Garland Journal 7-21-22

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My Truth

By Cheryl Smith Publisher

Dealing with Financial Literacy I have tried to do a better job of telling people how much I appreciate them. When you can tell them how much they are “tap dancing on” your last nerve, you ought to also be able to share some love.

It was overwhelming for me to hear about the recent passing of Karen Watts Cross. We’ve known each other for the past decade and we’ve shared some special moments. We were also always complementing one another.

They Stole

Hearts

Former Bank Robbers Deliver Powerful Message

By Stacy M. Brown A surprising guilty plea by WNBA superstar Brittney Griner in Russia has only fueled speculation that President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin may be on the verge of securing a deal to free the Phoenix Mercury player along with several other Americans.

“This was never about guilt or innocence,” insisted Helen Galanos, a District resident and self-described No. 1 Washington Mystics fan.

“Brittney is and remains a political prisoner, a pawn for the Russian government and it is really up to President Biden to decide just how much her freedom is worth,” Galanos, a lawyer, said.

Others echo her sentiment.

“Putin loved Trump

and pretty much did whatever he wanted to and Trump would never go against him,” said Avery Hudnell, a civilian government employee in D.C.

Couples need to talk about money – no matter what age Money Talk

By Rodney A. Brooks

NNPA Newswire Contributor

By Washington Informer Staff

From striking down Roe v.

Wade and weakening environmental protections and threatening to strike Times v. Sullivan, Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas has a lot to say lately.

In the week after the Supreme Court took away a constitutional right for the first time in history, Thomas, 74, is emerging as a central character for the conservative members of the Supreme Court.

After President Donald Trump appointed three conservative judges to fill the vacancies that Democrats were unable to convert on, Thomas now has plenty of conservative company.

After three decades on the Supreme Court and often being in the minority when opinions were released, suddenly Thomas’ influence is large.

The 6-3 court represents the first time in decades that conservatives have control of the court which now has no moderate members to tip the scale one way or the other on close votes.

As the decisions of the year are released, an expansion of gun rights in New York was part of the key decisions.

On June 30, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson joined the court after a noon swearing-in ceremony, taking the place of Asso-

Nearly 800,000 people have signed an online petition calling for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas to be impeached in the wake of the court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade.

The progressive advocacy group MoveOn is the sponsor of the petition, which has about 786,000 signatures, The Hill reported.

The petition said Thomas should be forced off of the high court because of his concurring opinion to the case that overturned Roe in which he said the right to contraceptive access and same-sex marriages cases should also be reviewed.

Plus, the petition said Thomas’ wife Ginni’s actions in urging state legislators to reject the 2020 election results and contact with Trump administration officials — as well

See AS TRUMP COURT, page 6

See NEARLY 800K SIGN, page 6

See COUPLES NEED TO TALK, page 6

FoxandRob at recent First United Bank Juneteenth celebration

By Eva D. Coleman

Lifestyle & Culture Editor

See MY TRUTH, page 6

Brittney Griner’s Freedom T ied to ‘Merchant of Death’

VOLUME X

In any successful marriage or relationship household duties are shared. Each person does what they are best suited for, which means one person usually handles finances and pays the bills.

But couples will certainly run into trouble if one partner completely absolves themselves from finances.

Even if one partner pays the bills, it is critically important that both be involved in the couple’s finances.

Money is the top cause of stress in a marriage Lack of and one of top reasons communication for divorce.

That includes can devastate people of all your finances income levels. Black couples especially need to talk about money. We have onetenth of the wealth of white households, and the pandemic has hurt our finances even more than White Americans.

But many couples avoid discussions of finance altogether, putting additional stress on both the relationship and their finances.

• Forty percent of couples that live together don’t know what the other makes, according to the Fidelity 2021 Couples and Money Study.

• Forty-four percent of couples say they argue about money, at least occasionally.

• A second report from UBS says only 20 percent of couples in the U.S. make financial decisions together.

So, why are these trends so troubling? Financial planners talk about clients they have had for years, but never met the wife. In One financial planner told me about a husband who was incapacitated, and the wife needed emergency access to the couples fund.

The problem was her name was not on the investment accounts. He couldn’t even discuss the account with her.

It’s not just with older couples.

Millennials are even more secretive about their finances than Boomers or Gen Xers. There’s the newlywed couple: She had no idea that he had thousands of dollars in student loan debt until after they were married.

She felt that he had not been honest about bringing that much debt into the marriage, and he was offended that he accused her of hiding out debt.

According to the Fidelity study, couples who talked about finances say money is not the biggest challenge in their relationship and they rated their household finances as good or very good.

Still, that’s not to say that all the couple’s finances need to be mixed together in one joint bank account.

In fact, personal finance guru Suze Orman says: “I would never, ever have just one joint account.”

She recommends having a joint bank account to pay joint expenses, if It works for you, but says a couple should have separate accounts as well.

Here’s some advice when it comes to couples and communications: 1. Do a budget. Make sure both partners buy in. One partner should not feel they are sacrificing things that are important.

2. Have an open discussion of fi-

Photo: Eva D. Coleman

I will miss her but I take solace in knowing we shared our appreciation for one another.

Which brings me to my truth.

I have so much love and respect for Rodney A. Brooks!

When the opportunity to share his words with the I Messenger Media family became available, I seized it and beginning today, you can read Rodney’s words right here!

I met his wife, Dr. Sheila, in 1989 and she welcomed me into the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Communicators in a big way. She’s smart, stylish, loyal, passionate and supportive.

Enough about her, tho.

Through her I met Rodney, and I immediately had mad respect because he is also smart, stylish, loyal, passionate and supportive.

I respected his work because he was good, darned good, in an area that wasn’t considered sexy and headline grabbing unless you had a lot of it — money!

The author of the bestseller, “Fixing the Racial Wealth Gap: Racism & Discrimination Put Us Here. But This is How We Can Save Future Generations”, Rodney is the former deputy managing editor and personal finance and retirement columnist for USA Today.

Rodney realizes that financial literacy is an area where many are not as knowledgeable as they should be and he is not blaming them. There’s a reason and he breaks down the causes.

And while there are banks and other financial institutions that tout their financial literacy programs, there’s still a huge divide that was especially evident as we dealt with the pandemic and saw multi-million dollar corporations receiving stimulus checks while small businesses with less than 50 employees sought other relief or for some, shut their doors.

A huge shoutout to those that were able to pivot and weather the challenges, and there were many.

There were also others, who

THURSDAY JULY 21, 2022

Two former bank robbers, affectionately known as “FoxandRob” walked into First United Bank in downtown Dallas dressed in all white on June 17, 2022 and delivered the most powerful speech on what it means to be free.

If you don’t know their “love story,” which

includes over two decades of incarceration to clemency, check out the Amazon Original, multi-award winning “Time” documentary.

They plan to release an expansive book with more details in 2023.

The New Orleans based couple, Sibil Fox and Robert Richardson were first introduced to attendees waiting in See THEY STOLE HEARTS, page 7

Brittney Griner Photo: Lorie Shaull via Wikimedia Commons

“With Biden, there’s no love affair between him and Putin, so it’s back to the two nations hating each other and its policies,” Hudnell said. “Part of Putin’s game is holding someone like Brittney Griner hostage because it brings him attention to the world stage and he also knows he’s holding the cards because this See BRITTNEY GRINER, page 6

National Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month Takes Stigma Away from Discussing Fibroids

By Sylvia Dunnavant Hines Dallas County and City of Dallas officials have acknowledged the impact of fibroid tumors by proclaiming July as Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month. That designation is supported by similar national proclamations as well as Texas House Bill 1966 that was presented by State Representative Senfronia Thompson.

“As I have worked with organizations, medical experts, business leaders, other non-profits, patients, and community leaders we were able to collectively work with the former Dean

Lorraine Birabil

Dr. Suzanne Slonim

Photo: L.Birabil

Photo: HLEX

of Women Legislators in Texas, State Rep. Thompson,” said former State Rep. Loraine Birabil. “She helped us to bring concerns about uterine fibroids to light.

