Garland Journal 6-16-22 by Cheryl Smith

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My Truth By Cheryl Smith Publisher

Stay tuned... Sometimes the best laid plans are disrupted. You can plan and mark your calendar, but then guess what? Life happens! That’s right. You map out your life, sometimes in a vacuum and other times, with the help of friends or loved ones. It seems perfect, easy to achieve if you take certain steps. It sounds easy and you are confident; that is…until life happens. Which brings me to my truth. I wasn’t trying to come up with something I planned to be doing into another century. I was living for the moment. I asked for friends to help me fulfill a need. I had a mission: raise funds to help our youth go to college, participate in educational programs and grow. First Chuck D of Public Enemy gave his support, followed by comedian Dick Gregory (who came almost every year prior to his death in 2017). I’m talking about “Cheryl Smith’s Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-a-thon,” usually held in June. In addition to providing scholarships, internships and fellowships, we even bought a suit for a young man to wear to his high school graduation. Can you imagine graduating with honors and not having anything to wear to the ceremony? Well, the Don’t Believe the Hype Foundation has fulfilled similar needs for over 25 years. In addition to funding trips to journalism conferences/ conventions from Seattle to D.C. and Milwaukee to Baton Rouge; a student in Sen. Royce West’s Dr. Emmett J. Conrad Leadership Program received a scholarship for the past 25 years — the Dr. Betty Shabazz Academic Excellence Scholarship— and aspiring journalists received over $50,000 between the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists scholarship program and Urban Journalism Workshop. Usually our biggest fundraiser, the celebrity bowl-a-thon, is held in June and people from all over come to support. With major corporate and community support this much-anticipated event was always a success. We are grateful to the “leaders,” celebs and media; as well as the community members who participated. In spite of COVID-19, we have still awarded scholarships and provided internships. Although we haven’t had the bowla-thon since 2019, we did have the Healthy Living Expo at the African American Museum on Dr. Martin Luther King Day last January and we were able to provide scholarships through that effort. I asked someone when were they going to open up a facility and they said “when COVID is over!” I told them that would be a long time, because the way things are going, COVID is part of our reality as other epidemics have become. Our communities have been in a state of pandemonium for a long, long time. We must survive COVID-19 and we must continue working for our future. As far as the Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-a-thon goes; we’re looking forward to gathering again, one day. In the meantime, let’s continue supporting our youth. Please give today. I’m calling on everyone who cares about our future, all who have participated in the past, previous scholarship winners or benefactors, let’s all continue to lift as we climb! And stay tuned right here because we will be inviting you back out again soon and we are prayerful that we will see your face in the place!

SERVING NORTH EAST TEXAS

THURSDAY JUNE 16, 2022

Opal Lee Continues Fight For Freedom a Year After Juneteenth Becomes National Holiday By Sylvia Dunnavant Hines Texas Metro News

After years of teaching, founding the Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society, and being a catalyst in the movement to make Juneteenth a federally–recognized holiday: 96-year-old Opal Lee remains a shining example of perseverance and commitment as she continues walking for freedom. A grandmother to more than two dozen grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Lee is known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” as she got to see her dream become a reality last year when on June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed Senate Bill S. 475, making Juneteenth the 11th federal holiday. “I still pinch myself sometimes, because I am not sure that it really has happened,” said Lee, who is not resting on her accomplishments. “Sometimes it is hard to believe that Congress took what we had to offer and moved forward with it. When

Opal Lee is not resting with Juneteenth being a nationally recognized holiday. She is continuing to walk for freedom with the June 18, 2022 Walk in Fort Worth, TX Credit: Sylvia Dunnavant Hines

the bill was first signed, I wanted to do a holy dance, but my kids say when I do my holy dance it looks like I am twerking!” In celebration of Juneteenth, Lee will continue her 2.5 mile walk in Fort Worth on June 18, 2022, representing the two and a half years that it took Texans to enforce the Emancipation

Proclamation signed by President Abraham Lincoln. The newly-recognized national holiday, a combination of the word June and the nineteenth day of the month, is a celebration of the end of slavery. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, Texas didn’t find out about it until Union

soldiers arrived in Galveston on June 19th in 1865. From this point on, the date has been celebrated with prayer, feasting, singing and dancing. Lee’s historic commitment led her to walk over 1,400 miles from Texas to Washington, DC to make sure the holiday was not only recognized in Texas, but around the country. “I felt like if a little old lady in tennis shoes started walking to Washington DC, somebody would notice,” said Lee. Lee’s capitol crusade received national attention which garnered her over 1.5 million signatures to help declare Juneteenth as a national holiday. She started walking from Fort Worth, Texas in September of 2016. She reached Washington, DC in January of 2017. “We were still building momentum by the time we reached the White House.,” she said. “Can you imagine if we had three million people on the same page?

Common sense Gun Laws a Must Last Wednesday, June 1, State Senator Royce West (D-Dallas) was appointed to the newly formed Texas Senate Special Committee to Keep All Texans Safe by Texas Lt. Governor Dan. Patrick. The Special Committee, created by the Lt. Governor at the request of Texas Governor Greg Abbott, is charged with examining issues surrounding school safety in the wake of the deadly Robb Elementary School massacre in Uvalde, Texas, during which 19 innocent children and two fourth grade teachers were brutally gunned down by an 18-year-old, using a military-grade, assault rifle.

Sen. Royce West

lators to work even faster towards Griner’s release. Reed described the experience saying, “Every day that you’re in prison there, it’s like you’re waking up to a nightmare.” He likened the food and holding areas as “medieval.” Reed expressed that Griner would likely face even more challenges due to her being Black and a member of the LGBTQ community as systematic oppression remains a global phenomenon that is alive and well in Russia. He went on to say “There is no justice in Russia. Brittney and Paul (not another American detainee) will not receive justice in Russia. They’re not going to receive a fair trial; they will not receive a fair investigation. They will be there as hostages until the United States gets them out.” Reed encouraged Griner’s advocates to demand action from their senators and federal representatives. “Write them, call them, anSee HOUSTONIANS GATHERED , page 7

See WEST: SENATE SPECIAL, page 5

See OPAL LEE FIGHT, page 5

By Grace Boateng

Houston Forward Times

and their voices will be heard in Washington, DC, and all the way to where Brittney is held. We hope this rally and prayer vigil will continue to propel the Administration and the President of the United States to continue to work to secure the release of Brittney Griner and Paul Whalen. Houstonians’ voices should never be silenced until Brittney Griner is brought home and we hope many voices will join us on June 6, 2022, at 6:00 pm at the Houston Rockets Toyota Center at the corner of Polk and La Branch, in Houston, TX. Please join us to stretch our hands to our athletic friends across the nation; to the WNBA, and NBA; to our schools; and to our many friends around the nation.” Trevor Reed, an American veteran who was recently released in a prisoner exchange program after spending three years in Russian detainment, was among Griner’s supporters. He expressed his concern for Griner’s safety and is calling on the White House and legis-

