I Messenger by Cheryl Smith

I M essenger

S ingleton VOLUME 8

MAY 3, 2019

ISSUE 37

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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.

MAY 3, 2019

POL ADV., ERIC JOHNSON 2

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INSIDE

WORDZ OF WILSON The Reverend Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III, pastor of FriendshipWest Baptist Church led by his daughter, Abeni, launched a “Walk of Fame.”

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DANGEROUS DEGREES

NEWS

From the time your son is born—or before, you imagine his life path. From pre-school to college, marriage, and the birth of his own children, you picture it all-- it’s normal, it’s natural, it’s the cycle

of life. 6

MAY 3, 2019

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MY TRUTH by Cheryl Smith, Publisher

Celebrating Women

Sitting in class with students recently I Now Mrs. Hill, while quiet and was explaining to them the importance of unassuming, was also no-nonsense. Her communicating and how oftentimes what very presence commanded respect. you do is saying much more than you’d like At East Orange High School, just to convey, so you have to also be cognizant outside of Newark, NJ., the population of nonverbal communications. was probably about 98% Black for students They talked about how in the and about 40% of our textbook certain movements are teachers were Black. perceived as negative when they I never realized it actually are the exact opposite until recently but our for them. administrative team I tended to agree with the consisted of all Black men, students because the world except for one: Frank T. has changed so much that the Penn was our principal, textbook explanations have to Vincent S. Colagiuri and be reexamined and sometimes Robert Wright were the modified to align with current assistant principals and times and circumstances. John Reid, Alexander When you consider all the Reaves, Nelson Bond Frances M. Hill influences that are impacting and Coach Robert our lives, you can’t say, for example, that Lester were the administrative assistants. because you are speaking to a group sitting Coach Lester happened to be one of in front of you with their arms folded that the best basketball coaches in the country they are “disinterested, bored or closed to during his reign! And he had the receipts.

But we had work to do and we got it done! I still remember making my outfit for our end of the year sports banquet my junior year. Mrs. Hill gave each student “me” time to perfect they projects. And yes, it seemed laborious at times because she was not cutting corners and you weren’t either. We stitched, and pressed, stitched some more, and pressed some more. I just knew I was on my way to becoming an international designer, until that writing bug took over my life! When my students talked about the teachers who they really appreciate, I couldn’t help think about Mrs. Hill because all the good things they said, reminded me of Mrs. Hill. And the negative things, well, I remembered other teachers, but not in a

Now Mrs. Hill, while quiet and unassuming, was also no-nonsense. Her very presence commanded respect. whatever you are discussing with them.” There are so many explanations for the crossed arms and they are not all negative. My students felt that too many assumptions are made about their actions, instead of asking. Well, one thing is for sure, many young people feel they can do what they want, when they want and how they want; regardless of what a teacher says. Another thing for sure is we won’t be having that in my classes! They told me about the teachers they liked and the ones they didn’t and why. Newsflash: these young people see everything and they are supercritical! They especially like those teachers who are mature and don’t act like fellow students. They want teachers they can respect, or at least that’s what they told me. Which brings me to my truth. In high school, for at least three years I had Mrs. Frances M. Hill, for Home Economics. myimessenger.com

Our school needed that male presence! Well, anyway, it helped to have Mrs. Hill’s mild mannered presence to provide balance to our learning experience. You see, we did have the teachers who blurred the lines. They shared a lot of their personal business and they gossiped with and about the students, with other students and teachers! Now Mrs. Hill was not going to spend any of her time stooping to our level. Instead she was a voice of reason and guidance in a world that at times was very chaotic and confusing. We were growing. We were inquiring minds and we needed structure. She used her classroom to provide an environment for learning. Her’s was not the classroom to enter if you felt like you had time on your hands to start or keep mess going. You were there to learn and she made sure you did. Now we had fun too! Of course we got a little joking in and shared a laugh, or two.

negative way. Now I realize that while some were old enough to be my grandparents, other’s were just barely out of college. They were young and growing, too. As an educator, I have walked into many a classroom determined to pour all the good in me into my students. The great educator, Dr. Napoleon B. Lewis, said, “A teacher hasn’t taught, if the student has not learned.” I embrace that philosophy and I am determined that my students learn and if they buck me and fight me I keep trying even if I have to give them the remix, by having them take the class over! I really think it was easier for Mrs. Hill, I just don’t recall students being as disrespectful and then they want to bring their disrespectful parents into the equation. When I say “God bless our teachers,” Mrs. Frances M. Hill, I’m especially thinking of you, and saying, “thanks!”

