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VOL IX NO 36
DR. FROSWA BOOKER-DREW author of FLY AWAY page 20
REVELATION
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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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Refreshing the Voter Rolls Monday, April 6. We understand that everyone may not know how to use the appropriate DR. E. FAYE WILLIAMS, ESQ. online forms since every state differs in With the COVID-19 its requirements. I serve as tragedy, our community has president of the National lost so many of our voters Congress of Black Women who’ve succumbed to the whose early leaders included virus. As we grieve their Dr. C. Delores Tucker losses, I thought about the (founder and former secretary untold number of brothers of state of the commonwealth and sisters we’ve lost as voters when they were arbitrarily removed from voter rolls and lost their voting privilege when Republicans raided voter rolls and removed thousands of our people. Not only have we lost potential voters, but we’ve of Pennsylvania) and lost many who regularly take the incomparable the time to publicly support Congresswoman Shirley voter registration projects Chisholm. Joe and I decided because we are all advised to we could do something to stay indoors when they would register voters since we don’t normally be signing up voters. have the ability to travel to the With that in mind, Bishop towns planned. Joe Simon, the former R&B Members of the National genius, and I talked about Congress of Black Women the terrible impact the agreed to learn each state’s coronavirus has had on his procedures so that we could carefully laid out plans to provide technical assistance personally travel to various of to anyone requiring it. The our communities to promote press release we’ve sent reads voter registration. As the in part as follows: “If you virus grew worse and public are not registered to vote, officials began adding more you’ve moved since the last and more time to how long we time you voted or changed might still be under “shelter your name, do the following: in place� orders, we decided Go to https://www.usa.gov/ that one way to continue register-to-vote; Check Voting with voter registration would and Elections and follow the be to develop an online voter prompts; If you need help, registration project. The call Joe Simon’s line at 877project was launched through 805-8447. Joe Simon Ministries on Many people who were WAKE UP AND STAY WOKE
concerned about voter registration have volunteered to help. As many of you, no doubt heard when you were growing up, “Where there is a will, there is a way.� You can help in many ways. Call to sign up with registration or if you are not registered and need help registering, just call the Joe Simon National Voter Registration Drive helpline at 877-805-8447. We have decided that we will not be defeated. In memory and out of respect for the courage of people like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr; Fannie Lou Hamer, Congressman John Lewis, Dick Gregory, Jimmie Lee Jackson, Ella Baker, Dr. Joseph E. Lowery, Amelia Boynton-Robinson, Rosa Parks, Viola Liuzzo, Diane Nash and so many others, let us work to get every potential voter registered. I especially urge our young brothers and sisters to understand the blood, sweat and tears of our people who gave their last full measure — and, for some, their lives — to give all of us the right to vote so that we could make better lives for ourselves and our people. No matter who you liked in the Primaries, let us turn our attention to the general election of Nov. 3, 2020, and be sure that you’ve registered so that you can be counted in that number that says “Thank you� to our heroes and sheroes who had the courage to stand up for our right to vote. Now is not the time to have regrets about staying at home. Help this voter registration effort to succeed.
(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
TRUTH
THINKING
I am proud of those who exercise their right to vote and also encourage others. On the other hand, I have enough disdain to split between those who didn’t vote; worked to disenfranchise voters; and, acted as though everything was okay and that voter suppression is not real.
STRUGGLE
Actress/activist Alfre Woodard stands next to abolitionist/ activist Harriet Tubman as one of my special heroines. So, my eyes focused and ears perked when I saw the awardwinning thespian on social media
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Parkland accepting personal protective equipment donations
Who would have ever thunk it? Free breakfast and free lunches at schools, along with the free health clinic services at the MLK Center in South Dallas are a premium these days.
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· Medical protective gowns (water resistant) · Foot/shoe covers · Medical latex-free gloves · Eye protection goggles · Medical face shields · Powered air purifying respirators (PAPR) and PAPR hoods · Hand sanitizer (all sizes) · Antibacterial soap · Disinfectant wipes · Disposable food-grade gloves · Thermometers (non-contact digital)
Items must be new and unopened
With news reports showing the increasing need for personal protective equipment (PPE) at hospitals across the county, members of the North Texas community have been reaching out asking officials at Parkland Health & Hospital System what they can do to assist. Items can be donated Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Parkland’s It’s simple – you can donate new and Logistics Building, 5223 Tex Oak Ave., unopened PPE to Parkland. Those Dallas, TX 75235. items include: · N95 masks (Medical Grade) For additional information about do· Surgical masks nating PPE please email Pamela Bry· Industrial masks ant at pamela.bryant@phhs.org · Surgical caps myimessenger.com
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APRIL 24, 2020
MY TRUTH by Cheryl Smith, Publisher
Better get ready! I am proud of those who exercise their right to vote and also encourage others. On the other hand, I have enough disdain to split between those who didn’t vote; worked to disenfranchise voters; and, acted as though everything was okay and that voter suppression is not real. Silence is not always golden; it can be devastating and deadly. If we are smart, we know the work never stops and while some say, on to the next election; there are others who are already planning two, three and 10 elections ahead. And that’s where they are smarter. Which brings me to my truth. I have heard so many APRIL 24, 2020
