I Messenger

MARCH 6, 2020

VOL IX NO 29

I M essenger

ELECTION 2020

BIDEN WINS BIG WEST HEADED FOR RUNOFF

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MARCH 6, 2020

I MESSENGER

Reed named External Affairs Manager Comerica Inc. has commercial real estate promoted Vanessa T. division, and most recently Reed to Regional External served as the Texas Affairs Manager reporting External Affairs Manager, to Chief Community which included the bank’s Officer Irvin Ashford Jr. corporate headquarters In this role, Reed market of Dallas as well oversees external affairs as Austin, Fort Worth, operations in Arizona, Kerrville, Houston and Florida, Michigan and San Antonio.

V a n e s s a R e e d Texas. Her team of six will She has served as Chair continue to work closely of the Board of Directors with the bank’s nonprofit partners and for Change Happens and Fort Bend other key stakeholders in the respective Church’s Accounting Team Ministry. markets Comerica Bank serves; with a In addition, Ms. Reed is a member of primary focus on financial education the leadership advisory committee for initiatives and programs for children Houston Money Week and the Houston and adults as well as economic/ Metropolitan Continental Societies, Inc. community development for programs board. that promote and enhance opportunities Ms. Reed is a recognized leader for low-and moderate-income families and serves as a subject matter expert and communities through: job creation on community development and training, readiness and retention; engagement in both Texas and her home neighborhood/community revitalization state Louisiana. and business development; small She’s received several honors since business training and development; beginning her career at Comerica and affordable housing advocacy and Bank, including being named to D-mar development.

Business Journal’s Top 30 Influential “Vanessa’s increasing responsibilities Women of Houston list, the Chatman in external affairs and the strong Women’s Foundation 2017 Inaugural community relationships she’s built over PowHer Play Award and This Woman’s the years, coupled with her banking Work 2018 Community Advocate background has prepared her for this Award. opportunity,� said Mr. Ashford. “Under A graduate of the University of New Vanessa’s leadership, her team is well- Orleans, Ms. Reed holds a bachelor’s positioned to deliver on Comerica’s degree in Business Management with a Promise of raising expectations in the concentration in accounting. communities we serve.�

Ms. Reed joined Comerica Bank in 2000 as a credit specialist in the

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myimessenger.com

INSIDE

TRUTH

CORONAVIRUS

TSU

Heavy sigh.

Shaking my head.

Feeling the pain.

In Dallas, TX, a trial began this week and yet another Black man, Desmond Jones, is a defendant; standing trial for the 2017 vicious murder of 13-year-old Shavon Randle.

While shopping at a Dallas upholstery supply store, Lucy Bocanegra was surprised to see a clerk wearing a respiratory mask.

He said he was afraid he would get infected with the coronavirus and that was enough to convince Ms. Bocanegra to start buying disposable masks just in case the coronavirus spreads to Dallas.

No wrongdoing, with a confirmation by the TSU Board’s attorney that he did nothing wrong.

No termination, but a mutual buyout of his contract.

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Voters want a better climate!

The numbers of American voters that want a better climate continue to rise, making the issue a pivotal one in national politics.

A recent study by the Pew Research Center concludes that two-thirds of Americans have serious concerns about the effects that a warming climate has on the quality of the environment, on public health and on productivity.

The authors of the study, which included researchers from Yale and George Mason University, found that a majority of voters believed that presidential and congressional candidates should consider climate change as a serious issue.

The study, conducted in January of this year, found that Democratic voters were the most adamant about climate change, reflecting the positions held by the leadership of their party. myimessenger.com

whelming majority of members of the nation’s scientific community.

They believe that there must be a substantial reduction in the release of greenhouse gas emissions.

Scientists concerned about the future of the environment and the planet have raised concerns since the 1800s.

Now is the time to do something about it. We can no longer ignore what we see taking place right before our own eyes.

The weather patterns have become dangerous in some parts of our country with deadly flooding and uncontrollable wildfires.

We must not turn away. We must follow the wishes of the American people as represented in this Pew study and take prudent actions that will protect ourselves, and the yet born.

FROM THE CAPITOL

BY CONGRESSWOMAN EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

Those who identified themselves as Republicans were less inclined to support laws and policies that would impact climate change, the researchers found.

Unfortunately, many of them are heavily influenced by their party’s national leadership which has not made climate change an important issue.

They continue to refute the positions of some of the nation’s top scientists who repeatedly say that the continued dependence on fossil fuels is not in the best interests of our nation, or its people.

The majority of respondents to the Pew study agreed with the position of the Democratic Party, and with the over-

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I MESSENGER

MARCH 6, 2020

MY TRUTH

by Cheryl Smith, Publisher

Come strong or stay home I v o t e e a r ly b e c a u s e t o m o r ro w is n o t p ro m is e d . I re m e m b e r t a k in g m y G o d m o t h e r t o v o t e fo r S e n .

B a r a c k H u s s e in O b a m a fo r p re s id e n t .

W h ile s h e w a s n o t w it h u s t o w it n e s s t h e in a u g u r a t io n s h e w a s p ro u d t o v o t e a n d a ls o h e a r t h e re s u lt s o f t h e h is t o r ic e le c t io n . S h e fe lt s t ro n g ly a b o u t v o t in g a n d s h e w a s n ’t in t im id a t e d b y t h e a b u n d a n c e o f M c C a in / P a lin s ig n s w e s a w a ro u n d C a iro , G A .

A ll e le c t io n s a re v e r y im p o r t a n t a n d s a d ly m a n y s t ill fo re g o t h e p ro c e s s . O n n u m e ro u s o c c a s io n s I h a v e b e e n a s k e d if Te x a s M e t ro N e w s w o u ld e n d o r s e c a n d id a te s.

W e a re m o v in g t o t h a t p o in t , d e s p it e o p p o s it io n t h a t s a y s t h e B la c k p re s s s h o u ld n o t e n d o r s e b e cau se : 1 . Yo u d o n ’t h a v e t h e lu x MARCH 6, 2020

I MESSENGER

u r y (re s o u rc e s ) o f t h e m a in s t re a m p re s s ; 2 . Yo u r re a d e r s d o n ’t lis t e n t o s o u n d re a s o n in g b e c a u se m a n y c h o o se p e rso n a lit ie s o v e r is s u e s ; 3 . C a n d id a t e s t a k e it p e r s o n a lly a n d w o n ’t a d v e r t is e w it h y o u if y o u e n d o r s e t h e ir o p p o n e n t ; a n d 4 . P o lit ic ia n s a re d is h o n e st.