MAY 3, 2019

CAMPUS CRISIS - Part II

Dangerous Degrees by

Miles Jaye

From the time your son is born— or before, you imagine his life path. From preschool to college, marriage, and Tyler Hilliard Beating Death Alpha Phi Student Name Robert Champion Beating Death George Desudunes Alcohol Overdose Marlon Jackson (23) Sleep Deprivation Alpha UC Riverside (CA) 2018 Marching Band Florida A&M 2011 the birth of his Sigma Alpha Epsilon Cornell U. (NY) Kappa Alpha Psi Delaware State U 2011 (DE) 2019 own children, you fatal, have led to picture it all-- it’s chapter sanctions, normal, it’s natural, and laws protecting it’s the cycle of life. your child from You survive danger. sleepless nights, Then you get the diaper rashes, ear phone call! Your infections, Cub child has been Scout field trips, drugged senseless William Flowers (19) Suffocation/Buried Little League Michael Davis Marquise Braham Suicide Alive Zeta Beta Tau Monmouth College Beating Death Phi Sigma Kappa and subjected to William Flowers (19) (NJ) 1974 Psi Southeast Missouri Penn State, Altoona (PA) 2014 scrapes, puppy love Kappa Alpha State 1994 brutal beating, Suffocation/Burieda Alive and S.A.T.s. You grandchildren. Again, you didZeta it-- Beta Tau all in the name of manage to balance the exhilaration God is good! Monmouth (NJ) brotherhood lasting College friendships, and anxiety of selecting a college, Perhaps he’ll be the first 1974 or and tradition. A Jacksonville mom while shopping for clothes and maybe 2nd or 3rd generation and dad received that call. Their dorm room supplies for their Greek, member of one of the son, a senior due to graduate next Freshman year. It never occurs to Black Greek Letter Organizations: month from a local HBCU, fell you that your boy may be headed Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha victim to hazing. for doom in that dorm in the Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Where do they find answers? pursuit of his dangerous degree. Sigma, Iota Phi Theta, or even Who will be held accountable? You did it! You protected one of the white fraternities; but Who will provide comfort and him from the streets and bad pledging is not merely an option, assurances that they did nothing influences. He was fortunate it’s a certainty-- it’s tradition Joel for Harris (18) child did nothing wrong—their enough not to have encountered many. Horror stories about hazing Beating DeathWill there be justice for wrong? the “wrong arm” of the law. His cause you no angst or concern Alphatheir Phi Alpha son who’s been inflicted teenage girlfriend has born you no Morehouse because numerous incidents, some with College physical (GA) wounds, and 1989 MAY 3, 2019 myimessenger.com 6

psychological and emotional scars that will most likely last the rest of his life? College administrations are not designed for comforting or assurances that may expose them to liability that may cost them dearly in funding and perhaps their accreditation. Fraternities and sororities are structured in much the same way. The Greek Wall of Silence must protect the organization—tradition must be protected. What is hazing? The dictionary defines hazing as, “humiliating and sometimes dangerous initiation rituals, especially as imposed on college students seeking membership to a fraternity or sorority.” Hazing can involve forced activities ranging from binge-drinking and “sexualshaming” to dangerous levels of sleep-deprivation. Actually, it’s a form of organized “bullying.” Sororities have been reported to have coerced female pledgees into group sex and forced prostitution. Non-Greek groups that practice hazing include marching bands, sports teams, social clubs and campus military organizations such as ROTC. Masons, Elks, Knights of Columbus, Skull and Bones, Crips, Bloods, the Mafia, the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Special Forces units, among others-- each have long traditions of hazing. myimessenger.com

Surprisingly, there’s actually a category called, Occupational Hazing including groups ranging from ship workers to nurses. In addition to taking an oath, new prospects may be forced to intake life-threatening levels of alcohol, take a beating, or in the case of some street gangs, take a human life to gain membership! Hazing is not a new phenomenon— it’s been practiced here in America since the late 18th Century, as well as by various cultures and civilizations around the world. Misconceptions regarding hazing include the notions that it builds character, promotes courage and instills loyalty. One of the biggest problems with campus hazing is the dreaded “Code of Silence” which prevents a pledgee from reporting a fellow student, faculty member, coach, band leader, or alumnus participating in the activity. Campus crackdowns, strict Codes of Conduct, Frat House closings, and criminal charges such as Felony Hazing and Misdemeanor Hazing, are among the solutions. Tracking hazing deaths as crimes and not as mere accidents is another. Forty (40) U.S. states have anti-hazing laws; however, most of them track hazing deaths simply as accidental deaths. The point is, any death due to hazing is an avoidable, preventable death. The questions

are, how many funeral programs will have to take the place of graduation programs before this archaic, arcane, Medieval style practice ends? If your son is not safe on a college campus in pursuit of a dream and a degree, where is he safe? When did college degrees become dangerous? Someone needs to answer, and someone needs to pay. It’s worth noting, for generations, millions of fine young men and women have safely pledged fraternities and sororities on HBCU and other college campuses all across the U.S.-- many of whom are successful professionals in their fields of endeavor. However, like most things, it only takes a few to ruin things for the rest. I’ve attempted to meet with the new president of Edward Waters College, Dr. A. Faison Zachary, Jr. and with Bishop Richardson of the 11th District of the AME church, a major benefactor of EWC. I’ve received no response as of this writing. I will continue to seek their input and perspectives. Learn more about the history of hazing deaths from 1737 – 2019 at: http://www.hanknuwer.com/ hazing-deaths/ www.milesjaye.net milesjaye360@gmail.com

MAY 3, 2019

WHOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WHO in Black Dallas

MAY 3, 2019

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COMMENTARY by Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Turmoil in Trumpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s White House

While the national and international media has vigorously highlighted recent meetings between President Donald J. Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jongun, very little has been broadcast or written about the persistent work of thousands of women peace activists who labor each day to bring about a lasting peace between North Korea and South Korea. The work of these female peace builders has been taking place for decades in a land where people who speak the same language and who share a common heritage are separated by a border guarded by heavily armed soldiers, and where the threat of a nuclear conflagration is a daily occurrence. Most recently, in Dallas and in South Korea, I participated in peace conferences with women from Korea and other parts of the world that are committed to bringing about an end to the Korean conflict which resulted in millions of lives lost. myimessenger.com

The women social activists, some of whom lost families members in the war, still feel the pain and grief that the war brought to so many. They sadly regret that a peace treaty between the warring parties was never signed. As part of the World of Women for World Peace initiative that I began in 2001, a number of peace activists spoke about the possibilities of peace. The conference was held at Thanks-Giving Square in downtown Dallas. One of the presenters, an American woman who lived with her husband and children in North Korea for ten years, spoke about meeting people who longed for peace. The barriers began to disappear once people began to meaningfully work together, she said. Another peace activist, a retired U.S military officer and diplomat, spoke of how she and a delegation of women from around the world traveled from the south to the north of Korea to spread a mes-

sage of reconciliation and oneness. She said that her group was warmly received by ordinary citizens in North Korea. There was no thought of war between them, she said. It has long been thought that the end of personal and national conflict in our world will result if women play a major role in the peace-making processes. We are the ones that bring life into the world, and we do not want to see that life harmed! I believe that women will play a major role in the end of conflicts in Korea, Northern Ireland, Nicaragua, Somalia, Venezuela and in other places where danger is present. A World of Women for World Peace will continue to play a role in creating a climate of peace in our world. More than others, women understand the burdens and the brokenness in a world that is void of peace and filled with conflict. It is a part of our mission to correct that. MAY 3, 2019

