Garland Journal 1-5-23

My Truth

By Cheryl Smith Publisher

Yes We Must Must

As I sat in my room this past Sunday morning, I received the news of the passing of Anita Pointer, of the legendary Pointer Sisters.

I immediately thought back to my high school years and that hit song, “Yes We Can Can.” I recalled how I would sing along with those sisters: Ruth, June, Bonnie and Anita.

126 Granted Ghanaian Citizenship

Looking at Stock Market

Money Talk

By Rodney A. Brooks

First of all, let me say, I’m not a grinch. So, I’m not suggesting that you don’t buy your young children the toys and gifts that they ask for. But the holidays are the perfect time to buy gifts for your children (or grandchildren) of any age that will teach them lessons about money and investing and provide them a solid foundation for their financial futures.

showed out dressed in beautiful Kente Cloth and other traditional fabrics.

They had many other chart topping songs and I absolutely loved their energy, talent, beauty and stage presence; as well as their outfits.

It’s interesting to note that this year marks the 50th an-

For some, just the thought of visiting the Motherland is wishful thinking, but 252 made the trek and on November 28, 2019, 126 from the Diaspora were granted Ghanaian citizenship out of the group.

The celebration was bittersweet but then on December 22, 2022 the remaining 126 were finally granted their citizenship and the big celebration took place as people showed up and

Most of those granted citizenship came from the U.S. and now have dual citizenship in both the U.S. and Ghana, Africa; eligible for a passport from their new home, Ghana.

This celebration comes after 2019 when Ghana hosted a series of activities at home and abroad to encourage the descendants of those who were forcibly removed from the Motherland to return home.

That year, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo embarked on a five-nation tour of the Caribbean to promote the citizenship initiative. The year 2019 was not the 1st time Diasporas were granted citizenship.

In December of 2016, President John Mahama “restored” citizenship for 34 Diasporan Africans.

Following the ceremony, Vanessa Mixson from Milwaukee, WI who arrived in her 20s said, “It’s strange because I don’t feel the instant joy or build up to-

Superb Women

HON. ROSIE M. COLLINS SORRELLS

Rosie M. Collins Sorrells was the Director of early childhood education and developed the early childhood education curriculum for DISD. A member of the State Board of Education.

(the

high

she was a

Upon graduation she moved to Newark, NJ; following her older

It was there she made her home for more than 60 years. Family was very Important to her and she loved her children and led their 4H Club while also involving them in community programs. Instilling faith, pride and honor, she saw all three off to college as she enjoyed stints with Newark Airport, as a dental hygienist and an office manager. A lover of baseball, especially the Negro Baseball League, she was a life member of the National Council of Negro Women and a long-time member of Newark’sNew Hope Baptist Church.

MARY LESTER

Dallas ISD’S first director of mathematics, Mary Lester was a leader in the field of mathematics instruction. She developed and implemented innovative mathematics curriculums, and created and implemented the DISD Olympiad competition. As the court ordered auditor, she monitored the implementation and recruitment process of desegregation in the magnet schools. She hails from Crockett, TX and attended Ralph Bunche High School

Rosie M. Collins SorrellsDISD School was named in her honor. She is a graduate of Anderson High School in Austin, TX. Her undergraduate work was done at Howard Univ. and Huston-Tillotson. She holds a B.S. Degree from Huston-Tillotson, earned her M.S. Degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce, TX. and Ed.D. from Texas Woman’s University, Denton, TX. A recipient of numerous awards, she serves on The McNeil Educational Foundation Board of Directors and is a member of St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; HustonTillotson, Texas Woman’s Univ. and TX A&M Univ. Alumni Associations; NAACP; and AA Archives & History Program. She’s also a Hall of Famer!

TIFFANY BLACK

Hailing from Hackensack NJ, Tiffany Black, studied African/African American Studies AFAM concentration at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, during which time she also served as Student Representative on the board of the National Association of Black Journalists. Currently the president and owner of Epiphany Content & Media, she works as Global Social Media Lead at Google Cloud. She has also held numerous positions at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, In Style, Mediabistro, Inc. Magazine, CBS Sports, ancestry. com and Airbnb. A definite overachiever, she delivers!

ZENETTA DREW

The

received a BBA in Accounting. She also received a management

certificate in non-profit leadership from Dallas College. Known for her expert leadership and management skills, she is highly respected and even receives invitations from across the country and most recently, Rome. Engaging, loving and proficient, Zenetta is stylish and a joy to be around. She is committed to the arts and uses her creative and organizational skills to elevate the DBDT to higher heights.

NELLIE LEWIS

Just thinking about Dr. Nellie Lewis evokes a heavy sigh. She was so dynamic. A respected educator and volunteer whose career spanned almost 50 years, with 17 of those in Washington, D.C. schools before coming to Dallas; she served as area Director for Learning Centers and Administrative Assistant to four DISD Superintendents, was past President - dr/NABSE (Dallas Chapter), and also worked with the Young Educators Group at Paul Quinn College. An inductee into the African American Educators Hall of Fame, she was born in Durham, NC and also enjoyed a stint working at Paul Quinn College.

DR. YVONNE EWELL

Dr. Yvonne Ewell was a born leader. Even more importantly, she was a mentor and lifted as she climbed. A DISD

Consultant, Assistant Director - Curriculum

Ethnic Studies,

- Instructional

Let’s start with a little lesson on the stock market. The last two months have been good for stocks, but it’s not hard to remember when stocks fell off a cliff earlier this year. Still, the S&P 500 is down 15 percent this year.

But over the last 20 years the annualized rate of return for stocks is nearly 10 percent. Over the last 10 years the annual rate of return for stocks has been 16.4 percent.

So, think about how a simple gift of $100 invested in the market would grow as your children or grandchildren grow. Let’s do an example.

MELISSA M. YOUNG

Melissa M. Young

A Honduran-American from Santa Ana CA., she has been with the DBDT going into her 30th year; first starting as a dancer, then rehearsal director, among other positions. She attended Orange Coast College where she studied business administration and she has worked as an adjunct instructor at SMU and Texas Woman’s University, and as a visiting dance artist at Abilene Christian University. She is a graduate of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. The epitome of grace, her every movement is art at its best.

JOYCELYN JOHNSON

Joycelyn Johnson is a proud graduate of South Oak Cliff Class of 73, where her classmates remember her as ambitious, attractive, cool and friendly. She attended the University of Houston where she was a featured twirler of the Cougar Band, and the first African American female performing on the field! She worked over 25 years as the Community Affairs Director for Service Broadcasting (KKDA/K104/KRNB) and she was the most recognizable voice in radio. For the past 11 years she has enjoyed several positions juggling numerous duties between West & Associates, LLP and Sen. Royce West’s Campaign Office.; while also putting her numerous skills to work with Reach Media/Tom Joyner Foundation. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

REV. DR. OUIDA LEE Rev. Dr. Ouida Lee is a writer, author and dynamic motivational speaker.

