that change.

See DEAN SENTENCED,

By Arise Rejoice News Service

Atatiana Jefferson

Aaron Dean

Dr. Ouida Lee

Volunteers with toys

Credit: Maxey Foundation

Pandemic Impacted Churches cont. from page 1

Locke’s sentiments are being replayed in churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, kingdom halls, and various other worship sites globally. Why? Because the COVID-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on how faith groups carry out their worship services and minister to congregants.

The government first mandated two years ago that worship groups must suspend in-person services to prevent spread of the coronavirus that was rapidly spreading across the land. The government and health leaders then slightly relaxed the restriction allowing about a dozen congregants to gather.

Countless congregations have never returned to their packed Sunday and Saturday services. And where hundreds used to gather now many worship services see less than 20 worshipers seated with respectable social distancing in nearly empty pews.

Will young members under the legal voting age continue these trends as they mature? Will they leave in-person worship services entirely – turning

meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, …?”

Dr. Jerry Christian, pastor at Kirkwood CME Church, 1440 Sunny Glen Dr., in Oak Cliff, said among various

awards that the youth seemed to enjoy. Rev. Dr. Ouida Lee has battled diverse issues over more than 30 years in ministry, including as a pastor at several churches in Dallas and nearby towns.

Surviving decades of struggle being a female pastor strengthened her ability to inspire worshippers to stay strong during the pandemic. She always has sought to draw and retain youth and young adult congregants and admits that COVID-19 was an extra challenge.

“Youth ministry is a touchy-feely ministry,” said Dr. Lee who retired in 2019 as pastor at Church of the Disciple-United Methodist in DeSoto, then helped other congregations during the pandemic.

will come back when you bring them back!”

Denis Corbin holds dual responsibilities at two multi-ethnic Catholic churches in Dallas -- business manager at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 4910 Bonnie View Rd, in Oak Cliff, and pastoral administrator at St. Antho-

groups cease in-person services. The freeze destroyed the church sanctuary, then unrelated state road construction cut off accessibility to the church entrance. Currently, the church still has not reopened because of continuing reconstruction delays and setbacks. Additionally, poor WiFi reception at the church has meant that leaders must broadcast on social media from home. And construction workers recently hit a wire that shut down transmission.

“It’s been one thing after another, compounded on top of another,” Rev. Patterson said.

Holding the interest of young congregants, as well as some adults, also has been a major task, he said.

“We work hard to offer the young people incentives and awards, including $25 gift cards to Walmart and other stores, to keep them interested,” Rev. Patterson said.

ways to keep the congregation in touch with each other – while in-person meetings were shut down, -- his members periodically would gather outside the building for “parking lot praise,” in addition to holding worship and meetings via social media platforms.

“To do anything differently, we would have to figure new ways other than what we’ve already done, meaning Zoom, emails, phone calls, and the “parking lot praise,” Dr. Christian said.

Dr. Christian and other ministers said holding on to their Gen Y and Gen Z members – those born shortly before the year 2000 and soon after – was a challenge that took much effort from youth leaders and church administrators.

“Having to be isolated one from another made it difficult to address the youth without being present with them…(but) multi-media has been very impactful as relates to being in touch with your faith community. … You can be anywhere -- finishing soccer practice or wherever-- and still call in.”

ny Catholic Parish, 3782 Myrtle St. in South Dallas/Fair Park.

Corbin said the parish youth have faith-training classes. He said he and other parishioners noticed symptoms in their youth similar to those the public and media mentioned in students at Dallas public and private schools that also were shut down.

Youths who were pre-teens when the pandemic hit now are teenagers, he said, and have lost the benefits of face-to-face worship. “We have to be more interactive with the parents to try to keep the youth involved.”

Pastors and leaders at all the church-

completely to social media as a way of worship?

And will social media worship become so entrenched that few followers adhere to the Biblical rule stated in portions of Hebrews 10:23, 25 (NIV)

“23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, …25not giving up

At Kirkwood, youth leaders would hold youth meetings on Zoom -- abbreviated to no more than a half-hour to honor the youths’ short attention span and to prevent them turning off before the meeting would end. The meetings would include Bible lesson games and

Dr. Lee became a pastor again this past August and currently leads Haven Chapel United Methodist Church in Denison. She collaborates with public and private school administrators and faith leaders to help youth get on track after church and school closures during the pandemic.

Rev. Locke of New Mt. Gilead said parents often did ask him when the youth would come back to the church. He said his stock answer was: “They

“For about six months (during the pandemic), we had ceased all activities,” Corbin said of the two Catholic parishes ruled by the Catholic Diocese of Dallas. “The kids came back with learning deficiencies like those they would experience if they took a sixmonth-long summer break. There was remedial work that had to be done.”

Rev. Joe Patterson is pastor of Greater New Zion Baptist Church, 2210 Pine St. in South Dallas/Fair Park. He and his congregation faced a tsunami of multiple catastrophes during the Texas power grid freeze in February 2021, followed about a month later by the government’s mandate that faith

es contacted said they have learned major lessons:

Rev. Roy Locke: “What we would do differently is not to put so much stock in social media, but continue to have in-person services with people who actually are vaccinated. And we would follow all CDC health measures.”

Call issued to Support Black Businesses

Haynes: "Buy Black"

By Cheryl Smith Texas Metro News

When Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III, of Friendship-West Baptist Church, announced 100 Days of Buying Black in acknowledging the 100th Commemoration of the Tulsa Race Massacre, we joined the movement. December 31, 2021 marked 100 days of featuring Black Businesses. and we decided that the struggle continues and we must also. So enjoy reading about more Black-owned businesses and please support.

MR. WASH MOBILE DETAILING

Mr. Wash discovered a demand for quality auto detailing for hard working people that don’t have spare time to take their vehicle to a detail shop due to their busy schedules. After taking notice of this, Mr. Wash was born. Why wait days on end to drive your vehicle again? You deserve the peace-of-mind knowing your vehicle is in the right hands while being tailored to as you do what you do best. Our goal is to protect your investment by increasing your vehicle’s longevity & durability against all factors — looking as good as new for as long as possible. Book your appointment today. Visit the website for all of their services: https://mrwashdfw.com/ Call (817) 908-4748 or email: info@mrwashdfw.com.

DOUBLE TROUBLE APPAREL

Double Trouble Apparel is owned by Dominique Sanders, a young mother of two sassy & fierce princesses Aubri and Krislyn, who are the inspiration behind Double Trouble Apparel. This children’s clothing brand for little girls was created with every mother that has a goal to keep their princesses in fashionable & affordable looks. Having her first child at the age of 21 years old and was not quite financially secure, but still desiring to dress her daughter nicely. She found items within every budget. Enjoy your royal shopping experience with Double Trouble Apparel where you can find the latest trends and fashionable accessories to match for your princess. Shop the website: https:// double-trouble-bowtique.myshopify.com/

YMH CREATIVE REFLECTIONS

YMH Creative Reflections LLC

is a Women owned business in Greenville, NC Yasminah Howard, CEO & Founder creates powerful visuals to help entrepreneurs with branding purposes. Specializing in professional, creative designs

to ensure that your brand is properly succeeding with a wide range of audience, and an increase of sales. Digital products and services are used virtually across all platforms. Visual communication strategies are a very beneficial factor when trying to improve your online presence for your brand. Check out the website: https:// ymhcreativereflections.com/

YOU ASK I FIND!