WEST:

He thanked the Lt. Gov. for his appointment to the Select Committee, while challenging fellow senators and committee members to look past ideological differences and make a serious effort to examine all causes and factors that contribute to mass shootings. “It is imperative that we have an honest discussion as it relates to the intent of the 2nd Amendment, now within the context of military-styled assault rifles that are in the hands of civilians; and too many times in the hands of those who should not have them,” said Senator West. “Other areas that should be explored include mandatory cooling-off periods before the completion of certain firearms purchases and the fact that the majority of Texans and Americans support universal background checks. “Further, the hardening of schools alone is not a panacea for preventing the loss of lives connected to school shootings,” he West said. “Without a discussion about common-sense gun regulations, my concern is that we will issue a report that does little to provide guidance as we head into the 2023 Legislative Session and more importantly, does even less to make parents feel they can safely send their children to school or have the freedom to frequent the public venues that’s ingrained into all our lives.” Sen. West, formerly a Chief Felony Prosecutor for Dallas County, authored a bill to ban assault weapons during his first Legislative Session in 1993. He has been an advocate for common-sense gun regulations for nearly 30 years, writing and supporting bills that require trigger locks, would close gun show loopholes and prohibit straw purchases of guns for people who cannot legally buy them. Mental health, along with school security, he adds, are rightly component parts of a healthy discussion with the inherent goal to protect all Texans but should not define its limits. “Mental health, another issue that I have worked on for years, must be part of the dialogue, including addressing the mental health needs of students who have been removed from the classroom for behavioral problems and those with truancy is-

Houstonians Gathered in Support of Brittney Griner at Prayer Vigil, Rally

After more than 100 days, WNBA star Brittney Griner remains in detainment in Russia. According to Russian state media, she is to remain in pretrial detention through June 18th. On Monday, a rally was held for Griner in Houston as she is a native to the city. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee made a statement prior to the event saying: “Brittney Griner was taken into custody in Russia in mid-February 2022 and shortly thereafter the tyranny of Putin raged and invaded a democratic Ukraine. Unfortunately, I knew that Brittney Griner’s destiny was going to be wrapped up in the leadership of the United States of America and the American people who had expressed their outrage and care for her. Brittney Griner is a hometown girl raised in Houston, a graduate of Nimitz High School, excelled in basketball, and went on to Baylor University where she continued to excel onward to the WNBA and an Olympic championship. She has received many accolades for her basketball prowess, but what has come to define her most definitely is her kindness and proclivity for charity and helping others. On Monday, June 6, 2022, the voices of Houston will be raised with clarity to say— Brittney Griner is a hostage in Russia and the whole community of Houston demands that she be released immediately. Our nation is founded on the values of equality and Democracy. On Monday, Houstonians will stand up with pride in their love of Democracy, equality, and justice;

VOLUME X

Registration begins Monday, April 18

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 JUNE 16, 2022

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Metro Community Calendar powered by 10

Open to tennis players from high schools in Southern Dallas

JUNE BLACK MUSIC MONTH PRIDE MONTH Black Male Health Month

Dallas Southern Pride features rapper, songwriter, and record executive, Yo Gotti, as a headliner for its Juneteenth Unity Weekend celebration, June 16-19, 2022. Yo Gotti will perform at the Mega Party on Saturday, June 18 alongside Dallas’ own superstars Erica Banks and Yella Beezy. The Mega Party will start at 10 p.m. at Amplified (10262 Technology Blvd E, Dallas

The Juneteenth Proceeds will benefit Tennis ExhibiYouth Special Events: tion has family “Celebrity Match” Outreach and fun for everyone. “New School vs The second anFor more information, Old School” contact: info@cwumcdallas.org or nual event will Gemeral Berry at ourtexas@sbcglobal.net be held at Kiest Tennis Center in Dallas at 7am and featuring the celebrity match with Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Chad West and State Rep. Yvonne Davis. For more info, Gemeral Berry at ourtexas@sbcglobal.net Camp Wisdom UMC

22-25

Happy Juneteenth

National Newspaper Publishers Association Annual Convention, New Orleans, celebrating 195 years of the Black Press.

Happy Father’s Day

24 From 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Dallas City Hall Plaza - A Free event and open to the public; the “Giants Shoulders on Which We Stand Memorial” and Interfaith Prayer and Praise Celebration.

Verna H.E.L.P. Seventh Annual Empowerment Prayer and Living Legends Brunch from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Royal Oaks Country Club honoring these living legends nominated for their legendary efforts in making a difference in our community and the lives of others: Margie Aguilar, Co-Founder ISP Studios; Tim Brown, NFL Hall of Fame and Heisman honoree; Attorney Paul Coggins, Partner of Locke Lord and former U.S. Attorney; Lauriston Crockett, CEO of Genostim Labs; Felecia Frazier, Founder and Executive Director of Chocolate Mint Foundation; Charles Haley, former Dallas Cowboys player and NFL Hall of Fame inductee; Ashlee Hunt Kleinert, CEO of D Magazine and Ruthies Food Truck; Libbie Terrell Lee, Executive Director Golden S.E.E.D.S. CDC; Roland Parrish, CEO of Parrish Restaurants; Rosie Stromberg, Dallas Jewish Historical Society; Carolyn Toliver, Benefits Counselor of Community Council of Greater Dallas; and Rev. S.M. Wright II, Pastor of People’s Baptist Church and President of S.M. Wright Foundation.

Juneteenth Legends Awards Fundraiser Gala, featuring Joseph Vincelli, 7-11- pm, Downtown Cowtown at the Isis, 2401 Main St - FW

The African American Museum’s 33rd Texas Invitational Black Rodeo at Fair Park Coliseum

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.

SPECIAL GUESTS: J KRUZ FROM THE DEDE IN THE MORNING RADIO SHOW VEDA LOCA & JAZZI BLACK WITH RADIO ONE 979 THE BEAT SYBIL WILKES ACTRESS & RADIO PERSONALITY

Legacy West will proudly celebrate the historical, influential, and current contributions of the African American community with the property’s first-ever Juneteenth Fashion Show at 6pm

Kendell & Mary Beck Scholarship Gold Tournament at the Golf Club of Dallas, 2222 W.

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.

20 22nd annual Juneteenth William Jordan Blair Memorial Charity Golf Classic Tangleridge Golf Course at 9am

Lifestyle Metro Calendar powered by JUNE Black Music Month LGBTQ+ Pride Month

20-24 Dallas Metroplex Musicians’ Association’s William S. Mitchell Sacred Choral Music Workshop, to convene Monday through Friday, June 20 - June 24, 2022, 7:00 P. M. until 9:00 P. M. The Concert will be held Saturday, June 25, 2022, at 4:30 P. M. Pearly Gate Baptist Church will host this endeavor. It is located at 6021 University Hills Drive, Dallas, Texas 75241, Dr. Thomas J. Payne, Senior Pastor, and Dr. Robbie Moore, Pastor.