Hailing from Henderson TX, she attended Mayflower High School in Tatum, TX and then it was off to Dallas Baptist University and Dallas County Community College. She received a Masters of Divinity in Ministry and Doctorate of Ministry in Pastoral Theology at Southern Methodist

EARLINE GADSON-SMITH

Earline Gadson-Smith was born in Ocala, FL. When her parents moved to Plant City

Strawberry Capital), she attended

school where

cheerleader.

brothers.

before attending Prairie View A&M University. An inductee into the African American Educators Hall of Fame, Mary is the consummate professional and team player.

incomparable Zenetta Drew is celebrating 35 years as the Executive Director of Dallas Black Dance Theatre since 1987. A Distinguished Alumni Recipient from Texas A&M University – Commerce where she

Teacher, Principal,

and

Deputy Assistant Superintendent

Services, Associate Superintendent - East Oak Cliff Sub-district, Planner- Townview Magnet Center and District 8 School Board Member, Townview School was named in her honor. Bishop College awarded her with an honorary doctor of law degree in 1979. She was inducted into the Texas Black Women Hall of Fame in 1986. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club, Dr. Ewell was born in Frankston, TX. She received a bachelor’s degree

from Prairie View A&M College and a master’s degree from the University of Colorado.

is the artistic director at the Dallas Black Dance Theatre.

Anita Pointer

Photos and Story

By Richard A. Moore

The New Norm

EXPERIENCING A PANDEMIC: COVID-19 Changed the way “Normal” is Defined is a look at COVID-19 from various voices — some heard often, as well as those that are muted; especially in the African American Community. What we have attempted to do is to amplify voices and let those voices be authentically presented without editing or interpretation.

This project is funded partially 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.

It is our intent that through articles, podcasts, social media and programs on cable television, for starters; we have provided information that will help prepare for future pandemics because we at I Messenger Media believe this won’t be the last one!

TACKLING EDUCATION AND COVID-19

When cases of COVID -19 first made headlines, as with most health crises, there were many false narratives and a ‘this too shall pass mentality’ kept many from taking reports serioiusly. Then COVID-19 or Coronavirus started dominating headlines as the death toll continued to rise around the world.

As we tackled the subject of COVID-19 and our K-12 education system, we wanted to present several perspectives, so in addition to stories from dedicated professional journalists like National Association of Black Journalists founder Norma Adams-Wade (who also did a podcast), Sylvia Dunnavant, and our co-horts at the National Newspaper Publishers Association, Black News Link, The Dallas Morning News, NABJ and SPJ; we also have educators, a school nurse and counselor, and healthcare professionals weighing in. We talked with elected officials, the clergy, parents of children in K-12, and students in high school and college; who also shared their experiences and insight. There’s also input from a makeup artist because whether it is the prom, graduation, or a sporting event; makeup is a hot commodity for not only high school, but junior high.

For this project, we also included up-to-date information on the Coronavirus, along with resources like the Black Star Network, as we continue to deal with this pandemic.

We have also witnessed that many have gone back to life as they knew it before we first began hearing about this “coronavirus.”

For some, the past two years could be summed up by legendary rapper, Biggie, who said in his chart topping song, Juicy Fruit, “It was all a dream!”

NECESSARY PROTOCOLS

No one imagined that we would be dealing with the virus more than two years later. But here we are continuing to have conversations about variants and “upticks” or occurrences on other continents, as well as increased concerns in the U.S.

In Dallas, TX there were several task forces set up to deal with disseminating information, especially to historically under-served communities. Dallas City Councilman Casey Thomas chaired meetings with medical experts, community/business leaders, media and staff, to discuss the latest data and how best to reach and serve those critical areas.

The Black COVID Task Force addressed community concerns and Councilman Thomas was quick to note disparities and call for immediate action, along with other elected officials.

Also Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins and other officials from medical institutions and County Health and Human Services gave frequent updates and shared critical information, along with a number of other elected officials and medical experts, so

that we could rely on science!

At one time, at least in most parts of this country, masks became a required piece of your wardrobe.

Today, however; the masks are definitely the exception, so much that there are reports of people being harassed about wearing masks.

Can enough be said about the washing of hands?

After all, it appears that something that was a requirement in many households, is not the case globally. This is evident in most restaurant restrooms where there are signs posted telling employees to wash their hands before returning to work.

To think that this is necessary in a civilized society is mind-boggling but clearly there’s a breech in basic etiquette when we found ourselves giving tutorials on how to wash your hands; well these are the times that we live in!

IMPACT ON THE MEDIA

I Messenger Media was seriously impacted by COVID-19. We rely primarily on small businesses and at times, corporate America to purchase advertising and churches, schools, community centers and small businesses for distribution.

Additionally, prior to the pandemic we prided ourselves on going where our people are so we attended at least five weekly community events, putting our papers in the hands of consumers.

With COVID-19, most distribution points closed down or traffic came to almost a complete halt. Some businesses closed down or cancelled their advertising contracts and organizations were no longer having banquet, expos, concerts, etc.

Much to our disappointment we were faced with paying more. But we stayed focused and kept our eyes on the prize.

While some took an extended “Corona-cation,” we stayed on the job and added a daily newsletter that boasts a 58% open rate. Our “Can’t Stop, Wont Stop” mentality energized the team.

INNOVATIVE PIVOTING

We reached out to businesses, especially restaurants and we offered them ads in our publications if they would give each customer a copy of our papers with their to-go orders..

It was a big hit. Folks would joke and say things, like: “I am going to Hall’s Chicken to get my two piece and a paper!” Or, “Nothing like going to Black Jack Pizza and getting a pizza and a paper.”

The campaign went over so well that we had business owners contacting us to get involved.

In addition to running the ads, we featured the businesses in our publications, and we ran their ads on our websites, social media platforms, in our daily enewsletter and on a daily podcast where we provided critical information for our audiences.

We believe in under-promising and over-delivering. We felt as though it was important to stay focused on continuing to provide news and information. We wanted our readers to know that we are here for them during tough times and we will be with them for all times.

It has been a challenge for us but instead of furloughing or down-sizing, we pivoted and worked to keep everyone paid, clothed, housed and fed. We applied for grants and we helped one another with everything from babysitting to delivering food.

No, we didn’t receive huge checks from a flawed system that has folks going to jail for their fraudulent claims or multi-million/billion dollar companies receiving million dollar stimulus checks. Instead we relied on limited resources and support from those who value the Black Press and journalistic excellence.