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Black Republicans spouting the “com-pany line” and I understand. I think. I know and hold in high regard some Blacks who are also Republicans but this “new” Black Republican who refuses to acknowledge and/or call out wrongs, well they are dangerous. When folks look back on these times, they probably won’t be speaking kindly about either party, and they will probably laugh or cry about voter apathy and voter suppression. Democrats need to become stronger. Democrats need money, so they can stop waging lackluster campaigns that they shouldn’t even be in. They need to take advantage of some of 4
the great minds eager to serve, and they need to value Black and Brown voters. I have heard the stories of how workers in the Dallas Democratic Party office have felt disenfranchised, how they have been overlooked for key assignments and how resources, even if they are limited, are not equitably distributed! Just refer to campaigns where clearly the Democratic stamp of approval is different: Beto in 2018, Kirk in 2002, West in 2020. Then you have the “political consultants.” You know the ones who haven’t worked on any campaigns, never studied maps or polls, don’t have a strategy and don’t even do a job of myimessenger.com
making sure candidates are represented fairly in advertising plans; but get the six-figure fees while their Black counterparts who have equal or better credentials settle for low five figure fees and are relegated to running around acting as a chauffeur or escort. Just let the hit dog holler. Re m e m b e r excuses are the tools of incompetence that build monuments of nothing and those who specialize in them are seldom good at anything else. We all know that politics and politicians can be hypocritical. Too often you hear in politics there are “no permanent friends just permanent issues.” And while I have so much myimessenger.com
respect for those who have that position, my position is different. I have permanent friends who I sometimes differ with on issues and we each
state our positions and move forward, refusing to let one issue tear down a foundation that was built on so much more. If I have a friend who is losing their mind, I feel a responsibility to help them find it and get their stuff together. I don’t turn 5
on them. Sadly Democrats turn easier than Republicans. Just look at all the names Donald Trump called his opponents during the presidential election of 2016. Some of those same candidates sucked up their pride, and are walking lockstep with their “leader.” They tow the line, no matter how idiotic it seems, sounds and looks. The older Democrats don’t know everything and the younger ones are not totally clueless. Both better identify the real enemy and come up with a strategy for victory. The country, heck, the world needs Democrats to be victorious in 2020! APRIL 24, 2020
THANKING DESOTO’S COVID-19 FRONTLINE HEROES White ribbons going up around town to thank those taking risks FROM STAFF REPORTS
You’ve seen them popping up around the country. Beautiful white ribbons posted in front of locations where first responders, medical professionals, and frontline workers in the fight against COVID-19 carry out their missions of mercy. And now they’re in DeSoto! The first person to alert DeSoto City Hall to this great way to say “thank you” to those who are taking daily risks to keep us safe was Mayor Curtistene McCowan. Late last week Mayor
a n d my mask back on and DeSoto get back to work tying P o l i c e ribbons. God bless you and may God bless the All-America City of DeSoto, Texas!” One of the dedicated city workers enlisted to help guide this mission of thanks is Kathy Jones, DeSoto’s Community Relations Manager. Ms. Jones said, “It’s an honor to be involved Mayor McCowan at DeSoto Police Headquarters with this effort to tell McCowan followed- Headquarters. our first responders, up on her suggestion, “We’re tying ribbons medical professionals, armed with white just to show support and everyone taking ribbons and various for those who are on risks on our behalf that craft supplies. Her first the front lines and we really appreciate stops were some of our we’re going to be doing them.” first responder sites this all over our city at Mayor McCowan including firehouses special locations and said that DeSoto’s we want the entire city firehouses, Police HQ , of DeSoto to join us and City Hall have in this effort, myself already received their and the City Council, white ribbons and that and all of our citizens additional facilities to show just how and medical provider much we sincerely locations are next. She appreciate those of you also wants to encourage who are serving and all DeSoto residents representing us,” said to post a white ribbon Mayor Mc-Cowan, in front of their own from in front of DeSoto homes as a way to say Police Headquarters thanks to those who are on Beltline. putting it on the line “You’re taking care for us. To view a video Mayor of us to make sure McCowan’s visit to DeSoto that we are safe. And Police HQ visit: https://www. facebook.com/kathy.m.jones.568/ so I’m going to get videos/3422854714395952/
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Johnson announces more than $10 million in coronavirus relief for colleges & universities for losses and emergency financial aid grants In an announcement last week, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson said colleges and universities within the 30th Congressional District will receive more than $10 Million in emergency grants to help cover significant financial loses. At least half of the funding to the institutions is required to be distributed to students in the form of emergency cash grants to help students pay for housing, food, and emergency financial aid grants to students. other necessities. • El Centro College received a • Dallas Baptist University received a total of $2,198,677, with $1,099,339 as the minimum allocation for emergency financial aid grants to students. • Dallas Institute of Funeral Service received a total of $220,704, with $110,352 as the minimum allocation for emergency financial aid grants to students. • Dallas Theological Seminary received a total of $306,745, with $153,373 as the minimum allocation for emergency financial aid grants to students. • Cedar Valley College received a total of $1,401,492, with $700,746 as the minimum allocation for emergency financial aid grants to students. • Buckner Barber School received a total of $37,184, with $18,592 as the minimum allocation for myimessenger.com
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total of $2,550,619, with $1,275,310 as the minimum allocation for emergency financial aid grants to students. • Paul Quinn College received a total of $1,163,719, with $581,860 as the minimum allocation for emergency financial aid grants to students. • University of North Texas At Dallas received a total of $3,036,810, with $1,518,405 as the minimum allocation for emergency financial aid grants to students.
