Garland Journal 7-7-22 by Cheryl Smith

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THURSDAY JULY 7, 2022

By Cheryl Smith Publisher

By Stacy M. Brown

July is Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month Twenty years ago my doctor told me that doctors he consulted with didn’t expect me to live. You see, going into surgery, there was going to be some moving around of “stuff” inside of me and there was a possibility that some blood clots would break away and rush to my heart. Death would result.

Dr. Suzanne Slonim

I survived and still today I thank Dr. William Glaze for not throwing in the towel on me. A few other things happened 20 years ago. Because of my surgery I was unable to attend my annual Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-a-thon; someone I adored, Paula McClure passed; and one of my best friends, someone who I looked forward to sharing war stories with in our senior years, veteran journalist Lawrence Young, died. It was a rough time for me. But there See MY TRUTH, page 7

Ahead of the all-important 2022 midterm elections, reports show that more than 55 million Americans remain unregistered to vote – and about 10 million are African Americans who are eligible to vote but who are unregistered. Whether the reason is because of apathy, suppression, or other means, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and the Transformative Justice Coalition seek to get to the bottom of why, with so much at stake, voter registration and GOTV mobilization remain lacking notably among Black Ameri-

Attorneys Daryl Jones and Barbara Arnwine of the Transformative Justice Coalition

cans across the nation. During the national convention marking the 195th -anniversary celebration of the

Black Press of America in New Orleans, leaders of both organizations announced a get-out-tovote campaign aimed at register-

ing and mobilizing GOTV for 10 million more African Americans to vote in time for the 2022 midterms. “The NNPA has talked about the vote, and there is no better time for us to show our power,” NNPA Chair Karen Carter Richards said during the announcement, at the national convention in the Big Easy. “Let us take the lead and not be on the tail-end so we can show the present-day power of the Black Press,” continued Richards, who publishes the Houston Forward Times. Attorney Barbara Arnwine, the founder, and president of the See NNPA, TRANSFORMATIVE, page 2

Need to Destigmatize Gynecological Health Conversations America is in the midst of a public health crisis and Dallas is showing leadership in addressing the most prevalent and costly health issue affecting women - uterine fibroids. The Dallas City Council’s proclamation of July as Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month is a first step toward destigmatizing gynecological health conversations so more women can become informed about possible solutions. The Dallas action underscores similar legislation passed last week recognizing July as Uterine Fibroid Aware-

ness Month in the State of Texas. the source of their symptoms and Fibroid treatment is at the inter- most women do not know they have section of healthcare equity and racial several options for treatment. justice. Latina and Black women are In the United States, almost $8 two to three times more likely to suf- billion is spent on obstetric outfer from fibroid symptoms, including comes attributed to fibroids, with a heavy bleeding, secost of more than vere cramps, pelvic GUEST COMMENTARY $17 billion annualpain, urinary frely in absenteeism quency, and reproductive dysfunction and short-term disability. including miscarriage, early labor, and It is imperative to prioritize reinfertility. sources for research, treatment, and Eighty percent of women have fi- prevention of fibroids and to support broids by the age of 50. Because infor- a readily available, comprehensive, ormation is elusive, many do not know ganized source of information about

fibroid risk factors, symptoms, diagnostic techniques, and treatment options. Fibroid awareness is not a political issue. It is a critical medical, social, and financial issue that disproportionately affects women of color. The exciting news is that the Dallas City Council recognized this, catalyzing conversations that lead to solutions.

Superb Women Our Superb Women! By Cheryl Smith Texas Metro News

2021 was the "Year of the Woman," especially the Black Woman! For 10 months we dedicated this space to uplifting Black women and spreading a message that we need to show love and empower people with love instead of destroying them with hate and disrespect. We celebrate Black Women and call them SUPERB! AND WE ARE KEEPING THE CELEBRATION GOING IN 2022! MAXCIE TAYLOR Maxcie Taylor is a speaker, author, B.R.A.N.D. Ambassador Coach

Here she is Ms. Curve Texas ’22! Yes, Maxcie Taylor recently won this title as part of the Regency International Pageant and will be competing in Las Vegas this July against other plus size women. As a plus size woman Maxcie is excited to use her platform to share encouragement with other curvy women and to inspire them to go after their dreams regardless of their size. Not only is she a pageant queen, Maxcie is also a social media strategist, and runs a B.R.A.N.D. Ambassador agency that teaches inspiring influencers how to develop their B.R.A.N.D. and monetize their Instagram account. A wife and mother, the mass communications major’s book, “Queen in Me” is on sale. KIM CLEMONS Fun-loving, energetic and a joy to be around, Kim Dunn Clemons is a wife and mother. Kim Dunn Clemons hails from Santa Cruz, CA where she attended Santa Cruz High School and graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in Radio,

VOLUME X

NNPA, Transformative Justice Coalition Announce National GOTV Campaign

My Truth

Paula McClure

SERVING NORTH EAST TEXAS

TV and Film Production. Kim is currently a Showrunner/Writer at AMS PICTURES in Dallas – producing “Murder Made Me Famous,” “Scandal Made Me Famous” and “The Price of Fame series’ for The REELZ Channel. Also a former producer with USA networks and programming coordinator KXAS-TV/NBC-5, she is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. TERRI T. THOMAS Terri T. Thomas is vice president and community manager for Chase and she is a “hustler” in a positive way.

For the past 19 years she has held several positions from branch manager to vice president and she is about the community and helping clients improve their personal finances. Terri has a BA in

Business Administration and Management from Austin College and she studied her junior year abroad at the La Universidad de Salamanca. A founding member, she is also a board member of the Collin County Black Chamber of Commerce. We especially like that she worked with From Your Heart Ministries to provide dental cleanings to youth in Uganda. And, she has done so much more, including with the North Texas Jobs Corp. SHANIA WILHITE Shania Wilhite is energetic and a go-getter. She wants to focus on community health, environmental safety and curbing gentrification.

A recent graduate of Texas A&M University-Commerce with a degree in public health, Shania attended the School of Health Professions at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center. Shania is a community coordinator for the DEC Network where she is responsible for membership and guest experience, event planning, and facilitates support as well as operational support at the DEC@RedBird. Shania is interested in Animal Welfare • Arts and Culture • Civil Rights and Social Action • Disaster and Humanitarian Relief • Environment • Health • Human Rights • Politics. HOPE ANGELA IRETI HART She’s a student of life and an activist. Hope Angela Ireti Hart is constantly evolving and leaving places better than she found them. An Urban Planning & Community/ Economic Development Consultant, she has enjoyed stints at U.S. Small Business Administration and Prospector Works. Hope Angela Ireti Hart hails from Oak Cliff and

Suzanne Slonim, MD, FSIR Fibroid Institute Dallas Jessica Shepherd MD, MBA, FACOG Sanctum Med + Wellness Andrea Arguello, MD, FACOG MacArthur OBGYN

June 2022

she undertakes, she masters! Erin currently resides in Brooklyn but her heart remains in her hometown of Dallas, TX!

graduated from Justin F. Kimble High School. She received a BA degree in Urban Studies/ Africana Studies from Vassar College. Hope also studied at Mountain View Community College, Spelman College and Cornell University where she received a MRP in City and Regional Planning. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Hope’s specialties include: Project Management, Pre-Development, Brainstorming, Proposal Concept & Design, Troubleshooting, Conflict Resolution, Mediation, Community Relations, Public Relations and Networking. ERIN E. EVANS You have to check out some of Erin E. Evans’ insightful, thoughtprovoking pieces. @heyerinevans or www.erinevans.me

Currently a senior enterprise editor at HuffPost, where she manages a team of reporters and critics who write about arts and entertainment; Erin Evans is a graduate of Howard University with a BA Degree in Journalism with honors (Summa Cum Laude) and she received her Masters Degree from New York University. Yes! She’s an NABJ Baby!!! Her impressive career includes stints at The Root, Black Entertainment Television, Mic, The Movement and NBC News. She specializes in content around social justice, identity and culture. Erin calls herself an amateur cook, but everything

TONYAA WEATHERSBEE A Florida native,Tonyaa Weathersbee writes and edits projects, speeches and scripts, as well as lecture on topics ranging from politics, social justice and the craft of journalism to issues on Cuba, Latin America and the African diaspora.

