I Messenger by Cheryl Smith

I MESSENGER APRIL 3, 2020

DEAN OF THE CIVIL RIGHT’S MOVEMENT DIES AT ‘98

VOL IX NO 33

LOWERY page 14

IMessenger An IMM LLC Publication MAILING ADDRESS 320 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway Suite 220 Dallas, TX 75203 WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM 214-941-0110 Cheryl Smith PUBLISHER - EDITOR news@texasmetronews.com S. Curet GENERAL MANAGER stewartcuret@myimessenger.com Jessica Hayden STAFFWRITER Marva Sneed EDITORIAL ASSISTANT EDITORIAL TEAM Rebecca Aguilar Lajuana Barton Eva Coleman Anthony Council L. Diane Evans Dorothy J. Gentry Vincent Hall Cierra Mayes Dr. Felicia N. Shepherd Monique P. Stone Dareia Tolbert Andrew Whigham III Chelle Wilson MARKETING TEAM Carlton McConnell Terry Allen PR

Free Free- Take - TakeOne One DESIGN/LAYOUT 619

.EWSSTANDS IN IN AT .EWSSTANDS

Rowlett d,Rowlett esquite Mesquite ardson chardson &.Dallas E.Dallas

WEB/SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

Alana King CIRCULATION/DISTRIBUTION

MB Distribution

450-13971 Year 1IMessenger Year Subscription $45.00 3)(903) 450-1397 Subscription $45.00

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.

APRIL 3, 2020

I MESSENGER

Setting the record straight WAKE UP AND STAY WOKE

appreciation? They dismantled the National Security Council section that would have helped DR. E. FAYE them in handling a WILLIAMS, ESQ. global pandemic such as the one we are facing. TriceEdney â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Every time How did Trump respond to a I hear Donald Trump blame question about this? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t President Barack Obama for know anything about itâ&#x20AC;? and everything bad, while he takes called the reporterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s question credit for everything good, I â&#x20AC;&#x153;nasty.â&#x20AC;? want to scream, but instead, The story doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t end I thought I would do a bit of here. Trumpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s administration research. eliminated a key American As my friend Dick Gregory public health position in would remind me, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Write and China intended to help detect speak so your grandmother disease outbreaks in China. can understand you.â&#x20AC;? Let me Had Dr. Linda Quick give that a try. remained in China, she Before President Obama might have been able to give and his team left the White the administration an early House, they took the time warning. She is not being to brief Trumpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team on allowed to speak to the public everythingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;including on the issue about what she handling pandemics. Afterall, knew and when did she know they had successfully taken us it. She might have been able through Ebola. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what I to tell the appropriate persons found. about the emergence of the Officials took the time virus in China late last year. to brief Trumpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s incoming Now, Trump finds every administration on a scenario way he can to blame China remarkably like the one for not having the information we are facing now about a our then public health person possible pandemic. Trumpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in China could have warned team was told about potential us. This man takes the challenges. responsibility for nothing. Among them were Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been in his job shortages of ventilators, antias President for over 30 viral drugs and other medical monthsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;but his go to excuse essentials. is to blame President Obama! The Obama team pressed At this time, Trump doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the importance of pandemic seem to care about the tragedy preparedness to the persons that the delayed information who would come into the job about COVAD-19 is causing once the Obama team left is getting people back to work. the administration. How did His responses are in direct the Trump team show their conflict with what health

experts are advising since there is no concrete information on containment of the virus. We already see that when several Asian nations tried that approach, they experienced a resurgence of the virus; but, Trump wants to open up our country by Easter no matter what! While he interferes with what medical experts are saying, he wants to have the country and the economy â&#x20AC;&#x153;raring to go by Easter!â&#x20AC;? Further, he says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (the country) is not built to shut down. Our people are full of vim and vigor and energy. They donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to be locked in a house or an apartment or some space.â&#x20AC;? Something is wrong with our laws about presidents when they can be recorded with over 16,000 lies in less that one term in office and still be in office with no consequences! How can a sane person lead the American people to believe that even as the virus spreads rapidly, we should drop all the precautions and rush back out to save the economy! This is a time many of us wish we could just skip ahead to November, vote and bring sanity back to our country! In the meantime, continue exercising care by listening to the health experts, washing your hands frequently, practicing social distancing, being kind and helpful to others and praying that you arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t guilty of being the cause of spreading the virus.

(Dr. E. Faye Williams is National President of the National Congress of Black Women and Host of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wake Up and Stay Wokeâ&#x20AC;? on WPFW-FM 89.3.)

myimessenger.com

INSIDE

TRUTH As a journalist I know, and I have told so many students over the years, “you don’t want to ask ‘that question.’” For me a “stupid” question” is an ill-prepared question: meaning your facts were wrong and you hadn’t done your research.

THINKING

COVID-19

Fannie Mae Miles Bradford, at 89, has experienced more in her lifetime than many of the government officials who are advising us about our lives today.

Take a seat, take a breath, and let me walk you through a straightforward and truthful perspective on this new entity that is the topic of our conversations nowadays, Coronavirus, or COVID-19 which is now a part of everyday conversation.

Parkland accepting personal protective equipment donations

· 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. It’s simple – you can donate new and unopened PPE to Parkland. Those items include:

· · · ·

Items can be donated Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Parkland’s Logistics Building, 5223 Tex Oak Ave., Dallas, TX 75235.

N95 masks (Medical Grade) Surgical masks Industrial masks Surgical caps

For additional information about donating PPE please email Pamela Bryant at pamela.bryant@phhs.org

Rep. Birabil’s message to TX. governor From Staff Reports TX. State Representative Lorraine Birabil (D-Dallas) urges Governor Greg Abbott to rescind his executive order blocking the release of certain individuals who can’t pay bail. On Sunday, March 29th Gov. Abbott issued an executive order barring individuals accused or previously convicted of violent crimes from being released from jails without paying bail. This order would allow individuals with the same criminal history or charges to myimessenger.com

Rep. Lorraine Birabil

walk free if they have access to cash. This is not only unfair but unconstitutional due to its discriminatory nature against poor individuals, said Rep. Birabil. The order puts individuals in jails who have not been convicted

of a crime as well as law enforcement officers and their families at a greater risk for contracting and spreading COVID-19. “If our priority is to protect our community, we should be looking at ways to relieve overcrowded jails and law enforcement officers who are risking their lives to protect and serve,” she continued. “Let me be clear, as a mother and a public servant I would never advocate for the release of inmates who are deemed dangerous to our community. Gov. Abbott’s executive order doesn’t target violent criminals, it targets poor people.” APRIL 3, 2020

MY TRUTH by Cheryl Smith, Publisher

Friend or Foe As a journalist I know, and I have told so many students over the years, “you don’t want to ask ‘that question.’” For me a “stupid” question” is an ill-prepared question: meaning your facts were wrong and you hadn’t done your research. On occasion I have had the opportunity to ask a question of both Bill and Hillary Clinton, and then-Senator Barack Obama. In a crowded room, with thousands of journalists each time, I came prepared with the well-researched and rehearsed question. I also had the knowledge, which was affirmed by two of my journalism/life mentors, the late George Curry and Dr. Julianne Malveaux, that whatever question I asked, there would be those in the room who felt they had a better question or that my question was not good enough. APRIL 3, 2020