With her assistance we were able to get Texas to be the tenth state to acknowledge July as Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month.

“Rep.Thompson also got another bill passed to help bridge the information gap around uterine fibroids. All too often the information is just not available for women, so that they know they have options.”

Although an untreated uterine fibroid can be painful and noticeable, some women continue

to suffer in silence due to fear of an unsatisfactory solution. This month there will be several activities and opportunities to share information about a condition that has resulted in the inability to give birth.

In Fort Worth, there will be a Self-Care Health Fair and Feminine Hygiene Supply Drive, July 30, from 10:00am until 2:00pm at the Forest Hill, Civic and Convention Center, 6901 Wichita St. in Forest Hill.

“Many women don’t know that fibroids are common and some of See NATIONAL UTERINE FIBROID, page 6

As Trump Court Flexes Power, Clarence Nearly 800K Sign Thomas Emerges as Spokesperson Petition to Impeach SCOTUS’ Thomas

By Lauren Victoria Burke

Clarence Thomas

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McKinney Oktoberfest SEP 23 AT 12 PM – SEP 25 AT 7 pm Historic Downtown McKinney 111 N. Tennessee St., McKinney

GarlandJournal

THURSDAY JULY 21, 2022

WWW.GARLANDJOURNAL.COM

Metro Community Calendar powered by On the fourth Thursday of every month thru August 4th, the Dallas Comedy Club will host a monthly stand-up comedy show featuring female or female-identifying comedians to benefit charity from 7:30-9pm at the Dallas Comedy Club.

31 Self Care Sunday Funday Pop-Up Shop - Four Corners Brewing Co. 1311 S. Ervay St -Dallas

AUGUST 3

JULY 22

National Association of Black Journalists and National Association of Hispanic Journalists meet in Las Vegas!

Register at www.nabj.org

Tracy Morgan Live @ The Texas Trust CU Theatre at Grand Prairie

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Kendrick Lamar w/ special guests Baby Keem & Tanna Leone @ The AAC in Dallas

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Wiz Khalifa w/ special guest Logic at the Dos Equis Pavilion in Dallas!

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2021 N. Hampton RD #145 DeSoto, TX

27 Burna Boy Live -The Pavilion@Toyota Music Factory

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Send your calendar items to

editor@texasmetronews.com

The Denton County Democratic Party (DCDP) will hold its LBJObama Dinner at the Hilton Garden Inn, 785 State Highway 121, Lewisville. The keynote address will be given by former Texas State Senator Wendy Davis and the guest speaker will be Texas House Rep. Jasmine Crockett. For tickets call 972-835-7301.

9:30am - 12:30 pm at Dallas College Eastfield Building S, 3737 Motley Drive, Mesquite

Doc Shep Speaks Show! A fresh perspective, but still entertaining!

Welcome to The Doc Shep Speaks Show!!!. Tuesdays at 11 am. CST Live on Facebook/@TexasMetroNews, @ fnsconsulting, and YouTube Live @ docshepspeaks.

Jubilee Theatre presents BASS HALL 817-212-4280

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.

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Kevin Hart live @ The AAC in Dallas!

Fredas Fancy a little jewel-Handmade Gemstone Jewelry will be at the pop-up market at Pegasus City Brewery in Dallas.

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The Weeknd live at The AT&TStadium in Arlington

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Scarface @ The House of Blues

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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.

See Chris Brown & Lil Baby @ The Dos Equis Pavilion in Dallas!

Lifestyle Metro Calendar powered by Someone Like Me, is a panel with eight queer femme and non-binary artist sworking across mediums and cultures. It will be at the Latino Cultural Center, 2600 Live Oak Street, Tx 75404 through August 20, 2022. **** Wellness Series Kids Creative Movement, gives kids the opportunity to be creative expressing themselves through dance, gymnastics, yoga, and more. Children must be accompanied by a legal guardian during the entire class. The classes are held at Sammons Park, 2403 Flora Street, Dallas, Tx 75201, next to the Center Café. Dress yourself and your child in comfortable clothing. The Wellness Series takes place Tuesdays at 10AM through-Aug 2.

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**** Sweet Tooth Hotel is presenting their newest exhibit Rewind through August 31. Located at Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm, 970 Garden Park Dr. Allen, TX 75013. Ticket prices range from $15-$35. **** The Immersive Van Gogh exhibit is now available to the public, located at Lighthouse Dallas, 507 S. Harwood St. Dallas, TX 75201. Presented by Lighthouse Immersive and Impact Museums, Immersive Van Gogh is a digital art experience that invites audiences to enter the works of Van Gogh, evoking his highly emotional and chaotic inner consciousness through art, light, music, movement and imagination. **** Shakespeare Dallas presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream, located at Samuell-Grand Amphitheatre, 1500 Tenison Pkwy. Dallas, TX 75223, through -Saturday, July 23rd. Ticket prices range from $15-$20. **** The Perot Museum of Nature and Science, located at 2201 N. Field St. Dallas, TX 75202, celebrates its 10th Anniversary with the new exhibit, “Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall.” Starting July 9th-September 5th, world-renowned conservationist and ethologist Dr. Jane Goodall – who has famously studied chimpanzees in the wild for more than 60 years – will be celebrated in this special exhibition, produced in partnership with the National Geographic Society and the Jane Goodall Institute. **** Grapevine Palace Theatre, located 300 S. Main St. Grapevine, TX 76051, presents family-friendly summer movies every Tuesday and Wednesday through August 3rd. The upcoming movie list includes The Little Mermaid, Frozen and more! Tickets are $4 (children 2 and under are free). **** The Box Garden at Legacy Hall, located at 7800 Windrose Ave. Plano, TX 75024, will host a free movie night every Wednesday through July 27th. Movie-goers can enjoy food from over 20 restaurants located inside the Plano food hall and drinks from one of Legacy Hall’s bars. The Box Garden is now dog friendly, so guests can bring their furry friend to enjoy the fun too. Admission is free.

JULY TEXAS FIBROID AWARENESS MONTH

Women of Color Executive Coaching Circle 3-5 pm www.ccda.org

***

If you love wine, this event is for you. Deep Ellum hosts Deep Ellum Wine Walk at Discover Deep Ellum, 2650 Main St. Dallas, TX 75226. This event will take place from 6-9 p.m.

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A networking event for the young and old. Creative Connection, where bridges will be built and catering by Chef Quavis will take place. Tickets are available at CreatedbyDRC.com

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27 Family Empowerment Expo Waxahachie Civic Center, 2000 Civic Center Lane, Waxahachie 10a-6p

30 The 2022 ILIVE Women’s and Girls Wellness & LifeStyle Expo!

University of Texas at Arlington, Texas 10a- 2:30 p 300 W. First Street Arlington, Texas, TX 76017 *** The Denton County Democratic Party (DCDP) will hold its LBJObama Dinner at the Hilton Garden Inn, 785 State Highway 121, Lewisville. The keynote address will be given by former Texas State Senator Wendy Davis and the guest speaker will be Texas House Rep. Jasmine Crockett. For tickets call 972-835-7301.

Kendrick Lamar w/ special guests Baby Keem & Tanna Leone @ The AAC in Dallas

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AUGUST

3-7 National Association of Black Journalists / National Association of Hispanic Journalists Convention in Las Vegas

GarlandJournal

WWW.GARLANDJOURNAL.COM

THURSDAY JULY 21, 2022

3

Meet TMN’s Newest Class of Interns

Asia Nicole Alcorn is taking steps today to prepare for her future

By Kendall Gayle Washington

Growing up, Asia Nicole Alcorn wasn’t exactly sure what the future might hold, but she knew she wanted to do something she was passionate about.

Alcorn is a multi-media journalist interning at Texas Metro News making her mark, and publisher Cheryl Smith says, “You can see the difference in the paper since Asia has been here.”