APRIL 24, 2020
Peace out during coronavirus lockdown
I WAS JUST THINKING... By Norma Adams-Wade I Messenger
Actress/activist Alfre Woodard time. stands next to abolitionist/ c. Of course, activist Harriet Tubman as one organize your closet, and of my special heroines. d. Reach out to So, my eyes focused and ears friends and family on perked when I saw the awardsocial media, which so winning thespian on social many of you are doing media. The Tulsa Oklahomaalready. born talent was advising us My heroine’s list how to peace out during the inspired me. Alfre Woodard coronavirus shelter-in-place orders that are keeping active individuals So, I was just thinking... and families confined at home. Let’s each come up with our own list. I’ll If Woodard-the-great said it, her advice start. must be worthwhile, I thought. So, I 1. Box up all those old but wonderful continued to listen. magazines that come in the mail but, like She made the point that we can perform a me, you will never read beyond the cover. number of positive actions and accomplish 2. Take those boxes to Half Price a good amount of positive deeds while Books so someone else will get the chance to hunkered down at home. That unplanned pile them up and vow to read them one day. time, she said, can allow us to do meaningful 3. Write a letter – not a text message tasks that we normally would not think or email – to a long-lost friend you know about or have time to accomplish otherwise. would faint to hear from you. I continued to listen, basking in the 4. Write a letter – not a text message actress’s calming voice and expression that or email – to a former teacher who you tell has filled so many movie and television others inspired you but you have never told screens with her innate performing the teacher. brilliance. 5. Clean the carpet of those awful Woodard, you see, comes across so stains you are sure will look better, although natural and down-to-earth that you want to they may never totally disappear. listen to her and believe her message. She 6. As an escape from coronavirus suggested various activities to fill one’s day reality, watch old reruns of The Waltons or while confined. Such as: Little House on the Prairie. a. Organize old photographs in boxes in The Waltons depicts that seemingly your closet. simpler time in the Blue Ridge Mountains b. Practice meditating as you have of Virginia during the 1930s Great always wanted to do but never found the Depression. APRIL 24, 2020
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We romanticize the slower pace of that time while we block out what surely must have been a worrisome period for the Walton family. It is clear that families knew they could not depend of others or the government to see them through the day, week or month. They cultivated and nurtured the land that gave them sustenance and lumber – allowing them to feed and shelter their families. Little House takes us back to the small town of Walnut Grove, Minnesota in the late 1800s. Back then, the Ingalls family would pile into the wagon for a day-long trip into town to buy needed supplies from the town’s one store owner. These two scenarios lead us to the next point: 7. As my heroine Woodard suggested, meditate. But here’s the thought and image. Instead of seeing yourself jumping into the car and running five or six errands in a couple of hours – including standing in line at Walmart – imagine a slow drive down a country road with the Waltons or riding in a wagon with the Ingalls (humor me and disregard the race and period in time). Surely the slower pace, lack of hurry, and fixation on a single task would help us shed burdens. 8. Now it’s your turn. Find a quiet spot, sit, lean back, close your eyes. Peace out during this coronavirus. Imagine life as it should be. Then when all this chaos subsides, go out and help make a better world. myimessenger.com
From Marva with Love Schedule
April 24
11:30 am: Sharon Jones-Scaife, Author/ Owner Coffee Cree Media Group 12:15 pm: Wesley Catholic, owner of Royal’s Fried Chicken A Black-owned Restaurant in Cedar Hill 12:30 pm: Hasani Burton, founder of three businesses — H J Enterprises, Bennu Properties, and Kemet Investing L.L.C. May 1 11: 15 am: Dorothy Jones, owner of Black Jack Pizza
11:45 am: Nina Garcia, Cooking with Nina G. Learn how to make a meal from what’s in your kitchen. 12:15 pm: Comedian D Elli$
MAY 8 11:15 am: Min. Dominique Alexander, President -Next Generation A c t i o n Network. What challenges NGAN faces.
12:15 pm: Rev. Richard Evans How's the church community doing? How have you had to change in serving the church? May 15 11:15 am: Demetria Bivens Owner of DBL Consultants. Re: Black Contractors. Have you had to lay people off since COVID-19? 11:45 am: Norma Adams-Wade Founding member of NABJ. What are you planning with your new Blog Talk Radio Show? Let’s talk about your column, “I was just thinking…” 12:15 pm: Attorney Bobbie Edmonds How are attorneys impacted by what's going on with coronavirus? How are things in Fort Worth? 12:30 pm: Nicolette Bynum, Personal Shopper The 2nd Place winner of Healthy Living Expo, Mac & Cheese Bake off, she has created a business during COVID-19.
May 22 11:15 am: Dr. Sharka’Kang Zoolo Kang Naturopathic Doctor and herbalist. Can you help us with COVID-19? Solutions and what we can do to stay healthy? 11:45 am: Dr. Ester Davis of The Ester Davis TV Show Why is there a need for an organization of just the Black Press and what can we expect?
(469) 899-7927
12:15 pm: Shuckey Duckey What's going on with this Renowned Comedian? What does he make of what's going on in the world?
3309 S Malcolm X Blvd
11:45 am: Valder Beebe, Host of Valder Beebe Show and That Celebrity Interview.
