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MAY 8, 2020
VOL IX NO 38
Mrs. Ruby Carter Means Barton was one of this country’s oldest voters when she died at 107 last month! p.25
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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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All Americans Deserve Better conditions, enslaved once here, lived through Jim Crow, left without equal opportunities for DR. E. FAYE WILLIAMS, ESQ. jobs and education without America If we didn’t know before, making a minimal effort we now know that we have a to repair the damage of failed federal government. what our ancestors went The man in the White through — and what many House is so bad that we are still going through. don’t really need to look Add to that, white for failures down the line. America gave us Donald There was a time Black Trump, who has shown us people could look to the time and again there’s not a U.S. Supreme Court for dime’s worth of difference justice. between him and David At times, we were able Duke. to go around our local and At least David Duke was state officials and appeal honest. He once said, “Our to the feds. The Supreme clear goal must be the Court and executive branch advancement of the white are out of the question race and separation of the now! white and Black races.� We already know their We see the devastating decisions won’t be in our impact of COVID-19 on favor. Black people, so it’s no When we hear the words surprise that we aren’t “Make America Great seeing an increase in Again,� we know Trump is testing or any other not talking about making measures to treat Black America great again for us. people. That would be acting like We have a president America was once great for who’ll allow us to be the Black people. lowest in benefits, but We can’t look to the highest in the death rate federal government for during this crisis. justice in a disaster like the We see unadulterated coronavirus. Black people greed ruling the day when are bearing the brunt of it comes to our people in the tragic virus more than every aspect of life. Trump anyone. has chosen not to treat Some want to blame vulnerable communities our lifestyle without fairly. considering that we’ve First lady Melania never had a chance to heal Trump tried to be better from the wounds of our than her husband. She circumstances — such as introduced her “Be Best� our ancestors being forced program. We’ve heard out of their natural habitat, nothing from it lately. forced into inhumane She expressed her WAKE UP AND STAY WOKE
concern for ridding our nation of bullying. Through his own behavior, her husband has pushed back on these ideas to the point that she has practically disappeared. Despite all the lying and silly behavior from the one who calls himself our bestever everything, there’s still good in America. The doctors, nurses, aides, food preparers and deliverers, transportation officials, janitors, first responders and so many others risk their lives to comfort, treat, and assist others at great risk to themselves. Let us thank God for them and work for ways to reward them. Those of us who’ve had the luxury of benefiting from their services must treat them as the special people they are, and work for our nation to honor them in some way when this tragedy is over. That is our challenge. Let us show our gratitude by being better neighbors, better friends. Let’s share what we have with those who have little or nothing. Let’s take better care of our seniors. I’ve asked each of our chapters in NCBW to adopt a senior citizens home. I challenge all to rise above the man in the White House who blames everybody else for the bad but takes credit for the good done by others — while doing nothing to make America great for all of us.
(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 You won’t get an argument from me if you say “parenting is not easy.”
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MAMA
TRUMP
I remember the first time I resented my mama. It was not because she told me I could not have candy or I could not go to a friend’s house. No, it was not anything like that at all. The first time I resented her was for what I perceived as weakness.
The daily White House coronavirus briefings have made me cringe, scream, shake my head, and even laugh!
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MAY 8, 2020
MY TRUTH by Cheryl Smith, Publisher
I’ll always love my mama
Y
ou won’t get an argument from me if you say “parenting is not easy.” I know so many mothers who have defied all kinds of odds and overcome numerous obstacles in an effort to “raise” their children. Many, when talking about parenting, cite the challenges, but also talk about the joyous moments, the prayerful nights, support from the village, and learning as they go. Talk about an awesome responsibility! Talk about an emotional rollercoaster ride! lt’s a good thing when children grow up and can look back on their lives and have a better understanding of their mothers and what they went through; not only to birth them but to help them navigate through the formative years of their lives. Unfortunately, every woman/ female is not ready, willing, or able to be a mother; so that
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understanding will never come. Actually, it’s not a job for everyone and some should not apply. But there are the women who make the effort and are committed to the cause and they should be commended. Which brings me to my truth. Standing over my mother, watching her sleep, I had that moment when I finally “got it.” I realized that she made some mistakes and at times I thought she was “dead wrong” and she was. But guess what? On that special day, I understood it all. On that day as I watched her sleeping peacefully, I guess I became the woman she wanted me to be. I recalled her wanting to go out with her friends and looking for a babysitter. She was in her late 30s, with three children. She told Daddy we would be fine at home because we were 16, 14 and 8; and we knew what and what not to do. While at age 14, 38 seemed 4