MAY 3, 2019

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MAY 3, 2019

QUIT PLAYIN

by Vincent H

“Sweet Jesus” and the Justice Walk! The Justice Walk of Fame honors those who have fought for the oppressed and upheld the call to justice in their work. The Justice Walk of Fame is located on the grounds of Friendship-West Baptist Church. It is a permanent tribute to men and women who have fought the long hard battle for justice. Pictured 2019 Honoree, Rev. Zan W. Holmes III and Mrs. Holmes. Far right: Mrs. Holmes, Dr. Holmes, Rev. Michael Bowie, Commissioner John Wiley Price and Dr. Frederick. D. Haynes III, with Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. (seated). photo credit- Vincent Hall

Cheryl Smith, the publisher and CEO of this operation, rarely lends me any latitude or leverage, but this time I outsmarted her. We flipped a coin, I called heads and she didn’t realize that I tossed a counterfeit Buffalo nickel. There was no tail! Our abbreviated argument was settled. The Reverend Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III, pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church led by his daughter, Abeni, launched a “Walk of Fame.” Dr. Haynes and Dr. Jeremiah Wright were the first inductees, but he insists that it must be a lasting memorial to all social justice champions. Smith and I fought to see who would do the features for this year’s recipient. By now, you’ve seen her piece on Claudette Colvin. History reminds us that she preceded Rosa Park’s decision to defy the segregationists on a city bus. She was party to a lawsuit that ended the practice, but rumor has it that she didn’t get the “shine” because she was 15 and with child. Quit Playin’…You know Black church folk can be judgmental. So let me give you the abbreviated, abridged, pruned and pared down cliff notes version of Zan Holmes’ legacy of liberation. He followed his father into ministry in Waco, Texas and the people who knew him in his youth thought so much of him that they fondly called him, “Sweet Jesus.” Holmes arrived in Dallas in 1956 fresh from his undergraduate work at Huston-Tillotson College, an HBCU near Austin, Texas. Soon after, he met Pastor I.B. Loud, who was one of Dallas’ early social justice ministers. Simultaneously, Zan formed a relationship at Southern Methodist and its seminary that has lasted 60 years. SMU was one of the most MAY 3, 2019

racially progressive in the nation. Dr. Holmes built a foundation by committing his life serving as an intercessor and ambassador between divine justice and social justice. Early on, he fused his time in the seminary, with his time in the Texas legislature. In his own words, he tells the story of how he was forced to straddle the fence between the church and the political. “Joseph Lockridge died in a plane crash in May of 1968 and they all came to me asking me to run for his seat in District 5.” Lockridge was an up-and-coming member of the Texas Legislature and filling Lockridge’s shoes would be no small feat. “There were 17 people in the race and I beat them all without a runoff; and it was an at-large seat.” But true to his nature of humility and graciousness, Dr. Holmes rushed to add a “White Brother,” a pastor in Richardson who encouraged him. You will never hear Zan describe a success story where he doesn’t roll the credits like a Hollywood movie; his largesse of spirit and selflessness is... Like Jesus! For 90 years, the Linz Award has symbolized the highest recognition for civic service and humanitarian accomplishments in the City of Dallas. That list of annual winners is legendary and

spans all facets of Dallas’ business and political circles. There are two African-Americans who received the award. There was Juanita Craft, a 1967 awardee and the first Black woman on the Dallas City Council and Zan “The Man” in 1997. He would have you to believe that the award was because he was the only one who could reason with his faithful member, John Wiley Price. He recalls that the Linz award came after he negotiated a truce between the Commissioner and Ambassador and former mayor, Ronald Kirk. But both men will readily tell you that Holmes did so much more. Dallas Independent School District Board of Trustees commissioned a middle school in his name. And if you believe in signs, you would have to agree with me that the jazz music that replaced school bells, between classes is apropos. Zan Wesley Holmes walks with a gait that’s too smooth for the tolling of a bell. Sweet Jesus speaks at a whisper decibel. Zan Holmes is by far the most widely-regarded and recognized ecumenical leader in the State of Texas. Zan Wesley Holmes is unashamedly Black and yet loved by masses of people from every demographic. There is no better partner for Ms. Colvin than Zan Holmes. They both made the walk and are worthy of fame. myimessenger.com

Hall

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Wordz of Wilson by Chelle Luper Wilson

What A Time To Bey

I notice that it is only when my mother is working in her flowers that she is radiant, almost to the point of being invisible—except as Creator: hand and eye. She is involved in work her soul must have. Ordering the universe in the image of her personal conception of Beauty. It is a magnificent time to be alive

in this, the Beyoncé Era. Yes, she breaks records…all the records. Yes, she took command of Vogue hiring the first Black photographer to shoot a cover—ever. Yes, the first Black woman to headline Coachella dedicated her performance to us through an epic celebration of our culture and beloved HBCUs. Yes, when choosing a partner to relaunch Ivy Park her decision is said to have been made based on corporate diversity, representation, and seats at the decision-making table. myimessenger.com

