MARCH 13, 2020
VOL IX NO 30
I M essenger
HONORING OUR OWN
MOTHERS
BY DR. E. FAYE WILLIAMS
IMessenger An IMM LLC Publication MAILING ADDRESS 320 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway Suite 220 Dallas, TX 75203 WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM 214-941-0110 Cheryl Smith PUBLISHER - EDITOR news@texasmetronews.com S. Curet GENERAL MANAGER stewartcuret@myimessenger.com Jessica Hayden STAFFWRITER Marva Sneed EDITORIAL ASSISTANT EDITORIAL TEAM Lajuana Barton Eva Coleman Anthony Council L. Diane Evans Dorothy J. Gentry Vincent Hall Cierra Mayes Dr. Felicia N. Shepherd Monique P. Stone Dareia Tolbert Andrew Whigham III Chelle Wilson MARKETING TEAM Carlton McConnell Terry Allen PR DESIGN/LAYOUT 619
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Established 2011 CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back.
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HONORING OUR OWN MOTHERS
Though she has lost a bit of her ability to live in her home alone—she wants to live there, and as a family we are making DR. E. FAYE WILLIAMS, ESQ. that possible. When my brother TriceEdney – Just like Black passed away a few months ago, History month, Women’s my sisters and I decided to History Month started out as take her to live with one of our only a week. sisters a distance of about three Along the way, we were and a half hours from where ultimately honored with an Mother has lived alone International Women’s Day. all of her life since her nine Women around the world are children left home to strike out celebrated that day. on our own. A few weeks ago, There’s an African proverb she informed us she wanted to that tells us, “It is the women return to her home. who hold the sky up.� We reluctantly took her I can vouch for that in the there. I spent a week with her Black community. once she was back. Another So many Black women sister spent a week. Another grew up without the benefit of sister spent two weeks with her fathers in our homes, but rarely to this point. do we to use that as an excuse A niece is on her way to for our not doing things that spend a few days with her should be done to protect our grandmother. Another sister families and communities. is coming from Los Angeles to I’ve known some of the spend a month with her. greatest female activists in the We’ll then start the cycle all Black community who take on over again. Some might think monumental roles. the scheduling is a bit of a Every year in March, we challenge since we are all many do a special celebration of miles away, but my sisters and I the women. Some celebrate thought about all the sacrifices women every day of our lives. our mother has made for us, On a personal note, my and if she wants to live in her mother is just a few months home, we’re going to make it away from being 98 years old. possible. She’s fine in most ways, but While you have indulged just a bit hard of hearing and me with a personal story, that having a bit of a challenge is the history of so many Black remembering things. WAKE UP AND STAY WOKE
women with their families. I salute all of the Black women who’ve done, and would do the same for their mothers. Every year women in this country get a Presidential proclamation honoring women. The women mentioned are generally women who’ve made the history books and have had public honors, but so often the women, like my mother, and their caretakers who are just ordinary women who’ve often done extraordinary things to nurture their families and the families of many in their areas, never get any special recognition. I know that we have Dr. Katherine Johnson of Hidden Figures fame, Ida B. WellsBarnett--our anti-lynching crusader, Sojourner Truth who first sued a white man successfully to get her son back, Rosa Parks who sat on a bus for our rights, Harriet Tubman who brought a lot of our people from slavery to freedom, Fannie Lou Hamer who took beatings to gain our right to vote and others too numerous to name. But for this Women’s History Month, let us vow to honor our own mothers who may not be in a history book but their greatness comes from what they’ve done for their families and their communities without fanfare and deserve to have their own children honor them.
I Messenger Media welcomes Dr. E. Faye Williams’ insightful, thought-provoking and poignant commentary! (Dr. E. Faye Williams is National President of the National Congress of Black Women and Host of “Wake Up and Stay Woke� on WPFW-FM 89.3.)
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INSIDE I WAS JUST THINKING... By Norma AdamsWade I Messenger Media
TRUTH
THINKING
TSU
I’ve often heard Min. Robert Muhammad, of Houston, preface his speeches by saying he wasn’t going to be long, but he was going to be strong! I always enjoyed hearing that declaration because guess what? He never disappointed!
From time to time it’s good to pay tribute to those who have gone before us, lest we forget what they did for us.
Super Tuesday turned into a long night filled with surprises and slow returns in a tight race with Senator Royce West (D-Dallas)securing a run off slot in the Democratic Primary against MJ Hegar, where the winner will face incumbent Republican Senator John Cornyn in November.
Which brings me to my truth!
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Farewell to a hero!
Throughout the years America’s space program has launched courageous men and women into outer space. The explorations have helped to make America an exceptional nation, admired and emulated the world over. We recently lost one of the heroes that helped to propel our nation’s exploratory greatness which led to the development of new technologies, extraordinary consumer products and improvements in the way humans live on earth. Mrs. Katherine Johnson, a stately mathematical genius, whose grandparents lived during slavery, never flew on a spacecraft, but her leadership and mathematical calculations insured the safety of those that did. Mrs. Johnson’s intellectual prowess was so immense that the first American astronaut to obit the earth insisted that she review and approve the orbital trajectory calculations before his space flight. They had been calculated by a computer, but the astronaut, Marine Corp pilot John Glenn, who later became a United States Senator, was not assured until Mrs. Johnson had personally checked the numbers by hand. Her reputation for professional excellence myimessenger.com
was extensive. Even while a mother of three children she often worked 16 hours each day.