Growing up in Grand Prairie, TX. Asia was raised in a Christian environment, singing on the praise team. One day, after her Dad picked her up from school, he told Asia they would be moving church homes. Her father, Derrick Alcorn, and grandmother, Emma Davis, started their church over five years ago.

“I was so used to my church family at The Potter’s House,” Asia said, adding that if it was not for the church home transition she would not have grown to be the strong young woman she is today. “l learned to adapt in a new environment and meet new people, which prepared me for my future career as a journalist.”

When she was in the womb, her parents would play music, and sing to her. In her younger years, she was a “singing machine.” Asia assumed that her career would land her in music, but that belief changed in middle school.

Asia’s mom, Lynette Alcorn, encouraged her to join the Optimist Club of Grand Prairie. Asia went on to give 10-minute speech presentations at national conventions competing against kids around the world.

As graduation came closer, she never knew where she would end up after applying to Texas Christian University and the University of Texas Arlington. However, in fall of 2019, Alcorn became a Mean Green Eagle at the University of North Texas.

“UNT felt like home,” she said.

In the middle of her freshman year, the COVID-19 pandemic began. For some students, it was a struggle to keep up, but Alcorn said it became easier and she discovered how independent she was.

The true turning point in Asia’s life was not when she found her passion for journalism, but when her son Zane was born.

Zane was the light at the end of Asia’s tunnel. She thanks God every day for her son and for everything she has accomplished.

Asia, a Broadcast Journalism major and Spanish minor, will graduate in fall of 2022 with a bachelor’s degree, and the following year with a master’s degree.

Asia said she is grateful for the opportunity to work with Texas Metro News this summer. She hopes to take everything she has learned at Texas Metro News, and use it in her future career as a news anchor and reporter.

Angelina Liu assumes Editor-in-Chief Post

By Maya Palavali

Friday I’m in Love by The Cure How to disappear by Lana Del Rey Secret of Life by Lord Huron These songs may seem random, but they are a glimpse into Angelina Liu’s personality and style.

Liu is an avid fan of musical arts, but her passion lies in the art of storytelling.

“I think it’s amazing that you’re able to get to know somebody that you may have never gotten to know otherwise,” Liu said.

Liu grew up in Vienna, VA, a suburb next to the country’s capital.

However, most of her childhood memories are in Coppell, where her family moved to when she was in the third grade.

Throughout middle school, Liu continued both theater and basketball, but as she entered high school, Liu made the tough decision to stop those current extracurricular activities.

Angelina Liu

Iniya Nathan

Kendall Washington Asia Nicole Alcorn Nycorta Diaz Mabry, Jr.

Maya Palavali

“I decided that they just didn’t have had more and better offers if Born in Downers Grove, IL, her really align with what I want in the he just had more exposure — an is- family moved to Coppell, Texas future,” Liu said. “So, I just picked sue he deals with to this day. when she was in fifth grade. Alup journalism and took off with it.”

Mabry played football through though Nathan is introverted, she Liu started as a writer for her his sophomore year with Daven- does not allow this trait to deter her school’s newspaper, The Sidekick, port University, but then he tore from seeking truth and reporting it. her sophomore year. his ACL. He said that injury was Her passion to shed light on injusBut as the year progressed, Liu truly “the pivot point of his life.” tice is motivated by her own expequickly began to love photojourEverything in him had been riences with racism and what she nalism and was the staff visual me- geared toward football. It was “his sees on the news. dia editor her junior year. way out.” Now he was out of the “A guy smeared bacon all over “When I first joined The Side- game, he did some soul searching. my desk in third grade when I told kick, I didn’t even really want to try After a long internal battle, he him that I didn’t eat bacon due to photography,” Liu said. “I’m real- decided his next goal was to at- my culture,” Nathan said. “I want ly glad that I decided to pick up a tend Grambling State University. to be able to advocate for others camera because being able to learn He even started reaching out to because there are people who sufmore about the camera and fer in silence. Writing a stoits capabilities has been a rery about an experience can ally cool experience.” help other people who are in A rising senior at Coppell a similar situation.”

High School, Liu has earned Outside of journalism, Nathe position of The Sidekick’s than is often traveling with editor-in-chief. her family to the sandy laidContrary to her current back shores of the Bahamas, dedication and talent, Liu or the massive mountain wasn’t always interested in ranges of the Swiss Alps, pursuing journalism. where the air is thin but the “I never had something sunset atop a range makes it that I really loved,” Liu said. worthwhile.

“COVID really allowed me The similarities between to say I don’t like what I’m the fictional worlds of her doing right now; that’s where novels, and the real-life desI really started looking into tinations make it special for other possibilities.”

Nathan to experience the Before her internship with striking beauty of each locaTexas Metro News, Liu was a tion. part of the Scripps Howard Although Nathan realizFoundation Emerging Joures that she can’t fulfill her nalists program. Her selecdream job to teach dragon tion as one of the twenty stuwriting to children, as dragdents in the program was no ons don’t exist in this world coincidence. (yet), she aspires to be a As her successful high paralegal or work in public school career is coming to an relations. end, Liu has an idea of what Nathan said she is excited her future will look like in to tell the countless stories college. of those in the Dallas metroKendall Gayle Washington, Iniya Nathan, Asia Nicole Alcorn “My father and my sister and Angelina Liu, some of the Texas Metro News interns. plex. went to the University of Texas at Austin, so it was always students saying he would be there Coppell High School apparent that’s where I’ll go,” Liu the next semester. Sure enough, he senior starts her said. “I’ll definitely focus on the was accepted and traveled south to journalism career humanities side of majors.”

Grambling, LA. Liu has a support system behind Now, a Mass Communications

By Iniya Nathan her that is with her on everything, major and Marketing minor, he At the beginning of her junior journalism and otherwise. has decided the biggest brand he Her friends get her to step out wants to build is himself. In prepa- year, she had no idea that this one of her comfort zone, while also ration for his many big moments class would change the course of cheering her on. in the foreseeable future, he began her life.

Maya Palavali, originally from “I hate people watching me, but branding himself under his full one of my favorite things to do is go name, as he believes it carries a lot Valley Ranch, Texas, moved to Coppell when she was three years old. to karaoke,” Liu said. of responsibility and power.

“I’m just comfortable and being In addition to writing stories, She joined Coppell High School’s with my friends is the best feeling.” covering events and learning all student newspaper The Sidekick, areas of the industry, Mabry will on a whim her junior year, a year also be hosting a weekly podcast in later than when most students join Grambling State June, utilizing his marketing skills the staff. At first, she was not very Communications to promote the I Messenger Media passionate about the program.

Major Plans to “I was basically slacking off for Brand that includes: Texas Metro News, I Messenger, Garland Jour- the first semester,” Palavali said.

Make Mark nal and other IMM Digital plat- “I’m not really sure what changed,

By Emily Dieztmann but when I came back from [winforms.

When Nycorta Diaz Mabry, Jr. Inspired by the likes of Joe Bud- ter] break I just got really into The came into the world, his name was ding and rap mogul Diddy, Mabry Sidekick. I exponentially became already predetermined, along with plans to use his opportunity at Tex- passionate about this.” certain expectations.

She is currently the staff cartoonas Metro News to build his reperAccording to his grandfather toire, make connections to other ist for The Sidekick. However, she and father, Nycorta means “strong powerful leaders of the Dallas/Fort did not see a future in journalism Black King,” and Nycorta Jr. said Worth communities and take what until after she got accepted into both men have been great role he has learned and make a change. the Scripps Howard Foundation models to help chart his path in He is also focused on changing the Emerging Journalism Program at life. the University of North Texas. The world.

Mabry is one of Texas Metro “Being an influencer means hav- one week journalism workshop News’ newest interns and he is ing the ability to change the world,” not only convinced Palavali that ready to make a difference.

Mabry said, as he describes the be- a future in journalism is possible, “I have a lot that I can offer the ginning of this new journey. “It’s a but also placed her here with Texas world, but I haven’t had the oppor- big responsibility.”