Tonyaa Weathersbee is the metro columnist for The Commercial Appeal, the major newspaper of Memphis, Tenn. Journalist Tonyaa Weathersbee is the bomb. A long-time member of the National Association of Black Journalists, and award-winning journalist, Tonyaa earned a master’s degree in mass communication with a concentration in international/ intercultural communications and a BS Degree in Journalism from the University of Florida. Hailing from Jacksonville, she graduated from William M. Raines High School and she has participated in numerous fellowships. She is a self-professed “expert in Afro-Caribbean culture, a Florida Gator and Jacksonville Jaguar fan and mom to 2 kitties!” MADISON CHASE Madison Chase is a trainer, host, author, motivational speaker and ambassador for helping you be your Best You. A Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts alum and a trained classical ballerina, Madison Chase studied at The Juilliard School. She is CEO and Founder at Madison Chase Fitness, Celebrity Fitness Expert at Madison Chase Fitness and World’s Only 3X Miss Fitness

Champion at ESPN. Madison represented Richardson in the Miss America Pageant and she also previously hosted a live weekly fitness segment, “Workout Wednesday.” Her articles have been published in Eclipse Magazine, www.eurweb.com, www. dallasblack.com, www.eclipsedfw.com, Heart & Soul Magazine, Oxygen, Muscle and Fitness Hers publications. https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=gJh23paKqHo LASHIRL SMITH LaShirl Smith represents some of the hottest in the business and she is all about results and putting her clients first.

LaShirl Smith is the Boss Lady at Group PR and RonSean Productions, LLC. Hailing from Dallas, LaShirl currently resides in Cali and she’s making things happen internationally. She is the president and lead publicist representing celebrities and professional athletes in the entertainment and sports industry. LaShirl received a BA degree in Communications, Public Relations and Advertising from the University of North Texas. A consummate professional LaShirl has branched off into the world of producing so we’ll be seeing a lot more of her in the future and we salute her because she is the epitome of Black Girl Magic! See SUPERB WOMEN page 8

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THURSDAY JULY 7, 2022

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NNPA, Transformative Justice Coalition Announce from page 1

NNPA Secretary Jackie Hampton, Attys. Daryl Jones and Barbara Arnwine, with NNPA Second Vice Chair Fran Farrer, President/CEO Ben Chavis, Chair Karen Carter Richards, Treasurer Cheryl Smith and First Vice Chair Janis Ware.

Transformative Justice Coalition, and her board chair and fellow lawyer Daryl Jones, told a captivated panel that their organization had recorded 72 voter suppression tactics to prevent a large population from casting ballots. Among them are strict voter laws in many Republican-led states, deceptive practices like robocalls; early voting cuts; and voter intimidation. “Black voters did our share in 2020,” Arnwine remarked, adding that “This is a great opportunity for us; we’ve got to make this happen.” “Ninety-three percent of all eligible Black voters registered in Georgia. Yet, in the 2021 Georgia Senate run-off, 93 percent of all registered Black voters turned out. That’s why people don’t understand where the real power is.” Along with NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., Richards, NNPA Executive

Board members Janis Ware, Fran Farrer, Cheryl Smith, and Jackie Hampton, Arnwine and Jones announced that the groups would utilize a multi-vehicle “VOTERCADE” to get out the vote. They said individuals riding in new and COVID-safe tour buses would hit swing states ahead of the November elections to register and mobilize GOTV for 10 million new Black voters. Chavis said artists from Roc Nation, the company run by hiphop magnate and business mogul Jay-Z, would accompany the VOTERCADE in some cities. Music superstar Stephanie Mills also pledged to “get on the bus with the Black Press and the Transformative Justice Coalition.” Chavis said he’s convinced other celebrities will also join the national GOTV campaign. “The first form of voter suppression is self-suppression,” Dr. T:5”asserted. “This last primaChavis

ry election showed that some of us were keeping ourselves from voting. There are 55 million unregistered Americans eligible to vote, and 10 million are African Americans.” He continued, “What if those 10 million were registered? We wouldn’t have worried about Donald Trump or the craziness of what the U.S. Supreme Court is doing now. Elections have consequences. The overturned Roe v. Wade, the overturned gun laws – are consequences of elections.” With more than 235 African American-owned newspapers and media companies serving as members, the NNPA represents the Black Press of America. The Transformative Justice Coalition’s mission includes the systematic change that achieves racial justice, gender, economic and social justice, and human rights through public education and engagement initiatives that at-

tend equally to hearts and minds as well as the social systems and structure in which they exist. Further, the coalition dedicates itself to informed civic engagement and equal voting rights for everyone. They use a voting rights map of shame to inform the public of threats to America’s democracy, how to protect their voting rights, and steps to take to ensure the ability to cast a ballot and make sure it’s counted. The organization also seeks the restoration of voting rights for ex-felons. “[Anti-voting rights organizations and individuals] have trained 10,000 people to be poll disruptors to go to only Black polling sites,” Arnwine said. “They’re not sending them to white polling sites, and if you watched the [Jan. 6] hearings, this is a concentrated effort to disempower Black voters.” According to Davis, more than

18 million people are eligible to vote but don’t know it. “They are the felony disenfranchised,” Davis explained. “They are confused. It’s intentionally done in various states. For example, in some states, you never lose your right to vote, and in some states, you can run for office if you’re incarcerated.” The VOTERCADE would help educate voters and explain what’s legal, among other things. “We’re calling on all 235 NNPA members,” Dr. Chavis encouraged. “That call and response from our brothers and sisters are vital. It’s movement time, it is time Get-Out-The-Vote. “With the Transformative Justice Coalition, the NNPA will help move our people forward to get out this vote. In 2022, we will make the critical difference in the midterm elections in terms of increasing Black voter participation throughout the country.”

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Wear the masks, wash your hands and show love!

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THURSDAY JULY 7, 2022

NNPA-CELEBRATING THE BLACK PRESS!

Brittney Griner Writes President Joe Biden Seeking Help By Dorothy J. Gentry Sports Editor

Brittney Griner recently wrote a letter directly to President Joe Biden and the White House pleading for their help in freeing her from Russia. The WNBA star who plays for the Phoenix Mercury, has been detained since early February in a Moscow airport reportedly over drug charges. Griner, a nine-year WNBA veteran, has played for the Russian women’s professional basketball team, UMMC Ekaterinburg, for the past seven years during the league’s off-season. Representatives of the 31-year-old Griner released excerpts of the reportedly handwritten letter on Monday, July 4, per ESPN’s T.J. Quinn. Below are excerpts of the letter: “I’m terrified I might be here forever…I realize you are dealing with so much, but please don’t forget about me and the other detainees…Please do all you can to bring us home.” “On the 4th of July, our family normally honors the service of those men who fought for our freedom, including my father who is a Vietnam War Veteran,” another excerpt read. “It hurts thinking about how I usually celebrate this day because freedom means something completely different to me this year... as I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever.” “I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I believe in you. I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore. I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know they are suffering so much right now. I am grateful for whatever you can do at this moment to get me home.” Per ESPN’s Quinn, Griner’s representative said they would not release the entire letter or detail how it got to the White House. Since her detention, Griner has been allowed to send and receive monitored notes to friends and family through her Russian attorneys. Per reports, the White House National Security Council confirmed the

White House has received Griner’s letter. “We believe the Russian Federation is wrongfully detaining Brittney Griner,” NSC spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said Monday. “President Biden has been clear about the need to see all U.S. nationals who are held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad released, including Brittney Griner. The U.S. government continues to work aggressively -- using every available means -- to bring her home.” Griner’s trial began on Friday, July 1 with her appearance in court and is scheduled to continue Thursday. She is charged with trying to smuggle hashish oil into Russia.