early 1950s her supervisors quickly learned that she was an unusual talent. It was not because she was a person of color or because she was a woman, but simply because she was brilliant. For 33 years, Mrs. Johnson, whose remarkable work, and that of other women of color, was chronicled in the 2017 motion picture film entitled “Hidden Figures,” remained one of the foundations of the American space program. She published dozens of scientific papers and her biography, “Reaching for the Moon” has inspired all of those who have read it. Our nation and its space program owe a tremendous debt to Mrs. Johnson who passed on February 24th in New Port News, Virginia. She was one hundred and one years old. With her life, she did much more than excel at mathematics, she quietly helped to change the world. It is my great hope that students in this country and in other parts of the world, inspired by her brilliant example, will follow in Mrs. Johnson’s footsteps and become great mathematicians, scientists, engineers and so much more. —————————————
FROM THE CAPITOL BY CONGRESSWOMAN EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON
She was in love with her work, and her nation’s objectives. Mrs. Johnson possessed a gifted mathematical mind from the time she was a small girl growing up in West Virginia, where her father farmed, and her mother taught school children. At an early age Mrs. Johnson decided to pursue subjects such as geometry and algebra. She entered high school at the age of 10, and when she was 15 she enrolled in college. She was a gentle giant in what is referred to as STEM, science, technology, engineering and mathematics, encouraging young students to purpose those disciplines. It was clear to her college instructors that she would make major contributions as a mathematician. When she went to work for NASA in the
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MY TRUTH by Cheryl Smith, Publisher
Short but strong I’v e o f t e n h e a rd M in . R o b e r t M u h a m m a d , o f H o u s t o n , p re fa c e h is s p e e c h e s b y s a y in g h e w a s n ’t g o in g t o b e lo n g , b u t h e w a s g o in g t o b e s t ro n g ! I a lw a y s e n jo y e d h e a r in g t h a t d e c la ra t io n b e c a u se g u e ss w h a t? H e n e v e r d is a p p o in t e d ! W h ic h b r in g s m e t o m y t r u t h ! I w o n ’t b e h e re fo re v e r. A n d , w h ile a s a y o u n g s t e r, I w a n t e d t o liv e fo re v e r ; a s I h a v e m a t u re d I ju s t h o p e t h a t I a m liv in g a life w h e re m y le g a c y w ill liv e fo re v e r. M y p e o p le , m y d e s c e n d a n t s , m y b e n e fi c ia r ie s — I t h in k a b o u t th e m a n d I w a n t th e m to k n o w t h a t I t r ie d t o d o t h e r ig h t t h in g . I w a n t fo r t h e m , w h a t I t r ie d t o be. T h e y n e e d to k n o w th a t I v o te d ; e v e n w h e n d is e n fra n c h is e d , t ire d , d is a p p o in t e d a t w h o w a s o n t h e b a llo t , s ic k , o r e v e n p a r t y in g ! R e a liz in g t h e s ig n ifi c a n c e o f b e in g c o u n t e d , e v e r y d e c a d e I p a r t ic ip a t e d in t h e C e n s u s . E v e n w h e n I s a w a b u re a u c ra t ic n ig h t m a re o f m is m a n a g e m e n t b e fo re , d u r in g a n d a f t e r t h e p ro c e s s , t im e a n d t im e a g a in . I t r ie d t o d o a s P a u l Q u in n C o lle g e ’s p re s id e n t , D r. M ic h a e l J . S o r re ll e s p o u s e d , “L e a v e p la c e s b e t t e r t h a n y o u fo u n d t h e m , le a d fro m w h e re v e r y o u a re , liv e a life MARCH 13, 2020
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t h a t m a t t e r s , a n d lo v e s o m e t h in g g re a t e r t h a n y o u r s e lf.” Ye s , I re c y c le d a ls o a n d p a id a t t e n t io n t o t h e e n v iro n m e n t , w h ic h in c lu d e d c le a n in g u p b e h in d m y s e lf a n d e n c o u ra g in g o t h e r s t o d o s o a ls o . S a d ly , I w a s n e v e r a b le t o fi g u re o u t w h y s o m a n y p e o p le w o n ’t k e e p w h e re t h e y liv e c le a n o r w h y t h e y e q u a t e d “p o o r ” w it h b e in g “d ir t y .” A n d it w a s h a rd , b u t I t r ie d t o p a y a t t e n t io n t o t h e H o n . M in . E lija h M u h a m m a d ’s t e a c h in g s in h is b o o k , “H o w t o E a t t o L iv e ,” a n d t h e m a n y m e s s a g e s fro m t h e w o n d e r fu l D ic k G re g o r y w h o s t re s s e d t h e im p o r t a n c e o f m o d e ra t io n , e x e rc is in g e v e n if it is in t h e fo r m o f w a lk in g , a n d d r in k in g w a t e r. T h e re a re s o m a n y o t h e r le s s o n s o v e r t h e y e a r s t h a t I in c o rp o ra t e d in t o m y life t h a t I t h in k w ill b e a p p re c ia t e d , lik e D r. M a r y M c C le o d B e t h u n e ’s e d ic t , “L if t a s y o u C lim b ! O r C h u c k D o f P u b lic E n e m y ’s d u a l m e s s a g e : “F ig h t t h e P o w e r,” a n d “D o n ’t B e lie v e t h e H y p e !” Yo u s e e , t h o s e w h o c o m e a f t e r u s a re g o in g t o h a v e s o m e s e r io u s q u e s t io n s a n d t h e y a re g o in g t o c h a lle n g e t h o s e w h o p ro v id e d fa ls e n a r ra t iv e s . H e re ’s ju s t a fe w e x a m p le s : E v e r y o n e d id n ’t m a rc h w it h o r
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lo v e D r. M a r t in L u t h e r K in g , J r. w h e n h e w a s a liv e In t h e la t e 1 9 0 0 s a n d t h e t u r n o f t h e C e n t u r y , t h e D e m o c ra t ic P a r t y re a lly w a s n o t s u c h a g o o d fr ie n d t o A fr ic a n A m e r ic a n s , e s p e c ia lly A fr ic a n A m e r ic a n M e n R e p u b lic a n s w e re c o n c e r n e d a b o u t lit t le B la c k a n d B ro w n b a b ie s w h e n t h e y p ro t e s t e d a g a in s t a b o r t io n s E v e r y o n e lo v e s o r re s p e c t s P re s id e n t D o n a ld T r u m p E v e r y p o lit ic ia n is c ro o k e d A ll B la c k m e n a re la z y , s h if t le s s , o r th u g s A ll B la c k w o m e n a re m e a n , s t ro n g , o r p ro m is c u o u s Ye s , I c o u ld g o o n , b u t I h o p e y o u u n d e rsta n d m y m e ssa g e . N o w a fe w q u e s t io n s fo r y o u : H a v e y o u fi g u re d o u t w h y y o u a re h e re ? W h e n yo u g e t u p e v e ry d ay, w h a t ’s o n y o u r m in d ? A t th e e n d o f th e d a y, w h a t h a v e y o u d o n e w it h y o u r life o r fo r o t h e r s ? W ill y o u r d e s c e n d a n t s b e a s h a m e d o f y o u r a c t io n s o r in a c t io n s ? B e t t e r s t ill, d id y o u m a k e s u re y o u r life m a t t e re d ? In a n u t s h e ll, a re y o u e x is t in g o r liv in g ? myimessenger.com
Living Legends honored Story and Photos By Marva Sneed