Yes, she is all of that and a bag of spicy chips, but when I look at Beyoncé, I see so much more. She is the manifestation of generations of Black women’s hopes and dreams, the flower planted centuries ago that is finally free to bloom. When the trailer for Homecoming, her Netflix documentary dropped, the first thing I heard was Dr. Maya Angelou saying: “What I really want to do is be a representative of my race.” As if Queen Bey didn’t already have my heart. Throughout t h e documentary, Beyoncé gives us Toni Morrison, W.E.B. DuBois, Audre Lorde, Reginald Lewis and other intellectual, activist, representations of Black excellence, hopefully opening up their bodies of work and inspiring future generations. Foregoing traditional music festival imagery, Beyoncé said it was more important to bring the culture. Now, she may have foregone the flower crown, but she still led us to the ancestral garden. In between scenes in Homecoming these words appear on the screen, “Our Mothers And Grandmothers... Moving To Music Not Yet Written…And they

waited.” These lines are from Alice Walker’s 1972 essay, “In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens.” The essay describes the pain of Black women who for generations had to bury their creativity within the depths of their very souls. The joy and freedom that arise from song, dance, poetry and other forms of artistic expression were shackled by the institution of slavery that thrived on a zombified type of human, void of spirit and soul. In her essay, Walker describes many of our foremothers as artists “driven to a numb and bleeding madness by the springs of creativity in them for which there was no release…the strain of enduring their unused and unwanted talent drove them insane.” So, when we see Beyoncé in the documentary trying to garner the same level of passion and excitement for the performance of her encouraging her team to perform as if they are “thankful for [their] freedom,” she was speaking through and for those Black women who existed in a time when “the freedom to paint, to sculpt, to expand the mind with action did not exist.” MAY 3, 2019

Singleton dead at 51 By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Correspondent- @ StacyBrownMedia Photo - Eva D. Coleman

Famed African American movie producer John Singleton has died. Best known for the hit 1991 movie, Boyz N the Hood starring Ice Cube, he had been on life support after reportedly suffering a stroke. He was 51. Singleton was traveling back to Los Angeles from Costa Rica when he mentioned experiencing pain in one of his legs, according to Newsweek. Following transport to a California hospital, Singleton suffered a stroke and was emitted into ICU. Singleton’s health continued to deteriorate and he was put into a medically-induced coma just eight days after the stroke, TMZ reported. He had been on life support, but ultimately his family made the “agonizing decision” to remove him from life support on Monday, they said in a statement. “John Singleton is a prolific, ground-breaking director MAY 3, 2019

who changed the game and According to Newsweek, opened doors in Hollywood, a Singleton’s family also noted the movie producer’s battle with hypertension, a high blood pressure ailment of which African Americans are particularly at risk for. “Like many African Americans, Singleton quietly struggled with hypertension. More than 40 percent of African American men and women have high blood pressure, which also develops earlier in life and is usually more severe,” the statement read. “His family wants to share the message with all to please recognize the symptoms by going to Heart. org.” Singleton was a father to seven children including world that was just a few miles Justice, Maasai, Hadar, away, yet worlds away, from Cleopatra, Selenesol, Isis and the neighborhood in which he Seven Singleton. grew up,” the statement read. In addition to Boyz N the “We are grateful to his fans, Hood, which received two friends and colleagues for the Oscar nominations, Singleton outpouring of love and prayers also directed classic films and during this incredibly difficult shows like Poetic Justice, Baby time. We want to thank all the Boy, Four Brothers, 2 Fast 2 doctors at Cedars Sinai for the Furious, Billions and many impeccable care he received.” others. 16

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Living Legends

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MAY 3, 2019

Featuring UBER EATS

MAY 3, 2019

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2019 Women's Leadership Summit features dynamic speakers

June 14-15, 2019 at the Statler Hotel in Dallas, Texas hosted by former State Representative Helen Giddings and University of North Texas at Dallas Foundation. With a theme of, Navigating the Path to Success, this conference promises to take young, aspiring female leaders to a higher level of achievement and success. It will focus on learning how to reach for the impossible dream, stride in leadership and further share the paths to success with others. TO register, log on to https://www.wlsummit.org

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MAY 3, 2019

Vote for Miguel Solis for Mayor

to expand Pre-K access to all Dallas Children MiguelForMayor.com | info@miguelformayor.com

Vote Saturday May 4th!

Early Voting April 22nd - 30th

Paid for by Miguel Solis Campaign

MAY 3, 2019

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SAVE THE DATE June 22, 2019 6p.m.

USA BOWL 10920 Composite Drive, Dallas

Cheryl Smith’s

Don’t Believe the HYPE Celebrity Bowl-a-thon Cheryl Smith’s

Hype

Don’t Believe the

6-23-2018

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Celebrity Bowl-a-thon

For vendor or sponsorship opportunities, or to register your team, call 214-941-0110 21

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AVENGERS: END GAME BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ AVENGERS: END GAME is much more than just a movie. It is a cultural and cinematic event. The movie, during its three hours run time, pretty much covers every unanswered question from the past and reveals the future for each remaining member of the Marvel Comics Universe, ending with the bang of a fireworks show where Marvel throws up everything they've got in their final battle with Thanos. The end result will have you ooooing and ahhing. After the last Avenger's movie, INFINITY WAR, the surviving members of The Avengers return to thwart Thanos, played by Josh Brolin, and to prevent him from doing any more damage with the glove he possesses with all five infinity stones. The teams' plan is to travel back into time and resurrect the half of earth's population, including members of The Avengers team and members of their own families, who they lost when Thanos arbitrarily turned half of the earth's population MAY 3, 2019

into dust. The script is also hilarious with some major changes being made to The Avengers team. To reveal the changes with the members of the team

tle tip gives you an inside scoop that will get you in a shorter line in the bathroom. Also, as in The D.C. Comics movie WONDER WOMAN and the

gest superhero movie in history. Still, it's a movie that everyone will be talking about next week. The movie costs a reported $200 million to make and I predict it will do

would be a "plot spoiler." So, you'll just have to see for yourself. There’s also a lot of talk about the length of the movie, at just over three hours. There are a few lulls in the movie that might allow you to get in a bathroom break; most of them occur early in the movie. There is also no final scene after the closing credits, as in every past Avenger movie. This lit-

last Marvel movie, CAPTAIN MARVEL, “woman power" plays a big part in the film. Could there be an upcoming movie with all of the Avenger women of Marvel Comics? We'll see. AV E N G E R S : END GAME is an amazing movie. The length of the movie is its only drawback. It's probably the lon-

that much in its opening weekend in release. AVENGERS: END GAME is rated PG-13 and on my "Hollywood Popcorn Scale" I rate it a JUMBO!