Brittney Griner Photo: Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images

Per reports, Griner has not entered a plea but there is talk that she may plead guilty, knowing that Russian officials would require an admission of guilt as part of any deal to send her home. House of Representatives Pass Resolution In addition to playing in the WNBA and overseas, Griner competes as part of Team USA Women’s Basketball and won gold medals in the 2016 and 2021 Olympics. Like most WNBA players, she plays basketball overseas in the offseason, most recently in Russia. Since being detained she has received an outpouring of support from teammates, athletes of other sports, entertainment personalities and various government officials advocating for her release. Last month the House of Representatives yesterday passed H.Res. 1132, Rep. Greg Stanton’s bipartisan resolution calling on the Russian government to immediately release Griner and expressing support for efforts made by the U.S. government to secure her release.

“Not a day goes by that we aren’t thinking of Brittney and working to get her home,” said Stanton. “We will continue to push for her release and make sure that she is not forgotten.” “I’m grateful for this overwhelming show of support from Congress. We need to be doing all we can to keep Brittney’s case on the forefront and finally put an end to this nightmare,” said Cherelle Griner, Brittney’s wife. “This resolution sends a clear message: securing Brittney’s release must be the highest priority of the U.S. Government, and we know the American people support every effort made to bring her home,” said Terri Carmichael Jackson, executive director of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association. Stanton introduced the resolution last month with Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee and Colin Allred of Texas. Griner grew up in Houston, Texas and graduated from Baylor University. In May the U.S. Department of State released a statement saying they considered Griner to be wrongfully detained by the Russian Federation, which means the Department, led by the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, will seek to negotiate her release. WNBA Honors Griner The WNBA are using their 26th season to “acknowledge the importance” of Griner to the league. Griner’s initials and jersey number (#42) are featured along the sideline of all 12 WNBA courts. The Mercury, Griner’s team for nine years, has been granted both roster and salary cap relief so that it can carry a replacement player until Griner, who will be paid her full salary, returns home and is ready to get back on the court. The league has also named Griner as an honorary All-Star for the 2022 season and she will be honored at this weekend’s All-Star activities in Chicago. Additionally, every WNBA market will support “BG’s Heart and Sole Shoe Drive,” which is in partnership with the Phoenix Rescue Mission. Griner founded the initiative in 2016 to support the homeless population.

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GarlandJournal

THURSDAY JULY 7, 2022

Quit Playin’ By Vincent L. Hall “The major problem confronting the United States today is there aren’t enough white babies being born. If we don’t do something about this and do it now, white people will be in the numerical minority, and we will no longer be a white man’s land.” –”The Birth Dearth” by Ben Wattenberg My best childhood memories are divided evenly between my maternal grandmother’s house in South Dallas, and my paternal grandmother’s in “The Bottom.” Well, we called it The Bottom then. Nowadays, most of you call it the historic 10th Street District. New name. New faces and new prices will follow. I’m sitting on the porch at 611 Millard St. sometime in the 60s, ear hustling while my paternal grandmother and a neighbor were talking. We didn’t have no internet, so in-person gossiping was our social media. The woman from two doors down said that Pete and Nelly’s daughter died while she was away in college. Apparently, that’s why Pete was drinking so heavily and Ms. Nelly was so distraught. Honestly, I had no visual recollection of her, so I made up her image based on what I heard. Maybe that’s how we got all those life-size murals of “White Jesus” in our baptismal pools. Hmm? Martha was said to have been beautiful, but “fair-skinned” like her mother and not like Pete.

Faithful Utterances By Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew

This weekend, I was blessed with the opportunity to be in the presence of greatness. Artstillery shared scenes from their upcoming play on Fair Park/South Dallas with an audience. I was the moderator of a panel of women whose leadership has shaped the narrative of South Dallas: • Willie Mae Coleman • Vicki Meek • Alendra Lyons and • Denise Montgomery All these women are legends for their commitment, longevity, and determination to ensure that the community was not neglected through their activism for resources. For me, it was a reminder that so often, we think things happen overnight, but we are standing on the shoulders of those before us. I am grateful that Artstillery has captured their stories and experiences forever. I learned so much listening to them---there was so much I did not know. There is still so much we all need to learn. Celebrating Juneteenth is a reminder of remembering the work of our elders and that it is impera-

Our Voices By Dr. John E. Warren As so many of us completed celebrating our second national holiday, this time in honor of the delayed announcement that all slaves had been freed more than two years before the Juneteenth announcement, the question remains as to whether we all got the message?

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The Real Problem!

Pete was that shiny, well-minted hue of black. Pete fit the bill if you needed a model for a “John Henry, the Steel Drivin’ Man” poster. His big bruised hands and bristled brows looked like he was working even when sitting down. The lady said that Martha wasn’t Pete’s child. She didn’t know if Martha had been “born out of wedlock” or not. All she knew was that Martha bled to death. There was something about a coat hanger found in her dormitory room. Children in our day were quite literal. I remember my mother telling one of my aunts that their cousin in Houston had lost a child. I waited until it was established that Mama had hung up the phone. In those days, you didn’t say “one damn word” until your mother was off the phone. I asked, ”Mama, did Aunt Evelyn lose the child in the neighborhood?” AstroWorld was new and close to Aunt Ev’s house, so maybe the child had been lost there. I was horrified then, but one day in my 30s, the two events merged. My Aunt Evelyn had a miscarriage. “Lost her baby” was the community standard before graduating to “miscarriage.” She was shattered because she wanted another baby and couldn’t carry the child to full term. But Martha, one of those rare Black college students in her day, didn’t want a baby. She wasn’t ready for motherhood. Martha or someone helping tried to terminate her pregnancy the way

hundreds of thousands of other young women in her generation did. I still can’t grasp what happened. Far be it from me to understand all the ins and outs and questions surrounding abortion. However, any Black man my

age will testify to two conversations. First, our moms had a conversation reminding us that we are Black and prone to suspicion and official oppression. Secondly, most of us have a girlfriend or significant other who called us to

say that something was missing and something might be coming! Hint, hint! Because of stories like Martha’s, especially white Marthas, unwanted pregnancies have been addressed safely and discreetly for over half a century. The United States Supreme Court ended Roe V. Wade, and stories about coat hangers and botched abortions obviously had no bearing. Roe passed in 1973, but in 2022, the national maternal mortality rate in the U.S. is 17 per 100,000 live births––but 43 per 100,000 live births for Black women. These are rough times for women and blackness only multiplies the misery. Pro-lifers are for you while you’re in the womb. Of course, once the umbilical cord is cut, they don’t give a sh!t about you! Next up, same-sex marriage cause that “protected class” ain’t producing enough White babies either! Your grinning, shuffling, jive-ass Uncle Thomas has already said so! The old adage was that “anything the White man didn’t want you to know, he put in a book.” You might want to peruse the pages of Birth Dearth. The truth is that every policy decision in this nation begins with and ends with race. And that Mr. Wattenberg is the “major problem confronting the United States today!” For RED America, it ain’t about your Rights, it’s all about the Whites.

