I M essenger VOLUME 8
AUGUST 9, 2019
ISSUE 51
Sydney Miller LipSync
GLOSSY TEENS page 19
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Frazier House Lunch & Learn Series Presents Understanding Real Estate as an Everlasting Asset on August 15 E.E. Okpa, an experienced commercial real estate and economic development guru with vast domestic and international projects, and will teach attendees at the August 15 Lunch & Learn class how to understand real estate and how it can become an everlasting asset. The presentation will be at 11:30 a.m. at Frazier House, 4600 Spring Avenue. The public is invited to attend this free class that will provide participants with the opportunity to learn strategies to acquire, hold and sustain real estate. The Lunch & Learn Series is a program of the Zan Wesley Holmes, Jr. Community Outreach Center. It continues each month with a class that provides learning opportunities for small businesses and nonprofit organizations, specifically targeted to those in the South Dallas area.
Okpa, Principal of Dallas-based Okpa Co., got his start in commercial real estate after emigrating from Nigeria almost 35 years ago. His real estate appraisal and assessment firm clients have included DART, the Trinity River Authority and TXDOT. He served as the first foreign-born elected board secretary of the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce. He also served as a vice chair. He raised more than $1 million as a Park South YMCA board member. He has served on numerous boards and committees including Chair of the MLK Center, Census 2000 Complete Count Committee, Dallas Development Fund and Former Texas Governor Rick Perry’s appointee on PDSBI of Texas Economic Development Bank. To register, go to: www.zwhjcoc.org and click on “Classes.� The classes are free and open to the public. Join us in person or via Facebook Live. Bring your lunch; we will provide the drinks. For more information, email: Jasmine Anderson at jasmine. anderson@zwhjcoc.org.
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INSIDE
FROM MARVA W/ LOVE On From Marva with Love, I interviewed Coach Tre Bradley-The Relationship Strategist, who is the Owner/ founder of New Stage Development and a certified Relationship Strategist, Master of Neurolinguistics, Cognitive Behavioral Therapist and author of The F.A.C.T.S. of Love.
Red Summer
QUIT PLAYIN’
One hundred years ago, starting on July 27 and for 13 more days, Chicago was engulfed in violence. White mobs wantonly attacked Black people, and Black people fought back.
“Fake ass police in our community… Y’all ain’t policing, y’all harassing. All these officers for nothing...This what y’all do with y’all time; did you solve a murder yet? Where the murderers? This some sorry- assed policing y’all doing. Real talk…Y’all got a lot of complaints coming.”
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MY TRUTH NABJ honors some real giants by Cheryl Smith, Publisher
NABJ Convention in Miami, August 7-11, 2019 I am so excited about the National Association of Black Journalists Convention in Aventura, Fl, this week. In addition to excellent programming and a chance to see old friends and colleagues, I will get to see some great people honored. People wonder why we have an association of Black journalists. They also wonder about Black colleges, Black businesses, Black churches, et. al. I am not going to defend my right to exist. I know the importance of the great institutions that were founded for us at a time when there was a great need. No one should control what we do with our AUGUST 9, 2019
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lives and communities, nor our institutions. It never ceases to amaze me how people will choose no name institutions or programs before they give Black institutions or programs a look. Some will make any excuse to avoid Black. Guess what, I ain’t hating on them. I say, “do your thing!” But still I urge, look into the mirror. Show some love. Seek out Black, like you seek out alternatives. Believe me there is still a great need. Which brings me to my truth. Four outstanding people with Texas roots are among honorees at this year’s NABJ 4