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Dallas, TX 75215 9
APRIL 24, 2020
Tinner joins Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce as VP of Community Investment Citing her extensive experience in community engagement, nonprofit fundraising, and entrepreneurship, the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce (DBCC) has announced Jade Tinner as Vice President of Community Investment. “As the Chamber con-tinues to change and grow, we looked for someone that could be an asset to the community,” said DBCC President Harrison Blair. “Jade brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience that will serve her well as our new Vice President of Community Investment.” Ms. Tinner holds a degree in Marketing from the Bloch School of Management at the University of Missouri Kansas City, where she was a four-year Division I basketball player. Upon ending her postcollegiate basketball career, she began finding her space in the world of communications and entrepreneurship working with a range of organizations and individuals to co-owning a professional women’s basketball team. Affectionately known as “The Brand Enhancer,” Ms. Tinner is the founder of JTBE, LLC, and The One Unified Resource Foundation, INC. (OUR Foundation). Through the OUR Foundation, Ms. Tinner, constructed OUR MEN(tors) program, to support young men, ages 12-18, through positive male role models and the BE MEN Curriculum. In conjunction with the mentor APRIL 24, 2020
Jade Tinner
program, she introduced The MEN’S Brunch, the first
men-only brunch and panel, empowering male leaders in DFW. Prior to her current VP role, Ms. Tinner joined DBCC’s Board of Directors in 2018, while also serving as a Major Gift officer in the city of Fort Worth. She is currently a member of the executive board of directors for BRIDGE Fort Worth, a founding member of the DFW Minority Advisory Council, and an active member of the DFW Urban League Young Professionals.
“I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to continue to work with the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce,” said Ms. Tinner. “My goal is to ensure that the African American community knows and, more importantly, trusts that the DBCC is their ally and together, we will prosper through and beyond our current economic crisis. It is my pleasure to diligently and passionately drive positive change for African American businesses in North Texas.”
3917 W. Camp Wisdom Rd. Suite 103 Dallas Texas 75237.
469-399-0096
Open Tuesday-Saturday 11am-8p. During this pandemic we are still open for call-in and pick up orders. We have specials Tuesdays $5 burger baskets with fries and Wednesdays $5 chicken strip baskets with fries. Our menu is filled with so many delicious items. We have Bar-B-Q plates, Crab boils and so much more. We would love to serve you.
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Hall’s
Honey Fried Chicken (214) 371- 3020
4845 S Lancaster Rd. Dallas, TX 75216
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APRIL 24, 2020
Will the coronavirus hit Black folks harder?
There are talks of giving everyone with an income under $85,000 a $1000 cash payment. And then what? Meanwhile, government is planning a big bailout for
make sure they all pay it back this time. My greatest concern is the medically vulnerable, people who have diabetes, lung disease, and heart disease, as well as those who are over 60. This includes nearly half of all African American women (47.3 percent), along with 44.8 percent of African American men. The incidence of heart disease for white women
airlines, hotels, cruise lines, the auto industry, and others. If these folks get a bailout, it ought to be a loan, not a gift. After all, some of these industries, notably the auto industry, got bailouts in 2008, but they were loans, not grants. Those who got grants, like the “too big to fail” banks, were supposed to use it to pump money into the economy. Instead, they tightened credit requirements, so few could qualify for loans. The 2008 bailout was unevenly applied, and industries that didn’t have effective lobbyists did much worse than others. Many of the companies paid the government back. We need to
(33.8 percent) and men (37.4 percent) is significantly lower. There are racial differences in the incidence of diabetes, as well. African Americans are 60 percent more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than whites and twice as likely to die from the disease. African Americans are also far more likely to contract lung disease than whites, and four times more likely to die from asthma. Tests for the corona-virus seem to be in short supply. Will there be any targeted outreach to African Americans to ensure they are tested for the virus, especially Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an because African Americans author, economist, and social often delay doctor’s visits even commentator.
THE LAST WORD DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX Restaurants, museums, libraries, gyms, and bars are closed. So are schools, from K-12 to higher education. Classes will be conducted online or not at all. A local vendor told me her receipts were down by 85 percent, and she hopes not to close before the “national emergency” is over. Our streets are deserted, with some cities asking people to “self-quarantine”, or in the words of several mayors, “stay home unless it is urgent.” The shutdowns have impacted our economy. Consumer spending is more than two-thirds of GDP. If people aren’t working, people aren’t spending. Treasury Secretary Mnuchin estimates that unemployment will rise to a scary 20 percent, just a bit lower than depression rate unemployment levels. And when America gets a cold, Black America gets the flu. Black unemployment has been twice the white unemployment rate. That means the Black community might experience unemployment of around 40 percent. That’s frightening! Why are Black folks more vulnerable? We are more likely to work in the service occupations and in the gig economy. While jurisdictions are exploring the possibility of paying people who cannot work because of quarantines, it is not clear how many will be excluded from this relief. APRIL 24, 2020
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when they are sick? Corona-virus knows no race, gender, or age. When the virus first hit, medical professionals, said that older people were more vulnerable than younger ones. Now, the numbers are rising for young people, and even some children have been diagnosed with the virus. It may be churlish to point out that African Americans are likely to be harder hit than other populations. When white America gets a cold, Black America gets a fever. Inequality is hard woven into our nation’s very fabric. Thus, it is hard to imagine the hardest corona-virus relief will be race neutral. African Americans are more likely than others to be unemployed, part of the gig economy, or otherwise at the economic periphery. Furthermore, reces-sion is inevitable. Except for grocery stores, pharmacies, and banks, nothing is open. People aren’t spending because there is no place for them to spend. We don’t know how long this emergency will last – some say as long as 18 months. But we do know that recession hits Black folk, poor folk, and marginalized folk harder than it hits others. We won’t see the impact of this pandemic until after the fact. But if the past is any indication, our nation will experience a harsh blow, and for African Americans, the impact will be even more jarring.
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WE’RE OPEN FOR BUSINESS!
No More Hugs and Kisses... JUST GOOD FOOD!
