Garland Journal 3-18-21 by Cheryl Smith

Remembering

Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/GarlandJournal

Bishop Omar Jahwar

Memorial service

Celebration of Life

Friday, March 19 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center 650 S. Griffin St., Dallas, TX 75202

Saturday, March 20 11 a.m. Concord Church 6808 Pastor Bailey Dr. Dallas, TX 75237

GarlandJournal SERVING NORTH EAST TEXAS

WWW.GARLANDJOURNAL.COM

MY TRUTH

By Cheryl Smith Publisher

Rep. Sherman files legislation on transparency of catfish mislabeling Truth in advertising is important and it is time out for those merchants who play “dumb” as they serve an inferior and less expensive product; without passing on the savings to the consumer. In a conversation with State Representative Carl O. Sherman (D-109), the deception by businesses needed to be addressed. After all, how could the word “catfish” be in the name of your business and you don’t serve “catfish?” Which brings me to my truth.

THURSDAY MARCH 18, 2021 VOLUME X

Allred, Johnson, Veasey join in support of masks

By Cheryl Smith Despite Gov. Greg Abbott’s issuing an executive order earlier last week, reopening Texas, other elected officials are cautioning against a rush to abandon measures that have “proved to be successful in dealing with COVID.” During a visit to the Fair Park Vaccination Site in Dallas Friday afternoon, U.S. Reps. Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30) Marc Veasey (TX-33) and Colin Allred (TX-32) discussed the challenges of getting the COVID-19 vaccination to citizens and their opposition to ending statewide COVID-19 restrictions. The lawmakers were adamant that any efforts to lessen restrictions are premature and could be devastating. They toured the area to observe the process as

Considering the challenges facing Black Businesses and the Black Press as a result of COVID-19, the National Newspaper Publishers Association Fund Black Press Week will zero in on the theme “BLACK BUSINESS Challenges, Responsibilities, and Opportunities Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic.” The two-day virtual activities get underway on Thursday, March 18, and Friday, March 19, from 10 am – 12 noon. Legislators during Fair Park Tour

hundreds of cars lined up to enter the Fair Grounds. There were traffic jams in all directions, but uneventful as the lines moved fairly quickly. With the heavy presence of members of the Military, Coast Guard, police and fire

departments, County and City officials, and FEMA staffers on site, there was a visual of what appeared to be a smooth operation, but workers said a lot of coordination went into providing a process that was not foreboding See MASKS page 7

Comerica appoints Faussette National African American Business Development Manager Rep. Carl Sherman

This week, I received the following notice: “Next time you order catfish from a restaurant menu thank State Representative Carl O. Sherman (D-109) if House Bill 928 passes this legislative session. Rep. Sherman’s House Bill relates to the sale and identification of Swai fish, since currently restaurants are not required to label Swai fish; resulting in restaurant and food service providers many times mislabeling it as catfish. “I believe in the transparency of proper labeling in regard to the type of fish a consumer is being served when ordering a meal or buying a product,” Rep. Sherman said. “Swai fish, also known as Pangasius or Basa, is a type of fish that is often used to make fish fillets. It is a less expensive catfish substitution and I believe consumers have a right to know what they are being served. Swai fish has, over the years, been sold under the false identity of as many as 19 various types of fish. It is usually farmed in crowded, large scale fish farms and imported from Asia. “I also have concern with the type of farming being done regarding Swai fish since the methods used to farm elicit environmental concerns as well as a disturbing mercury level that questions health safety.” With this bill being passed consumers will not have to worry about the current mislabeling of Swai fish and can be assured what they order, or purchase is indeed the product they are receiving. To watch the procedure of this House Bill follow the Public Health committee at https://house.texas.gov/video-audio/ WELL, WELL, WELL! All, I can say is thanks to Rep. Sherman. Not trying to put people out of business, but am trying to get them to do the right thing! Also, check out what I had to say about Swai, three years ago! ht t p s : / / t e x a s m e t ro n e w s. com/718/cheryls-world-catfishv-swai/

Comerica Bank announced it has appointed Summer Faussette as its National African American Business Development Manager supporting its ongoing commitment to building strong relationships with African American business leaders, entrepreneurs and communities across all markets. These responsibilities are an extension of Faussette’s current role as Vice President, External Affairs Arizona. As National African American Business Development Manager,

Summer Faussette

Faussette will collaborate with Comerica’s African American Business Resource Groups, Chief Diversity Officer Nate Bennett,

and Chief Community Officer Irvin Ashford, Jr. on building external partnerships with African American nonprofit organizations across the bank’s national footprint. “Summer brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge, which will benefit us as we continue to support initiatives that engage African American communities across our markets,” said Ashford. “Comerica’s hallmark is building relationships and this role will allow us to continue strengthening See COMERICA page 3

Suspect in string of sexual assaults now faces charge in 2003 Arlington attack By Tom Steele

The Dallas Morning News

A man already jailed in connection with a pair of decade old sexual assault cases now faces a charge in a 2003 attack in Arlington. Jeffery Lemor Wheat, 49, has been in custody at the Collin County jail since Jan. 15, several days after he was arrested in Crawford County, Ark. He faces two counts of sexual assault and one count of burglary of a habitation with intent to commit a felony, and his total bail is set at $1.1 million. Wheat does not have an attorney

This story, originally published in The Dallas Morning News, is reprinted as part of a collaborative partnership between The Dallas Morning News and Texas Metro News (Garland Journal). The partnership seeks to boost coverage of Dallas’ communities of color, particularly in southern Dallas.

listed in court records. Arlington police obtained the burglary warrant Monday after determining that Wheat’s DNA matched evidence from their case, they said.

Jeffery Lemor Wheat, 49, faces charges in three cases across North Texas. According to an arrest-warrant affidavit, the victim was in her home early Sept. 17, 2003, when a man broke in and tried to assault her. Police took evidence from

Jeffery Wheat (Pookie)

the home, but the case was later suspended. Years later, the sexual assault kit from the case was retested, and See POOKIE page 4

Brock, NABJ founder, transitions Journalists are remembering National Association of Black Journalists founder Paul Brock, who transitioned Saturday morning at age 89. Brock played a pivotal role in bringing together the 44 men and women who founded NABJ. Legendary journalist and NABJ Founding President, Chuck Stone, once described Brock as the “Henry Kissinger of Black journalists” because of his outstanding talent at organizing. “Founder Brock played such an integral role in the success of NABJ,” said NABJ President Dorothy Tucker. “His love, compassion, zeal, expertise and persevering spirit were always valued by the

Black Press Week focuses on Black Businesses

Paul Brock

NABJ family. His long and fruitful career served as inspiration to many of us that hard work and commitment to community can open many doors.” A distinguished journalist, Paul was an only child, born in Washington, D.C., on February 10, 1932.

After attending Howard University in Washington, D.C., Brock set out on his career path. Brock spent 18 years as a radio journalist before moving into television producing and reporting, starting at WBNB in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. From there, Brock went on to become news director at WETA and later WHUR in Washington, D.C. While with WETA, he was credited with bringing the first live coverage of a congressional committee hearing ever aired. Brock was also the originator, producer and chief fundraiser of the NAACP Nightly Convention Highlights program that aired on PBS from 1978 to 1983. See PAUL BROCK page 4

Pluria Marshall Jr.

NNPA Fund Chair Pluria Marshall Jr., CEO of the Wave Publications based in California, said, “As a business owner, I recognize the plight of Black businesses today from reducing expenses to generating payroll to managing the bottom-line. During Black Press Week, our objectives are to empower our community and our NNPA members with information that will give them insight into opportunities for funding and resources.” Reportedly, 40% of Black-owned businesses have closed their doors permanently as a result of the pandemic. The challenge now is to sustain the remaining 60% struggling to survive during these uncertain times. Black newspapers are Black businesses, who share some of the same obstacles created by COVID-19. Because of this shared burden, the NNPA Fund’s first workshop on Thursday will feature U.S. Congressman and House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-SC) and U.S. Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA), a member of the Small Business Committee and ranking member of the Subcommittee on Economic, Growth and Capital Access. The panel moderated by Real Times Media Publisher and CEO Hiram Jackson, owner of The Michigan Chronicle, the Chicago Defender, The New Pittsburgh Courier and The Atlanta Daily World, will address the plans Congress is developing to help Blackowned businesses cope with a range of economic issues. On Friday, the second workshop hosted by Atlanta Voice Publisher and CEO Janis Ware will concentrate on alternative funding for Black newspapers, featuring representatives from the Democracy Fund, Media Impact Funders and Knight Foundation that invest in non-profit and for-profit media organizations. Two cornerstones of Black Press Week are the Enshrinement Ceremony and the Newsmakers Award. This year, Carter Walker Wesley (1892-1969), an American lawyer, newspaperman, and political activist from Houston, Texas, will be enshrined in the Black Press Archives housed at the Moreland Spingarn Research Center at Howard University.

GarlandJournal

THURSDAY MARCH 18, 2021

WWW.GARLANDJOURNAL.COM

In Texas’ top 10 scandals of the past century, how does the 2021 electricity crisis rank? This story, originally published in The Dallas Morning News, is reprinted as part of a collaborative partnership between The Dallas Morning News and Texas Metro News (Garland Journal). The partnership seeks to boost coverage of Dallas’ communities of color, particularly in southern Dallas.

From SMU football to the JFK assassination, Texas attracts trouble the way a cheatin’ gambler knows both sides of the cards.

Watchdog Dave Lieber ranks the top 10 Texas scandals of the past century to see where the current electricity debacle fits in. Here, Larry Hagman, who portrayed J.R. Ewing in the TV show “Dallas,” was with the SMU football team — one year before the NCAA punished the program with the “death penalty.”