I MESSENGER

Like Marcus Garvey said, “Every man has a right to his own opinion.” So, while my question may not have been “the question” for every other journalist, no one could not say that I hadn’t done my homework. I’ve never been shot down at a press conference or during any interviews; however I have seen a reporter taken to task, like the time actor Samuel L. Jackson shut down a young man. Reporter: “You said that rappers shouldn’t be actors and…” Mr. Jackson (cutting the reporter off) “That is not what I said. What I did say was…” I breathed a sigh of relief. I could think of ways the question could have been framed better and I hope the young man learned from the experience. Mr. Jackson was neither degrading or verbally abusive, but he stood firm in his truth. Which brings me to my truth. I was, am, and will probably 4

always be mortified when I recall the way three women were treated by the man who is viewed as the most powerful person in the free world. Even the most seasoned veteran has experienced or can recall that point in their career when they faced the ire, or got chided during a press conference; but nothing to the degree to which April Ryan, Abby Phillip and Yamiche Alcindor were bullied, berated and actually ridiculed by President Donald Trump. I don’t care what journalism school you attend, I don’t think it could prepare you for the tongue lashings these women received, especially from the President of these United States. Sure we were taught about going into opposing arenas, like having to cover white supremacists, the Ku Klux Klan, or similarly hostile environments; but not the White House! I’ve even been in discussions with journalists, who felt as I myimessenger.com

did that an ill-prepared journalist was embarrassed for not having their facts together so they asked a “stupid” question. But never were they berated to the degree we have witnessed recently. This president has an issue with Black women especially, it seems. Several words have been used when referring to Black women: dog, stupid, lazy, loser… This man, raising his voice, at a grown woman, ordered her to sit down! Then in the same breath he wants to talk about being respectful and everyone should respect the office of the presidency. I agree we should respect the office. We must respect ourselves enough to, as our First Lady Michelle Obama said, “when they go low, we go high.” April, Abby and Yamiche continued to take the high road, in spite of the abuse they suffered. Yes, Trump’s behavior is the kind you think of when talking about the Violence Against Women Act(VAWA). A big thanks to Vice President Joe Biden who as a Senator in 1994 drafted VAWA after what was called “Anita Hill hearings” but should have been called the “Clarence Thomas Hearings,” myimessenger.com

and Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee (D-TX) for sponsoring the VAWA Reauthorization Act. If you are defining emotional abuse, you can’t help but describe the president’s behavior. According to an article republished in domesticviolenceinfo.ca, emotional abuse includes verbal abuse such as yelling, namecalling, blaming, and shaming. Sadly, I think that when the president goes low, many Republicans, and many Democrats, as well as numerous others don’t go high, they probably go somewhere and get high! What else could explain their behavior or lack thereof ? Why are they silent? I know, some would say that white women, who are noticeably silent, suffer from the after effects of slavery also. They see their husbands doing wrong and in their passive aggressive way, they turn their heads and may even do a little talking, but when it’s time to lynch, sell, or rape; they say nothing because they are standing with their man/master! Now we don’t expect Melania Trump to speak out about her husband. In her subtle way; 5

however, maybe she is. She talks about cyber-bullying while her man is the poster child. Possibly she is telling us to read between the lines. Many have solutions to dealing with bullying. I think if I had been in the room or on the lawn when the abuses occurred, I would have come behind my colleague with the very same question attempting to get an answer, because each time the questions were valid. Let’s show some support to these journalists, and others like Jim Acosta, Peter Alexander and Emily Cochrane. There’s been some support but not nearly enough. The National Association of Black Journalists and Journalism & Women Symposium (JAWS) were quick to rebuke the President, and so were others. You can write a letter, either to the perpetrator or those on the receiving end. You can use the power of the vote also. Do what you’d want someone to do were it you being brutalized. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” Are you friend or foe? APRIL 3, 2020

Middle School Teacher Zooms ahead with Online Learning

Jouet Daniels had no idea the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic was coming, but she was already prepared. Last year, to help her students prepare to take the state’s standardized STAAR test, the seventh grade English teacher began hosting study sessions on the Zoom video conferencing application. The result? Her students had an 88 percent passing rate and 30 percent mastery - the highest scores for sixth graders in the entire district. This year, Ms. Daniels expanded her online sessions to include evening and weekend tutoring for students who need extra help with class work. “It has helped with their progress especially for students who need tutorials,” Ms. Daniels said. “It has increased their confidence and helps to reinforce skills we have gone over in class.”

While the education world is scrambling to transition to online learning in response to coronavirus, Ms. Daniels has already established her virtual presence. Students and their parents know how to reach her. “I want my kids to still be diligent and understand that just because we’re having these difficulties now, we should stay engaged and get the education we need,” Ms. Daniels said. Ms. Daniels said the uncertainty of not knowing what’s next can be uncomfortable, but with the right attitude, online learning can provide students with invaluable experience. “This is college and career readiness at its finest,” Ms. Daniels said. “To be able to go to school online and speak with your instructor. This is preparing them for life.”

Restaurants authorized to sell bulk product from distributors to public

this guidance, restaurants will be able to sell items like packaged meat, fruit and vegetables, and dry goods directly to the public to prepare and consume at home. This guidance will allow distributors and restaurants to provide Texans another source of food outside of grocery stores and prepared food from restaurants. These bulk food items would be available for purchase through offering drive-thru, restaurants delivery, pick-up, and curbside service.

AUSTIN- Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to issue guidance allowing restaurants to sell bulk retail products from restaurant supply chain distributors directly to consumers provided that such foods are in their original condition, packaging, or presented as received by the restaurant. Under

APRIL 3, 2020

I MESSENGER

Former Dallas Police Chief David Brown named Chicago Police Chief

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has named former Dallas Police Chief David Brown to lead the second-largest police department in the country, she announced Thursday. A 33-year veteran of the Dallas police department, Chief Brown retired in 2016. Chief Brown is nationally renowned for his community policing efforts. Born and raised by a single mother, Chief Brown grew up in the city’s South Oak Cliff neighborhood. During his tenure, he reduced crime more than any other chief in the department’s history. Officer-involved shootings declined by more than 40% and excessive force complaints dropped by more than 70% to their lowest levels on record. At the time of his retirement in 2016, Brown was the longest-serving – and most beloved – Dallas police chief in modern times. Chief Brown rose to national prominence following the tragic events of July 7, 2016, when a gunman targeted and killed five Dallas police officers amid an otherwise peaceful protest against police brutality. Chief Brown’s leadership calmed the city and nation, calling for protesters to become part of the solution by applying to join the police department. Chief Brown became a police officer in 1983 with the goal of fighting the crack cocaine epidemic in his old neighborhood. Over his 33 years in the Dallas Police Department, he was a patrolman, crime scene detective, SWAT team member and leader, internal affairs detective and assistant chief. The New York Times reported that Brown “earned a national reputation as a progressive leader whose top priority is improving relations and reducing distrust between the police department and the city’s minority residents.” Having quit college during his senior year to join the force, he completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, while being promoted through the department’s ranks. Chief Brown’s life and career have been marked by personal tragedy, including the death of his brother to drug-related violence, the murder of his former partner, and the loss of his mentally ill adult son in a shootout with police that also left an officer dead. Following his career of public service, Chief Brown was Managing Director of the Investigations and Disputes practice at Kroll, a New York security consulting firm. He now serves as a contributor to ABC News and an adviser to Texas organizations dedicated to early childhood education, mental health treatment and assistance for the formerly incarcerated. Brown authored a book, Called to Rise: A Life in Faithful Service to the Community That Made Me, in 2017. myimessenger.com

Mayor Johnson creates new reporting requirements on ventilators, hospital bed capacity for COVID-19 response