OLD, ancient and definitely not an age where she should be wanting to “hang out,” looking back made me realize that she was young and vibrant and deserved to get her groove on! Then I thought about times when she whipped me for what I considered a mild infraction. Well, the infractions, no matter how small, deserved punishment so they wouldn’t develop into larger infractions. And I thought I would never understand the state-ment: “this is gonna hurt me more than it hurts you!” Until it was time for me to discipline. Andre, Alayna, Annya and Ayanna would tell you that I was feeling an entirely different sentiment. I hated administering whippings so when I had to, best believe, I was determined to ensure that it “hurt them more than it hurt me!” And mother and daddy would take turns going up to our schools. Looking back, no myimessenger.com
matter how I felt then, I realize that was a good thing. And mother lived by the philosophy that wherever we showed out, she would show out right there on our behinds. There were so many other lessons that I didn’t understand at the time I was being taught. Interestingly the longer I live, the more I realize. I guess you could call it the evolution of Cheryl. And mothering has evolved too! We now identify postpartum depression and we’re encouraging women to get help and for men to be understanding. Mother of three, Mary Sauer wrote: “In other cultures, there are traditions by which the mother is tended to postpartum: in Mexico, the cuarentena is a 40-day period where everyone showers the mother with help and nourishment after the birth of her baby. In Korea, samchilil is a 21-day prescription for rest, care, and nourishing soups like the miyuk-kuk before the mother returns home. In the U.S., some women are back at work just days after delivering.” Sometimes we don’t realize we are being judg-mental, like myimessenger.com
when we see the snotty nose, that “Parent’s Just Don’t uncombed hair or unkempt Understand.” clothes. As we celebrate yet another Have a child and you’ll Mother’s Day, make contact with your mom, or if you can’t, reach out and touch a mother and say, “Thanks. I understand. I appreciate you.” Now admittedly every birth was not 100 hours long, without anesthesia or an epidural, in a wobbly wagon driving across undeveloped terrains; but when you consider the challenges with childbirth these days and the disproportionate number of women of color who die during and after childbirth, clearl you see we have a pandemic! According to the United Mother Health Foundation, the U.S. maternal mortality rate hovers see how easy that clean face around 20.7 per 100,000 live becomes covered with food, births. bath products, make-up and There are numerous reports anything else within reach; and validating that Black women the clean, nicely-pressed clothes have a maternal mortality rate look as though the child rolled three times higher than that of on the floor, under the bed, white women. down the stairs and around the Birthing babies is serious work. backyard —all in a matter of Raising children is tough work. seconds. For those reasons and more, I And my definite “do not go sing, like that popular group of there issue” has to do with hair! the 1970s, The Intruders sang, In his hit record the Fresh “I’ll always love my mama. Prince, Will Smith, rapped 5
MAY 8, 2020
Mama Said…. QUIT PLAYIN’ Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and award-winning columnist.
“Mama said there would be days like this.” There seems to be no defined author or pen name attached to this ageless anecdote. Some lump it with familiar “old wives tales,” which is categorized as superstition or traditional belief that is regarded as unscientific or incorrect. Mothers have said it for generations and COVID-19 is making it more believable each day. When tragedy strikes a nation that values its dollar signs over your vital signs, this has to be the “days” mama was talking about. Big Mama, been telling you for years that you never miss your water ‘til your well runs dry. America’s rising economic well is now filled with woes. Nana said that all money ain’t good money. You took that with a grain of salt, and now you have to choose whether you want to return to your job at an infected meat plant or try to live long enough to see your children graduate. Grandmother Hall parroted what Grandmother Figures said. “Alright boy, you doing MAY 8, 2020
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good, but always remember to put something back for a rainy day. Don’t break a dollar to spend a dime.” It’s raining every day now, and the forecast doesn’t seem to show it letting up for another 18 months. What you got saved? Aunt Ora warned, like B.B. King and Ray Charles did, that the same thing that’ll make you laugh will make you cry. Donald Trump knows that now. He laughed as he disassembled Obama’s Pandemic panel, now he’s crying the bitter tears of regret. Regretfully, millions of us are crying as we near 100,000 lost loved-ones within the next 30 days. Aunt Juanita and her husband always had a business of their own. “God Bless the child that’s got his own.” We have watched this shutdown shatter small businesses in our community. Now we must strategize on how to take control of our own. If we could take over the donut shops, hair-care stores, and the nail shops where Black folks live, we could command billions of dollars each year. Quit Playin’, that’s the original recycling program! Black mothers have said that, 6