Metro News. tunity to show them that yet.”

Palavali’s first article was an Even in a ZOOM call, Mabry exopinion and from then she has exIniya Nathan has udes a go-getter attitude and an panded to writing entertainment Stories to Tell amiable personality. He is one of stories, features, drawing cartoons those people who knows how to and more. Her favorite section is lead but also to care for the people still opinions, and her passion for

By Angelina Liu he loves.

As a child, Coppell High School advocacy tints those stories.

A native of Flint, MI, and gradu- senior Iniya Nathan always had an “When I was younger, I thought ate of Flushing High School, Mabry interest in reading. Whether it be a [advocacy] was kind of stupid,” Paplayed a variety of sports and ex- mystery, romance or fantasy, the lavali said. “Why would we need celled in all of them, but his favor- complex worlds of each multi-fac- that? It really changed in seventh ite and the one he was best at was eted character intrigued her as she grade. football. He even played for select struggled to put each book down.

There were some circumstances teams outside of school, garnering “I often got in trouble for reading where I realized I was not like my many awards. during class time in elementary peers. It felt like I was other and I Graduating in 2017, Mabry went school,” Nathan said. don’t want people to feel that way.” on to Davenport University on The two issues that are most imThis exact hunger to consume a full-ride football scholarship. stories of demi-gods slaying mon- portant to her are LGBTQ+ rights While he had offers from some sters on top of the Empire State and mental health, although othDivision 1 schools, he selected the Building, to the tragic love stories er issues like women’s rights and Division 2 college because he felt of doomed fictional universes has racism matter a lot to her as well. it was best for the financial needs developed and translated to her While she does a lot of volunteerof his family. He believes he could love for storytelling. ing, her life does not circle around

helping others. Her other hobbies include writing poetry and drawing. She is a debater and debate coach and was a part of the Coppell Literary Art Magazine, also known as CLAM. Palavali is not confident that she is going to major in journalism in college as she is also considering other majors such as business and psychology. However, she is not letting go of this passion after high school and plans to at least minor in journalism or continue working in the field somehow.

Her inspiration is her family as they have been a huge, supportive part of her life, especially when it comes to journalism.

Palavali is ready for her writing to change the world.

“I want to shine more light on the people’s struggles,” Palavali said.

“But not just their struggles, but their lives outside of being part of a community because that’s not shown enough. People can look at my writing and they’ll think ‘I’ll be ok.”

Young, gifted, Black and focused on success

By Asia Nicole Alcorn

Kendall Gayle Washington is the definition of young and inspiring.

At 16, she has already graduated from Dallas College with an Associate of Arts and Science.

Now a rising senior at Bishop Dunne Catholic School, Kendall has her heart set on pursuing journalism and her top school choices include New York University, Columbia University, Florida A&M University and University of Texas at Austin.

Kendall is a Jill of all trades, with the personality of a creative leader and a heart of gold.

Her parents, Kenneth and Sharon Washington, set high expectations for their daughter, which she has already surpassed.

“Kendall Gayle has always been a positive overachiever,” Mr. Washington said. “If she wants something to happen and it doesn’t exist, she’ll make it happen.”

Kendall describes her mom, Sharon Washington, as her best friend and inspiration.

“We are extremely proud of her because she is self-motivated and self-driven,” Mrs. Washington said.

“She sets her own goals and accomplishes them.”

Kendall is a hardworking individual, which you can see by her school and community involvement, along with her grades.

She is in the top seven percent of her senior class, of 76.

Kendall is a go-getter. She is president of her school’s media and empowerment clubs and co-captain of her cheer team. She has also achieved her Bronze and Silver Awards as an Ambassador Girl Scout. Soon, she will complete her Gold Award.

“Even though I might not have been in an environment surrounded by people who look like me, I was always involved in my community and church growing up,” Kendall said. “I always knew who I was, and I was never shying away from my Black culture.”

Kendall and her family are members of Antioch Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, where she is involved in the youth ministry.

Inspired by WFAA-TV Channel 8 anchors and reporters Tashara Parker and Cleo Greene, Kendall said she is ready to build and grow her brand.

“I’m here with Texas Metro News to learn, grow and experience all I can,” she said. “Even after I build my brand, I will come back to uplift Texas Metro News.”

She joined the Texas Metro News team as a multimedia journalist, writing newspaper articles, managing social media and creating news packages.

Within two weeks of working with Texas Metro News, her first article, “New And Improved: Austin Street Center” was published in the weekly newspaper.

Kendall Gayle Washington’s accomplishments are impressive and she’s only beginning. She is living proof it’s not about age. It’s more about hard work, positive spirit and determination.

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GarlandJournal

THURSDAY JULY 21, 2022

Quit Playin’

By Vincent L. Hall The useless, predictable tragedy that occurred 352 miles southwest of Dallas County mesmerized and then terrified us.

The jolting images of those hopefilled faces caused our hearts to drop. The news that some of these same children were unrecognizable caused our hearts to fail.

There are a million and one forums of discussion around this subject. Since Linda Lydia asked Hailee and me to speak to the NAACP Youth Council, we decided to examine gun violence with a concentration on race and race relations.

For us, the question is whether substantive gun laws will follow the latest sensational slaughter.

This issue deserves volumes, but we will us start with some relative facts about guns and race.

Nationally, Eighty-four percent of gun owners are white. This data was provided as a basis for the May 25th NPR news article, whose title immediately drew attention. “While the gun control debate amplifies, the overwhelming emotion in Uvalde is grief.”

The American National Election Study (ANES) from 2012 says that whites make up 63 percent of the U.S. population. As a result, their representation among gun owners is higher than their share of the general population by more than 20%.

Conversely, and unfortunately,

Uvalde, Race and Guns!

Blacks make up 13% of the American population but 39% of the nation’s incarcerated persons.

While that comparison may seem insignificant, diving deeper into the numbers will help you understand our reasoning.

“Polls show that whites also make up the majority of those who oppose stricter gun regulations. In a July 2015 Pew poll, for instance, 57 percent of whites said it was more important “to protect the right of Americans to own guns” than to “control gun ownership.” Among blacks and Hispanics, that number was just 24 percent.”

Although common national stereotypes dictate that blacks and browns are more prone to violence, three-fourths of minorities agree that gun control is a factor that ranks highest.

The perception that Black and Brown males are predominantly gun-wielding and dangerous is a tool used by gun lobbyists and sales agents to create a sense of urgency. Crimes against person are more about proximity than race in every instance.

In their logic, “law-abiding” whites need guns to protect them against “legions” of black and brown criminals. When you say gun control to this segment of Whites, immediately imagine facing non-white predators without firearms and ammunition.

And for them, that’s a harrowing thought. The NPR piece went further.

By Dr. John E. Warren

OUR VOICES

By Marian Wright Edelman “I have a basic question that I ask related to policy making and leadership, and that basic question is, is it good for the children? Is it good for the children? If it’s not good for the children, we ought not be doing it.”

Barbara Sabol has been asking this question her entire life. From her early career as a registered nurse, through her service as Kansas’s first director of services for Children and Youth, Kansas’s secretary of health and environment, executive deputy commissioner in New York City’s Department of Social Services, commissioner of the Human Resources Administration in New York City, program director for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and other local, state, federal and private posts serving children, older adults and others, she has been a thoughtful, determined

“Research finds that support for gun rights is strongest among whites who are racially prejudiced. In a study conducted by Kerry O’Brien and colleagues using data from the ANES, “racial resentment,” a common measure

than whites who score low.”

As we have watched the level of “White resentment” rise in the Trump Era, we can only conclude that the likelihood of severe gun control laws are far from reality.

We have hardly evolved as a na-

of racial prejudice, is correlated with both gun ownership and opposition to gun control.

Similarly, those who score high on racial resentment are 25 percent less likely to support “making it more difficult to buy a gun”

tion since the 2012 Sandy Hook event that preceded Uvalde. The only real difference in a decade is that we traded the beautiful photos of innocent white children for beautiful photos of brown children.