convention and I am so proud of them and the others who will be feted. It is so important to celebrate folks when it matters, when they are with us! And that is what we are doing with Eva D. Coleman, Cheryl “Action” Jackson, Tom Joyner and James A. Washington. Eva Coleman receives the Journalism Educator Award. She is the first high school educator to be honored and we are so proud of this former president and current vice president of the Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter of NABJ. Eva has done excellent work with young people and not only in Frisco ISD. Her students absolutely love her and myimessenger.com
maintain relationships long after they have graduated, and she produces award winners. Just recently I saw where one of her students and a former participant in the DFW/ABJ Urban Journalism Workshop, Matthew Torres, received an Edward R. Murrow Regional Award. He’s actually one of many. This year Eva moves from the Career and Technical Education Center where she has been since the inception of the program in 2008. I think it is a big loss and speaks to the leadership that would lose out on an Eva Coleman. Fortunately for Frisco students, they will have the benefit of her leadership in the classroom, but the move was a definite loss for the CTE. Now Cheryl “Action” Jackson is the recipient of the Angelo Henderson Community Service Award. Her work for the hungry and needy is phenomenal. She’s out in Plano, Texas, and you hear the stories about the area, but those stories don’t focus on the thousands of families in need. Dr. Jackson and her team treat the “guests” they serve as if they are special, like celebrities. They are treated with dignity and love. She also continues to excel in the field of journalism, especially in radio and television. Also a book author, myimessenger.com
Dr. Jackson is a motivational speaker and philanthropist. Dr. Jackson’s humanitarian work and tireless contributions continue to be embraced, supported and celebrated across the country and around the world. Dr. Jackson is an ideal person community service honors. Like Angelo, she is a servant leader. Dr. Jackson is taking care of communities, one mouth at a time. Tom Joyner enters the NABJ Hall of Fame, with the likes of Norma Adams-Wade, Bob Ray Sanders, Dorothy Leavell and this year, Garry Howard. Mr. Joyner’s contributions to the industry and this world are indisputable. Having worked for the same company, Service Broadcasting, I saw first hand the work of someone with an impeccable work ethic. He also split his time between the world and his family, raising two dynamic young men, Killer and Thriller. A frequent speaker on college campuses, Mr. Joyner is a Hall of Famer. He is a MVP. Tom set the stage and took the risks to change how and why people stayed glued to their radios. His show wasn’t about solely entertaining folks. A son of an educator, he became an educator on the airwaves, using his microphone to empower a nation. Everyone came to his show to reach the masses 5
because they knew “everyone” was looking to the Tom Joyner Morning Show to shed light on any and everything relevant. In nominating Jim Washington for the Legacy Award, I said, “James Washington gave me a job over 30 years ago. He believed in me and I have seen him believe in so many others since. He is a mentor, a teacher, a media mogul. James flies back and forth from Atlanta where he and his wife run the Atlanta Voice, to Dallas where they own and operate the Dallas Weekly. A former professor at Paul Quinn College and Tennessee State University, he is legitimately a legend.” A graduate of Southern University, Mr. Washington taught The Oprah Winfrey and he is a mentor to other journalists like, Roland Martin, Gordon Jackson, Shane Hefner, Joshua Johnson, Kristi Nelson and Janeane Anderson. As a recipient of the Legacy Award, Mr. Washington joins my dear friend Lawrence Young, who received the award posthumously. Side note: Lawrence was also my nominee! I will be smiling big time as they are honored because they are relevant, necessary and vital to society. Congrats to all!