Dallas County’s recent orders, including the new order regarding long-term care facilities and construction. Mayor Johnson is implementing the From Staff Reports City's regulations pursuant to March Mayor Eric Johnson on 12 declaration of a Monday issued a new set of local state of disaster, emergency regulations that which is valid through require hospitals to report April 29 unless daily information to the City the declaration is regarding bed and ventilator renewed or rescinded capacity. prior to then. The regulations also suspend The reporting board and commission meetings requirements are — excluding the Park Board and intended to help Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson City Plan Commission and any the City assess other boards and commissions the needs of the required to meet for pursuant medical community to, or in compliance with, state or federal and prepare for a possible surge in law — through April 29. Any meetings hospitalizations related to COVID-19’s during that time must take place via spread. teleconference or video conference. “We stand with our medical In addition, the mayor updated the community. The leaders of hospitals in City’s emergency regulations to match Dallas have been critically important

West joins calls for COVID-19 testing in prisons

vulnerable inmates, or prison staff,” Sen. West said. “Just because someone is serving time for a crime does not mean their basic human rights can be ignored.” Mr. West, who is running for United States Senate in the July Democratic Primary runoff in Texas, said BOP State Sen. Royce West (D-Dallas), a must begin the testing immediately and nationally known advocate quarantine all federal for restorative justice and prisoners who test positive criminal justice reform for the disease in medical who served as Dallas segregation. County’s first minority “For the safety of Chief Felony Prosecutor, both other prisoners and called upon the federal prison staff, BOP must Bureau of Prisons Friday come up with a solution morning to immediately to medically quarantine test every federal inmate infected inmates in a way for COVID-19, take that protects the prison immediate steps to population at large and protect vulnerable inmate prison staff,” he said. Sen. Royce West populations, and make sure Mr. West noted that cases prison staff are properly of COVID-19 had already protected. been detected in Texas state prisons and “No amount of shelter-in-place in BOP staff in Texas has already tested our federal prisons can protect the most positive for COVID-19. myimessenger.com

sounding boards for me in the last few weeks, and we rely heavily on our frontline healthcare workers, including our paramedics, our nurses, and our doctors," Mayor Johnson said. "They act heroically every day. We need them more than ever to get through this, and we will do all we can to help them during these difficult times." Mayor Johnson and other City officials plan to address the media at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 31, in the City Hall Flag Room, 1500 Marilla Street, Dallas, TX 75201.

City Hall closed to the public In order to keep City of Dallas staff and residents healthy, City facilities will be working remotely effective immediately. City Hall will only be accessible to residents who have an appointment. The City of Dallas is open and continues to operate. For more information on closures visit dallascityhall.com/COVID19.

Also, Mr. West said he was joining the American Civil Liberties Union, Due Process Institute, Freedom Works, Justice Action Network, Justice Roundtable, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, The Sentencing Project, and We Got Us Now, to call on the U.S. Department of Justice and federal Bureau of Prisons to immediately begin considering compassionate release for vulnerable prison populations who do not pose a threat to society. “We must get medically vulnerable populations out of federal incarceration before their prison sentences become death sentences,” Mr. West said, adding that he was urging Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) to immediately call for COVID-19 testing and compassionate release of vulnerable populations in the nation’s federal penitentiary system. “Now is a time to show leadership on behalf of all Americans,” he said. “Senator Cornyn, I call on you to do everything in your power to protect prison staff and inmates in our federal prisons.” APRIL 3, 2020

Faith and common senseWays to fight coronavirus

I WAS JUST THINKING...

return of racial conflicts after our current President’s campaign to build a wall to keep out undocumented immigrants. Mrs. Bradford, a retired Dallas school teacher and longtime minister’s wife, said it was faith and common sense that sustained her through it all and, if her Maker wills it, she expects that approach to carry her on, even through coronavirus. “Prayer and meditation,” she said. “I also have a favorite scripture and hymn that speak to every aspect of my life ... Concerning the virus, I take all suggested precautions -- and then I use common sense.” On the door of her room at a senior adult residence

myimessenger.com

Fannie Mae Miles Bradford, at 89, has experienced more in her lifetime than many of the government officials who are advisBy ing us about our lives Norma Adams-Wade I Messenger today. Also, she remembers a So, Mrs. Bradford is approaching the coro- series of fatal shootings navirus scare with similar at schools, a rash of fatal stamina that has seen her through many nerve-shattering eras. Born December 15, 1930, the Dallas native lived through World War II, the Korean War, Viet Nam War, Civil Rights conflicts, news of various assassinaFannie Mae Miles Bradford tions including President John Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr., polio ep- police shootings of Afriidemic Ebola, HIV/AIDS can-American men, the joy outbreak, 9/11 terrorist at- of witnessing the nation’s African-American tacks, and the Columbia first president, tarnished by the space shuttle disaster. APRIL 3, 2020

I MESSENGER

in Mesquite, hangs the Psalms 23:1 scripture that is part of her regular conversation, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” And she takes advantage of any opportunity to sing her favorite song, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” I was just thinking... What molds a person to form a thick skin against calamity such as coronavirus? In Mrs. Bradford’s case, her early path was cemented by Christian values. She grew up in the fabled Mill City Dallas neighborhood and the Greater Bethlehem Baptist Church in the area. She spent summers with relatives in the historically-Black Lake Como area of Ft. Worth. She missed many days in elementary and high school because of an anemic disorder, but still graduated from Julia C Frazier Elementary, Lincoln H. S., and in 1947 as salutatorian of Bishop myimessenger.com

College in Marshall, TX. She rubbed shoulders with some historic Dallas black legends: Dr. John Wesley Anderson was her physician as a child. A. S. Penn was a principal who supervised her early in her career. She taught in Dallas and Fort Worth public schools for more than 40 years and retired in the mid-1990s. She was “First Lady” and director of various ministries and her late husband, Rev. Bishop J. Bradford Jr., was Pastor for more than 40 years at Mt. Horeb Baptist Church at 3306 Carpenter Ave. in South Dallas/Fair Park. Until Pastor Bradford Jr. died at 78 in 2007, they were the longest serving couple at the helm in Mt. Horeb’s now 103-year history. Of their two sons and two daughters, two are pastors, one the wife of a pastor, and the other a devoted church worker. After living for many de9

cades in a spacious home near Ledbetter Dr. in Southern Dallas, the former president of Metropolitan Baptist Ministers Wives & Widows Union in Dallas moved to the senior home where she has become a popular resident. She admits it took time to adjust to the new and less independent lifestyle. Giving up driving and shopping on her own was difficult but doable, the octogenarian said. Again, her scripture, song, faith and common sense directed her, she said. She also is adjusting to the resident’s tightened operation and rules for visitors even through the coronavirus scare. “Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come,” said Mrs. Bradford, quoting a gospel song. “It was grace that brought me safe thus far, and I’m counting on grace to carry us on.” APRIL 3, 2020

CORONA CONFUSION and MARCH MADNESS

home because of the virus. All of these factors contribute to the volatile stock market; all of the gains shareholders realized since 2016 have now been wiped out. Much of this might have been avoided, but for the fact that 45 did not initially take this virus seriously. Instead, when informed of this pandemic, the President’s initial reaction was a wholly vacuous assurance that

United States is woefully unprepared to manage this emergency. The focus of this administration has been to slash the public sector and provide tax breaks for the wealthy. Public health (or any other kind) has not been a priority for this administration. Managing a world pandemic is beyond the capacity of the private sector. Both Democratic presidential candidates Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders have given substantive speeches on their approach to this coronavirus. Unlike the President, these Democrats were concerned with the children who get school lunch

the virus was “just like the flu,” and would go away “when it gets hot.” Instead, the repercussions from the coronavirus are massive. The stock market tanked during the week when 45 first dismissed the virus, and then imposed travel restrictions, preventing some people from traveling to the United States. The spread of the coronavirus reveals weaknesses in the armor of the country, some describe as “the greatest country” in the world. The coronavirus has been declared a pandemic, a world emergency. The

when schools are closed. They were concerned with the contingent workers who won’t get paid when they don’t work, unlike government and other employees who will be paid no matter what. Both Biden and Sanders talked about the weakness in our public health system, and the ways that hos-pitals will be burdened if this virus gets worse. Yet, 45 addressed this matter with a pithy elevenminute speech that was full of outright lies and misinformation. When 45 campaign-ed