2120 N St Augustine Suite 100 Dallas, TX 75227
2536 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Dallas, TX 75215
(214) 565-1025
(972) 329-1414
During this crucial time where COVID-19 continues to threaten the lives and health of our community and the world in which we live, Black Jack Pizza wants to thank you for your continued business. As always we are happy to serve you. Because we must all pay strict attention to the guidelines and govern ourselves accordingly, it is crucial that we operate our business in accordance with these guidelines which we have been given by our government and city officials. We are fortunate that we have been given the privilege to operate with our regular business hours; however, we are open for call-in and take-out orders only. Our lobby is closed. You may order by phone and pick it up to-go only. We ask that you also continue to be safe and practice social distancing as you are picking up your orders. Because we want to continue to serve you during this time of crisis, we ask that you will cooperate with us until we are no longer governed by these rules. We thank you for continuing to eat at Black Jack Pizza and look forward to doing business with you in the years to come. Our prayer is that you and your families will remain safe and that we will all continue to do our part to bring this crisis to an end. myimessenger.com
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APRIL 24, 2020
Nena’s Finds Boutique A Uniquely Stylish, Fashionable Boutique for women of all Sizes! Ranging from Pretti and Petite to Pretti and Plus! Nena likes to be a bit edgy, blingy ... But she keeps it Chic with Sophisticated Style!
Nena’s Finds is your one stop shop for an Eccentric flare!
214.623.7314 nenafinds17@gmail. com
Schedule your Sip n Shop, Trunk Show, Girls Nite Out or Wardrobe Revamp with Nena’s Finds today!
APRIL 24, 2020
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APRIL 24, 2020
Conservatives cozying up to Socialism? Say it ain’t so! Who would have ever thunk it? Free breakfast and free lunches at schools, along with the free health clinic services at the MLK Center in South Dallas are a premium these days. You now see news stories continuously showing scenes of White conservatives, even the most rabid ultra ones, whining about how they can’t afford to feed their children now that Covid19 has forced America’s public schools to close. Suddenly it seems they’re finding out how hard it really is to “pull yourselves up by your own bootstraps” especially when you don’t have
boots! H o w e v e r, the real revealing part of the saga is the programs they’re crying for were ori-ginally f o u n d e d by the Black Panther Party for Self Defense during the turbulent 1960s. Yeah those “Black militants” who created the programs from a socialist philosophy! Makes me want to scream, “watch out or next you’ll be rushing off to vote for Senator Bernie Sanders for president or God forbid get the feeling
We’re open and ready to serve you!
Elaine’s
Jamaican Kitchen
(214) 565-1008 2717 Martin L. King Jr Blvd, Dallas, TX 75215
APRIL 24, 2020 photo: NNPA
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which one you choose I guarantee you that you will still be in the dog house! Ouch! It really doesn’t matter what political party you are with, you’d better try and get what you can for yourselves, your cause and your people! As for me I’ve never been confused on this point, because I’m a part of a race and a community that has been bearing the terrible abuse from both parties since 911. I’m a Black man practicing Islam in America, setting me up for a double whammy. And I can bear witness that with or without Trump both parties saw no problems in acting in a bipartisan way on killing or destroying as many Muslims possible under their fake “war on terror!” And with that I’ve learned to sleep with both fists balled up each night. How bout you? Until then the Struggle Continues...
THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES BY THOMAS MUHAMMAD
to dress up in all black including tam hats and perform arm patrols in your hoods.” Or maybe support Medicare for all, Lol! For transparency I voted for Senator Elizabeth Warren, okay! But conservatives probably would do the above if they could pry themselves from President Donald Trump, who for now is playing a Republican when in reality we know he’s actually an ordinary hustler and historically always has been. And if we know anything, a hustler will do anything for anyone just to meet the goal. Remember Brother Malcolm X told us in his speech The Ballot or the Bullet, “the Republicans are wolves the Democrats are foxes. They both are canines. Both belong to the dog family, so matter
Thomas Muhammad is an activist, writer and community servant.
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“We are open for carryout. We care about our customers and our community and we thank you for your business during this difficult time.� 140 S Clark Rd Cedar Hill, TX 75104
Hours of business: Monday-Thursday 11:30 am-9:00 pm. Friday 11:30 am-10:00 pm. Saturday 12:00 pm-10:00 pm.
Call orders in (214)-859-3472 We run specials Monday-Thursday
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We’re OPEN!
214-421-5387
Two Podners Bar-B-Que & Seafood 1441 Robert B Cullum Blvd. Dallas, Texas 75210 myimessenger.com
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APRIL 24, 2020
Seek Revelation
B y Dr. Froswa B ooker-Drew This week, I have heard the word 'revelation' repeated consistently. What's wild is that is from different individuals. This morning, my Pastor Chris Simmons, shared about the power of reflection. Reflection is critical. We must take time to listen and process. In order to move forward, we need time to be still, listen, and pay attention. I am realizing more often that as a part of being still, we create opportunities for revelation. We can not receive revelation if we are so busy doing things, worrying or complaining. In Greek, revelation means unveiling. In Hebrew, the word means exposure. In this season of our lives we are experiencing an unveiling. We are seeing broken systems and the significant disparities that exist due to race and poverty. In the past, we could ignore or choose to dismiss those things that may not have had an impact on our lives. We are seeing leaders rise to the occasion and others who are focused on self more than prioritizing the greater good. After COVID-19, none of us will ever be the same. We cannot return to the life that we once had because our world will be so different. I am hoping that in this time, you are seeking revelation to discover who you are and your purpose. Your purpose is necessary not just for you but it is also for others to benefit from the gift God has APRIL 24, 2020
placed in you. Here are some scriptures to remind both me and you: Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Proverbs 20:5 "The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out." I was listening to Dr. Myles Munroe, an amazing teacher who passed away several years
we sometimes are waiting on this big voice from heaven to speak to us. If you remember in 1 Kings 19:11-13, "And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice." Don't get distracted
ago. He reminded me that the word for crisis in Chinese and Japanese is opportunity. I am hoping that you will use this very disruptive and challenging time to seek revelation from God for your purpose. My prayer is that you ask God to allow you to plunge into the deep waters of your heart and that you are filled with insight. More importantly, I pray that this insight, this revelation moves you to living out your purpose.
by the occurrences around you but wait on the small, quiet still voice. God is speaking to us even now and I'm afraid we are missing it because we are focused on the turbulence of the winds, the shaking of our souls when we watch the news, or the bombarding of problems that seem to be around us. Listen. That voice can be through reading God's word, heard in your prayer and meditation time, or even through those who are wise advisers.. 2. Work on your personal mission statement. A personal mission statement is a guide. Jesus' mission statement was simple, giving life abundantly.