W e ll w h a t a re s o m e g o o d re a s o n s fo r e n d o r s in g ?

1 . Yo u k n o w t h e re a l d ir t t h e g o o d , b a d a n d u g ly ; 2 . P e o p le t r u s t y o u ; a n d 3 . W h o b e t t e r t o t e ll t h e t r u t h , a c c u r a t e ly a n d fa ir ly ?

T h e re a re p e o p le w h o w a n t t o h e a r fro m t h e B la c k P re s s . T h e y g e t in fo r - m a t io n o n s o m a n y t o p ic s b u t t h e y t h ir s t fo r m o re o n t h e c o n t ro v e r s ia l a n d s o m e t im e s v o la t ile s u b je c t s .

N o , t h e y a re n ’t b e g g in g fo r g o s s ip o r s a la c io u s n e s s .

W h a t t h e y w a n t is s o m e o n e 4

t o b re a k d o w n s o m e o f t h e s e n s e le s s s t u ff w e w it n e s s a n d p u t in t o p e r s p e c t iv e .

W h ic h b r in g s m e t o m y tru th !

T h e B la c k P re s s h a s t o b e v o c a l! W e h a v e t o re t u r n t o t h o s e d a y s o f fe a r le s s n e s s w h e re w e c a lle d o u t p e o p le w h o w e re w ro n g a n d s t o o d u p fo r t h o s e w h o w e re r ig h t .

Ye s , t im e s h a v e c h a n g e d .

R e - m e m b e r th e d a y s, w h e n y o u t o ld s o m e o n e t o g o s it d o w n b e c a u se th e y h a d n o b u s in e s s e v e n t h in k in g a b o u t r u n n in g fo r o ffi c e .

To d a y y o u a re s u p p o s e d to k e e p y o u r m o u th sh u t to k e e p th e p e a c e . B u t w h o b e n e fi t s fro m y o u r s ile n c e ?

D r. M a r t in L u t h e r K in g J r. s a id , ”In t h e E n d , w e w ill re m e m b e r n o t t h e w o rd s o f o u r e n e m ie s , b u t t h e s ile n c e o f o u r fr ie n d s .”

T h e re w a s a t im e w h e n B la c k p e o -p le lo o k e d t o t h e B la c k p re s s fo r t h a t fr ie n d myimessenger.com

s h ip b e c a u s e w e w e re n ’t g e t t in g lo v e a n y p la c e e ls e .

T h o s e s o ld ie r s w it h o u t s w o rd s n o t o n ly s h a re d t h e n e w s , t h e y s p re a d t h e t r u t h a n d le t t h e h it d o g h o lle r.

N o w so m e o f th e m e ss a g e s c o u ld b e s h a r p a n d d o w n r ig h t h u r t fu l. B u t t h e y w e re fo r t h e g re a t e r g o o d .

T h e re w ill c o m e a t im e w h e n t h e re w ill b e e n d o r s e m e n t s fro m t h is p u b li- c a t io n , a n d o t h e r I M e s s e n g e r M e d ia o u t le t s . W e ’re g o in g t o c o m e c o r re c t .

W e w ill d o o u r re s e a rc h a n d re s t k n o w in g w e w o n ’t b e fo r s a le !

A d v e r t is in g w it h u s is t h e r ig h t t h in g t o d o , w h e t h e r w e e n d o r s e y o u o r n o t . Yo u s h o u ld w a n t t o re a c h o u r re a d e r s ! If w e d o n ’t e n d o r s e y o u , w e w ill t e ll y o u w h y .

W h e n y o u c h o o se n o t to a d v e r t is e w it h u s , y o u a re s p e a k in g v o lu m e s .

W h e n y o u d o n ’t p a y , o r t r y t o d e v a lu e u s ; y o u a re s e n d in g a m e s s a g e . S o m e p u b lis h e r s w a n t t o le t re a d e r s k n o w w h e n t h is h a p p e n s .

A s a t t e m p t s a re u n d e r w a y t o b u ild a re s p e c t e d a n d q u a lit y p u b lic a t io n , w e a re myimessenger.com

g e t t in g o u r s e lv e s t o g e t h e r fo r t h a t d a y w h e n w e c a n w it h s t a n d a n y a s s a u lt s t h a t c o m e fro m o u r e ff o r t s t o e d u c a t e , e n lig h t e n a n d in fo r m .

W e b e g a n t h is jo u r n e y b y e s t a b lis h in g a p u b lic a t io n w it h jo u r n a lis m a t it s c o re .

W e ’re a t e a m o f a w a rd -w in n in g jo u r n a lis t s , jo u r n a lis m e d u c a t o r s a n d c o m m u n ic a t io n s /m e d ia p ro fe s s io n a ls w h o h a v e w h a t it t a k e s t o p ro d u c e a s t e lla r p u b lic a t io n a n d w e ’re c o n t in u in g t o b u ild . M a n y a re s t u d e n t s o f e t h ic s a n d c o m m u n ic a t io n s la w .

O t h e r s w h ile w e ll-v e r s e d in t h e A s s o c ia t e d P re s s S t y le b o o k , a ls o re a liz e t h e im p o r t a n c e o f o u r o w n s t y le a n d n u a n c e s th a t sp e a k to o u r re a lit ie s , o u r s t r u g g le s , o u r liv e s .

W e ’re c o n s t a n t ly lo o k in g fo r m o re t a le n t , in t e r n s , v o lu n t e e r s a n d s e a -s o n e d p ro fe s s io n a ls . W e ’re e m b r a c in g t e c h n o lo g y a n d c o lla b o r a t in g w it h o t h e r s t o m a x im iz e o u r re s o u rc e s ; w h ile b u ild in g a n d s h a r in g .

W e m u s t , in t h e s p ir it o f t h e B la c k P re s s c re d o , p le a d 5

o u r o w n c a u se . W e w a n t to t e ll o u r s t o r ie s . W e w a n t t o b e t h e v o ic e fo r t h e v o ic e le s s .

W e h a v e m o re re s o u rc e s t o d a y t o g iv e m o re fo lk s a v o ic e b u t w e s t ill h a v e t o t a k e in t o c o n s id e r a t io n t h a t t h e re a re m a n y w h o s t ill fi n d t h e ir v o ic e s m u t e d .