THE LAST WORD DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX Basketball fans were looking forward to March Madness, those weeks when the best college teams face off against each other. Madness was replete this March, but it wasn’t on the basketball courts. The dangerous coronavirus which can be transmitted by a cough, a touch, or “direct contact” is spreading all over the world. It is madness that the United States, which loves to brag about our world superiority, comes up short when it comes to coronavirus testing. Many who have been exposed to the virus have not been tested because test kits are in short supply. In reaction, March Madness has been canceled, as has professional basketball and other sports. In New York and other locations, public safety prohibits large gatherings, causing St. Patrick’s Day parades to be canceled. Broadway is likely to go dark because of the prohibition of groups of more than five hundred people, and most Broadway theaters hold more than a thousand people. Some colleges and universities have told students to stay home for spring break and offered online classes. Some K-12 schools are closed for weeks because of the virus. And millions of workers have been told they should work from APRIL 3, 2020

I MESSENGER

four years ago, he said he’d fix infrastructure, which is a bipartisan issue. As soon as he entered the Oval Office, the infrastructure plan was forgotten. A strong and resilient public health system should be part of our infrastructure. Instead, that sector has been ignored by an administration that would rather feather the nests of billionaires than ensure that everyone who has been exposed to the coronavirus can be tested. The National Society of Civil Engineers issues a report card on our nation’s infrastructure every two or three years. The most recent report card, from 2017, gives us a D+ grade on our infrastructure, our highways and bridges, public buildings and waterways, and more. We get a D+, and yet some brag about our “greatness.” Once we were a world leader, but now we are a laughingstock, especially when our country has abdicated from leadership, blam-ing the pandemic on China and Europe. Anyone who under-stands globalization knows that our countries are intertwined, and there are no borders strong enough to elim-inate disease. Will March Madness turn into Adversity April and Miserable May? Will Congress pass measures that will ameliorate the effects of this virus on our health, and on our economy? Candidates Biden and Sanders have offered ideas to minimize the impact of the coronavirus. Is anybody paying attention? myimessenger.com

On Civil Disobedience: The Church and COVID-19 His huge fist repeatedly struck her face. This wasn't the first time her boyfriend beat her up... but this was definitely the worst. Hours later, she awoke with blood caked between her face and the floor. Seeing that her boyfriend was asleep, she quietly ran out the door. Due to multiple warrants, she was too scared to call the police. So, she ran to the only place she knew to go. Seeing the steeple in the distance, she ran harder. For many years, her church was known as a place that would help victims of domestic violence. It was her only hope. Once she got on the lawn, she raced to the side door. There was always someone there. Running up, she missed the sign. Over and over again, she banged on the door. Nobody came. Backing up, she realized that there was a sign, "Churches are not considered essential based on the recent COVID-19 order...so we have been forced to suspend all social services until the order is lifted." He was sitting at home watching television. The phone rang. On the other end of the line, was a voice he did not know. After identifying himself as a local police officer, the voice proceeded to tell him that his myimessenger.com

The church was closed.

ON CIVIL She needed somewhere to DISOBEDIENCE sleep. The church was closed. BY REV. DR. JEFF HOOD

son was shot and killed earlier that night. Devastated, the man called his pastor. After hearing the anguish in his voice, the pastor raced over to his parishioner's house. Not long after he got off of the exit, he was pulled over. Unable to understand what he had done wrong, he rolled down the window. The officer asked where he was going. After his explanation, the pastor thought he was just going to be able to go. Instead, the officer went back to his car. After a few minutes, the officer came back with a citation. Immediately, the pastor demanded to know the reason for this ticket. The officer didn't hesitate, "Ministers are not considered essential workers under the recent COVID-19 order." She needed food. The church was closed. He needed emergency counseling. The church was closed. He needed help with his bills.

He needed to take a shower. The church was closed. She just needed help. The church was closed. He just needed help. The church was closed. The church is the largest provider of social services in our country. Dallas County and various other counties have discouraged/inhibited such work. Repeatedly, churches and their ministers are not included in the definitions of what is essential to our society. The language is all about businesses. While there is room given for churches to meet "virtually," churches can't do the vast majority of their work over a computer screen. More lives will be lost if the church stops being the church. I can't accept this. We must love our neighbors. We must stand up for the marginalized and oppressed. We must. To do anything else would not be the church. When someone asks for the help of churches, I encourage you to help them...no matter what any authority says. Civil disobedience might be the hallmark of our faith at this point. APRIL 3, 2020

Together we must stand

St. Paul UMC Senior Pastor Richie Butler said that more than 106 cards have been mailed to its oldest member, and perhaps the oldest person in No. Texas. Odessa

APRIL 3, 2020

Bowie,who turned 106 years old, Sunday March 29. The gesture was in lieu of a birthday party the Church planned in her honor. “Since her church family can’t

I MESSENGER

celebrate with her, Pastor Butler said, “we coordinated a churchwide birthday card mailing. But, now we have expanded our efforts for an online community

wide virtual celebration. The church started a campaign on its facebook page soliciting at least 106 birthday shout-outs! Her grandson, Marcus Bowie

says his grandmother is in good health and he is thankful that she is still with them. Mrs. Bowie has been a member of St. Paul for over 80 years.

myimessenger.com

Social Distancing?

Da Boys in Da Hood didn’t get the memo!

FOLKS GATHERED WITH NO REGARD TO SOCIAL DISTANCING

THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES BY THOMAS MUHAMMAD Vacant lot in Fair Park area.

Yeah you saw them too just as I did right? Hundreds of Black folks hanging out on street corners in South Dallas, primarily near liquorrelated stores. Drinking, drugging, selling all while practicing NO social distancing as ordered by Dallas County! Check out the photos here at the corners of Metropolitan/ Second Avenue and Spring Avenue/ Sutton Street as examples. All across the US and the world we are constantly being warned to Stay at Home or we could spread the coronavirus disease to their families, friends and associates. Now please understand I’m not stuck on stupid! I totally believe that when it comes to serious troubles about to happen to white folks that they have already prepared to write myimessenger.com

off large numbers of people of color and the poor. So yeah I get that these folks are not that important in the whole scheme of things, but speak out we must, if we know better! In the photos shown here you clearly see dozens of cars parked openly as people congregate to no end with each other. What you can’t see here are dozens of motorcycles in the middle of the autos, some with two riders! Not a care in the world! But again we are reminded daily, in fact hourly, that congregations such as these are dangerous to the public -- that doing this can bring about a community’s death! Can’t help feeling like going into a screaming fit as I watch the political fights about ventilators, masks and

other PPEs. While Black brothers and others are out in plain sight violating orders and risking the lives of other folks in their communities. Yeah somebody’s playin! But it also points out one other thing and that is that this community clearly needs a Black city council person, because I can tell you that if the late sister Carolyn Davis was alive these dudes woulda already gotten a “House Call” right on those vacant lots! In fact I’m almost ready to draft a Diane Ragsdale for city Council petition! Until then the struggle continues! Thomas Muhammad is an activist, writer and community servant.