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

The Cost of Freedom

tive that we take the time to listen, learn, and collaborate to continue the work. There has been progress but there is so much to do. We often focus on what is wrong without giving credit to what’s right. Juneteenth is a reminder that so much information is intentionally withheld. The fact that our enslaved ancestors were not freed for three years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation should make us understand that the same tactics occur even now. If we are not careful, all these modern-day distractions will keep us so confined in focusing on our needs that we do not see the overwhelming challenges of collective and that we are all impacted whether directly or indirectly. We might see the struggles of our ancestors as something that happened in the past without recognizing the correlations to our current circumstances. We might see our ancestors as inhabiting plantations when the reality is that many of us are still enslaved to plantations today. We are captured by wrong thinking that will make us think that we are competing against others when those individuals could be our partners. We are captured by practices that do not serve us well. Mantras like I can

Listening to the elders on Saturday reminded me that they lived to make our lives better because of their love. I am so grateful to Opal Lee, the mother of Juneteenth, and our other elders who have persevered for all of us to benefit from their sacrifices. We owe them to continue learning, building relationships with one another, and pursuing God’s purpose for our lives. We owe them to free our minds. sleep when I die is creating a culture of overworked and chronically ill people. We are captured by relationships that keep us from realizing our best self. We are captured by jobs, careers, and the pursuit of titles that reinforce the idea that more stuff is better while becoming entrenched in debt. We are captured by congregations that make us feel good but give us no substance to live. Juneteenth reminds us that as much as we would like to believe we are free—we are really free-ish. It is time to learn from our

elders, seek wisdom and begin to create a narrative that is in our best interest. This narrative is understanding the power of God. Our ancestors understood this well. They understood the connection to God and that their joy and freedom was more than what others could dictate. “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17) Having a relationship with God did not stop their fight but it was a part of the fight for freedom.

They understood their value when others did not. It is important that we begin to know that as well: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price.” (1 Corinthians 6:19) Our ancestors knew that no matter what was said or written, they fought for what they deserved for themselves and for those of us to come: “You, my brothers, and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” (Galatians 5:13-14) Listening to the elders on Saturday reminded me that they lived to make our lives better because of their love. I am so grateful to Opal Lee, the mother of Juneteenth, and our other elders who have persevered for all of us to benefit from their sacrifices. We owe them to continue learning, building relationships with one another, and pursuing God’s purpose for our lives. We owe them to free our minds.

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

The Chains That Bind After Juneteenth All one has to do is look at the voter turnout during these midterm primaries in all places other than Georgia.The Black vote, needed now more than ever, has begun to fall away. The chains and bondage of slavery have been replaced with chains of apathy and selfishness. These traits are evidenced in the detachment that many of us reflect in our lack of interest in issues that we don’t see affecting us directly. Too many

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

of our minds are still chained to drugs, alcohol and violence on ourselves, often exceeding anything that racist and white supremists inflict on us with gun violence. As a matter of fact, we kill more of ourselves than mass shooters with assault weapons. The solution to removing these chains is a reflection and awareness that they exist and then a conscious decision to focus on the inclusion of concern for others.

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We must remember that we, as Black people, have come this far from Juneteenth as part of a collective effort. No one person has made the difference alone. The good news is that there is a new wave as evidenced by those who have marched in protest against the ongoing murder of Black men by law enforcement entities. But we must grow our numbers. Using the hard fought right to vote is one major step to-

ward removing the chains; stopping the violence against ourselves represents another major step forward. Bottom line, let’s add to our celebrations a commitment to building upon the sacrifices of those who came before us. Let’s remove the chains and bondage with the personal involvement mentioned here. Dr. John E. Warren is publisher of The San Diego Voice and Viewpoint.

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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THURSDAY JULY 7, 2022

Failure of Government Owned Networks Provide a Warning For Dallas Our Voices By Dr. Roy E. Alston, PhD

There’s no denying that our lives have changed dramatically since the beginning of the pandemic. About 45 percent of Americans are working remotely either some or all of the time, telehealth usage is 38 times higher than it was at the beginning of 2020, and students have become increasingly reliant on learning outside of the classroom. These trends all point to one clear reality: the internet has become even more important in today’s hyper-connected world. I’m grateful that the Dallas City Council acknowledges that internet access is a need for Dallas residents trying to keep up in this digital age, and that they are evaluating the best path forward to get our city’s unconnected residents online.

However, it is concerning that Dallas policymakers are considering an option that would not solve the problem. A proposal for the City to create a new, government-owned “middle mile” network will do nothing to address broadband adoption. These government-owned networks rarely go as planned there are countless examples of networks failing and ultimately squandering taxpayer dollars. In the last few months alone, we have seen several other large cities consider (and in some instances fund) such plans only to find out later that they made a big mistake. One example is Tucson, Arizona, where the City Council approved spending millions on a government-run “middle mile” and wireless network – the same model Dallas is considering. Tucson’s network has connected only 995 homes, has cost nearly $7 million, and will continue to cost taxpayers $300,000 each year to maintain.

What has resulted from this monumental mistake is the head of Tucson IT department’s resignation, as well as Tucson City Council members who voted for the network now calling it an “embarrassment.” The City of Toronto recently nixed plans to create the largest municipal broadband network in North America after seeing the writing on the wall. At first wide-eyed about the prospect of creating a government-run network in Toronto, as details emerged about what the process would cost and entail, city lawmakers realized that the proposal simply wasn’t feasible and that there were more cost-effective, superior options available. The good news is that if we look to the root causes of the digital divide – the affordability and adoption gaps – we can make real progress, especially among our most vulnerable populations. The affordability gap refers to

people who aren’t online because they can’t afford the cost of a broadband subscription, while the adoption gap is made up of folks who aren’t online because they lack the necessary language skills, digital literacy, or do not see the relevance of the internet. There are recently created, federally-funded resources that we can utilize to address the affordability gap and adoption gap head-on. The first is a program that about half of the city (48 percent) is eligible for, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a new initiative created under the bipartisan Infrastructure Law that provides a $30 monthly voucher on internet subscriptions for those at 200% or below the federal poverty line. In May, the White House dramatically bolstered the program by announcing that 20 internet service providers have committed to either increasing speeds or reducing costs for the services they provide under the program,

which ensures that all ACP-eligible families will essentially have access to high-speed internet subscriptions for free. To address the adoption gap, Dallas should also leverage the Federal Infrastructure Law’s $2.75 billion allocation in digital literacy grant programs, which train vulnerable communities about the skills they need to navigate the web, as well as the subscription options that exist and how to enroll. I hope that our lawmakers here in Dallas will focus on real solutions to address the affordability and adoption challenges we face with broadband internet. A government-run network would be a costly mistake, especially when we already have the resources we need to address the city’s digital divide for vulnerable residents. Roy E. Alston, PhD has more than 30 years of progressive experience in leadership and strategy including time in the military, law enforcement and the healthcare industry.

Listen to Your Heart: Raising Awareness of a Serious Heart Condition notice or remember health symptoms that the patient may forget or neglect to mention and help people with hereditary ATTR-CM manage their disease. As part of the Voices for the Heart effort, myself and former NBA basketball player and coach Don Chaney, a hereditary ATTR-CM patient himself, will be featured speakers at virtual town hall on June 25, 2022. Don will share his personal story of being diagnosed and living with hereditary ATTR-CM. I will share more information about hereditary ATTR-CM symptoms and diagnosis, and there will be additional educational resources on hereditary ATTR-CM available to the community. For additional information on the event, click here and scan the QR code below.

