Garland Journal 10-6-22

GarlandJournal

Truth

By Cheryl Smith Publisher

Singing that same tune

Have you ever started to do something and then stopped because you suddenly feel stu pid as hell?

Well, welcome me to your club!

Today I feel totally stupid be cause here I go again, singing the same song and trying to get different results.

Didn’t someone say that what I am doing is the defini tion of insanity?

Somewhere inside of me, I believe that one day, some day, any day; I will achieve the de sired results.

I’ve begged, argued, urged, cajoled, and almost bribed. I’ve tried to shame and even asked what I could do to get what I want. There were also times I provided a history les son, in hopes that a lightbulb would go off.

Unfortunately while there were times that I smiled broadly with optimism, there were also times that I seriously wanted to cry.

It’s simple.

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson feted at D.C. events before retirement

By Cheryl Smith

WASHINGTON — At several events during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Lead ership Conference in the nation’s capital last week, Congresswom an Eddie Bernice Johnson was feted for her three decades of ser vice.

It was a festive but somewhat emotional afternoon as longtime friends, family, supporters, col leagues and employees, past and present, shared stories as John son (D-Dallas) held her last Texas Barbecue on Saturday.

Since she took office after be ing elected in 1992, the first nurse to serve in the U.S. Congress has held the event to showcase no table people and programs and welcome her Texas constituents.

Closing out her 15th term, Johnson’s service includes serv ing as chair of the CBC, but also championing causes such as lu pus awareness, aid to veterans, improving transportation, end ing homelessness and STEM ed ucation.

At this year’s barbecue, all eyes were on her as numerous pho tos were taken and attendees re ceived a parting gift that included a bottle of Texas hot sauce.

Johnson reminisced about key

moments in history since she was first elected and shared stories about her colleagues in Congress and the many challenges they faced as the Democratic Party has only been in the majority 10 years during her entire 30 years representing Congressional Dis trict 30.

As the first African American and woman to chair the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee after being elected to the position in January 2019 and the most senior Texan on the House Transportation and Infra structure Committee, she is the Dean of the Texas Congressio nal delegation and also serves as Dean of the Texas, New Mexico,

and Arizona Democratic Con gressional delegation.

Saluting several members of Congress who previously served as chair of the CBC, Johnson laughed as she claimed her term to be the best.

Current and former members of Congress in attendance joined in the laughter as Congressman Jim Clyburn of South Carolina took to the microphone to praise his friend and colleague.

Elected at the same time as Johnson, he recalled how she came in working and never stopped. It was a strong class, he said and “Eddie Bernice became a mother

Superb Women

By Cheryl Smith Texas

RINA RISPER

Rina Risper is focused on educating, motivating, and immersing herself in connecting with people and businesses.

Not contributing to your company’s 401(k)?

Money Talk

By Rodney A. Brooks

One of Americas’ biggest fears is that they will run out of money in retirement - with good reason. Most of us have not saved enough for retirement. And the pandem ic made things even worse.

According to the Anytime Es timate Retirement Finances Sur vey, the financial stress resulting from the pandemic caused many people to either spend retire ment savings or stop saving for retirement altogether. Median retirement savings were only $71,000, but more troubling was that 27 percent of Americans have less than $50,000 saved for retirement and 16 percent have nothing saved.

Black Americans, meanwhile, often don’t participate in re tirement accounts. Only 44% of Black Americans have retirement savings accounts, with a typical balance of around $20,000, com pared to 65% of white Americans, who have an average balance of $50,000, according to the Federal Reserve.

Debra Dennis is the senior news manager for Dallas College. An award-winning journalist, Debra was a reporter for the Dallas Morning News and Fort Worth StarTelegram. She received a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Arlington. A talented and focused writer, she is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the National Association of Black Journalists. Debra Dennis is passionate about civil rights and social action, education, human rights, health, poverty alleviation, social service, veteran support, children, arts and culture.

MEKO KROUT

Meko Krout is a self-described executive producer, bestselling author, mother|Public Speaker|A.I.N. Founder and FinTech Geek.

The publisher of The New Citizens Press, Rina Risper definitely gives a voice to so many and armed with a degree in sociology, she has engaged in consulting, press release services, contacting media, photography, referral services, creating and developing marketing and advertising plans, and image consulting for other businesses. She’s a poet, an activist, and a brilliant strategist who has a sense of humor and love for her people. An active participant in the Black Press Initiative and Black News Link, Rina is bold, committed and resilient and she is celebrating the 21 years as a publisher. Check out her publication at www.tncp.net.

ISABELL COTTRELL

Isabell Cottrell is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and community servant.

Isabell Cottrell was born and raised in Bessemer, AL. At George Washington Carver High School she was Homecoming Queen. She furthered her education at Booker T.

Washington and Lawson State Jr. College. She also attended the University of Chicago and The London Business School and the Salk Institute for NonProfit ad Anthony Robbins Life Mastery Program. She is a former coowner of the Texas rangers and a Founder Club Member of the Dallas Cowboys Stadium. A marketing guru, she focused on domestic and international marketing initiative. She also played a key role in Proline Corporation’s focus on establishing its presence in Africa.

DEBRA DENNIS

Debra Dennis is respected for her work ethic, gentle spirit, resolve and dedication.

The Chief Administrative Officer at BSB Collaborative, LLC, Meko Krout works at GirleeGirlz Getaway, of which she is a cofounder. Meko is also founder of Accessories in the Nude Fashion Showcase. In high demand, she studied at Dallas College after graduating from Justin F. Kimball High School and also attended Health Professions Magnet. Meko has made it her mission to help guide women through personal changes.

She’s a bestselling author who is a popular speaker and motivator. Meko is a positive and productive force in the lives of so many.

JOY CAMPBELL

Joy Campbell is just the person you need in your life if you are focused on bettering yourself.

A native of Dallas, TX Joy Campbell is an educator, the owner of a nonprofit, she focuses on helping others through community

service and ministry. Joy received a degree in business marketing from Prairie View A&M University. She also has a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Community Development. Also a graduate from The Potter’s House School of Ministry, she owns Guiding Minds Ministry, LLC., focusing on the rehabilitation of second chance offenders through education. She also has Your Discovery Place, Inc., a ministry that brings people and services together in a positive way. Check her out at www.guidingmindsllc.com.

CHERYL THOMPSON-MORTON

She is kind, she is patient, she is smart and she is loving; that’s Cheryl ThompsonMorton.

Equity and Inclusion strategy, focusing on individual support to journalists of color, investment in news organizations owned by people of color, and newsroom collaboration programs. Meticulous, focused, engaging and brilliant, Cheryl is a team player and a born leader. A trusted advisor to the Black News Link, she’s a joy to work with and her excellent communication skills are a definite bonus.

An entrepreneur, a caregiver to the community and a philanthropist, that’s Belinda May.