APRIL 3, 2020

Civil rights giant Rev. Joseph Lowery dies Reverend Dr. Joseph Echols Lowery, 98 October 6, 1921 - March 27, 2020

Rev. Dr. Joseph Echols Lowery made his transition peacefully at home at 10 p.m., Friday, March 27, at the age of 98. He was surrounded by his daughters. Hailed as the “Dean of the Civil Rights Movement” upon his receipt of the NAACP’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr. Lowery had assumed and executed a broad and diverse series of roles over the span of his nine decades: leader, pastor, servant, father, husband, freedom fighter and advocate. Born in Huntsville, Ala., on October 6, 1921, his legacy of APRIL 3, 2020

I MESSENGER

service and struggle was long and rich. His genesis as a civil rights advocate dates to the early 1950s, when he headed the Alabama Civic Affairs Association, which led the movement to desegregate buses and public accommodations. In 1957, with friend and colleague Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he was a cofounder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). He served as Vice President (19571967), Chair-man of the Board (1967-1977), and as President/ CEO (1977-1998). To continue his legacy and pro-mote non-violent advocacy among future generations, The Joseph E. Lowery Institute for Justice & Human Rights

was founded in 2002 at Clark Atlanta University. The Institute was later renamed to include and honor Dr. Evelyn Lowery, his beloved partner in marriage and the movement for 67 years. Calling on his over 40 years as ‘pastor’ and in his inimitable style, Dr. Lowery delivered the benediction on the occasion of President Barack Obama’s inauguration as the 44th President of the United States in 2009. Later that year, President Obama awarded him the nation’s highest civilian honor, The Presidential Medal of Freedom, in recognition of his lifelong commitment to the nonviolent struggle for the causes of justice, human rights, economic equality, voting rights, peace and human dignity. myimessenger.com

AiRS Foundation on Breast Reconstruction Surgery during COVID-19

With the rapidly unfolding COVID-19 pandemic and hospitals across the country tending to those infected by the virus, many nonurgent elective surgeries are being canceled including breast reconstruction and some mastectomies. While a decision has not been made on a national level, the decision to limit or cancel non-urgent elective surgeries is currently a local decision and each hospital system is creating their own standards for moving forward. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has recommended that all members review scheduled elective procedures and office visits to minimize non-essential risk to exposure and possibly transmission, according to a recent statement from the New York State Society of Plastic Surgeons. This decision stems from a concern for the health and safety of all patients and healthcare professionals, and stopping the spread of COVID-19. Hospitals across the country are becoming rapidly overwhelmed by patients requiring intensive care and ventilators for lung conditions caused by the virus, which are the same machines that would be used during elective surgeries. Additionally, medical staff is running low on protective supplies and equipment for themselves that are optimal for surgery. “This is not an ideal situation for patients with breast cancer or women who have recovered and are awaiting breast reconstruction,” explains Dr. Jonathan Bank, New York based board-certified plastic surgeon and member of Alliance in Reconstructive Surgery (AiRS) Foundation’s Medical Advisory Board. “At this time mastectomies are on a case-by-case basis dependent on the hospital; however treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation are still proceeding. There myimessenger.com

will also be adjustments to treatments, for instance a patient with early-stage breast cancer who was set to have a mastectomy may now instead get a lumpectomy or radiation treatment. Unfortunately, at this time there are almost no breast reconstructive procedures being conducted as they are deemed an elective surgery.” “However, the role of breast reconstruction remains pivotal as an important option to the complete recovery of breast cancer patients and that is why AiRS is continuing to keep our focus helping these women with breast cancer,” explains Dr Rod Rohrich, AiRS cofounder and a board certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Bank points out that it’s especially important for those with breast cancer who have compromised immune systems take extra precaution during this time and follow safety guidelines set forth by the CDC. Breast cancer treatments make the immune system weaker, and therefore may put those at higher risk of complications should they become infected with the virus. These steps include social distancing, washing your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your face and clean and

disinfect surfaces you touch daily. “Now more than ever we want women to know that we are here for them and a resource,” explains Morgan Hare, co-founder of the AiRS Foundation. “We don’t know what the future holds and when women will be able to schedule breast reconstruction surgeries again, but we are closely monitoring the situation. We are working remotely so we can continue to provide information about reconstructive surgery, answering phone calls and are still accepting applications and processing them for funding. We can be reached through our website, AiRSFoundation.org, and are also available by phone or email. We will continue to do everything we can to assist people during this difficult time.” AiRS Foundation— a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to financially helping breast cancer survivors who have had a mastectomy to pay for their reconstructive surgery who could not otherwise afford it—wants the public to know they are still working and accepting applications for breast reconstruction assistance. In addition to providing financial assistant, AiRS Foundation acts as a resource and a support system; educating women on surgical options, assisting with understanding their health insurance coverage, and offering support every step of the way through their patient advocacy program run by volunteers and breast cancer survivors. Those wishing to contact the AiRS Foundation can do so through their website AiRSFoundation.org, email info@ airsfoundation.org or by phone (866) 3766153. APRIL 3, 2020

Counseling helps in adapting to new norm A HEALTHY MIND DR. STACIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ALEXANDER

The sudden call to think extremely out of the norm took nearly the entire population of the world out of their comfort zone. Many took the stance of a sincere awareness but some were so distanced from it that there was little change in pattern. They checked in occasionally via the common news cycle and casually mentioned it during the water cooler talk. When another person commented on how much more serious this monster was to the very commonalities of our lives, they were dismissed as being an extremist. Now that the United States is fully immersed into this crisis state-of-life, the full impact of the COVID19 has crossed the minds of millions. Even the most casual of conversations has at least one person who is warning the others to take it seriously. And while the news cycles are focusing on simply protecting and sustaining life, there are also millions of people quarantined who are suffering silently trying to cooperate just to stay alive. Through this cooperation, the very strings which hold them together are slowly being severed without any one realizing how long the after effect of this trauma APRIL 3, 2020

will last. People who were struggling with depression pre-COVID19 or now battling with depression to maintain composure in the home. The anxiety levels that were creating waves from people who were already overthinking every aspect of their lives, now has a big bad monster to fold into every layer of their anxiety that is shattering their learned coping skills. There are so many variables of mental health that are juggled each and every day by millions and all of this is further magnified by the constantly changing unknowns we are harnessed with daily. The reality is, many need and will need for years following, mental health treatment to overcome the threats and dangers experienced during the first quarter of 2020. A year that promised so much for so many. A new decade touting hopes of financial security, achieved goals, hearty relationships, and monumental gains. A year that showed us in a span of less than 90 days that we can control very little outside of our response to experiences. That response is what dictates how people move through challenging and critical times. Positive responses are full of optimism and hope with an understanding that challenges are but a bar to jump over even if it is incrementally raised to challenge us. Other people have negative responses which cast a shadow even when every effort is made to forge ahead and not fall short. And just like there are three sides to every