You Ask I Find is here to make your life easier! Looking for things can be stressful when you have so many options to choose from.

You Ask I Find narrows your search down to one! No more nail-biting or wondering if you got the best price. We do the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to!

Affordable Wholesale and Distribution of any items in your Home, PPE (masks, gloves, stands, gowns, etc.) Office (desks, chairs, stationery, etc.) Tools, Auto, & more. Visit the website: https://youaskifind.com/. Call at 773-557-7037 or Email them at inquiries@youaskifind.com. Hours Of Operation 12:00 am to 12:00 am.

AKIERA ROUNDTREE

Virtual Assistant & Social Media Manager

Akiera Roundtree is a ROCKSTAR Virtual Assistant & Social Media Manager ready to help you take that heavy weight off of your shoulders. Her services includes, Social Media Management & Strategy, Personal brand development, Email marketing and management, Content Creation, Bookkeeping, Data Entry, Podcast management, So much more. If you or someone you know is looking for an awesome Virtual Assistant & Social Media Manager, contact her on Facebook @ AkieraRoundtree.

PUZZLES OF COLOR

Puzzles of Color! A blackowned family business operated by siblings, Ericka and William.

They began doing puzzles as a family in elementary school.

They enjoyed the challenges and spending time together towards a common goal. But in doing so, they noticed that seldom they found images that represented people who looked like them and experiences. So, Puzzles of Color was created, frameable pieces of art created by artists of color celebrating their experiences and creativity. Order your today visit the website: https://www.puzzlesofcolor.com/

MOOD-NOLAN

Moody Nolan, an Architecture Firm practicing responsive architecture — designing spaces unique to our clients, community and the environment. For Moody Nolan, diversity isn’t a program, an initiative or a recruiting plan— diversity is who we are. As the largest African American owned firm in the country, we believe great design happens at the intersection of innovative ideas and divergent points of view. The firm is diverse by design, offering a distinct

advantage to clients and an authentic understanding of the cultural, social and economic impacts of each space they design.

Visit the Website: http://moodynolan.com/

DR. SHARI’S PEDIATRICS

Dr. Shari’s Pediatrics is a full-service clinic offering sick child and well child visits. Dr. Shari Bass M.D. is a board- certified pediatrician and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She has practiced evidence- based pediatrics since completing residency in 2008. They will review growth and development at all well- visits. They will discuss age-appropriate guidance and recommendations for your child. They can make referrals where necessary and have a lab located conveniently in our building. They will be receiving our first pediatric vaccine shipments in the next 90 days. The Clinic is located at 3801 Gaston (Suite 303) Dallas, TX 75246. Phone: 469-677-0912. You can also, book online: https://askdrshari.wpcomstaging.com/

CHAVONE VIBES YOGA-MOVEMENT-LIFESTYLE

The owner of Chavone Vibes, Chavone says, “the yoga mat was a place where I started making changes in my life. With that lesson my purpose is to communicate a practical, relatable yoga.” She teaches simple but powerful sequences while emphasizing strength, flexibility and balance within every pose, using empowering, yet “feel good” musical playlists. There are Livestream Classes, Public Classes. You can schedule a class, and get Classes On Demand. Visit the website: https://www.chavonevibes.com/

BANDS OF HOPE

Bands of Hope, is a non-profit organization that supports underprivileged single women with children and was founded in 2011 by two friends who dreamed of “giving back” to the community, in a way that was fun and exciting. They used their talent for entertaining and hosting to start a charity event that would help bring their dream to fruition. Both Gilda Smith and Debra London, mothers and grandmothers, know first-hand the struggles that single mothers have in providing for their children in the most basic of ways. Join them by visiting the website: http://bandsofhope.org/index.html.

BUTLER’S PHOTO

The mission of Butler's Photo is “Preserving yesterday’s memories one photo at a time.” They are available for events, weddings, family portraits, modeling portfolios, passport photos, and birthdays. Visit the website to see all the things they offer. They welcome you to capture the memorable events of a lifetime. http://www.butlersphoto.com/ or call them at 469-231-1810.

SPRY BEAUTY SUPPLY HOUSE

The Spry Beauty Supply House, since day one, has worked tirelessly in order to expand their product offerings and make their customers’ experience even better. Being proud of how far they’ve come yet they remain committed to performing even better. As part of the overall body positivity movement, there’s been a growing demand for beauty products geared towards African American consumers. This is especially true with Black hair care products since they need to serve their unique beauty needs. Spry the best choice for your online purchase and physical shopping in Dallas Ft Worth. They have two Locations 211 Ervay St. Suite 200B Dallas, TX 75201 (832)408-0981 and 411 N. Akard #150B Mayflower Tower, Dallas, Texas 75201 (832)408-0981 or you can visit the website: https://www.sprybeauty.org/

SOUL-FULL TREATS

“SOUL-FULL TREATS” by Nathan started in April 2017 with his family’s original flavor pound cake called “Perfect Pound” along with four additional flavors which are now known as the “Starting Five” flavors. Today the “Perfect Pound” is known as “Grandma Kathy’s Perfect Pound” as her memory will forever live on within Soul-Full Treats. Nathan has taken what was passed down to him, given it a few upgrades (i.e. the flavors), taken a little bit of the “Soul” of his family and he’s excitedly looking forward to sharing with families everywhere. Visit the website: https://www.soul-fulltreats.com/

CARA’S GERIATRIC HOME

RECREATIONAL SERVICES

Cara Renee Jefferson, Founder/CEO

Seeking care for your loved ones? Cara’s Geriatric Home Recreational Services founded by Cara Renee Jefferson. The Respite Care services are short term short-term care services provided due to the absence or need for relief of the family member(s) or primary caregiver. Respite care also, is a companionship service for clients in their homes or long-term care, Hospitals and Hospice. They are located at 2810 E Trinity Mills Rd Ste 153, Carrollton

Get in touch with them at 972-327-0136 or website: https://cghrservices.com/

CIGAR LOUNGE

LG’S

Owner Lennard Gilham

Upscale Cigar Lounge in Allen, TX Now Open! Hwy 121 and Watters/Lake Forest 975 Sam Rayburn Tollway Ste 190 Allen, TX 75013 Premium cigar brands. Full service bar and Stocked Humidor! Come relax, smoke, work or enjoy a cocktail. Follow them on Instagram @lgs.cigarlounge Opens at 12 pm until 10 pm and Midnight on the weekend.