The 4th Annual Ron E. Bivins “The People’s Servant” Living Legends & Scholarship Banquet was held recently at the Hilton Garden Inn and featured emcee Keith Solis from Smooth R & B 105.7 and keynote speaker Dr. S.J. Gilbert, Sr., Pastor Emeritus, Mt. Sinai Baptist Church Houston, TX. Rev. Bivins greeted everyone with his excitement and joy because of the overwhelming response to the sold-out event. “Praise is what I do! God has been good to me and I give him all the glory and praise. I stand on the shoulders of many people who helped me to become the person I am today,” he said, adding that two weeks before the event he didn’t think that it would sell out. The 2020 Honorees were Dr. Peter Johnson - Civil Rights Award; Attorney DeMetris Sampson - Legal Service Award; Dr. Corey Toney - Community Service Award; South Oak Cliff Bear Cave - Dr. Frederick D. Todd Education Award; Dr. Sheila Bailey - Humanitarian Award; Dr. Zan Holmes, Jr. - Honorable Cleo Steele Award, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson - Political Service Award; and Rev. Dr. C.J.R. Phillips, Jr.- The People’s Servant Award. Youth Scholarship recipient are: Destini King, Jessika Howard, Mekhi Parker, Raigan Smallwood, and Tyesha Brown. Rev. Bivins said to save the date for the 5th Annual Living Legends & Scholarship Banquet, February 27, 2021. myimessenger.com
R e v. R o n B iv in s
J u d g e s A u d re y M o o re h e a d a n d D o m in iq u e C o llin s
R e v. Z a n H o lm e s Jr. a n d K e ith S o lis
This is Atlanta, GA Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms’ world-famous Macaroni and Cheese.
N o rm a A d a m s W a d e
A tt y. D e M e tris S a m p s o n G u e s ts e n jo y th e e v e n in g w ith h o n o re e s
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Dallas County Counts 2020 details efforts to ensure participation in U.S. Census Dallas County is launching the “Dallas County Counts 2020” campaign to encourage residents to fill out the U.S. Census and to inform them of key U.S. Census dates, procedures and general information to ensure an accurate count of all residents, especially those in communities that are traditionally hard to count. An undercount puts federal funding for Dallas County in jeopardy and affects development, redistricting and congressional representation. The campaign’s focus on the hard-to-count audience will address misinformation, fear, lack of awareness and the importance of counting every individual. By motivating hard-to-count groups to take the census and dispelling misinformation that could dissuade certain populations from responding, Dallas County hopes to maximize federal funding, services and development in local communities. Dallas County Counts 2020’s mission is especially challenging because the decennial census process is new. It is the first time all residents will not receive the survey by mail but instead will be encouraged to respond online or by phone, with the option to request a mailed survey for those who want it. Having multiple options will prove critical as Dallas MARCH 13, 2020
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S o p h ia Jo h n s o n P re s id e n t, A B I
County contains numerous residents without access to broadband Internet, especially in the southern sector. “We know what’s on the line – billions in federal dollars, congressional seats and the lines of redistricting over the next 10 years. Those are high-level impacts that result from an accurate count and our region garnering its fair share of resources. But they’re not necessarily topics the resonate with the hard to count,” said Sophia Johnson, President, ABI. “We have a responsibility to communicate the quality of life impacts that our neighbors will notice every day. Things like whether a grocery story is built in their community or if their local school has enough seats and classrooms for our children.” Getting the message out is even
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more crucial in areas where the count has traditionally been low. Hard-to-count communities include all areas where 25% or more or of peo-ple failed to mail in their census in 2010. Hard-to-count individuals are hard to locate, hard to contact, hard to interview or hard to convince to fill out the census. They include families with children younger than five, immigrants, low-income households and ethnic populations like African-Americans and Hispanics. There are 219 hardto-count tracts inside or crossing into Dallas County with an estimated 1.06 million people living in those areas. The goal of the countywide campaign is to improve upon the self-response rate of 74 percent from the 2010 Census and to surpass the national average for this decennial count. Dallas County Counts 2020 will widely distribute information about the census and aggressively target those segments of the population that are traditionally hard to count through segmented messaging, block walks, participation in community events, informational kiosks, marketing and social media messaging in English and Spanish. The bilingual volunteers and staff of Dallas County Counts 2020 will wear distinctive shirts as they myimessenger.com
connect with residents at events, retail locations and door-to-door canvassing. Among the important messages to be conveyed is that a citizenship question is not included in the 2020 Census. Although the question will not appear, the publicity surrounding the controversy last year has caused concern in communities that are already considered hard to count. Confidentiality of the information provided in the census is another area of concern, especially for His-panics, immigrant populations and lowincome communities. They will have to be reassured that their information cannot be shared with anyone – such as other government agencies, a landlord or even social service agencies – and that it’s illegal to share their information for 72 years. Other key information that will be shared with Dallas County residents through the outreach efforts includes these important dates: March 12-20— Census invitation arrives in the mail asking residents to respond by phone, by mail or, for the first time, online. March 23—Online Census survey is available. April 1—National Census Day. Dallas County Census 2020’s large myimessenger.com
scale activities kick off. It marks the date by which all individuals will have received a mailed invitation to respond. May-July— Enumerators will begin visiting homes that have not responded to the census. July 31—The 2020 Census is completed This year, only a small percentage of households will receive a paper form to fill out. The invitation that will come in the mail to most households will include instructions on how to respond to the census
Census is crucial because, based on current estimates, Texas could gain three to four additional seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, which are determined based on the number of residents in a state. An accurate count for 2020 is important not only in terms of representation, but also because it determines the amount of federal resources allocated to the state. In 2016, Texas received at least $59.4 billion in federal funding, based on decennial Census data—or $2,132 for every Texas resident. For every person missed in 2010, Texas lost out on $1,161 per person, per year, over the past decade in federal funding for major healthcarer e l a t e d programs alone. Texas is the third largest recipient of federal funding which is allocated using Census data. If there is even a one percent undercount, the state could lose out in online or by phone, or how to request federal funding for healthcare and social service related programs at a paper form if that is preferred. Communicating these dates, facts a rate of at least $3 billion over the and the need to respond to the 2020 next decade.