“Black don’t crack and Brown don’t frown,” but you cannot tell during this pandemic. Minorities and immigrants are dying like flies; we are dying in bunches, and no one seems to care. The gravity of this nation’s indifference to poor and uninsured people has come down hard. America has always practiced social distancing. What we doing today with this virus is merely physical segregation. America is eight parts cosmopolitan, two parts slum and never the twain do meet. My mama always said, “every tub has to be on its bottom, and everybody gotta meet Jesus for themselves.” She was right. Nobody can protect you from this virus but you and if you don’t know God by now…well Hell!! Commissioner John Wiley Price, who may have been called a “mother” more than once called me and in the course of our discussion, he said, “Mama said that there would be days like this.” She was right, my mothers were right, your mothers are right! As a society of people in a myimessenger.com
male-dominated society, we have allowed the simple suggestions of our matrons to escape us. Because they lack statistics, higher education or for other reasons, we have discounted what they said. So much of the anecdotal narratives our mothers passed down to us have been rooted myimessenger.com
and refined in hard times. The survival stories of the Great Depression are dying by way of COVID-19 and many other health complications. Our mother’s prayers are that the youth of this generation will toughen mentally and spiritually because of this existential threat. We should all pray that 7
they learn to save for bad times, relish the good ones, and love their neighbors and this earth in the way God commanded. Mama said there would be days like this. Happy Mother’s Day Mom! We hate hearing “I told you so,” but you were right all along! MAY 8, 2020
I LOVE MY MAMA BUT NOT LIKE YOU THINK
I remember the first time I resented my mama. It was not because she told me I could not have candy or I could not go to a friend’s house. No, it was not anything like that at all. The first time I resented her was for what I perceived as weakness. A HEALTHY MIND DR. STACIA’ ALEXANDER
She and my father were arguing and he told her to leave. I immediately grabbed my things to go with her and we walked out of the house. She did not have her keys. “So what,” shouted my little sevenyear-old mouth. “We can walk.” She looked so defeated and I was energized. I do not recall feeling sorry for her at that point. And neither do I recall feeling protective of her. I was angry. I was angry at my daddy but I MAY 8, 2020
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was more angry at her. By second grade, I’d had at least three fights and I felt I could handle anything. I figured if I could handle people my age, surely she could come up with a way to win this fight. We did not leave that night and my daddy made us come inside. He sat us in front of the fire and said we would never be forced to leave the house again. He promised hewould leave before he allowed us to leave the family home. He made good on his promise and was gone within six months. From that point on, the love between my mama 8
and I changed. Looking back on it, I can now see how absolutely angry I was at her for her response to the trauma of losingher marriage. And although I am certain she made some choices that worsened her situation, I did not make it any better. I was what is now labeled as a “strong-willed child.” You could tell me “no” and I could give you 15 reasons why you really wanted to tell me “yes.” By the time I was in middle school, I actually had to cuss at my mama for her to stop me in my tracks with whatever was in her possession. Sometimes, it was a myimessenger.com
shoe. One time, it was a Stephen King book. I actually yelled at her, “You could have killed me with that!” when it flew past my head. Otherwise, she let me do what I wanted to avoid an argument or the slightest hint of conflict. In my early 20’s, we had one of many huge arguments about her life. She looked at me and said she felt like I was the only reason God had allowed her time on this earth. There was a shadow of sadness in my heart for her feeling so useless that she did not value her blessing of life any more than it stretched beyond me. Many years later, I began to accept my mother for the wonderful person she is. Not because she became more assertive or because she changed her approach to life. I began to love her unconditionally when I realized her response was not about me. Her spirit is quiet and all she was searching for was peace. I knew I had healed when myimessenger.com
I asked her nearly 20 years ago to move in with my family. It took her a while to give up the vices which I would not allow in our home. When she moved in, she was like a child who had been abused her entire life. She stayed to herself and only came out when we left the home. I knew she was moving about but I allowed her time to acclimate to all of the assertive and strong spirits running around her – my family. Then one day, she came to me and said, “Thank you.” I kept cooking until a gentle nudging told me to stop and listen to her. When I turned, she had tears in her eyes as I do now. She so 9
quietly explained that she was thankful for peace. She said she had never known peace like the peace we have in our home. That resonated with me because through all the chaos of my childhood, I held on to the promise of peace by God. I stayed in somebody’s church on Sunday, bible study, vacation bible school, church camp, or something. Along the way, a teacher shared that even when things go wrong, one can have peace. This stayed with me because I often prayed for peace. I knew when I did not have peace, it was because I was out of God’s will. When my mama moved in with us, she saw us running a household in God’s will. I love her so completely and I love God even more so. Because of Him, I can forgive her for all the times I did not love her. I know she has forgiven me for all of the times I did not love her. Dr. Stacia’ Alexander, LPC-S is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Counseling Supervisor and Clinic Director.