Email: Lgscigarlounge@gmail.com

Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III

Dr. Jerry Christian

Rev. Joe Patterson

Past worship practices remembered. Future changes inevitable.

Rev. Roy Locke

Deacon Denis Corbin

This story is part of a project funded from the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) to support original and innovative coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, the coronavirus vaccine, and how these topics intersect into the nation’s K-12 education system.

Gov. Greg Abbott prohibits schools from mandating COVID-19 vaccine for students

By Meghan Mangrum The Dallas Morning News

Texas schools can’t require students to receive the COVID-19 vaccine despite a new recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

On Thursday, Gov. Greg Abbott told Texas’ education commissioner Mike Morath and school superintendents that the vaccine — recently added to the CDC’s list of recommended childhood immunizations — cannot be mandated for students to attend school.

“Despite attempts at federal overreach into the health care decisions of Americans, in Texas we continue to honor and defend the freedom of parents to choose what is best for the health and well-being of their families,” Abbott wrote in a letter to school officials. “Regardless of what the CDC may suggest, in Texas, the COVID-19 vaccine remains voluntary. Texas schools shall not require students to receive the COVID-19 vaccine for any reason.”

In August 2021, Abbott issued an executive order prohibiting vaccine mandates by government entities in Texas, which also allows parents to opt-out of the COVID-19 vaccine for their children.

Last month, after a CDC panel first moved to recommend the vaccine for children, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton joined

13 other state attorneys general and urged the committee to not add the vaccine to its list of recommended childhood immunizations. The panel’s decision, which has since been adopted by the CDC director, formally adds the shot to a list often used by schools and health officials in making vaccination requirements.

But in a letter addressed to the

to set vaccination requirements for its schoolchildren as well as opt-out provisions. Texas officials made it clear throughout the pandemic that COVID-19 vaccine mandates would be unlikely.

In October 2021, Gov. Greg Abbott also issued an executive order cracking down on such mandates and banning any entity in Texas, including private businesses, from requiring vaccinations for employees or customers.

Abbott had called on lawmakers to pass a bill with the same effect during a special legislative session last year. After it failed to pass in the Legislature, Republicans instead challenged federal vaccine requirements in court.

What vaccines are required to attend school in Texas?

Prior to starting kindergarten, Texas students must receive multiple vaccines under state law.

tle to ensure students’ vaccination records are up to date in time for the start of the school year. Exemptions must be documented.

Many children still getting vaccinated

Some have worried that increasing pressure from families over “parental rights” would lead to an uptick in students requesting exemptions, especially as immunization rates nationwide dipped during the pandemic.

school districts in North Texas suburbs, near Austin and San Antonio, and Amarillo reporting more than 3% of students seeking such exemptions.

Regardless of whether the COVID-19 vaccination is required, nearly 50% of parents are willing to get the COVID-19 vaccine for their children, according to an August poll from The Dallas Morning News and the University of Texas at Tyler.

CDC’s advisory committee and its director, the attorneys general argued that “children are at little risk of death from COVID-19” and that little is known about the vaccine’s effectiveness.

Requiring COVID-19 vaccines for children could “undoubtedly accelerate a rejection by many American families of more traditional vaccinations due to the CDC’s increasingly sullied credibility,” the letter read.

Each state has the authority

The Texas Department of Health and Human Services requires students to be fully immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps and rubella, hepatitis A and chickenpox.

Boosters and additional vaccines, such as hepatitis B and the meningococcal, or meningitis, vaccines are also required as students age.

But Texas law allows for medical, religious or “reasons of conscience” exemptions.

Every year, school districts hus-

A September 2020 state report on the Texas Vaccines for Children program, which provides low-cost vaccines to eligible children, outlined steep declines in immunizations.

More recent data from the Department of Health and Human Services indicate that about 93% of Texas kindergarteners were up to date on required immunizations during the 2021-22 school year.

Still, those seeking religious exemptions climbed about half a percentage point with some

As of Oct. 25, about 2.6 million Texas children ages 6 months to 15 years old have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, according to state data.

The DMN Education Lab deepens the coverage and conversation about urgent education issues critical to the future of North Texas.

St. Philip’s School and Community Center Uses Pandemic Tools to Pivot Toward Success

By Sylvia Dunnavant Hines

Nationally schools across the country have dealt with confusion and conflict regarding health restrictions as they tried to find some form of normalcy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yet in the heart of South Dallas, St. Philip’s School and Community Center has used the challenging environment presented by the pandemic as inspiration for growth and innovative success.

“From the school side, we were able to convert to virtual learning,” said Kellee Murrell, principal of St. Philip’s School. “We also did a lot of professional development for our teachers. We provided resources for our families as they had to transition so that they could access and join in online.”

St. Philip’s School and Community Center is a private Christian school located just minutes from downtown Dallas with students PK2-7th grade.

“Once students were able to enter the building, we had some students whose parents wanted to keep them home. They were able to log in and we use cameras called swivel cameras which allowed those at home to feel a part of the classroom environment,” said Murrell, adding that much of their success was based on developing a task force and keeping stakeholders and parents engaged during the various challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was really just a combined effort from the school, our parents, the board and others giving feedback, as to how we were going to transition,” she continued. “We got a lot of great responses from our families that felt we really did a great job during COVID ensuring that our students didn’t miss out academically.”

Even though during the peak of the pandemic the school shifted to virtual learning, they used creative methods to try to include arts and physical education in the routine of their students.

“I would say one of our triumphs was that even though we were distant, we were still together. We over communicated to our families to ensure that they felt safe, and that their children were safe,” said Murrell.

Despite national averages that showed Black and Hispanic students did not fare well during the COVID-19 pandemic, Murrell said their students academically

continued to fare very well.

Dr. Terry Flowers, Executive Director of St. Phillip’s said that even in the midst of the COVID pandemic the school experienced an increase in enrollment.

According to a new report from the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, enrollment grew 7% at charters between 2019 and 2022, while falling 3.5%, or almost 1.5 million, at traditional public schools over the same period.

“As a Community Center we have a food pantry. Our intention was to continue as best we could to provide services to our community,” said Dr. Flowers. “Our food pantry is an in-house shopping experience where people go into the food pantry and shop as though they were in a store. We had to pivot, and we moved that activity and operation outside. It became more of a drive through model.

“We are one of few food pantries in all north Texas that con-

would have a negative impact on members of the police force.

tinued to provide services even though the need increased by 50 percent.”

Dr. Flowers attributes creative changes in the St. Philip’s Community Center to their ability to successfully provide services without interruption. They also made changes to their senior citizen transportation program which allowed them to provide home deliveries for seniors so that this at-risk population did not have to get out into the community.

“Even though we were virtual

we tried to continue to make it feel like school. We tried to add joy and fun by creating opportunities for kids to get together outside of class.