Cheryl Smith is the publisher of Texas Metro News, Garland Journal and I Messenger. An award-winning journalist, in addition to being inducted into the NABJ Hall of Fame, she was awarded Distinguished Alumni honors by the Florida A&M University School of Journalism and Graphic Communication and Editor & Publisher Magazine named her among the Top 25 over 50 .

Norma Adams-Wade

Casey Thomas Dallas City Councilman

DART 2022: Year in Review

As 2022 comes to a close, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) looks back on all of the accomplishments of this year.

January: DART Launches New Bus Network

With the goal of providing greater frequency, longer service hours and improved access to destinations across North Texas, DARTs new bus network launched on January 24. The new bus system is designed to ensure passengers have quick and easy access to employment, education and entertainment destinations.

To celebrate the launch of the New Bus Network, all rides were free the week of January 24 – 30. DART also offered 50% off all rides purchased with any DART contactless payment option from January 31 until end of service on February 14.

February: DART Asks Young Artists: Where Would You Like to Go?

The annual DART Student Art Contest began accepting individual entries from all North Texas students. The theme of this year’s contest is “DART’s New Bus Network: Simpler. Better. Faster. Easier!”

Kindergarten through 12th grade students throughout North Texas competed for the opportunity to have their artwork featured on DART rail stations, buses and inside trains. The winner’s artwork was displayed at the Dallas Museum of Art, Love Field Airport, and on DART’s website.

March: DART Board Chair Michele Wong Krause Selected as 2022 Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation Award Winner

DART Board Chair Michele Wong Krause was selected by the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) as a 2022 Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation Award winner.

The Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation Award is one of the highest honors bestowed by COMTO and recognizes women in transportation from across the nation that have provided inspirational leadership by opening career pathways for women and for their extraordinary achievements in the industry.

April: DART Offering Up to $2,000 Sign-On Bonus for New Bus Operators

With DART’s redesigned bus network providing greater frequency and longer hours, as well as better access to jobs, DART offered a sign-on bonus of up to $2,000 for passionate and motivated bus student operators. Bus operator applicants with an active Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and passenger endorsement will be eligible to receive a $2,000 bonus. Bus operator applicants without a CDL, but with an active Commercial Learner Permit (CLP), will be eligible to receive a $1,000 bonus.

May: DART’s

Annual Bike to Work Day Event

On May 20, DART invited North Texans to

pedal to work as part of the Dallas area’s 2022 Bike to Work Day annual event.

Launched in 2001, Bike to Work Day is a national event to encourage people to try bicycle commuting as a healthy and safe alternative to driving. DART buses and trains have features that make it simple to combine riding your bike with riding transit. On the front of DART buses, you’ll find easy-to-use storage racks, while on rail you can just roll your bike onto the train. At rail stations and transit centers, DART offers bike racks as well as bike lids. Both are free of charge and available on a firstcome, first-served basis.

33 years of law enforcement and leadership experience, Cato will direct and oversee the DART Police Department including sworn officers, emergency preparedness, security services and related functions to carry out DART’s safety, security and emergency preparedness initiatives.

September: DART and Assurance Wireless Partner to Offer Free Cell Phone Service to Eligible DART Riders

DART partnered with Assurance Wireless to offer free cell phone service and a free cell phone to eligible DART riders who are currently enrolled in a qualifying federal or state assistance program. Participants can also receive a Discount GoPass® Tap Card, with a 50% discount on the regular price of a DART pass.

October: DART Police Host National Night Out on October 4

The DART Police Department hosted its annual National Night Out on Tuesday, October 4.

The public were invited to meet DART police, fare enforcement officers, staff and neighbors in the parking lot of police headquarters, located at Illinois Station on DART’s Blue Line.

DART’s event was fun for the entire family with health and wellness literature, crime prevention and safety information, food, beverages and music.

munity-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community and provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

November: DART Launches Clean Team Initiative on Light Rail Trains

DART launched a new pilot program that will substantially increase the agency’s commitment to riders to provide a safe and clean transit experience.

The DART Clean Team Initiative utilizes onboard contract cleaning personnel from United Community of Faith to remove trash and debris aboard DART light rail vehicles as they operate throughout the DART network, supplementing the extensive cleaning protocols already in place.

December: Inaugural DART Holiday Train and Buses Bring Holiday Cheer

July: DART Silver Line Community Meetings Begin July 25

DART announced the next series of Silver Line Regional Rail Biannual Community Meetings. DART staff and our design-build contractor, Archer Western Herzog (AWH), were on hand to outline the latest design and construction developments and answer questions.

With revenue service scheduled for 2024, the 26-mile Silver Line project will traverse seven cities between DFW Airport, Grapevine, Coppell, Dallas, Carrollton, Addison, Richardson, and Plano, and include 10 new stations. The primary purpose of the Silver Line is to provide passenger rail connections and service that will improve mobility, accessibility and system linkages to major employment, population, and activity centers in the northern part of the DART service area.

August: DART Welcomes Charles Cato as New DART Chief of Police

After an extensive national search, Charles Cato was selected as the new chief of police at DART. A public safety executive with almost

National Night Out is an annual com-

DART proudly rang in the season with its first annual holiday train and buses hitting the road. Each car of the DART Holiday Train is wrapped with snowmen and hundreds of twinkling holiday lights to create holiday cheer for our riders and everyone who sees them.

By Joseph Green-Bishop Metro News Correspondent

When Barack Obama was president the Internal Revenue Service audited his personal tax returns each year that he was in office. The practice was mandated by a rule that the occupant of the White House be audited annually.

During the first two years of the Trump administration, however, the 45th president’s tax returns were not audited. They were not scrutinized until 2019 when a member of the House of Representatives, Richard Neal, a Democrat from Massachusetts, asked the IRS about the required audit.

“I am absolutely flabbergasted,” said Nina Olson, the national taxpayer advocate who served in that position at the IRS from 2001 until 2019. “If you have a process that calls for auditing the president you better be auditing the president.”

The Ways and Means Committee was so

alarmed that Trump’s returns had not been audited that it has called for an investigation into why Trump received favor from the agency. Under Chairman Neal, the committee demanded to receive Trump’s tax records beginning in 2019. It was not until a couple of months ago that the committee finally received the returns.

Senator Ron Wyden, the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, called the disparities in treatment between presidents Obama and Trump deeply troubling. “There is no justification that could explain why different presidents were treated differently,” he said.

The mandate that the tax returns of presidents receive an annual audit is contained in the ‘Internal Review Manual,’ an IRS document. The rule was created in 1977 in response to accusations that former President Richard M. Nixon had not reported his entire income on his tax returns.