16 AT&T Performing Arts Center presents An Evening with

Soledad O’Brien

*** Martin: The Reunion will air on BET+ featuring Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, Carl Anthony Payne II and Tichina Arnold and paying tribute to Thomas Mikal Ford who suffered an anuerysm and died in 2016.

Wellness and Daisha Board Gallery at 12pm. Brothas, join us for a unique meditative experience curated by Sherri Doucette of Litehouse Wellness. You’ll enjoy light bites, art and a guided meditation accompanied by DFW’s dopest cellist Jordan Jones at the Daisha Board Gallery that showcases work by BIPOC and LBGTQ+ artists.

19 Juneteenth and Father’s Day

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Sigma Lambda Chapter 12th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament benefitting the Alpha Merit Group, Inc. Shotgun Start 8am at the Golf Club of Dallas, 2222 W. Red Bird Lane, Dallas

Nick Cannon Presents: MTV Wild N OUT, Dos Equis Pavillian, Dallas

18 Line up at 5000 Dolphin in Dallas.

Ride ends at Kiest Park. Texas Black Invitational Rodeo at the Fair Park Coliseum, 1438 Coliseum Drive. Doors open at 6p.m. and Rodeo starts at 7p.m.

Black Violin: Impossible Tour

at AT & T Performing Arts Center 8pm - 10 pm Tickets link: www.attpac.org/on-sale/2020/black-violin

Elite Experience Events Dallas Juneteenth Festival

Lofty Spaces 816 Montgomery St Dallas, TX For vendor Info contact Ms.Clara 832-461-6729 Tickets on eventbrite

Stand-Up Comedy and R&B show* at Arlington Music Hall 7 PM – 10 PM www.BlackAccessGranted.com

CITY MEN COOK

at African American Museum

Stedman Graham Lecture Series at 1125 E. Berry in Fort Worth at The Warehouse. 4pm

Complimentary respite for the Brothas, courtesy of Litehouse

Happy birthday Jamille Bradfield North Texas Juneteenth Celebration 10am - 8pm Powered by: Elite News, Heal America, Stand Together Foundation Golf Tournament - Fair Park 3809 Grand Avenue Dallas, TX 75210 Free event Tickets on eventbrite

4th Annual DFW HBCU Alumni 5K Run/Walk Scholarship Event at 7:00am at Mike Lewis Park, 2410 N Carrier Pkwy, Grand Prairie Texas https://linktr.ee/incrhouse

***

The Ultimate Holistic Festival REBIRTH, 9am-5pm Celebratiing Life and Wellness at the Armstrong Park and D.L. Hopkins Senior Center, 100 James Collins Blvd. in Duncanville There will be a Too Vegan Chef in Dallas Contest, African Dance Festival and more.www.globalholisticmovement.org

Funky Calavera and Push ‘N’ Pull Present DJ’s & Ceviches event DJ’s playing house music all evening & Sugarman’s slinging craft cocktails and all night long 6 - 10 pm - Happy Hour 6 - 7 pm 1165 8th Ave., Ft. Worth, Tx 76104

11:00 AM to 2:00 PM--A Memorial Balloon and Floral Ceremony for the 30 City and County leaders that assisted with the START and EXISTENCE of Verna’s H.E.L.P. Foundation “HELPING EVERYONE LIVE POSITIVE.”“THE THIRTY SHOULDERS WE STAND ON OF GIANTS.” Honoring the Late Frank and Judy Lott, Honorable Elsie Faye Higgins, Mayor Annette Strauss, Gloria Hogg, Murdine Berry, Olga Mae Rabourn, Mr. J.B. Jackson, Honorable Albert and Lovie Lipscomb, Pastor George W. Pryor, Pastor S.M. Wright, William and Mozelle Blair, Comer J. Cottrell, Lawson Ridgeway, Attorney Louis A Bedford, M. T. “Buddy” Minyard, Judge John H. Wittington, Judge Cleo Steele, Fred Meyer, Norman Moorehead, John Stemmons, Peter and Betty May Stewart, Dr. Charles Mitchell, Mayor Jack Evans, Poncho Medrano, Mayor Starke Taylor, and Mayor Robert Folsom. National Newspaper Publishers Association Annual Convention, New Orleans, celebrating 195 years of the Black Press. Publisher Bobby R. Henry of the Westside Gazette will be honored and featuring Stephanie Mills..

JULY 10 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

15 2022 Texas Democratic Party State Convention

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

Send your calendar items to editor@texasmetronews.com

WWW.GARLANDJOURNAL.COM Reynolds_NNPA_June2022 11.5x21.5.pdf 24 6/2/2022 8:13:12 PM

GarlandJournal

THURSDAY JUNE 16, 2022

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed banning menthol cigarettes. This rule would remove all menthol cigarettes, like Newport, from the store shelves if the rule goes into effect.

BANNING MENTHOL IS BAD PUBLIC POLICY AND WOULD CREATE UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES

YOUTH PREVALENCE

Great progress has been made reducing smoking rates in this country. Adult and youth smoking are at historic lows; menthol smoking by youth is rare (0.6% smoked even a puff in past 30 days) per recent government data.

99.4% of youth

have not even taken a puff of a menthol cigarette in the last 30 days. National Youth Tobacco Survey, United States, 2021,

MMWR 71(5):1-29 (Mar. 11, 2022), at Table 5 We do not believe the science justiﬁes regulating menthol and non-menthol cigarettes differently. A ban would cause widespread negative unintended consequences including increases in illicit cigarette trade, crime, smuggling, lost tax revenues, strain on law enforcement and the risk of making it easier for youth to access cigarettes through illicit channels.

CMY

THE PATH FORWARD: TOBACCO HARM REDUCTION There is a larger public health issue at stake: reducing the harm from smoking cigarettes (menthol and non-menthol) and how to accomplish that. Public health policy should encourage innovative and acceptable alternatives to cigarettes – and provide accurate information about them – for those adult smokers who choose not to quit. The pathway to real progress is reducing the harms from smoking in this country by ensuring access for adults to consumer-acceptable alternatives to the cigarette that may present less risk.