Movie night is one way to gather the youth together.

“We rented a big screen and people were able to fellowship from their vehicles on blankets while socially distance outdoors. We also allowed families to gather at a local park where there was praise and worship. We called it praise in the park,” said Murrell.

Dr. Flowers said that even though the school has small classroom sizes, social distancing was still challenging.

“We made some investments during the pandemic that are still active for us,” he shared. “We have temperature check machines; we have hand sanitized stations and masks. We created an isolation room for students that showed COVID symptoms and needed to be placed in a separate space. Many of these modifications will continue should we experience another pandemic.”

the first police officer in the history of Tarrant County to be sentenced to prison for killing someone while on duty.

Last Thursday a jury found him guilty in the October, 2019 shooting which fractured the community of Fort Worth. The sentencing phase of the trial began on Friday.

The prosecution, members of Jefferson’s family, and those close to them, wanted Dean found guilty of murder rather than manslaughter.

The manslaughter charge allows a maximum prison sentence of 20 years in Texas. It even allows for supervised probation.

Once found guilty, Dean was

arrested. He had been free on bail since the killing three years ago.

Dean’s lawyers asked for probation while a lawyer for the prosecution asked for the mandatory sentence of 20 years.

Prosecutors were not pleased with the manslaughter verdict, saying that the real victims of Dean’s actions were Ms. Jefferson and her family.

During the punishment stage of the trial a psychologist, Dr. Kyle Clanton, said that Dean should never have been hired as a police officer. Dean had narcissistic tendencies, he told the jurors.

Dean’s attorney said that sending Dean to prison would be counterproductive and that it

He called Dean a very good man who found himself in a very difficult situation.

Dean’s mother said that he became a police officer because he wanted to help people.

A member of Dean’s church called Dean a “good and noble man,” while testifying.

Dean had said that he believed that Jefferson had a gun on the night of her murder, and that he fired only after commanding her to drop the weapon.

Jefferson’s nephew, who was with her playing video games on the night that she was killed testified that Jefferson had a gun to protect her family and that he nor his aunt heard Dean’s command.

He said that neither he nor his

aunt did anything that could be described as threatening towards the officer that fatal night.

In the judgement stage of the trial the jury found that Dean acted recklessly, but that he did not intend to kill Jefferson.

Under cross examination, Dean testified that he did not alert anyone that he had seen a gun, including his partner, a female member of the police force.

Dean told the jury that his actions on the night of October 12, 2018 did not reflect quality police work when he fired through a window at the home where Ms. Jefferson’s mother lived.

During the trial, Dean was characterized as a biased member of the police force who held misgivings against the people who lived in the neighborhood

where Ms. Jefferson was slain.

An attorney for Dean said that while he made mistakes he did not commit murder because he was in fear for his life, and that his actions were consistent with proper police training.

Prosecutors said that Ms. Jefferson had an expectation of privacy in her home and that Dean violated that expectation.

Lisa Pamplin, a Fort Worth community leader, and former police officer, who watched the case closely, said after the sentence was announced that she hoped that the verdict and sentence would lead to substantive changes in Fort Worth.

Ms. Jefferson, a graduate of Xavier University in New Orleans was a salesperson for a medical supply company.

Texas law overrides a recent CDC recommendation, Abbott argues, and parents have the right to opt their children out from receiving the vaccine

Governor Greg Abbott

The DMN Education Lab is a community-funded journalism initiative, with support from The Beck Group, Bobby and Lottye Lyle, Communities Foundation of Texas, The Dallas Foundation, Dallas Regional Chamber, Deedie Rose, Garrett and Cecilia Boone, The Meadows Foundation, The Murrell Foundation, Solutions Journalism Network, Southern Methodist University, Sydney Smith Hicks, Todd A. Williams Family Foundation and the University of Texas at Dallas. The Dallas Morning News retains full editorial control of the Education Lab’s journalism.

Dr. Terry Flowers speaks at Praise in the Park.

Credit: St. Philip’s School

This story is part of a project funded from the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) to support original and innovative coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, the coronavirus vaccine, and how these topics intersect into the nation’s K-12 education system.

Gone With the Damn Wind!

Quit Playin’

By Vincent L. Hall

Inquiring minds want to know whether anyone received an Oscar for Gone with the Wind.

Well, it did. Gone with the Wind won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actress (Vivien Leigh), and Best Supporting Actress (Hattie McDaniel).

This epic piece of cinema is known for several reasons, not least because the first Black woman secured the 1940 Oscar. After that, though, Scarlet, America didn’t give a damn!

Biographer Jill Watts noted in the masterful Hattie McDaniel: Black Ambition, White Hollywood, that same evening, McDaniel was seated at the edge of the room, close to the stage but separate from her colleagues.

For McDaniel, life was a tightrope walk of trying to satisfy herself, her prejudiced bosses, and the representation-starved Black community—attempting to be all things to all people. “I always wanted to be before the public,” she once said, per Watts. “I’m always acting. I guess

it’s the ham in me.”

The Best Actor performance for 2023 has already made the reels. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is the hands-down favorite. We learned this week that he has more ham in him than Hattie! After the Washington Post outed his cameo appearance at a 1957 rally to “Keep the Niggers Out,” he returned with another of his outstanding portrayals as a victimized billionaire.

“I didn’t know at the time the monumental event that was going on, and I’m sure glad that we’re a long way from that,” Jones, 80, said of the incident that occurred when he was a sophomore. “I am. That would remind me to continue to do everything we can to avoid those kinds of things happening.”

“We didn’t have all of the last 70 years of reference and all the things that were going, so you didn’t have a reference point there. Still, I’ve got a habit of sticking this nose in the right place at the wrong time.”

Jones said he did get in trouble for being there. “I was a young sophomore trying to make the team, and they kicked my ass,” he said.

My mama often reminds me that “every dog has his day and a

bird dog has a season!” Many of us wished Jerry Jones’ season in the spotlight would fade since long before the Colin Kaepernick saga.

Jones is either wretched or racist or just a wretched racist. But he is not unlike most White men in his era who lived in Arkansas or the South. They always claimed White

“I’m pretty pissed off,” Smith said on a recent First Take segment discussing the newly surfaced photo of the Dallas Cowboys owner when he was 14. “I’m pissed off but not for reasons people think. I am very, very fond of Jerry Jones, and I’m not hiding that from anybody. Is his record perfect?

the whirlwind dichotomy W.E.B. DuBois called a “double consciousness.”

DuBois, in “The Souls of Black Folk,” introduced the concept. The intellectual giant defines double consciousness as “African Americans’ struggle to remain true to Black culture while simultaneously conforming to the dominant white society.”

For Jerry Jones, racism is a mere inconvenience that can be explained away by making a handful of Black athletes rich. But, for Hattie, the children at the door of the North Little Rock High school, and millions of non-White Americans, it is a daily struggle.