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THE LAST WORD DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX
Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, media contributor
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Street names tell rich stories I WAS JUST THINKING...
From time to time it’s good to pay tribute to those who have gone before us, lest we forget what they did for us. I was just thinking about the Dallas By Norma AdamsAfrican-American men Wade whose lives inspired the I Messenger Media street names between Dallas schools were named S. M. Wright Freeway and Bexar Street in the South for African-American women. Dallas community of Lincoln Here is background on two of Manor, that area just before various streets in the Lincoln entering the much talked Manor neighborhood. Maybe about Bon Ton neighborhood. more in the future. This main Growing up in Dallas, I Bexar Street. was very familiar with this north-south strip through the neighborhood, but knew Lincoln manor community nothing about its origin. I was of South Dallas originally fascinated with the people was designated as Rowan behind the street names when Avenue in the 1940s. The I finally learned the history area saw initial growth during as an adult. Interesting, and shortly after World War though, that all the streets II. Then a resurgence of I know of in this area were development over the last two named for African-American decades. Black Dallas historians and men. Later, however, various MARCH 13, 2020
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descendants of early Black families say the street was named in honor of the Dock Rowen family. Dr. Robert Prince Jr., a prominent Black Dallas physician who died Oct. 16, 2019, was a great grandson of the Rowen family. No records have been found to explain the spelling change from Rowen to Rowan. But the Rowen family is prominent in Dallas County Heritage Society research about early Black families in the Bexar Street community and throughout Dallas. Rowen started from scratch as an early Black entrepreneur and ascended to great heights as a trendsetting Dallas Black businessman. He, his son Roy, and daughter Leoma owned and operated various businesses, including a real myimessenger.com
estate, title and loan company, wood, coal and millinery enterprises, and Rowen and Son Grocery Store on Flora Street and later Juliette Street near downtown Dallas. He and other Black leaders organized the North Texas Colored Fair Association in 1900. Later, he was pioneer Black investor in the State Fair of Texas. Also, he helped develop the New Century Cotton Mill in South Dallas’ Mill City as well as helped organize Evening Chapel church in the StateThomas area where he lived. The church is a predecessor of Cedar Crest Christian Church in Oak Cliff. Rowen died of a heart attack in 1932 at age 89. Sunday Street. Named for myimessenger.com
Dr. Philip Mayfield Sunday, an African-American physician, surgeon, and pharmacist who came to Dallas to practice medicine around 1908. His office was on Thomas Avenue in an early location of the now historic Knights of Pythias Temple, now at Good-Latimer Expwy and Elm Street in the Deep Ellum neighborhood near downtown Dallas. Dr. Sunday was born in the 1870s in Pensacola, FL and at age 13 enrolled at Fisk University in Nashville, TN. He later earned his medical degree from Meharry Medical School also in Nashville. I was privileged to interview Dr. Sunday’s 90-year-old widow, Margaret Goulsby 11
Sunday, in 1987 who still was full of memories – bittersweet – about her late husband’s practice in the early 1900s. He died at age 69 in 1946. She said he was brilliant, cared deeply for his patients, and never received the proper recognition he deserved. “Oh, if he could have been living today,” Mrs. Sunday said during the interview then. “He was very smart ... But I don’t care how good you were then. He was not recognized.” Every chance we get, we should evoke the names and memories of these countless heroes and heroines of our local Black history. There are so many more. Today was one chance. I MESSENGER
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Shades of Sexy Gray Hair in your 50s, 60s & 70s By Power of 3 Women
Dr. Linda Amerson - Some women in their 50’s are not ready to accept their gray wisdom strands, therefore, hair color is their monthly image friend. Gray hair is most often a hereditary gift that many individuals would love to return. Gray hair is due to the failure of pigment formation
White House with their dark hair then, after a few years of decision making, they begin to show visible signs of gray hair.. Work overload at work and/or at home. Anxiety and nervous strain may relate to a deadline, a possible promotion, concern over one’s health, or abuse of any type.