A n d ju s t b e c a u s e s o m e o n e h a s a p la t fo r m d o e s n o t m e a n th e y h a v e ta k e n th e s t e p s t o b e a d e q u a t e ly p re p a re d t o u s e t h a t p la t fo r m fo r t h e b e n e fi t o f o t h e r s .

Yo u m ig h t fi n d s o m e o n e t o t a lly a b u s in g t h e p la t fo r m , t h e m s e lv e s a n d s o c ie t y . Yo u h a v e t o k n o w t h e d if fe re n c e !

W e s t a n d o n t h e s h o u ld e rs o f m e n a n d w o m e n w h o m a k e u s fe e l t h e n e e d t o c o m e s t ro n g a n d t h a t ’s w h a t w e a re w o r k in g o n .

W e fe e l a m o r a l o b lig a t io n .

W e ’re p ro v id in g t h a t s t ro n g b ase so w h e n w e d o e n d o r s e , re a d e r s w ill t r u s t a n d b e lie v e , a n d t a k e u s t o t h e p o lls w it h t h e m !

If y o u b e lie v e in y o u r s e lf e n o u g h t o r u n fo r o ffi c e , m a k e s u re y o u a lw a y s d o t h e r ig h t t h in g !

I MESSENGER

MARCH 6, 2020

Coronavirus: Stay informed, be prepared and don’t panic

By Rebecca Aguilar

While shopping at a Dallas upholstery supply store, Lucy Bocanegra was surprised to see a clerk wearing a respiratory mask.

He said he was afraid he would get infected with the coronavirus and that was enough to convince Ms. Bocanegra to start buying disposable masks just in case the coronavirus spreads to Dallas.

“It’s on my shopping list,” she said, adding “So is bottled water, canned food, and Pedialyte in case we have to hydrate due to fever.”

But medical experts in Dallas say there is no need for people to start stockpiling face masks, because of the illness, known as COVID-19. “At this point, Texas is very low-risk for the coronavirus,” said Marisa Gonzalez, Dallas County Health and Human Services (DHHS) public information officer.

Currently there are no reported cases of coronavirus in Texas, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed multiple cases of COVID-19 in people under federal quarantine at Lackland Air force base in San Antonio. They were moved to San Antonio from a cruise ship docked in Japan.

COVID-19 was first detected in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) the virus was found in a MARCH 6, 2020

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group suffering from pneumonia. Most worked in the seafood and live animal market in Wuhan. The illness spread to family members and healthcare staff in Wuhan. The World Health Organization said the coronavirus can also be transmitted from animals to humans, which is called a “spillover event.”

said she is confident the county is prepared to deal with the coronavirus, because of the Ebola crisis in 2014.

Health department officials were on the frontlines of the Ebola crisis when a man who had arrived in Dallas from Monrovia, Liberia, was diagnosed with the deadly disease. He was the first person to die of Ebola in the US. “We know maintaining contact with hospitals, medical care providers, and also keeping the public informed is important because there was a lot of hysteria during the Ebola outbreak,” she said.

How to Protect Yourself

Saturday, the CDC con-firmed the first COVID-19 death in the US. The victim was a 50-year-old man hospitalized in the state of Washington.

It’s still not known how he was infected.

“This is a respiratory illness just like the flu,” said Ms. Gonzalez, adding that 17 have died of the flu in Dallas County but none so far from COVID-19. She

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DHHS is recommending taking the same measures used to fight getting the flu, as protection from the coronavirus. Ms. Gonzalez said, stick to the basics. “We’re going to tell you the same preventive measures as we would for flu, which is washing your hands periodically or frequently with warm water and soap. Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue and dispose of it.”

She added, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Also, stay away from people who are sick, and don’t go myimessenger.com

to work or school if you are ill.

Also, clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are frequently touched like a computer keyboard and phones.

Boma Kalio is a personal masseuse in Dallas. During the Ebola crisis, she noticed that half of her congregation at her church did not attend Sunday service.

She’s already taking precautions for COVID-19.

“I’ve told my clients, if they are sick that I cannot see them. I still come to church, but because of the coronavirus, I am full-blown cautious.”

The Dallas County Health Department is working closely with state, local, and federal agencies to stop the spread of the coronavirus. “Once we actually identify one that is a positive confirmed case of COVID-19, we will definitely let the media and the public myimessenger.com

day. But she has already spent about $100 on face masks for herself and three children because she fears the COVID-19. “It makes me feel safe, and I have little ones, and I figured there is no harm in me doing so.”

Health officials are discouraging the stockpiling of face masks because if you’re not sick, you don’t need to wear one. Ms. Gonzalez said, wearing a face mask when you’re not ill could make things worse. “When you wear that mask, we tend to touch our face more, and then you have those germs on your hands because you’re touching things and shaking hands, and that’s how it spreads.”

The CDC recommends that people who show symptoms of COVID-19-like fever and cough should wear a mask to help prevent the spread of the illness to others. Also, health workers and caregivers in private homes and health care facilities should use a face mask.

But having a good supply of surgical face masks right now puts Ms. Perez at ease.

Crystal Perez “The incubation period is 14 has spent about days vs. the flu is three days. It is a slow virus. It’s not as quick as the $100 on face flu. That is the worrisome part and masks for her paranoia I have.”

family.

know,” said Ms. Gonzalez.

The health department is encouraging businesses, churches, schools, and even hospitals to have a preparedness plan if they suspect someone has the illness.

Will a Mask Protect You From COVID-19?

Crystal Perez works at a Dallas hospital where she wears a disposable mask because she works in a clinic where sick people come in and out all

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Separating Facts from Fiction Today with social media, it is easy to get caught up in a frenzy of fear because of misinformation, gossip, and rumors about the coronavirus. Ms. Gonzalez recommends that the public turn to the websites of their local health department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to get facts on COVID-19, “It’s all about education. If you’re informed, you won’t panic because you’ll know what to do. Knowledge is power.”

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MARCH 6, 2020

Trump’s 2021 budget reflects THE LAST WORD

45 budget cuts the Transportation Department by 13 percent, cutting highway infrastructure programs DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX and transit grants. The Department of Interior is proposed to shoulder a 13 percent cut, reducing land If you tell me how you spend your acquisition, conservation, and assistance money, I can tell you what your values are. for Native American tribes.