Jerry Jones could do more to level the playing field in sports and in society. He could use his advantage to the advantage of the disadvantaged.

privilege without taking responsibility for the collateral damage.

And, of course, no good citing of a prestigious White man in a racial dilemma would be replete without a “coon in residence,” aka “house nigga,” to come to his aid. So, Stephen A. Smith did his usual lap dog routine and hunted down Jones’ enemies.

“No, but I’m pissed off because he doesn’t deserve what happened. He doesn’t deserve it. One report, our report, said he was 14 years old. Another report said he was 15 years old. At minimum, that’s 65 years ago.”

Do you know who didn’t deserve what happened to them? Hattie McDaniel. She was forced to operate in

Inquiring minds probably want to know my feelings about “No-Grows,” who serve as water boys to rich racists, like Stephen A. Smith. As for that bootlicking, bag-totin’, simple-minded, step-and-fetch-it …frankly Scarlet, I don’t give a damn!

He’s nominated for the supporting role anyway.

Karen Bass’ Historic Election Ushers in a New Era of Inclusive, More Equitable Civic Leadership

To Be Equal

By Marc Morial

“Karen Bass has a long history of always being on the side of the people, fighting for the people, fighting for the people whose voices aren’t in the room but must be present. That’s who Karen Bass has always been. It’s who she will always be.”

The National Urban League and the civil rights community have had few champions in Congress as tenacious and effective as Rep. Karen Bass of California.

Earlier this year, the National Urban League worked closely with Chairwoman Bass and the Congressional Black Caucus on negotiations that led to President Biden’s Executive Order on Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety. She and I partnered last year to highlight ra-

cial equity in COVID vaccines, and she advocated fiercely for the National Urban League’s priorities in the federal COVID relief responses. She has been a mainstay of our annual Legislative Policy Conference.

Now, the House of Representatives’ loss is the City of Los Angeles’ gain. We are proud to congratulate Rep. Bass as she prepares to be sworn in as the first woman to hold the office of mayor of Los Angeles.

Her inauguration on Dec. 12 also will mark the first time in history that the nation’s four largest cities will be led by Black mayors. She joins Eric Adams of New York, Lori Lightfoot of Chicago and Sylvester Turner of Houston.

As a former big-city mayor myself, and a past president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, I am perhaps a little biased but I am convinced that mayors are the most important elected officials in the country. Cities are the economic engines of the nation. They are laboratories of innovation. When a failure of leadership at the federal level crippled the nation’s response to the COVID

pandemic, our mayors stepped into the breach.

The election of Rep. Bass, a longtime social justice advocate and coalition-builder, can be seen as a rejection of racially-divisive policies such as the “tough-on-crime” agenda

homelessness crisis. Her experience as an emergency room physician assistant treating individuals who were homeless, in the grip of substance abuse, and victims of crime and violence inspired her in 1990 to found the Community Coalition to address the root causes of injustice.

By Dr. E. Faye Williams

I remember my mother and other accountable adults in our community teaching other children and me many important lessons of responsible citizenship.

We learned those lessons in Sunday school and in the sermons we heard each Sunday. Not all lessons were spoken.

Central to their common sense lessons was the idea that a community or society could not thrive or flourish without order. That order

Publisher: Cheryl Smith

Address: 320 South R.L. Thornton Freeway Suite 100 Dallas, TX 75203

Phone:214-941-0110

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advocated by her opponent, and the underhanded scheming revealed by a leaked recording of city council members making crude, racist remarks.

Mayor-elect Bass is the ideal leader to bring together a city struggling to confront rising crime and a

Her breakthrough as the first woman and second Black mayor of L.A. is just the latest in her long history of blazing trails for Black women. In 2004, she entered office as the only Black woman serving in the California state legislature. She was the first to lead a state legislative body when she was sworn in as Speaker of the California State Assembly in 2008. She earned the 2010 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for her leadership during the state’s budget crisis, which “put an end to years of government inaction and sidestepping of the difficult decisions.”

When the election of the most ethnically and culturally diverse Congress in United States history swelled the ranks of the Congressional Black Caucus to a histori-

Before the fall

was based upon a general pattern of mutual respect for each other. We learned and expected the “Golden Rule” as minimally acceptable in our general dealings with others in our community.

With the exception of those few whose frustrations or inner demons would not allow them to accept respectful interaction with others, ours was a peaceful community. We respected the rights and privilege of others to live their lives without injury or interruption. I can only speculate, but life was the most tangible commodity available to us – from which all blessings flowed – and we respected and valued the lives of others as much as we valued our own.

Times have certainly changed! If there is any question of that, the events in the past three weeks of

this column prove my point. Three University of Virginia students were slain on a bus after a field trip to D.C. Six patrons of a Colorado Springs, Colo., night club were killed under circumstances still not clear. In what appears to be an eruption of workplace animus, six people were killed in a Chesapeake, Virginia Walmart. Rather than being unusual, these events have become no more than additions to a seemingly endless series of unnecessary and heinous homicides.

American excess and over-indulgence are singular factors in the violence that appears to be self-generating. We continue to struggle with our original sin of racism. The other “isms” and increasing levels of intolerance plague us. Poverty and wage stagnation are constant irritants.

Along with other health issues, the remediation of mental illness is underfunded. In reality, the cause for each murderous event is as individual as the shooter.

There are some who would solely justify our national violence for these reasons. I would tell them that the citizenry of any other nation in the world experiences the same, similar, or unique stressors that could serve as justification for the same slaughter we experience in our country.

The only clear difference in higher rates of murder in this country is the availability and proliferation of firearms. Placing firearms into the hands of hate-filled or mentally ill antagonists with relative ease can only result in the personal and societal damage inflicted upon us.

Gun violence has claimed 39,000

cally large membership in 2018, it was Karen Bass they turned to for leadership. With members serving as five full committee chairs, and 28 subcommittee chairs, the CBC under her watch advanced major racial justice priorities including establishing a record of continued voter suppression efforts around the country, laying the foundation for passage of the John Lewis Voting Advancement Act.

She was the primary sponsor of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, the most transformative legislation on policing to ever pass in a chamber of Congress. As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, she was instrumental in includes passing the First Step Act, the most significant criminal justice reform in decades.

While Karen Bass might have won the mayoral election, the real winners are the people of Los Angeles, who have an opportunity to usher in a new era of inclusive, more equitable civic leadership.

Americans this year. Additionally, more than 600 mass shootings have been reported in the U.S. for three consecutive years. In any society, this level of carnage is unacceptable. In the richest and most technologically advanced society/nation in the history of humankind, this slaughter cannot be justified.

Rome, which is declared by Eurocentric historians as the greatest empire in history, fell from internal discord and disruption. The corruption, division, and humanitarian disregard that grew without limits festered and ultimately led to its downfall. Before the fall, Rome ignored its internal challenges.