MAY 8, 2020
The Power of 3
Women Who Gave Us Power
Mothers are the heartbeat of the home. Mrs. Cecil Amerson was the teacher, nurturer, nurse, adviser, correction officer, herbalist, amazing cook, fashion seamstress, house cleaner, finance manager, and so much more. I am the youngest of six children— three boys and three girls. In the Amerson household, mom and dad instilled Christian values, and love for family. Mom always called me the “knowledge seeker,” and she introduced me to scented powders, perfumes, and the pressing comb. Her gift of using her hands to create beautiful things was passed on to me. My siblings have told me I have her penmanship. She taught me that I needed an education to become independent, to always take pride in appearance, to be nice and respectful to elders, how to cook, the importance of volunteering, pray daily, and to remember the sky is the limit in my career choice. Married to my father for 53 years, then she gained her wings 12/27/2004. Dr. Linda Amerson is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, radio host on Ask Dr. Amerson and a syndicated journalist. www. hairandscalpessentials.com The power of being mothered by my mom, MAY 8, 2020
Dr. Linda Amerson, Valder Beebe and Ester Davis
Valder Elizabeth, resonates with me in every action I take every day. I do hope as women we are inspired to be the best mother from the core of who we are. Mothering is not always by example but by instinct. My mother, Valder [we share the same name], born at a time when women of color had no power yet she made a life for her and for her family. My mother [and father] raised four children in the post Jim Crow South, yet shielded me and my three siblings from racism and hate. I now know this because I am a mother and I understand how it’s the parent’s duty to protect their children. My family traveled from military base assignment to assignment and we always traveled by car. When it was time for a new duty station we packed up our belongs and traveled cross country by car. My
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mom would always make it an adventure for us kids to look forward to. Before beginning our adventure we map out our route and study the profile of the new destination. We marked the historical and significant places along the way. We selected times we would stop for picnics and have family or friends lodge us for the night. To us, as children, this was always anticipated fun. Now that I am adult I remember in our car The Negro Motorist Green Book ( or titled The Negro Travelers’ Green Book) was an annual guidebook for AfricanAmerican road trippers. The Green Book was always sent in the mail by my Aunt Roberta from New York. It originated and was published by a New York City mailman Victor Hugo Green from 1936 to 1966. So as you think of your children on this Mother’s Day know that you will do your best to protect
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them. This is the greatest gift of all. Valder Beebe is an American radio host and journalist. Her interviews are found at www. ValderBeebeShow.com What I remember most about my mom is that our home was always full of children, and she was the center of attention. Esmer Lee Sadler, was a lady and an officer. She was petite with a very precise voice. She was an English major, so everything was done with perfection and precision. Our home was spacious, a large yard, front and back, fruit trees and animals. What I remember most about my mother is her stories, her positive approach to life... how she raised her children and everyone else’s child. With four siblings, cousins and neighbors kids...about 40! We were adored children, and my father was the provider. She was a homemaker who ran everything. All children took music…we were a musically close family. She taught Sunday School for 34 years, and volunteered often. Married to my dad for 55 years. She changed her address Christmas Eve, 1991. Dr. Ester Davis, journalist, radio and TV Host www. esterday.com myimessenger.com
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MAY 8, 2020
Donald John Trump is hazardous to your health! THE LAST WORD DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX The daily White House coronavirus briefings have made me cringe, scream, shake my head, and even laugh! The President of the United States offers medical advice, minimizes the coronavirus, injects partisanship into his remarks, and generally treated these critical briefings as his daily open mike. He uses his bully pulpit to praise and to scold, saving particular scorn for the media. Not only is this man vindictive, but also brusque and churlish. His ignorance hit a nadir, though, when he suggested, on April 23, that sunlight and heat might heal the coronavirus. Then he said that since bleach and other disinfectants could rid surfaces of the coronavirus, bleach and disinfectants might also work on people. His comment was so alarming that Lysol should not be used internally, “Under no circumstances should our disinfectant products be administered into the human body through injection, ingestion, or any other route,” a Lysol spokesperson told NBC News. A day later, he attempted to explain his remarks, but he outright lied about what he said. Is 45 this ignorant, or is he merely deflecting from the many mistakes he has made, as our nation’s leader, MAY 8, 2020
in combatting the deadly and highly infectious virus.? From urging people to go to church on Easter Sunday (he took it back), to telling states they can open for business before testing results are back, he has taken the nation’s health into his hands and imperiled our collective health as a result. Not to mention his enthusiastic embrace of hydroxychloroquine, touting it in several press briefings as a “game-changer.” The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cautioned against the use of the drug except in a hospital setting or clinical trial. Did 45 ask for their advice? Or did he go to med school when none of us were looking? During the daily briefings, I’ve been extremely impressed by Dr. Anthony Fauci, the blunt-talking director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. While he is not disagreeable, he is not afraid to openly disagree with 45. He’s been leading NAIAD since 1984 and was instrumental in working on ways to contain the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The President seems so tone-deaf to Dr.
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Fauci’s advice and the advice in just a couple of months, of Dr. Deborah Birx, the killed more than 50,000 White House Coronavirus people, some of the Trump are amusing, Response Coordinator. remarks Previously, she served as amazing, and, ultimately, the United States Global disgusting. Coronavirus Response The White House Coordinator. Watching her body language when 45 attitude toward the states speaks suggests that she also endangers our health. does not have Disaster relief funds include It to contradict money for hospitals. him verbally also has money available to make her for the states. But through displeasure. a murky set of rules, the When he states cannot use the funds ignores the for state operations, only for advice of COVID-19 related expenses. these medical How do we tell the difference, when state experts, he especially e n d a n g e r s operations (including health our health. operations) are strained by According to the virus? Senate Majority the President, Leader Mitch McConnell there has been says the states can go s u f f i c i e n t bankrupt. These attitudes testing. Most experts are hazardous to our health. The President is not disagree. He says that anyone who wants a test can concerned with our physical get one. That’s a bald-faced health, but with his political lie. Indeed Larry Hogan, health. That is why he has the governor of Maryland, sparred with governors, the That’s had to get 500,000 tests from press, and others. South Korea because the why he has been opposed to federal government either mail ballots, even as he casts didn’t have them or would them himself. That’s why he has approached a dire not distribute them. Mr. Trump has missed situation with bluster and no opportunity to praise braggadocio. That’s why he himself for doing “a great has failed to wear a mask, job” in combatting the failing to model the kind of coronavirus. He has missed behavior all of us, including no opportunity to demean his acolytes, should emulate. Scientists are looking for or condescend to the media. He has turned a severe world a vaccination against the Our nation pandemic into a chance to coronavirus. bloviate, lie, and offer self- needs protection against our congratulations. I laugh to President. keep from screaming, even though since I’m sheltering in place, no one would hear Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an me. While there is nothing author, economist, and social funny about a virus that has, commentator.