So how do you do this? 1. Pray to God for revelation of your purpose and how to move forward in it. I think
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Everything He did pointed back to His purpose. Your mission shouldn't be some complex paragraph. If you need help to work on this area of your life, I am glad to help you to do that. Feel free to book time with me at drfroswa.com to do so. 3. Start writing. In Habakkuk 2:2, it states, "Then the LORD replied: "Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it." This is a great time to capture your thoughts on paper, to dream, set goals. I think most people forget the last part of this verse. Many of us have the vision in our heads but inspiration comes when we write it down so that when you read it, you can run forward to the destination God has for you. I hope these tips help you in someway to stay focused and inspired in this season. Please feel free to reach out to me at info@drfroswa.com. I am so blessed that many of you are purchasing copies of my latest book, Fly Away. I'd love to hear your feedback. If you'd like a copy, please go to drfroswa. com to purchase a copy. I am also offering a copy of the first chapter for free so that you are able to experience what you are in store for. This book isn't just for daughters in transition. In this season of our lives, I believe it can speak to all of us. Until next week, Wishing you a week of Reflection and Revelation! (P.S. Let me know how it goes!) Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is the Founder and CEO of Soulstice Consultancy, specializing as a Partnership Broker and Leadership Expert for companies and organizations to thrive with measurable and meaningful impact. She also is the VP of Community Affairs and Strategic Alliances for the State Fair of Texas.
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APRIL 24, 2020
D a lla s o f f icia ls: H isp a n ics, B la ck s h a v e h ig h e r in f e ct io n r a t e s
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Shoppers on Jeff erson Avenue in Oak Cliff wear face masks to avoid the virus By Rebecca Aguilar Sr. Correspondent
It’s been a difficult four weeks for Teresa Vas-quez, who has been self-quarantined in her small bedroom at her Oak Cliff home. On March 27, her family rushed her to a nearby clinic. Her body was aching and she was gasping for air. “My temperature was 103,” APRIL 24, 2020
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said Ms. Vasquez, a 48-year-old Hispanic woman who also suffers from high blood pressure. “They checked my oxygen level and it was low. They told me I had pneumonia and needed to go to the hospital.” Her husband rushed her to Methodist Charl-ton Medical Center, where she was assisted by doctors and nurses in personal protective equipment. She
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said they tested her for coronavirus, x-rayed her lungs, and decided to send her home to rest and orders to take antibiotics for three days. Nine days later, she got a call that she tested positive for COVID-19. “It was horrible,” she recalled. “It was bad. I thought ‘I don’t have the strength to fight this.’” The Dallas County Health myimessenger.com
officials have deter-mined Hispanics have the highest rate of coronavirus infections in the County, while African American’s have the second-highest number, followed by Whites. DCHHS statistics, as of April 13, 2020, revealed more than 1700 cases of COVID-19 in Dallas County and 430 people hospitalized. Among those are 124 Hispanics, 113 Blacks, and 90 Whites. Jennifer Travis-Cox is an African American woman who also lives in Dallas County. She has been taking anti-rejection medication since her second kidney transplant in January 2011. Her immune system is fragile. Now the 67-year-old rarely leaves her home because she fears becoming a COVID-19 statistic. “I miss my grandkids,” she said. “I hate this. This is the first Easter that I did not see them. I am serious about this virus because the virus is very serious.” What health experts have not figured out is why minority commumyimessenger.com
nities are not indicate getting their eththe vinic backrus more ground on t h a n any paWhites. perwork Dallas they had to County complete.” Health Ms. Cox officials feels fine have disand doesn’t covered think she m a n y needs to be of the tested for African the virus. Jennifer Travis-Cox AmerWhat bothicans and Hispanics ers her the most, she infected have other says, is that she conunderlying health is- tinues to see people sues like diabetes, high not practicing social blood pressure, asthma, distancing or covering or heart disease. their faces with a mask They say these ill- when they are out in nesses make people public. more vulnerable to “This virus has coronavirus. taught me that things Officials admit there can happen, and life could be more mi- can switch on you on norities infected by a dime, and we need COVID-19 in Dallas to be more considerate County, but vital infor- and concerned about mation is missing. people around us,” she “Forty percent of stressed, adding that the infected are of an this goes for “people unknown race,” said who we love and peoMarisa Gonzales with ple who we don’t know DCHHS. “The lack of information on a person’s ethnic background could be because of two reasons. Those testing did not ask for that information or those tested did
and don’t love.” Since becoming ill with coronavirus, Ms. Vasquez has also not left her home and has been tested two more times for COVID-19. Doctors told her she needed to be tested two times after her self-quarantine to clear her to return to work. One test came back positive, and one came back negative. She is in limbo and plans for yet another test. Ms. Vasquez lives with her teenage daughter and her husband who has been caring for her. She cried on the phone as she described how the virus, the multiple testing and not knowing whether she still has the illness have worn her out physically and emotionally; but she is determined to beat it. “My son just had a baby on March 26. Till this day I have not held him. I fight for them, Rebecca Aguilar is currently a freelance reporter, television commentator, news consultant, social media columnist and motivational speaker. Aguilar has worked for several television stations around the country