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.

GARLAND JOURNAL Is published by I Messenger Media LLC. 320 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway, Suite 100, Dallas, TX 75203. GARLAND JOURNAL reserves all rights and privileges to accept or refuse any submissions to be printed in any issue of the publication. Views and opinions expressed by writers are not necessarily those of the publisher or our advertisers. GARLAND JOURNAL will, once notified, correct any issue in the next issue. GARLAND JOURNAL is not responsible for any unsolicited material. Any use or reproduction in part or whole is forbidden without the express written consent of the publisher. Annual mail subscriptions are $60 for 12 months.

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

CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS

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

Marc Morial is president/CEO of the National Urban League.

Karen Bass Photo: Campaign photo

Secrets that are not Safe

Faithful Utterances

By Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew

This summer, a childhood friend called me to inform me about the death of a mutual friend. I was stunned. Although I hadn’t seen her in years, I was saddened by the loss. She was known in her community for being so kind, a prayer warrior and so generous with her time and resources. She was so young—I wondered if something was wrong, if she had been ill—there had to be a reason someone so young passed away.

It was days ago that I discovered that her death was due to suicide. Someone who had been helping others, making sure that

everyone was good and was always happy, encouraging and supportive to others felt that she could not go on any further. It was easier for her to take her life than to go through whatever she was experiencing.

The pain and loneliness that one must go through to even contemplate taking their life must be agonizing. It’s easy to talk about why someone shouldn’t do this and that it is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Yet, in the midst of the pain, sometimes people need more than our lip service and our prayers.

Sometimes people need to know that we see them, that they are loved and that there are safe spaces for them to be vulnerable and open about what they are going through.

If the church is a hospital for our souls, then there is a disconnect in many congregations across the country. We are not

treating people with the care and concern that they need to live life abundantly. It’s like going to the grocery store to purchase food to go home with tires. It might be something worthy and useful, but it isn’t what I need.

We must create the space to check-in with others. It’s more than the small talk but being intentional about listening deeply. It’s allowing spaces that support and sustain instead of offering judgement and condemnation because their issues are not yours.

A recent article in USA Today discusses another secret that many churches will not address either—HIV and AIDS. The article states there were 7,000 women diagnosed with HIV in 2018 and Black women made up more than 4,000 cases, the CDC says. Overall, 1 in 9 women are unaware they have the virus. For many women, when they dis-

cover they have the virus, they are embarrassed and ashamed because of the stigma that goes along with being diagnosed.

Hiding secrets and not having a place to release one’s pain is killing us on so many levels. What would happen if we created spaces for transparency in our homes, relationships, churches and communities? What would happen if people could open up and share what they are feeling, are going through and feel safe in being honest about their struggles? What if we could offer the help that people needed in our congregations and communities instead of ignoring their cries with replies of “just pray about it.”

Secrets keep us in the dark. “No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light.” (Luke 8:16 ESV) Are

our congregations contributing to the darkness? Is it possible that we are not sharing the light of love with others that they would rather suffer in silence?

We have a real opportunity to love others well so that there are not more situations like the ones I’ve witnessed and experienced. We can embrace others in love so that they don’t feel the need to hide their pain. They can feel heard, get help, and trust that their secrets are safe with us.

“A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.” (Proverbs 11:13)

Check on those you love, especially the strong ones. Sometimes the weight is too heavy in carrying everyone else’s secrets.

Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is an author of three books and the host of The Tapestry podcast. To listen to episodes of the podcast, visit https:// www.spreaker.com/show/the-tapestry_1 and to learn more about her work, go to https://drfroswa.com/

Black People and Black Friday

Our Voices

By Dr. John E. Warren

First, let’s remind everyone that “Black Friday” has nothing to do with Black People. “Black” represents the color of money when profits are up, just as “red” represents the color of loss when profits are down. The irony is the degree of participation “Black People” spend their dollars on Black Friday with no benefit other than what appears to be personal bargains.

Let’s be reminded that Black People spend over 3 trillion dollars a year on just about every-

thing. However, our spending is not focused, in spite of efforts from a number of our young people using the internet to talk about economics and wealth building.

Well, let’s just start where we are. Do we really need to jump into Black Friday spending? Do we need the “stuff” many of us are buying?

Could those dollars be used to help with our needs or to help the needs of someone else? Did you know that over 99 percent of the advertising dollars for Black Friday do not go to Black newspapers or Black media outlets?

Why these questions? Let us remember the Montgomery Bus Boycott which lasted for more than 300 days. Because Rosa Parks would not give up her seat on the bus and all Black people were af-

fected by the same problem, Black people made a decision to walk and not ride the buses. Many were fired from their menial jobs which were bread and life support to a people who already were living on less than enough. Those people created such an economic impact by “focusing” their collective efforts, that they won. Question when will we remember and put to use the lessons of the past since some among us are trying to turn back the clock on civil rights, voting rights, Social Security, and ev-

erything else that means life and death to so many of us.

We, the collective, need to move toward creating our own real “Black Fridays” by how we spend dollars every day. Do we need that fast food stop, the junk foods, alcohol, and cigarettes? Those who smoke would give themselves a pay raise just by quitting. Are we watching the growing trend to reduce all corporate dollars being directed to non-profits which becomes a “write-off” rather than spending corporate “marketing”

dollars with us as they do with other consumers?

Now that we know that “Black Lives Matter” and that “Black Votes Matter”, let’s really make ”Black Fridays Matter” by looking at and rethinking how we spend our trillions of dollars. Let us remember that there are three things that Corporate America understands: (1) lost profits, (2) bad publicity, and (3) votes cast against their interest. By influencing the last two we can move the needle once again on public policies like Voting Rights, Healthcare and who sits in the U.S. Congress and the U.S. The Senate is affecting our lives. Let us hear from you on this matter.

An Executive Order for Reparations

The Last Word

By Dr. Julianne Malveaux

Congressman John Conyers (D-Mich.) introduced H.R. 40 in every congressional session from 1989 until he left Congress in 2017. Then, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) ably took the baton and ran with it, amassing more than 200 Congressional cosponsors for the legislation that would study and develop reparations proposals for African Americans.

Had House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) chosen to schedule a vote on H.R. 40, it would likely have passed, given its strong cosponsorship. While as many as 40 senators have supported the companion legislation, S-40, introduced by Sen. Cory Booker, reparations legislation was not likely to pass the Senate. With Republicans poised to take the House of Representatives, H.R. 40 won’t get a House vote. But President Biden can move the repara-

My Truth

cont. from page 1

standards when it comes to HBCUs, Coach Prime ensured that ignorance could no longer be used as a defense!

Now everyone knows!

Years ago someone said gone are the days when coaches would amass the number of victories at one school that Grambling State University’s Coach Eddie Robinson did; and don’t even think that John or Debra will work more than five years in the same job in corporate America or anywhere.