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Ellis County African American HOF remembers Bessie Coleman Special to I Messenger Media Waxahachie’s favorite daughter Bessie Coleman, died 94 years ago on April 30, 1926. The Ellis County African American Hall of Fame has placed a permanent display in the window of the museum to honor Ms. Coleman who is a household name to all in the city and the world. Born January 26, 1892 in Atlanta, Texas to George and Susan Coleman. George Coleman was of Cherokee descent and moved his family to Waxahachie in 1894, when Bessie was twoyears old. George and Susan worked as day laborers —farmers and cotton pickers. George Coleman managed to save enough money to buy a plot of land, near Mustang Creek in 1894 and built a shotgun house, where he and his wife had several more children. Coleman began attending school in Waxahachie at the age of six. She walked four miles each day to her segregated, one-room school, Oak Lawn, where she loved to read and established herself as an outstanding math student. Like many families in Waxahachie, she picked cotton when the crop was ripe. It was work that she hated. She completed her elementary education in that school but every year, her routine of school, chores, and church was interrupted by the cotton harvest. In 1901, George left his family. He returned to Oklahoma, or Indian Territory, as it was then called, to find better opportunities, where he thought he could avoid the racial oppression in Jim Crow Texas. His wife and children did join him. At the age of 12, Bessie was accepted into the Missionary Baptist Church School, on scholarship. When she turned 18, she took her savings and enrolled in the Oklahoma Colored Agricultural and Normal University in Langston, Oklahoma (now Langston University), in 1910. She completed one term before her money ran out and she returned home.In 1915 moved to Chicago, Il. and lived with her aunt and brother at 4533 South Indiana in Apt 3. By 1919 Bessie was working as a manicurist on Chicago’s South Side, when her brother John showed up drunk one day and began taunting her about her job. John had served in the Army in France during World War I and often teased his sister about how women there had more opportunities. Women in France were so liberated, he said, they could even fly planes. She decided to pursue those opportunities. To prepare for the trip, Coleman studied French, solicited benefactors, such as Robert Sengstacke Abbott, founder of the Chicago Defender Newspaper, to help finance the myimessenger.com
venture and found a higher-paying job managing a chili restaurant. On Nov. 20, 1920, she set off for Europe aboard the liner S.S. Imperator, then enrolled at the flight school founded by the aviation pioneers Gaston and René Caudron at Le Crotoy in the Somme in northern France. On June 15, 1921, Coleman received her pilot’s license from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, an organization that oversees airborne sports. The license granted her the right to fly anywhere in the world. The Associated Press heralded her as “a full-fledged aviatrix, said to be the first of her race.”Coleman saw aviation as a way to empower Black people in America and dreamed of opening a flight school. “I shall never be satisfied until we have men of the race who can fly,” she told the Black newspaper, The Chicago Defender, in 1921, adding, “We must have aviators if we are to keep pace with the times.”Coleman borrowed planes at first, but in time she saved up enough by April 1926, to buy one of her own, a military surplus Curtiss JN-4, known informally as the Jenny.One day, she and her co-pilot, a mechanic named William Wills, took a practice flight in the new plane. Coleman sat in the second cockpit, unharnessed so that she could peer over the side and identify a good place for a parachute landing during the show. Wills flew the plane at about 2,000 feet for five minutes, and then climbed to 3,500 feet. Witnesses said the plane accelerated suddenly, nose-dived, went into a tailspin and flipped upside-down about 500 feet in the air. Coleman fell from the plane and plunged to the ground, dying on impact, on April 30, 1926, she was 34. The mainstream press barely noted Coleman’s death, focusing instead on Wills,who was white. But many Black newspapers gave front-page coverage to her death.Coleman’s body lay in state in Florida and in Chicago, where about 10,000 peoplepaid their respects. The journalist, Ida B. Wells, who crusaded against lynching, ledthe ceremonies. Bessie Coleman is buried in Lincoln Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Jamal Rasheed, President and C.E.O of the Hall of Fame is in the process of looking for the actual site of the home on Mustang Creek of Cleaver St. and asking anyone who might have information to contact the Hall of Fame Museum at 469-337-7989. Everyone who talks about Bessie wants to know exactly where she lived. Dr. Rasheed began walking the area of the Mustang Creek last weekend.
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Conservatives cozying up to
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Happy Mother’s Day Dr. Stacia Alexander Rosye Lewis My Rosye transitioned from earth to heaven. I am learning to live without her essence in the atmosphere. I can’t complain. I had wonderful years to laugh with her, hug on her, and learn from her. In this year of firsts, I will work hard to live out her legacy!