You say you are a Christian but neither This administration’s hostility toward tithe nor have a church home. You say support civil rights but have no connection environmental protection is evidenced to a civil rights organization. You love by the fact that Mandy Gunasekara, who your alma mater never contribute to the spearheaded the rollback on President place. Put your money where your mouth Obama’s Clean Power Plan, is returning to the EPA as chief of staff this spring. is. Budgets are reflections of values.

Thus, I was unsurprised with the budget She has advocated scaling back rules on our forty-fifth President (also known as greenhouse emissions and is credited “Forty-five”) proposed to Congress on with urging the President to leave the February 10. His budget - cuts domestic Paris accord. Until 2017, the world has programs, maintains defense spending looked toward the United States for and targets poor people. It cuts education, global leadership, but this most recent housing, and environmental protection. budget would reduce our involvement It would eliminate our art and cultural in world affairs. The State Department agencies, including the National Institute and USAID would be cut by $12 billion, for the Arts, the National Institutes for more than a fifth less than last year.

Humanities, and the Corporation for Virtually everything in the USAID and State budgets is reduced, including Public Broadcasting.

Forty-five’s hostility to poor people is humanitarian aid, contributions to reflected in reductions in Medicaid, food international organizations, and cultural stamps, and the CHIP program, which exchanges; only Ivanka Trump’s Women’s provides health care for poor children. Global Development fund seems to And while he is starving poor people, he have been protected, with its allocation insists on preserving the 2017 tax cuts doubling!

The Department of Veteran’s Affairs that mostly benefitted the wealthy. I’m not surprised that “45” maintains his is the only Cabinet agency that will hostility to the poor. We’ve seen this in experience a double-digit budget increase the previous budgets that he’s presented of 12 percent. After a series of scandals to Congress. He favors cuts in domestic involving the delivery of health service to spending, increases in military spending, the nation’s veterans, few would dispute a wall (which he has directed the the need for a stronger agency. But Pentagon to fund), and indifference to the wonders if the $12 billion increase in this agency’s budget will improve efficiency, environment.

The budget shows contempt for the or if it is merely pandering to veterans, a planet and its survival. 45 would cut core part of the President’s base.

NASA is another agency that gets a the Environmental Protection Agency’s budget by more than a quarter, through double-digit budget increase, partly to the EPA budget, and even more with fund space exploration. The Defense environmental initiatives that are Department budget remains relatively embedded in other budgets. For example, flat, with an increase at just one-tenth with our crumbling infrastructure, the of one percent. The budget is generous MARCH 6, 2020

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enough, however, to purchase new nuclear warheads and new missiles. It also will fund an arms race with China and Russia.

What if just a tenth of the “defense” (I consider it an offense) budget were devoted to human needs? That would be $70 billion to, perhaps, restore the $9.5 billion Health and Human Services cut, restore the $5.6 billion Department of Education cuts, to restore the $1.3 billion cut to the Labor Department (“savings” will be realized by cutting unemployment insurance, and payment to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, among other programs/ That $70 billion could also restore the $1.9 billion cut from the Agriculture Department.

I’m fantasizing, of course. Few in our warmongering nation would have the nerve to cut the defense budget. Predatory capitalism and the war-industrial complex will keep our “defense” department in business, with companies that manufacture nuclear warheads, missiles, and more, raking in record profits.

This budget illustrates what this administration is all about. It is hostile to poor folks, to culture, to education, and to farmers. It is unwilling to spend money on international relations. It is willing to continue to reward the wealthy for just being wealthy. It reflects forty-five’s values.

But there’s good news. Congress has failed to pass forty-five’s budget in the past, and they probably won’t pass it this time either. With a Democratic majority in the House, human needs will likely have a higher priority. It won’t cut State and USAID budgets. It’s a good thing Congress has more of a conscience than the President does. But this budget is a wake-up call for those who want health care and also a second Trump term. The two are incompatible.

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

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MARCH 6, 2020

Million Dollar Allegations TSU Board of Regents leave taxpayers on the hook for over $1 million based on unproven charges against former TSU President Dr. Austin Lane

by Jeffrey

L. Boney

of the TSU Board of Regents to air out their grievances during a 13-hour mediation on Monday, February 17th.

The TSU Board of Regents released a statement after parting ways with Dr. Lane, stating: The Board of Regents today announced that Dr. Austin Lane has entered into a settlement agreement with the University, officially ending his tenure with TSU. The agreement was reached after a 13-hour mediation session on Monday in which both sides aired their grievances before a former judge. Dr. Lane accepted the mediator’s settlement agreement, and the full Board was made aware of the details of that agreement at today’s Board meeting and voted unanimously to accept the terms of the settlement. The Board believes that the settlement agreement is in the best interest of moving forward the academic mission of TSU, and in the best interests of the students, faculty and the community at large.

Prior to this blowup, Dr. Lane had a little more than 2 ½ years left on his recently renewed threeyear contract and had become a beloved University President by many in the community.

Houston Forward Times

No

wrongdoing,

with

a

confirmation by the TSU Board’s

attorney that he did nothing wrong.

No termination, but a mutual buyout of his contract.

The cost to mutually settle with Dr. Austin Lane after bringing allegations to the forefront and choosing to continue with narratives that have now turned out to be unfounded – nearly $900,000 of taxpayer dollars. And, that is just scratching the surface.

Here are several other cost factors that taxpayers should be concerned about: Roughly $500k that the TSU Board of Regents spent for three law firms and a PR firm Potential decrease in funding from donors for TSU Maroon & Gray Gala for scholarships Potential decrease in student enrollment for the fall semester, which determines the future funding from that the state gives to public institutions based on a formula Money spent at Houstonian Hotel when Dr. Lane was placed on paid leave of absence

D r. A u s tin L a n e participation and financial support of TSU When added up, as one can see, the financial impact of this situation has cost taxpayers and Texas Southern University well over $1 million, both directly and indirectly.

According to a Confidential Settlement Agreement between TSU and Dr. Lane, that the Houston Forward Times has received, the settlement agreement reveals that Dr. Lane will receive a whopping $100,000 as “compensation for alleged emotional distress, damage to his reputation and mental anguish.”