If you get one year, you can get mad but you’ve got to get over it!

tions movement forward by signing Executive Order 40 (#EO40), which could establish the commission that H.R. 40 requires.

The organizations that support H.R. 40, including the NAARC, National African American Reparations Commission (on which I serve), and N’COBRA, the National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America, are urging President Biden to sign this executive order on Dr. King’s birthday in 2023.

Callie House was one of the first reparations advocates, advocating for the National Ex-Slave Mutual Relief, Bounty and Pension Act, seeking pensions for formerly enslaved people who fought in the Civil War. The government, of course, opposed her efforts, with the Post Office Department aggressively vilifying her. House was convicted of postal fraud (the same thing Marcus Garvey was convicted of). Her jury was all white males. She was incarcerated for a year, a blow to the reparations movement. House was a threat to the illusion of white supremacy. Her organization filed a lawsuit against the US Treasury, seeking to distribute cotton tax

These are definitely different times and add the after effects of COVID. Wow!

Seeing how passionate folks were about the Coach leaving reminded me of LeBron James and Cleveland Fans.

The arrogance of these Black men to decide their own future!

Heck, if Coach Prime lost two games, there are some JSUers that would have been calling for him to be fired!

You know loyalty on the part of fans only goes so far!

Anyway I know one person that slept better on Tuesday night, and that was me!

First I reconciled that no matter what, people were going to be in Coach Prime’s head, heart and

revenues to formerly enslaved people. Of course, the case failed, with the US Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court asserting that the government had immunity for the crime of enslavement and owed nothing to formerly enslaved people. In the eyes of white America, House had to be punished for her audacity, thus her conviction and jail sentence.

Callie House sowed the seeds that are now bearing fruit. For example, the notion that cotton tax money should be used to compensate those who picked cotton has borne fruit in the contemporary reparations movement. In Evanston, Illinois, the first municipality to implement reparations, marijuana tax money is being used to compensate those affected by discriminatory housing policies. Connecting the source of payment to the harm people experienced is Callie House’s legacy.

More than 100 local reparations advocates converged on Evanston from Dec. 1-3 for a gathering sponsored by NAARC and First Repair, the organization founded by Robin Rue Simmons, the former Evanston alderwoman who

pockets; causing many to avoid dealing with their own actions or inactions.

Secondly, Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) was victorious.

And now the work, the real work begins.

Which brings me to my truth.

While Coach Prime is no longer at JSU, JSU will always be a part of him. As an alum of the greatest HBCU, Florida A&M; I know the depth and scope of influence that is forever part of your DNA.

JSU will continue to benefit from his tenure, just as other HBCUs are benefiting from his efforts, and his display of the many possibilities. He showed those who didn’t know and now it is up to them to take the baton (play-

was the force behind local reparations. Described by some as the “Rosa Parks of the reparations movement,” Simmons has been a visionary in “informing local reparations nationally.” She gathered people from Boston, San Francisco, Asheville, Amherst, Miami, Nashville, Evanston and other cities to share their strategies to obtain local reparations. Attendees also rallied around the need for an Executive Order (#EA40) to establish a national reparations commission to suggest ways to provide reparations.

The wealth gap is in the news these days. Black folks have one dollar in wealth for every $10 whites have. The reason for this gap is simple and deliberate. It isn’t that Black people don’t save enough. It’s that deliberate public policy has been used to accelerate the white accumulation of wealth (think: GI Bill) while decelerating Black accumulation. The ugly history of the white economic envy that led to lynchings, violent community decimation (Tulsa; Wilmington, N.C.), government-sanctioned land appropriation (sundown towns), and government-sanctioned discriminatory

book) and go to the next level.

Just as he elevated HBCUs, I expect to see Black coaches benefit from his stint in Colorado. Don’t believe me? Just watch!

I know there are some disappointed folks. Actually there are many disappointed folks.

I challenge those folks to channel that energy into how they can move the needle because the burden should not fall on one person.

And for those in Georgia. Well, clearly there are some issues that need to be discussed. The election exposed all the dysfunction of politics.

Folks said it is time to get to work, and I agree.

Sen. Warnock has six more years.

benefits distribution (how many Black veterans were denied benefits) is directly responsible for the wealth gap. This history makes a strong case for reparations.

Some suggest that local remedy is not the same thing as reparations. They are wrong! If a local entity harmed Black people, that entity must fix it, as must the federal government. Every entity that has harmed must remedy that — federal, state, local, corporate, and university. The harm inflicted on Black people has contemporary outcomes and must be remedied.

People who care about national reparations should reach out to their Congress members, especially the White House, to encourage President Biden to sign an executive order. We must also thank Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee for her efforts. Callie House was not the first person to take the reparations struggle to the courts, and the struggle continues. President Biden can move the struggle forward with a supportive executive order.

We have even less time because everyone should have gotten up today determined and committed to ensure “never again!”

Every elected official should be held accountable and whether you voted for them or not, it is up to you to get up and get involved. A silent voting electorate is almost as deadly as a non-voting electorate.

With the win in Georgia, which gives Democrats a majority in the Senate; Vice President Kamala Harris is freed up to make some strategic moves that are necessary for 2024 victories.

And if you just feel a need to beat up on someone, why don’t you take a look at some other targets ripe for the choosing?

Can you say Brett Favre?

Malveaux is an economist, author and dean of the College of Ethnic Studies at California State University, Los Angeles.

Dr. John E. Warren is publisher of The San Diego Voice and Viewpoint.

"Question when will we remember and put to use the lessons of the past since some among us are trying to turn back the clock on civil rights, voting rights, Social Security, and everything else that means life and death to so many of us."

- Dr. John E. Warren

Comerica Bank Creates Collaborative Community Space to Support Small Businesses in Dallas’ Southern Sector

Comerica Bank today revealed plans for Comerica BusinessHQ, a collaborative space that will provide integral services and value to small businesses in the Southern sector of Dallas.

Comerica is transforming idle real estate on the first floor of its R.L. Thornton location into a unique community resource that provides high-need, high-opportunity small businesses with the necessary tools to develop, grow and endure. Through a mix of coworking spaces, incubation fellowships and technical assistance, Comerica BusinessHQ will address the three essential needs of aspiring small businesses: capital, cultivation and connectivity.

“Comerica has long been invested in the South Dallas community, and we are taking our commitment a step further with the creation of Comerica BusinessHQ,” said Irvin Ashford, Jr., Comerica Bank’s Chief Community Officer. “It is imperative that we help provide solutions to the challenges facing entrepreneurs in this footprint.”

BusinessHQ will function as a part of the Dallas Small Business Ecosystem and serve as an epicenter of vetted, credible community partners to present effective and impactful small business incubation and technical assistance. The project lead, Regional External Affairs Manager Brandon Q. Jones, has secured a growing roster of partners that includes Community Incubation Partner the Veteran Women’s Enterprise Center (VWEC), as well as BCL of Texas, the City of Dallas, Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, DreamSpring, Impact Ventures, National Youth Chamber of Commerce powered by Project Still I Rise, Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce of Texas DFW, SCORE Dallas, and the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas.