Eva Gray Coleman Rosie Gray My mother is my rock. I’ve seen her experience triumph and pain throughout our time here on earth. I draw from her strength and faith. The love and support she gives to my girls and I is overwhelming and I cannot thank her enough. I’ll always be her little girl. MAY 8, 2020
Valder Beebe and daughter Christian Valder Beebe (and James) only daughter of four children, is the special woman in her life. Valder says, ‘Christian is the best of us. I’ve learned from Chris to “fulfill my dreams. I was in awe as Christian completed her MBA while working for a global financial powerhouse.”
Terry Allen My mom’s Mary and Betty: My Mom and Aunt were my pillars for my rights of passage. The two of them gave me the balance to thrive. One taught me to fight for right. One taught me to pray each day. One taught learn and win. One taught gratitude and grin. They both taught me Faith and Works. I am because they are! .
Dr. Linda Amerson "The matriarch of our household was my mother Cecil Thornton Amerson. As the youngest of 6 children, she taught me how to always put God first, cook, clean, sort and wash clothes, how to create beauty with my hands, and most importantly independence! Mother called me the knowledge seeker. She gained her wings December 27. 2004."
Stewart Curet Sra. S. Z. Geigel Andino de Curet Prayers of Safety, Healing, Recovery and Wellness for the World. R.I.P God Bless to All of the Foundations of Our Society and Families: MOM
Nina Garcia Dorothy J. Gentry Lucy Rojo Jesudason Dorothy Cooper Since I was born you’ve held me tight... My mother is an awesome you taught and guided me from wrong mother. She had 9 kids I am to right. I grew to see the world with #8 and named after her! Mom you at my side...despite the bad things is funny but also old-school I knew you tried to hide. You slowly and doesn't play. "It don't take let lose and I took control... so I’d live all night to do nothing," she’d my life to eventually know . That the say after we came home late mother I love and what I see...has now from a night out. I’ll always brought out the best mother in me. love my mama!!
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Vincent Hall Mother’s Day Tribute Happy Mother’s Day to my Mother and Magistrate, my Confidant and Comic, my Inspiration, and my Encyclopedia! When my column started in 2003, I selected a pen name dedicated in her honor. “Quit Playin’” were the last words my siblings and I would hear before the switch, belt or tongue-lashing went full swing. Love you MOM!!! #iaintplayin
Marva Sneed Lenamae Jones My mother Lenamae Jones is my cheer leader. She taught me how to be a woman with respect. Love myself unconditionally. She has always told to me go to God in prayer give it to Him and leave it at His alter and walk in Faith it shall be done.
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Jessica Hayden Nena Hayden When I think of what a mother is, she is a beautiful woman that is continuously showing you more love than anyone else you meet. Looking back at my childhood, my mom was always there for my accomplishments and disappointments in life. She is my heart.
Nena Hayden Sibble Marie Smith {Mom thanks for being a "Mother"} Thanks for not giving up, teaching us morals and how to respect ourselves and others! Love, love, love you Happy Mother's Day! Our "Queen" Sibble Marie Smith
Michael “Hollywood” Hernandez My mom was a hard working single woman who took care of her family. She was a fashionista who worked in a dress shop. She worked her way up to being a partner in a neighborhood grocery store where she worked seven days a week. She taught me a lot about hard work. My mom was hard on us but kind. She always gave boxes of free groceries to families in need. The
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Chelle Wilson Clara Luper I was blessed with a phenomenal mother. She encouraged my dreams, no matter how far-reaching they may have seemed and reminded me that closed doors leave room for God's larger windows. Most of all she exemplified love for self, family, and community. For her many lessons, I am forever grateful.
YO U RS!
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Coronavirus piñatas are big business for store that reopens
Alejandro Sagrero makes 12 coronavirus piñatas a day.