By Dr. Aaron Horne, MD

Structural and Interventional Cardiologist, Summit Health

More than a year and a half into a global pandemic that has disproportionately impacted communities of Dr. Aaron color, we continHorne, MD ue to live through a public health tragedy. If there is any hope to be drawn from so much hardship and loss, it’s that COVID-19 has reignited new conversations about disease awareness and the inequality that still exists in our healthcare system. As a cardiologist, who has been treating heart disease for 8 years, I’ve witnessed how delayed visits can impact care within our community. It is always upsetting when patients come to my office with advanced heart disease that potentially could have been diagnosed and treated earlier. That’s why there is one condition I want every patient to be aware of. It’s called transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy, or ATTR-CM. ATTR-CM is a serious and often underdiagnosed cause of heart failure. ATTR-CM is a progressive disease, in which over time the heart muscle begins to thicken and stiffen. There are two types of ATTR-CM; the wildtype, which is associated with aging, and the hereditary type, which is associated with a gene change (mutation) and can be passed down from a relative. The most common mutation in the United States, known as

V122I, is found almost exclusively in African Americans. Approximately 3% to 4% of African Americans are thought to have the V122I mutation, although not all individuals with the V122I mutation develop symptoms of hereditary ATTR-CM. While heart failure is common among Black, African American, and Afro-Caribbean communities, hereditary ATTR-CM in these populations is often overlooked by doctors for several reasons. In fact, some patients with ATTR-CM say they visited up to five doctors before receiving an accurate diagnosis. This is why I am excited to be partnering with Pfizer on Voices for the Heart in Dallas a community-based initiative bringing together physicians and trusted local organizations

within African American, Black, and Afro-Caribbean communities around the country to increase awareness of hereditary ATTR-CM as an often-underdiagnosed cause of heart failure. Early signs of ATTR-CM can include an irregular heartbeat, fatigue, shortness of breath, carpal tunnel syndrome, swelling in the hands and feet, and numbness and tingling in the hands. Some of these symptoms are not traditionally associated with heart disease, which may contribute to multiple doctor’s appointments and a delayed or incorrect diagnosis. I’m committed to spreading awareness of hereditary ATTR-CM because I have seen firsthand how a delayed diagnosis can adversely impact a patient (and their loved ones),

making it essential to inform our community about this condition – including everyone from patients to caregivers to local healthcare providers. If you’re experiencing seemingly unrelated signs and symptoms (e.g., irregular heartbeat, fatigue, shortness of breath, or carpal tunnel syndrome), have a family history of cardiac issues, and have been diagnosed with heart failure, talk to your primary care doctor or an experienced cardiologist. Whether they seem related or not, it’s important to share your symptoms and health history. This will allow your doctor to provide the care you need and to make an appropriate diagnosis. Family members and caregivers also have an important role to play because they sometimes

Working together, we can overcome the challenge of low awareness and raise our collective voices to help educate family members, friends, and neighbors at risk of developing hereditary ATTR-CM. For resources on hereditary ATTR-CM, including a discussion guide to help conversations with your doctor, you can visit www.yourheartsmessage.com/don. Content developed by Pfizer in collaboration with Dr. Aaron Horne. Dr. Aaron Horne is a consultant on Pfizer’s Voices for the Heart program.

“When You Can’t Change the People around You, Then You Must Change the People Around You” ROLLING BACK ROE V. WADE SAYS TO AMERICANS VOTE CHANGE NOW AND ALWAYS. Big Mama Said By Terry Allen Lucille “Big Mama” Allen’s lessons are always appropriate for the time. When I first heard them, I did not give them the intense reverence I give them now. I hear Lucille “Big Mama” Allen in other people all the time. This one ‘change people” statement is resonated by communication powerhouse, Eddie Reeves, all the time during our Zoom calls. My biggest regret is that I had to hear her speak wisdom and I took IT lightly until another influencer repeated them to me

again before Lucille “Big Mama” Allen’s playbook resonated. Let me remind you that we lived in a house built by my grandfather and grandmother. Born in 1906, Lucille “Big Mama” Allen’s was right in the midst of in the era of lynching, Jim crow and segregation. Right there in the middle of strife, she was an influencer. Today, she could be compared to modern influencers like Michelle, Kamala, Gayle, Oprah and Iyanla. Lucille “Big Mama” Allen wanted us to know that no matter what knocked us down, we could get back up and be the purveyors of change and prosperity. Her playbook recipe, “You can’t change the people around you, but you can change the people around you,” was saying we, when we do not have the power

to get others to change then we must gather ourselves up and be around people who support our best outcomes. Be mindful that Big Mama was a Black woman who lived in the 1900s. I saw what Big Mama experienced years after she had spent decades suffering from issues that would make today’s woman falter. She had no power, yet she was the perfect example of a Black Girl Rocks role model. In June 2017, the Georgetown Law Center on Poverty and Inequality released Girlhood Interrupted: The Erasure of Black Girls’ Childhood, a report that presented the findings from our quantitative analysis of a form of gendered racial bias against Black girls: adultification. 1. This bias is a stereotype in

which mainstream Americans view Black girls as less innocent and more adult-like than their white peers, devoid of any individualized context. In other words, adultification bias is not an evaluation of maturity based on observation of an individual girl’s behavior, but instead is a presumption — a bias applied generally to Black girls. 2. I saw what Big Mama experienced years after she had spent decades suffering and it shocked me then as it does now. So now with the lawmakers of the land overturning Roe V. Wade, I see millions of women mostly non BIPOC taking to the streets to protest. A small representation of America has made the decision that the majority of US adults disapprove of and about half of the US call the de-

cision a step backward for America. So, we see millions protesting. Big Mama would say “You can’t change the people around you, but you can change the people around you.” Big Mama knew she could not publicly protest but she could vote. So, while protests are good, it is time to use the voting power to change people. We need you to vote. Big Mama because of you, I will vote. I hope you will understand just how crucial it is to incubate empowering relationships. Email me if you can change people 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 terryalllenpr@gmail.com

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

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THURSDAY JULY 7, 2022

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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.

JULY 8-10 The Camp Exposure Football Invitational (“Camp Exposure”) is a free, all-inclusive, three-day overnight football camp specifically curated for under-represented high school athletes. The highly anticipated event returns for its third annual installment from July 8-10th with on-the-field training at Highland Park High School, and personal and professional development off-the-field sessions at Embassy Suites of Dallas Park Central.

the perfect setting to strengthen civil rights and every form of socio-economic equality in Atlantic City to progress policies that impact Black America. 8-10 p.m, “Rhythm and Rhapsody” will take place at Hamon Hall. The event will bring together poetry, rhythm and dance to show the social challenges in the African American community.

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

14 The Weeknd live August 14th at The AT&TStadium in Arlington

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

Send your calendar items to

12pm-6pm, there will be a Dallas reproductive liberation march at the Main Street Garden Park organized by The Afiya Center and Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas. Kendrick Lamar w/ special guests Baby Keem & Tanna Leone @ The AAC in Dallas

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editor@texasmetronews.com 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.

From July 9th to October 15th, the Dallas Bites and Sights tour will offer an exclusive tour featuring only Dallas black-owned businesses. The tour will feature untold stories of the Black history of Dallas at 4925 Greenville Ave.

Burna Boy live @ The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

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AUGUST Self-Care Fair free community event and feminine hygiene supply drive at After 8 to Educate (Fannie C. Harris Youth Center) 4212 E. Grand Avenue, Dallas.-- 11AM-3PM

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.

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

113th NAACP National Convention is

8:53-10:53 AM, the Too Hot to Handle half marathon will take place at Norbuck Park. The event will feature a 10K and 5K run.

18 Scarface @ The House of Blues

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.

Kevin Hart live @ The AAC 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.

JULY TEXAS FIBROID AWARENESS MONTH 9

by Verb Kulture at Hamon Hall. The performance will be at 8pm at 2403 Flora Street, Dallas, Tx 75201

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

23 Karaoke Lic Sync Battle 7225 University Hills Blvd in Dallas at 6p.m.

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Parker County Peach Festival 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM at Downtown Weatherford

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Family Festival / Fiesta de la Familia 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM at Kimbell Art Museum

Shakespeare in the Park, performing a Midsummer Night’s Dream. At the Samuell-Grand Park, July 5th, 9th, 10th, 12th, 16th, 17th, 19th, and 23rd at 8:15pm Location:1500 Tenison Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75223

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

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

2022 Texas Democratic Party State Convention

Self-Care Fair free community event and feminine hygiene supply drive at After 8 to Educate (Fannie C. Harris Youth Center) 4212 E. Grand Avenue, Dallas.-- 11AM-3PM

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

The Denton County Democratic Party (DCDP) will hold its LBJ-Obama 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.