The founder of Home Care Network, Belinda May is passionate about providing improved in-home health care in several locations and she serves more than 33 North Texas Counties. A registered nurse, Belinda is committed to knowing more about the clinical component of her business so that she can help others understand the need for her company’s services. Belinda feels she can serve her patients by knowing what their needs are. The City of DeSoto named February 9th as Belinda Day. Check her out at www.homecarenetwork.com

An educator by heart, First Lady Stephanie D. Pryor inspires in the classrooms of the world.

First Lady Stephanie D. Pryor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church (NBMBC) is faithful and active in all services and functions` of the church. She is a wife of more than 30 years and a mother of four. Stephanie has

Cheryl Thompson-Morton is a leader in promoting diversity and equity in the news industry. A Summa Cum Laude graduate of Drexel University, she is the Black Media Initiative Director for the Center for Community Media at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. A newlywed, Cheryl leads Lenfest’s Diversity,

BELINDA MAY

STEPHANIE D. PRYOR

You’re throwing away money (and your future)

As the clock winds down on her historic tenure, the lawmaker hosts her annual barbecue in Washington.

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, surrounded by members of her Congressional Family: Bobby Rush (D-IL), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD), Joyce Beatty (D-), Cedric Richmond (D-LA), Steven Horsford (D-NV), James Clyburn (D-SC), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) and former Congresswoman and current Secretary of HUD Marcia Fudge.

See

The Pastors Luncheon will be 11:00 a.m. Typically hosted during the State Fair of Texas, this event was designed to create an environment to celebrate

and invites clergy leaders from the

to fellowship.

Dallas- Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists (DFW/ABJ) honors NABJ award winners at Soiree Coffee Bar, 320 Singleton Blvd Suite 190, Dallas, TX 75212

15

Join Councilwoman Shaunte L. Allen from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm for the “Parenting Under High Stress: Resources for Relief” Sum mit at 1932 S. Hampton Road, Glenn Heights, TX. The Parenting Under High-Stress Summit offers resources for

Prairie View A&M makes most of Grambling State’s first half woes in State Fair Classic win

Prairie View A&M built up a 27-0 lead by halftime to grab its fifth straight victory over Grambling State.

By Myah Taylor

For the fifth time since 2018, it wasn’t Grambling State’s year.

Grambling, the historically Black university in Louisiana, has not topped Houston-area HBCU Prairie View A&M in the annual State Fair Classic football game since 2017. That losing streak continued on Sat urday night when Prairie View A&M left Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas with a 34-14 win.

Of the 53,971 people who traveled to the game about four hours away from each campus, only a fraction of that crowd witnessed Grambling shave away at its 27-0 halftime defi cit in the second half. Most fans bolted for the exits after vibrant halftime performances from each of the school’s marching bands.

Things began to look less bleak for Grambling midway through the third quarter when true fresh man Julian Calvez replaced starter Quaterius Hawkins at quarterback. Calvez, who went 5 for 13 and rushed for 34 yards on Saturday,

scored Grambling’s first touchdown of the night on a five-yard run. The following drive, Calvez found tight end Noah Bean for a five-yard score.

“You should never feel like you’re out of a football game,” Grambling head coach Hue Jackson said. “You got to keep playing. Games can turn around very quickly.”

Turn around is what Grambling did out of the locker room, but those

14 points in the third quarter would not atone for Grambling’s first-half woes — or its late mistakes. With eight minutes to go in the fourth quarter, Calvez threw an intercep tion at the Grambling 33-yard line. But it was Grambling’s muffed punt returned for a touchdown that put Prairie View up 34-14 and the game ultimately out of reach.

“I think we came out and played

THOMAS MUHAMMAD

honors

celebration of the life of activ ist, philanthropist and community organizer Thomas Ali Muhammad

be held at The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, Saturday, Oc tober 29, 2022 at 11a.m.

Muhammad was a man who wore many hats and he has also been referred to as an historian, Muslim scholar, warrior, writ er, servant leader and friend. He transitioned in his sleep on Mon day morning, Aug. 15, 2022 and was buried at Laureland Memo rial Park, following a traditional Islamic Janazah service.

“Thomas Muhammad was a Su preme Servant who confronted injustice up to his final breath,” said long-time friend and confi

dante Diane Ragsdale. “He loved Allah, his family and humanity.”

Born in Dallas, TX on January 12, 1951, Mr. Muhammad was an Orthodox practicing Muslim who made his journey to the Holy City of Mecca in Saudi Arabia for Hajj (Religious Pilgrimage) in July 1990.

Over the years, he was involved in numerous organizations, activi ties and movements. As a teenag er attending James Madison High School in South Dallas, he was a member of the Student Non-Vi olent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and from that point on, if there was a cause that he believed in, he was definitely on the front lines; advocating, picketing, fund raising, organizing and working

cont. from page 1

I just wanted every eligible voter to exer cise that important right.

Which brings me to my truth

There’s one thing I tried not to do and that was finger point. Playing the blame game was not going to bring anyone over to my side or make them embrace my way of thinking.

And I feel sorry for the politicians who are honest, sincere and really working to make this world a better place.

There they were, working tirelessly day in and day out and come election time they still had to darn near beg people for cam paign donations and their votes

And those elected officials are constantly under scrutiny and sometimes unfair crit icism.

Now let’s stay focused. I’m well aware that there are some elected officials that are deserving of scrutiny, criticism and even jail time. And they are definitely undeserv ing of any campaign contributions. Still some those crooks get votes also.

And that’s not right!

So therein lies the value of and the power of the vote..

Eddie Bernice Johnson

He explained, “I have never done any thing in Congress without checking with Eddie Bernice. What she has meant to this country has not been properly measured.”

The senior legislator, who is credited with “breathing life” into a campaign that led to the election of President Joe Biden, talked extensively about Johnson’s impres sive portfolio as he said he prepares for a time when she will no longer be part of the Congressional Black Caucus, which is com prised of mostly Democratic members of the U.S. Congress.

“It’s going to be a sad day to take the oath and not see you,” he told Johnson. “Eddie has been just great for us.”

And for Johnson, who’s been very vo cal about her love for her CBC family, she shared her feelings once again as she point ed out that the members who were very im portant to her and she referenced a column she wrote a year ago expressing the same sentiments:

“We can communicate without saying a word to each other. We can read attitudes

drive. Grambling made that a fifthstraight game when Prairie View running back Ja’den Stewart rushed two yards into the endzone after a seven-play, 71-yard drive.

Grambling, which had nine pen alties for 89 yards, struggled offen sively, too. Of its 10 total first downs, Grambling had just two in the first half. And if not for Calvez’s efforts, the end of the third quarter would have marked Grambling’s fifthstraight scoreless period.

a great first half of football,” Prairie View head coach Bubba McDowell said. “We just got to learn how to close it out. Not making it a scare. … The second half wasn’t what we wanted, but we got the win.”