The settlement agreement was approved by the TSU Board of Regents on Thursday, February Dr. Lane and his wife, Loren The negative impact on the 20th, after Dr. Lane and his Lane, also released a statement: TSU brand Dear TSU Faculty, Staff, Students, Potential decrease in alumni attorneys met with several members

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and Alums: My wife Loren and I would like to thank each of you for allowing us to serve at this indomitable institution, The Texas Southern University! Our last four years have been the best four years of our lives and we can only hope that we lived up to your expectations of making TSU the best HBCU in the country. With your input, recommendations, and support, we were able to do great things in a very short period of time: Brought homecoming traditions (parade in 2016; football game in 2019) back to the yard, increasing community and alumni engagement Construction of new 100,000-squarefoot library learning center, expanding access to research and tools for students, faculty, staff, and alums Creation of a capital expenditure plan, reallocating funds to make much-needed campus infrastructure improvements and reduce deferred maintenance Safety enhancements, including the hiring of new TSU Department of Public Safety leadership, a new studentfocused policing philosophy, overhaul of the policing fleet, and improved campus lighting Revival of Greek life, expanding the number of fraternities and sororities and bringing some off of probationary status Clearance of NCAA probation for the TSU athletic program, along with record-breaking academic successes and graduation rates for TSU student-athletes Acceptance of the largest single gift from an individual (approximately $3 million) from the estate of alumnus Joan M. Lafleur to the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences Establishing the Maroon & Gray Affair annual fundraiser for student scholarships and programs, resulting in more than $3 million raised Increase in enrollment over targeted myimessenger.com

projections, including double digit percentage growth in 2017, and further growth in 2018 Increase in persistence & graduation rates, following enhancement of the Freshman Seminar course and Project Graduation –a customized pathway to student success and completion Over a three-year period, TSU’s investment rating from Moody’s Investor Services improved from ‘negative’ to ‘stable’ to ‘positive,’ resulting in more favorable borrowing scenarios for TSU in the future Hosting the ABC News Democratic Debate, becoming the first HBCU to host such a debate in more than a decade; the debate brought incalculable attention to TSU Received a $5.1 million CPRIT (Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas) grant, helping TSU become a major player in cancer research and prevention Received a $2.7 million grant from the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the Charles Koch Foundation to fund the newly-established Center for Justice Research Implemented a comprehensive compensation study, resulting in a new salary and compensation structure that addresses internal equity for all TSU faculty and staff Formed partnerships with Harris County and the City of Houston to launch major improvements to streets and roads surrounding the TSU campus Entered into a leading-edge partnership with Houston METRO to pilot an autonomous vehicle/shuttle service along the Tiger Walk; the project also resulted in research opportunities for students and faculty in TSU’s Center for Transportation Studies Achieved major successes in the 85th and 86th Texas legislative sessions, resulting

in increased funding and appropriations for campus programs and infrastructure, and fixing an athletics fee issue that will ensure sustained funding for all athletics programs These are just a few of our accomplishments that led to the success of our top five priorities (Student Success and Completion, Academic Program Quality and Research, Culture, Partnerships and Finances) and shared vision we created in 2016. TSU will always be the Heart & Soul of Houston and will forever have a special place in our hearts. We are moving on with our heads held high knowing we did our best and that its confirmed and on record that we did nothing wrong.

Go Tigers, Dr. Austin A. Lane First Lady, Loren R. Lane Filling Dr. Lane’s shoes will be a challenge, especially because of his popularity with the students, alumni and the community, but the process of finding his replacement must happen and happen quickly. In the meantime, it will be incumbent on the TSU Board of Regents to ensure the University’s progress is not stifled and that there is no regression after this move.

A bigger question that many in the community have is, does the TSU Board of Regents see the error of its ways? An even bigger question than that is, was the over $1 million that the TSU Board of Regents cost the taxpayers and the University, worth it, but more importantly, will they bring or have they brought in enough money through giving and fundraising to offset the costs of their seemingly disastrous decision?

Time will tell!

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IS BIDEN THE ONE? Super Tuesday yields surprises VP BIDEN, ON CAMPAIGN TRAIL IN DALLAS, PICKS UP KEY ENDORSEMENTS PHOTO BY EVA COLEMAN

Election 2020 yielded surprising results as the battleground for president narrowed significantly with the exits of Democratic candidates Amy Klobuchar, Pete Buttigieg and Tom Steyer, just before Super Tuesday.

According to unofficial results, former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie

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Sanders were the big winners as voters went to the polls in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Democrats Abroad, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Virginia.

Then on Wednesday morning former New York mayor Mike Bloomberg

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suspended his campaign and endorsed Mr. Biden.

In Texas, all eyes were on the crowded field of Democrats seeking to unseat Republican Senator John Cornyn.

As late as Wednesday afternoon there was still one county unreported, M.J. Hegar leading, with Cristina TzintzĂşn

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Ramirez and State Sen. Royce West neck-in-neck. Late that evening Ramirez conceded.

For complete election results, go to www.MYIMESSENGER.com.

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NTIF.org • 214-821-4173 Discount tickets for saturDay anD sunDay at tom thumb anD albertsons

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Delta Sigma Theta Gift creates $301,000 Endowed Scholarship at Texas Southern University

Dr. Gregory Maddox, Dean-Graduate School and Director of International Programs, TSU; Thelma Kennedy-Malveaux, Co-chair, Scholarships and Awards; Nita Gilbert, Co-chair, Scholarships and Awards; Jona Sargent, President, HAC-DST; Ken Huewitt, Acting TSU President; Melinda Spaulding, VP for Institutional Advancement; Connie L. Cochran, Asst. VP of Alumni Relations & Special Events; and Louis Edwards, Director of Donor Relations

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More Texas Southern University students will experience the enrichment of studyingabroadbecause of TSU Alumna Anna Pearl Barrett and the Houston Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The sorority presented the university with $150,500 from Ms. Barrett’s bequest tothesorority, whichwas matchedby TSU’s Foundation to create one of the institution’s largest endowments: the Anna Pearl Barrett Houston Alumnae Chapter, DeltaSigmaThetaSorority, Inc., Memorial EndowedScholarship.

The$301,000investment will financially assist students whodesiretostudy in other countries and fulfills the one of the goals of International Awareness andInvolvement, part of thesorority’s Five-Point ProgrammaticThrust.

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Jig into Fair Park: North Texas Irish Festival Oh, Danny Boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling everyone to Fair Park in Dallas for the 38th Annual North Texas Irish Festival to celebrate the rich tradition of Irish and Celtic culture March 6-8 with a family-friendly and tons of fun three-day festival.

Tens of thousands will come from across Texas and other parts of the country to visit one of the largest Irish festivals in the U.S., a signature cultural event that features live music, dancing, storytelling, chef demonstrations and more on 13 stages throughout Fair Park.