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

**** The 7th Annual iLIVE Expo is North Texas largest Wellness and Lifestyle Expo of its kind!

BAMM, Being a Melanin Mom, Inc. cordially invites you to Second Annual Black Owned Experience Summer Expo! 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM CDT Lofty Spaces, 816 Montgomery Street Dallas, TX

2nd Annual Carnival Festival at Cravens Park, 400 Cravens Park Drive Arlington, Tx 76018, at 1-7pm RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-caribbean-carnival-festival-tickets-303928116177?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Bastille on Bishop 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM at Bishop Arts District

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The Elevator Project is having a Rhythm and Rhapsody show. Rhythm and Rhapsody is a live show, with music, storytelling, poetry, and dance. Rhythm and Rhapsody is being presented

Send your calendar items to editor@texasmetronews.com

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THURSDAY JULY 7, 2022

Travis Wortham debuts new book Creating Monsters or Raising Champions: “What’s Wrong with Deez Kidzs?” I Was Just Thinking... By Norma Adams-Wade The white clothing on the majority of the guests at Travis Wortham Jr’s book signing and reception Sunday June 26 was an immediate sign that the author and his team had designed the occasion to unify and uplift guests. The event lived up to expectation with about 200 guests hyped to take on the challenge Wortham presented while debuting and signing his new book at the Fair Park Hall of State. The book is Creating Monsters or Raising Champions: “What’s Wrong with Deez Kidzs?” “We are in the 4th quarter and there’s no more overtime,” Wortham Jr. stressed as he urged guests to join him in his crusade to win the battle and save the lives and futures of today’s youth. “With how crazy our world has become, we’ve got to go out there and get these kids,” Wortham urged. “Politicians can’t fix this.” Practically everyone in the room knew what Wortham was talking about and had come to show their support for his cause. The book is a primer on how to avoid mistakes parents make that produce troubled and at-risk children and in turn how to raise successful children. Wortham Jr. told the audience that the book had been on his heart for about 40 years and that he has been refining and completely it during the last five years -- re-

My Truth cont. from page 1

were some memorable times, too. I also had extended visits from my mother, father and stepmother — all at the same time — in my house! Heavy sigh. They too have since transitioned, and there are no words to express how much I would love to be able to entertain them today! Which brings me to my truth. As I look back on the past 20 years and vividly recall the words of Dr. Glaze, who I absolutely love; I can’t help but think about the designation of July as Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month. I’ve known Dr. Suzanne Slonim and her wife, Pam Gerber for years. I was especially interested in Dr. Slonim because of her work with women suffering with fibroid tumors. She’s considered an expert! You may have met her out in the com-

sulting in the book launching and signing Sunday. A counselor, trainer, speaker, and consultant on all youth and family issues, Wortham’s background includes some 40 years as an administrator with troubled and at-risk youth in juvenile residential facilities in Texas and also counseling their families. He founded and owns The Wortham Group consortium of resource professionals on family and youth issues, some of whom gave input for his book. Speaking at the book signing, the Bishop College and Texas A&M University-Commerce graduate said his book gives many examples of behaviors and happenings that cause parents to fail in raising their children. Then, on the other hand, he also gives many examples of practices and routines that allow parents to successfully raise champion children. He gave examples of chapters that detail mistakes men make as fathers and husbands and, conversely, actions and behav-

CADNET CLASSIFIEDS Education Train online to do medical billing! Become a Medical Office Professional at CTI! Get trained & cer-tified to work in months! 888572-6790. The Mission, Program Information and Tuition is located at CareerTechnical. edu/consumer-information. (M-F 8-6 ET)

Health & Fitness VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $99.00. 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888-445-5928 Hablamos Español Businessman Robert Pitre talks with author Travis Wortham.

ter would the world function if much of Wortham’s advice from his book were practiced in families, schools, and society? Wortham is available to discuss and sign his book at various public and organizational gatherings. Contact him at cell 214399-7171 and email travis.wortham@att. net. To purchase the book, contact Derrick I. Temple Sr., founder/managing member with Urban Publishing House, LLC, P. O. Box 1684, Oxnard, CA 93032, phone 805609-4951, email urbanceo@urbanpublishinghouse.com, web www.urbanpublishinghouse.com.

Moderator Robert Ashley and author Travis Wortham preparing to speak.

iors that help fathers reverse bad behaviors and learn to succeed at parenting. The book also includes a chapter that counsels women about how to improve their parenting and family relationships. Additionally, the book explores topics that include gangs, drugs, sex offenders and sex trafficking, bullying and aggressive behavior. Positive topics include building wealth, pre-marital counseling, and restoring men to their families. Many of his resource associates were at the book signing and more than 20 associates gave brief remarks about their areas of expertise and how they have collaborated with Wortham throughout his career. Radio personality Robert Ashley moderated the program. Those who gave remarks included Vincent Gaddis, Dr. Richard Broussard, Rev. Carey Dowel, Vince Nelson, Rev. Chris Simmons, Amon Rashidi, Antong Lucky, Nia Maat Khepera, Phyllis Bills, Joy Weaver, Darrin Hemphill, Michael Bland, Jan Tennyson, Steve Robinson, Robert Pitre, and Nicole Craig, I was just thinking…how much bet-

munity, attending events, participating in community fairs and educating folks on fibroids; or you may have heard her on KRNB 105.7, interviewed by the Diva with A Voice, Lynne Haze. Technology is far more advanced in 2022 than it was last century and I am happy for those who have benefited from the advances and efforts of Dr. Slonim, who realizes that Black and Latina women are more susceptible to fibroids. Are we genetically predisposed to grow fibroids? While some believe that if their mom had fibroids they will automatically have them; this is not the case. Now if you eat some of the same things and lead the same type of lifestyle as your mom; well, you just might find yourself contributing to the “hereditary” narrative. When I was diagnosed with fibroid tumors, Dr. Glaze and I had a talk about what path to take. There were several paths: myomectomy (an operation to remove fibroids while preserving the uterus), hysterectomy (surgical procedure to remove the

womb - uterus), wait and see, participate in a UT Southwestern (UTSW) program to reduce the tumors, or take shots at home as a way to reduce the tumors. Now sometimes I can be a little utilitarianistic (here I am making up a word); thinking I could save the world. I opted for the UTSW study because if they could find out something and fix the problem; I could be part of saving wombs around the world! In addition to self-administered daily shots I had to change my diet: no hormone-induced meats (tumors feed off of them), no caffeine, nicotine or dairy products. What does that tell you? Some things are not good for you or the tumors! At the end of the UTSW program, there was a significant reduction in my tumors. But the damage was done and I remember celebrating until they returned and in 2002, it was determined that surgery was necessary. After the surgery, I spent the next

year writing columns focused on females, specifically younger women; telling them things I wished I had been told when I was growing up. Hopefully I made a difference in someone’s life then, today and the days in between. As each day passes I have been committed to making those who prayed for me proud that I made it out of surgery and back into the world. Through the efforts of many, maybe, just maybe fewer women will have to go under the knife and suffer the many symptoms and discomforts associated with fibroid tumors. This July, I hope you will join me, and others, in learning and sharing more about fibroids. Plan to attend the Self-Care Fair, Saturday, July 16, 2022 at 11a.m., at After 8 to Educate (Fannie C. Harris Youth Center) 4212 E. Grand Avenue in Dallas. There are also events throughout the month. Just log on to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dallasself-care-fair-texas-fibroid-awareness-monthtickets-368394867967?aff=ebdssbeac.