In each of Grambling’s four matchups prior to the contest held in the middle of the State Fair of Tex as, the team allowed its opponent to score a touchdown on its opening

Saturday’s game was the 74th meeting between the two teams. Grambling leads the all-time series with a 51-22-1 record, but Prairie View has won the last five meetings. Both Jackson and McDowell are new coaches at their school this season. Jackson, who famously coached the Cleveland Browns, moved to Gram bling after a stint at Tennessee State as its offensive coordinator.

in front of cameras or behind the scenes to effect change.

“Thomas Ali Muhammad was a warrior and a relentless, unapolo getic advocate for this communi ty,” said Dallas County Commis

That vote is so important as you choose between right and wrong; good and bad; two good candidates; or, sadly, the lesser of two evils.

I could go on and on, citing reasons for voting.

I don’t want to give up and surrender to apathy and disinterest.

sioner John Wiley Price. “When going to war there was no one bet ter in a foxhole than Thomas.”

The celebration is open to the public and it will be an opportu nity to hear from family, friends,

and comrades of Mr. Muhammad while also commemorating his commitment to making this world a better place.

WHAT: Celebration of the life of Thomas Ali Muhammad

WHERE: The Black Academy of Arts and Letters 650 South Griffin Street Dallas, TX 75202

WHEN: October 29, 2022 at 11 a.m.

Note: In lieu of flowers, contri butions can be made to two insti tutions that Mr. Muhammad was dedicated to Innercity Commu nity Development Corporation (ICDC) and The Black Academy of Arts and Letters.

Voting determines everything — our very existence.

Some things, sadly, you have to learn on your own.

Take it from me, though. The result of not voting is an experience that you can learn from others’ mistakes by looking at history.

History has shown us that voting does matter!

And, I. Am. Not. Crazy!

without speaking. We can communicate ef fectively with eye contact.

We are Black in America even when we are of mixed-race parentage or marriage, we find comfort among each other.

Oftentimes, we share experiences that we do not share with our closest family members. It’s that common experience of sharing the heartbeat of the Nation that no other experience offers.

We work together; Eat together; Trav el together; Laugh together; Cry together; Fight together; Worship together; Pray to gether; Workshare together; Plan together; Hurt together; Sit together; Stick together; and support and defend each other — even when we do not wholly agree. We are fam ily!”

On Saturday she was even more candid as she added more expressions to that list, re ceiving loud applause, because for her and others, times were not always fun or good, but they got work done on so many fronts.

Topping off the CBC weekend, Johnson was slated to receive recognition for her service in the United States Congress at the CBCF’s Phoenix Awards. Also honored was Fort Worth’s Opal Lee, the “grandmother of Juneteenth.”

Thomas Ali Muhammad

Prairie View head coach Bubba McDowell lifts the State Fair Classic trophy after a victory over Grambling in an NCAA football game at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Dallas.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer

What’s in Yo’ Closet?

strolled into the bank with his duller counterpart. They rob the bank successfully and seem to be on their way to splitting the spoils of the heist.

By Vincent L. Hall

Even though I can never find the story, I have a bril liant memory of it as read in an eighth-grade English class. I’ve searched the internet long and diligently in search of a very short story called “Clothes Make the Man.”

When it comes to the corpo rate arena, what a man wears, especially an African American man, is of great import.

The storyline went something like this.

Two hoods planned to rob a bank. Not only did they stake out the financial institution they planned to victimize, but they also decided what they would wear. The ringleader, a very short guy, told his very tall accomplice that they would don the police uniforms.

And oh, by the way, that adage is true. Taller men and women generally go further toward the top, but when you get to the top, it’s usually someone short. The Napoleon Complex is real. And it’s a fact that tall people usually get bad knees.

The short ,bossy ringleader

Just then, a little girl tugs on the pants leg of the brainless tall man and asks him why he does not arrest the robbers. He looked at what he was wearing, suc cumbed to the uniform’s sugges tion, and arrested his partner.

What you wear makes a differ ence.

This plea may come off as bourgeoise or even offensive, but I gotta say it. No matter where I go these days, Black folks be lookin’ a mess.

At church, at a banquet, it doesn’t matter.

And please don’t get me start ed with the grocery store. Grown ass men in pajama pants and Jordan’s? In the words of Snoop Dogg, “y’all doin’ too much!”

Save arguments about your freedom of self-expression and personal preferences. When you want a damn job, you go dressed to the “nines!” You forego those freedoms when you put on a show for “The Man”! Why not do it just for you?

I was at a function recently, and if your Big Mama had been there with a switch in hand, she would have worked herself into a tizzy. We came from a tradition that says if you only have one

“suit of clothes,” make it the best you can afford.

Over the years, I learned that Black men don’t have ward

to ascend the ladder dismisses what you have on.

Sadly, America still clings to stereotypes and negative images

er wear a bowtie in the White House. They would have labeled him Hussein X and linked him to Minister Farrakhan.

America is hard on Black men, and we have to deal with it real istically. Sometimes I get gussied up just to give myself a boost!

You must heed my warning if you’re Black or Brown and want to go up the chain. Clothes make an impression on how you feel about yourself. But the telling part of “Clothes make the Man” is that it makes an even more pene trating impression on others who see you. Most outsiders expect you to act on your appearance, just as this little girl did.

My mother believes and has convinced me that nothing looks worse on a Black man than cheap shoes. I don’t know if it’s the big feet or the ability to see one’s bone structure protruding through the fake leather. So, buy what you can afford to wear, but don’t sacrifice quality for quan tity or trends!

robes. We wear costumes. You can literally and convincing ly look like a professor and a preacher or look like a pimp or a professional athlete. But nobody who makes decisions that can affect your livelihood and ability

of Black male masculinity. This pervasive ignorance that cir cumscribes and limits most of us to the predetermined pictures of criminals, deadbeat dads, and laziness is alive and well.

Barack Obama could nev

You don’t have to wear every one else’s name on your breast pocket. You can have your suits made and wear your monogram on your cuffs.

Learn to pick the appropriate costume for every occasion.

What’s in yo’ closet Black Man?

Say it with me: You Deserve Better

ine if you haven’t seen who you really are in years. Looking at old pictures can remind us of who we used to be—we see ourselves as kids and we may have an idea of what we looked like but there are details that we don’t remember.

By Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew

It’s really easy when you are in the midst of a situation to not see the possibilities. At the time, it’s hard to see anything but what is in front of you. It’s also very easy to become comfortable because it’s familiar.

We often believe that walking away from toxic situations is the hardest thing to do. I would say that staying can be equally as dif ficult, if not worse, for your longterm health and view of who you are. It’s knowing that you deserve better.

When we look in a mirror, we expect to see ourselves. But imag

For decades, we have seen the adult version of ourselves. Our memories begin to fade affect ing our ability to really visualize the totality of who we are. We are more than what we see in the present.

This happens when we are in environments that damage our well-being. We begin to adjust to the chaos, conflict, and confu sion.

The picture of who we really are and what we can become is jaded. Life has a way of distort ing the way we appear because of the traumas we suffer—neglect, abandonment, disappointments, and rejection—are just a few of

the experiences that shape who we are.