By Dave Lieber The Dallas Morning News

For me, the Great Texas Electricity Scandal of 2021 was foreshadowed years before by a little electricity company operating out of a Shell gas station in Fort Worth. Picture this. Customers came in to buy Shell gas and also electricity from the company, Proton Energy. The Public Utility Commission accused the owner of 1,000 different violations, the most serious being cutting power to customers during extreme weather events. This company did almost everything wrong an electricity company could do. The PUC shut it down. But just the fact that it even existed was

quite telling. The company’s lawyer, a former PUC lawyer, offered me the best explanation: “Proton is not perfect,” he said in classic lawyer understatement.

9. J.R. EWING Yes, I know he’s not real. But does the rest of the world? I mean, worldwide, when people hear about Dallas, they think of the TV show. And don’t we all know someone who has a little J.R. within him or her?

counted, he lost. It didn’t hold. Six days after the polls closed, officials in Jim Wells County “found” a ballot box with 202 more votes for LBJ. There were no votes for his Democratic primary opponent, Coke Stevenson.

8. CARTER HIGH FOOTBALL TEAM More football follies. They say the 1988 Dallas Carter High football team was one of the best in state history. But Carter’s star player, Gary Edwards, had failed algebra, meaning he wouldn’t qualify for the state championship game under the then-new no pass/no play rule.

6. SPEAKER DENNIS BONNEN You probably remember this one because it happened a year and a half ago. The rise and fall of Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen is akin, I’ve written before, to a Shakespearean tragedy. Bonnen began his service two decades ago as the youngest member of the House and rose to the third-most powerful position in state government. Then after only one term as speaker, he lost it all.

TOP 10 TEXAS SCANDALS How does the current electricity catastrophe rank among the top Texas scandals? The Watchdog offers suggestions for the top 10 Texas scandals of the past century ranked in order of importance.

10. SMU FOOTBALL The banishment of SMU’s Mustangs football team under the NCAA’s “death penalty” in the late 1980s is probably the greatest Texas college sports scandal. Players were handed illegal cash payments, and there were recruiting violations. The university was restricted from playing in bowl games, and its games were not allowed to be televised live. Home games were canceled. The powerhouse program all but disappeared. SMU football program gets the NCAA’s “death penalty.”

Former Carter High football player Gary Edwards (center) speaks at the Dallas debut of an ESPN documentary.Credit: Tom Fox/Staff Photographer

I include this because it symbolizes Texas’ devotion to high school football over academics. Also, I talked to both Edwards and to his algebra teacher, Wilfred M. Bates, before he died. Lawsuits were filed, and Edwards got to play. Carter won the state title, the first Dallas high school in almost four decades to win the big one. But afterward, six players were connected to almost two dozen robberies. In 1991, the UIL stripped Carter of the title. In 2004, Bates told me, “I was trying to be the best teacher that I could. I did what was right. I stood up for right.”

Although not real, the character of J.R. Ewing represented the scandalous side of Texas. (1981 File Photo / The Associated Press). I NEED TO FIND ANOTHER PICTURE OF HIM

Bates gave Edwards grades of 40, 60, 60 and 35. But he told me if Edwards had completed only one assignment, he would have passed him. But Edwards didn’t go to class. For sticking by his principles, though, Bates was never allowed to teach math again. When I talked to Edwards in 2017, he hatched his own conspiracy theory, telling me that Bates was from Plano and was rooting for the other team. Bates’ son called that preposterous. His dad lived in Duncanville. Edwards told me he was sticking with his story, adding, “I don’t care what anyone says.” 7. BALLOT BOX 13 It was 1948, and Lyndon B. Johnson was running for the U.S. Senate. But when the votes were

Lyndon B. Johnson might never have become president if there hadn’t been cheating in his 1948 U.S. Senate race.

House Speaker Dennis Bonnen had all the power he could imagine — until he blew it. Credit: Ashley Landis / Staff Photographer

Bonnen was flying high until he invited his mortal enemy, Michael Quinn Sullivan of Empower Texans, into his lair. Sullivan later released a secretly made recording of Bonnen’s ham-handed attempt at backroom dealing. On the recording, Bonnen asked Sullivan for help in removing members of Bonnen’s own Republican Party from office. Bonnen was forced to retire from the Legislature. See SCANDALS page 5

Virtual and liVe Community Calendar WOMENS HISTORY MONTH March 18 Ron Kirk was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the U.S. Trade Representative U.S. Black Feminist Vision: Artist Lubaina Himid. Event hosted by The Research Forum. Reg. Eventbrite.com. 12-1 pm.

The Living Room Chronicles - Eric Roberson. Event by The Food For Soul Experience LLC. Facebook Live @The Food For Soul Experience LLC. 9 pm. CST. Daring to Dream with Robin Roberts and Telisa Yancy. Host Dream Bank, Reg: Evenbrite.com. 3-3:45 pm CST.

March 19 The Negro Theater was founded in Los Angles by Langston Hughes in 1939 From Marva with Love, with Marva Sneed. 11 am -1 pm. CST, Fridays on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, and BlogTalkRadio.com. Join the conversation at 646-200-0459.

March 20 Dr. Ralph Bunche receives the Nobel Peace Prize in 1950 UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball Dallas 2021. Hosted by Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson. UNCF.org/DallasMMB 6:30 pm

NFM Texas Presents: Empowered: Women Who Lead The Way Panel Event. Galaxy Theatre’s Grandscape, 5740 Grandscape Blvd. #100. The Colony, 2-4 pm. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.

March 21 Dr. Martin Luther King led the 54 mile march from Selma to Montgomery Alabama in 1965 New Friends New Life Virtual Race To End Sex Trafficking. Reg: http://bit.ly/3sYYFeC. 12 am CST. Ubuntu Market for Small Business. Hosted by Pan African Connection, 4466 Marsalis, Dallas. 12-5 pm. For vendor Info: Email: adjwoahogue@yahoo.com. Or call 214-943-8262. Neo Soul Sundays feat. SoulfulSoundz. Event by Retro Hip Apparel, DallasBlack.com. Lava Cantina 5805 Grandscape Blvd., The Colony. 4-10 pm. CST.

March 22 Alonzo Pietro, explorer, sets sail with Christopher Columbus in 1492 Red Star ROAD MILES LADIES GROUP. Event by RED STAR Bicycle Shop and Jennifer Russell. 3800 Main St, Dallas, 6 pm CST.

March 23 Moses Malone Basketball Great Born in 1955 THE DOC SHEP SPEAKS SHOW! From 11 am. CST on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, @fnsconsulting, and You Tube @ docshepspeaks The Jirah Nicole Show with Jirah Mickle. From 11 am-1 pm. CST Tuesday’s on Facebook Live/@ TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio. com. Call in and join the conversation at 646-200-0459.

Miss Dee’s Kitchen Comedy Show at TBAAL, Muse Café Theatre, 1309 Canton St. Dallas. 8 pm. Tickets: Ticketmaster.com.

A Visual Perspective of DC Through the Lens of Black Women Photographers. Event by DC Public Library and FotoCraft Camera Club. Eventbrite.com 6-9 pm CST.

Scholarship Fish Fry. Event by Naomi Star Chapter 31, Tiffany Jernigan Jennings and Teice Holloway, 1121 S Ewing Ave, Dallas, Tickets: paypal.me/naomistar31 11 am-2 pm CST.

TWU Black Alumni Association #GOALS Event. A Virtual Career Networking Event. Feat: Darlisa Diltz. Online event at: form.jotform.com. 6:30-7:30 pm.

The Living Room Chronicles Featuring Andre Taylor Facebook Live @The Food For Soul Experience LLC. 9 pm. Navigating 2021. Event by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. - Phi Psi Zeta Chapter. Speaker - Soneakqua White, M.A., LPC Online Reg: http://bit.ly/30DyDl6 12 pm. CST.

Soul Line Dance Tuesday - LIVE! (Virtual Dance Sessions) Event by BE Creative Arts Center. Reg: @becreativeartscenter Facebook page. 7-8 pm CST. Free.

March 24

Irving Barrington Irving is the first African American to fly solo around the world in 1983 I Was Just Thinking with Norma Adams-Wade. From 11 am -1 pm. CST On Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio.com. Call in and join the conversation at 646-200-0459. AARP Presents: Love the Skin You’re In Event by Sisters From AARP. Event host Barbara Hannah Grufferman, author of Love Your Age. Facebook.com/Sisters from AARP. 6 pm. CST. Debt “The Good, The Bad, The Ugly”Equipping U. Event hosted by Concord Baptist Church and Pastor Bryan Carter. Online: us02web.zoom.us. 7 pm. CST.

March25 Ida B. Wells-Barnett Died in 1931 P&P Live! Henry Louis Gates, Jr. | The Black Church with Eddie S. Glaude Jr Event by Politics and Prose Bookstore. Tickets: Eventbrite.com. 3-4 p-m CST. Ruth J. Simmons Center for Race and Justice. Event hosted by Prairie View A&M University. Online: youtube.com/pvamu. 2 pm CST. Finer Womanhood Month Webinar: Stock Trading Like A Boss! Online event. Event by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. - Delta Alpha Alpha Zeta Chapter. Online: us02web.zoom.us. 7 pm CST

March 26 William H. Hastie 1st Black Federal Judge in 1937 From Marva with Love, with Marva Sneed. 11 am -1 pm. CST, Fridays on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, and BlogTalkRadio.com. Call in and join the conversation at 646-2000459. St. Philips School & Community Center, Destiny Award Luncheon 2021. A Virtual Experience, with Isabel Wilkerson. Info: https://www.stphilips1600.org/destiny/ Jazz At The Muse. Hosted by TBAAL at Clarence Muse Cafe Theatre, 1309 Canton Street. 9 pm. Tickets: Ticketmaster.com. Relapse Again featuring Michael Shawn Event hosted by City of DeSoto Parks & Recreation Department. Tickets: Eventbrite.com. 8-9 pm CST.