Dallas native Norma Adams-Wade is a University of Texas at Austin journalism graduate, and retired senior Staff writer at The Dallas Morning News. In 1974, she was The News’ first Black full-time reporter who covered news city-wide. She followed her mentor Julia Scott Reed, hired in 1967 as first Black on staff, who wrote a column about the Black community. Adams-Wade is a National Association of Black Journalists founder and was NABJ’s first southwest regional director. norma_adams_wade@yahoo.com.

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The Path As we walk through life's journey, we leave footprints. Some just show where we are going. Others redirect us when we get lost. Still others remain to guide those we leave behind. I see your footprints. Will you/they see mine?

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Wanted to Buy Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Den-ver, CO 80201

HE IS A SERIAL RAPIST

He targeted members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. but this is more than about a sorority. We’re talking about a community. Come on PEOPLE! Don’t you CARE? Will it matter when it is your sister, mother, aunt or grandmother or

maybe YOU?

Crimestoppers 877-373-8477

Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the above classi-fieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it is illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. Toll free numbers may or may not reach Canada.

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SUPERB WOMEN

talents to the world, as an on-air talent for Bobbcat Films, as a speaker/emcee/ host and moderator, as a columnist for Examiner.com and for the past decade as the principal owner of the inHERface Group. She’s appeared on CBS’s “The Amazing Race,” and Fine Living Channel’s “All Girl Getaways,” and so much more.

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DR. INDIA STEWART Dr. India Stewart is an educator, philanthropist and artist. Her work speaks volumes.

Dr. India Stewart enjoyed stints at Dallas College, UTD, Catholic Charities Fort Worth, Center for Transforming Lives, UNT, Texas Women’s Foundation, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and Resource Center of Dallas. A self-described practical idealist, Dr. India is a sociology professor and community advocate committed to building the equitable future we all deserve. She has served on the Boards of AIDS Interfaith Network, Mental Health America of Greater Dallas, and LifeNet Community Behavioral Healthcare. She also volunteers with Dallas Dinner Table, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Transfer Advisory Subcommittee. She has a Ph.D. in Public Affairs, MS in Applied Sociology, and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from UT Dallas, and a BA in Government and International Affairs from Augustana University. MICHELLE BROWN Scholarship, sisterhood and service. That’s what Michelle Brown is about. She embodies the true meaning of sisterhood.

As the director of the Blazing Southwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Michelle Brown has an awesome task and she serves with grace and love. She is a recipient of the highest award bestowed by the National Association of Pretrial Services Agencies (NAPSA) – the Ennis J. Olgiatti Award for lifetime achievement in the field of pretrial services. Michelle served as National President of NAPSA, 2004-2006 and is the only African American woman to have ever received this award. She is also the founder of the Texas Association of Pretrial Officers and retired as the Tarrant County Pretrial Services Director after an impressive tour of duty that expanded more than 20 years. Michelle is a past president and current member of the Fort Worth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. JUDGE TONYA PARKER Honorable Tonya Parker is highly respected and widely honored for her work on the bench and in the community.

Judge Tonya Parker was elected Judge of the 116th Judicial District Court in 2010 and has held the position in 2011. She has also served twice as the Presiding Judge for the Dallas County Civil District Courts. Judge Parker has also served as the president of the Texas Association of District Judges. The recipient of numerous awards, Judge Parker has been a dedicated public servant and community leader. A member of the J.L. Turner Legal Association, Dallas Women Lawyers Association, Dallas Arts District Alliance, City of Dallas Community Development Commission, Dallas Bar Association Board, and more; the SMU Dedman School of Law graduate consistently receives high scores from her colleagues. SYMPHONY PARSON LOWE Symphony Parson Lowe is full of energy, love and about making this world a better place! Symphony Parson Lowe studied broadcast journalism at Florida A&M University, where she was initiated into the Beta Alpha

Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. A resident of Midlothian, Symphony is active in the community, working to bring about fairness, equity, inclusion and justice. She’s doing everything from leading marches to feeding the homeless and distributing food kits. Symphony is an NABJ/DFW-ABJ Baby having participated in the DFW-ABC (J) Urban Journalism Workshop as a high school student. In addition to stints at Break of Day Design, Hanley Wood, American Heart Association and Sharecare, she also worked for Service Broadcasting (K104/ KKDA/KRNB) and today she is an event planner for 7-Eleven. LAURA COBB HAYES As the National Executive Director of The Urban Specialists, Laura Cobb Hayes is impacting so many lives! And soon, we will be calling her Dr. Laura Cobb Hayes!

Previously Laura Cobb Hayes served as Chief Executive Officer of The Learning Bridge, Chief Academic Officer and Vice President of Edison Learning, National Director of Foundations for New Leaders for New Schools, Director of Education for the Foundation for Community Empowerment, Senior Director for Texas Education Agency, educator in DISD, AND, a principal in Grand Prairie ISD. Certified in numerous disciplines, the UNT Masters Degree graduate also served as president of Head Start of Greater Dallas (first Black female elected!), Advisory Board member of Dallas Children’s Theater and Board Member of Big Brothers Big Sister of Greater Dallas and also Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and Links, Inc and she may not know Karate, but she knows Taekwondo! STEPHANIE WARD Stephanie Ward is super-talented, smart, meticulous, beautiful and creative. The world would be so much better if she had more time to put her dynamic writing skills in motion again!

PATRICIA BUTCHER BARTON Patricia Butcher Barton is a wife, mother, daughter, sister, writer, author, poet, retired licensed vocational nurse.

DANA DAVIS She is “Living everyday with Purpose, Passion, and Promise,” and Dana Davis is enjoying every moment! She’s a star!

Dana Davis is multi-talented and multifaceted. Hailing from Los Angeles CA where she went to Los Angeles Senior High. She then went on to the University of California, Santa Cruz and while obtaining a BA Degree in Business Administration and Management, she was Basileus of her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. After several years in corporate America, Dana took her

Surgery) from Meharry Medical College, and an AEDG-1 from US AirForce. She’s smart, talented, beautiful and this member Delta Sigma Theta Sorority can put a smile on your face!

Title IX Coordinator at Paul Quinn. Prior to attending UNT, Grant studied mathematics education at Columbia University, Teachers College and Grambling State University. A brilliant speaker, Dr. Grant is a leader and a team player. She is result-oriented and a joy to work with.

CANDICE ORDERED STEPS JOHNSON Candice Ordered Steps Johnson serves as a motivational speaker, mentor and workshop leader, helping others to discover their own conversation through PRAISE!

Retired from Southwestern Bell, Patricia Butcher Barton hails from Corsicana, TX where she attended G.W. Jackson High School and later continued her education at Mountain View College. A best-selling author, this community servant is an absolute joy to be with and around. She has been a writer of poetry and prose since childhood. A wife and mother, she has served as a mentor and source of inspiration and support to so many. In Faithful Remembrances, which she co-wrote with her daughter, LaJuana, readers find words that are consoling and empowering as she helps them cope with life as they deal with grief. SHARON DOUGLAS Sharon Douglas is the sole owner of Potere Construction LLC with offices in Fort Worth, TX and Atlanta, GA.