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Hollywood on the SCENE
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AUGUST 9, 2019
IMAGES and PERCEPTIONS
Area school explains controversial photo
John Paul II’s Football team after summer training
By Cheryl Smith When calls came into the office of I Messenger Media, there was frustration expressed about a photo of members of John Paul II’s football team wearing chains and what appeared to be a noose. The photo was posted on social media with the following message: Texas Metro News received this picture. It was also posted on social media. You can read more about it in the next edition. In the meantime, how do you feel about this high school football team’s photo? We want to hear from you! Post here or email us at editor@myimessenger.com Numerous responses were AUGUST 9, 2019
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shared and the person, who provided the photo, did not want to be identified. She did say, however that she was outraged and that just because the coach was African American, “did not make the photo right.” Requesting anonymity, the irate caller said, “my first glance at the photo I was outraged. It was hard to not become emotional. Of all the images of Black men, this is the one we see!” Admitting that there was also a white team member wearing chains in the photo, the caller said the photo was still offensive and sends the wrong message, because of images of slavery. Annette Gonzales Taylor, 8
Director of Communications for the Diocese of Dallas spoke about the picture and posting on social media. According to Ms. Taylor, the students had just completed a strength and conditioning program. One of the coaches, she said, posted a picture celebrating the hard work that the young men put into the program. Shortly after the posting, someone reached out to the coach, who is African American, and told him that the photo was “insensitive, not a good look.” “It was not up very long,” she said, adding that there was no malicious intent on the part of the coach and the young men were proud of their myimessenger.com
achievement. The chain, she explained further, is a common practice for teams working out and was not a noose. Former Dallas Cowboy George Teague is the head coach of the team and Ms. Taylor says he definitely did not want the team to be portrayed negatively. Conversely others have said the discussion is a waste of time because similar photos have been posted for decades. And Ms. Taylor says that at John Paul II, diversity is celebrated and accepted. Here are some of the responses: Aaron McMurry, “The nerve of some people to misconstrue something like this is pity. Man these boys are all brothers in one Athletic Department and are showing their strength as one and in numbers.” He continued, “The chains represent strength and the non-noosed rope is how they use those chains so that the chain links dont (sic) cut thier (sic) hands.” Toska Medlock Lee, “This is what happens when parents don’t teach our history at home. I guarantee you that my sons would not have allowed these chains to be placed around their neck!”
guy with a chain on as well. If you know sports then you know that this is more of a sign of strength. I don’t believe that this is racist considering that there is a black coach in the picture with them. More than likely, those young men chose to wear the chains.” Denise Clay, “Anything that requires this much explanation is a bad idea. I don’t care what might have been meant. It looks like chains and a noose. And it needs to come down.” Charles Bilal Hall, “I’ve Coach football for 30 years we workout with chains to enhance building strength on the H.S. Level and up. The young men are showing their strength and trying to strike fear in their opponents with the picture, which in football is something we do...I’m the 1st to be on the front line fighting against racism and inequality and Injustices against my community. So this thing ain’t a conspiracy but I understand the sensitivity because we black folks have been through so much. But this isn’t one of those times. Anything the media can do to spark controversy & get headlines they will do…”
fitness shoot. Those dudes are rocked up and probably wanted to pose with them.” Clyde Hughes, “As a sports reporter and former high school athlete, photos like this have been around for ages, even when I was in school. I can see both sides. In context, I see nothing wrong with this and the chain has and in indeed used as a symbol of strength. Actually, it’s a pretty routine athletic shot I’ve seen thousands of times. Out of context, I can see how it can be misinterpreted, especially the nooses. It helps to understand history -- especially black history. This is a good discussion, especially for the young men. I do hope they are looking at both the positive and negative comments. Most of you in this thread have posted responsibly, which is good.” Carol Robinson, “Our young men look abused physically and emotionally. The adults should be held accountable....I will step to plate and be Madea, and shut it all DOWN.” Tony Morris, “Wow! Some of the Black football players look Beast of Burden (slave).”