“To ensure this initiative is truly community-driven, we plan to empower our broad network of strategic community partners to facilitate programming and assist in identifying small businesses for BusinessHQ opportu-

nities,” said Jones. “The key findings from our community-based focus groups and meetings with local leaders, stakeholders and small business owners, indicated we should focus on the following areas – technology and connectivity, access and security and membership and exclusivity – to make the most impact as we continue to contribute to the Southern sector’s economic revitalization efforts.”

Essential features

• Technology and connectivity – The space will have free, flexible, temporary workspaces and turnkey access to highspeed, uninterrupted Wi-Fi; information security and privacy; printing; scanning; large

• Membership and exclusivity – There will be a conscientious registration and vetting process for small businesses to gain access and membership to BusinessHQ.

BusinessHQ membership opportunities

• Incubators – BusinessHQ Community Partner VWEC will select small businesses for membership and administer the program. Incubators will receive dedicated/private office space, one-on-one cultivation support and consultations with small business capital providers, and exclusive access to the content creation studio.

• Coworkers – Strategic com-

million, will have the opportunity to take advantage of the space.

A BusinessHQ staff member will meet with a small business that is requesting access to help identify key need areas. Once a membership is confirmed, the community coworker can use shared, open workspaces (subject to availability) and BusinessHQ’s library of resources for six months.

All small businesses utilizing BusinessHQ can grow as members and gain access to more benefits once the initial duration of their membership has ended.

More on BusinessHQ

A Comerica BusinessHQ Success Manager will oversee general operations of the community

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munity partners will refer small businesses that are enrolled in or have completed formal technical assistance training. These entities will have access to private and/or shared office space or open workspace twice a week (subject to availability), one-onone consultations with small

center, which will include client scheduling, event planning and membership operations.

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DECEMBER

Children’s Holiday Tea 2022 at the Heard-Craig Center Fri, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Heard-Craig Center for the Arts, 205 W Hunt St McKinney, TX

Holiday at the Arboretum

8525 Garland Road

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The Servpro First Responder Bowl is back in Dallas, TX on Dec. 27 at the Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Tickets are on sale now. All first responders are eligible for up to four free tickets to this year’s game. https://bit. ly/3NxokH3 #SFRB #EverydayHeroes

30

It’s a Scavenger Hunt! Garland Fri, 10 AM – 8 PM

Plaza Garland, 3161 Broadway Blvd Garland, TX

31

Old City Park Guided Tour Sat, 5 – 7 PM 1515 S Harwood St Dallas, TX

JANUARY

1

Dallas County Democrats 2023 Swearing-In Ceremony

Celebrate the New Year and our reelected and newly elected Dallas County Officials at the beautiful Tower Club downtown. While statewide elections didn’t go our way, Dallas County voters flipped three county seats red to blue, resulting in a Dallas County government that’s nearly all Democratic (one seat remaining out of more than 40) and more reflective of our county!

Time: 1:00-3:00 PM Tower Club 1601 Elm St 48th Floor Dallas, TX 75201

16

Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo at Dallas’ African American Museum, 10a-6p Call 214-941-0110 for vendor information!

New Year’s Day Sunday Service & Potluck — CityBridge Sun, 10 AM – 1 PM

CityBridge Community Church, 6400 K Ave Plano, TX

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Center

St.

is from 10:30-11:15 am. CHECK OUT WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM

The World According to Andrew on BlogTalkRadio.com 8 am.-10 am. CST. Sundays Tune in for thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news and commentary. Join the call 646200-0459 on Andrew’s World.

Philip’s School and Community

will host its 23rd Annual Parrish Family Destiny Award Luncheon featuring a conversation with Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Sterling K. Brown, 11:30 am at the Hilton Anatole. The Student Showcase

Tuesdays at 11 am. CST Live on Facebook/@TexasMetroNews, @fnsconsulting, and YouTube Live @docshepspeaks. I Was Just Thinking with Norma Adams-Wade “History Class is in Session” Join in on Facebook/@TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio.com at 11 am -1 pm. CST. Wednesdays. Join the conversation call 646-200-0459. 25 Sunday Brunch. BRUNCH VIBES ALL DAY LONG! From 12 pm to 12 am at ESO Mimosa Bar 2150 East Lamar Boulevard #Suite 120 Arlington. Tickets: http://bit.ly/3iq3ddW 26 *** Soul Line Dance Tuesday (Virtual Dance Session) This is a FREE Dance Session via live stream from the BE! Creative Arts Center YouTube Channel. The live stream begins @ 7:05 PM CST https:// www.youtube.com/BECreativeArtsCenterAtlanta 27 R&B THE TRAP TUESDAYS at AMORA KITCHEN & ULTRA LOUNGE 12255 Greenville Ave. #130 10 pm to 2 am. https://bit. ly/3P0SSSk

Send your calendar items to editor@texasmetronews.com or call 214-941-0110 28 Denzel Washington Born 1954 *** Celebrations of Light Kwanzaa: Dec. 28-30 at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young St., Dallas. Pop-Up Craft: Drum: Dec. 28 from 2 to 3 p.m. at Forest Green Branch Library, 9619 GreenvilleAve., Trans-Siberian Orchestra Wed, Dec 28 – Thu, Dec 29 2500 Victory AvDallas, TX 29 SOUL JAZZ THURSDAYS with Natural Change Band AT SANDAGA at Sandaga 813, 813 Exposition Ave. Dallas. 8PM-12AM. www.sandaga813.com

The Night Before Kwanza Wed. 10:30-11:00 at Bookmarks in North Park Central Dallas, TX. Dec. 29-31 The Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc are collecting COLLECTION SITE Starlight Event Center 1010 Parkerville Rd Cedar Hill TX COLLECTION DATES (TIMES) THURSDAY, 12-29 (FROM 5 TO 7PM) FRIDAY 12-30 (FROM 5 TO 7PM) SATURDAY, 12-31 Contact Bridget Nevels at DA1913 ERT@gmail com 30 Jerry Pinkney Day and Kwanzaa Celebration: Dec 30 from 11 a m to 1 p m Register online to receive a link to the virtual event

*** 31 Steppers New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball Step into 2023! At Crowne Plaza 7050 North Stemmons Freeway Dallas. A two day event. 5pm. Friday to 1 am Sunday New Year’s Day. https://bit.ly/3iyV9YF

The Light Park 1800 W. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, TX 76006 The Light Park is open at Hurricane Harbor in Arlington. The drive-through light show features millions of Christmas lights and festive music. Check out TheLightPark. com/Arlington for more information on tickets, times and more JANUARY 16TH

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