Learn more about Reynolds’ scientiﬁc work: ReynoldsScience.com Learn more about tobacco harm reduction: ReynoldsHarmReduction.com Submit a comment on the proposed rule to the FDA: OwnItVoiceIt.com

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THURSDAY JUNE 16, 2022

Quit Playin’ By Vincent L. Hall Editor's Note: We are pleased to inform our loyal readers that we have heard you. Although Vincent had announced his retirement, just like Magic Johnson, Randall Cunningham, Michael Jordan, Tina Turner, Deion Sanders, Brett Favre, Justine Henin, Lauryn Hill, Tom Brady, Cher and yes, the GOAT - Muhammad Ali, he is coming back! After a lengthy and grueling but amicable process we were able to reach terms and you can continue reading his insightful, thought-provoking, informative and liberating thoughts on these pages!!!

I am the greatest. I said that before I even knew I was. – Muhammad Ali 1967 was turning to face spring and three impressionable boys were fully engaged. Me, Michael Jackson and Prince were all around eight. James Brown had the three of us dancing to a new smash hit; “Papa’s got a Brand New Bag.” Meanwhile a potent hurricane was predicted for Houston, Texas. This “pretty” poet/pugilist selfnamed Muhammad Ali publicly rejected his government name, Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. Later, I learned that Clay was named for a powerful and prestigious abolitionist. His parents plotted to emblazon destiny on

Faithful Utterances By Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew

I’ll never forget an uncle of mine who was just different. He lived in the world on his own terms. For many, he was eccentric. Despite some of his interesting clothing choices and his nomadic ways, he was someone I adored. I didn’t see him regularly but when he did show up for a visit, it was always a treat to hear a colorful story that for some would be make believe but for me, it was an opportunity to learn more about this relative who was not traditional by any standards. He always so loving and supportive even when he shared stories about his pursuit of angels and gold. At the time, mental health wasn’t something so prevalent and because we didn’t have the language to understand

Our Voices

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Ali – The Greatest - Round One young Cassius’s conscience by naming him for greatness. B But Ali realized that he could not call himself “The Greatest” with a carefully selected “slave name.” 1967 was a year of wonderment for me. The Vietnam War was televised and I was petrified that I might someday be drafted. The War, though I studied it intimately and daily, was confusing as I had it proffered to me by Walter Cronkite. If all of Vietnam was a hazardous battleground, what was a “Demilitarized Zone?” So peace is possible, but the body bag business is booming? Nothing made much sense to me after JFK was killed three miles from my front door…Nothing!! I switched channels to find sportscaster Howard Cosell; a man whom I admired and trusted for one reason…Cosell defended fully the rights of the former Cassius Marcellus Clay to be called whatever the hell he wanted. Be leery of the “America the paradise” historians who will whitewash Ali and recast him as

some sort of candy-assed, highly celebrated conformist, readymade for a “Wheaties” box. Ali didn’t earn that coveted cereal-box cameo until 1999, after the Olympic torch.

Before Ali became an “acceptable Negro,” most White folks and a lot of Negroes hated him. To this crowd his first names were uppity, loudmouth, troublemaking and a few other invectives, but

they all agreed that his surname was Nigger. From Clay to Ali, he grew up in an environment that was hostile, hurtful and humiliating to his race. Save that Kumbaya ‘ish! Black America’s eyes and ears affixed on Houston, Texas. More ears than eyes because televisions were a middle-class luxury. Houston rocketed to fame by landing NASA. Ali’s outspoken arrogance would be tested at the “8th Wonder of the World; The Astrodome.” The Astrodome was the first enclosed football arena and earned Houston a significant amount of tourism. Muhammad Ali entered the ring intent on delivering a resounding ass-whipping to his opponent and his haters. He paced the ring keeping constant eye contact. He looked at six-foot-six inch Ernie Terrell like he was a midget. During the pre-fight hype, Terrell mocked the name change, currying favor with Whites and Black Christians who despised Ali, Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam. But watching, I thought Terrell

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

The Definition of Insanity

his condition, he was always labeled as crazy. I was never embarrassed of him because in being embarrassed, I was basically taking ownership for his life and decisions knowing I didn’t have the ability to change him. I loved my uncle dearly because of who he was. It wasn’t until later in life that I began to understand that his way of life often caused conflict for others. They wanted him to be something he couldn’t become. He was never going to get a professional career as a banker, but his odd jobs allowed him to take care of himself and live in a house he owned. I remember other relatives placing a standard on him of what they thought he could be if he only did x, y, or z. They were frustrated and yet, their feelings never changed my uncle, never changed who he was or the life he

chose. It was ultimately a waste of energy, but it was also an unwillingness to accept that everyone is not the same. Having those expectations of others is unfair to them but also to ourselves because we don’t get to enjoy who they are because of a false narrative we’ve created about who they should/could/would be. It’s interesting that we serve a God who created all types of people who are different in so many vast ways. God never saw diversity as a problem and yet, as humans, we are constantly on this rampage of trying to diminish others, find ways to categorize people as other to make ourselves feel more important, special, or elevated. When God created the earth and everything in it, he saw that it was good: “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). It would

be wonderful if we allowed ourselves to see the good in others instead of always finding fault, focusing on what’s wrong, and trying to assimilate people into becoming what we think is best. Condemnation is dangerous. It creates an opportunity for us to believe that we are better than others and to develop a standard based on our thinking. If we are not careful, we will identify what’s wrong with everyone else instead of taking the time to see our own faults, failures, and limitations. We become what Jesus said about the Pharisees: “whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness” (Matt. 23:27) We become hypocrites and not of any use to those we are around. We end up leading with judgement instead of love.

Strangely enough, we do this to God. We place unrealistic expectations not only on others but on who God is and should be in our lives based on our limited lens and life experience. When you choose to make your view so small, you also limit God from becoming huge in your life and the life of others. Changing ourselves is difficult. It’s insane that we then want to change people to become like us. Allowing God to be in control is the key. We would have a lot more peace and joy in our lives if we allowed God to be in charge instead and yet, we keep doing it. Now, that is truly the definition of insanity.

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/

National NAACP Lynches Its Own

By Dr. John E. Warren A “lynching” has been defined as the illegal killing of a person or persons without due process of law. While most of the lynchings in America have been racial terrorism in nature, with Whites killing Black men, women, and children by this method, it appears that the National NAACP (National Association For the Advancement of Colored People), has moved from fighting such illegal actions to committing them against their own members. According to the Justice Coalition, a coalition of NAACP members seeking redress of the issues of the National Organization illegally taking over branches and state organizations, the National Organization has taken action against no less than 52 branches, chapters, and individuals throughout the country. Recently, the second president of the City of San Diego NAACP Branch was suspended for a threeyear period. The reason given, “She didn’t put

had talked about Ali’s mama. In our community “The Dozens” will get you hurt quickly and seriously; with or without gloves and a protective cup. Throughout the contest I could see Ali constantly mouthing something to Terrell, but couldn’t make it out. Camera angles and close-ups were not nearly as refined then, but Ali allowed him to stay conscious long enough to finish this speech he was spitting. A few days later I learned that the whole while he brutalized Terrell, he was asking him “What’s my name? What’s my name boy? Terrell finally had to say his name. My middle daughter, Alison was named partially for Ali, because the name Ali means “Greatness” around the world. Ali is “The Greatest” because he named it and claimed it. Ali made Black beautiful and us proud and was the progenitor of a movement. Ali whipped his non-believers and made them acquiesce. Greatness requires bearing the sacrifices that come with your beliefs. BTW…What’s your name?