I MESSENGER Sen. Bernie Sanders

16 photo: NNPA

story: person one, person two, and the truth, so it is with perspectives on experiences. Some people will have a combination of positive and negative responses to situations over the cycle of the experience. The call to action of mental health professionals all over the world is being sorely highlighted even though they are ready to answer the call of duty. And the most amazing aspect of their willingness to answer this call, is the safety at which they can provide the services. Virtual counseling has been on a steady rise for the last five years but actually started in the late 80â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. And here we are, not even 90 days into 2020, and the data streams are bursting at the seams because nearly every sector of business is operating virtually; entire school systems, media (journalists are broadcasting from their homes), banking, and even mental health services. And clinicians all over the world are working diligently to help people adjust to talking about their most intimate thoughts and feelings via a video camera to a person they may or may not have met before COVID19 set into the fabric of the psyches of millions. There are three factors to consider when scheduling counseling services; Convenience, Accessibility, and Professionalism. It is likely, after the stay in place is lifted, thousands of more people will remain in the virtual counseling realm once they realize myimessenger.com

how accessible, convenient, and professional it is. The convenience factor is a given without any detailed explanation. Being able to go into a private room and talk with your counselor with little effort is one of the most favorable aspects of virtual counseling. The primary factor to consider is that the room is private. While it is not required that you have a perfect space for the session, it does need to be private. The next factor to consider is accessibility. You can get on most virtual platforms for counseling via

your smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop. If you can video communicate with friends, family, and coworkers via facetime, messenger, duo or other video platforms, you can log into a secure platform with a licensed counselor to participate in a counseling session. The final factor is to ensure you are scheduled with a licensed clinician. Just as with other industries, there are people who will work without the proper training. There are those in the counseling field who love to help people

yet they do not have the formal training and formal oversight to conduct professional counseling and therapy sessions. Do your research and ask questions to ensure you are working with a licensed or provisionally licensed (in training) clinician. There are daily mental health challenges even without the presence of such a formidable virus that people encounter. Embrace the resources available to you through tele mental health counseling just as you have embraced it in other industries. More

people are shopping online. More people are purchasing their groceries online. More people are using delivery services. More people are using drive through banking. More people are watching concerts online. More, more, more. Professional counseling is more available to you now, as well. Embrace and watch how much of a positive impact it has on your life. Dr. Stacia’ Alexander, LPC-S is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Counseling Supervisor and Clinic Director.

SAVE THE DATE

Cheryl Smith’s

JUNE 6, 2020

Don’t Believe the Hype

Celebrity Bowl-a-thon

For 25 years we’ve been awarding scholarships!

USA BOWL

10920 Composite Drive, Dallas, TX

6pm reception 8pm bowling begins

Fun for the entire family!p CALL 214-941-0110 to register or for sponsorship opportunities

2019 Champ JUDGE AIESHA

214-941-0110

$250 individual team of 6 $350 individual team of 5 plus celebrity captain ends 2/29/20

Evan’s Engraving ASSOCIATION OF

REDMOND myimessenger.com

CITYMENCOOK DALLAS - FORT WORTH

BLACK JOURNALISTS

DFW/ABJ

messenger

TEXAS METRO NEWS Garland Journal

I MESSENGER

am the

APRIL 3, 2020

JUNE

APRIL 3, 2020

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

CORONAVIRUS! REAL TABLE TALK BY CHAPLAIN DEBBIE WALKER BSN, RN, OCN

THE AMERICAN BLACK CROSS

ake a seat, take a breath, and let me walk you through a straightforward and truthful perspective on this new entity that is the topic of our conversations nowadays, Coronavirus, or COVID-19 which is now a part of everyday conversation. For the next few minutes, I will give some helpful insight for self-preservation, and some care tips for your family, your neighbors, and your community circles so that we can get through this together. I have divided this into seven (7) Action Plans for each day of the week. My prayer is that we shall get through this together, and that you family stay safe. Action Plan I Self-Care: Care of yourself and prevent yourself from being infected so you can take care of others. Simply stated, proper handwashing is your best protection. Wash your hands frequently and after touching common areas, follow shelter-in-place orders and travel restrictions, cough in the crook of your elbow, keep your hands away from your face, and call health care provider if you feel ill. Invest in a digital thermometer, take your temperature if it is 99.6f orally, and you have a cough myimessenger.com

and/or feel sick, call your physician, get tested at a testing site directed by your health care professional. Many areas have drive-thru testing sites with certain criteria. Until you are tested, stay away from others. A six-foot social distance is important when you go outside for food, gas, exercise, and if you are and essential business or employee. Please pay attention to ever changing instructions. Toss away the worries about not having hand sanitizer or paper towels, the medical community prefers that you wash your hands with soap and water for 20 to 30 seconds. You may dry with a clean wash cloth. Low on toilet paper? Well there is nothing wrong with a good old fashioned bath of a shower for complete cleansing. It is not necessary to purchase expensive body wash, a bar of soap still does the job. Our basic instincts of hygiene should kick in. I am attaching a great guide and link for effective hand washing from the World Health Organization(WHO): Feel free to attach this to all sink areas as a reminder. Sing â&#x20AC;&#x153;Happy Birthdayâ&#x20AC;? twice to make sure it is at least 20 seconds. When you go out, use your knuckles to press elevator buttons, commonly used pin pads, open doors with your elbow, use your back if possible, and use hand sanitizer if you have it. If you do not have hand sanitizer, take your bar of soap in a plastic baggie with you and wash your hands (if there is no soap). Never dry your hands on your shirt or pants. I make it a practice of making hand hygiene the first thing I do when I enter my home, and or touch a common surface. Many spray commonly touched areas with disinfectant spray such as door knobs, key pads, and handles. Remember, keep a social distance of at least

APRIL 3, 2020

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

Go into your hallways, your porches, your balcony, 6 feet when you are out. I have chosen to use selfyour stoops (6 foot distances) and introduce yourself. check-out, and take my own bag into the store. Be creative, have talent shows, share cooking tips Action Plan II (not the food), play guessing games. Group chat Community Care: Consider for a moment who on texts with humor can see you through. Do not be your street, in your building, in your family, in your embarrassed to admit that you are struggling, share circles are disadvantaged by age (65 years or older), your tears and joys. Lift one another up. If you are a disability (physical and mental), and/or social (food faith community leader, check on your membership insecure, laid off, or homeless), and reach out to via way of a phone call, a text, a drop by their home them. If you have, share, if you need, ask. There is (with social distance), to let them know they are not a well-known proverb of the monkey trap that shows alone. This is the time to get a pet if you live alone, how the monkey holds on tightly to the rice through and/or a plant to have something depend on you. a small hole in the coconut, and is thus is trapped Many animals are suffering during this outbreak, by the idea of â&#x20AC;&#x153;what has worked in the past works and many studies show how being a pet parent can nowâ&#x20AC;?. (The Book of Awakening, 2018) Only through help with loneliness. Many programs will give you generosity and care for one another, sharing as we free pet food. are taught in grade school can we make it through Action Plan IV this together. Bartering is an old way of economics that may very well be a survival techniques for a Healthy Cells: Keeping your immune system collective community. Many of us have hidden healthy by maintaining a balance between rest, artistic talents that in the absence of money may be activity, and nutrition. The cells charged in building our new business venture. Time is on our side. With our immunity must be cared for. It is recommended many ecommerce sites, assisting others with $5.00 to get about 7 or 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep daily can go a long way with meal planning. A bag of rice, to fight off infection according to Healthy Sleep 2020. pinto beans, and a pound of ground beef can feed a Take a moment to browse this link which also states family of 4 dinner for about $5.00. We must become that healthy sleep keeps blood sugar levels stable creative with how we shop, perhaps spending an extra in diabetics as well. https://www.healthypeople. $5.00 at the store can buy a loaf of bread, a dozen gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/sleep-health eggs, and peanut butter for your neighbor. This puts In addition, daily exercise outdoors is great for everything in perspective now. Blessings will abound your mental and physical health. When was the last when they can return the favor. time you threw a baseball in the park, or rode your Action Plan III