March 26-28 State Fair Diamond Classic Baseball at Dr. Pepper Ball Park, 7300 Rough Riders Tr. Frisco. Info: BCSG360.org Grambling & P.V. AMU.

March 27 Pamela Gordon, Bermuda’s first Woman prime minister in 1997 A Short History of Racism in Detroit Virtual Tour. Event hosted by Detroit Experience Factory. Info: www.detroitexperiencefactory.org. 5-6:30 pm. CST. Women’s Ministry Spring Conference. Online Event. Event by Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church. Online: zoom. us ID: 87334486613 Passcode: 095887. 9-11 am. DSM Book Festival Headline Author Tayari Jones Event by DSM Book Festival. Reg: https://bit.ly/3tigKVa. 3 pm. CST. Chris Howell Foundation, Winter Relief Drive. Tarrant County College-South, 5301 Campus Dr. Fort Worth. Eventbrite.com. 9 am-1 pm. Meet, Connect & Learn: Getting to Know Our City Manager. City of Duncanville, TX Municipal Government Zoom: bit.ly/3qGcZHD Meeting ID: 860 5667 4654, o10-11:15 am. CST. Sis let the Hurt Go. Hosted by Founder Krys Smith. Reg: www.sisterletthehurtgo.evenbrite.com 1pm CST. Annual Women’s Expo. Hosted by The Whiskey Spot, 1305 Wycliff Ave Ste.140 Dallas. 1-4 pm. Info: Eventbrite .com. Paint & Sip - Celebrating Women’s History Month. Hosted by Flava Haus, 1730 W. Bardin #400, Arlington.8-10:30 pm.

March 28 In 1935, Benjamin Thornton created the telephone answering machine No Cross, No Crown: A Special Resurrection Concert. Host Lomax Sisters Gospel Group. Tickets: Eventbrite.com. 7-9 pm. Neo Soul Sundays. By DallasBlack.com, at Lava Cantina, 5805

BLACK LIVES MATTER

WWW.GARLANDJOURNAL.COM

Plano schools bringing in outside investigators after viral claims of racist bullying and abuse

GarlandJournal

Plano school leaders will hire an outside firm to investigate allegations that a pattern of bullying preceded a recent sleepover during which a Black 13-year-old boy was called racial slurs, beaten and made to drink white classmates’ urine. Superintendent Sara Bonser stood alongside Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere and Police Chief Ed Drain Tuesday afternoon to address the incident that’s enraged and disgusted many in the community and across the country. Summer Smith, the boy’s mother, had met with Bonser earlier in the day. She, her attorney and local activists presented a list of demands that includes: expelling all students involved in the abuse as well as committing that Plano ISD will recognize and dismantle ”systemic racism within the school district” and address past and present bullying incidents. Bonser pledged that the district was acting swiftly to address the family’s concerns. PISD officials are working with police on an investigation, wrapping up their own probe and hiring a third party to look into the allegations that the boy had been bullied long before the sleepover. “What we saw, what you saw, what we all saw, is inexcusable,” she said, referring to videos and screenshots of the alleged abuse. “It’s our job to do something, together, about this.” Smith posted the videos and images on Facebook, and they quickly went viral. She said she made the videos public because she wasn’t getting the help she needed from the district and officials at Haggard Middle School. She said administrators initially told her there was nothing they could do because the incident happened off campus — though students circulated the videos during the school day. The horrific claims — including that the boy was invited to the sleepover solely to be “entertainment” for his white classmates — have received national attention. A petition in support of the 13-year-old boy has reached more than 150,000 people, and many have donated to a GoFundMe page to help the family pay for therapy and, potentially, private school tuition. People have protested outside police headquarters and in front of Haggard, carrying signs that read, “Black Lives Matter.” A local activist urged people to remember that “racism is taught.” Many called upon Bonser to address a culture of bullying that they say extends beyond this one group of students and this one school. Bonser said the district would investigate additional allegations of bullying that people are now emailing to officials. “I want our response to demonstrate the degree of care and concern we feel for this situation — and all incidents of racism or bullying — now, in the past or in the future,” the superintendent said. “If there are weaknesses in our systems or processes, I want to know. I want to know because we must do better when we

know.” The Dallas Morning News is not identifying the boy by name or in photos because he is a minor and a victim of bullying. Smith and her attorney are calling for the incident to be investigated as a hate crime. Under state law, there would have to be another crime associated with the incident and the hate crime designation could be used to enhance any penalty. “We are looking at that in regards to this investigation,” Drain said. Because the investigation is continuing, the police chief said, he is not prepared to say what criminal offenses the department might be considering. Detectives must analyze and verify digital evidence and interview more people. Long before the incident, Smith says, her son quit the football team at Haggard because of bullying. His coach did not take action when the boy raised the issue, Smith alleged, instead saying, “Boys will be boys.” Asked if there had been personnel changes at Haggard in light of the allegations, Bonser said the district was “still evaluating all the information we have been presented with.” District officials will have a better sense of what actions to take after the independent investigation is complete, she added. The Police Department also referred the case to the state’s Child Protective Services because of questions regarding adult supervision at the sleepover. “The CPS referral is to look at whether there were some parents who didn’t do their jobs as parents,” Drain said. Both the family at the center of the case and school district officials said they were receiving violent threats related to the case. Drain said his department was vetting calls and emails and would take action if anyone making a threat is local and appears to pose an imminent danger. Smith’s family had to leave their Plano home out of fear for their safety, said Kim T. Cole, their attorney. Someone left a watermelon on their front porch, she said, and everyone in the family needs counseling to get through this. “I am not OK,” Smith said. “Not by a long shot.” The DMN Education Lab deepens the coverage and conversation about urgent education issues critical to the future of North Texas. The DMN Education Lab is a community-funded journalism initiative with support from The Beck Group, Bobby and Lottye Lyle, The Communities Foundation of Texas, The Dallas Foundation, Dallas Regional Chamber, Deedie Rose, The Meadows Foundation, Solutions Journalism Network, Southern Methodist University and Todd A. Williams Family Foundation. The Dallas Morning News retains full editorial control of the Education Lab’s journalism. Talia Richman, Staff writer. Talia is a reporter for The Dallas Morning News Education Lab. A Dallas native, she attended Richardson High School and graduated from the University of Maryland. She previously covered schools and City Hall for The Baltimore Sun.

Fernandez receives award from Texas School Public Relations Association exhibits the very best of broadcast journalism. He seeks out stories that highlight teaching and learning and provide unbiased investigative coverage on school districts’ sensitive subjects. His reporting allows the community to remain up to date on critical issues impacting their community and schools. Most recently, he’s had to cover two southern sector school districts in the DFW area. He has broken these news stories and reported the facts while

By Talia Richman

THURSDAY MARCH 18, 2021

Demond Fernandez

Demond Fernandez received the Media Award at the TSPRA Annual Conference. Fernandez is a veteran reporter at WFAA-TV in Dallas, TX that

Advancing Black Pathways Women undergraduate experience The Advancing Black PathwaysWomen Early Insights Program seeks to provide Black, women undergraduate students with a firsthand look at what it’s like to work at a leading financial services firm. The program will offer training and networking events, earlier consideration for internships and the opportunity to receive a financial award for successful candidates that receive an offer. Applications for summer internships

open on April 1, 2021. Visit jpmorganchase.com/ careers for upcoming events, career advice, our locations and more. JPMorgan Chase & Co., one of the oldest financial institutions, offers innovative financial solutions to millions of consumers, small businesses and many of the world’s most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients under the J.P. Morgan and Chase brands.

Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine is single dosage U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine. Health officials said the decision was based on scientific evidence, including data that demonstrated the vaccine was 85 percent effective in preventing severe disease across all regions studied, and showed protection against COVID-19 related hospitalization and death, beginning 28 days after vaccination. The terms of the EUA allow use of the vaccine while more data are gathered. “This milestone follows a year of incredible work by our dedicated

teams and unprecedented collaboration with health leaders around the world – all of whom shared a goal of bringing a singleshot vaccine to the public,” said Alex Gorsky, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Johnson & Johnson. “We will do everything we can to help bring this pandemic to an end, in the United States and throughout the world.” The Company has begun shipping its COVID-19 vaccines to the U.S. govern-ment and expects to deliver enough single-shot vaccines by the end of March to enable the full vaccination of more than 20 million people in the U.S.

providing unbiased coverage with integrity. He’s dedicated to showcasing all sides of stories, so those impacted the most are informed with all information. He does the groundwork to ensure accurate reporting, which showcases why he is an award-winning investigative reporter. An active member of the National Association of Black Journalists and the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists, Fernandez uses his journalistic skills to inquire about

stories and has a dedicated following on social media, allowing him to connect with individuals for story ideas. In a world that is oversaturated with misinformation, Fernandez is passionate about reporting the facts, telling a great story, and being a source of information for the DFW community. When this member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is not engulfed in investigative reporting, he’s always looking for ways to highlight the best of school districts.