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MAY 3, 2019

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LIFESTYLE by Valder Beebe

That Celebrity Interview:

VH1’S T.I. & Tiny: Friends & Family Hustle Every day is a new day so make it your best day. Enjoy the joys of life, make wise use of your time and embrace as much love as you can by giving and receiving love of family, friends and new people into your life. T.I. & Tiny: Friends & Family Hustle  returned with a new season on April 15. In promotion to launch season two of the VH1 reality show hit, I invited Antonia “Toya” Wright and her daughter Reginae Carter to give a peek into season two. Toya is a rapper, business-woman, and best-selling author of several books: Priceless Inspirations; the memoir In My Own Words..My Real Reality; How To Lose A Husband, and You Just Don’t Get It with her daughter, Reginae Carter. Reginae like her superstar rapper dad, Lil Wayne, has a knack for music. Wayne’s oldest child was a member of Tamecka “Tiny” Cottle’s teen group, OMG Girlz 2010. Since leaving the group, Reginae has spent time in the studio with her dad — a move which leaves her strong fan base excited to see what’s next. T.I. & Tiny: Friends & Family Hustle, with exciting lives and high stakes careers, this group of loyal friends will continue to support each other as they navigate the complex terrain of balancing family, fame and the hustle. The VH1 series features Grammy® Award-winning, multi-platinum artists myimessenger.com

Tip “T.I.” Harris and Tameka “Tiny” Harris and their children Zonnique, Messiah, Domani, Deyjah, King, Major and Heiress. Joining them again is multiplatinum, Grammy® award-winning artist Monica Brown, New York Times bestselling author Antonia “Toya” Wright with her daughter Reginae Carter, and actress

and  Grammy® Award-winning  singersongwriter Letoya Luckett.- provided by T.I. & Tiny publicity team VBS: Welcome ladies and congratulations on being renewed for season 2 of VH1’s T.I. & Tiny: Friends & Family Hustle. Toya, you have your own persona; rapper, businesswoman, and best-selling author. What brought you to be a part of the success of T.I. & Tiny: Friends & Family Hustle? AW: I’ve worked with Tiny and Letoya in the past. I know these girls from back in the

day. We feel comfortable with each other. VBS: Reginae, you are young, starting out in your career, standing in the shadow of your multi-accomplished mother. What are we going to see from you this season? RC: It’s great to have my mom and my dad to look up to. The audience is going to see me going through a relationship, working on my career. I’m young and still learning. VBS: Toya, how comfortable are you showing your daughter’s evolution on T.I. & Tiny? AW: I’m comfortable because her life would be on reality TV or a blog either way and she gets to control the narrative. VBS: What’s coming for the new season Toya? AW: This season a lot of has changed; we’ve got new babies, T.I. lost his sister, my relationship, the talks about marriage…….. ValderBeebeShow.com, 411RadioNetwork.com, Youtube.com/valderbeebeshow, 411RadioNetwork.com; Podcast audio: Soundcloud.com/valderbeebeshow, Soundcloud.com/kkvidfw, 411RadioNetwork.com, PChatman Streaming TV Network and VBS affiliate broadcasters. Now available on 411RadioNetwork App

MAY 3, 2019

FUBU Mobile official launch in Dallas

On Saturday, May 11, on the heels of the recent FUBU FRAMES Eyewear collection launch in New York (www. fubuframes.com), FUBU celebrates the launch of the much anticipated FUBU Mobile portfolio in Dallas, TX, the latest of many opening in major cities across the country. The launch gala will take place at Hyatt Regency located at 300 Reunion Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207 from 7:30p – 10p. Cocktail attire is requested. Tickets are available at FUBUMobileDallasLaunch. Eventbrite.com. The keynote speaker for the night is FUBU Co-founder, CARLTON BROWN, its current Vice President of Brand Management, Strategic Partnerships & Licensing. A visionary and business mogul, Carl has played a key

MAY 3, 2019

role in the brand’s early success and the gatekeeper of its current resurgence in the U.S. and internationally. Hosted by Galaxy 9 Productions’ co-founder, Rob “Robski” Bell and its President, Keisha D. Hunter “Mokah Soulfly”, guests can look forward to an inspiring evening with an exciting lineup of live entertainment including the evening’s maestro, DJ Mikeflo and FUBU Radio’s DJ Hercules, Tha Beatitudes Band featuring Grammy award winning producer, Jah Born and Tony Ballard, of the group Common Folk, rising superstar songbird and lyricist, Flower Child, and gala headliner, the incomparable Jaguar Wright. Additionally, the guest experience includes a three-course dinner, cash

bar, additional guest speakers from the DFW business and civic communities and raffles all provided by the dynamic Galaxy 9 Productions team. FUBU Mobile has a very clear vision to not only be a contender in the global mobile technology and cellular market place, but to cultivate a positive impact directly within the communities where it operates. The goal is to pour into the DFW community by providing top notch customer service, volunteering, financial investments, and help facilitate local programs to encourage continued community expansion. Franchise owners lead this charge by investing a required percentage of their profits back into the community. The Official Afterparty will be held in conjunction with Galaxy 9 Productions’ infamous Saturday Night Fever event which takes place twice a month at The Nines Bar in Deep Ellum located at 2911 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226. The afterparty features Swisha House founder DJ Mike “5000” Watts and DJ Mikeflo of Dead Prez along with hip-hop artists Highway Yella and 2wice from 10p to 2a, show starts at 11p. Advance tickets can be purchased at www.Galaxy9dfw.com.