Those affected by recent national NAACP actions.

the Nationally appointed Administrator of the Branch on the bank accounts”, even though no reason was actually given in writing for the receivership, as required by the National organization’s Constitution and Bylaws. Where there was the filing of a complaint, there was supposed to be a statement of the allegations and the opportunity to respond. This was not done. Members protested, just as they have done in other states, but to no avail. It appears that the motivating force is to get hands on whatever dollars have been raised, regardless of the volunteers and tireless hours contributed by local mem-

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

bers in support of the organization as a whole. During this whole period of allegations, the San Diego Branch and members of the community repeatedly asked the national office for a list of charges and the

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Credit: NAACP Justice Coalition

opportunity to respond, upon learning of the appointment of the Administrator. There was mention of a special election when no formal complaints were filed within the Constitutional requirements of time, following the last election. The now former Branch President and Executive Committee members met with the Administrator. They provided answers to all questions raised. No National response, nor response to months-long requests for a hearing until the Grievance Committee, just a few weeks ago, called President Maxwell to a hastily arranged hearing. That hearing excluded local

member observation for more than an hour before being told their presence would serve no useful purpose. Mrs. Maxwell was subsequently notified that she has been suspended for three years because she did not put the Administrator’s name on the Branch checking account. It is interesting that while Mrs. Maxwell’s pleas for Due Process went unanswered; the actions against the North Carolina NAACP Chapter resulted in a Parliamentary Opinion dated December 18, 2021, concerning the North Carolina state election of Officers on October 23, 2021. Please read the following excerpt from that opinion: “Although the pandemic of COVID-19 initially led many to make exceptions to rules – we must also keep in mind that democracy, dignity, and freedom must be upheld. Using the principles of the democratic processes to educate and take all lawful action to further these objectives include appeal, reconsideration, and repeal of rulings See NATIONAL NAACP, Page 6

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The Last Word By Dr. Julianne Malveaux President Joe Biden was uncharacteristically, but appropriately, angry and firm when he described white supremacy as “poison.” He spoke from Buffalo days after a putrid young white man, Peyton Gendron, shot 13 people, killing 10. All but two of those he shot were Black, and all of those massacred were Black. This young man carefully planned his massacre. He went to the Tops grocery store at least three times, choosing its location because it was in a zip code that was more than 75 percent Black. He planned more killings but eventually surrendered to white police officers who “begged” him to do so. If a Black man had shot up a store full of white people, he would not have been able to walk out of there. Instead of bargaining with him, someone would have shot him in the legs or the head. Gendron’s parents bear some responsibility for his heinous act.

To Be Equal By Marc Morial “Our criminal justice system must respect the dignity and rights of all persons and adhere to our fundamental obligation to ensure fair and impartial justice for all. This is imperative — not only to live up to our principles as a Nation, but also to build secure, safe, and healthy communities. Protecting public safety requires close partnerships between law enforcement and the communities it serves. Public safety therefore depends on public trust, and public trust in turn requires that our criminal justice system as a whole embodies fair and equal treatment, transparency, and accountability.” — President Biden, Executive Order on Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety In the two years since Minneapolis police murdered George Floyd, police have killed more than 2,000 people in the United States — even more in 2021 than in 2020. Black Americans remain nearly three times as likely as whites to be killed by police. Yet many in Congress still refuse to act. President Biden’s executive order on policing, issued on the anniversary of Floyd’s murder, incorporates several elements of 21 Pillars for Redefining Public Safety and Restoring Community Trust, the

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If White Supremacy is Poison, Ethnic Studies is the Antidote! His father, Paul Gendron, admitted to purchasing a gun for him. After Peyton was evaluated for mental health issues, his father allowed him to keep the weapon. Pitbull Attorney Ben Crump ought to be filing a lawsuit against dad Gendron, the FBI, and others who enabled this lunatic to kill ten Black people, too many of them Black women community stalwarts who were over 60 when they were massacred. I don’t know much about Peyton Gendron, but I know he never took an ethnic studies class. Instead, he was simmering in his ignorance, trolling the Internet for warped “replacement” theories. Had he lived in California, where an ethnic studies class is a graduation requirement for community college students and those attending the twenty-three universities in the California State system, he might have been exposed to replacement realities. Native American or American Indian people occupied this land that is now the United States. They were “replaced” by white

barbarians who stole their land, killed them, isolated them in reservations, took their children, attempted to indoctrinate them in boarding schools, and more. If young Gendron had gone to a factually accurate page on the Internet, he might have learned that Black folks were the majority in many Southern states until the early twentieth century. According to blackpast.org, an historically accurate website, “enslaved people and their descendants had become the majority” of South Carolina’s population by 1708. It remained so until 1920, except for a brief time between 1790 and 1820. Racism and brutal treatment allowed white folks to replace them. In particular, attacks on Black male voters repelled Black folks from a state where we built its economic foundation. According to black past.org, the 1876 Hamburg Massacre ended a period of Black political participation when Black elected officials were forcibly removed from their posts.” Replacement theory? Who was replacing who?

Gendron never had the benefit of Ethnic Studies classes. He never ingested the antidote to the poison he embodies. In his 1905 Niagra Movement speech, WEB DuBois said, “Either the United States will destroy ignorance, or ignorance will destroy the United States.” Looks like ignorance is winning. The conservative columnist Max Boot wrote that “the Buffalo shooter’s views are mainstream on the right. These are the folks who not only have not been exposed to Ethnic Studies but who actively resist learning about the truth. The Tucker Carlsons of the world revel in their ability to incite ignorance, encourage domestic terrorists, and indulge in hateful views. The FBI has always viewed Black activism as a threat to our national security, targeting Black activists from Marcus Garvey to Malcolm X to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr to the Black Panther Party with surveillance and Cointelpro sabotage. In the wake of the 2020 protests

that took it to the streets, the socalled intelligence agency coined the term “Black identity extremists” and monitored, among others, Black Lives Matter activists. Did they ever target, monitor, or investigate white supremacist extremists? Payton Gundron might not have been allowed to purchase the guns that killed ten Black people if they had. While President Biden forcefully described white supremacy as poison and said that “hate will not prevail,” he only talked in general terms about the antidote. This massacre provides President Biden with an opportunity to embrace Ethnic Studies and encourage it as an antidote to hate. Perhaps he might propose legislation similar to California’s that would promote Ethnic Studies and require it in federally funded colleges and universities. It’s time for our nation, drenched in racist poison, to consider the antidote. Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist and author. She is the Dean of the College of Ethnic Studies at Cal State LA. Juliannemalveaux.com