Attendees will also enjoy horse shows, beer and whiskey tasting, genealogy research opportunities, shopping, animal rescue groups, child-friendly entertainment, and free arts and crafts for the kids.

Now in its 38th year, the North Texas Irish Festival is unique as the largest cultural celebration in DFW, and one of the largest Irish festivals in the U.S. It is produced annually by 600 volunteers, some of whom have volunteered for decades, often alongside generations of their families.

“We are honored that people choose to bring their families to our festival year after year,” said Sheri Bush, president of the Southwest Celtic Music Association Inc., the organization that produces the North Texas Irish Festival and provides music and dance scholarships to local students.

“Those of us who volunteer for the festival do this out of love for the culture, and because we want to share that with everyone. From our ‘festival family’ to yours, we hope you enjoy this labor of love.”

Music, dancing, whiskey tastings, horse displays, Celtic storytelling, animal rescue groups, Shepherd’s pie, Irish stew, dozens of activities for kids and childfriendly entertainment, and chef demonstrations are all found at this family-friendly festival that includes myimessenger.com

13 stages of entertainment.

Back by popular demand after a successful inaugural race is the North Texas Irish Festival Fun Run, the perfect opportunity to kick up your heels. Perfect for runners or walkers of any age or ability (and dogs, of course!), this non-timed 5K fun run benefits the Southwest Celtic Music Association.

A l l registered r u n participants will receive a T-shirt, a “bottle opener” medal, one ticket to the North Texas Irish Festival, and two beers after the run if you are of legal drinking age.

Music The heart and soul of the North Texas Irish Festival is the music, which goes on all weekend long and features musicians and bands from around the world. National headlining performers are: Altan, JigJam, Lunasa, The Logues, Ashley Davis, Calan, Ed Miller and Rich Brotherton, and Celtic Aire (the premier Celtic and folk ensemble of the United States Air Force). A host of regional performers will also perform throughout festival weekend.

Dance Are you a fan of the hit show “Riverdance”? Then you are familiar with the rhythmic magic of Irish step dancing. Dancers of all ages – many of whom compete at the world championship level -- will delight audiences with continuous performances on the dance stage in Fair Park’s historic Tower

Building. In addition, there will be dance workshops throughout the weekend, and everyone is encouraged to get into the spirit of Ireland at Saturday night’s Dance “Céilí,” a traditional Irish party that is open for everyone to attend.

Chef Stage Pick up a few culinary tricks for modern Irish cuisine (and sample it!) at the Chef Stage.

North Texas’s most exciting chefs will spill some of their best Celtic culinary secrets as they perform their own modern takes on traditional Celtic fare, and then pass out samples for attendees to enjoy.

Also, don’t miss special mixology demonstrations from experts with Teeling Whiskey, Glendalough and others on Friday night.

Kids & Animals There is so much for kids to do at the North Texas Irish Festival!

Urchin Street is a special place inside the festival where kids can find entertainment, education, play and fun, including crafts, music, dance, storytelling, magic and mystery.

Storytellers -- or “Shanachie” – will perform traditional Irish stories in the way that the Irish learned of their history for hundreds of years.

Love animals? The North Texas Irish Festival hosts animal rescue groups where you can find your new best friend – or, if you already have one, bring your pet into the festival to enjoy it with you for a $1 donation. Equestrian shows, sheep herding and other demonstrations will be performed in various areas of Fair Park.

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Hours, Admission and Location Gates open on Friday evening, March 6, at 6 p.m. Hours are 6 to 11 p.m. on Friday; 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 7; and 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 8.

North Texas Irish Festival Fun Run is Saturday, March 7, 8-11 a.m. Packet pick-up is at 7 a.m. at the Magnolia Lounge in Fair Park. Fun run registration is available online.

Tickets online at www.ntif.org.

At the festival, admission is FREE on Friday from 6 to 7 p.m.; $10 after 7 p.m. A one-day ticket is $20 on Saturday and $20 on Sunday at the gate, while a twoday ticket is $30 and a weekend pass is $35. Discount tickets are available at area Tom Thumb and Albertsons stores starting in February. Children 11 and under are FREE when accompanied by adult family member. Seniors over 65 or current military members (with valid military ID) receive $5 off all gate prices. Dogs are allowed in on a short leash with a $1 requested donation to animal rescue groups supported by the festival. Leprechauns (in full ceremonial dress and carrying pot of gold) are FREE. Parking is available in and around Fair Park, or attendees can take the DART (take the Green Line!) to the front entrance of Fair Park and the North Texas Irish Festival. Detailed directions and parking tips are available at www. ntif.org. The public can call (214) 821-4173, or visit www.ntif.org for more information or to volunteer to work at the festival.

Social Connect with the North Texas Irish Festival at: · Facebook: @NTIFSCMA · Twitter: @NTIF_scma · Instagram: @NTIF_SCMA

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In Conversation 2020 Distinguished Guest Charlotte Jones VP and Chief Brand Officer - Dallas Cowboys Photos: Jesse Hornbuckle

F o llo w in g p re s e n ta tio n o f g if t to M s. Jo n e s --A m b a s s a d o r R o n K irk , D r. Z a n W e s le y H o lm e s, Jr., C h a rlo tte Jo n e s, Ja y lo n S m ith , C e lia W a lk e r, D e M e tris S a m p s o n a n d W. K e lv in W a lk e r.

D e M e tris S a m p s o n , E s q ., Z W H JC O C B o a rd C h a ir, s p e a k s

H o n o ra r y C h a irs C e lia a n d W. K e lv in W a lk e r, Z W H JC O C R e s o u rce D e v e lo p m e n t C o m m itte e C h a ir L in d a M c In to s h To d d , C h a rlo tte Jo n e s a n d B o a rd V ice C h a ir B e rn ice J. W a s h in g to n

Z W H JC O C B o a rd M e m b e rs, A d v is o r y B o a rd M e m b e rs a n d S ta ff w ith M s. Jo n e s.

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R e v. Ly n d a M a y b e rr y w e lco m e s e v e r y o n e to S t. L u k e “C o m m u n it y � myimessenger.com

C h a rlo tte Jo n e s w ith B e rn ice J. W a sh in g to n

D a lla s C o w b o y Ja y lo n S m ith p re s e n ts g if t to C h a rlo tte Jo n e s

R e v. H o lm e s a n d h is fa m ily --S a v a n n a h , C h a rlo tte Jo n e s , M rs.