COVID-19 health threat increases psychological distress among Black Americans As the coronavirus pandemic continues to devastate communities of color around the country, Black Americans are facing additional stressors due to COVID-19. Researchers from the University of Georgia study examined the perceptions of coronavirus threat and psychological distress among Black Americans and de-termined that the additional stresses arise from the prevalent belief among Black Americans worried that they might not recover from how hospitals treat them if they become infected with the coronavirus. The study used data from the American Trends Panel survey by the Pew Research Center collected shortly after the initial outbreak in March 2020, a nationally representative sample of adults in the United States. “We found that the perception that the coronavirus outbreak was a major threat to one’s health and the belief that Black Americans face racial discrimination in medical settings were both positively and significantly associated with higher levels of psychological distress,” said Ryon Cobb, assistant professor of sociology in the UGA Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and lead author on the study. “While the notion has been

floated among commentators, this is the first study that uses nationally representative data to assess whether this threat, or feeling, is real among Black adults, and then assess how it impacts their health,” he added. The research also establishes a relationship between these two factors that multiply the risk. Cobb said the data suggest people may take preventive measures more seriously though it could also cause Black adults to engage less with the health care system. “These findings highlight the complexity of how a public health crisis can influence Black community members’ navigation of an already unequal health care system in increasingly difficult circumstances,” W. Carson Byrd, associate professor at the University of Michigan, added. “Discussions about dealing with the fear of just getting it or not often come down to, if you don’t get it, you’re fine,” Cobb said. “But the outbreak itself is stressful, and the increasing stress is part of people’s health, regardless of whether they have COVID.” “By the time things are critical, at least for Black Americans, the perception is that there is little hope for recovery.”

Rivera receives William Pulte Innovative Leader of the Year Award

Israel Rivera

Photo Courtesy Dallas ISD

Israel Rivera, principal of School of Business and Management at Townview, has been recognized by the national organization Bilingual VIDA Bilingüe. The non-profit recognizes the importance of bilingualism

Comerica from page 1

partnerships with nonprofits and community leaders who do so much for our communities,” said Faussette. “I am also honored to accept these new responsibilities and broaden Comerica’s reach in our communities.” A veteran of more than 17 years in the financial services industry, Faussette will continue to oversee Arizona’s Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) activities, which include CRA volunteerism, civic and community relations, internal and external CRA strategic planning, and fostering

and bilingual education across the country in developing the next generation. Rivera received the William Pulte Innovative Leader of the Year award by VIDA Bilingual

community partnerships and investments. Pivotal to the external affairs team’s outreach includes the Business Bootcamps and Comerica Money $ense programs that have gone virtual since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Comerica’s impact on local communities in 2020 was felt through the more than 110 of the business bootcamps hosted across its markets, assisting 1,250 small businesses. And, more than 35,000 low to moderateincome individuals took part in financial education sessions and in 2021 it looks to increase its reach. In late 2020, Comerica also moved $10 million in deposits to Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs), as

AROUND GARLAND

M a rch 1 8 Registration for the Vaccine: Teachers, daycare and preschool workers are now able to register for the COVID-19 vaccine at Garlandtx.gov/COVIDVaccine. As we continue to administer the limited doses sent to us by the state, a reminder that if you get your vaccine elsewhere, let us know so we can take you off our wait list. Just email us at GPH@garlandtx.gov Garland Railroad Exhibit. The Garland Landmark Museum is proud to present its newest exhibit all about Garland trains! See how the railroad turned Garland from a small agricultural village into one of the largest

for his leadership and championship for instilling bilingualism among native English-speakers and English Language Learners. Rivera has been an educator in Dallas ISD for 16 years, including five

well as established mutual mentoring relationships with these institutions. MDIs assist minority and underserved communities and foster economic viability in their communities. Specifically, Comerica allocated $2.5 million to each selected MDI, including First Independence Bank in Detroit, Mich.; Broadway Federal Bank in Los Angeles, Calif.; Unity National Bank in Houston, Texas; and Commercial Bank of California in Irvine, Calif. “Summer has demonstrated a passion for working in our communities and will serve to play an instrumental role in developing ways to strengthen our racial equity efforts internally and

cities in Texas. Open every Thursday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until March 2022. For more information contact: heritage@garlandtx.gov GISD/GCAC Senior Art Show And Competition. Witness amazing works of art from GISD seniors in this free exhibit! This exhibit is open to the public through March 30 at the Granville Arts Center, open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and during performances. In conjunction with the GISD Fine Arts Department, this marks the 34th year of the Garland Cultural Arts Commission, Inc. Awards. The judge for the 2021 GISD Senior Art Show and Competition was professional mosaic artist Shug Jones. For a full list of 2021 winners: http:// garlandarts.com/3194/Visual-Arts-Exhibits. Thirsty Third Thursdays. Event by Heritage Crossing City of Garland and Visit Garland, TX Celebrate Thirsty Third Thursdays in Downtown Garland on the third Thursday of the month from 4 to 8 p.m. Visit participating locations during their extended business hours, take advantage of their specials and

as bilingual teacher and one as assistant principal. Rivera, who is also an officer for the Association of Hispanic School Administrators, spent his last ten years serving as a principal.

externally,” said Bennett. Comerica Bank is a subsidiary of Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA), a financial services company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and strategically aligned by three business segments: The Commercial Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth Management. Comerica focuses on relationships, and helping people and businesses be successful. In addition to Texas, Comerica Bank locations can be found in Arizona, California, Florida and Michigan, with select businesses operating in several other states, as well as in Canada and Mexico. Comerica reported total assets of $88 billion as of Dec. 31, 2020.

enjoy a complimentary beverage while you shop. This event is FREE and open to the public. Let us know you are coming. Just RSVP through the Eventbrite link and we will reserve exclusive event swag for you. www.eventbrite.com/e/thirsty-third-thursdays-tickets-143357007669 On the day of the event, check in with the host business of the month to pick up your wristband, event swag and a map. Don’t forget to mark “Interested” or “Going” so your shopping pals know about the event. *Please remember to continue to wear masks as appropriate while indoors or not eating/drinking and practice social distancing at all times. Find more details at https:// bit.ly/3nTCyoq. Impacted by COVID-19? There is help available, from rental assistance to job training. If you want to meet with a case manager to help with the rental assistance application process, call and leave a message with Catholic Charities at 214-257-0674. Those one on one meeting will be held at the Garland Central library every Wednesday and Thursday between 12-4 pm. http://www.garlandtx.gov/3739/Recovery-Resources.

GarlandJournal

THURSDAY MARCH 18, 2021

WWW.GARLANDJOURNAL.COM

Abbott, Neanderthals and Jokes!

Quit Playin’ By Vincent L. Hall

In September of 1986, Greg Abbott was jogging on a windy day through Houston’s ritzy River Oaks neighborhood. A large Oak limb snapped as he ran beneath it. The accident cost him the use of his spine and wreaked havoc on his kidneys. Abbott, an attorney, sued the homeowner and a tree care company and has received nearly $10,000,000 in payments since. Author and Attorney Mark Bello mentioned Abbott’s gross hypocrisy in a 2013 “Legal Examiner.” “Mr. Abbott has been outspoken

in his support for the tort reforms. He says tort reform is needed to curb “frivolous lawsuits.” What a hypocrite! For example, under Abbott’s policies, if a patient is left paralyzed from the waist down due to a doctor’s negligence, tort reform caps non-economic damages at $250,000 with no built-in increases over time to keep up with the rising cost of living.” Take a re-look at what he did with Obamacare. Abbott has sued the federal government 27 times; (20 since President Obama took office) at taxpayers’ expense. The cost for Texas alone is $2.58 million. Of those 27 cases, he has won five. Were these 22 losses frivolous expenditures of taxpayer money? Greg Abbott will not accept the Obamacare Medicaid expansion in Texas, causing millions to suffer preventive, physical, and psychological treatment. Parkland Hospital of Dallas, one of the leading public health facilities in the world, estimates that it

loses more than $100,000,000 per year as a result. Recheck this. Greg has raked in almost $10 million dollars for his injury, but your loss is capped at $250K. The fact that Abbott is ineffective with the electricity grid issues, COVID safety protocols and anything else that does not generate campaign dollars from wealthy corporate interests, should not be a surprise. Abbott’s leadership is one of the reasons minorities, seniors, and the indigent are being ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic. Anyone who watches this Neanderthal could have predicted this. He gets his, his friends get theirs, and when it comes to the rest of us; frankly, Scarlett, he don’t give a damn! If you don’t believe me, have him produce a vaccine distribution report that contrasts Red vs. Blue counties on a per capita basis. So this latest move to “open the state 100%” while removing the mask mandate is characteristic of how Abbott has always governed. He appears to be a little kinder and

gentler version of Trump. Abbott is a throwback to the Crackerocracy that Dr. Michael Eric Dyson described. The old political guard never sounded like the racist, elitist, and misogynistic animals that they are.

Governor Greg Abbott

After President Joseph R. Biden described Abbott’s feigned naiveté as Neanderthal and ill-timed, Abbott did what Trump learned to do so well. He deflected and outright lied, knowing that no one would take the bait except his base. KHOU-11 in Houston reported as

Wake up and Paul Brock from page 1 Wear A Mask

The Gray Area By Ed Gray Wake up and wear a mask! We cannot go to sleep in this Covid 19 Pandemic. If we listen to our Texas governor, Gregg Abbott, we might be in for a permanent slumber. This Neanderthal decision, which was so bad, even a cave man could understand it. Apologies to the GEICO Commercial. However, we may need insurance and a prayer to get through these next few months. Let us get real; this was a tactic used by the Repu-

blican governor to direct the public’s attention elsewhere. The great Freeze Out Fiasco, ended up with the governor and his Republican cronies in ERCOT being roasted like hot dogs on a hot Texas summer grill. Governor Abbott gave us the cold shoulder by playing the blame game, instead of fixing the game. The Crisis that is now COVID, is not over. We must not be fooled, because the Texas Rangers will play baseball at 100% capacity soon. We are rushing to home plate without actually hitting the ball. The ball is compliance, to the CDC health guidelines. Simply put, Wear a Mask for our health. Wearing a Mask is not a political statement, it Is a statement for survival. Texas is at a point, in this COVID Pandemic, that we

can score a knockout. We have been battered for the last year, now we can get off the ropes by wearing a mask. The simple act of taking a shot to the shoulder is threatened by Governor Greg “Genocide” Abbott. What else should you call a governor, who threatens to cut off vaccinating Black people, in South Dallas? That alone is additional reason for us ALL to Wear a Mask. The data simply does not support ending the mask mandate. Texas, prior to the Biden rush of vaccine inoculations, ranked 48 out of 50 states. The Texas numbers for COVID cases, as posted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), were trending higher. Wear A Mask. I am Ed Gray. And this is Straight Talk. From the Gray Area.