ABOUT YOUR HAIR BY DR. LINDA AMERSON www.hairandscalpessentials.com
in the hair follicle; which means the pigments basically are not producing the hair color, or there is an interruption that occurs during this production. It is common for the hair to lose its pigmentation slowly as a person’s age increases, and it indicates normal physiological changes. However, it can also be an indication of internal disturbances or nutritional deficiency. Some of the causes may include: Excessive worry from personal or family issues, grief from losing a spouse, child, parent, grandparent, etc, grief of losing several people or family members consecutively. Some people have also experienced alopecia (hair loss) from this type of grief. High profile positions involving making decisions that affect millions of people. Have you ever noticed how our elected presidential leaders enter the MARCH 13, 2020
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Premature grayness may occur as early as childhood with a few strands, progress to sprinkling during adolescence, to further graying during your twenties. It is usually hereditary. A copper mineral deficiency. Some individuals experience complete grayness by age 30. One good is example is American Idol winner Tyler Hicks, who received much ridicule about his gray hair when he was a contestant. You have the choice to embrace, color it, or add gray extensions to flaunt your sexy gray. Join us for more media on Ask Dr. Amerson, renown Board Certified Trichologist, and journalism. Call 817 265 8854 or Hairandscalpessentials. com See part 2 next week myimessenger.com
Pressed Roots, luxury express salon for women of color, launches flagship salon
Founder Piersten Gaines Designed to meet the needs of women with textured hair, Pressed Roots provides a convenient and quality hair service by solving for biggest pain points with current textured hair salon experiences Pressed Roots, the first-to-market luxury express salon experience for women with textured hair, has opened its flagship salon in Dallas, with plans for three more locations in the DFW area and further expand its headquarters in 2020. Like the blow-dry bars that disrupted the hair industry a decade ago, Pressed Roots salons specialize in all blow-outs, all the time. Unlike traditional blow-dry bars, Pressed Roots stylists serve the specific needs of women with textured hair by using a proven and repeatable technique (The Pressed Roots method) that avoids damage and gets customers out of the salon in about 90 minutes. Historically, textured hair has been too hard for traditional blowout bars to handle – there is too much variation from head to head, it takes too long to treat, and it requires specialized training, techniques and products. This has left a huge gap in the salon industry for women of color who are currently embracing their textured hair and spending significantly on products and services that address their unique challenges in a natural way. According to the 2017 Mintel Black Haircare report, 65% of the U.S. population has textured hair, and this myimessenger.com
demographic spends $11.4 billion annually on hair products and services. Pressed Roots was created to solve the three biggest pain points with the current textured hair salon experience: Trust – By training all of its stylists on the proven and repeatable “Pressed Roots” styling method, Pressed Roots ensures that each guest leaves the salon with a quality blowout. Convenience – Pressed Roots not only makes booking more convenient, but its method allows guests get in and out of the salon in 90 minutes (on average). Experience – The company provides a top-notch experience every time, through complimentary Wi-Fi, mimosas and/or green juice. All clients get pampered and #getpressed. “Like many women of color, I have been traumatized by the salon experience, even losing my hair at the hands of licensed stylists. I created Pressed Roots for me and the 42 million other women with textured hair in the U.S. who want a brand that prioritizes hair health and experience,” said founder Piersten Gaines. “Pressed Roots is fulfilling an immediate need in the salon industry, a blow-out bar for women of color. The beauty of our salons is that if someone goes to a new city, all they will need to do is a quick Google search to find our nearest location and have the peace of mind that a trained stylist can do their hair the right way.” The flagship salon in Dallas is at 320
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Singleton Blvd. To make an appointment, visit https:// go.booker.com/location/PressedRoots/ service-menu. Pressed Roots is the first-to-market chain of luxury, express blowout bars specifically designed for women with textured hair. Our proven styling method, developed by a team of certified, expert stylists, has perfected the art of the blowout for women of color. This proven and repeatable technique (The Pressed Roots method) avoids damage and gets customers out of the salon in about 90 minutes. Pressed Roots offers one signature service – the silk blowout – with the opportunity to enhance the final product with add-ons including: trim, deep-conditioning treatment, steam-treatment, extra-detangling, and extra-drying. For more information, visit https://pressedroots.com/. The #Pressed Promise Hair health is our priority: The products, tools and techniques that we use are based on the unique needs of your hair. We ensure only the best results. We respect your time: We know that your time is money. Our signature straightening method guarantees a service that never lasts more than two hours. You deserve the best: Whether you are plugging in with the complimentary Wi-Fi or plugging out with the complimentary bubbly – get pampered while you #getpressed. I MESSENGER
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Ramirez, Cooper choose West Election issues plague Dallas County From Staff Reports
Super Tuesday turned into a long night filled with surprises and slow returns in a tight race with Senator Royce West (D-Dallas)securing a run off slot in the Democratic Primary against MJ Hegar, where the winner will face incumbent Republican Senator John Cornyn in November. “Now the real work begins,” Sen. West told supporters at a press conference the next day, adding that they needed gear up for the runoff on Tuesday, May 26, 2020. On Monday, challenger Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez pledged her support to Senator West. Then on Thursday, another challenger, Michael Cooper, who said the two were on the same side, endorsed Mr. West. “On every single issue that I care about as a progressive, it is clear to me that he is the stronger choice, and I will do everything I can to help him get elected,” Ms. Ramirez said, during a news conference with Sen. West on Monday afternoon in Austin. She added that the senator is also the better choice to “build a multiracial coalition that speaks to the diversity of this state.” She finished third in the polls garnering 13.2% to Senator West’s 14.5% and Ms. Hegar’s 22%. Those figures could change, however. At press time, Dallas County election officials were awaiting a ruling on their request to recount Super Tuesday’s results after discovering 44 thumb drives, which is just about 10% of 454, had not been included in the count. myimessenger.com
CRISTINA TZINTZÚN RAMIREZ JOINS SEN. ROYCE WEST AT PRESS CONFERENCE PLEDGING HER SUPPORT According to Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot, the Dallas County Elections Administrator, Toni Pippins Poole, contacted the Texas Secretary of State and the Dallas County Criminal District Attorney’s Office seeking assistance after discovering discrepancies during the reconciliation process prior to the canvassing process. As legal counsel for the Election Department, DA Creuzot said he took immediate action. “My office filed a pleading with the State District Court to ensure that the election department could legally proceed to count and include all valid ballots in the election results prior to canvassing,” said Mr. Creuzot. “Obviously, every vote should be counted
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and respected. My office will work with local and state officials to ensure that voter participation is protected. My office remains ready to ensure local and state laws and procedures regarding the counting of every vote occurs as contemplated by U.S. and Texas Constitutions, and federal and state law.” Some County officials say they don’t expect the uncounted votes to impact the senatorial race, especially since Sen. West carried Dallas County with a whopping 43.6% of the vote, with Ms. Hegar following with 16%. The senator says he has reached out to other opponents and is expecting to announce more endorsements leading up to the runoff. I MESSENGER
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City of Dallas actively plans for COVID-19 Special Report
Collin County officials announced Monday a “presumptive positive” case of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). A man in his 30s who recently returned from California is stable and in isolation in his Frisco home. Collin County healthcare staff is monitoring the man. Collin County Health Care Services (CCHCS) will await further testing to confirm the preliminary results. The patient’s symptoms have not required hospitalization. CCHCS is also monitoring the man’s family, providing any needed tests and working to identify any contacts who may have been exposed while he was infectious. Anyone found to have had any significant exposure to the patient will be contacted directly by county healthcare staff. The City of Dallas continues to actively plan and prepare for COVID-19, working with Dallas County Health and Human Services on prevention, response and recovery efforts. The immediate risk of transmission remains low and the community is encouraged to remain calm and follow basic infection prevention measures. If you believe you may be at risk of infection with COVID-19 and you develop symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath, call ahead to your healthcare provider OR you may contact Dallas County Health and Human Services at 972-692-2780 between the hours of 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday for additional guidance. If you do not have health insurance, you should MARCH 13, 2020
contact a hospital’s emergency department. You are strongly advised to call ahead to the hospital to ensure medical staff can properly isolate any potential COVID-19 cases. Be sure to tell your healthcare professional about any recent travel or contact. Your healthcare professional may work with the county public health department to determine if you require additional testing. COVID-19 can be spread
While COVID-19 is a new respiratory virus, daily precautions are recommended to prevent spread of all respiratory infections, including the common cold and flu:
from an infected person to others through: Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing; Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands; Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands.