Biden’s Executive Order on Policing a Necessary Step Forward National Urban League’s own plan for enhancing public safety and restoring trust between communities and law enforcement. The executive order, which directly affects about 100,000 federal law enforcement officers, sets forth a model for state and local law enforcement agencies and uses carrots and sticks and incentives to encourage those agencies to make the same kind of reforms. It represents a measure of meaningful change and a critical acknowledgment of the pervasive systemic racism that has shattered the trust between police and communities of color. But it is no substitute for the broad federal legislation we have sought, or for the full implementation of our 21 Pillars in every community across the nation. On June 9, I’ll join Gwen Grant, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, for the latest stop in our 21 Pillars Tour, which already has included events in Louisville, Kentucky, Columbus, Ohio, and Chicago. In each of these cities, trust between the police and the communities they serve was broken. In Louisville, the officers who shot and killed Breonna Taylor in a botched raid escaped consequences after prosecutors misled a grand jury. In Columbus, police used physical violence, tear gas and pepper spray against peaceful protesters without provocation in what a

President Joe Biden signs an executive order on police reform in the East Room of the White House on May 25, 2022, the second anniversary of George Floyd's death.

federal judge called “the sad tale of officers, clothed with the awesome power of the state, run amok.” A recent study of Chicago Police found that their misconduct is a group phenomenon, involving more than 1,000 “deviant, even criminal” officers, that inflict outsized harm in communities of color. And in Kansas City, officers are accused of excessive and deadly force against Black and Brown Kansas Citians, constitutional violations, and discriminatory patterns and practices. The 21 Pillars centers on five key themes that are fundamental to the protection and preservation of life, dignity, trust, and safer communities: collaboration, accountability, changing divisive policies, trans-

parency, and elevated standards for hiring and training police. The Tour is aimed at familiarizing communities with the plan’s objectives, amplify the issues and concerns relevant in each city, and advocate for policy solutions. With the incorporation of several elements of the 21 Pillars into President Biden’s executive order, the plan already is having an impact. Key provisions of the order include: • Bans on chokeholds and carotid restraints by federal law enforcement officers except where deadly force is authorized. (Pillar 10) • New federal standards and training for use of force. (Pillars 4, 9, and 20) • Restrictions on the use of no-

knock entries by federal law enforcement officers. (Pillar 10) • Creation of national law enforcement accountability database. (Pillar 14) • Requirement for the use and activation of body-worn cameras by federal officers, and policies that provide for expedited release of footage. (Pillar 15) • New models and federal funding available to innovate new responses to persons in crisis, as an alternative to police intervention (Pillars 4, 9, and 21) • Restrictions on the transfer of the weapons of war to police departments (Pillar 12) • New screening and training tools to counter bias, and strengthen investigations of law enforcement agencies that violate civil rights … so that all persons can have faith and confidence in the equity and fairness of the criminal justice system (Pillars 18, 19, 20, and 21) Social parity, economic empowerment, and civil rights cannot be achieved in a world of unjust policing. President Biden’s Executive Order, guided by the principles outlined in 21 Pillars, can be the basis for safer, more effective, and community-centered law enforcement across the nation. Marc Morial is president/CEO of the National Urban League.

Senate Special

Opal Lee Continues

cont. from page 1

The author of Juneteenth: A Children’s Story, Lee believes efforts such as hers can change the country and she is determined to keep her tennis shoes on as this weekend she will lace up her shoes again when she continues her historic Annual Walk for Freedom in Fort Worth, Texas. “I want freedom for everyone. People think we are just talking about freedom for Blacks, or Freedom for Texans. However, I am talking about freedom for everyone and most people don’t understand that. With homelessness and unemployment on the rise, people are in economic bondage.” She continued, “In the education system, we have been told that we can’t tell the truth. People need to know what has actually happened so that they can heal from it. This is the only way we can be sure that it never happens again.” With admiration and support, Lee’s granddaughter, Dione Sims

THURSDAY JUNE 16, 2022

Opal Lee, the grandmother of more than two dozen grandchildren and great grandchildren, is all smiles as her granddaughter, Dione Sims, stands behind her. Sims says she is happy that her grandmother was able to realize her dream of Juneteenth Day becoming a national holiday in her lifetime. Credit: Sylvia Dunnavant Hines

has been helping her during her Juneteenth journey. “God, knew the time that we would be living in, he knew that there would be a need for someone like my grandmother to be here during this moment, to be

the grandmother of Juneteenth,” said Sims. “He knew that her efforts would help to usher in healing to America by acknowledging our past so that we can get past it to move to our future.” Only four years from her hun-

dredth birthday, Lee is forging forward with her commitment for freedom. “I hope that through my efforts for freedom people understand that none of us are free until we are all free,” said Lee.

sues,” Senator West said, noting that classroom removals and truancy are known early indicators of possible mental health issues among students. According to the senator, funding currently included in the state budget also needs to be evaluated for its effectiveness, including those expended as part of the School Safety Allotment and for the Texas School Safety Center. “While funding has been appropriated by the Legislature for hardening schools, it still may require voters to approve bonds for the additional security measures to be put in place,” Sen. West said. “School safety, target hardening and mental health dialogue absent earnest discussion about the role that the proliferation of guns has in our society will not get us to a solution that will help ensure the safety of students and school personnel.” The senator said he is looking forward to having discussions with fellow Committee members and colleagues, “Our mission must put politics aside and focus on saving lives.”

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THURSDAY JUNE 16, 2022

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National NAACP cont. from page 4 against democratic principles. Those actions must be explained when the organization” seems to counter its ideals.” Those affected by recent national NAACP actions. Photo: NAACP Justice Coalition Clearly, the San Diego Branch was not afforded the Due Process being given to the North Carolina Branch, when the San Diego issue was supposedly already before the National Organization. Letters and newspaper articles concerning the San Diego Branch were sent to the homes of all the National Board Members as well as Mr. Derrick Johnson, as National President. It is especially interesting that Mr. Johnson would ignore such concerns as those raised by San Diego and other California Branches when one considers that he was brought under scrutiny in 2013 by the Mississippi Secretary of State for the mingling of funds from his One Voice non-profit organization with that of the Mississippi State NAACP while he was State President.

That state audit revealed, according to documents made available at the time by then NAACP member Kathryn Perry, that Mr. Johnson’s 2012 Form 990 for his One Voice charity, paid him $120,000 as Executive Director. The audit also revealed that Johnson received $1.78 million in revenue but had an operating loss of $122,581. That same year, the organization spent $164,500 on travel; $548,684 on salaries; and $539,733 on consultants. While reimbursements were supposedly made to clear things up, one must ask how Mr. Johnson went through this personal ordeal in Mississippi, yet he was not concerned about issues affecting his branch members as National President of the NAACP. It appears that now might be a good time for the national NAACP to take a close look at its leadership as well as its Board of Directors. Today’s need for the NAACP at all levels of the organization is too great during these difficult times. Dr. John E. Warren is publisher of The San Diego Voice and Viewpoint.