Later, Brock served as producer, writer, editor and national distributor of the NAACP Voter Education public service announcements. The success of this was a launching point for him to move into a position as fundraiser, assistant producer, and vice president of the company that produced American Playhouse. In 1994, Brock

Pookie from page 1

Arlington police learned in 2018 that DNA from their case matched three sexual assault cases from Coppell, Plano and Shady Shores. Those assaults were part of a string of four attacks on women from November 2010 to October 2011, including an attempted sexual assault in Plano, that targeted alumnae of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority. No DNA was collected in the attempted

much. “The Biden Administration is recklessly releasing hundreds of illegal immigrants who have COVID into Texas communities. The Biden Administration must immediately end this callous act that exposes Texans & Americans to COVID,” the governor tweeted Wednesday. When asked on Thursday, the White House dismissed the claim. What’s even more egregious is that anyone would be stupid enough to swallow the charge he levied against the Biden comments and immigration changes. If what Abbott said was true, he has an even greater responsibility to require masks. Truth is, he has bungled the pandemic, blundered the ERCOT fallout, and now he wants to bamboozle the thoughtless Republicans that vote for him…regardless! Abbott is a joke and makes all Texans look like Neanderthals, but Neanderthals ain’t no joke. Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and award-winning columnist.

became media coordinator of the Village Foundation, an organization working to “repair the breach” between African American males and the rest of society. Brock left the Village Foundation in 2002, but he remains active with the NAACP, having been with the organization since 1948. He has also served as the deputy director of communications for the Democratic National Committee, vice president for news and operations at American Urban Radio Net-

work, and as a senior fellow for public affairs at Howard University’s Institute for the Study of Educational Policy. He has also been a member of the National Association of Black Journalists since 1974. In 1975, Jet and Ebony both recognized him as Man of the Year, and in 1983, Brock received the Black Filmmakers Award for Producer of the Year. Brock is married to Virginia. Details of his homegoing will be announced in the coming days.

assault, Plano police have said. Plano police identified Wheat as a suspect after DNA from their case was submitted for genealogical research, the affidavit says. Authorities later spoke to his ex-wife, who said that he was the man seen in surveillance footage from a gas station calling one of the victims days after she was attacked. According to the affidavit, Wheat’s ex-wife said he was working for a security company in 2003. That company installed the Arlington victim’s alarm

system, police said. At the time of the later attacks, the ex-wife said, he was working for a financial services company. That company owned a credit card processing company used by a group that the other victims were associated with, the affidavit says. Arlington police Chief Al Jones said in a written statement that he was glad the 2003 victim would have closure. “We will never give up hope to fight for victims no matter how long it takes,” he said.

GETTING WISDOM is WISE

Faithful Utterances By Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew I have been working with a holistic practitioner. I am beyond excited because she has been changing my life. I marvel at her ability to look at a person and identify what is wrong. When I saw my physician, he agreed with her diagnosis and wanted to even learn more about what she has used to improve my health. During our visit this week, I asked QC and her team to help me understand how they can look at someone and tell the state of their health. The response was not

unfamiliar— “We just know. We’ve been doing this a long time.” What she meant was that her 30-plus years of experience has taught her so much. Despite her continuous quest to learn more, her effectiveness is a result of practice and wisdom. When I was younger, I was on this quest to get so much done. It was as if an invisible force was at work pushing me to achieve. I realized as I have gotten older that there are many invisible voices around us that coax us into believing that we don’t have time or that we must keep up with everyone else. The voices now not only come from those around us, but social media can create a tension of trying to set standards with others that are unrealistic. When I was a child, I remember my grandmother always saying to me “keep living”. If you live long enough, there are some things that you will learn not because of degrees or reading books but because of life experience and it requires having some time in the world to develop skills, habits,

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

and even character. We tend to dismiss age but there is something to be said about living and the experience and wisdom gained from it. It isn’t that as we age, we know everything, but it is recognizing the power in wisdom which can accelerate you much further. I was fortunate to spend time at the feet of individuals who were great but not by the world standards. They were great because of their lived experience. I loved listening to the elders in my family and in my community growing up because so many things I was able to avoid because I listened. My mother would say a “hard head makes for a soft behind” meaning that it is easier to listen than to be difficult and allow life to beat you down. I know I was politically correct in my statement, but you understand the value of this cliché that we don’t hear as often. Even in my life today, I surround myself with individuals who are wise, that can guide me and have been places that I seek

GarlandJournal Established 2002 An I Messenger Media Publication

to go. The word wisdom is mentioned 222 times in the Bible. It along with justice and kindness are important virtues that I think we don’t focus on enough in our lives: • Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16) • How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver! (Proverbs 16:16) • Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. (Proverbs 13:10) • The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper. (Proverbs 19:8) • Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. (1 Corinthians 3:18) It is more than obtaining information on how to become

successful in your career. It is identifying those who have lived a good life, that walk with God and know the power of prayer. It is making sure that in your life, there are individuals you are surrounded by who know how to take care of their mind, body, emotions, and spirit. If I surround myself with individuals who are just like me and see the world the same way that I do, I am only rehashing similar information and I’m not stretched. My life reflects the wisdom that has been poured into me and I continue to sit at the feet of those who can guide me and direct me, whose lived experience can add value to my own. “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” (James 3:13) 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/

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

GARLAND JOURNAL Is published by I Messenger Media LLC. 320 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway, Suite 100, Dallas, TX 75203. GARLAND JOURNAL reserves all rights and privileges to accept or refuse any submissions to be printed in any issue of the publication. Views and opinions expressed by writers are not necessarily those of the publisher or our advertisers. GARLAND JOURNAL will, once notified, correct any issue in the next issue. GARLAND JOURNAL is not responsible for any unsolicited material. Any use or reproduction in part or whole is forbidden without the express written consent of the publisher. Annual mail subscriptions are $60 for 12 months.

WWW.GARLANDJOURNAL.COM

GarlandJournal

THURSDAY MARCH 18, 2021

90 means No truth, No justice, No peace.

What’s On Miles’ Mind By Miles Jaye

I once had the cause and occasion to ask a contractor “How many degrees are in a 90-degree angle?” It was a joke, like what color is a red horse? It was a humorous way to communicate my concern over what I saw as inaccuracies in his work-- or so I thought. He stared at me like the proverbial deer in the headlights. It was then that it occurred to me that not only had he missed the joke, but also the point. God made degrees, angles, frequencies, distances, time and measurements of all kinds for a reason. To be clear, man created the terminology, the words, but God created the reality. Measurements of an-

gles or temperature in degrees, distances in inches, feet, yards, miles or kilometers, frequencies of sound or light in hertz, weight in ounces, pounds or grams satisfy man’s need to communicate. God made each of these things true, consistent and accurate. A mile is measured the same anywhere in the world-- 5,280 feet, a kilometer is 1,000 meters, “middle C” is 262 cycles per second. There’s a reason we call 90-degree angles, right-angles. There’s a reason north is referred to as true north. These measurements and others have been in use throughout the history of mankind. Einstein challenged the viability of time itself. However, did he question whether time, a manmade construct, subject to bending or distortion, or whether or not the sun rises and falls with precision over… time? Calendars are not perfect, but cycles of time are quite reliable. Sixty seconds makes a minute, 60 minutes an hour, 24 hours is the same every day. Monday is Monday every week, December is December every year and Haley’s comet appears every 75 years. I believe many of those who hate math would have a change of heart if they only knew God as

a master mathematician. To realize that the movements of the planets throughout the Universe, the shapes and patterns of flowers and the perfect design of a snowflake are Sacred Geometry-- God’s math. Colors are frequencies, so art is math. Music, all music regardless of genre, is math-- God’s math. Would you want to live in a house, drive a car or fly in an airplane where the engineering and craftsmanship were close but not accurate? Accuracy represents the truth. Either it is straight, or it isn’t. Either it is level, or it isn’t. The problem with inaccuracy is that it is compounded when you try to build on it. The first level may be adequate, and you may not notice by the second, but by the time you reach the third or fourth level, flaws in either the design or the construction become obvious. A taller structure would run the risk of collapse. The same can be said of companies, organizations and governments. Philosophers have weighed in on the matter of truth for hundreds of years. Plato said, “Man is the measure of all things.” Notice he says the measure of all things, not the creator of all things. He’s speaking of perceptions and ob-

servations. The truth is, a yard is a yard, and a meter is a meter, whether it is measured, regardless of man’s observations. Socrates was more of the mind of questioning other’s perceptions of truth, so he would question whether or not a meter was actually a meter or simply the perception of a meter. Aristotle said of the truth, “To say of what is that it is not, or of what is not that it is, is false, while to say of what is that it is, and of what is not that it is not, is true.” Pythagoras, the great Greek mathematician/philosopher believed that numbers were not only the way to truth but truth itself. Numbers, not beliefs, not opinions, but numbers. 90-degrees is 90-degrees period, that’s the truth, and the truth matters. Truth is the essence of justice, and of true freedom. Jesus told the Jews in John 8:32, “And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” Notice He doesn’t say, ye shall know peace and peace shall make you free. It’s been said, no justice no peace, I would add, no truth, no justice, no peace. Anyone denying, resisting or withholding truth has no heart for or interest in justice. A government built on lies and deceit is the equivalent of the building built

on inaccuracies and flawed measurements. A measurement is just information. If the information is built on mistruths, there will always be consequences. March all you want, protest all you want, vote all you want, pray all you want, your government is deceptive, your leaders use lies as a normal course of conduct; therefore there can be no justice and subsequently, you will never know peace as you seek it. The history of man and of civilizations shows that man is not in the peace business, man is in the power business. Man is in the business of control at all costs and business is good for those who possess the power. Man is not in the business of relinquishing control or power, so if a few lies is all it takes to maintain control, the pain and anguish they may cause are simply the cost of doing business. 90-degrees is 90-degrees, and that’s the truth, and the truth matters. That’s what’s on my mind.