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South Dallas Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 56th Annual V. Alyce Foster Trailblazer Awards Luncheon

Trailblazer Fire Chief Kenneth Johnson

Ten scholarship recipients received a total of $30,500.00

Keynote Speaker Pat Smith;

President Gwendolyn H. Daniels, Emcee Cleo

Trailblazer Marion Hill-Hubbard with Pres. Daniels

Club members 2019 Community Award Recipients

Luncheon Co-Chair

Trailblazer Police Chief U. Renee Hall

Katrinia Bivins;

Sojourner Truth Recipient Clara McGinnis and National 1st VP Lavern Holyfield Club Members

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Trailblazer Sheriff Marian Brown with Pres. Daniels

MAY 3, 2019

ASK ALMA My friend’s husband Dear Alma, I’m so embarrassed. I feel just terrible. My cousin who still lives in the old neighborhood where we grew up asked me to help out with a wedding. She needed some extra hands at the reception. It was no biggie, I had done it before, so I said ok and didn’t really think twice about it. We’re close in age but went to two different high schools. So when I asked about the bride, she told me her name but it didn’t ring a bell. My instructions were to show up at the wedding and reception ready to work. And that’s what I did. Low and behold I was completely shocked when I saw the groom. He was my high school best friend’s husband. OMG, I had no idea! I heard that they’d had an awful breakup because he was having an affair, but that’s all I knew. I didn’t even know they were divorced. Anyway, there I was, stuck, assisting the event planner with a wedding that if I had had any idea who the groom was, I would not have been there. Honestly, I hadn’t talked to this old friend in a long, long time. I left and went away to college and just lost touch. But I feel terrible. I’m sure she heard I was at the wedding and I hate that she probably thinks that I’m totally ok with him having an affair and then marrying the woman, but I’m not. I mean, whatever happened is

MAY 3, 2019

none of my business, but more than that, I surely wouldn’t have been a part of it had I know it was her ex-husband. What can I do to make it right with my friend? Wedding Regretter Dear Regretter Drive to her house Mz. Minnie Mouse, early, on a Sunday morning. People seem more relaxed early on Sunday morning. Take two cups of coffee, a homemade lemon glazed pound cake and a large piece of your heart. Tell her, straight up, “I had no idea she was marrying your husband.” Explain how you were asked to be an extra hand at the reception, which turned into assisting with the wedding as well. Let her see your honesty. I can tell this is very important to you, otherwise you wouldn’t care how she was feeling. Fall on the knife, girl, and ask her to pull it out. You can put a bandage on yourself later. Accept whatever she throws at you. You deserve it. You wanna know why? Let me put it like this: If I offered you $100,000 to jump out of a plane without a parachute, would you do it? I bet you said no. Just wait, you didn’t let me finish. What if I told you, the plane was on the ground? Mmhmm!! Life Lesson: Know all the facts before you make up your mind. You committed to this wedding before you had all the facts – really before you had any facts. When this

happens, trust me, you open yourself up to making all kinds of mistakes. I applaud you for longing to apologize for this unexpected, unanticipated crash and burn. After your apology over cake and coffee, give her a hug and say goodbye. Leave the leftover cake, don’t make this visit long and drawn out. If you want to rekindle your friendship, devote attention to that another time. I respect you for finding it necessary to stand up and do what you feel is the right thing. Making amends when you’ve been imperfect. You’re my kind of woman, you’ve got a good heart. I hope you can carve out some time for her. I suspect, right about now, she could use some belly laughs with a really good friend who knew her when. ALMA Alma Gill’s newsroom experience spans more than 25 years, including various roles at USA Today, Newsday and the Washington Post. Email questions to:alwaysaskalma@ gmail.com. Follow her on Facebook at “Ask Alma” and Twitter @almaaskalma.

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MAY 3, 2019

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR COMMUNITY CALENDAR Lupus Month & Older Americans Month

May 5-11

Small Business Week

Recurring Events Us-Too Phenomenal Women Art Exhibit at African American Museum 3536 Grand Ave. Dallas 4-20-5-15-19. 11am=5pm. Feeding The Needy Hosted by: Hollywood Hernandez Live 1698 Corsicana St. Dallas. 3pm-5pm. Marvelous Marriage Monday’s at Friendship-West Baptist Church 2020 W. Wheatland Rd. Dallas. 7pm-8:30pm 1st & 3rd Monday Info: covent@ friendshipwest.org.

The Voice Greek Edition by: Sigma Gamma Rho & Alpha Phi Alpha at Southern Classic Daiquiri Factory 6751 Bridge St. Ft. Worth 6pm-11pm. Women of the West Bible Study at Friendship-West Baptist Church 2020 W. Wheatland Rd. Wednesdays at 7pm. 2019 National Day of Prayer at Lancaster Recreation Center Grand Ball Room 1700 Veterans Memorial Pkwy. 9am10am & 7pm-8pm. The Story of Robert Hughes at The Modern Art Museum of Ft. Worth 320 Darnell St. For more info: 5700rameyave.com .

Funny As Ish Comedy Tour at The Theatre Grand Prairie 1001 Performance Ln. 8:30pm.

410 Line Dancers Thursday Class at DFW Sports Garden 1850 E. Beltline Rd. Coppell. 7pm-9pm. Info: www.410linedancers.com.

Taste of Oak Cliff on 10th St. & Beckley Ave. Dallas 12noon-7pm. For info: tasteofoakcliff.com.

Lunch & Learn: “Cancer Prevention Screenings for Men and Women,” at Frazier House 4600 Spring Ave. Dallas. 11:30am-1p. Info: email info@zwhjcoc.org.