The inconsistencies and garbled explanations from Uvalde, especially among law enforcement officials, are troubling. The insidious, conspiracy-loving, realist side of us still asks questions.

If the Robb Elementery children had been in a Highland Park elementary school, would the result have been the same? Would there have been such a delay? The two groups only lived 352 miles apart, but the value gap is historical and wide. Dr. Eddie Glaude, who wrote a book describing America’s value gap on race, suggests our only hope regarding gun laws, social justice, and social equity.

“The task at hand is not about securing the goodness of the American Idea or about perfecting the union. It is about according dignity and standing to all Americans no matter the color of their skin.” Apparently, perfecting a union that was imperfect in its framing trumps dignity and standing for all Americans.

So to answer your question. No, we do not believe any substantive, life-saving legislation will come soon. We could be wrong.

We pray that we are! But America’s race problem and guns appear to be inextricable.

Hailee Hall, NAACP Youth Council Region VI Youth Representative contributed to this story.

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

America Has Two Law Enforcement Standards

Our Voices

The recent shootings by law enforcement of individuals being pursued by police have reminded many people of color of what appears to be an unwritten universal double standard.

One would think that after the George Floyd murder and the subsequent murder of a young Black man following a traffic stop in the state of Minnesota, something might have been learned.

We just witnessed a young Black man in Akron, Ohio being shot more than 60 times by police following a pursuit for what allegedly was a traffic violation.

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We can still remember another Black man who was shot because he had a cell phone in his hand when confronted by police.

The list is almost endless, from California to Chicago to North Carolina, from Missouri, and from New York City where a Black man was choked to death over some cigarettes.

Now let’s look at the “White” side of law enforcement, starting with the most recent Fourth of July mass shooting in Illinois.

An 18 to 20-year-old white male kills seven people and wounds 31 others. When police check-up with

him, he is taken into custody without a shot being fired. Another 18 to 20-year-old in Buffalo, New York mass murders 10 African Americans at the Tops Supermarket and he is arrested without a shot being fired.

Let us not forget Rittenhouse, who killed two people with an assault weapon, also was arrested “alive”, was tried in Minnesota, and was acquitted, becoming a national hero of the Extreme Right.

It appears no matter how much we (Blacks and those whites who join us) march and protest, it makes no difference to law en-

forcement around this country.

This same shoot-to-kill mentality, if the alleged lawbreaker is Black or Brown, appears to be universal.

It appears that the solution to this problem cannot be legislated because we can’t make laws to change the hearts of men. But we must not let each of these incidents become just a matter of business when dealing with white folks, but continued acts of murder if one is a person of color.

We know there are no federal murder laws, but we can mobilize within each state where these

“murders” occur and take action against those who do not prosecute these murderers of unarmed people to the fullest extent of the law.

This year’s Fourth of July mass murder is a testament to the hypocrisy of a Congress, both House and Senate, that refuses to outlaw assault weapons and enacts weak and meaningless gun laws as pacification of an aggrieved nation. A midterm election is coming up.

We have homework to do if we are going to make a difference.

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

‘Is It Good for the Children?’

policymaker and advocate, always dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable.

She was an inaugural member of the Children’s Defense Fund’s (CDF) Black Community Crusade for Children.

Now, more than a decade after she “officially” retired, she is spearheading a project converting family land where her father was raised by his grandmother in Leavenworth County, Kansas, into a model community with affordable rental housing for young adults aging out of foster care.

In her words, again: “So we owned some property, my sister and I, and we said, ‘How can we best use this property to make a difference for children?’”

Barbara recently gave an interview for the Kansas Oral History Project describing her life’s work.

She shared one influential story that took place before she was born: Her maternal grandmother died early, leaving her young family behind, and her dying request

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to her husband was, “Charlie, keep these children together.” Barbara said that story was passed down through their family, “and I heard it, and it meant something. It got embedded in the DNA.” She was called very early on to that sense of obligation and doing whatever was necessary to make sure children are cared for.

Now, she is part of the leadership team for Home Works USA, LLC, building 15 small houses on her family’s land along with community food gardens, public nature trails and other resources to create a nurturing, safe environment available for young people aging out of foster care.

In addition to providing stable, affordable rental housing, the community will provide access to health and mental health services and support for education, job training and employment.

Home Works USA describes its mission this way: “Emerging adults ‘aging out’ of foster care often struggle to find housing as they tran-

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sition to adulthood. This can set their lives on a difficult path, leading to unemployment and even homelessness. Affordable housing is a primary factor in avoiding these outcomes. … This intentional community will support emerging adults who have aged out of foster care as they prepare for adulthood.

“Our goal is to allow them the opportunity to imagine and realize their dreams in a setting built on the foundation ‘home works, nature helps, and services matter.’”

This is a deep need for the more than 20,000 young people who age out of foster care every year across our nation, and once again, Barbara Sabol is doing her part to make a difference.

I am so grateful for the commitment of long-haul champions for children like her. Rev. Shannon Daley-Harris, another long-haul champion for children who served CDF for more than 30 years, recently shared Barbara’s example in a sermon at the Princeton University Chapel. She concluded Barbara’s

story with these questions: “I wonder, what part of God’s grand building project is each of us called to?

The answer will be different for each of us, but the question is for all of us. Which of the areas of injustice, of suffering, will you work on to achieve God’s vision of justice, peace, and well-being? What tools are within reach, what skills do you bring? Is it advocacy, speaking out for justice? Hands on care? Raising awareness? Organizing?

Focusing attention on problems and solutions through art or music, spoken word, op-eds? None of us has to build the whole thing single-handedly, none of us alone has to finish the job, but we do need to get back to work with the belief that we can make things better, that with others and with God the impossible is not so impossible.”

This is the reminder we all need as we seek to keep doing our own part to make a difference and do what is good for children.

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

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

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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.

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GarlandJournal

THURSDAY JULY 21, 2022

5

Bring Brittney Griner Home

TO BE EQUAL

By Marc Morial

“For Black people keeping Griner in their prayers during this tough time, let this serve as another reminder that we should be acknowledging and accepting members within our community in all of their multitudes. Russia isn’t erasing the fact that Griner is also queer; neither should we collectively. Too often in pop culture, we treat being Black and LGBTQIA as an either/or when it’s BOTH for members of our community. In times like these, we’re reminded that bigotry is nuanced and multidimensional.

Russia has made it clear that it’s after Muslims, LGBTQIA people, Black and brown people, and more. Let this serve as an opportunity to protect those among us who live in multitudes as well.” — Ernest Owens It’s hard to imagine the feeling of dread Cherelle Griner experiences each day that her wife, WNBA star Brittney Griner, is wrongfully detained in a hostile nation with a long history of per-

secuting LGBTQ people.

When a scheduled call on their wedding anniversary last went unanswered 11 times over several hours, Cherelle was devastated.

“This would have been the first time for me to actually just hear her in real time and to truly know if she’s OK or to know if she’s seconds away from not being in existence anymore,” she told The Associated Press.

This week, as Brittney Griner’s detention in Russia surpassed four months, the National Urban League joined more than 40 other civil and human rights organizations to call on President Biden and Vice President Harris to strike a deal for her release.

In a letter to the president and vice president, we acknowledged Griner as an American hero, wife, daughter, sister, teammate, anti-bullying advocate, Olympian and WNBA superstar who is enduring inhumane treatment, deprived of contact with her family.

“We join Brittney’s family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones in deep appreciation of your Administration’s ongoing efforts to secure her freedom,” we wrote. “The U.S. Government has acknowledged that Brittney is essentially a political pawn in classifying her as wrongfully detained. While these have been

critically important measures, we now urge you to make a deal to get Brittney back home to America immediately and safely.”