Website: www.milesjaye.net Podcast: https://bit.ly/2zkhSRv Email: milesjaye360@gmail.com

Black women’s organizations matter

The Last Word

By Dr. Julianne Malveaux March is Women’s History Month, and this month is the perfect time to lift the Black women’s organizations that make such an essential difference in our lives. Last year, both the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women (NANBPW) celebrated their 85th anniversary. Thanks to COVID, neither organization had the opportunity to celebrate in the way they planned; now they are celebrating by Zoom. The differently scaled celebration does not diminish the importance that these organizations have. When I think of NCNW, I think

Scandals from page 2

I talked to a couple of Bonnen’s pals who served with him. Former state Rep. Todd Smith of Bedford said: “Clearly that decision to have a meeting with MQS is one that Dennis will regret for the rest of his life. We all make misjudgments, but this was a whopper.” Former state Rep. Tommy Merritt of Kilgore said: “Dennis was just too naïve. Dennis took the hook. MQS outsmarted him. Dennis was above his pay grade in dealing with MQS. He does not think like MQS. MQS has a way to control the temp, to control members of the House being

Scandal enveloped the careers of a married couple who each served two terms as Texas governor.

of the late Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, who used to say, “If I tap you with my finger, you may or may not feel it, but if I combine these five fingers into a fist, you will definitely feel it.” Dr. Height was not a pugilistic woman, but she was a fervent believer in the power of the collective. And NCNW, an “organization of organizations,” certainly fits that bill. Too many times, in modern history, NCNW, the collective, has been present. Many of us, for example, attended Labor Secretary Alexis Herman’s confirmation hearings, many wearing the crimson and cream colors of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Ms. Herman’s sorority (and also mine). Deltas were not the only people in the house. Other Divine Nine sisters joined us, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Zeta Phi Beta, and Sigma Gamma Rho. We made an impression, and those senators prepared to grill Herman had to think twice because we were there. Black women had a tremendous impact on this current election. I think of LaTosha Brown, a Black Votes Matter leader, and the tireless work she did to get vo-

ters out. I think of Melanie Campbell and the sisters of the Black Women’s Roundtable. There are so many more Black women and Black Women’s organizations that made a difference in this election. President Biden has acknowledged the Black community and Black women in particular. It is crucial, though, that our coalition continues to stay active and connected. One Black woman, Kristen Clarke, has been nominated to serve as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. Already the right-wing is going after her with their usual smear campaign tactics, taking comments out of context and blowing them up. The same coalition that worked to get the vote out now must work to support this exceptional woman. Similarly, two other women of color are being smeared. Vanita Gupta, President of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, has been attacked by rabid right-wingers. Another woman of color, Neera Tanden, who leads the Center for American Progress, has been attacked for her tweets. Really? Her tweets, some say, are vi-

afraid of him.” Sullivan told me: “Texans are tired of duplicitous politicians who govern differently than they campaign. Above all else, they expect and deserve honor and integrity from their public servants.” 5. MA AND PA FERGUSON Ma and Pa Ferguson certainly livened up the governor’s mansion. Both were elected to two terms. In 1916, Gov. James Ferguson became the only Texas governor impeached and removed from office. His crimes were financial improprieties. His wife, Miriam, was then elected as the state’s first woman governor. The couple sold it to voters as “Two governors for the price of one.” He kept his desk next to hers. Ma got in trouble for pardoning 3,000 inmates amid charges that the prisoners’ families paid bribes to the governor. 4. SHARPSTOWN In this Austin Capitol scandal of the early 1970s, about two dozen current and former state officials were accused of wrongdoing. It began with stock purchases that yielded quick profits for state officers in exchange for votes on certain bills preferred by Houston businessman Frank W. Sharp. Gov. Preston Smith was listed as

cious. When have tweets adhered to a civility protocol? The coalition of Black women who have always made a difference must step up to support these women, too. Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, the founder of NCNW, was a firm believer in diversity and inclusion. She reached out to white women who shared our values and worked in coalition with them when she could, given the constraints of the time. She would approve supporting sisters Gupta and Tanden, women of color just like us. While we might not be on the same page as these sisters on everything, we have enough in common to be passionate in their defense. The smear tactics that the rabid right uses to smear these women are unacceptable. They are the same tactics that these people use against Vice President Kamala Harris. We need to make sure they don’t work. I often wonder what motivated Dr. Bethune to form an organization in the middle of the Great Depression, when overall unemployment rates soared to 25 percent and Black unemployment was two or three times higher. In 1935, food lines snaked used loopholes to hide bad debts. Enron also inflated its earnings. The company went bankrupt and closed. Executives went to prison. The shutdown harmed thousands of investors. Losses were said to be $74 billion. Thousands of employees lost their jobs.

The Sharpstown scandal rocked the Texas Capitol and changed Texas politics. (ERICH SCHLEGEL - 132000)

an unindicted co-conspirator. Sharpstown, named after a section of Houston, was so bad that half of the Texas House did not return to office after the next election. After this, laws were changed, forcing candidates to disclose their sources of personal income and details about their campaign finances. The state passed an open meetings/open government law, too. 3. ENRON You knew Enron would be on this list, right? The Houston-based company grew into the largest energy company in the world. But its top executives played endless games with their financial books. The company

2. JFK ASSASSINATION This makes the list for two reasons. Why was President John F. Kennedy riding through Dallas, a city filled with political enemies, in an open car? Similarly, the Dallas Police Department’s inability to protect accused killer Lee Harvey Oswald from getting murdered by Jack Ruby greased the skids for a thousand conspiracy theories.

Dallas police should have better protected President Kennedy’s accused assassin. Credit: BOB JACKSON / Dallas Times-Herald via AP

around city blocks and down dusty roads in rural communities. Too many Black folks were pushed to the back of the line or denied assistance altogether. The indignities were innumerable, but Bethune shrugged them off to build a powerful organization with unprecedented access to President Roosevelt. She walked into Roosevelt’s office with the collective strength of Black women in her fingers or her fist. Black women’s organizations don’t get the credit they are due, so these organizations must be lifted in this Women’s History Month. What would our nation be without these organizations who get out the vote, raise money for scholarships, provide social and civic services, and do so much more? I don’t want to know the answer. All I know is that Black women’s organizations matter. We must celebrate them! Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, media contributor and educator. Her latest project MALVEAUX! On UDCTV is available on youtube.com. For booking, wholesale inquiries or for more info visit www.juliannemalveaux.com.

1. ELECTRICITY CRISIS So on my list, where does the ongoing electricity crisis rank? I’d have to say it’s a contender to be my No. 1 scandal of the past century. Why? Because it put millions of Texans in the dark, without power or heat, and often with no water, for days. If you look at the list above, probably none would have affected you or your family. Unless you were a fan of the SMU Mustangs or an Enron investor who lost your life savings, there’s nothing on this list that can top the electricity debacle. We’re watching the aftermath of the power crisis unfold now in real time. And it’s absolutely awful. Join Dave Lieber and learn to be a super-consumer. Subscribe: PLEASE support The Watchdog’s brand of straightforward journalism designed to save you time, money and aggravation. Treat yourself to a digital subscription (and make him look good!) by using the special Watchdog code: https://dmn.pub/WATCHDOG Dave Lieber, The Watchdog investigative columnist. Dave has written a hard-hitting newspaper column in Dallas/Fort Worth since 1993. His work appears twice a week. His goal is to save readers time, money and aggravation. In 2019, Dave won top prize in America’s largest columnwriting contest. The contest judge called his winning entries “models of suspenseful storytelling and public service.”

GarlandJournal

THURSDAY MARCH 18, 2021

Local author chronicles Black experience By Ashley Moss Madelyn Modeste breezed into a Lewisville bakery promptly at 3 o’clock on a recent afternoon. The restaurant was quiet. Few visitors aside from Madelyn and her mother, Shauntelle Modeste, had trickled into the café between lunch rush and the coming dinner hour. Madelyn plopped down on a well sanitized armchair. Dressed in a lightweight sweat outfit, the 11-year-old clutched a brightly colored book as if it were a prized possession. In fact, it is. Madelyn - her hair braided back into long cornrows - is the author and publisher of the book, Mariella Can’t Wait. She ventured into the restaurant to talk about her book. Released in October, Mariella details a familiar experience to youngsters: a pre-teen waits for an important gift that takes way too long to arrive by traditional mail. “It’s about Mariella, the main character, who is waiting on a special package from her grandmother who lives out of state,” says Madelyn, who is African American. Madelyn Modeste is among a flood of young authors who are writing and publishing their own texts and chronicling their unique Black experiences in children’s, teens’ and young adult literature. According to Bowker, a company that has collected data on publishing trends since 2011, self-publishing grew 40 percent to more than 1.6 million texts in 2018. Bowker included the data in its 2018 “Self-Publishing in the United States” report. “The self-publishing landscape continues to improve, creating more and more opportunities for authors to manage their own path through the process,” said Beat Barblan, vice president of publishing and data services at Bowker and chairman of the board of the International ISBN Agency. “As more authors take advantage of the abundant tools now available to publish, distribute and market their own books, we expect that self-publishing will continue to grow at a steady pace,” Barblan said in a prepared media statement.