May 3-5 May 3 James Brown’s Birthday Born in 1933 “Godfather of Soul”

Kiko Pryor & DJ Calie Album Release Party w/ Adina Howard at Cedar Canyon Ranch 4523 N. Houston School Rd. Lancaster. Doors open at 6pm. Tickets: www.eventbrite. com.

May 1-13

Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders Insurance Agent Class at Frazier House 4600 Spring Ave. Dallas. 9am-4pm. Info: email info@zwhjcoc.org.

May 1

Asthma Day Howard University founded under Act of Congress Charter in D.C. in 1867

2019 National Pan-Hellenic Council of Dallas Meeting at African American Museum 3536 Grand Ave. 6:30pm-8pm. MEN(tors) Mingle – Following the Leader at City Square 1610 S. Malcolm X Blvd. Bldg. #200. 7:30pm-9pm. Tickets: Eventbrite.com. Dallas Sales Job Fair at Double Tree Hilton-Galleria 4099 Valley View Ln. 9:30am-1pm. Eventbrite.com. Raising Funds with Raising Canes Hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity at Raising Canes 2960 W. Camp Wisdom Rd. Grand Prairie, 5pm-10pm. Sammons Jazz Artistic Director’s Concert at Sammons Center for the Arts 3630 Harry Hines Blvd. 7pm. Tickets: www. sammonsartcenter.org. Wednesdays Swing Dance Class at Allure Jazz & Cigar Lounge 110 S. Cockrell Hill, DeSoto. 7:30pm-9:30pm. Instructor: Lady Champagne. Free before 8pm.

May 2

National Prayer Day

Soul Jazz Thursday’s w/ Nubia at Sandaga 813, 813 Exposition Ave. Dallas. 8pm-12am.

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NCBW100 All that Glitters is Gold Scholarship Soiree’ at Noah’s Event Venue 2251 N. Greenville Ave. Richardson. 7pm.11pm. Tickets: www.eventbrite.com

Avengers: Endgame Private Screening at Studio Movie Grill Technology Blvd. E. Dallas. Tickets: www.squareup.com Nelly Live! At Lava Cantina “Anniversary” 5805 Grandscape Blvd. The Colony, 8pm.-11pm. Tickets: www.ticketfly.com Nights to Remember Scott Joplin Chamber Orchestra Presented by African American Museum at TBAAL 1309 Canton St. 5pm. 14th Annual Mother & Son Dance at DeSoto Civic Center 211E. Pleasant Run Rd. 7pm. Info: 972-230-9650. Today’s Children/Youth and Privilege Coffee & Politics 101 at African American Museum 3536 Grand Ave. 10am-11am. Kappa Derby at Gilley’s 1135 S. Lamar Blvd. 3pm-8pm. Tickets: www.eventbrite.com Mother and Son Dance at DeSoto Civic Center 211 E. Pleasant Run. 7pm. For info: 972-230-9650. The 3rd Annual Derby Day Party at VNYL 5800 Legacy Dr. #C11, Plano 3pm-8:30pm. Tickets: eventbrite.com.

May 5

Congressman Marc Veasey Congressional Small Business Update at Brickhouse Lounge 2525 E. Arkansas Ln. Ste. #253 5:30pm 7pm. RSVP: Eventbrite.com.

Robert Johnson Blues Singer DOB in 1911

JMBLYA 2019 Concert at Fair Park 1438 Coliseum Dr. Dallas, 12pm 10:30pm.Tickets: www.jmblyadallas2019.frontgatetickets.com.

Willow Grove Baptist Church Grief Counseling at 1222 W. Kiest Blvd., Dallas Info call, Kim Fincher at 214-371-7325. 5:30pm-7pm.

After Party for Rome/ Adina Howard/ Methrone Performing Live: Hisyde at Cedar Canyon Ranch 4523 N. Houston School Rd. Lancaster, 12am-3am. For info: 404-3868996 or 254-630-0063.

Ledbetter Community Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Jaycee Zaragoza Recreation Center 4113 Clymer St., Dallas 1pm-6pm. For info: Henry R. Martinez 469-231-2303.

90’s & 2000’s Hip-Hop-R&B Party at Foundation Room 2200 N. Lamar St. 10pm-2am. Fridays

Soulful Sunday Brunch at The Lemonade Lounge 1411 E. Campbell Rd. Ste. #1200, Richardson. 12 noon.

Happy Hour with Don Diego at Chocolate Lounge Exclusive 4222 W. Camp Wisdom Rd. 6pm-8pm. Fridays

Neo Soul Sunday’s at Blue Martini Lounge 7301 Lone Star Dr. Plano 4pm-12am.

May 4-5 My Daddy’s New Wife Stage Play at Fair Park Hall of State 3939 Grand Ave. 2:30pm-5:30pm. Both days. Staring: Virlinda Stanton & Winfred Dalcour. DFW Black Arts at African American Museum Fair Park 3635 Grand Ave. 11am.-5pm. Both dates. Visit www. unityfestdallas.com for more info.

May 6

410 Line Dancers Thursday Class at DFW Sports Garden 1850 E. Beltline Rd. Coppell. 7pm. Info: 410linedancers.com

Big Thought 30 Years Talent Recruitment at Big Thought 1409 S. Lamar St. Ste. #1015. 9am-10:30am. Info: RSVP to kiara.dismuke@bigthought.org

All New Thursdays Ladies Night Soulful Soundz at Vinetti’s 14833 Midway Rd. Addison 5pm-12am. Free Cover.

1787 1st Chapter Negro Mason Meeting by Prince Hall

Book Signing “Renaissance Queen” by author M. P. Stone Meet her and hear about her 50 yr. journey at African American Museum 3536 Grand Ave. 2pm-4pm.