We may even externally appear to others as having it all together but internally, we are so wound ed. We can be torn to pieces be cause of the pain. Others may not see it because of the way we dress it up, but in actuality, we are liv ing as a shell of who we could be.

It’s tragic when we can’t see who we were created to be. We can become fixated on our physi cal appearance devoting so much time to covering up the outside without caring for our mind, emotions, and spirit.

The limited view that we have of ourselves affects our think ing, the things we will or won’t do, and even our relationships. We’ll convince ourselves we need to stay in a relationship or a job because we don’t believe there’s more for us. We question if we somehow deserve this.

God sees us so differently than we see ourselves. In Genesis, when God saw what He made, He said it was good. (Genesis 1:31) “For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is re ceived with thanksgiving should be rejected.” (1Timothy 4:4) What would happen if we gave thanks to God for all that He created including ourselves and those around us? Our self-talk would change and even the way we talk ed about others would be differ ent. We would see our value and ultimately, appreciate the value of others even when they don’t see us fully.

We can easily deceive ourselves with the lies we are told about our inadequacies, faults and failures.

The Bible tells us about self-de ception and how it robs us. “Oth erwise, you are deceiving your selves. For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is

like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, and after observing himself goes away and immedi ately forgets what he looks like.” (James 1:23)

The Word of God is our mirror. It reflects to us who we are and the greatness that lies within us. Yet, if we allow the world to show us who we are and not God, if we do not make a practice of seeking God to define us, we are consistently rein juring ourselves and others.

God has so much more for you. Just know that YOU deserve bet ter.

To Listen to the Podcast: https://www.audible.com/pd/ THE-TAPESTRY-Podcast/B08JJN VS4G

Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is an au thor of three books and the host of The Tapestry podcast. To listen to ep isodes of the podcast, visit https:// www.spreaker.com/show/the-tap estry_1 and to learn more about her work, go to https://drfroswa.com/

It Be Known: FEMA and the Ad Council

dents said, “Blacks are the com munities that are on the frontlines of climate change and related ex treme weather events.”

By Dr. John E. Warren

Recently the Deputy Admin istrator of the Federal Emergen cy Management Administration (FEMA), spoke to students at Howard University as a part of a new “Ready Campaign” aimed at African American communities to encourage advanced prepared ness for storms and all natural di sasters the Deputy Administrator told the students that FEMA was there to reaffirm its commitment to equity and to say loud and clear that every community deserves to be protected from hazards. After all, September was Disas ter Preparedness month.

Mr. Erik Hooks, the Deputy Ad ministrator speaking to the stu

Hooks also referenced an En vironmental Protection Agency (EPA) report that said socially vul nerable populations, including Black and African American com munities may be more exposed to the highest impacts of climate change.

With the full knowledge of how serious this matter is to the Black and African American commu nities in particular, one must ask why would FEMA and the Ad Council be addressing this issue with an ad campaign based on Public Service Announcements (PSAs) and college speeches with no dollars to ensure the targeted populations are reached?

How can there be “equity” with no dollars when, in America, is sues of public policy – without dollars – are meaningless? FEMA

as an agency of the federal gov ernment has a budget for every thing it does. If the Black Press, including Black Media, is the “Trusted Messenger” of our com munities for more than 195 years, where are the dollars to support the campaign?

Let’s look at what FEMA is calling a ‘Readiness Campaign’ based on PSAs running nation wide in Spanish and English. The Ads for this campaign have been developed and provided by the Ad Council.

The ads are both print and elec tronic. White Media can afford to run them for free and give the appearance of community ser vice. But let’s take a look at the Ad Council itself.

It was established as a nonprofit in1942; changed its name during World War II and raised monies for the War effort. It reverted to the name Ad Council as a nonprofit after the War, and today receives

more than 1.8 billion dollars from Media among its 385 donors.

The White Press writes off its donations to the Ad Council, which, in the past and perhaps still does today, provide print ads to small community newspapers which historically ran them for free when they had no paid ads to run.

One of the large contract do nors and participants with the Ad Council on various campaigns is the federal government. The same federal government that, according to a General Account ing Office report, in recent years spent less dollars with the Black Press than its contracts with the Ad Council.

Now FEMA, on behalf of the federal government, is calling for “equity” without spending “equi table” dollars with the Black Press.

We should “Let It Be Known” that mentioning the word “equi ty” does not in and of itself pro

duce equitable participation in the programs and policies around us. We applaud the disaster relief efforts of FEMA, the agency’s ef forts and its continued impact in making the difference between life and death for so many every day.

With 1.8 billion dollars in Me dia contributions, the Ad Council could have provided dollars by itself for a paid media campaign for the local and community newspapers like the Black Press. Let us not forget the multi-billion dollar advertising agencies who also contribute to the Ad Coun cil with write offs while too often controlling the trickle down dol lars reaching smaller media like the Black Press.

Let It Be Known that the Black Press will be looking more close ly at those who come to us in the name of equity with empty hands.

Faithful Utterances

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

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

Chuck D of Public Enemy

Living in the Sixth Region of Africa

The Last Word

By Dr. Julianne Malveaux

I had the privilege of attending and addressing the All African Diaspora Summit at the Uni versity of Cape Coast in Ghana.

Convened by Dr. Edward Bush, President of Cosumnes River College, a community college near Sacramento, California, the conference drew more than 400 attendees, many from the California Community College system but others from other colleges and universities in the United States and on the African continent.

The keynote speakers included Dr. Anthony Browder, Dr. Chike Akua, and me. We all pushed the envelope in defining education and how it must be redefined to respond to the needs of a global African people.

As Audre Lorde said, “The master’s tools will not dismantle the master’s house.”

In other words, traditional, rote, European education will not empower Black people to em brace our destiny. Conventional wisdom certainly has its place, but another way of considering contemporary education is to re flect on Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s declaration that it took him 30 years to get Harvard out of him.

Visiting the African continent is a first step toward considering how conventional education has a brainwashing effect. Connect ing ourselves to the African con tinent is equally essential. That’s why I was honored to spend a bit of time with Dr. Ereika Bennett, the founder and CEO of the Di aspora Africa Forum (DAF). The Africa Union recognizes this or ganization as the sixth region of Africa.

The five established regions of Africa are North, South, East, West, and Central Africa. The sixth region is the Diaspora, the

collection of 250 million African descendent people who live all over the globe.

Thanks to ambassador Ben nett (officially recognized as Di asporan Ambassador to the Af rica Union), the DAF now has a flag and will soon have a national anthem. Bennett has been a tire less advocate for the viability of the African continent and also an advocate for diasporan inter ests on the continent, including the possibility of dual citizen ship (which exists in Ghana), the right of abode, and the ability to do business and to invest.

Many African Americans rec ognize our ancestral roots, but we must do more than that. Dr. Toni Luck, an activist and en trepreneur serving on the DAF board, says that we can support DAF, its efforts to build bridges between the US and the African continent, and educational ef forts to support African youth.

She suggests that we all need to expand our knowledge of the African continent, both in the

past and today, and become ad vocates for Africa in the United States.