Publishing industry experts say Black authors are having a sort of “Renaissance” – a revival of writing and publishing - of their very own. Frisco-based publishing consultant Rekesha Pittman said that the social and political climate in the United States has ignited a fresh literary movement - and a greater demand for equity and inclusion in both children’s and adult books. “For a lot of African Americans, in the past, literacy was viewed as a challenge to keep our people suppressed and oppressed,” said Pittman, who earned a degree in English and creative writing at the Universi-

“Parents would come to us and say, ‘Help me find books with representation like them’.” To meet such demand, Christian-Long and other librarians created the Dallas Public Library’s Young Black Readers newsletter, which is published bi-monthly and includes books by an author or illustrator who is either African American or a member of the African diaspora. Meanwhile, Pittman, who owns Get Write Publishing, says Black authors increasingly are choosing to self-publish to retain artistic freedom and minimize barriers to getting their stories told.

Shauntelle and Madelyn Modeste

ty of Southern California. “And now, many Black authors want to tell their stories, and it’s not just biographies.” “Authors are writing about a variety of issues and topics, putting out all kinds of content that people can relate to,” she said. On the other hand, Black literary consumers have an insatiable appetite for books written about African American experiences in America, said Monique Christian-Long, library manager for Dallas Public Library. After the highly publicized deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and other Black Americans, Dallas Public Library staff saw increased inquiries from African American parents seeking book recommendations with characters who looked like their children, said Christian-Long. “We got an influx of requests for books (for and by Black authors) due to the social climate and the Black Lives Matter movement,” she said.

This has led to a more diverse literary landscape, she says. “It’s become easier than ever to create and produce content (as an author),” said Pittman, an author herself and a self-publishing consultant. “Self-publishing is helping to diversify the literary world and everyone is finding their voice.” Still, doing so comes with challenges for Black authors. Marketing their work, for example, often is difficult. Massachusetts author Sandra Hinds self-published I Love You

Every Second, a book for young children in 2012, after being told “no” by too many publishing houses. “I’d gotten rejection letters from big publishers, but I decided to say ‘yes’ to myself so I could accomplish my dream of seeing my work in print,” she said. “But because I self-published, I do the marketing on my own.” While she envisions the book becoming available in schools and libraries around the world, for now, Hinds relies on social media and word of mouth to market the book. “I’m not looking to make a lot of money. That would be nice. I just think I have a gem that I want to share with the world,” Hinds said. “I think every author wants that for themselves,” she said. “At some point, maybe I’ll hire someone (to help with publicity) but, financially, I can’t do that right now.” Madelyn’s mother, Shauntelle, believes there is a ripe market for delivering more stories with African American characters. She may be correct: According to the Cooperative Children’s Book Center, a research library at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, representation in all literature is lackluster but, in children’s literature, it’s especially dismal. The Center looked at 3,717 children’s books published in the United States in 2019 and found that only 5 percent – or 675 titles - were by Black authors or about Black characters. Shauntelle Modeste said the statistic underscores a need to fill this void. “When it comes to reading and our community, we need books that spark our interest and attention, stories that speak to family, love and faith” said Modeste, who is a former instructional specialist for the Lewisville Independent School District.

7-Year Extended Warranty* A $695 Value!

Train online to do medical billing! Become a Medical Office Professional at CTI! Get trained & certified to work in months! 888-572-6790. (M-F 8-6 ET)

HELP WANTED The Association of Community Publishers (ACP) is searching for an Executive Director. If interested, visit afcp.org or ifpa.com and click on the “Executive Director Search” link for more details

Health & Fitness Dental insurance - Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Covers 350 procedures. Real insurance - not a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit! 1-888-623-3036 www. dental50plus.com/58 #6258 VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $99.00 FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888-445-5928 Hablamos Español

Miscellaneous CASH FOR CARS: We Buy Any Condition Vehicle, 2002 and Newer. Nationwide Free Pick Up! Call Now: 1-800-864-5960. The Generac PWRcell solar plus battery storage system. Save money, reduce reliance on grid, prepare for outages & power your home. Full installation services. $0 down financing option. Request free no obligation quote. 1-855-270-3785 Thinking about installing a new shower? American Standard makes it easy. Free design consult.1-888-674-3005 today to see how to save $1,000 on installation or visit www. newshowerdeal.com/display HughesNet Satellite Internet – Finally, no hard data limits! Call Today for speeds up to 25mbps as low as $59.99/mo! $75 gift card, terms apply. 1-844-863-4478 GENERAC Standby Generators. The weather is increasingly unpredictable. Be prepared for power outages. FREE 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!) Schedule FREE inhome assessment. 1-844-334-8353 special financing if qualified.

New authors wanted! Page Publishing will help self-publish your book. Free author submission kit! Limited offer! 866-951-7214

*To qualify, consumers must request a quote, purchase, install and activate the generator with a participating dealer. Call for a full list of terms and conditions.

Hearing aids! Bogo free! High-quality rechargeable Nano hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Nearly invisible! 45day money back guarantee! 833-669-5806

150 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

EDUCATION

DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 7/21/21.1833-872-2545

Offer valid February 15, 2021 - June 6, 2021

WESIGN NOWEER D

CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! 2002 and Newer! Any Condition. Running or Not. Competitive Offer! Free Towing! We’re Nationwide! Call Now: 1-888-416-2330.

Attention oxygen therapy users! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. Free info kit. Call 877-9299587

844-334-8353

Subject to Credit Approval

Autos Wanted

Directv Now. No Satellite. $40/mo 65 Channels. Stream news, live events, sports & on demand titles. No contract/commitment. 1-866-825-6523

REQUEST A FREE QUOTE!

Special Financing Available

CADNET CLASSIFIEDS

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, most advanced debris-blocking protection. Schedule free estimate. 15% off Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855995-2490

Prepare for unexpected power outages with a Generac home standby generator

FREE

WWW.GARLANDJOURNAL.COM

ENJOYING A NEW SHOWER IS EASIER THAN YOU THINK

AT&T Internet. Starting at $40/month w/12mo agmt. 1 TB of data/mo. Ask how to bundle & SAVE! Geo & svc restrictions apply. 1-888796-8850

FREE IN-HOME DESIGN CONSULTATION CALL TODAY *Offer valid only while supplies last. Limit one per household. Must be first time purchase. Minimum spend amount applies. Financing subject to third party credit approval. Some financing options cannot be combined with other offers and may require minimum monthly payments. All offers subject to change prior to purchase. See AmericanStandardShowers.com for other restrictions and for licensing, warranty, and company information. CSLB B982796; Suffolk NY: 55431H;NYC:HIC 2022748-DCA. Safety Tubs Co. LLC does not sell in Nassau NY, Westchester NY, Putnam NY, Rockland NY.

Life Alert. One press of a button sends help fast 24/7! At home and on the go. Mobile Pendant with GPS. Free first aid kit (with subscription.) 877-537-8817 Free brochure.

newshowerdeal.com/display | 888-674-3005

ARRESTED

Attention: If you or a loved one worked around the pesticide Roundup (glyphosate) for at least 2 years & has been diagnosed with nonHodgkin’s lymphoma, you may be entitled to compensation. 855-341-5793

Wanted to Buy Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, CO 80201 HE IS A SERIAL RAPIST

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

maybe YOU?

Crimestoppers 877-373-8477

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

WWW.GARLANDJOURNAL.COM

GarlandJournal

THURSDAY MARCH 18, 2021

BIG MAMA WAS RIGHT

A bought lesson is better than a told one Black Card By Terry Allen “A bought lesson is better than a told one,” is a statement that my Big Mama uttered a lot during my childhood. I never understood until much later in life. It was also a lesson that didn’t resonate with any of Big Mama’s kids until we grew older. Now during the Racial and COVID-19 Pandemics, Big Mama-ism is back front and center in

my mind. The original statement is: A bought lesson is better than a taught lesson.” For the record the textbook definition is “You will learn more as you experience it, more than anything anyone teaches you.” Big Mama told me when I moved to NYC to stay alert and use my ‘first mind.” I did not listen. My first “bought” lesson came when I moved to New York City and fell in love with the taxi system. I lived in Westchester and I would stop and take the A-train in Manhattan. Mostly, I rode all over NYC taking Manhattan by storm by taxi-riding. I rode North

and South as well as the East and West. I hit Harlem and Midtown on a Sunday, Greenwich Village and Upper East Side on Tuesday and then finally on Saturdays, it was Tribeca, SoHo and East Village. I applauded the drivers’ friendly personalities! They asked me how long I was here? How did I like New York? They were very nice! I bragged to my native New York family about the amazing low cost vs. me driving my car. As I began to boast about the routes, then suddenly my New York family began to laugh at me, not with me. It turns out that every taxi driver overcharged me

on purpose because I didn’t understand the geography and they took longer routes. The friendly questions were to assess my level of knowledge and I discovered I spent more on taxis than I should have! I had to pivot and dial back my ego for this lesson. So the advice of Big Mama was right. She would say, “keep your first mind.” So here we are in a second surge of COVID-19 infections making Texas a hot spot again. This time the infected includes those between 18 and 39 years old. We have had our 15th day of record hospitalizations and deaths. Despite expert medical advice,

our leadership was among the first to lift restrictions and open up. We created a perfect storm. Now here leadership is dialing back and restricting interaction. This is a classic case of a bought lesson. Big Mama was right. In closing, this takes me to my endgame question: What lessons and words might your Big Mama say right now? Email me with your answer at Terryallenpr@gmail.com and you will get a Texas Metro News gift from me. Terry Allen is an award-winning multi-media journalist and owner of 1016 media