Last month, the U.S. Department of State officially reclassified Griner as “wrongfully de-

Brittney Griner

tained,” signaling a significant shift in the way the agency handles her case. While one of the criteria for the designation is “credible information indicating innocence of the detained individual,” the change means the U.S. considers any legal proceedings in the Russian courts to be irrelevant to her case.

Russian prosecutors claim illegal vape cartridges containing hashish oil were found in her luggage as she entered the country. She has not formally been charged.

The lack of publicity in the early weeks of her detention has

become a source of controversy.

On Brandon Marshall’s SiriusXM podcast “I Am Athlete,” WNBA legend Lisa Leslie said women’s basketball players were instructed not to “make a big fuss about it so [Russia] could not use her as a pawn.”

However, many suspect the WNBA was concerned that the case would draw attention to the league’s dismally low salaries compared to other sports leagues, which is the reason Griner was in Russia in the first place. Women’s basketball players can earn exponentially more than their WNBA salaries playing overseas.

Surely, Griner’s race, gender and sexual orientation have played a role. “Imagine if Tom Brady were being held by Russian officials right now,” sportswriter Will Leitch observed.

“This month our nation honors America’s diverse journey towards freedom, equality, and justice for all with the observation of the Juneteenth Federal holiday, the 50th anniversary of landmark Title IX legislation, and LGBTQ+ Pride,” we wrote in our letter to the president. “Brittney’s intersectional identity embodies this celebration of America’s strength and diversity. As a celebrated world-class athlete, she also demonstrates the uniquely unifying power of sports.”

From the Olympic Games to the

World Cup, the sport has long been recognized as a unifying global force. Even the United Nations General Assembly’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development states, “We recognize the growing contribution of sport to the realization of development and peace in its promotion of tolerance and respect and the contributions it makes to the empowerment of women and of young people, individuals and communities as well as to health, education and social inclusion objectives.”

Few athletes embody this spirit of goodwill more than Griner.

When she saw unhoused people in Arizona walking outside without shoes on her way home from practice, she began carrying shoes in the trunk of her car to give away, an effort that led to the establishment of BG’s Heart and Sole Shoe Drive in 2016.

She is an outspoken anti-bullying activist, and she’s been honored by GLAAD and the Human Rights Campaign for her work defending the rights and dignity of LGBTQ individuals.

Her ongoing detention is an indefensible and agonizing attack not only on Griner herself, her wife and her family, but on the sanctity of sport and the safety of all athletes traveling to compete internationally. President Biden and Vice President Harris must make every effort to bring her home immediately.

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

Did Trump’s Actions on Jan. 6 Reach the Level of Treason?

Our Voices

By Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Will Donald Trump be held accountable for the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and what was a multi-layered conspiracy to overturn the results of the presidential election?

Attorney General Merrick Garland has stated that, “We’re just going to follow the facts wherever they lead … to hold all perpetrators who are criminally responsible for January 6 accountable, regardless of their level, [or]their position…”

The House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack has systematically revealed the facts, confirming what Republican Rep. Liz Cheney stated when she announced she would vote to impeach Donald Trump: “On January 6, 2021, a violent mob attacked the United States Capitol to obstruct the process of our democracy and stop the counting of presidential electoral votes.

This insurrection caused injury, death and destruction in the most

sacred space in our Republic…,” Cheney said.

“The president of the United States summoned this mob, assembled the mob, and lit the flame of this attack. Everything that followed was his doing. None of this would have happened without the president,” she said. “The President could have immediately and forcefully intervened to stop the violence. He did not. There has never been a greater betrayal by a president of the United States of his office and his oath to the Constitution.”

The committee’s investigation has confirmed what Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell stated: “The mob was fed lies. They were provoked by the president and other powerful people, and they tried to use fear and violence to stop a specific proceeding of the first branch of the federal government which they did not like.”

This is a question of treason, a charge that should not be made lightly.

The Constitution defines the crime: “Treason against the United States shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort.”

Do Trump’s actions meet the test of treason? Professor Carlton F.W. Larson, author of “On Treason: A

Citizen’s Guide to the Law” notes that the framers of the Constitution had “a very specific image in mind — men gathering with guns, forming an army and marching on the seat of government.” Larson notes that few events in American history have matched that descrip-

participated in the attack on the Capitol. The most serious charges were directed at leaders of the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers, gangs that conspired to breach the Capitol in order to stop the proceedings and possibly kidnap or kill public officials.

Trump’s responsibility for the crimes that occurred is clear. And worse, he not only has expressed no remorse for his actions, he has spread the Big Lie relentlessly, and enlisted partisans across the country to attack election officials, change election laws, and leave the country more vulnerable to another assault on democracy. tion as clearly as the sacking of the Capitol on Jan. 6.

Their purpose assaulted the very heart of democracy: trying to stop the congressional proceeding that would formally certify the transfer of power following a democratic election. As Larson noted, “At some point, you have to say, if that’s not levying war against the United States, then what on earth is?”

The Justice Department has prosecuted over 800 people who

They were charged, and some have pleaded guilty to, seditious conspiracy. They thought they were doing the bidding of Trump.

Reviewing the evidence in a hearing on whether to honor the subpoenas of the committee, a federal judge found that Trump had “most likely” committed at least two crimes: obstructing an official proceeding and engaging in a conspiracy to defraud the United States. He was not asked to rule on

whether Trump had committed treason.

Prosecuting a former president is something that no prosecutor would take on lightly. A trial would no doubt be a bitter national trauma.

Yet, the very essence of the rule of law is that no person — not a governor or a general, a billionaire or an oligarch, or even a former president — is above the law.

Trump’s responsibility for the crimes that occurred is clear. And worse, he not only has expressed no remorse for his actions, he has spread the Big Lie relentlessly, and enlisted partisans across the country to attack election officials, change election laws, and leave the country more vulnerable to another assault on democracy.

Accountability under the law serves as a deterrence for those who would seek to violate it in the future.

That is why the Justice Department has prosecuted 800-plus perpetrators with more to come.

And that is why the attorney general must follow the evidence and bring to justice all those responsible for the attack, including the undeniable instigator: Donald Trump.

The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. is president and CEO of the Rainbow/ PUSH Coalition.

“Just Stand and Take Up the Cross and We All Will be Redeemed!”

We Can NOT Be Bystanders to the Current Climate that Allowed A Man to be Shot 60 Times!

Big Mama Said

By Terry Allen

Lucille “Big Mama” Allen’s playbook should be part of the White House’s domestic policy.

Her wisdom would be the game changer necessary to arrest the development of what some consider an ill turn in our communities and cities.

Big Mama was an influencer.

Today, her ways and means would be the perfect template for domestic policy. Let me

start with Big Mama’s origin first.

Whenever she said, “Take up the cross,” it was always delivered as a call to action and a charge against something unkind and inhumane.

I heard her shout that three times for the murder of three “M” men - Martin, Malcolm and Medgar.

Her biblical reference was: Matthew 16:24-26 24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and

forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?

Big Mama wanted us to know although we do good and great things in the world with the strengths that we have worked at while we actively avoid our weaknesses that we have self-assessed as not good for us.

To “take up our cross,” however, means to lay our fears and E.G.O (Easing God Out) aside. It means to lay our “ego strength” aside.

Taking up our cross means, instead, picking up those weaknesses that we so often try to run away from in life.

Her playbook recipe, “just stand and take up the cross and we all will be redeemed!” was saying we must exercise the power to take up a defense and

dismantle the devil’s handiwork now! Today not tomorrow.

Why do we need to take up the cross? Well, Jayland Walker, a 25-year-old Black man who was unarmed at the time he was killed by police in Akron, Ohio, last week, was shot at least 60 times after 90 shots were dispersed at this Uber Eats driver.

Per an NPR report, while the investigation into the shooting is still ongoing, it was said officers independently related that they did perceive that Walker was a threat. Alert: He is running away from them with a COVID-19 face mask and that sparked Akron, Ohio officers to shoot 90 times, hitting him 60 times and then handcuffing him after he had been shot 60 times.