C a rrie H o lm e s, a n d R e v. H o lm e s

S p e c ia l g u e s t C h a rlo tte Jo n e s o f th e D a lla s C o w b o y s a n d L in d a To d d , Z W H JC O C R e s o u rce D e v e lo p m e n t C o m m itte e

K e lv in W a lk e r, C h a rlo tte Jo n e s, a n d C e lia W a lk e r a t In C o n v e rs a tio n 2 0 2 0 .

C h a rlo tte Jo n e s a n d A m b a s s a d o r R o n K irk

C h a rlo tte Jo n e s a n d D e M e tris S a m p s o n , E s q .,

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Brotherhood Shalom Award honors State Senator Royce West Co-chairs Roy F l e g e n h e i m e r, D e n n i s Eichelbaum and the Temple S h a l o m Brotherhood honored State Senator Royce Shalom Award Dinner honoring Senator West with event West (D-Dallas) Co-Chairs, Dennis Eichelbaum and Roy Flegenheimer with its Shalom Award. The award recognized Senator West’s many years of public service to our community, his leadership on initiatives promoting educational opportunity and excellence, his passion for protecting the disenfranchised and his advocacy for public safety and criminal justice.

The award’s language concludes with the following statement, “We salute your integrity, your diplomacy and your commitment.”

Sen. West was the 13th recipient of the Shalom Award. Past winners include: Mary Pat Higgins, Executive Director and President of the Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education & Tolerance; The Reverend Dr. Neil G. Thomas of the Cathedral of Hope; and former State Supreme Court Justice Douglas Lang.

Cocktail hour with Eric Wills’ piano accompaniment set the mood with a silent auction and 50/50 Raffle, then dinner, with the main program emceed by event Co-chair Dennis Eichelbaum.

Remarks followed

by Temple Shalom Brotherhood President Steve Weintraub, Temple Shalom President Rodney Schlosser and Senior Rabbi Andrew Paley.

The evening was filled with humor celebrating Senator West’s life and career with family friends and colleagues sharing stories and humorous anecdotes while recognizing many of his accomplishments. DISD Superintendent Dr. Michael Hinojosa, The Honorable Ron Kirk, Domingo Garcia, Michael Gruber, CEO/ Scout Executive Sam Thompson of the Circle 10 MARCH 6, 2020

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Council of the Boy Scouts of America and many members of the West Family. spoke.

Co-beneficiaries of the Shalom Award along with Temple Shalom Brotherhood were the Bishop Arts Theatre Center and the Circle Ten Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Brotherhood President Steve Weintraub characterized this event best when he compared Senator West’s career and the Brotherhood’s mission as both being youth-centric and geared toward building a better future for our community, thus making for an evening that was meant to be.

Scott Butnick, Paul Preite, James Darling, Roy Flegenheimer, Senator West, Steve Weintraub, Dennis Eichelbaum, Perry Zidow, Jim Warner, Mark Fisher (back). Photo: Lisa Rothberg

West Family - Rolando (son) and Heather West, Lillian Sunderman, Roddrick West (son), Mrs. Carol West, Sen. West, Barbara West, Brother Willis Kevin West, Sharla West, Stephan West (son) and Mildred West. Seated: Sen.’s mother Gloria Ashford. Photo: Illene Zidow

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BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ

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ASK ALMA

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MARCH 6, 2020

THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

EDWARD JONES

By VALDER BEEBE

The Valder Beebe Show’s Vision 2020 Baby Boomers across the airways connects with the best advisors to inspire, inform and educate the pool of 74.7 Baby Boomers. In America 10,000 million Baby Boomers retire daily and many are not financially prepared for a second-act.

Edward Jones, is a financial services firm headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. It serves investment clients in the U.S. and Canada, through its branch network of more than 14,000 locations.

According to financial services firm Edward Jones’ survey, Relationship with Money, while 81% of Americans say they feel in control over their current financial situation, they admit a mix of emotions when it comes to their money. Only 21% of respondents reported that they feel happy when thinking about saving money while feeling overwhelmed, anxious and, ironically, confident tied as the second-highest emotions, all at 16%.

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The survey also found a gap between respondents’ intentions and their actions when it comes to short-term vs. long-term saving and investing.

When asked what they would do if someone gave them $1,000, 72% of respondents said they would allocate it to short-term goals (that which can be accomplished in less than five years). Yet, one in four respondents also reported that retirement was a top savings priority (26%). Nearly all Americans confess they can improve their relationship with money a new Edward Jones survey finds while most Americans feel in control of their current financial situation, balancing short-term and long-term goals remains a challenge. The best way to show your love, is to love yourself first and take care of your finances. Advisors have the best information to get you financially fit for 2020!

VBS: Jessie Abercrombie, Edward Jones financial services is in the Valder Beebe 24

Show studios to share about a recently conducted Edward Jones survey. Jessie, help us to understand what was reveled through the respondents in this financial survey.

JA: It was a recent survey in 2019 and it was about money.

The survey showed that 81% of the respondents feel in control of their money, but only 21% actually feel happy when it comes to thinking about savings.

VBS: Baby Boomers you’ve got to get your money straight.

Tell us more about the survey.

JA: A few others things that was revealed that 92% recognize there is room for improvement. When we think of savings, one of the biggest issue is how do we balance all of this? How do you save money? How do you pay off existing debt? How do you save for retirement at the same time?

Jesse Abercrombie full interview…YouTube.com/ valderbeebeshow myimessenger.com

From Marva with

By Marva Sneed

On “From Marva with Love” my eating habits and ended up Joyce Brown, Ms. Texas Senior losing about 30 pounds. I became America Pageant 2019 joined us to more confident. I was looking for talk about representing the positive something that I could do once image of aging for women 60 and I retired. So I found out about older. She says the ladies have the pageant. I said I’m going to reached the “Age of Elegance” and do it. I had never done a pageant are the foundation of America. before. That was my very first The pageant champions healthy time. I said I’m going to do it and aging, wellness, and mental-being.

I’m going to win it. But I didn’t The contestants exemplify the have a talent. I didn’t know what “positive image of aging.” She I was going to do but I’m going Jo y ce B ro w n M s. Te x a s S e n io r A m e ric a worked 38 years in the technology to do my best. And now at 60 I am field and spent 30 years in various living my best life. I am fulfilled in forms of engineering management. every way.

MS: Ms. Joyce will you tell us a little bit about yourself MS: You became a certified Health Coach. What can and how you got involved in Ms. Texas Senior America we do to become healthier?