June: Nadia Nesich Wins “”Best of Show”” at 2022 DART Student Art Contest

Nadia Nesich, a 7th grade student at Pegasus School of Liberal Arts & Sciences in Dallas, is this year’s Best of Show winner in DART’s annual Student Art Contest.

Donald Trump

President Barack Obama

There is no “Free Time, Playa!”

al “White Man,” too!

By Vincent L. Hall

“The days between Christmas and New Year’s day are allowed as holidays; accordingly, we were not required to perform any labor more than to feed and take care of the stock. This time we regarded as our own, by the grace of our masters, and we, therefore, used or abused it nearly as we pleased.”

- Frederick Douglass circa 1845

It’s the end of the year, and I’m just about at the end of my rope. My children are thriving and a source of great personal pride. I’m fat and ugly but without the need or use of prescription drugs. My pockets are empty, but they always have been. So it was necessary to dig deep into my psyche as 2023 ebbs at its shoreline.

My worries are about the future of Black people…Seriously! We just ain’t gettin’ it! Reading a small segment of the self-written; “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave” multiplied my fears. Somehow, we continue to miss the mark of a people who must think critically and operate shrewdly to survive.

On the one hand, I worry about evil men led by America’s first

ousted despot, Donald Trump. His wit and cunning have convinced millions that “White Privilege” is a privilege to which they should shamelessly lay claim. This supercharged brand of racial pride and a sense of tribal self-love is not ggod for America.

The vitriolic spittle of Trump’s (undeclared) “White Nationalist Party” promotes and portends violent outcomes. We cannot afford to forget this nation’s history of racism! Look away, Look away, Dixieland, or you may feel the need to pay them Negroes the reparations Abraham Lincoln promised.

My Hispanic brothers are striving toward the mark; for me, it’s deja vu. Watching them progress politically and economically is like watching a movie where Black folks once had the starring roles. They see the vision of progress our parents caught in the 1970s thanks to affirmative action and civil rights activism. Mexicans in this community and throughout the nation are rising, and they

have the numbers on their side. Don’t hate the players. Hate the game you be playing!

Asians and Middle Easterners are disproportionately invested

They made their breaks and can’t afford or do not condone affirmative action per se. Jamaal or Keisha won’t be serving you authentic General Tso’s Chicken or working the front desk of motels run by our brothers and sisters from India. These groups tend to be family first.

Every race and region of America’s people take life, labor, and liberty as a more significantly regarded franchise than Black people. No one has suffered more or worse than us. Yet, too many of us want life to be an endless series of good times. Even the Bible (Ecclesiastes 7:2) says, “It’s better to go to a funeral than a party.” Think about that!

was consumed among enslaved people. “The staid, sober, thinking, and industrious ones of our number would employ themselves in making corn-brooms, mats, horse-collars, and baskets, and another class of us would spend the time in hunting opossums, hares, and coons.

But by far, the larger part engaged in such sports and merriments as playing ball, wrestling, running foot-races, fiddling, dancing, and drinking whisky; and this latter mode of spending the time was by far the most agreeable to the feelings of our masters.

in our commerce, generally as shopowners. They see the vestiges of the “American Dream”

Teach your children how to mow the lawn, do minor repairs on cars, sew, cook and clean! Teach them to love work and create an independent spirit that gravitates toward sacrifice and selfpride. Life is not one long succession of “Soul Train” lines.

Listen again to Douglass’s description of how “free time”

A slave who would work during the holidays was considered by our masters as scarcely deserving them. He was regarded as one who rejected the favor of his master. It was deemed a disgrace not to get drunk at Christmas, and he was regarded as lazy indeed, who had not provided himself with the necessary means, during the year, to get whisky enough to last him through Christmas.”

During this break between Christmas and New Year’s, maybe we should all “reject the favor of the master.” Working late hours and during breaks and vacations brought us from Frederick Douglass to Barack Obama. Think soberly about that in your “free time.” And oh, BTW…Quit Playin’!

It’s Always Time for Justice!

His assailants were Roy Bryant, Carolyn Bryant’s husband, and his half-brother, J.W. Milam. Emmett’s offense? He allegedly whistled at a white woman!

Aug. 28, 1955, was many lifetimes ago, but, in the evolution of this country, it seems like the blink of an eye. Irrefutably, the racism that is pervasive now was even more pervasive, brutal and accepted as a socio/cultural norm by oppressor and victim alike then. Aug. 28, 1955 was the day that 14-year-old Emmett Till, an African American youth from Chicago visiting relatives in Money, Mississippi, was murdered. His murder was most heinous. He was abducted at gunpoint from his uncle’s home, beaten beyond recognition. He was then shot to death and unceremoniously pitched into the Tallahatchie River with a large fan tied to his body to keep him submerged.

Later Bryant and Milam were acquitted by an all-white jury which, unbelievably, deliberated for only 65 minutes! After acquittal, they bragged about committing the murder. Even later, it was discovered that Carolyn Bryant lied about the circumstances that sent her husband and brother-inlaw into a murderous rampage.

We now know that an unserved warrant for kidnapping was issued in 1955 for Carolyn Bryant. Her maternal responsibilities for her children were deemed more significant than her complicity in murder. The deaths of her husband and brother-in-law left her only living participant in that conspiratorial triad.

As more incriminating facts became known, Carolyn Bryant moved around the country. There is no complete record of her residences after leaving Mississippi,

but it is known that she fled to Bowling Green, Kentucky, to live with her son. From Dec. 3-5, 2022, I visited Bowling Green for a rally to put focus for the murder of Emmett Till back on Carolyn Bryant, and on the radar of the United States Justice Department and

our rally, we awoke to a credible threat against rally participants. We gave thought to personal security, but, considering the gravity of our efforts, soldiered on.

It seemed like every local police officer was assigned to secure Carolyn Bryant’s home and to protect the guilty party! There were more police than there were of us!

Arriving at the site, I thought about Ida B. Wells in the 1890s enduring the dangers of working for ending the lynching of Black people. Over 130 years later and 67 years since 1955, we must still seek justice for Emmett’s murder.

Mamie Till-Mobley, Emmett Till’s mother, demonstrated her immense courage by allowing the world to see the horrors of racism by allowing the full display of her son’s body. Her faith in securing justice never wavered, but she died without realizing justice for the kidnapping and murder of her only child.

Locally in the State of California, we have a first with an African American woman as the first female Mayor of the City of Los Angeles.

The significance of this is not that she is a woman, but that she is qualified for the position.

A former member of the U.S. Congress and chairperson of The

Publisher: Cheryl Smith

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

Phone:214-941-0110

Website: www.garlandjournal.com

Editor: editor@myimessenger.com

Congressional Black Caucus; former member of the California Legislature where she served as the first woman to ever become Speaker of the Assembly; and member of the Legislative Black Caucus in the Assembly with a string of achievements.