Tamara Jenkins, “A lot of fitness people/athletes pose with Jr. Worthy, “Guys if you look at chains to looks like badasses. the 2nd photo there’s a white I’m planning that for my next myimessenger.com
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AUGUST 9, 2019
From Marva with By Marva Sneed
On From Marva with Love, I interviewed Coach Tre Bradley-The Relationship Strategist, who is the Owner/ founder of New Stage Development and a certified Relationship Strategist, Master of Neurolinguistics, Cognitive Behavioral Therapist and author of The F.A.C.T.S. of Love. Additionally he has over 18 years of experience as a corrective exercise therapist and sports medicine trainer. Coach Tre has a unique
strategic approach to coaching/ counseling couples and singles on the most important matters of their life. He specializes in intimate and family relationships that suffer from repeated breakdowns in communication and dysfunctional patterns of behavior. We talked about his new book The F.A.C.T.S. of Love. Coach Tre takes you through five powerful ingredients to maintain a lasting relationship: F.A.C.T.S.: Forgiveness, Acceptance, Communication, Trust, and Sex-Energy. Coach Tre says that, “in order to effectively implement the F.A.C.T.S., all you need are openmindedness, authenticity and a clear vision of the relationship you create.” MS: #1 is Forgiveness
in your book. You say that forgiveness is a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person or group who has harmed you. What do you mean by Forgiveness is freezing the pain of the past for healing in the present? CT: In order for you to have access to all of the possibilities of growth, you must begin with a state of forgiveness. Holding grudges never truly protects us it ultimately keeps us from embracing the love, peace and joy we deserve. Forgiveness is for you. MS: #2 is Acceptance defined as a person’s assent to the reality of a situation, recognizing a process or condition without attempting to change or protest it. You say there is a difference between being tolerant and having acceptance. What is the difference? CT: Tolerance has a time
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limit. Acceptance is the reality of now. Acceptance has no time beyond the present. Acceptance is freedom and you’ll be free if you accept yourself as whole, complete and worthy of love. Coach Tre and I talked about more of his book, the three ingredients Communication, Trust and Sex-Energy. The F.A.C.T.S. of Love is also a workbook with bonuses. The book is eye opening. Each ingredient begins with you. Forgive yourself, Accept who you are, Communicate from a place of Love, Trust yourself, Sex-energy well that’s self-explanatory. I highly recommend this book. Connect with Coach Tre, Instagram: @The. Relationship.Strategist, Facebook: @Coach Tre Bradley, Facebook:
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COMMENTARY by Dr. Julianne Malveaux
Red summer and its reverberations It started when a Black teenager, swimming in segregated Lake Michigan, drifted to the “wrong” side of the lake. Whites stoned him, and he drowned. The Chicago police refused to take action, even though the white man who threw the fatal rock, George Stauber, was identified. A police officer, Daniel Callahan, declined to arrest the murderous Stauber. Word of the drowning and police indifference spread quickly, and it was “on” with white supremacy and unequal justice on full display. For example, Callahan, the racist cop who would not arrest George Stauber, arrested a black man in the crowd based on just one white man’s complaint. Cameron McWhirter recounts the jarring events of the 13-day Chicago manifestation of white supremacy and the Black response in his absorbing book, Red Summer: The Summer of 1919 and the Awakening of Black America. Chicago was the site of the deadliest violence in the Red Summer. It claimed 23 Black lives and 15 white ones, with whites being aggressors who just beat, killed, and burned out Black people because of their segregationist rage and economic envy. The deadly violence in Chicago was but one of at least thirtyeight deadly attacks by whites on Black people. NAACP Secretary James Weldon Johnson (the author, with his brother J. Rosamond, of the Negro National Anthem, Lift Every Voice) dubbed the Summer of 1919 the “Red Summer” because so much blood flowed. And while whites were accustomed to attacking Black folk without consequence, during the summer of 1919, with recent veterans on the scene, Black people weren’t having it. We fought back! Most of the attacks took place in the South, and Chicago, with its teeming ethnic clashes and high Black population, might be considered “up South.” But the so-called liberal North was no stranger to the racism that gripped our nation. Black people were also attacked in New London, Connecticut, led by white navy myimessenger.com