are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
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Practice social distancing (maintain six feet of distance between you and others when possible). Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home when you are sick.
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Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use the elbow portion of your sleeve. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as phones, keyboards and doorknobs. For individuals who are considering travel, they should consult the CDC webpage at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html. Early information out of China, where COVID-19 first started, shows that older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and lung disease are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill. If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, it is critically important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of becoming infected with the disease. For more information for people at risk for serios illness from COVID-19 visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html. City of Dallas leaders are working diligently with local, regional, state and federal partners to prepare for any eventuality regarding COVID-19. You are encouraged to stay informed and to take reasonable measures to decrease personal risk for yourself and your loved ones. myimessenger.com
Black Card 101: Understand the power of “Taking a Knee” during the Coronavirus Climate Let’s dig in now, for the record. In 2016, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick began to kneel on the sideline during the singing of the national anthem to protest the repeated episodes of killing and abuse of Black Americans by police in the past several years. Others have since joined the protest by “taking a knee” during the anthem, leading to an ongoing national impact. The movement proved profound and successful. What does that mean for you as an organization, business and/or leader? It means you must step up and step into your power as a leader and business owner by instilling visible signs of your commitment to business excellence during a social and global crisis such as COVID-19. Many of your stakeholders are unaware of risks, dedication and or intent as you must place their safety first. So, you must take a knee. What does it mean to take a knee for your business? BEGIN TO PRACTICE FAIR BUSINESS PRACTICES! 1)Stay pro-fessional in the times of consumer crisis. Do not engage in myimessenger.com
a shouting match or fear the worst dialogue with your stakeholders. As the consumers began to panic and short sell utilizing small business owners, you have to show that you will create a safe environment for
TBC: The Black Card with
Terry Allen
consumers to engage with you. COVER THE BASICS- TAKE OUT A PRINT AD! 2) Show your customers, members and stakeholders the steps you are taking to create a safe environment when they are engaging in business with you and your establishment. Place a schedule of activity - from wipe downs to active cleaning cycles to safe package sterilization to air filter replacement. Beauty shops, restaurant owners, medical professionals, EVERYBODY get involved! Change your print ad to post your cleaning and safe health policies and timelines. HELP YOUR
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STAKEHOLDERS UNDERSTAND HOW THEY ARE SAFE WITH YOU. 3) Stake holders need to know you are aware and savvy in creating a safe work, consumer and/or engagement environment. Determine a schedule to communicate to your core audiences. CREATE AN ALTERNATIVE ENGAGEMENT EXPERIENCE 4) Utilize service delivery, online sales, social media engagement and print add advertising to show your stakeholders your authenticity and integrity is intact. Let them see safe ways to stay engaged with you. Let them know that your service or product has the best safety and protection to get into their hands. Prepare for calls and questions. Rest assured we at the paper, will help you to create new ads to help your stakeholders navigate the Corona-Scare-us and maintain calm during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. Let us all remain available to your stakeholders. That is my fiddy cents. Keep it or spend it on you! I MESSENGER
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IN MEMORIAM my brothers and sisters a foundation that has allowed us to grow as people and to make contributions to others, “ said Michael Williams, the owner of 3 I Contracting and former player in the National Basketball Association. Armed with degrees from El Centro College and Southern R o o s e v e lt W illia m s Methodist University, Mr. Williams devoted himself to He shall be missed! the community around him. He was an active member of various PTAs, was a leader By Arise & Rejoice News in the Boy Scouts, served Service on the Planning and Zoning One of the finest father Commission in DeSoto and figures in North Texas passed served as a volunteer at recently, and legions of people Meadows Elementary School, remain behind who were teaching children to read. “He touched a multitude of touched by his unrelenting lives,” said Reverend Damien love. Roosevelt Williams, a Williams, the pastor of New veteran of the famed Army Hope Baptist Church where 82nd Airborne Division, a Mr. Williams sang in a male 45-year administrator with choir. “ I know because he touched the U.S. Social Security Administration, and Desoto, my own.” TX civic leader was 82-yearsReflections of a old when he passed. Nation’s Hero! Born in Shreveport, LA Mr. Williams saw little of his birthfather while a young man. When he decided to marry and become a father he said he would embrace his children with love and purpose each day that he lived. And that is exactly what he and his wife, Anna, did. His five children, including one who is the owner Je s s e S ta te n of a successful commercial construction company in Jesse Leon Staten, born Texas, have all done well May 24, 1945 in Dawson, professionally, and as parents. “Our dad gave me and Texas, to Mary B. Raglin, was MARCH 13, 2020