APRIL 24, 2020
Facts about hair fibers and hair loss ABOUT YOUR HAIR BY DR. LINDA AMERSON www.hairandscalpessentials.com
The statistics for alopecia on point. Cleanse your continues to rise, reaching scalp and hair thoroughly over 140 million in the if you wear keratin hair USA. fibers daily. Fiber sizes When the keratin hair vary from (0.3-0.5mm) fibers were introduced in 2010, both professionals • If a patient has not and consumers began using shampooed their hair this topical covering as an before they arrive at my image booster. Clinic, before giving Various colors are them a scalp treatment, LB progress of four months of treatments available to ensure a natural I remove (by wiping) hair photo: Dr. Amerson blend. fibers from the cause injury to lungs. Wearing a Of course competitors copied mask/scarf over your nose will Covered areas, dry this area, this money-making global and then proceed. Patients help. trend. Countless companies • Scalp bumps and pimples shampoo their hair and scalp at now manufacture hair fibers. may occur if all traces of hair home using my award-winning, Most consumers are not fibers are not shampooed invigorating ‘spa’ treatment aware, of the fact that they thoroughly on a regular basis. product line. need to perform a patch test, Please do not wear fibers for In closing, for the health of your for any allergic reactions from weeks at a time. You scalp needs scalp, if you use hair fibers, do ingredients, before using. not wear it for an extended time to breath. Yes breath! There are a few reported side time…weeks or months at a effects from consumers. •Additional hair loss may time. Shampoo scalp/hair very •Irritation and redness to (possibly) occur, due to the fibers thoroughly to remove product. sensitive scalps. clogging the pores of your scalp. •Inhaling fibers when applying Again, this is why you need to Dr. Linda Amerson, Board Certified to scalp. In most cases, only Trichologist, LA’s Hair & Scalp Clinic, practice healthy scalp care, not Arlington, TX 76013 817 265 8854 products with asbestos may only focus on your image being Hairandscalpessentials.com #ScalpDoctor APRIL 24, 2020
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APRIL 24, 2020
While paying attention to COVID-19, Trump slipped something past you OUR VOICES By Bill Fletcher That’s right, he did it again. Just like a magician, while you are looking at his left hand, he pulls a trick with his right. In this case, while almost all of the news has been focused on COVID-19, the Trump administration dropped auto fuel efficiency standards. And to add insult to injury, the administration cannot defend the move with a straight face. They have no defense that makes sense. The only argument for this maneuver that Trump’s spokespersons seem to be able to make is that they were overturning another Obama regulation and that deregulating is good because … it is deregulating. So, let’s put this all together, because this column does not need to be very
long. Approximately 99% of all credible scientists identify climate change as threatening humanity. Key to climate change is fossil fuel. Automobiles use … fossil fuel. Fuel efficiency standards have been aimed at reducing air pollution and greenhouse gases. Thus, the actions of the administration are, in effect, aimed at shortening the existence of human beings on planet Earth. Let’s just be as direct as possible and stop beating around the bushes. The administration made a move while the entire country has been focused on the COVID-19 plague. They know that such a move is/will be very unpopular. But, at the end of the day, they could not care less. This was another gold nugget thrown to the fossil fuel industry, a segment of corporate America that has been very supportive of the Trump administration. We should not blame ourselves for being
focused on COVID-19. If Trump had been more focused on COVID-19 we might now be looking at a very different picture of the USA. Instead, we have witnessed two acts in this performance. First, regarding COVID-19, the administration cynically disregarded scientific recommendations and warnings and downplayed the danger until it has now emerged as a plague covering virtually the entire country. Second, the administration made use of our concerns about COVID-19 in order to slip the fuel efficiency standards reduction right past us, thereby further ignoring solid scientific recommendations and warnings and, instead, servicing his supporters. One cannot but wonder whether hanging over Trump’s bed are the immortal — and notorious — words of the French King Louis XV, offered shortly prior to the French Revolution: “After me, the flood.”
6090 Bonnie View Rd Dallas, TX 75241 Hours of services may differ
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APRIL 24, 2020
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Dr. Amerson adapts to Temporary Business Closure Dr. Linda Amerson, Board Certified Trichologist, has adapted to the temporary closure of LA's Hair and Scalp Clinic. We continue to offer our award-winning products to consumers. Our exclusive products are manufactured by a facility in Garland, TX. Premium quality natural ingredients are used to assist with dry, oily, itchy, flaky, inflammed scalps, as well as hair breakage, hair thinning and regrowth. Everyone may order from our website, and we will ship your product order to you. http://www.hairandscalpessentials.com We need your support. In addition, we offer Video Consultations globally! We will schedule an appointment, give a diagnosis, them make a recommendation. We are available to serve you in the comfort of your home. Call us today - 817.265.8854 http://www.hairandscalpessentials.com We need your support.