I agree with her. Even the least conscious person possibly owns a piece of kente cloth, a few cow rie shells, or African-inspired clothing. However, when we get past that symbolic sentimental ity, we might all ask ourselves what we have done for Africa lately. Wearing African garb on our bodies does not necessarily demonstrate that we are Pan Af rican people in our minds.

I had the privilege of visiting the WEB DuBois Center in Accra, where Dr. DuBois is buried, and the DAF house is located. My vis it to the DuBois Center, which I visit whenever I am in Ghana, is an opportunity for me to reflect on our roots and our need for re education.

For example, I referred to the buildings at Elmina as “castles,” Dr. Browder reminded me that these should be described more as “dungeons” than castles. In deed, when I considered the

square footage of these odious edifices, most of the space was used to shackle, torture, murder, and export our people to the ser vice of global predatory capital ism. Not castles, but dungeons and hell holes.

As aware as I think I am, I need ed my brother’s perspective to remind me that we must always examine the lens through which we view the world and question whose lens we have adopted.

Hundreds of US educators had the opportunity through the Af rica Diaspora Education Summit to unpack western education and to consider its dismantling. Carter G. Woodson said it took him 30 years to get Harvard out of him. How long will it take for you to get colonialism out of you? Connecting with the Dias pora Africa Forum (DAF) might help. www.diasporaafricanfo rum.org.

Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author and Dean of the College of Ethnic Studies at Cal State LA. Juliannemalveaux.com

NUL’s Urban Civil Rights Museum to Bring Little -Examined Corners of History To Light

To Be Equal

By Marc Morial

“Recognition of the price paid in human life and liberty for eco nomic advancement — and the costs of resources extracted as na ture’s systems were exploited — must inform and guide us as we work to transform our cities and regions. We must forge a new path illuminated by justice, respect for the dignity of each and every hu man being, and determination to maintain and restore the web of life as the foundation for health and sustainability.”

— Carl Anthony

The history of African Ameri cans in the North does not begin with the Great Migrations of the early 20th century, when mil lions of Black Southerners fled the white supremacist terrorism of Jim Crow. The institution of slavery was as critical to the de

velopment of the manufacturing economy of the North as it was to the agricultural development of the South.

The oldest and largest known excavated burial ground in North America for both free and en slaved Africans was unearthed in lower Manhattan less than a mile from the National Urban League’s current headquarters. Enslaved laborers even built the wall from which Wall Street gets its name.

“It would be misleading to present the history of the north ern cities outside the context of the Atlantic Slave Trade and the institutionalized enslavement of African people and their de scendants,” said Jennifer Scott, the newly appointed executive director chief and curator for the Urban Civil Rights Museum, New York City’s first museum dedicated to the American civil rights movement and one of the only museums in the nation to delve into to the movement in the North.

The museum will be housed in National Urban League’s new Harlem headquarters, the Urban

League Empowerment Center, currently under construction and slated to open in late 2024/early 2025.

Scott, most recently the Senior Vice President of Exhibitions and Programs at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African Amer ican History in Detroit, brings decades of experience to her new role — including her many years as a public historian at Weeksville

Heritage Center, a historic house museum in Brooklyn that memo rializes a free Black, independent community in the 19th century.

The Urban Civil Rights Muse um will illuminate the history of Weeksville and other similar communities across the North.

“What did it really mean to be a free Black New Yorker, pre-Civ il War when states as nearby as New Jersey were still enslaving

people, and how complicated was the idea of freedom at that time?” Scott said.

The history of the National Ur ban League, which was born in Harlem in response to the Great Migrations, and its role in nurtur ing the Harlem Renaissance, will be interwoven in the museum’s sweeping narrative.

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

Antipathy, disorder and disruption

Wake Up and Stay Woke

By Dr. E. Faye Williams

I have always loved and be lieved in the power of words. In my youth I was amazed at the emotional response to our (socalled) “Negro” leaders. Orators like Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Jr., my friend Dick Grego ry, and a myriad of others spoke messages of practical impor tance, in their day, which now serve to benefit us in the present

with enduring relevance.

Words are powerful. I often call them the weapons of the liter ate. An orator’s understanding of words and the ability to commu nicate their true, in-depth mean ing to the masses has been the origin of many historical events.

Some consider SCOTUS’s over turning Roe v. Wade as simply an attack on women. Others under stand the decision as expressing antipathy for the privacy rights of all.

The often-heard term ‘slippery slope’ clearly describes what this decision has placed us on. We are well beyond an erosion of pri vacy rights and now face direct assaults upon them.

Economic refugees

The lack of clean water in Jackson, MS, clearly illustrates the antipathy which fuels the disparate funding resources for a majority-minority city.

For years, Jackson has suffered under the specter of failing water infrastructure. There is no justifi cation for a state capital or a city as large as Jackson to operate under a “Boil Water” order since July.

Instead of addressing this prob lem which will only worsen with age, Jackson has been ignored while the interests of surrounding ‘white’ suburbs have been met with the use of available financial resources.

An egregious demonstration of antipathy is illustrated by the ac

having children.

Still, it’s important that you find a way.

tions of two southern, Republican governors – Abbott of Texas and DeSantis of Florida.

Each has decided to unceremo niously ship “undesirable” eco nomic refugees to northern juris dictions in what has been described as a major political stunt.

Stunt or not, these actions have been taken with complete disre gard for the ultimate welfare of the affected men, women and children.

I can only suggest that these two Bible-thumping governors refresh their understanding of the admoni tion in Matthew 25:40.

Brand of corruption

Even more horrifying is the fact that these two Republican gover

ment preparedness.

nors have expressed presidential aspirations. Like the last Repub lican to hold the office, they each wish to bring and infect the nation with their own brand of duplicity, disorder, disruption, and antipathy.

They have accepted the belief that political power and control can best be sustained in a state or coun try in chaos. At least for the near fu ture, we, the people, have the ability to resist.

For the remainder of our lives and for the future of our children we must reject the hatred which will, if allowed, overwhelm us.

That’s one of the reasons so many Black seniors are depen dent on Social Security for a large portion of their retirement income. That’s worrisome since the average Social Security check is only $1,542.

So, if you aren’t contributing to your company-sponsored 401(k) retirement plan, you are making a big mistake. And on top of that, you are passing up free mon ey, and the tax advantages that come with your contributions.

Commonly the match works like this: Your employer contrib utes 50 cents for each dollar you contribute to your 401(k), up to 6 percent of your salary. Some em ployees offer matches of 5 per

cent, or even more. But, if you ar en’t contributing to your 401(k) (or your 403(b) if you’re an ed ucator or work at a non-profit), you don’t qualify for a match.

One financial planner had a client who was earning a six-fig ure salary at a company that had a large match. But she was only contributing two percent of her salary and thus losing out on thousands of dollars a year in both free money and the poten tial growth in her accounts.