Faith in Humanity: Be anxious for nothing, talk with one another. We are in this together, become creative with ways to connect with your circle. Make the old-school telephone calls to check on one another. Use video conferencing mediums such as Zoom to create groups to have a fun evening out, to share your musical talents, and/or to share family events, prayer, stories, games. Sign up is FREE, attached is the link https://zoom.us/signup myimessenger.com

bicycle? A simple walk around the block does not cost anything. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water (three to four 480 ml water bottles) daily unless you are on a fluid restriction. I like to add a wedge of lemon or lime for the vitamin C. If you are like me, and prefer tea, I make a mint tea with a little honey and lemon. Green tea is also an excellent choice as well. I avoid sugar, if possible and opt for honey. A list of inexpensive foods that I add to my pantry to keep me in good health are onions, garlic, greens, fresh ginger

APRIL 3, 2020

root, turmeric, tomatoes, oranges, pineapple (rich in Vitamin C and Zinc), Cinnamon, and red pepper flakes. I have made an adjustment to purchase frozen fruits and vegetables which keep and store better. Wash your fresh produce prior to cooking, and try to shop during non-peak time, or during senior citizen/ disabled times if you fall in this category. Taking a brisk shower/bath daily will boost your circulation, and help you to feel better. Remember your skin is an organ, and keeping clean is very important, not just washing your hands. Try to reduce your stress levels by adding music if you are also struggling with difficult diagnoses such as cancer. (The Effects of Music Therapy on Anxiety and Depression of Cancer Patients, 2016). Follow your provider’s directives for treatments, and make sure you have a 30 to 90-day supply of medications. Many drug companies will assist with co-pays, or reach out to the essential social workers to help you if you need assistance with your medications. Some pharmacies offer more costeffective alternatives why you physician approval. Reading, prayer, journaling, painting, are also other therapies, and can pass the time. Action Plan V If you have credible information share it. Please do not share information that has not been verified, and/or untrusted news sites. Believe the responsible journalists and news sites. Make the adjustments with the most updated information. If you have a degreed health care professional in your family, get updates from them if possible, and support them emotionally. We must flatten the curve so that our health care communities can take great care of those who must be hospitalized. This is an excellent time to talk frankly with your loved ones regarding what their Advanced Directives to Physicians and Family or Surrogates, Medical Power of Attorney, and Out-of-Hospital Do Not Resuscitate(DNR) Information forms filled out for your state. Be aware that most medical facilities will not allow visitors due to concerns for community APRIL 3, 2020

I MESSENGER

spread, thus these documents are very important. I am attaching a link for Texas available in English and Spanish. https://hhs.texas.gov/laws-regulations/ forms/advance-directives Action Plan VI Routine for Sanity: Set a Routine and stick to it. It is very important to get out daily and smell the air, listen to the sounds, stretch your arms up to the sky. Is it sunny today, are the clouds out, is it raining? Life will continue. If you can, dig into the earth and plant something that you can eat. Teach your children about gardening, even a small tomato plant on a balcony has powerful messages of sustaining one’s self. Watching a flower bloom for the first time is healing. Nurture one another, really listen. You may not agree with the other opinion, but allow the person to talk, two ears, one mouth is what our Creator gave us. Play some old board games such as checkers, dominoes, truth or dare, or spades inside your home. Have the kids put on a talent show. Have your own church service, share it with streaming. Do you have a sewing machine? Make something together from a favorite clothing item, or T-shirt. See who comes up with the best idea. This is a time for families to reconnect. Put the cell phones down during this time. Limit your intake of the news to just 1 to 2 hours per day, and sit down and have a what is “news” in your life conversation. Cook together at home, sit at a table together, make meal prep stations, assign a Chef, and Sous-Chef, add music, make it fun, post a menu for the night. Action Plan VII Illness/Recovery: What if you are sick and test positive? Notify your employer, circle, community that you have contact with so that they may get tested. Follow your health care professional’s advice strictly. Know when to seek emergency medical attention. Call 911 and tell the 911 operator that you think that

myimessenger.com

you have COVID-19, and put a mask on.

• New confusion or inability to arouse • Bluish lips or face When to Seek Medical Attention *This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are If you develop emergency warning signs for severe or concerning. COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*: The following is a trusted link for up to date information: • Trouble breathing https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest sick/steps-when-sick.html#warning-signs

myimessenger.com

APRIL 3, 2020

COVID-19 is impacting the Beauty Industry ABOUT YOUR HAIR

BY DR. LINDA AMERSON www.hairandscalpessentials.com

Entrepreneurship can be the ultimate dream, until a global health crisis occurs, precisely cutting the slay language in the beauty industry…COVID-19 Pandemic! Image makers include: barbers, hair stylists, nail technicians, wig makers, hair loss practitioners as well as para-medical professionals...Certified Trichologists and Board Certified Trichologiststs. All are coping with ‘social distancing’ and ‘shelter in place’ executive orders for the first time ever! Loss of revenue will force many to think of ways of servicing their clients online, or create educational teaching platforms. At my Clinic, we have adapted by taking a strategic approach to service new patients. From the comfort of their home, we are offering Video Consultations, a diagnosis, along with a bonus...microscopic scalp analysis when we are able to reopen. Creatives may also utilize this time for self care, family time, take an online Seminar, Webinar to enhance their skills, or even begin hosting their own podcast APRIL 3, 2020

I MESSENGER

with purpose. COVID-19 pandemic has inspired many nail designs, now trending on social media since March 10, 2020. For example, nail designs with clorox, purell sanitizer,

lysol spray cans, facial masks, even a miniature toilet paper roller which rolls on the nail. In addition, some nail creatives wear surgical gloves with artificial nails glued on the tips. Endless creativity. Globally, image making businesses are temporarily closed. In Texas, TDLR (Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation) did not make the

decision to announce closures of businesses, instead Judges of governing Counties enforced an ordinance. The 1st city was Beaumont on Friday, March 20, then Dallas and Tarrant County, on Saturday, March 21st. Countless clinics, barber shops, salons, etc... have been impacted the past 1-2 weeks. Closures thus far, include Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, Bahamas, Chicago, Georgia, Wales, UK Wash-ington State, even Australia. The International Association of Trichology, in Australia, has adapted by offering online Webinars on March 22, 23 and 25 to members and non members for Trichologists only. Great opportunity for continued learning. With hourly/daily changes being made to flatten the curve of COVID-19, compliance is emphasized daily on a global scale. Please stay as healthy as possible by building your immune system. All questions may be forwarded to Dr. Linda Amerson LA’s Hair & Scalp Clinic 817 265 8854 Hairandscalpessentials.com #ScalpDoctor

myimessenger.com

APRIL 3, 2020

STOP THE SPREAD OF GERMS Help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

cdc.gov/COVID19 314915-A March 16, 2020 1:02 PM

APRIL 3, 2020

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

Lil' Marco Plays Hide and Seek scheduled for release

uthor/ Illustrator Sharon JonesScaife has announced the upcoming release of a new book for kids, 'Lil' Marco Plays Hide and Seek.' Sharon Jones-Scaife Through a story of hide and seek, featuring the series character, Lil' Marco, Ms. Jones-Scaife highlights the importance of being prepared when faced with weather-related emergencies. The new children's book is slated for release May 3, 2020. Written in cute rhyming stanzas and paired with vibrant and engaging illustra-tions, Lil' Marco Plays Hide and Seek not only leads children on a trail of fun play, but also introduces safe places to hide when faced with weather-related emergencies. Weather emergencies don’t cross a parent’s mind until an emergency happens, and that’s too late. For parents who think talking about emergencies will upset their child, Parents.com reports otherwise. Kids know from watching TV and videos and listening to the radio that emergencies can and will happen. Additionally, according to Parents.com one of the top fears that children grapple with is fear of the weather. “It is up to parents to help their children overcome fear, whether it’s fear of the monster under the bed, fear of insects, or weatherrelated fears,” said Ms. Jones-Scaife. “This story will help them start the fear conversation with their children.” The book also provides a little extra help for parents, to move them beyond talk to preparation. “I included emergency preparedness in-formation and activity sheets that relate to the story theme,” she said. Following the story, are five different activities as well as tip sheets and a planning sheet. “It is an established fact that children feel safer when they know what to do in an emergency situation,” Ms. Jones-Scaife concludes. Lil’ Marco Plays Hide and Seek is an engaging story of hide and seek as well as an emergency preparedness manual, all in one. The story is sure to charm and delight, while the informational pages will educate and enforce preparedness. It is myimessenger.com