Story and photos by Rebecca Aguilar
Tonya Pryor and her friend were driving down West Davis Street in Oak Cliff on Saturday when something green caught their attention. Huge coronavirus piñatas were swinging in the wind, hanging outside ABC Party headquarters. Pryor said she had to get a photo. "I love them! We were on our way to the park because we live around here,” she said. “We were MAY 8, 2020
driving by and saw them, and we said those are coronavirus piñatas!" Store owners Carlos and Elvie De La Fuente knew a coronavirus piñata was going to be a big hit because they figured people needed something to help them get their frustrations out after being cooped up at home because of COVID-19. "They are doing awesome. People are ordering them left and right, and we can't even keep up trying to get them done," said Elvie De
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La Fuente. The big green piñatas are designed for any occasion and sell for $55 each. "We even have some with caps or any event that you want. We can dress it up however you like so you can take out your frustrations out on the piñata because we're going to beat it! And we're going to beat it with a piñata stick!" said Carlos De La Fuente. Alejandro Sagrero is the piñata maker at ABC Party. He works in a room surrounded by windows
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so people can watch him make the big coronavirus piñatas. He works fast, quickly ripping pieces of green tissue paper, slapping the glue on with a brush, and placing the tissue on a balloon paper machéd in a newspaper. He uses a stool set upside down as the holder for the piñata in the making. "I think the people who buy these like to have fun and beat the pandemic out of them. I would if I had one," said Sagrero, in Spanish, adding that myimessenger.com
ABC Party Headquarters in Oak Cliff reopens on West Davis Street (photo of Trump and Coronavirus piñatas)
it takes half an hour to make one piñata, and he usually makes 12 a day. The coronavirus piñata has been the financial boost ABC Party headquarters needed. Owners lost money when they closed the store in March because of the state's COVID-19 restrictions. The piñata maker and another employ-ee were laid off. When Texas Governor Gregg Abbott said businesses could reopen May 1st with 25% capacity, De La Fuente knew it was time to make up for lost profits. He called Sagrero and his other employee to return to work. De La Fuente said he believes his business survived because his customers cared. "It has been great. The public has supported us, the community is always behind us," said De La Fuente. ABC Party Headquarters is known for its creative piñatas. In 2016, it got national media attention when it sold big piñatas in the image of Presidential candidate Donald Trump. Owners sold several myimessenger.com
hundred Trump piñatas for $75 each. Not only were local sales good, but they shipped Trump piñatas to customers around the country. De La Fuente believes the coronavirus piñata may be a bigger seller than the Trump one. Laura McFerrin stopped by to get her coronavirus piñata. She got a Trump piñata last time, and this time she said she had to get her hands on the green piñata because it puts a smile on her face that's covered with a face mask. "It's hilarious,” she said. “One of my neighbors is having a party. I thought I'd fill it with some candy and give it to her so she can hit it." She also
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grabbed another Trump piñata on the way out. After taking a few photos of the coronavirus and Trump piñatas, Ms. Pryor left feeling good. "I'm excited. I think it's hilarious. It's muchneeded at this time." Rebecca Aguilar is currently a freelance reporter, television commentator, news consultant, social media columnist and motivational speaker. Aguilar has worked for several television stations around the country
MAY 8, 2020
From Marva with Love Schedule
MAY 8
11:15 am: Min. Dominique Alexander, President -Next Generation Action Network. What challenges NGAN faces. 11:45 am: Valder Beebe, Host of Valder Beebe Show and That Celebrity Interview. COMEDIAN D. ELLI$ 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 AdamsWade 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 MAY 8, 2020
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: D r . 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: D r . 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?
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3309 S Malcolm X Blvd Dallas, TX 75215 24
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Celebrating Service When services were held for Ruby Carter Means Barton last week, loved ones said farewell to one of this country’s oldest citizens and voters, Born July 26, 1912 in Kirven, TX to Jenkins H. Carter, Sr. and Aquilla Moffett Carter, she lived 107 years. At an early age, she accepted Christ and served faithfully throughout her life. She was a member of St. James AME Church for over 85 years. Attending school in Freestone County, she graduated from the Booker T. Washington High School and the Madame C. J. Walker Beauty School in Dallas. As a community worker, this entrepreneur and business owner registered citizens to vote when there was still a poll tax and
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grandmother of four. She is survived by daughter, Pat Mays (Stanley), son, Wilfred Means, Jr., (Ida); grandchildren, Gaila Mcnett, (Gerald), Brian White (Carmen), Wilfred Means, III, (Terri), Kim Pullin, (Ryan), Brandon Means, Chase Means; great grandchildren, Cameron Means, Courtney Means, Kassidy Pullin, Jordan Phillips, Daysean Means, Wilfred Means, IV (Jessica), Kailyn White; great-great Ruby Carter Means Barton grandchildren, Zachrey Means, J 26, 1912 - A 24, 2020 participated in later voter registration Tahliyah Phillips, Tahmia Phillips, Serenity Means. efforts for over 60 years. One thing for sure, Mrs. Ruby She was united in holy matrimony Carter Means Barton realized the to Wilfred S. Means, who preceded her death; and she was a mother importance of voting and she honored of two, grandmother of six, great- her commitment to the very end. grandmother of six and great-great uly
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Phone: (214) 372-6321
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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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From Marva with
Sports Diva
By Marva Sneed
On “From Marva with Love” during this COVID-19 quarantine, I interviewed educator and sports editor for I Messenger Media L.L.C. Dorothy J. Gentry, who is in her 17th year of teaching and currently teaches middle school in Irving ISD, at Lady Byrd Johnson Middle School. She is the Sports Editor for Texas Metro News, Garland Journal and I Messenger. MS: Dorothy, Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you became a teacher and journalist? DG: Writing and journalism are just in my blood. You know my dad, the late C. H. Gentry; he was one of the first Black journalists here in Dallas, in the state actually. He worked extensively for the Black press in Dallas and the Houston Informer and papers like that. So I grew up in a journalism household. And so it’s in my blood. So Marva, I was born to be a journalist. You know I’ve always loved teaching. I always wanted to become a college journalism professor. That’s still my ultimate dream. I got my degree in journalism from the University of North Texas and my teaching Certification as well. I loved both teaching and journalism. MAY 8, 2020
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Dorothy J. Gentry MS: With COVID-19, schools are closed, how has the transition from the classroom to teaching online been? DG: First I want to say a quick prayer to those dealing with COVID-19 everybody is dealing and some more than others with family members. This Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic has definitely upended our lives, sending our whole education system into a tailspin. So the teaching transition from 28
the classroom to online has definitely been a challenge for even the most prepared educators in the districts. It’s taken all of us, when I say us, I mean educators, administrators, have to make a shift in the way we think about education. Now I work in Irving ISD. We were already thankfully going through learning this new type of curriculum using technology with our classes and lessons. Our students have been using I Pads and Chromebooks all year long. So now in teaching we have to keep kids engaged online and it takes time and effort. They have to become more independent learners. It’s been a challenge for everybody but we are getting through it. We talked about tips for parents and students finding a location set for learning, a schedule for their day of learning and minimize the distractions. Dorothy loves covering sports. She is finding creative ways to write about sports, reporting the latest in sports news. So stay tuned to Texas Metro News, Garland Journal, and I Messenger to read what Sports Editor Dorothy Gentry is sharing. To hear the full interview go to link: https://bit. ly/3aCmWyA BlogTalkRadio.com/Cheryl’s World to From Marva with Love.