Most financial planners sug gest you save 10 to 15 percent of your salary. But people often put off retirement savings because life gets in the way – marriage, buying a car, buying a home and

The first step is to begin con tributions. If your employer of fers a 3 percent match, then you should contribute at least that much. You probably won’t even notice the deduction from your contributions. And those con tributions will reduce your tax liability.

Consider auto escalations. If your plan allows it, you can au tomatically increase your contri butions every year. Say you start out contributing 3 percent. That could increase to 4 percent next year and 5 percent the following year. Because it automatically increases, you don’t need to do anything, and you will be dra matically increasing your retire

Invest in mutual funds. Black Americans tend to be super con servative investors, for various reasons. But you should make sure you are invested in the stock market (with mutual funds). The market offers better long-term growth than any other invest ment.

If you don’t know what to in vest in, get help from a financial advisor.

Increase your contribution to your 401(k) when your pay in creases. It’s an easy and pain less way to increase your con tribution. When you get that 5 percent pay raise, increase your contribution by 1 or 2 percent.

You won’t miss it because it is new money. Again, it will make a big difference over time.

Do not use your 401(k) as a piggy bank. Avoid withdrawals. If you are under 62 you will pay both taxes and a 10 percent early withdrawal penalty. Addition ally, you will lose the precious growth of your portfolio. Most plans offer the option to take loans on your accounts. Take loans only in emergencies or when you have to. Often people take loans to make a down pay ment on a home. But otherwise, leave your money alone and let it grow.

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

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

Photo:

Dallas-based non-profit to offer ‘on-the-job’ training to marginalized filmmaking communities

Local filmmakers aim to provide on set experiences, principles to aspiring storytellers

Reel Shot Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit orga nization providing oppor tunities to inspire under represented filmmakers through job shadowing and training with industry professionals on feature and short films. Reel Shot, Inc. kicks off its second motion picture project in November.

Reel Shot will offer participants access to industry professionals to learn hands-on prin ciples regarding motion picture development. This includes production management, technical execution and the initial development process of film-making. Participants in the program will work side-by-side with profes sional mentors to help fur ther their development.

“Our focus and goal is to give underrepresent ed storytellers a platform to dive into the world of filmmaking with a lev el of on-the-job training

from those already work ing in the field,” explained founder, Rock White.

Reel Shot’s first movie project, LowKey Hustle, is now streaming on FUBU (For Us By Us) Network.

For more information or to support the Reel Shot mission, visit reel shotfilms.org or email at office@reelshotfilms.org.

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Coolio, Grammy-Winning ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ Rapper, Dies at 59

By Stacy M. Brown

Coolio, whose signature song “Gangsta’s Paradise” played a vital role in securing hip-hop as the popular music of choice, has died at age 59.

The artist reportedly died Wednesday on the bathroom floor of a friend’s house. While paramedics suspect Coolio suc cumbed to cardiac arrest, the medical examiner hasn’t re leased an official cause of death.

Born on Aug. 1, 1963, in Compton, California, the rapper, whose real name was Artis Leon Ivey Jr., enjoyed six top Billboard hits, including 1995’s “Gangsta’s Paradise,” which reached 1 bil lion streams on Spotify earlier this year.

Spending three weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 and 11

straight weeks on the Hot Rap Songs list, “Gangsta’s Paradise” earned Coolio a Grammy and a Billboard Music Award.

The hit single earned rankings among Billboard’s 100 Greatest of All Time Hot 100 Songs.

In addition to music, Coolio enjoyed a successful television career. He appeared on shows like “Black Jesus,” “All That,” “The Nanny,” and “Fear Factor.”

“Peaceful Journey, Brother,” fellow hip-hop artist Questlove tweeted.

“Heartbroken to hear of the passing of the gifted artist Coo lio,” actress Michelle Pfeiffer wrote on Instagram while shar ing a clip from the famous music video, in which she sits across the table from Coolio.

“A life cut entirely too short. I remember him being nothing

but gracious,” Pfeiffer said.

Tributes also poured in from stars like Snoop Dogg, who post ed a picture of him and Coolio from an earlier music video.

MC Hammer called Coolio one of the nicest individuals he’d known while sharing a photo of the two of them with

fellow rappers Snoop and the late Tupac Shakur.

“This is sad news,” Ice Cube shared. “I witnessed firsthand this man’s grind to the top of the industry.”

Los Angeles-based artist Ted di Gold, who worked with Coo lio, also mourned the icon.

“I have an immense amount of gratitude and love for Coolio,” Gold wrote in a statement. “His musicianship, big heart, sense of humor, and loyalty to his friends and family were the light he shared with the world.

“As somebody whose music I grew up listening to, the oppor tunity Coolio gave me to record and perform with him was a life-changing experience I will carry with me forever. I send every ounce of love I have to his family and friends at this time.”

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Coolio

been employed as an educator for the Dallas Public Schools for almost 30 years. She serves as a Sunday School teacher for the junior girls, and a musician/choir director for the NBMBC. In Stephanie’s spare time, she loves spending time with family, exercising, decorating, watching Family Feud, and playing spades. Stephanie is a source of inspiration and support so many and she is positively influencing so many young women.

communities and multicultural borrowers across the economic spectrum. She is chairwoman of Women Build Dallas. A native of Temple Hills, MD, AJ has a B.S. degree in Marketing from Morgan State University. A wife and mother, she is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

CAROLYN MCMILLIAN

Carolyn McMIllian is charming, funny, easy going and full of love.

wife and a mother, she received a BA degree in journalism, with minors in French and marketing. Julia is an integral component of the Black News Link. She is also the brains, beauty and BOSSyness of Black Headline News. Check Julia out at www.amptvnow.net.

OCIE KAZEE

Carolyn McMillian has worked as a billing/ medical director for Loncar Lyon Jenkins for more than 20 years and previously she was an executive secretary at Kaiser Permanente.

A graduate of Marshall High School, Carolyn has a reputation for being highly efficient, organized and dependable. Carolyn is a example of a leader who is committed because she is a team player who knows how to step up and galvanize, motivate and take charge.

CANDACE SWEAT

It was a joy to have Candace Sweat returning home to North Texas to join the NBC 5 team in April 2019.

When you want to know the truth, when you want it broken down, when you want to know what’s really going on, then you want to be informed and entertained…tune in to “Sybil Wilkes, for What You Need To Know. Sybil Wilkes has been an important listener resource for decades. She was known as “The Voice of Reason” on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, where she delivered news, information and entertainment with honesty, accessibility and integrity, earning the trust of her nationwide audience. Hailing from Chicago, Sybil is a graduate of Northwestern University, with a B.S. in Political Science and Communication Studies.

KIM EFFIOM

Kim Effiom, Dallas native, is a wife and mother of four children, Kendrick, Tynee, Laura, and Lauren and four grandchildren, Jordon, Kadence, Cailee, and Yoshima.