available in print and ebook at online retailers. Published by Frog Pond Publishing, a division of Coffee Creek Media Group, author/illustrator Sharon Jones-Scaife grew up in Marvell, Arkansas, the fourth of 15 children. As one can imagine, she spent a great deal of time reading to her younger siblings. She is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a BA in Graphic Design and Illustration. she is the publisher of Teen Graffiti, a magazine that serves as a voice for teens and as an avenue of communication, allowing teens to express their opinions, concerns, and ideas through poetry, essays, articles, and

photography. Ms. Jones-Scaife is also the author of I Miss You Papa, Mrs. Hughes is Missing, It's Bedtime Lil' Marco, and Becoming, a collection of original poems and illustrations. A resident of Sachse, Texas, she spends her time supporting her son in basketball, creating adventures with her grandchildren, running, cycling, writing, and of course, reading. Ms. JonesScaife is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at sharon@coffeecreekmediagroup.com. More information is available at her website at http:// www.coffeecreekmediagroup.com. APRIL 3, 2020

From Marva with By Marva Sneed

Florida actress pursues childhood dreams On From Marva with Love, Jacksonville, FL native Markia “Harmuny” Butler talked about her career. A Florida A&M University Journalism graduate, she has put all of her skills to use while becoming an actress, dancer, writer, and business owner. Markia lives in Los Angeles, CA. She starred in her first independent short film that she wrote, directed, and produced and she also has launched a clothing brand, “Let Your Love be Real.” MS: Markia, Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started on this journey? MB: Yes ma’am. It is an honor and a pleasure to be on your show. How I got started. Well, I guess you can say being a youth with a dream and really fighting for your dream and understanding that no one is going to hand it to you or no one is going to give it to you. And acknowledging that you have certain gifts and talents that you would love to utilize. Since I was maybe in the APRIL 3, 2020

I MESSENGER

fifth grade I always wanted to be an actress. I literally sat in front of the TV over in Jacksonville, Florida, just sitting in front of the TV knowing

Markia “Harmuny“ Butler

that is something that I wanted to do. When I went home and opened up my fifth-grade yearbook, my ambition was to be an actor in fifth-grade. It was always something that was burning on the inside of me at a young age. My parents kept me in dance class and stuff like that. Even though it was so far from Hollywood, New York, and 28

Broadway, I still had that ambition. That is something I want to do. How can I do that? MS: You wanted to be an actress, so what made you go into journalism? MB: I always ask myself that question. It can be literally more like guidance from God. When I was in high school my junior and senior year they always placed me in front of the camera doing the morning announcements, the news. I always had this voice and face to be in front of the camera. I was in theatre in middle school and academics in high school. I was in a program called 4-H in high school. I loved to volunteer. I loved to be at the forefront picking up on certain issues. When I was in 4-H and high school, it was like journalism telling people the truth and what needed to be done. The writing was really interesting to me as well. I loved to tell a story. myimessenger.com

I MISS YOU Oh, how I miss you. My reality distorted. Retreating often to a place where you remain. We laugh, together. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

myimessenger.com

APRIL 3, 2020

THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

Chef Cassondra

By VALDER BEEBE

IMESSENGER and Texas Metro News is committed to providing accur-ate coverage of COVID19 along with the virus’ im-pact on Texas, the nation and its global affect. The Valder Beebe Show which has a reach via FM Radio broadcasts, streaming TV pres-ence and of course our feature, THAT CELEBRITY in IMESSENGER, Texas Metro News and the Garland Journal News. Our commitment [Valder Beebe Show] is to emerge better, smarter and with new tools, ideas and philosophies to prosper mind, body and soul, are strong. Yet we must make it through the current Pandemic and food is essential. We all must eat. In the DFW area healthy eating chef, Cassondra Armstrong, for over a decade has been planning, preparing and serving healthy meals to working families, senior citizen and entrepreneurs who have less time to cook at home. Her company Culinary Concepts has a food delivery branch, to her catering services that delivers prepared meals for a day, week or month to shut in seniors and Metroplex families. I invited Chef Cassondra into the Valder Beebe Show studios to share with my audience of viewers, listeners and readers APRIL 3, 2020

I MESSENGER

Chef Cassondra Armstrong

about what to buy as we are quarantined, stay-at-home, WFH (work from home), schooled-at-home. VBS: Chef, Dallas is under stayat-home order by City of Dallas officials. We are being told to stay at home, stock up (not hoard) food, what do we buy? CHEF: Now is a great opportunity to do plant base. Incorporate those vegetable in there because we know vegetables are really good for us. We’re not able to move around as we once did or like to. We are not only operating in-place, we need to exercise in-place and we need to watch what we are eating. I am suggesting that we fill up on; beans, greens and vegetables and things that we can prepare a lot of and prepare in large portions, then freeze for multiple meals. VBS: Chef, that’s great advice because all of the things you are

focused on are low cost foods. CHEF: Absolutely, and those are the things that are remaining on the shelves in the supermarkets. Yes we are talking about hoarding toilet paper, can goods and other essential things we need. Place your attention on vegetables and dried food when preparing to stay at home. Vegetables are still remaining on store shelves. VBS: Every week or as often as I can I will have Chef Cassondra as my guest to guide us through ‘what to eat during the quarantine.’ Topics: food preparation and storage and how to remain healthy during the pandemic. From a diet viewpoint we will touch on preexisting conditions. CHEF: You can connect with me at www.chefcassondra.com Chef Cassondra Armstrong’s full interview, SoundCloud.com/ kkvidfw 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

Uncorked

MOVIE REVIEW BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ

With the coronavirus keeping moviegoers at home, NETFLIX gets into the fray of first-run movies with the new PPV film called UNCORKED. It’s a movie that is hard to define. It’s about a young man named Elijah, played by Mammoudu Athie, who wants to be a master sommelier. (A sommelier is a wine steward who is a wine expert and knows everything there is to know about wine, from what food the wine is compatible with to a description of the wine and even which part of the world the wine came from.) So, is it a movie about the world of wines? Elijah also has a hardcore father, played by Courtney B. Vance, who wants his son to take over the family business, a BBQ joint in Memphis which has been family owned for three generations. Niecy Nash adds some flavor to the movie as the momma who loves her husband and loves her son. While she wants what’s best myimessenger.com

for her family business, she also wants her son to be able to pursue his dreams. Finally, there’s also a love story between Elijah and a young woman, Tanya (Sasha Compere) who he meets in the liquor store where Elijah works part-time. She’s a lot like Elijah’s mother. She loves her man but is willing to make the sacrifice needed for him to achieve his dream. So what kind of movie is UNCORKED? The answer is “all of the above.” And to me, that is the problem with the movie. The short 111-minute movie 31

runs off into too many different directions without giving a complete story on the family dynamic, the interesting world of being a wine expert, or the love story between Tanya and Elijah. I was disappointed in the weak storytelling of the movie and, while the characters are likable and interesting, there just wasn’t enough meat on the bone. Uncorked is unrated and currently showing on NETFLIX. On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate the movie a MEDIUM. APRIL 3, 2020

APRIL 3, 2020

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com