But perhaps the most important thing about the new Mayor, which represents a change, is her stated commitment to attack the problem of the 40,000 individuals in the City of Los Angeles who are homeless.

Although we have millions of dollars here in California allocated to the issue of homeless-

the national conscience, where it rightly belongs.

A group of us, including Nia 2X, attorney Malik Zulu Shabazz and John C. Barnett went to Kentucky to hold a rally at the address where Carolyn Bryant purportedly now lives. The morning of

In 2009, Dick Gregory, Janet Langhart Cohen, Mark Planning and I worked diligently for a simple apology from the United States Senate for never having apologized for this dastardly crime. After much effort, we were successful.

Notwithstanding, it was another 13 years before the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching law criminalized lynching!

Since Aug. 28, 1955, while Emmett lay cold and dead, and Mamie suffered from loss that only a mother could know, Carolyn Bryant has lived an unmolested existence provided by a racist justice system and a social structure willing to ignore the horrors perpetrated against African Americans.

The president and Congress must advocate for the justice denied to Mamie Till-Mobley. The Department of Justice must serve the warrant on Carolyn Bryant to begin the overdue process of attaining justice.

ness, one unanswered question is how do we reduce or eliminate homelessness without addressing the issues of “rent control”?

The absence of rent control means that landlords can raise rents almost at will, force people out of their homes because they complain about the lack of repairs or other problems with their dwellings and

not experience any real problems under the very laws that call such actions “Retaliatory Evictions.”

In the City of San Diego, we added one new council member, with those running for office, re-elected. We also experienced redistricting, with changes in the areas now being represented by people re-elected to office.

We also have new mayors in the cities of Chula Vista and National City, California cities connecting with the City of San Diego. All of this represents elements of change and new opportunities for governance for those who see such possibilities.

The question here is where do you stand? Do you see the opportunities? Are you concerned about the mounting problem of homelessness and making tough decisions beyond how much money is available to tackle the problem?

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"Although we have millions of dollars here in California allocated to the issue of homelessness, one unanswered question is how do we reduce or eliminate homelessness without addressing the issues of 'rent control'?"

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Emmett Till, a 14-year-old African American from Chicago, was tortured and murdered in 1955. Photo: Courtesy photo

New Wineskins in 2023

Faithful Utterances

By Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew

As we enter 2023, it’s important to spend time focusing and reflecting on the goodness of God. Despite how many challenges we’ve faced, every one of us can identify our many blessings. The mistake that many of us make is that we spend so much time thinking about the things we’ve lost including the pain, and the discouraging situations. Allow gratefulness to guide you into a new year. “I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wondrous works. Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts, and I will de-

clare Your greatness. They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness, and shall sing of Your righteousness.” (Psalm 145:5-7)

Do not allow the problems of the past, rob you of a beautiful new year of possibilities and potential. There is so much that God wants to do in each of our lives. Often, we blame God for our deferred dreams. We blame the enemy for our troubles. We seldom see the decisions we make that create barriers and obstacles for our destiny. God gives us the ability to feel, think and choose. If we don’t like the way our lives look, it’s time for some evaluation of our hearts and minds. “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed

from within and defile the man.” (Mark 7:21-23)

Just as we can make a decision to do what we want--we also can make the choice to something different. We’ve all heard the cliché, “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over expecting different results.” In 2023, let’s make a decision to live our lives for God. We desire the blessings and benefits of God but in order to see the miracles and manifestation of God to fully show up in our lives, we must do our part.

If we want God to do something new in our lives in 2023, we must be willing to do something different. The Pharisees and Sadducees were a group of religious leaders who focused so much on the interpretation of the law that they failed to recognize the new thing that God was doing. We can get so caught up in religious traditions that we miss God in our presence.

“No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved” (Matthew 9:16-17).

Bibleref.com states “… that the Pharisees lived lives like old wineskins. When new wine was poured in, the wineskins would break apart and the wine wasted. Jesus however, brought freedom in grace. His grace could not be held in legalistic rules that the Pharisees enforced over others.

We cannot alter Jesus to fit our mold of religion, we have to remember that we are the jars, and He is the Potter. He will shape us to learn.”

Do not miss what God is doing.

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:19) Allow God in 2023 to do a new thing in your life without being restricted to old ways of doing and thinking. This year, focus on relationship versus settling solely for religious traditions that have no significance or ability to transform our lives.

Commit to building a relationship with God that goes beyond just going to church on Sundays. It must be a lifestyle that is a part of who we are and what we do.

Don’t just ask what would Jesus do…be committed to live a life that reflects who Jesus is.

Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is an author of three books and the host of The Tapestry

An Epidemic of Hate

Our Voices

By Marian Wright Edelman

“There is an epidemic of hate facing our country. We’re seeing a rapid rise in antisemitic rhetoric and acts. Let me be clear: Words matter. People are no longer saying the quiet parts out loud. They are literally screaming them.”

These are the opening remarks second gentleman Doug Emhoff gave at the start of the Dec. 7 White House roundtable on combating antisemitism. Mr. Emhoff was joined by Biden administration officials and leaders from more than a dozen Jewish groups, including the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), whose most recent data show the past year had the highest number of antisemitic incidents on record since the ADL began tracking them more than 40 years ago.

This has continued a sharp rise

in harassment, vandalism, and violence against Jewish people, homes, schools, community centers, cemeteries, and synagogues and places of worship that began in 2016. Though the conference was planned well in advance, there was obvious symbolism to the fact that it took place just days after former President Trump welcomed Kanye West (Ye), who has very publicly espoused his antisemitic beliefs and admiration for Hitler, and white supremacist and Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes to dinner at his Florida home.

As current White House Domestic Policy Adviser Susan Rice said during the roundtable, “There’s nothing more vicious than what we are seeing today out of the mouths of our leaders, our public figures, our celebrities, our elected officials.”

But far too many other leaders continue to show a willingness to condone and ignore this dangerous rise in antisemitism and the people who endorse it. Many of these leaders have

shown the same readiness to condone, ignore, or even endorse anti-LGBTQ violence, attacks on Asian Americans, white supremacy, and domestic terrorism and hatred in other forms.

We are reminded again that these leaders and celebrities cannot be the role models we hold up for our nation’s children. Adults and parents must be determined to be the loudest voices in their children’s lives and to show by example that it is inexcusable to tolerate bigotry of any kind in order to fight this epidemic of hate.

In the letter I wrote to my three sons as they were approaching adulthood that became the center of the book “The Measure of Our Success,” I said: “If parents snicker at racial and gender jokes, another generation will pass on the poison adults still have not had the courage to snuff out. … Don’t tell, laugh at, or in any way acquiesce to racial, ethnic, religious, or gender jokes or to any practices intended to demean rather than enhance another human being.