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loved and raised by his parents Otis and Mary B. McGines. After graduating from Dallas’ Lincoln High School in 1964, he enlisted in the United States Army and honorably served our country for two years as a paratrooper from 1965-1967. He was a proud military veteran with courage and strength. His memory lives on at Dallas’ first Homeless Veterans Tiny House, which he named “Airborne.” After serving our country, Jesse worked and retired from two careers—from Cameron Iron in Houston, Texas, where he was a foreman and, most recently, from a 20-year career at Gross International where he worked as an inspector. On January 1, 1989, he married his “Honey” Betty Jean after both their families made a love connection. They married in Las Vegas, Nevada, and had 31 years of loving bliss. Practically inseparable, Jesse and Betty’s relationship was admired by everyone who knew them. Jesse became a member of Inspiring Body of Christ Church, where he served on the Seniors OK Fellowship. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, and his favorite sport, golfing. He played golf with some of his best friends, including two years with members of the Collin County Veterans Coalition. He was a proud military veteran with courage, patriotic devotion and compassion. He gave unselfishly to his country,
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family and others. He named Dallas’ first tiny house for Homeless Veterans “Airborne.” He drove “Airborne” in the 73rd Annual Greater Dallas Veterans Day Parade where his unit won 3rd place for best patriotic float (they would place 1st two years later in 2019, though Jesse was unable to participate). His memories and family legacy live on with the naming of one of Dallas’ tiny house communities for homeless veterans, The Jesse L. Staten Veterans Community, which will stand as a humble reminder of his dedication to our country and compassion for homeless veterans. Jesse was preceded in death by his parents Otis Sr. and Mary B. McGines; two brothers, Otis McGines, Jr. and Roy McGines, and a host of other family members. A proud father who gave unselfishly to his children, family and others in need, Jesse leaves behind many who will celebrate his memory, including his beloved wife, Betty J. Staten; nine children: Karla Staten-Robinson (Dary), Bruce Staten, Robinette Nash, Ronita (Darryl) Bassett, Rhonda (Lawrence) Eves, Roderick (Jada) Murria and Patrick Murria, Valerie Ballard, Dwight (Velquin) Cawthon Jr.; two sisters: Wanda R. McGines and Wilda Kay Burns; one sister-in-law Georgia Louise McGines; two brother-in-laws Ted Burns and Arthur Webb; 20 grandchildren: Ashley (greatgrands Alaina and Amaury), myimessenger.com
Robert, Christian, Bruce Jr., Kortney, Dimonique, Brittany, Jhanae, Roderick Jr., Rozelle, Krystal, Kedra, Kayla, Patrick Jr., Patricia, Andre, DeMarcus, Chelsa, DJ and Lauren; along with several other great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and other relatives and friends who loved him immensely.
A servant leader!
B e tt y F la n a g a n
Betty Carolyn Smith Flanagan was born to Raymond Lee Smith and Antoinette Marie (Epps) Smith on April 2, 1941 in Waskom, Texas. Betty was the second of seven children; Barbara Ray (deceased), Kenneth Raymond (deceased), Joseph Larry (deceased), Helen Denise, Ronald Barry, and Michael Howard and proudly wore the badge of the big sister. At an early age, her Christian foundation was formed at home and was exhibited by her outward expression of baptism at the New Boggy Baptist Church. An avid student from the beginning, she began her education at the New Boggy Elementary School in 1946. She continued her education through the Elysian Fields School District excelling in academics and athletics, and graduated at the top of her class from Booker T. Washington High School in 1958. She matriculated through Bishop College (Marshall/Dallas,Texas) where she received a Bachelor of Science myimessenger.com
degree in 1961. Upon graduation, she began her formal employment with Dallas Independent School District. Betty continued her personal goals in education culminating with earning a Master’s of Education from Prairie View A & M University. Betty’s tenure with Dallas ISD afforded her opportunities to impact many lives beyond the local region for more than five decades. Her expertise and excellence as an educator enabled her to share her knowledge of science in facilitating sessions, seminars and conferences. Betty and Curtis Flanagan (deceased) were united in holy matrimony on October 3, 1971. With their daughters, Sametria and Curtique, they became a loving family. Betty and Curtis were dedicated members of Riverside Missionary Baptist Church where they both faithfully served as deaconess and deacon. Betty also actively supported several church auxiliaries including the Missionary Society, the Building Fund, Vacation Bible School, Baptist Training Union (BTU) and youth groups. Betty was an active member in various civic and community organizations such as the Dallas Metropolitan Business and Professional Women’s Club, and Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated where she held many leadership roles. Her civic involvement also remained connected to her background in education. Betty played a role in important efforts that positively impacted the city of Dallas and DISD as an active participant in the Confluence of Cultures Desegregation Plan for DISD in the 1970s, and within the National Teacher Corps; an organization established to improve the quality of education in disadvantaged areas. Understanding the growing need to care for her aging mother, Betty opted to retire from Dallas ISD in 2010. In her retirement, her love for sports grew even more as “G-mama” cheered up close and
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personal her three “number one g-sons”… HER BOYS. She was truly their #1 fan, and there was rarely a game where you didn’t see her smiling face in the stands. Her patent, high pitch phrase, “HYDRATE AND A DRY TOWEL” became known throughout stadiums, fields and basketball courts in and out of the state. Betty’s life spoke volumes. Her family was her pride and joy. She enjoyed small and big accomplishments with family from school breakfasts and programs, plays and musicals, graduations, weddings and holidays. Her kind spirit led her to assist her church and community. Her love for nature resulted with spending hours upon hours in the garden, nurturing house plants and spent many weekends saleing (visiting estate sales) in the metroplex. Betty Carolyn leaves to cherish her loving memories, her daughters: Sametria, Curtique (Michael); three grandsons: Jamil, Micah and Cameron; one sister: Helen (Jimmy); two brothers: Ronald (Jeanetta) and Michael (Jackie) and “Aunt B’s Cookies”; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and special friends.