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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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MAY 8, 2020
THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW
Angela Simmons By VALDER BEEBE
In the Valder Beebe Show studios, I had a chance to catch-up with Hip Hop Royalty: Angela Simmons. She is the executive producer of Growing Up Hip Hop, which captures the lives of Hip Hop industry and business mogul families The Actress and Activist, Simmons is a vegetarian and an active supporter of PETA, also is one of the stars of Growing Up Hip Hop. Angela Simmons, is the daughter of the legendary Rev. Run, of RunDMC. New episodes of WE tv’s hit series Growing Up Hip Hop are the most dramatic yet. In new episodes, viewers will see the world of hip hop is rocked by social media wars, a shocking arrest and family bombshells. Angela and Romeo Miller’s ongoing beef continues to populate headlines as they throw grenades from afar. The fiery feud takes an unexpected turn when Romeo devises a peace offering that tragically backfires! Angela on the other hand, finds herself a new business partner... her old flame, Bow Wow. Bow finds himself on the urge of temptation as the exes try to navigate a working relationship. Simmons is an established actor and producer, known for her early successes on the shows Run’s MAY 8, 2020
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House, Daddy’s Girls, and BET’s 106th and Park. She is the executive producer of Growing Up Hip Hop, which captures the lives of Hip Hop industry and business mogul families. A fashion designer,
actor, and businesswoman, Simmons impacts her generation through her activism, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Angela’s successful ventures into fashion design started modestly in 2007 when she and her sister Vanessa launched Pastry Footwear by designing 4 pairs of shoes. The company instantly became a major success. She opened her first clothing boutique, Angela IAM in Brooklyn, NY.-Text provided
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by Ms. Simmons’s publicists in conjunction with the Valder Beebe Show VEB: Angela, good day and how are your famous parents, Rev. Run and Ms. Justine doing during the Pandemic? AS: All are well. Thank you for asking. VEB: , Growing Up Hip Hop. You are the perfect guest to speak on this reality show, first as the executive producer and as a star of the series. As far as the new episodes, tell us about you and previous Valder Beebe Show guest, Romeo Miller? I believe you two have a romantic history? AS: Well I won’t say much about that, you’ll have to tune into to know more. I can say you will see my sister and brother on the upcoming episodes and……. Angela Simmons full interview…….YouTube.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
All day and a night MOVIE REVIEW BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ
In the movie All Day and a Night, Jahkor Abraham Lincoln is played by Ashton Sanders, from the movie Moonlight. He struggles to keep his dream of being a rapper alive; however, instead, he follows in the footsteps of his abusive father in the middle of a gang war in Oakland. He ends up in prison alongside his father. His life as a drug dealer and real-world responsibilities with a young pregnant girlfriend drive him further and further across the line of right and wrong with tragic consequences. Landing in prison beside his father, J.D. (Jeffrey Wright, Westworld) whom he never wanted to be like, Jahkor embarks on an unlikely journey of self-discovery, exploring the events that unite them, in hopes of helping his newborn son break a cycle that feels unavoidable.The young want to be rapper has a baby and the boy seems doomed to follow the family’s legacy of a life behind bars and a life of crime. All Day and a Night is a powerful myimessenger.com
film and gripping tale written and directed by Black Panther co-writer Joe Robert Cole. In Cole’s directorial debut he crafts a story about the cycle that affects many men young of color who have limited options to provide for their family and break the cycle of poverty. Ashton Sanders does an excellent job playing a character who has a lot of love for his family; however, he is also a brutal killer who lands in jail. The drama co-stars Isaiah John (Snowfall), Kelly Jenrette (The Handmaid’s Tale), Shakira Ja’nai Paye (Spider-Man: Into the SpiderVerse), Regina Taylor (The Unit), Christopher Meyer (The Affair), and Yahya Abdul-Mateen from Watchmen. All Day and a Night is a tragic story of a son following his father’s life of crime. It’s a story told with a very dark undertone that will affect you. The movie is rated R for violence and has a run time of 2 hours. On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale,” I rate this movie a LARGE.
We’re open and ready to serve you!
Elaine’s
Jamaican Kitchen
(214) 565-1008 2717 Martin L. King Jr Blvd, Dallas, TX 75215
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