Walk away from them. Stare

them down. Make them unacceptable in your homes, religious congregations, and clubs.

Through daily moral consciousness counter the proliferating voices of racial and ethnic and religious division that are gaining respectability over the land.”

Thirty years later, this advice has become even more urgent.

We have seen again and again how swiftly condoning bigotry and hatred moves from jokes or name-calling to physical attacks and violence against entire communities.

Some of the political leaders who practice this easy bigotry and hatred themselves then profess shock and sympathy when it is followed by violence, as happened again after the mass shooting at a Colorado LGBTQ nightclub on Nov. 19. Children are watching this hypocrisy. Children are also often the targets of other children’s and adults’ prejudice and hatred, and it is up to the rest of us to act to break this cycle.

In my letter to my own sons, I also wrote: “I hope you will al-

ways recognize your rich dual heritage as the special gift and blessing that it is; know deep within yourself who you are; and draw strength and pride from the legacies you have inherited from two peoples — Blacks and Jews — who have survived the worst persecution the world can offer. That in recent history these two peoples were slaves and not enslavers, were segregated and discriminated against and were not segregators and discriminators, is an achievement to be proud rather than ashamed of if you take seriously, as I do, the first principle of every great religion: to treat others as you’d like to be treated. It is the only ethical standard in life you need.”

This was very personal advice to my children, but all children must be taught and then continually reminded of this simplest and highest principle. Many adults today are not displaying it, but this remains the great ethical standard all children and adults need.

Anita Pointer, Of Famed Group, The Pointer Sisters, Succumbs

Anita Marie Pointer, the foundation of one of the most globally-popular female singing groups in history, has died. She was 74, just a little over three weeks shy of her 75th birthday on January 23.

Ms. Pointer, and three of her sisters started their group, The Pointer Sisters, in 1973. One of the songs on their initial album, “Yes We Can Can,” reached number 11 on the Billboard Charts.

The second eldest of the four Ms. Pointer was a three-time Grammy Award winner and she was preceded in death by June and Bon-

nie. Only one member of the famed group sister, Ruth, is still living.

Another single by The Pointer Sisters, “I’m so Excited” reached number three on the record charts. And other top hits for the group included, “Jump For My Love,” “Slow Hand” and “Neutron Dance.”

In 1994, the group was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The sisters also toured and performed with the Broadway musical hit, ‘Ain’t Misbehavin.’

Ms. Pointer is also survived by two brothers, Aaron and Fritz and one granddaughter, Roxie. She was pre-

ceded in death by her daughter, Jada Harper.

According to reports, Ms. Pointer died of cancer and the family released the following statement: “While we are deeply saddened by the loss of Anita, we are comforted in knowing she is now with her daughter, Jada and her sisters June & Bonnie and at peace. She was the one that kept all of us close and together for so long. Her love of our family will live on in each of us. Please respect our privacy during this period of grief and loss. Heaven is a more loving beautiful place with Anita there.”

2019, but I was not there to receive my citizenship.”

This time around Mixson says it was just business. She said she has felt like a “Ghanaian for more than 20 years”, as the locals who ask how long she’s been here and when she tells them, they say, “oh, you are Ghanaian.”

Steve Cokely II from Chicago, IL is the founder of Ghana’s first Black Think Tank said the realization has not hit him yet.

“I have been wanting this for so long now it’s here and I don’t really know what I feel,” he said. “ I know I’m glad to have this (citizenship) and I can move more freely now.

Actress and fitness expert A.J Johnson, best known for playing Tyrese’s mother in the movie, Baby Boy, and also the good friend of Tisha Campbell’s character in House Party, was among those receiving dual citizenship.

Native New Yorker Rabbi Kohainh has lived in Ghana since 1994 and had quite a bit of insight on the process.

has ever been provided any good reason why,” he continued, adding that he is elated that finally the rest of the list is complete but he wasn’t pleased that it took three years. “Since then, more of us have arrived at the invitation of the Ghana government and no new list has been entertained. But there is new legislation pending in Parliament called the Homeland Return Act. It is meant to benefit those who can prove their lineage to the Motherland and want to return.”

the complications and fees that are currently being assessed on them as they return to Ghana more-so than other places.

Ghana is home of more that 75% of the slave dungeons built on the west coast of Africa. In 2019 President Akufo-Addo said, ‘We had a responsibility to extend the hand of welcome, back home to Africans in the Diaspora.’”

wards it like I think everybody else did. Leading up to it in 2019, I was excited but when it didn’t happen for me in 2019 because the date kept changing and I was out of town during the ceremony I kind of lost that excitement.

They even called my name in

Many Pan Africanists might recognize his name as he is the son of the well-respected late political researcher and community activist Steve Cokely; who was a popular favorite on Dallas, TXbased radio station KKDA-AM with Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price.

He said, “In 1992 we thought we would be considered for citizenship post haste, but when we looked for it to happen in 1994 it was not to be. The constitution did not allow it. In 1998 it was allowed for some repatriations but that law two did not really the African American cause. The Year of the Return provided African Americans of the Diaspora a bit of leverage because of the huge amount of money that was spent here. The boost to the Ghanaian economy was huge.

“The initial group of 252 was somehow cut in half and no one

The Rabbi said he believes, “the process should begin upon arrival as many have chosen to give up our comfortable lives in America and other nations to come here. We should not be delayed with complicated laws and requirements for being here for years before this can happen.”

To put this in perspective, he said there are facts about Ghana that might provide understanding as to why Africans in the diaspora feel it is their birthright to return home without all of

During that ceremony Rabbi Kohain, who spoke on behalf of that group, said what can still be said for this and every group given citizenship, “the most valuable possession that was taken away from us was our identity and out connection; it was like severing the umbilical cord…. But tonight, our identity, the dignity, the pride that has been absent is restored here.”

from New Jersey

he graduated from Clifford J. Scott High School and then received a Bachelor’s Degree from Florida A&M University. He moved to Ghana in 2021 and established a non profit that supports underserved youth in Africa and the United States.

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/

Edelman is founder and president emerita of the Children’s Defense Fund.

Richard A. Moore hails

where

Actress A. J. Johnson

niversary of Hip Hop music because some might say that the Pointer Sisters’ “Yes We Can Can” fit right in with some of the greatest rap songs of all time. Just check out the lyrics: Now’s the time for all good men

get together with one another We got to iron out our problems And iron out our quarrels And try to live as brothers

And try to find peace within Without stepping on one another And do respect the women of the world Remember, you all had mothers

We got to make this land a better land

Than the world in which we live

And we got to help each man be a better man

With the kindness that we give

I know we can make it I know darn well, we can

work it out

Oh, yes, we can, I know we can, can Yes, we can, can, why can’t we?