Sharon Douglas is a graduate of Huston-Tillotson College in Austin, TX with a B.A. in Business Administration. Sharon also studied Military Science Transportation at The University Texas of Austin and later served in the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant; serving two years active duty and 12 years in the Army Reserve. While serving as a Captain in the Army Reserve, Sharon trained cadets at The University of Toledo and continued her education in the Master’s Program for Human Resources Education Technology at The University of Toledo and the University of Iowa. Sharon also attended the University of Dallas where she studied Architectural Technology. She’s a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Candace T. Warren (Mahogany TheArtist) is the host of Jazz Fusion 411 with Mahogany, at 411 Radio Network. The minister of music at Forest Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, she is also the owner-operator at Jazz BeCuzz. Hailing from Richardson, TX, she is a graduate of Lloyd V. Berkner High School and studied interdisciplinary Music Studies at Berklee College of Music. She also taught piano and voice at Texas School of Performing Arts and Candace is the former minister of music at Hill Chapel CME Church. KIZUWANDA GAYDEN GRANT, PH.D. She’s brilliant. Talk about analytical, meticulous and always prepared. That’s Dr. Kizuwanda Gayden Grant. She’s an educator’s educator and advocate. She’s a student’s voice and motivator. That’s because she is passionate, focused and knowledgeable. The Chief Administrative Officer at Paul Quinn College, Kizuwanda Gayden Grant, received her doctorate in higher education from the University of North Texas. She is also the Senior Director of Compliance

Kathleen Hicks served as a City Councilmember for the City of Fort Worth and was the youngest woman ever elected to the Fort Worth City Council. She eventually served as Mayor Pro-Tem. Currently the executive director of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Tarrant County, she is a member of the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Kathleen attended Mount Holyoke where she received a bachelor’s degree in politics and then a Masters degree in International Relations from the University of Nottingham. Her board service includes the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra.

The owner and CEO of Bingeworthy Books, Candice Ordered Steps Johnson attended Duncanville High School and she is an author, choreographer and entrepreneur. She is the Artistic Director of the awardwinning Ordered Steps Productions Dance Company, which is a “body of Believers dedicated to healing hearts and bringing souls closer to Christ through dance!” Candice served as the official choreographer for The Black Academy of Arts & Letters’ Emmy-nominated program, “The Civil Rights Concert” that aired on CBS. For workshops, bootcamps, speaking engagements, dance ministry consultations, appearances & more, please contact: 469.231.4482 or ordered.steps@yahoo.com. SHARON CROCKETTALEXANDER Looking for an educator who is passionate about children and their learning experience, meet Sharon Crockett-Alexander.

DR. PORCHIA JAMES There’s so much to Dr. Porchia James. She’s a veteran, a dentist, a member Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, and more!

Dr. Porchia James is an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon and owner of About Face Oral & Facial Surgery. She was an assistant professor in oral & maxillofacial surgery at Meharry Medical College where she was also the chief resident and she served as a general dentist in the United Air Force. Dr. James received a BS Degree in Chemistry from Xavier University of Louisiana, a DDS (Doctorate of Dental

A Dallas native, Dr. Micaela Dartson graduated from High School for the Health Professions Magnet and attended Xavier University of Louisiana. After graduation she attended Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Dartson previously taught at Paul Quinn College. She is involved in the community through several organizations including: Dallas Screenwriters Association, Women In Film-Dallas, FAST Screenplay Member, American Podiatric Medical Association, Dallas Podiatric Medical Association, and American Professional Wound Care Association. Extraordinarily talented, we’re looking forward to seeing Dr. Dartson’s work on the big screen through Two Chix Flix Entertainment. HERDERCINE NASH A registered nurse and licensed massage therapist, Herdercine Nash cares about people and her community.

HON. CHARLETTA ROGERS COMPTON Hon. Charletta Rogers Compton is the president of Rogers & Associates, Creative Productions.

Dallas College Board of Trustees member Charletta Rogers Compton received her associates degree from Mountain View College and her Bachelors of Business Administration from Dallas Baptist University. She also received her certification as a contract compliance administrator. She has an extensive portfolio serving on the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, Kimball United Neighborhood Association, Southwest Dallas Neighborhood Association, Dallas County Heritage Society, University of North Texas at Dallas Long-range Planning Team, North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency, Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau, Dallas Together Forum and Association of Community College. She has received the Minority Business News’ Women Who Mean Business 2000 Award; D/FW Minority Business Development Council & Minority Business News’ 1997 Helping Hands Award; and the Dallas County Heritage Society’s Heritage Award.

(IQ, forensic, pain management). Dr. Dartson is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Knights of Peter Claver, Ladies Auxiliary. She is also a classically trained pianist and vocalist. DR. MICAELA DARTSON Dr. Micaela Dartson is a Doctor, Producer, Filmmaker, Screenwriter, Novelist, Former Professor and Alpha Kappa Alpha Woman!

HONORABLE KATHLEEN HICKS The Honorable Kathleen Hicks is a born leader. A fierce advocate and champion of the people, she speaks truth to power.

CANDACE T WARREN (MAHOGANY THEARTIST) Jazz artist Candace T. Warren is a self-described “lover of all things good, mom, creator, soldier, flower, thinker and a creative mind.” She’s a California Girl, hailing from Oakland where she attended Carver Vocational-Technical High School, and when she arrived in Dallas working for the Dallas Morning News, she was on her job, she was in the community and she was involved! The San Francisco State University alum then opened Stephanie’s Collections, a beautiful art gallery in North Dallas that drew people from all over for her quality products and services. There was always something going on at Stephanie’s! Stephanie has enjoyed stints at Spicewood Designs, New Lime Media and Gift for Moms.

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Sharon Crockett-Alexander is the director of Additional Days School Year at Communities Foundation of Dallas. She has enjoyed stints in leadership as a principal fellow, an assistant principal and school principal for Dallas ISD. Sharon received her BBA from Jackson State University, a BS in Elementary Education and Teaching from University of Missouri-Saint Louis and a Master of Education – MEd, Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of North Texas. She has additional Texas Education Agency certifications in Elementary Education – Early Childhood – 4th grade teacher and English as a Second Language Early Childhood and School Principal. BRENDA KING MURPHY Yes, Brenda King Murphy can take care of your taxes! She’s the owner of B&B Tax Services!

Hailing from Delhi, Louisiana, Herdercine Nash graduated from Esther Toombs High School and studied Nursing at Howard Community College/EL Centro College. She’s a wife, mother and grandmother who’s been married for 62 years! Such a loving person, she was a mentor and source of support and inspiration to so many. If you didn’t know better, you would think that she was an alumnus of Southern University because she has been so supportive of the school. Also a loyal supporter of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Herdercine is known for being compassionate and knowledgeable. She doesn’t mince words and her opinion is valued. RASHEEDAH SMITH Rasheedah Smith is an Associate Banker with JP Morgan Case and she is totally committed to anything she undertakes.

Introducing a Diva—Brenda King Murphy! She’s stylish, loving and a consummate professional; always doing something for somebody! Dallas’ own Brenda King Murphy attended Franklin D. Roosevelt High School. When she walks into a room she turns heads! Brenda is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and community servant leader. A life member of the National Council of Negro Women, Brenda holds leadership organizations in several organizations, including Top Ladies of Distinction. She has received numerous awards for her service and leadership. DR. MYRNA DARTSON The talented and loving Myrna Dartson, Ph.D is a sought-after speaker, professor contributing author and more! A psychologist by trade, Dallas native Dr. Myrna Dartson studied educational psychology and Counseling Psychology at Texas A&M University after receiving her undergraduate degree in psychology at Xavier University of Louisiana. Dr. Dartson was an adjunct professor at Paul Quinn College. She specializes in individual and family therapy and psychological testing

We need more Rasheedah Smiths, because she builds meaningful relationships with clients aligning them with the knowledge, tools, and resources, they seek, so that they can make wise financial choices on how they use and grow thier money, and build wealth for future generations. passionate about life, she teaches fun and high energy spin classes and she is also a avid photographer and digital artist. Rasheedah has also enjoyed stints at Fitness Connection as a fitness instructor; at JuiceLand as a Manager; Dallas College as an instructional assistant; and as a program assistant at 2M Research. Rasheedah is an NABJ/DFW-ABJ baby; having participated in the DFW-ABJ Urban Journalism Workshop and she attended UTA.