OK! So now the same questions arise, the same protests are in play and the same excuses are being used as a rationale. So now do you understand why Big Mama would stand and shout to the top of her voice, “Stand and take up the cross?”

Big Mama would be here now taking up the cross, instead. She would be picking up those weaknesses that we so often try to run away from in life and making them spiritual roses.

Email me if you TAKE UP THE CROSS and make an impact at TerryAllenPr@gmail.com.

Terry Allen is an award-winning media professional, journalist, and entrepreneur. He is also the founder of City Men Cook and 1016 Media. Reach him at terryallenpr@gmail.com

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THURSDAY JULY 21, 2022

Brittney Griner cont. from page 1 can be embarrassing for Biden with the midterm elections coming up.”

On July 8, Griner pleaded guilty to drug smuggling which could result in a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

She has been detained since February and officials have scheduled a July 14 court appearance for the now-convicted basketball player.

U.S. officials didn’t immediately comment.

Recently, there’s been a growing call for her release. Many observers insist Russia continues to use the 31-year-old as a political pawn.

It’s believed Putin would free Griner if the U.S. did likewise for convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout.

On July 4, President Joe Biden received a letter from Griner pleading for his help getting her home.

A day later, Cherelle Griner, the WNBA player’s wife, went on national television to express frustration that she hadn’t been in touch with the White House about Brittney.

On July 6, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke with Cherelle Griner via telephone and reassured her that the administration is continuing to work to bring her loved one home.

“While I will remain concerned and outspoken until she is back home, I am hopeful in knowing that the President read my wife’s letter and took the time to respond,” Cherelle Griner said. “I know BG will be able to find com-

fort in knowing she has not been forgotten.”

Biden shared with Cherelle Griner a letter he planned to send to Brittney. Still, Griner’s chance at freedom will only come in exchange for Bout.

“Victor Bout is an infamous Russian arms dealer accused of supplying weapons to terrorist groups and warlords worldwide.

He is considered a major player in the global black market for arms and his release would be a major coup for the Russian government,” explained Harry Gallagher, a financial planner.

Gallagher noted that Griner has achieved icon status for young women and girls and she’s considered a role model for her athletic prowess and commitment to LGBT rights.

“Some experts believe that releasing Victor Bout would be a major propaganda victory for the Russian government, as it would suggest that they are capable of getting their top criminals out of prison,” Gallagher explained further.

He pointed out that some have argued that Bout serves as a liability for Russia and that it would be better to keep him in prison.

“There is no clear consensus on whether releasing Brittney Griner would be a good move for America,” Gallagher said. “Some people believe that she could be used as a bargaining chip to secure better relations with Russia, while others argue that her release would send the wrong message about America’s stance on human rights.”

Nearly 800K Sign cont. from page 1 as the justice refusing to recuse himself from cases dealing with the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection are grounds for his impeachment.

“Thomas’ failure to recuse himself warrants immediate investigation and heightened alarm,” a statement on the petition page reads, The Hill reported. “And it’s only the latest in a long history of conflicts of interest in the service of a right-wing agenda and mixing his powerful role with his conservative political activism.

“He has shown he cannot be an

impartial justice and is more concerned with covering up his wife’s coup attempts than the health of the Supreme Court. He must resign — or Congress must immediately investigate and impeach.”

The petition has gained traction as some members of Congress, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), have called for Supreme Court justices who provided misleading answers on Roe v. Wade to senators during their own confirmation hearings to be impeached for lying under oath.

My Truth cont. from page 1

had they had a plan, and a relationship with a banking institution; would have been able to thrive or at least maintain.

The Small Business Administration does not have data on how many Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) applications were denied, but I know business owners who didn’t “waste” their time applying.

Just digest this fact: there were companies that returned a total of $436 million in PPP loans!

So there is some good to come out of social media, putting people on

As Trump Court cont. from page 1

ciate Justice Stephen Breyer.

“They object on religious grounds to all available COVID–19 vaccines because they were developed using cell lines derived from aborted children,” Thomas wrote in an opinion on June 30. The notion that COVID-19 vaccines are somehow linked to fetuses is deliberate disinformation spread primarily by QAnon online. No COVID-19 vaccine in the United States contains the

Couples Need to Talk cont. from page 1

nances. Talk frankly about their salaries, debt, savings and investments and credit scores.

3. Set a schedule. Partners should sit down for a financial discussion at least monthly. There should be a set date or time, and it should be on both calendars.

4. Do not let the discussion turn into an argument. Avoid placing blame even

National Uterine Fibroid

the symptoms that they may be experiencing are not normal.

Women are taught to suck it up and bear their monthly discomfort, so they ignore on-going concerns. Very often their issues can be treated and taken care of,” said Dr. Suzanne Slonim, MD a recognized interventional radiologist and leading fibroid expert.

According to Dr. Slonim, about 80 percent of Black women and 70 percent of white women will develop uterine fibroids in their lifetime.

“Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors in the uterus. They are made up of muscle cells and fibrous tissue,” she explained. “In young women, they start growing any time after puberty. They can cause all kinds of symptoms.

“The key factors are that they are not cancerous, and they are quite common. Yet if untreated, they can really cause significant problems in a woman’s life.”

Dr. Slonim says the most common symptoms of fibroids are heavy bleeding and heavy cramping. There are also symptoms like urinary frequency, bloating, constipation, back pain, leg pain and pain during sex. Many of these symptoms are also associated with women experiencing difficult monthly periods.

Although it is unclear exactly what causes uterine fibroid tumors, there is information regarding what feeds them and several of the risk factors and protective factors. Estrogen and progesterone are hormones produced by the ovaries. They cause the uterine lining to regenerate during each menstrual cycle and may stimulate the growth of fibroids.

Some say fibroids may also be hereditary.

Dr. Slonim admits that obesity and estrogen are some things that can make fibroids worse.

On the other hand, increasing vitamin D and exercise can help improve symptoms caused by fibroids.

“The biggest risk factor is being a Black woman. Eighty percent of Black women have fibroids. Yet, this doesn’t mean that they all are symptomatic. A lot of White Women and Hispanic women

blast and holding them accountable!

Shame on those who received and kept the money although they knew better. Then too, shame also on the fraudulent who benefited from several COVID relief programs to the tune of $100 billion, according to the U.S. Secret Service and CNBC. Maybe just maybe should the occasion ever arise again, they will be in a better position, with the assistance of Rodney!

So tune in every week and I am sure you will grow with the knowledge that Rodney shares. We are also hoping that we will be able to bring Rodney to town from time to time. He is a trusted voice with a wealth of experience and he knows how to relate.

Can you dig it? cells of fetuses.

“Justice Clarence Thomas confirmed many of our deepest fears about where this decision may lead: Taking aim at additional long-standing precedent and cherished privacy rights, from access to contraception and in-vitro fertilization to marriage equality,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said of Thomas last week.

Many progressives have been targeting Thomas for criticism all week after the fall of Roe v. Wade after 49 years. Thomas is indicating more conservative moves by the current court are likely. if one partner is responsible for most of the difficulties.

5. Focus on shared goals rather than differences. Make sure both spouses feel like their input is taken into consideration.

Rodney A. Brooks is a Senior Fellow at Prosperity Now and the author of Fixing the Racial Wealth Gap: Racism and discrimination put us here, but this is how we can save future generations. A former Deputy Managing Editor/Money at USA TODAY, he has written for USA TODAY, The Washington Post and National Geographic.

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have fibroids as well. But they are most common in Black women, and tend to be present as a different condition,” said Dr. Slonim.

There are four solutions for addressing issues with fibroids:

cont. from page 1

broids and everyone that I know in my age bracket (of childbearing age) also has had fibroids. In fact, one of my close friends has suffered from debilitating issues from uterine fibroids.”

Healthy uterus v. fibroids

Photo: USAfibroidscenter

Medication can be taken to regulate the menstrual cycle to reduce the symptoms. Endometrial ablation, removal of fibroids using high frequency of radiations.