If we wanna, yes, we can, can

I know we can make it work

I know that we can make it if we try

Oh, yes, we can, I know we can, can Yes, we can great-gosh almighty Oh, yes, we can, I know we can, can

And we gotta take care of all the children

The little children of the world ‘Cause they’re our strongest hope for the future

The little bitty boys and girls

We got to make this land a better land

Than the world in which we live

And we gotta help each man be a better man

With the kindness that we give

I know we can make it

I know, darn well we can work it out

Oh, yes, we can, I know we can, can Yes, we can, can, why can’t we?

If we wanna, yes, we can, can

The Pointer Sisters sang this song 50 years ago. Here’s a shout out to songwriter Allen Touissant.

Which brings me to my truth.

People flew from around the country to the nation’s capitol to witness the swearing in of elected members of Congress and the Senate.

I sincerely hope those trips were for more than one day, especially for those thinking they would witness history on Tuesday because unfortunately the official swearing in for members of Congress takes place after the House Speaker has been elected and the day ended without that happening.

After several votes, Congress adjourned about 5p,m., without a victor. Even though Congressman Kevin McCarthy’s (R-CA) party has a majority in Congress, some of his Republican colleagues refused to give him the victory.

Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) outpolled McCarthy three times but did not receive the necessary majority of votes, with 20 eventually going to Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio).

The polling has been called

embarrassing, dysfunctional, and unproductive, while others are saying maybe this will be the straw that is needed to get the country moving in the right direction.

What does the “right direction” look like?

Good question.

Could now be the time that the Pointer Sisters were singing about? I kinda think that the time is long overdue.

Further, if the foolishness continues by those elected and expected to do the right thing, 50 years from now some of the same shenanigans will be occurring and someone else will be writing of those times and hoping things will get better for future generations.

While the “time” didn’t happen in Anita Pointer’s lifetime, I have to feel as the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson and “Keep Hope Alive,” and I also have to believe as President Barack Obama, who said, “Yes We Can.”

I’ll even go further and say, if we want there to be a future, everyone had better do as comedian David A. Arnold, who we lost last year said,“GYST!”

In reality, we have no choice. We heard “yes We Can Can,” “Yes We Can,” and now the message is, “Yes, We Must!”

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University. Having retired as a pastor, she has also served as senior pastor of United Methodist Church of Disciple and Senior Associate Pastor of St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church, and currently leads Haven Chapel United Methodist Church in Denison. She’s a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority!

PAMELA GARRETT

She’s the owner of Texas CDL Drivers Education. Pamela Garrett is also the owner of Golden Opportunity Services and enjoyed stints at The Lucas Group as an accounting analyst and an office manager at Devine Mercy. Pamela attended W.W. Samuell High School and H. Grady Spruce High School. Then she attended El Centro Community College and received an associates degree in accounting and she also studied at A.I.B Banking College and the Art Institute of Dallas where she received an Associate of Arts and Sciences Degree in Culinary Arts. Pamela is a businesswoman and a born leader. With a servant heart, she gives of herself and her time.

WONDA TRAYLOR, RPA

Wonda Traylor is a servant leader. A team player, she knows how to step up and run thins! A graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington, Wanda is a 2022 retiree who spent more than 15 years as an asset manager for Healthcare Realty Trust. Previously she served as a manager, Parking and Transportation Services for Baylor Health Care System. A proud member of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Psi Chapter; Wonda has also served at the regional level. She is skilled in property management, contract negotiation, real estate development, lease management and strategic planning.

RONISHA ISHAM

Ronisha Isham is a service desk specialist/Software Engineer. A “Full-stack” web developer from Nebula Academy with technical skills working with frontend applications and backend applications, Ronisha received her BS degree in Business Administration and Management from Paul Quinn College and her MS Degree in Information Systems from Texas A&M University - Central Texas. She has spent a lot of time developing future leaders and has also supervised student employees and mentored Americorps Eagle Scholars.

AUDRA COOPER, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Audra Cooper is a Strategic Human Resources Manager with over 18 years of experience in Fortune 100 Companies. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, she has just become a One Star Director with PlanNet Marketing. She says she is on a mission to help ordinary people live extraordinary lives by supplementing their incomes and upgrading their lifestyles! Hailing from Tarpon Springs, FL, she is a graduate of Tarpon Springs High School and Florida A&M University. She also attended the University of Wisconsin- Madison and enjoyed stints at ADP as a Senior HR Business Partner and Naturally Divine Beauty. Beautiful, engaging, and spiritually grounded, Audra is a team player and born leader.

DANIELLE BESS

Currently the Director of Public Relations and Realtor at Womack Development & Investment Realtors, Danielle Keys Bess formerly worked at Lockheed Martin. She graduated from Texas Woman’s University - Houston with an Executive Masters of Business Administration with a 4.0 GPA, after graduating with honors in Communications (Public Relations) from the University of Texas at Arlington. Danielle hails from Missouri City,TX and attended Lawrence E. Elkins High School. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Danielle is a board member of the Houston Texans Family YMCA and previous served as parliamentarian of Julia F. Thompson, Inc.

DR. MARGIE L. BLOUNT

Dr. Margie L. Blount, recently retired as an educator of 32 years. A Teacher, Assistant Principal, and the Principal of Hutsell Elementary School for the past 12 years, she hails from Center, TX and attended Shelbyville High School. An alum of Lamar University where she received her Doctor of Educational Leadership, she did undergraduate work at Stephen F. Austin State University. Dr. Blount is a mentor to many and folks are watching to see the next chapter in her life as she has accomplished so much thus far.

DR. CLAUDINE GAY

Dr. Claudine Gay is a distinguished educator. This history maker received her B.A. in economics from Stanford University with honors and distinctions before earning her PhD at Harvard in 1998. On July 1, 2023 she will assume

the role of President of Harvard University, where she was recruited to in 2006 as a professor of government. She currently serves on the boards of the Pew Research Center, Phillips Exeter Academy, and the American Academy of Political and Social Science. Born to Haitian immigrants, she also served as a member of the American Association of Universities advisory board on racial equity in higher education.

KARLETTE JONES

Karlette Jones is the CEO at K-Way Branding LLC. A former onair talent at DFWiradio, Karlette is a former board operator/ producer at Service Broadcasting Corporation and Mortenson Broadcasting. Hailing from Fort Worth graduated from Eastern Hills High School and attended The Art Institute of Fort Worth where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. She then receive a certificate in radio broadcasting from the American Broadcasting School-Arlington before graduating from Prairie View A&M University with a degree in Business. She has worked as a substitute teacher in Fort Worth ISD.