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APRIL 24, 2020
From Marva with
Relief Workers for First Responders On a recent show, I interviewed Dalphna Curtis, a doctoral candidate in Public Administration and Law. The founder of JFS Women’s Center, a hub of over 60 help organizations in the Dallas, TX area and the founder of PC Center the only Black-woman-owned accredited technology school in the USA, she was awarded Minority Business of the Year in 2016 by Dallas Business Journal. Her bio truly speaks to her as a woman who advocates for business women. MS: You are the founder of two successful Women’s Centers. What type of help do these centers provide for business women? DC: In the Women’s Center we did everything in the community and we helped people I would say we call the working poor or the working homeless. We spend so much time helping but at this time I’ve kind of altered my business somewhat, especially with this pandemic going on. What I’m doing now is helping place people in jobs for APRIL 24, 2020
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By Marva Sneed
Dalphna Curtis companies that are affected by the Coronavirus for First Responders. That’s my main thing right now. I’m working on getting employees ready and prepared so that they can get jobs as relief workers for First Responders. MS: How are you reaching out to people to get them involved? DC: So many people have lost jobs, my school has changed. Now I’m mostly doing placement instead of training because of the things that are going with the pandemic. What I’ve always done is to place people in high demand occupations. And so right now what I’m 28
doing is I have identified the high-demand occupations or the Department of Labor has and then I work with them in making sure that they get enough employees. So I have what I call reserve workers or relief workers. The way I do it is research for the highest demand like right now. We know the highest demand is in New York City and New Orleans. They are predicting it’s going to get worse in Dallas; it’s one of the hot spots that they think will have a shortage of healthcare professionals. And so I can go anywhere in the world. It’s wonderful we can work from home on our computers. So what I do is contact hospitals or they will contact me. So I have a process that I use that I’ve always used to find employees. I have almost 300 medical professionals in the DFW area. Tune in to “From Marva with Love” Fridays from 11 am to 1 pm on BlogTalkRadio.com/Cheryl’s World. myimessenger.com
I MISS YOU Oh, how I miss you. My reality distorted. Retreating often to a place where you remain. We laugh, together. I’m captivated by your smile. Your conversation enlightens me. And the fact that I can go there and be in your presence, helps me move through this life without you.
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APRIL 24, 2020
THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW
Dr. Dravon James By VALDER BEEBE
Charles Dickens’ reminds us that it is “the best of times – the worst of times”. Those seeking needed inspiration, I invited Dr. Dravon James, Motivational Speaker, Author, and Everyday Peacemaker into the Valder Beebe Show studios. She is the author of Freedom is Your Birthright!! Dr. Dravon James shares insights and tips on how to rekindle your passions to live the life your dreams. Dr James asks……..What happened to you? I mean what happened to YOU…not what happened to you the wife or husband or you the mom or dad or you the employee… What happened to you the dreamer, the lover, the adventurer? What was it that enticed you away from your journey and lured you to the path that you are on today? How can you rekindle the fire and get back on the path? As a motivational speaker, Dr. James’ goal is to educate, empower and inspire others to build the life of their dreams no matter what shows up in their lives- good, bad, or otherwise. Her journey began in poverty on the South Side of Chicago. Though she had always dreamed of a career on the stage, Dravon went on to earn a doctorate in APRIL 24, 2020
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Dr. Dravon James
pharmacy from Creighton University and has worked as a pharmacist all her adult life. Along with her medical career and theatrical aspirations, Dravon has also always had a keen interest in personal development. After reading Norman Vincent Peale’s The Power of Positive Thinking in college, she went on to make a lifelong study of the power we all have to create the life we want. The insight she gained from her study has served her well during good times and bad. Her marriage hit the rocks, several of her pregnancies failed, her career took a tail spin for a time, and her health has been challenged, yet through it all she has continued to follow her dreams and now teaches others to do the same. Dravon is now the happy mother 30
of two teenagers, a wife of 23 years, a successful pharmacist, motivational speaker, author, and an actress whose career credits include a recurring role on HBO’s acclaimed “The Wire”, many stage plays, and independent films. She continues to inspire and teach what she knows to be the most effective tool for transforming, creating and building a spectacular life—tapping into Everyday Peace.–Text provided by Dr. James publicity team in coordination with Valder Beebe Show. VBS: Dr. James how do we move ourselves forward during and after the Pandemic? DDJ: Your task is to thrive! We are in a new space of development at this time, spend time cultivating you………………… Dr. Dravon James full interview…….SoundCloud. 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
Hanging with Hollywood
Selah & the Spades MOVIE REVIEW BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ
Have you ever watched a movie that was really bad and you kept waiting for it to get better, but it never did? Such is the case with SELAH AND THE SPADES. Perhaps it’s because the movie is about 17-year-old high school kids that I simply couldn’t relate to. The movie was so bad that if I didn’t have to write this review I would have shut it off. The movie is a pay per view film on Prime Video. SELAH AND THE SPADES is a serious hardcore drama about a private high school boarding school that is run by five factions. Lovie Simone plays Selah and she is the best thing about the movie. In the film, she is the head of the five factions. It’s no coincidence that there myimessenger.com
are five factions in the movie who she grooms to take her because the movie has the spot once she heads off to feel of a teen version of The college. Godfather. A quote from the movie that pretty much sums up this film is, “When your 17, you’ve got to grab control wherever you can.” That’s what SELAH AND THE SPADES is all about; a young black girl seeking her place in the world. An R rated teen film is simply not my idea of entertainment and did not enjoy this movie at all. Perhaps a teen girl may find the movie interesting; I did not. SELAH AND THE Selah decides who’s in SPADES has a run time of and who’s out in the clique 1 hour and 37 minutes, 1 and she goes from sweet to hour and 37 minutes that nasty as the head of the five I would like back in my factions. She’s a gangster life. On my “Hollywood with the heads of the five Popcorn Scale” SELAH factions and caring and AND THE SPADES rates a nurturing with her protege, SMALL. 31
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