Pageant?

JB: Yes, so when I was going on that journey trying to JB: Thank you for having me on your show. I am figure what I was going to do when I retired, because of very humbled and I am excited to come and talk about all the years in management and Corporate America. the things that I’m most passionate about. So a little My daughters were like ‘well why not be a life coach?’ about me I have an Electrical Engineering degree I had been coaching people and in management all that I got in 1981 it was a lifetime ago. But anyway I those years but that wasn’t what I wanted to do. And spent 38 years working in Corporate America 8 years because I didn’t have anything else to do I decided to at Texas Instruments and another 30 years at Abbott go online and see what a Life Coach is all about. Well Laboratories. When I was thinking about retiring, I looking, I had always been interested in health and I’d thought ‘I want to retire what am I going to do?’ I tried always been healthy to be perfectly honest. I had always to figure out what was going to be my next chapter. So worked out and walked. Walking was my number one in the meantime, I was about to turn 60. I finally hit passion at that time. I ran across a health coach and I that point. For the first time in my life ever I was feeling was like what is this? So I started researching it and I depressed about turning a new decade. I wasn’t happy decided this is what I’m going to do. with where I was in life. And I decided that I was going There was so much more to Joyce Brown. To hear the full to break things open and change my attitude, change interview, go to BlogTalkRadio.com Cheryl’s World myimessenger.com

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UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball Photos by Dennis Cotton A n d re a W a lla ce

D r. H a rr y R o b in s o n a n d g u e s ts

M a s k e d g u e s t ta lk s to D a lla s M a y o r Jo h n s o n

C la rice T in s le y a n d S te v e G ile s U N C F ’s C o u r tn e y L e w is S m ith

H o n o re e fo rm e r S ta te R e p H e le n G id d in g s w ith U N C F P re s id e n t D r. M ic h a e l L . L o m a x

G u e s ts c h e c k in g in a t M a s k e d B a ll

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G u e s ts e n jo y re ce p tio n

O s c a r Jo y n e r, C y n t M a rs h a ll, N a k ita a n d M a y o r Jo h n s o n

B u s in e s s m a n J im A u s tin a n d M a y o r E ric Jo h n s o n

F o rm e r U N C F s c h o la rs h ip w in n e r, K ris te n M c N e a l, c u rre n tly w o rk s fo r th e C it y o f D a lla s

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N ena H ayden

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C la re n ce H ill, C h e r y l S m ith a n d S te w a r t C u re t I MESSENGER

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Mavs, Legends Players earn Honors

By Dorothy J. Gentry Sports Editor Professional basketball in Dallas and Frisco made a little history on Monday.

The Dallas Mavericks’ Kristaps Porzingis and the Texas Legends’ Cameron Payne were named Players of the Week for the NBA and the NBA G- League, respectively, on Monday.

Porzingis, a forward/ center for the Mavs, was named Western Conference Player of the Week for games played from Monday, Feb. 24 through Sunday, March 1. It marks the second time in his career that Porzingis

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has won Player of the Week honors (he was named Eastern Conference POW for games played from Oct. 30 through Nov. 5, 2017, with New York).

He also becomes the second Maverick to win the award this season, joining Luka Dončić (Nov. 18 through Nov. 24).

Porzingis (7-3, 240) led the Mavericks to a 3-1 week with averages of 26.3 points, 11.8 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game – all team highs for that stretch.

He totaled at least 24 points and 12 boards in each of the final three games during the week.

The Latvian forward/ center capped off the week by connecting on a career-high-tying six 3-pointers en route to scoring a season-hightying 38 points and adding 13 rebounds and five blocks in 37 minutes at Min-nesota on Sunday night.

Porzingis joined Dirk Nowitzki as the only Mavericks to produce a 35-point, 10-re-bound, fiveblock game. In addition, he and the Lakers’ Anthony Davis are the only players to record a 35-point, 10-rebound, five-block stat line in 2019-20.

Also today Cameron Payne, of the Mavs’ affiliate Texas Legends in Frisco, was named the NBA G League Player of the Week.

Payne led the Legends to a 3-0 record this week with 23.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 10.3 assists, 2.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. Payne joined the Legends Jan. 25 th and has played 12 games with the team averaging 22.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 7.8 assists and shooting 50% from the field. The former 1 st round pick has had career-highs in scoring (43), rebounds (10),

and assists (19) with the Legends, with two of those performances falling in the last three games.

Just this past Saturday night, in another career first, Payne became the 8th player in Legends history and first this season to post a triple-double, putting up 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 19 assists in the team’s 131-110 victory over the Northern Arizona Suns.

In other NBA news, Giannis Antetokounmpo was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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Hanging with Hollywood

Burden

MOVIE REVIEW BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ

Burden is the true story about the life of Mike Burden, played

by Garrett Hedlund. He is a Grand Dragon in the Ku Klux Klan and his life takes a turn for the worse when he decides to leave the KKK. He loses his job and his home after his evil, racist boss seeks revenge on him for leaving the Klan.

Tom Griffin (Tom Wilkinson) does everything in his power to make Mike regret leaving the Ku Klux Klan. Wilkerson does an excellent job of playing someone who is pure evil.

Forest Whitaker’s character, Reverend Kennedy, gets involved when the Klan opens up a KKK museum right in the middle of town. Reverend Kennedy fights back not with hate or violence. His weapon is love and through protests by his church members, he hopes to show the Klan the error of their ways.

Burden takes place in 1996 in Laurens, South Carolina, a place where blacks were treated as second class citizens and myimessenger.com

racism was commonplace in the small town. The movie is a “no holds barred” true story about race that shows the ugliness of hatred toward our fellow man.

Meanwhile, Mike falls in love with a single mother and when the two become homeless, against the wishes of his family, Reverend Kennedy takes them in.

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Hedlund’s character is like watching a drug addict go through recovery. He has his moments of kindness where he treats black people with respect and then he’ll sometimes slip back into being the old Mike, using the “N-word” when talking to blacks and showing them total disrespect. It’s the Reverend Kennedy who convinces him that all men are brothers. Burden is a real story about love winning over hate and the subject matter is just as relevant now as it was then.

It’s an important movie for the times we are living in now. It reminds us not to forget what happened in the past or we’ll be doomed to repeat it.

The movie is rated R for harsh language, including frequent use of “The N-Word,” and runs for 2 hours and 9 minutes. On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate Burden a JUMBO.

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