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Houstonians Gathered cont. from page 1

noy them, don’t leave them alone,” he said. “Tell them you want Brittney home, and you want the rest of the Americans who are being wrongfully detained home, and you want it done now.” It was confirmed one month ago that the US Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs (SPEHA) was now handling Griner’s case. While in detention in Russia, Griner has receive minimal written correspondence from her family. Griner’s agent said, “While sporadic written communication from her wife, family, friends, and global sport community has been a source of comfort for BG during her wrongful detainment, going without real time, regular contact with loved ones is inhumane. It has been over 105 days since BG has heard her wife or family’s voice. It remains clear that Brittney Griner is being used as a political pawn and it is imperative that President Biden do whatever is necessary to return Brittney home quickly and safely.” On the 100th day of Griner’s detainment, the Women’s National Basketball Players Association made a statement saying, “To everyone listening go to WEAreBG.org and sign the petition, call the White House and call everyone you know. If you know anyone in the Biden administration, CALL THEM.” Houstonians gathered outside of the Toyota Center to rally and pray in support of Griner’s release. “This is someone who literally…who literally…has given everything to this city, to this state and to this country, somebody who went to the Olympics in 2016 and 2020 and won the gold, somebody who seven times has been (an AllStar),” Mayor Sylvester Turner told the crowd. “The WNBA is here. The NBA is here. People from all parts of our city are here. I just want to join the chorus to say, ‘Bring Brittney home. And bring her home now.’” In addition to his plea for Brittney’s freedom, Mayor Turner also made a proclamation saying, “I proudly proclaim this day (June 6, 2022) as Brittney Griner day in the city of Houston. Bring Brittney home.”

Who was Yanga? African prince on exhibit and why he’s important to African-Americas and Latinos (Part II)

I Was Just

Thinking...

By Norma Adams-Wade Continuing after last week’s introduction of Gaspar Yanga, why he’s important to Latinos and African-Americans, and the two cultures’ distinct celebrations of Cinco de Mayo and Juneteenth. Each culture has a slightly different take on the Maroon prince and liberator who was captured by Spaniards from French-speaking Gabon, West Africa between the 1560s and 1570, enslaved, and brought directly to Spanish-ruled Veracruz, Mexico, then known as New Spain. It’s interesting to note that Yanga was never enslaved in the U. S. Yet Clarence E. Glover Jr., also known as “Professor Freedom” and one of three scholars we quote in this Part II – points out that the African liberator’s descendants in Mexico played a significant though little-known role in the Union Army’s Civil War victory. But read on. Clash of cultures? Male egos? Misunderstood words? But first, there’s an unfortunate elephant in the room. A bit of tension has developed among three strong-willed, noted Dallas scholars, each respected in their areas of study. They are so passionate about illuminating the ties between Yanga, Cinco de Mayo, Juneteenth, and the civil War that

Historian Clarence Glover Jr. at the exhibit, talking with friends about a commissioned art piece simulating the Yanga liberator in Mexico Credit: Clarence Glover Jr.

they disagree about how best to present this 16th Century warrior who liberated himself and some followers in Veracruz, Mexico, then known as New Spain. The area now is renamed Yanga Veracruz. Yanga’s story still is basically unknown and distinct from the Southern Underground Railroad to Mexico story that has gained more attention in recent years. The three historians are: 1. Jorge Baldor, pronounced (whore-Hay Bal-Door), exhibit curator. Baldor founded the Latino Arts Project that is the exhibit’s prime sponsor, collaborating with the African American Museum at Fair Park. He also is founder/owner of Mercado 369 Museum and Art Gallery at 369 W. Jefferson Blvd. in Dallas, and an award-winning entrepreneur and community advocate. (Part I detailed more about his background.) 2. Clarence E. Glover Jr., an intensely fervent purveyor of African and African-American history is a former adjunct professor and diversity administrator at Southern Methodist University, Dallas school district multicultural education executive, president and founder of Sankofa Education Services, and veteran civil rights advocate. 3. Dr. W. Marvin Dulaney, associate history professor emeritus at the University of Texas at Arlington, national president of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (that icon Carter G. Woodson founded), and the African American Museum’s former chief operating officer. Glover’s objections Glover applauds the exhibit of a powerful figure he calls his “personal hero…the first African freedom fighter in the Americas – North, South and Central.” Yet, he expresses some differing views about how the exhibit of an African luminary in Mexico is presented at the African American Museum by the Latino Arts Project. And he laments what he says was an overlooked opportunity to have more African-American input and Black community participation in publicly highlighting this long-hidden Black

hero at a museum that promotes the life and culture of African descendants. During a walk through with friends recently, Glover gave a detailed review of each section of the exhibit, pointing out what he says were “gaps” of information and misinterpretations of parts of Yanga’s background that he has researched over time. Still, though, Glover is pleased that Baldor has uncovered an African luminary too long unknown outside Mexico. Glover said ironically, he was seeking to schedule a lecture at the museum about the ties between Cinco de Mayo, Juneteenth and his long-time, little-known Yanga hero when he stumbled upon the Yanga exhibit already in place there. “Historians generally do not include the African presence (Yanga descendants) in what became known as Cinco de Mayo,” Glover said. Glover said he met Baldor and they spoke briefly. But the two scholars clashed when Glover expressed some of his opinions

Yanga exhibit curator Jorge Baldor

Exhibit details

Statue of machete-griping liberator Gaspar Yanga in Mexico. Credit Wikipedia

ant Confederate cotton and gun exchange deal with French Emperor Napoleon III, a nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, who sought to make Mexico a French colony while the Civil War was waging. Baldor, Dulaney’s responses Baldor and Dr. Dulaney challenge Glover’s different interpre-

Credit: The Dallas Morning News special contributor Jeffrey McWhorter

about Black community input and participation. Glover said he will continue his own quest to publicly lecture about his Yanga hero from a Black perspective. He already has begun public talks about how Yanga’s descendants – almost 300 years later in the late-1800s and from a distance in the same area that Yanga settled in Mexico – may have helped advance the Union’s Civil War victory. Researchers say recorded history mainly ignores that Yanga’s descendants helped during the May 5, 1862 Battle of Puebla that became known as Cinco de Mayo. Researchers explain how the battle created a Union advantage by aborting an import-

tation of certain parts of the Yanga exhibit and Glover’s assertion that there was little African-America input in bringing the exhibit to the museum. Dr. Dulaney said Glover is uninformed about much of the behind-the-scenes planning – six months before the exhibit opened April 9, 2022 -- between Baldor, Dr. Dulaney as the museum’s then-chief operating officer, and African American Museum founder and President Dr. Harry Robinson Jr. “I was intimately involved in the planning and assembly to put this exhibit together,” Dr. Dulaney said. “We don’t just let anyone bring their exhibits to the museum without some control from us.