Cinco De Statler at The Statler Hotel 1914 Commerce St. Times of events vary. Info & Tickets: www.bit.ly.com

Hurt Village by Katori Hall at South Dallas Cultural Center 3400 S. Fitzhugh Ave. 8pm-10:15pm. Until 5-11-19.

May 4

Kent State Shootings Remembrance

Cinco de Mayo

Roof Top Smooth Jazz Day Party Cinco De Mayo Host: DFW Social 40 at The Artisan Roof Top Patio 2330 Flora St. Dallas 4pm-9pm. Hamilton in Dallas at Music Hall Fair Park 909 1st Ave. Dallas 1:30pm-4:30pm. Tickets: allmusicaltickets.info. Cinco De Mayo at The Rustic 3656 Howell St. Dallas, 10am-12am. Live Music all Day.

May 10

Tim Brown Woodrow Golf Tournament at Tension Highlands Golf Course 3501 Samuel Blvd. Dallas. 11am-7pm.

26th Genesis Annual Luncheon Feat: Terry Crews at Hilton Anatole 2201 N. Stemmons Fwy. 11:30am-1pm. Tickets www.genesisshelter.org.

Monday Jazz Happy Hour w/ The Willis Duo at The Balcony Club 1825 Abrams Rd. #B, 6pm.

May 7-11 REKI Real-Estate Wealth Bldg. Master Class in McKinney, Frisco, Dallas & Arlington Reg.: www.rekimasterclass.com.

Salsa in the Park at Klyde Warren Park 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy. 6:30pm-7:30pm. 90’s & 2000’s Hip-Hop-R&B Party at Foundation Room 2200 N. Lamar St. 10pm-2am. Fridays

May 11-12

May 7 IHCC Café con Nosotros at IHCC 135 S. Jefferson St. Irving. 8:30am-9:30am. Info: www.irvingHCC.com The Jazz Jam at Jazz BeCuzz Art Center 9319 LBJ Fwy. Ste. #120. Tickets: via Eventbrite.com. Every Tuesdays. Karaoke Night $2 Tuesday’s at Hero’s Lounge 3094 N. 35 Fwy. Dallas. 7pm-2am. Tickets: eventbrite.com.

Mother’s Day Jazz Festival 2019 Featuring: Maysa & Kirk Whalum Host: MartiniBlu Jazz Café at Fair Park Band Shell 1465 1st Ave. Tickets: 832-965-5580.

May 11

William Grant Still Composer DOB in 1895

Chris Howell Foundation Presents: Mother’s Day Brunch Gala. Guest: KeKe Wyatt at Renaissance Hotel 2222 N. 35 Fwy, Dallas. 11am:1pm. Tickets: www.chrishowellfoundation.org.

Amberjax Sea Food Boil at Amberjax Fish Market Grille at Trinity Groves 3011 Gulden Ln. #107 . 5-9pm. RSVP. Zan Wesley Holmes Lunch and Learn Series at Frazier House 4600 Spring Ave. Dallas. 11:30am-1pm.

May 8-11 Southwest Regional Outpouring Women’s Conference Speaker: Pastor Sonjia Dickerson at Hilton DFW Lakes Hotel 1800 Hwy 26, Grapevine. Register: sonjiadickerson.com.

May 8

Stock Market Success: Tips for Beginners at Citycentral Dallas 17250 Dallas Pkwy. 11:30am-1pm. Tickets: Eventbrite. Latoya Cooper The Songtress at Shipping & Receiving Bar 201 S. Calhoun St. Ft. Worth. 8pm. Residential Outreach Meeting at Movie Tavern 2204 Airport Fwy. #450 Bedford. 7pm-8:15pm. Free. Amazon Hiring Event at Auditorium, at Frazier House 4600 Spring Ave. Dallas. 9am-3pm. Info: email info@zwhjcoc.org.

May 9

J.A. Burr invented Lawn Mower in 1899

The Stormproof Way To Build Your Brand Host: Tresa Chambers at Microsoft Store North Park Center 8687 N. 75 Fwy Suite #1612, Dallas. 7pm-9pm. NPHC Joint Happy Hour at The Daiquiri Shoppe 684 W. Pioneer Pkwy Grand Prairie 6pm-9pm. New Community Vision for Dallas at Briscoe Carpenter Live Stock Center at Fair Park. 9am-11:45am. Free Soul Jazz Thursday’s w/ Nubia at Sandaga 813, 813 Exposition Ave. Dallas. 8pm-12am.

FUBU Mobile’s Official Welcome to DFW Gala/Dinner at Hyatt Regency Hotel 300 Reunion Blvd. 7:30pm. Tickets: eventbrite. com. Speaker: Carl Brown, co-founder of FUBU. Melanin & Mimosas at Bar Louie 4001 Bagpiper Way, Arlington. 1pm-7pm. Tickets: Eventbrite. Mother’s Day with A Twist at Springhill Suites by Marriott 720 E. Vista Ridge Mall Dr. Lewisville. 10am-2pm. Eventbrite. 3rd Annual All White Boat Party at Pier 121 Marina Lewisville Lake1481 E. Hill Park Rd. Lewisville. 7:30pm-10:30pm. Tickets: via Eventbrite.

May 12

Mother’s Day Anita Baker Farewell Concert Series at The Theatre at Grand Prairie 1001 Performance Pl. 8pm. Tickets: axs.com. Soulful Sunday Brunch at The Lemonade Lounge 1411 E. Campbell Rd. Ste. #1200, Richardson. 12 noon. Jokes & Jazz Brunch Sunday Mother’s Day Edition at Vinetti’s 14833 Midway Rd. Suite #105, Addison. 11am-3pm. Mother’s Day Jazz Luncheon at Eventfully Yours Social Event Venue 7640 NE Loop 820 Suite #110. North Richland Hills. 1pm-4pm. Tickets: Eventbrite.

MAY 3, 2019

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