Dr. Kang has a secret

From Marv With Love By Marva J. Sneed On From Marva with Love, Dr. Sharka’Kang Zoolo Kang. Who is a Shaman, a healer, an herbalist and naturalist; naturopathic doctor talked about healthy living. He was born into a family of healers and naturopathic doctors in Cameroon in 1982 and has spent decades studying the plants and herbs of North, South and Central America, Africa, Indian, China, and world medicine. Dr. Kang started as a child, healing animals, mixing herbs. He said he is blessed with the gift of telepathic clairvoyance to see visions. He is so special and a gift to mankind. Dr. Kang came to the United States, a self-educated

Masks from page 1

and overwhelming. According to Rep. Johnson, who has toured the megasite previously, the initial set-up was not as organized. With folks having to park and walk long distances only to have some turned away because they were out of vaccines for the day, well, it was somewhat frustrating. While many concerns have been expressed about hiccups in the system, Marva Sneed found the process was seamless for her on Friday. “It went so quickly,” she said. “Even though I had heard several stories about issues, didn’t have any problem. I was in and out in no time and I feel fine.” And that was good news for workers, and elected officials; along with the announcement that at least 1 million doses of the

man, diagnosed with asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. After unsuccessful treatments with conventional doctors and traditional western medicine, he gave up everything and embarked on a 30-day fasting and spiritual journey. It was on this journey that he said the spirit of his ancestors (grandfather) began to remind him how to heal himself and go back to nature. MS: Dr. Kang, tell us a little background about yourself and Grandpa’s Secret? Dr. K: Yes, as you say I’m a Shaman, a healer, a doctor of natural medicine. I have developed over 2,000 and something formulas. I have written five books, I have three inventions that I’m working on now. I’ve just developed another vaccine are scheduled to arrive in Texas next week. “We realize there are numerous concerns,” said Rep. Allred, adding that just as it is important to keep wearing masks and follow proven protocols, steps have to be taken to make the process easy for citizens. “This is our federal support at work. We have active duty military here helping out with the public health officials.” Citing her background as a nurse and referencing her age, Rep. Johnson said it is important to “follow the science” instead of “politicians who are making poor decisions for political reasons.” “I’m old and this is a hot spot,” said Rep. Johnson, who blasted efforts to relax restrictions. “It doesn’t make sense to stop using a mask in the middle of this pandemic! “I really do not want people to subject themselves to a virus that is still killing people just because the governor said you can take off the mask.”

formula. I’m working on a natural male birth control. MS: So you have developed over 2,000 formulas, do they address all types of illnesses? Dr. K: They address a lot of different illnesses. We have to understand that there is

one cause of illness and it is inflammation mucus. When you have a lot of mucus concentrated in your prostate, you’re told you have prostate issues. When you have a lot of mucus in your lungs you may have bronchitis or they have asthma. So it’s depending on where the mucus is concentrated. It’s not rocket science. Look at nature, take a baby cat or rat most of these animals, they don’t have the problems that we are having. So most animals do not die of disease they die of natural old age. Every animal has a specific diet. So you ask most human beings what is the right food for humans, I’ve never heard anyone who actually answered that question. If we don’t know what food is right for the human body then we are bound to get what

you call disease and that simply means the body is not at ease. My grandfather was a Shaman and people came from all over the world and he was able to help them with things just by observing nature. One thing he advised me of was that I should grow old and not become an educated fool. He said nature is your best teacher. Just observe nature. Whatever problems you have in the human body nature can fix it. Grandfather would talk about drought. “You see that bald person over there they are experiencing drought in their body.”

Even members of the clergy are using their “influencer” status to encourage their congregants to get the virus and to also continue wearing a mask. In a promo for Parkland Hospital, Rev. Dr. Tommy Brown, of New Mount Zion Baptist Church said, “As the pastor of a church, I have to serve so many people and be in so many different locations. I thought it best to protect myself and my family by getting vaccinated.” Rep. Veasey participated in a town hall meeting on Sunday and said the government is planning to help people affected by the Coronavirus regarding healthcare, job loss, unemployment and the pending stimulus package. “The coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the existing health care disparities that face lowincome communities,” he said. The COVID-19 Town Hall was broadcast on the Urban One Facebook pages for 97.9 The Beat and Majic 94.5 via Streamyard with Community Affairs Director and

On-Air Talent, Jazze “Radio-Chica” Maxie as the moderator. Rep. Veasey’s message is similar to that of Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price who has been working to ensure fair and equitable distribution of services and vaccines; while also educating his constituents on information as quickly as it becomes available. “Since the introduction of the Pfizer vaccine, I have been inundated with questions from people in this community and frankly across the country,” Price said. “The doubt and skepticism around this issue concerns me.” In addition to encouraging citizens to register and take the vaccine at their earliest opportunity, Price said he will focus on dispelling and dismissing some of the misinformation and conspiracy theories surrounding the issue. While coming short of criticizing the governor, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, on pretty much the same

line as other elected officials, issued a statement, “The people of Dallas should continue to mask up and take precautions to slow COVID-19’s spread and mutations. We are getting closer to achieving herd immunity, and now is not the time to let down our guard. Vaccines, masks, and social distancing are the best tools we have for fighting this virus, which has claimed far too many lives in the last year.” The mayor went even further during a news conference on Thursday at the City’s newest vaccination site, The Potter’s House, in Southwest Dallas County. He said he would be issuing an emergency regulation requiring face coverings inside all city buildings. Although there are exceptions, the mayor’s regulation, passed on March 4, 2021 and went into effect at 12:01 a.m. on March 10, 2021; occurring at the precise time of the Governor’s executive order (GA34) that reopened Texas.

AMERICA is a better movie than the original. It’s the excellent big cast of new actors that gives it that something extra. It may be because the film was so eagerly anticipated but I loved it. COMING 2 AMERICA is hilarious and in no

way disappoints. The film is rated PG with a run time of 1 hour and 50 minutes. On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate this movie a JUMBO! You can only see it on Prime Video.

Dr. Kang

Tune into “From Marva with Love” Fridays from 11 am-1 pm on BlogTalkRadio.com and Texas Metro News Facebook page. marvasneed@myimessenger.com

Coming 2 America At the Movies By Hollywood Hernandez It’s been 30 years in the making but finally one of the most eagerly anticipated sequels in movie history is available on Prime Video (free to its subscribers), COMING 2 AMERICA. The movie is set in present day Zamunda and we catch up with Prince Akeem(Eddie Murphy), his queen (Shari Headley) and his family of three daughters who are well-versed in the culture of their native land. At the start of the movie King Jaffe Joffer is on his deathbed and reveals a long held secret to his son; he has a son and an heir to the throne of Zamunda living in the United States. After the king holds a big final celebration for himself, which features some big name talent (I won’t ruin the sur-

prise), he dies and Akeem and Semmi, with Arsenio Hall back in his role as the prince’s best friend, head to Queens to find his son and the rightful heir to the crown of Zamunda. Once in Queens they are reunited with all of the old crew from the original 1988 film. With the help of the men at the barber shop Akeem ventures out to find his son. He finds him outside of Madison Square Garden scalping tickets to the New York Knicks game, and tells him that he is his father. The young Prince Lavelle, played by Jermaine Fowler, is skeptical and brings him home where he finds his mother Mary (Leslie Jones) and his Uncle Reem, played by Tracy Morgan. After Semmi spills a briefcase, filled with thousands of dollars and gold, Lavelle and his mother Mary decide to accept Akeem’s invitation to move to Zamunda and experience the life of royalty. Back in Zamunda, Akeem has problems that he has to deal with.

General Izzi, portrayed by Wesley Snipes, is still angry because his sister, who still jumps on one foot, wasn’t chosen by Akeem to be his wife. Izzi, who discovers Akeem has a “bastard son,” devises a plan to match up his daughter, the incredibly sexy Bopoto, played by Teyanna Taylor, with the young prince, to create an alliance with his neighboring country and Zamunda. Of course Murphy and Hall reprise the characters they played in the original movie and in the sequel the story also involves a strong supporting cast who are more involved in the storyline, rather than relying so heavily on Akeem and Semmi to move along the story. The story has a younger feel to it with the help of all of the younger generation in the film, which was a wise move because the story has so much more energy than if it was just about a bunch of 50-yearold characters. In my opinion, COMING 2

GarlandJournal

THURSDAY MARCH 18, 2021

WWW.GARLANDJOURNAL.COM

COVID-19 Vaccine Registration Need help with registration? We can help! Baylor Scott & White Health and Wellness Center community outreach representatives are available to help residents register for COVID-19 vaccines (by phone or in-person): Call 214.820.4846 for: • Assistance with registration (online or mobile app) • Assistance with transportation (to appointments) • Assistance with vaccine education

LOCATION

ADDRESS

DAY/TIME

Baylor Scott & White Health and Wellness Center

4500 Spring Ave. Dallas, Texas 75210

Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Cummings Recreation Center

2976 Cummings St. Dallas, TX 75216

Monday - Thursday 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Beckley - Saner Recreation Center

114 W. Hobson Ave. Dallas, TX 75224

Monday - Wednesday 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Fireside Recreation Center

8601 Fireside Dr. Dallas, TX 75217

Thursdays 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Martin Weiss Park

3400 W. Clarendon Dr. Dallas, TX 75211

Tuesdays 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM For more information contact: Candace Thompson, MSSW, MPA, CHWI Community Outreach Manager BSWHWCMEMBERSHIP@BSWHealth.org

4500 Spring Avenue I Dallas, Texas 75210

VIRTUAL

IN-PERSON

HYBRID

Strive FOR EXCELLENCE

Virtual, In Person or Hybrid... your child’s success depends on you. As a parent, you have to be involved in your child’s education to make sure he or she has everything they need to succeed.

LEARN MORE AT WWW.NNPA.ORG/EDUCATION