SHANTAQUILETTE CARTER

A charter member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc – Dallas Metropolitan Chapter. ShantaQuilette Carter is a certified fraud examiner at the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and she has enjoyed stints at the FDIC, U.S. Federal Government, U.S. Department of the Treasury, and National Treasury Employees Union. Hailing from Denver, CO., she studied at Regis University, Texas A&M University-Commerce, Style Coaching Institute, ILC International Life Coaching Academy, Maryland University of Integrative Health and The Global Life Coach Training & Entrepreneur Institute.

PATRICE WITHERS-STEPHENS

Patrice Withers-Stephens is the chartering president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Omega Alpha Omega Chapter.

Hailing from Charlotte, NC, she is returning home to serve as the new National Director of Giving for Fifth Third Bank!

Most recently serving as an executive at First United Bank, this community servant and leader was honored this year as one of 40 Under 40 by the Dallas Business Journal. Previously she held management positions at JCPenney, Capital One, BBVA Compass, Bank of America and Verizon. Patrice received her BS Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from North Carolina A&T State University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude and was a Ronald McNair Scholar; and she received her MA Degree from Amberton University.

JANIQUA LACHE’A JILES

Currently the Dean of Instruction/ELA Department at KIPP Texas - Houston, Janiqua

LaChe’a Jiles is a graduate of Prairie View A&M University, where she studied RadioTelevision Broadcast Journalism and she also received a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling & Leadership. A graduate of Lincoln Humanities and Communications Magnet in Dallas, Janiqua is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She received Houston Can’s Staff Member of the Year Award in 2015. Smart, talented, stylish and beautiful Janiqua has an impressive portfolio and she brightens up any room she enters and is sure to put a smile on your face and joy in your heart!

LUCY CAIN

Lucy Cain is a Communications Consultant for LJC & Associates.

Previously she was a Resource Coordinator with Meeting ) Professionals International, and Corporate Trainer & Coach at AT&T. A graduate of Dallas’ James Madison High School, she attended Fisk University and the tri-lingual (also versed in French and Spanish) multi-talented Ms. Cain is skilled in a number of arenas, She is skilled in event planning, public speaking, public relations, fundraising, social networking, customer service, community outreach, leadership, volunteer management, social media marketing, and more.

A born leader, Ms. Cain is highly respected and regarded.

AMBER SIMS

Amber Sims is the Executive Director of Young Leaders Strong City. She is the former Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at LIFT, and former Communications Coordinator at Texas Rangers. Amber has also been a principal at the Imagining Freedom Institute and a Director of Regional Impact of Leadership for Educational Equity. She studied English with a minor in Political Science at Agnes Scott College after graduation from Mesquite High School. She is a community volunteered and has tutored third grade students in reading and writing to prepare for the STAAR test.

VETA GRANT HOLT

Veta Grant Holt is the Chief Operating Officer at FriendshipWest Baptist Church, overseeing everything from IT, accounting, construction, communications, facilities and audio-visual. Previously she worked as the

FELICIA ATLAS

At Dallas Boss Inc, editor and operations manager Felicia Atlas of Boss Magazine is building opportunities and structuring success for entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes. She is the host of the Dimensions of Greatness podcast. Vibrant, beautiful, smart and engaging; Felicia is full of love and wisdom to share. She is the visionary behind the Start Something Global Experience and if you’re interested in building a better business, let Felicia help you take your business to global greatness. She believes in lifting as she climbs. Check her out at www.dallasboss.com

DWALA BROWN

Dwala Brown is an Independent Computer Software Professional. Dwala Brown previously worked at Mobil Oil Corporation. A member of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Dwala is a leader and team player. Called beautiful and brainy by those who love and know her, Dwala is a community servant. She is committed and focused. A member of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Psi Chapter. Her efforts in the community and as a sorority member has gained her much respect and love. Along with her business acumen, she brings so much to any situation and her opinion is highly valued and respected.

HON. MONIQUE THOMPSON

Psychotherapist and Professor, the Hon. Monique Thompson serves as Vice President of the Little Elm School Board. She works at Collin College, University of Phoenix (where she has been nominated for Faculty of the Year for the past three years), and she is a consultant for Perkins School of Theology at SMU. Hailing from Little Rock Arkansas and about to celebrate her 20th wedding anniversary, Dr Monique is a licensed professional counselor. She is a sought-after speaker, she authored a workbook for couples, Infidelity Recovery Workbook for Couples: Tools and Exercises to Rebuild Your Relationship, that has ranked in the top 100 Dating Books on Amazon since its release in 2021.

JONES MUBARAK

LYNDA

Children’s Author Lynda Jones Mubarak is a native Texan raised in Waco. A graduate of Paul L. Dunbar High

School, she attended Texas Christian, Texas Wesleyan and Nova SE Universities. She is an award-winning author, retired special education teacher and an Army veteran. She was an avid reader in elementary school and her love for books continued during her career in education. She is the author of the popular Detective Maxine Hill Series and she is a community servant. Lynda has established a lifetime partnership with the Community Food Bank of Fort Worth, TX. and a percentage of each book sold is donated to feed families in need.

SHELIA BROWN

Shelia Brown (Dr. Samone) is an author, entrepreneur, motivational speaker and movie producer at Dr. Samone Studios. An Education Administrator, Former Principal of Townview, hailing from Pine Bluff, she serves as VP External Affairs and Media at The Wellness Experience 365, Dr. Samone is founder and owner of Samone Publishing. Also an adjunct professor, she attended Jackson State University, University of Texas at Austin, Texas Christian University and the University of North Texas. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, (celebrating 35 years), her current focus is the prevention of domestic abuse. She’s a servant leader and committed to anything she undertakes.

DR. EVELYN LAWSON

Dr. Evelyn Lawson graduated from the University of North Texas with a BS Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary Education and Teaching. She then received a M.ED in Educational Leadership and Administration from Texas Woman’s University and a M.Ed in Reading- Master reading Teaching at the University of North Texas and then a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M University - Commerce. She is currently an Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University - Commerce.

PEARLIE WALLACE

Pearlie Wallace hails from Longview TX and graduated from Ned E. Williams High School. She studied at Texas College, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree and also studied at Texas Woman’s University. She is a mother and grandmother. An active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Pearlie is a Delta Dear and a long-time educator having served as a principal in Dallas ISD, and she is a member of the Dallas Retired Teachers Association.

Disbursements Manager for Brinker International and The Dallas Morning News. She attended South Oak Cliff High School and Veta graduated from Texas Southern University with a BBA in Accounting. During her time at TSU she was a member of the Ocean of Soul Marching Band. A consummate professional and community servant, she provides service with a smile.