Candace Sweat earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and a graduate degree from Florida State University. Candace is the recipient of awards from the Associated Press and the Radio Television and Digital News Association. In 2017, she was part of a team at WRALTV that received the National Association of Broadcasters Service to Community Award for the documentary “Black and Blue,” which explored the relationship between local law enforcement and Black communities. As a self-proclaimed “adventurer,” Candace is always looking for enriching experiences, delicious food and interesting people in her community. She has an appreciation for the outdoors and the arts.

SHEWAN FOSTER

Beautiful, talented, smart, fun-loving and full of energy, she’s vested in her community and committed to service.

Ocie Kazee hails from Dallas, TX and is a member of the L. G. Pinkston High School Class of 1973. A graduate of Southern Methodist University with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, she received her MBA in Business, management and Marketing from Abilene Christian University Ocie has served as District Director for State Rep. Eric Johnson. She was also an analyst for JPMorgan Chase, Washington Mutual and Xerox Capital Services. Ocie is always helping someone and providing service with a smile.

L. SHONNY DEBOUSE-YOUNG L. Shonny DeBouse-Young is a Social Entrepreneur, Community Advocate and Outreach Director.

Vice President of Futures Operations Clearing for Citi, Senior Manager Mortgage Operations for Sourcepoint, Executive Director of Florida

A&M University Rattler Boosters, Inc., Corporate Operations Trainer for IBERIABANK Mortgage and Marketing Director for Soul

Purpose and Senior Mortgage Underwriter for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. Angelia is a graduate of Florida A&M University with a B.S. Degree in Business Administration and Management where she was initiated into the Beta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, She received her MBA Degree in Human Resources from the University of Dallas. The National Recording Secretary of the FAMU National Alumni Association, she is also a member of The Links, Inc.

DR. CHERYL CARR

Everyone can use Dr. Cheryl Carr, “Your Work Doctor,” in their lives!

and Supply Chain Management from the University of North Texas. She also received her MBA in Strategic Leadership from Amberton University. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Kabrina is a servant leader. She is an advisory board member of the MINT Foundation and a past board member of the Dodd Education and Support, Inc. Kabrina is a graduate of Wilmer-Hutchins High School.

LISA ROGERS

Lisa Rogers, PhD is an educator, author, trainer, speaker and private tutor.

Kim is a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School of the Performing Arts in Dallas. She has a B.S. degree in Education from Texas A&M University-Commerce and a M.Ed degree in Education Administration from Concordia University. Her new CD, My Father’s Heart, is an outpouring of her deep love of God. She served as choir director at the great New Birth Baptist Church in Dallas for 10 years and she has served as choir director at United Christian Fellowship of Arlington for the past 11 years, Kim also enjoys writing plays, and has written and directed four original plays and adapted two.

AJ Barkley is a true servant leader and bettering her community is what she is good at!

Shewan Foster is making big moves with Queen Bee Lifestyle Management and DivaSport & Entertainment. She also enjoyed stints at Advantage Marketing Group, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas. Shewan received a BS Degree in Broadcast Journalism from Florida A&M University and an MS Degree in Sports Administration from Georgia State University. Hailing from Atlanta , GA she graduated from Henderson High School. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and she loves getting together with her sisters. This Queen of style is a joy to be around and she can be the life of any gathering.

JULIA DUDLEY NAJIEB

Julia Dudley Najieb is an author, journalist, playwright and television producer and director.

L. Shonny DeBouse-Young describes herself as a charismatic business management executive director, nonprofit cofounder, minister, and community advocate with diversified experience in many areas. Currently the executive director of community engagement and outreach at Mona’s Heart Outreach, Inc. she has worked as the principal owner of DBA Paradigm Market Solutions, as Executive Director of SAN Enterprise LLC, Director of Communications at Destiny Pointe Christian Center and owner of Sassie Face Cosmetics.

ROBIN J. WILLIAMS

Robin J. Williams is bright, energetic and a consummate professional.

A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc, Dr. Cheryl Carr received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and her MBA from Southwestern College after receiving a B.S. degree from the University of Maryland in Munich. In addition to certification

In industrial and Organizational Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, she received a Doctorate of Business Administration, Leadership and Organizational Development/Positive Applied Psychology from Argosy University Chicago. Also a community servant, she has volunteered as a reading tutor for Reading Partners, a Court Special Advocate for Genesis Women’s Shelter and Support; and she is an adjunct professor and mental health expert.

A special education teacher for more than 21 years, Lisa Rogers, PhD., has also enjoyed stints at Kaplan University, Westwood College, Waco Independent School District, Cesar Chavez Academy, and Parkdale Elementary School. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from Baylor University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Grand Canyon University, and a PhD in Leadership for Higher Education from Capella University.

AJ Barkley is head of Neighborhood and Community Lending at Bank of America. She is responsible for identifying opportunities to drive successful homeownership and small business ownership among low and moderate income borrowers, underserved

Julia Dudley Najieb is the CEO of Info Media Distribution, creating original video content and online news copy to be distributed through several offline and online news media, video, and audio podcast platforms. She’s also executive producer and publisher of The ONME Network. A talk show host, Julia has managed and produced original, regional, TV news programming for Bounce TV, local NBC & CBS affiliate TV channels, and nationwide business channel, BizTV. Julia attended Hampton and CSU. A

Robin J. Williams is the president of the J Williams Group (JWG), based in Plano, TX. A graduate of UCLA with a Bachelor’s Degree in political science, she received a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Michigan; and she has certifications from the American Institute of Certified Planners and LEED AP BD+C. Robin has served as president of the Sci-Tech Discovery Center Board. She also enjoyed stints as an environmental Lanner for Halff Associates and senior planner for Parsons Brinckerhoff. Robin is a certified meeting facilitator and is experienced in extensive public involvement and outreach coordination – conducting public meetings, hearings, and workshops.

ANGELIA WILLIAMS

A leader, a team player, a servant — Angelia Williams.

Her extensive portfolio includes stints as

A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, a charter member of Pi MU Chapter at Baylor University where she received a B.A. Degree in Sociology and Communications and a Master’s Degree in Sociology and Gerontology, Janice Bishop LeMelle sure knows how to inspire and uplift others! A licensed Christian Counselor, she is also a professor at Dallas College (Mountain View).

She has also taught at the University of North Texas at Dallas, Dallas Baptist University, Tarrant County Community Colleges and Texas Woman’s University. A wife and mother, she is the owner of Jebi Unlimited, representing artists, managing and booking talent, helping companies secure sponsorships and planning events.

KABRINA LUCKEY GREEN Kabrina Luckey Green focuses on bettering herself, her colleagues and work environment. She stands for justice.

The Founder and CEO of Angela Arnell Johnson LLC, she has served as executive director of Deaf Action Center and Vice President of Development for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University where she received Bachelors of Applied Arts & Sciences, Interdisciplinary Studies, she received a Master of Business Administration in Executive Leadership, a Masters of Arts in Women’s Studies and a Doctor of Philosophy in Multicultural Women and Gender Studies from Texas Woman’s University. She also has a certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from SMU.