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THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW
EDWARD JONES
By VALDER BEEBE
Slow Burn looks back at the fall of a president. Based on the popular podcast, the new EPIX docu-series examines Watergate and the impeachment of Bill Clinton. Host and political reporter Leon Neyfakh discusses with Valder what her viewers will learn in Slow Burn, and how the Watergate scandal and ensuing impeachment hearings compare to what’s taking place in our nation today during a politically tumultuous time. In its first two seasons, the popular podcast series Slow Burn looked back at two of the biggest stories of the late 20th century—the Watergate scandal and the impeachment of Bill Clinton. Expanding on the podcast’s first season, the Slow Burn TV series focuses on the Watergate crisis, excavating the strange subplots and forgotten characters involved in the downfall of a president -- and flashing back to politically tumultuous times not so far removed from today. Both the TV series and MARCH 13, 2020
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podcast are hosted by political reporter Neyfakh, who reported for the New York Observer and The Boston Globe before joining Slate, where he covered the criminal justice system and the Justice Department before co-creating Slow Burn with Andrew Parsons. –Text provided by Leon Neyfakh publicists in conjunction with the Valder Beebe Show VBS: Slow Burn is déjà vu in relations to today’s impeachment hearings in Washington with president Trump. LN: Slow Burn began as a PODCAST now premiering as a TV show on EPIX. What really made it come to life and made listeners really respond. We tried to transport listeners back to a time when no one knew how this historic event [Nixon impeachment] would turn out. It was a time people read the newspapers and watched the News to get event updates. VBS: There were lots of characters who are now iconic; Martha Mitchell 24
aka the mouth of the south, Roger Stone who was just sentenced to prison, Howard Hunt, Leslie Stahl who was reporting on the events. This was enlightening. LN: It was also lots of fun! We wanted to not make it so stoic we wanted to include fun and excitement. We tried to make it like gossip in some places even as these world events were unfolding, in retrospect. VBS: How did the success of showcasing a history event come about for Slow Burn? LN: History itself was central to the PODCAST, Slow Burn that became successful, then we reintroduce urgency, excitement and …….Leon Neyfakh‘s full i n t e r v i e w … … . Yo u Tu b e. com/valderbeebeshow Valder Beebe Show THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW OnDemand video: ValderBeebeShow.com, 411RadioNetwork. com, Youtube.com/valderbeebeshow; PODCAST audio: Soundcloud.com/valderbeebeshow, Soundcloud.com/ kkvidfw; Broadcast:KYBS FM Y99.9, KRER FM 102.5, Streaming TV PChatman Network and VBS affiliate broadcasters; On-Demand 411 RadioNetwork.com,. – Now available on 411RadioNetwork APP . Valder Beebe Show is a Power of 3 Women media influencer consortium partner. myimessenger.com
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Mavericks hold Annual Mavs Ball for area charities Story and photos By Dorothy J. Gentry
The Dallas Mavericks raised more than $1.1 million for Dallas/Fort Worth-area charities at its 5th Annual Mavs Ball, held Saturday night at Million Air Hangar in Addison. More than 800 people in attendance – including Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price - were treated to cocktails, dinner and
M a v e ric k D o ria n F in n e y -S m ith a n d Ja z m y n e B ra n c h
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entertainment from magician Justin Flom with the entire Dallas Mavericks team and organization including all the players, Head Coach Rick Carlisle, Owner Mark Cuban, General Manager Donnie Nelson and CEO Cynt Marshall. “The Mavs Foundation is on fire,” Ms. Marshall told the crowd. “It’s remarkable the players are here tonight. They played Wednesday in a thrilling
overtime, played last night and play tomorrow, but they still came tonight. It’s amazing to see their support for the community and our organization.” While fans and guests walked the Mavs Blue Carpet, the players made a grand entrance, to the Blue Carpet presented by Chime, by rolling in on The Bombardier Global 6000 plane. Proceeds from the Mavs Ball benefit the Mavs
C o m m is s io n e r Jo h n W ile y P rice
M a v e ric k M ic h a e l K id d -G ilc h ris t a n d D e s tin y B ro w n
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Foundation basketball courts and learning centers and will help fund grants to organizations like Agape Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Dallas County Juvenile Department, Family Gateway, Scottish Rite for Children and more. “When you’re raising money for charity it’s always a great thing,” said Mavs assistant coach Darrell Armstrong. “I look forward to it every year.”
M a v s C E O C y n t M a rs h a ll, h e r s o n A n th o n y a n d h u s b a n d K e n .
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Te a m P h o to : C o u r te s y D a lla s M a v e ric k s
M a v s M a a n ia c s L e a d e r B ig Ta ll R o b a n d h is w ife L a D o n n a
M a v s A s s is ta n t C o a c h Je n n y B o u ce k
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V o ice o f th e D a lla s M a v e ric k s C h u c k C o o p e rs te in a n d w ife K a th e rin e
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Panther Pride!
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The Duncanville Pantherettes reclaimed their crown on Saturday in San Antonio. The team brought home the girls basketball 6A State Championship on Saturday after defeating Cypress Creek 63-47. The title is the 11th in Duncanville High School history. This is Coach
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LaJeanna Howard's first year as head coach of the Pantherettes, and, for her, the victory is especially sweet. Coach Howard won a state championship as a player, as a Pantherettes assistant coach and now has a state championship title as the Pantherettes head coach. Panther Prints photographer Emily Cruz.
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
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Hanging with Hollywood
THE WAY BACK MOVIE REVIEW BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ
Ben Affleck is Jack Cunningham in the new inspiring sports movie called The Way Back. Jack is a former basketball high school standout who returns to coach his old team after the current head coach suffers a heart attack. Affleck’s character is at the bottom of the barrel in his life after suffering tragedies that lead him to the local bar every night. A friend of his father comes to his aide every night to pull him out of the bar and get him home. One of the tragedies that have him down in the dumps is the recent death of his father. He also lost his son and his wife has left him. myimessenger.com
old ways and loses his job as the coach. The Way Back is a great sports movie. The action and the inspiration of the story will keep you enthralled throughout the movie. The movie is also a redemption story with Affleck’s character overcoming his tribulations to get his life back. Affleck delivers a strong performance as the tormented coach. The movie is rated R for language. (Affleck curses like a sailor in the movie.) It has a run time of 1 hour and 48 minutes. On my “Hollywood Popcorn way, he gets back his passion for the game and his passion Scale” I rate The Way Back for life. However, when a LARGE. another tragedy comes his way, he falls back into his After a slow start, he whips his unmotivated team into a winning group; teaching the boy’s life lessons along with basketball. Also, along the
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