Uterine artery embolization, which is effective in shrinking fibroids and relieving the symptoms. Myomectomy, removal of the fibroids. Hysterectomy, removal of uterus.

A hysterectomy is the most extreme of the procedures and done in more severe cases.

“The bigger a fibroid becomes the more difficult it is to treat,” said Slonim. “They can get so big they are pressing on adjacent structures. They can press against the vein that drains the blood from the leg, so that you can get swelling from the leg.”

In spite of the alarming statistics and severity that uterine fibroids can cause there still has not been much public attention given to them.

“In the work to address health disparities we came in contact with medical providers who highlighted some of the issues that patients are facing with uterine fibroids,” said Birabil, who is with the Barbara Jordan Leadership Institute, which provides a comprehensive approach to community-based leadership in action. “It is something personal to me as a Black woman. I had fi-

Because Birabil has first-hand experience with fibroids, this has become a personal concern to bring awareness to this issue as she has collaborated with the medical community to address this major health concern.

“Every week I see women who enter my office whose inside is filled with a uterus that comes up from the pelvis all the way to the sternum just pushing everything out of the way and compressing other organs inside her,” said Dr. Slonim. “I have patients that cannot bend over because their uterus is so big. I have women that are losing weight because they cannot eat due to the fact their uterus has grown so large and there is no room inside them.

Dr. Slonim, encourages women to go to the doctor and be examined before fibroids cause major damage.

“Those are issues when the fibroids have been unattended for several years. That is when you get swelling from the waist down because the blood cannot drain back to the heart, or the kidneys are blocked. Women can have kidney failure and end up on dialysis due to fibroids issues that have not been addressed.”

For more information on how you can participate in Texas Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month, go to the website txfam.org.

Dallas County Democratic Party Refers Republican HD 114 False Application to District Attorney

Dallas County Democrats filed with the Public Integrity Unit of the Dallas County District Attorney against the Dallas County Republicans’ acceptance of Mark Hajdu’s false application to run for State Representative HD 114, and his wife’s Jennifer’s signature on the application, in her role as chair of the Dallas County Republican Party. At the time of filing, Mark Hajdu did not live in that district.

Election fraud is a serious matter. It is inconceivable that the Hadjus—one, a Republican Precinct Chair and the other, the Republican Party Chair—did not know what voting district they lived in.

Filing a false application for office constitutes tampering

Kristy Noble Dallas County Democratic Party Chair

with a government document, under penal code 37.10(a)(1).

Falsely confirming eligibility to run aids and abets that offense.

Filing this fraudulent application allowed Republicans to wait until the primary was de-

cided so they could pick a Republican candidate to replace Mr. Hadju on the November ballot. There should now be no Republican candidate in this race.

Dallas County Democratic Party Chair Kristy Noble issued the following statement: “Republicans can’t win elections on the issues—abortion and reproductive rights, gun violence prevention, access to affordable healthcare, and quality jobs—so they gerrymander, make Texas the hardest state in which to vote, and now, approve a false election application. For years Republicans have been screaming about election fraud. This is just one example of how that talk is all projection.”

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They Stole Hearts the First United Bank lobby for the soul food inspired lunch catered by Creations by Dajae to be served. Fox, who prefers Fox Rich, confirmed with Texas Metro News that FoxandRob is “a-n-d” not an ampersand placed together with no spaces because they are “never getting away from each other.”

They spoke passionately about the success of African American families that so many do not see and their admiration for journalists who tell the stories.

Everyone settled in their seats which all included a Juneteenth “church fan,” information cards about the national holiday also known as Freedom Day which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans (two-years delayed in the south), and the official WhoHQ book “What Is Juneteenth?”

The program was progressing.

Then, the boom happened.

The high school sweethearts who’ve known each other for 35 years and have been married for 25 years captivated the attention of all in the room.

Rob Rich, who called their visit a “crusade,” introduced his wife and literal partner in crime, giving adoration for her commitment to him after her own release from prison

First United Bank CEO Greg Massey speaks following FoxandRob keynote.

that led to Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards granting him clemency in 2018.

“The star of “Time” is none other than Fox Rich,” Rob Rich said. “Fox Rich is a mother of six outstanding sons; sons that I’m glad to have gone half with her on.”

Drawing laughter from the crowd, he continued.

“She is a published author, a cultural provocateur, and according to Historically Black Colleges and University students, she was considered the most realest speaker of the 21st century.”

cont. from page 1

crime sentenced to 60 years in prison, home.

Her efforts are on the miscarriages of justice and prevention.

“If you know anybody Black, you’ve got to tell them that sta-

First United Bank representatives with FoxandRob

Rob Rich also said that in 2021, the Critics’ Choice Awards considered Fox Rich the most compelling subject of a documentary or film.

“She is by far the most dynamic person that I’ve ever met in my life,” he said.

With the audience gathered in the room and others joining virtually from First United Bank branches throughout Texas and Oklahoma, Rob Rich encouraged a big Texas round of applause as Fox Rich made her way to the microphone.

With her strong voice and personality, the Grambling State University graduate who holds a Bachelor of Science degree and Master’s degree in Public Administration schooled the crowd on social injustices and the innate will to fight for African Americans who break the law.

Throughout their speech, FoxandRob emphatically admitted and took responsibility for the bank robbery crime they committed. The focus was on the familial impact when at least one family member is incarcerated.

“When they got one of us, they got all of us!” Fox Rich said.

“They got our money, they got our time, they got our hearts, they got our minds. They got all of us!”

She shared about her unrelenting focus to bring her husband, a first time offender for taking $5000 and a property

tistics and studies have proven that when people of color go before the criminal justice system, they do not receive the same justice that is given to people who have committed the same offenses that are of different race,” she said.

“What does it mean to be free?” Fox Rich asked. “It wasn’t until I became a slave again that I understood.”

Fox Rich cited how she enslaved herself by committing a

Fox Rich of FoxandRob speaks

crime, stating that she “checked herself into slavery by breaking the law.”

She shared scenarios of not having control of your own person while imprisoned, to when released, not being allowed freedoms that others enjoy such as the right to vote.

“After I did my time, and when I get home and I real-

THURSDAY JULY 21, 2022

ized like those slaves in June 19, 1865, I ain’t got nothing but the clothes on my back and a will to live, and a will to use my freedom for the greater good of all mankind,” Fox Rich said.

“It shows you the power of the human spirit. That power rests and rules in every last one of us in this room. That power is at the forefront, I believe, of the basic principles of this institution [First United Bank] that says, ‘Spend Life Wisely.’ You don’t get but one.”

Fox Rich implored others to think about racism and skin color. She mused about the interests of others with non-melanated skin to use the sun, tanning beds and creams.

Her speech, of which she constantly had the audience repeating “freedom is a reason to be celebrated,” was real, raw, relevant and left many with very few words to say afterwards, including First United Bank CEO Greg Massey who seemed inspired and shared his bank’s commitment to “get it right.”

The love between FoxandRob was profoundly evident. They personified the term “ride or die.” Many in the room were moved by their presence.

The event was organized by First United Bank Vice President and Spend Life Wisely (Community Relations) Ambassador Patrice Withers who felt FoxandRob were a great fit for their celebration.

“Our bank exists to inspire and empower others to spend life wisely,” Withers said. “FoxandRob’s story is one of love and impact that they continue to make beyond their family. It is also an example of what current day slavery looks like.”

Fox Rich constantly shared, “To be free is to free others.”

It was a masterful display in the necessity of freeing minds from judgment of those who make mistakes and the realities of redemption. Their story is also heavily rooted in commitment to family and faith.

“I know that my God is a forgiving God,” Fox Rich said. “And if my God can forgive me for my transgressions, then I know that I can forgive myself, and I know that I can forgive my fellow man for transgressions.”

The Participatory Defense Movement Nola, an organization founded by FoxandRob, helps families navigate the criminal justice system. For more information, visit pdmnola.org

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