The FREE exhibit, “Yanga: Path to Freedom in the Americas,” opened April 9, 2022 and will continue through October 21, 2022 at the African American Museum, 3536 Grand Ave inside Fair Park in Dallas. Enter the fairground through Gate 5. Baldor founded the Latino Arts Project in 2019 as a “popup” museum to be displayed in various innovative spaces. Baldor curates the exhibit in collaboration with the African American Museum where Dr. Harry Robinson Jr. is founder, president, and CEO. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. During the Yanga exhibit, the museum – that traditionally is closed on Sunday and Monday -- will be open now on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. To inquire, email jorge@visityanga.com or info@aamdallas. org or call 214-565-9026. Also, visit www. visityanga.com or www.aamdallas.org.

I’m a historian myself for 42 years, and I’m saying there are no gaps in the Yanga exhibit.” Baldor said his interest in Gaspar Yanga began when he first visited some remote areas of Mexico and saw various commemorative markers and heard talks about the African liberator. As a historian and arts and culture enthusiast, Baldor said he already was interested in projects to bring diverse cultures together, and Yanga’s heroic story was a perfect venue. “It is amazing that Yanga is so unknown. … Keeping him secret would mean robbing us of a hero we should be celebrating,” said Baldor who was born in Cuba, brought to Dallas with his family at age six, and grew up in Dallas’s Oak Cliff community. Baldor said he took offense to Glover’s initial questions to him implying an alleged lack of African-American input. “I don’t like someone coming in…telling me everything I’m doing wrong,” Baldor said. “It he has some constructive criticism, I’m open to it.” Despite the obvious tensions among three worthy scholars, the public should go and see the exhibit. It’s an education we owe to Yanga and his legacy. Norma Adams-Wade, is a proud Dallas native, University of Texas at Austin journalism graduate and retired Dallas Morning News senior staff writer. She is a founder of the National Association of Black Journalists and was its first southwest regional director. She became The News’ first Black fulltime reporter in 1974. norma_adams_ wade@yahoo.com

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Black Music Month

Dallas Artist Spotlight: Nia Simone By Eva D. Coleman

Lifestyle & Culture Editor

In June, we celebrate Black Music Month. With Black music being the basis for music of all forms, it penetrates our ears year-round. There’s unmistakably no denying the influence. Oh, no. Not at all! When Revolt Summit 2021 “Be Heard” Talent Competition winner Nia Simone entered the room during a recent listening party in Dallas for her debut single, “Oh No, Not Me,” her petite frame did not match the vocal prowess later displayed. Her sultry and mature sound is grand, and had friends and supporters swaying and singing along. “Oh No, Not Me” is an anthem of empowerment available on all music platforms. Nia Simone shared that she and her mentor Ms. Keiara collaborated on the title, which is from

ter captivated the entire lounge area of Aloft Dallas Downtown. “Nia’s been on stage all of her life and we just really affirmed her at a very young age, we realized, ‘This girl has something special, this is different,’” LaTara Thompkins said. She spoke about recNia Simone ognizing Nia’s gift, supporting her vision and creativity, all while helping her remain grounded. “One of the things that we’ve shared with Nia all of her life, ‘You don’t have to be on the red carpet to be walking in your gift. There’s room for your gift. Your gift will make room for you,’” Ms. Thompkins said. “Just letting them realize everything isn’t about glitz and glam

ferent artists, and collaborating with them just made me realize, I want to do this forever,” Nia Simone said. In speaking about challenges new artists face, The Clark Atlanta college sophomore advises those entering the industry to avoid seeking perfectionism. “Everything is not going to be perfect. You’re going to have to work on it, and, as much as they say practice makes perfect, it doesn’t, it just gets you better and better and better,” Nia Simone said. “Just try not to be such a perfectionist as an artist because you will eventually

go through milestones and obstacles throughout your journey.” While “Oh No, Not Me” is smooth and will have you proclaiming your value, Nia Simone hopes the song inspires others to keep moving forward in remembrance of who they are. “I hope they walk away feeling empowered, strong, knowing that they know their worth, they know who they are and just know they are worth everything,” she said. Follow Nia Simone on instagram at real_niasimone, TikTok, YouTube and Twitter at realniasimone.

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GARLAND LEGENDS WEEKEND EXTRAVAGANZA 2022! June 24 , 202 2 - June 26, 2022

MEET & GREET (FREE) JUNE 24TH 8:00 PM - 10:30PM | GAME NIGHT DOMINO TOURNAMENT, SPADES, BINGO & MORE GALE FIELDS RECREATION CENTER 1701 DAIRY RD, GARLAND, TX 75040 ALL WHITE GALA ($25 PER PERSON) JUNE 25TH 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM | AWARDS & DINNER

Artist Nia Simone with supporters and friends at Dallas listening party

the song’s hook. “It was just right to say, ‘Oh no, not me, this isn’t me,’” Nia Simone said. “I know who I am. I know my worth.” Nia’s father, Donald Thompkins known around Dallas-Fort Worth as DJ Don Juan, proudly served as the music maestro for the listening party event, beaming with so much pride to play his daughter’s song. It was truly a family affair as Nia’s mother floated throughout the crowd, encouraging supporters to buy t-shirts emblazoned with “Oh No, Not Me” across the front. She watched as her daugh-

Credit: Eva D. Coleman

and teaching them how to be humble, grateful and thankful while supporting their direction and where they’re going.” Nia Simone was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. Before capturing the attention of Diddy and many other industry greats, she found her stride at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts of which she is a proud graduate. “Going to Booker T., collaborating with other artists, and even vocal teachers and private teachers; I knew this was what I wanted to do when I worked with other ensembles and dif-

C & C BALLROOM 3338 BROADWAY BLVD, GARLAND, TX 75043 LEGENDS BASKE TBALL GAME/VOLLEYBALL/3 POINT SHOOTING CONTEST JUNE 26TH 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM GALE FIELDS RECREATION CENTER 1701 DAIRY RD, GARLAND, TX 75040

For more information Call 682-730-6861 or visit our FB Page

NOW BOARDING. Step aboard DART, and start your summer of travel on the right foot. We offer fast and convenient service to DFW International Airport and Dallas Love Field, every day of the week.

Plan your trip at DART.org/airports

Flying from DFW Airport? ORANGE LINE to DFW Airport Station

Flying from Dallas Love Field? LOVE LINK from Inwood/Love Field Station

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