L. MICHELLE GIPSON

L. Michelle Gipson is charming, loving and a consummate professional.

A consultant at Verizon Communications, she received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Logistics, Materials

A freelance writer, L. Michelle Gipson has worked as a proposal manager and bids & proposal specialist at EF Johnson Technologies, Inc.; as a proposal development coordinator and pharmacy care coordinator for US Bioservices; and in several positions for CVS Health. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in English with an emphasis on creative writing and a Master of Arts in Biblical Theology from North Central University.

SYBIL WILKES

Sybil Wilkes is the voice of African American consciousness.

AJ BARKLEY

The face of grace and style, always wearing a smile, and dressed impeccably, Ocie Kazee is about taking care of business.

JANICE BISHOP LEMELLE Janice Bishop LeMelle is a professor, counselor and PR consultant.

ANGELA JOHNSON Angela Johnson, PhD is an author, entrepreneur and a scholar.

LOLA WILSON

Lola Wilson is a leader, businesswoman and community servant.

Lola Wilson is a senior consultant with Espy Sports Group, providing high-level branding and marketing. She has served as a deputy director for Biden for President; regional director for Beto for Texas; acquisitions

WOMEN

assistant for Panini (NBA Summer League); executive assistant for West Brand (Kanye West); marketing coordinator for Compound Entertainment; and executive/personal assistant to Roy Williams. Lola received a Bachelor of Applied Science in Theatre from Clark Atlanta University and she was 1st Attendant to Miss UNCF, 1st Runner Up to Miss UNCF and Miss Black & Gold. Her volunteer efforts have extended to Minnie’s Food Pantry, North Dallas Food Pantry and Greater Cornerstone Baptist Church.

SHEILA SOLOMON

Sheila Solomon is a podcaster on Chicago Media Talks and strategic alliance manager at Rivet360.

Recently promoted to Vice President of Operations at Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Kelia Bazile has an impressive portfolio that includes 27 years in leadership at Taco Bell. Kelia wears a smile that is infectious and is described as “high energy.” She is described as a versatile leader with a proven track record of building sales and maximizing profit by developing and leveraging the talent of a diverse leadership team. She received her Masters of Business Administration from Dallas Baptist University. Hailing from Vacherie, LA, she graduated from St. James High School. A wife, mother and grandmother, this matriarch is a consummate motivator, mentor, and supporter. Family is very important to Kelia and she leads by example.

DR. SYBRIL BROWN

They call her Dr Syb.

Sheila attended Hampton University, graduating with a degree in Mass Media Arts. A former adjunct journalism instructor at Columbia College - Chicago, Sheila hails from Virginia where she graduated from Newport News High School. She is the president of the Board of Directors of Journalism Funding Partners and has enjoyed stints at Bay City News, The Obsidian Collection Archives, City Bureau, Chicago Tribune, Daily Press, and Charlotte Observer. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Sheila is a life member of the National Association of Black Journalists, National Association of Hispanic Journalists and Native American Journalists Association. Highly regarded and decorated, Sheila is a team player and a fearless leader.

Dr. Sybril Brown, affectionately known as “Dr. Syb,” is a Vanderbilt-educated, Harvardtrained, two-time Emmy award-winning multimedia journalist, author, international speaker and presenter. Dr. Syb is a Professor at Belmont University, where she is close to

celebrating her 20th anniversary. A board member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and TEDx Nashville, Dr. Syb earned her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Vanderbilt University, her M.Ed. in College Student Personnel from Loyola University of Chicago and her B.A. in Broadcast and Electronic Communication from Marquette University. She has also been a faculty consultant for the Association of American Colleges and Universities, a general assignment reporter at WTCF, assistant professor at Middle Tennessee State University, senior public affairs officer at Vanderbilt and desk assistant at WBBM. A well sought after speaker, her passions include volunteering.

DR. “LISA PEARL” THOMPSON

She has an infectious smile waiting for you to match her loving heart!

From Northside Elementary in DeSoto, Lisa Pearl attended Skyline High School and then it was off to college where she received her journalism degree from Southern Methodist University, Next it was an MBA from Prairie View A&M University. She also studied educational administration and leadership at the University of North Texas, and received her doctorate degree from Texas A&M University. She has taught at several universities, including North Carolina A&T State University, Argosy and Prairie View And &M. Her research interests are: School community relations, School board/superintendent relations, Crisis communication and Women’s leadership. An active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Lisa is a sisterfriend, always sharing an encouraging and positive word. A servant leader, Lisa is committed and involved and a team player. Beauty and brains, she’s the real deal and the smile is genuine!

Moving Into the Future

Former DA Faith Johnson Addresses Issues.

I am Faith Johnson and I’m proud to be running for Dallas County District Attorney. Last week I had the privilege of intro ducing myself to you and speak ing from my heart of my love for the black community and all of Dallas County. My passion for our very special county, comprised of 31 cities, and her people runs deep. Often I feel like a Mama Bear wanting to protect her and even as the days and nights grow long on the campaign trail, I find myself more passionate and en ergized than ever to serve this county and her amazing people. You see, very few people are willing to step out into a role like this because of what is required to do it excellently. But this isn’t a job to me, it’s a calling. A calling is something deeper, more abiding than a job. It reaches into the bed rock of your soul and drives you in a different way than a job does. Jobs are essential and vital for our lives and economies, but I am privileged to step into this calling on my life and I hope you’ll join me. I can’t do this alone. I can do what I’m called to do, but I need you to do what you’re called to do. Because I can’t do what you

do and vice versa.

A strange thing has happened in our nation and even in Dallas, County. Criminals and lawless ness have begun to be prioritized over law-abiding, hard-working citizens and this has happened before our very eyes. For exam ple, when it is official policy to not prosecute theft under $750,

directly from the current DA’s of fice.

As I’m out on the campaign trail, I’m talking to all kinds of amazing people who do not feel safe. No one cares what the stats are if they don’t feel safe. Statis tics can be shifted and altered to tell whatever narrative someone wants to tell. But if your car is car jacked or your son or daughter is murdered, no one would ever say, “Well statistics show that crime is down.” Another asinine statement that is totally discon nected from the experience of the citizen.

you are communicating that the law of the land allows for thievery up to a certain extent. No parent would tell their child, “It’s okay to steal son, as long as it’s under a certain amount.” To hear it put in those terms seems obviously asi nine. Yet that is the current policy of Dallas County and is coming

As your next DA, my priority is to throw out all policies that knowingly or unknowingly in centivize crime of all kinds in our county. My heart and passion is to restore law and order and civ il, hospitable environments for our law enforcement officials, our county employees, and our citi zens. Our law enforcement teams are working their tails off. But if the leaders of justice aren’t doing their part in enforcing the exist ing laws and upholding justice and righteousness in the land, then we all suffer.

Please come see me at any of my campaign offices listed be low and learn more about me at https://faithjohnsonforda.com.

take the time to get to know me because we must make it a priority to get to know our county officials and elect strong, competent leaders.

No

we move

KELIA BAZILE

Kelia Bazile is often praised for her servant leadership style.

Faith