members. We were attacked in the cradle of democracy, Philadelphia, when a Black family moved into a white neighborhood. We were attacked in Omaha, where a Black man was accused of raping a white woman. The courthouse was burned by warped whites, and there was more than a million dollars’ worth of damage. In Chicago, mobs of depraved white outlaws destroyed Black homes and businesses, leaving hundreds of Black families homeless. The white thugs who attacked Black people were rarely arrested and didn’t experienced any consequences for their lawlessness. But the Black folk who fought back were sometimes arrested, beaten, or killed. In Washington, DC, the rumor that a young white woman was “attacked” (she admitted she was merely jostled) started white servicemen on a rampage, attacking random Black people, pulling them from streetcars and attacking them on the street. The white men were primarily members of the military, and the military too often turned a blind eye to their criminal members. The Washington Post journalist Jefferson Morley recently wrote about the father and daughter Ben and Carrie Johnson, who shot and killed a police officer who invaded their home. They were charged with murder and spent 18 months in jail, but charges were dropped against Ben, and when Carrie stood trial she was found guilty of manslaughter, not murder. Her attorneys appealed, the appeal was granted, and there was no new trial. The Red Summer occurred because Black men were coming home from World War I and were not inclined to tolerate white foolishness. It occurred because we had a president, Woodrow Wilson, who was a virulent racist, much like the current occupant of the House that Enslaved People Built. White people, brainwashed to believe in the fallacy of white supremacy, felt emboldened to attack Black people for simple acts of self-determination. Fast forward. Emboldened whites are still attacking Black people, some
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violently. Eric Garner lost his life because he was selling loosies (single cigarettes) in Brooklyn and because an out of control madman masquerading as a police officer Daniel Pantaleo attacked him with an illegal chokehold. While Department of Justice attorneys recommended trying Pantaleo in federal court, Attorney General William Barr, the acknowledged sycophant of the racist Occupant, declined to move ahead. Fast forward. Roland Martin Unfiltered features a segment, “Crazy A$$ White People” that features the microaggressions that are a natural byproduct of virulent white supremacy. As a man attempted to propose to his fiancé at the Angry Orchard in New York, he was interrupted three times to be accused of stealing. The orchard has apologized (too little, too late) but it is yet another example of ignorance and stupidity. A deranged white woman, Nancy Good-man, approached three Black women dining at a Bonefish Grill and used the n-word on them because she thought they were loud. The warped white woman says she’d use the slur again. Let’s not even get into the BBQ Beckys and other fools. Bottom line. One hundred years ago, enabled and emboldened by a racist president, white folks went buck wild on Black people. Here we go again! Red Summer has reverberations, but please remember that during the Red Summer, Black folks fought back. Let’s do it again, fighting with our vote, with our activism, and, when necessary, with our retaliation. The struggle continues.
Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an author, economist, and social commentator.
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AUGUST 9, 2019
Potential Charge and Punishment in El Paso August 3rd began like most Saturdays do for me. I slept in a little, planned the day with my wife over coffee, and readied myself for some soon-to-be-played pickup basketball with a prayer to not get injured and a pre-emptive Advil. First, though, I had to get the groceries for the week. I made it to my local Wal-Mart at about 10:30. Saturday errands like that are woven into the fabric of our lives. I don't know the exact number of folks who did the same as me, but I bet it was just about everyone we know. Sadly, however, I do know the exact number of folks who went to their local Wal Mart in El Paso and didn't make it out alive: Twenty. Twenty-Six more were injured. Those are the numbers as of the time of this writing - less than 24 hours after the shootings. The investigation has only just begun, but the man police say is responsible is in custody in El Paso, charged with Capital Murder. There has already been some confusion about the future of this case. People have asked me whether this will be a federal case or a state case. Is it a hate crime? What is the potential punishment? Is the federal punishment more severe? I don't know any of the facts and circumstances of this case, and am not expressing an opinion one way or another about what should happen. I am writing to outline the legal landscape of capital murder prosecutions in Texas in hopes of clarifying the process for you, the reader. First, the charge. Our law defines capital murder in a number of different ways. One of which is the murder of more than one person during the same criminal transaction. If a person is convicted of this type of capital murder, there are two possible punishments: life without parole or the death penalty. The decision to seek the death penalty rests exclusively with the elected District Attorney in the county in which the killing occurred. If they decide to seek death, they will file a motion to seek the AUGUST 9, 2019
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AND JUSTICE FOR ALL By Judge Brandon Birmingham
death penalty with the Court and serve it upon the defense. If the District Attorney does not file the motion to seek death, the default punishment assessed upon conviction is life without parole. There are three phases for all trials in Texas, whether for Capital Murder or DWI. The first is jury selection. For death penalty cases, jury selection is done on an individual basis and can last for weeks. Once selected, the jurors will hear the evidence in the guilty/not guilty phase. If the State proves that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, the verdict is guilty. If not, the verdict is not guilty. A guilty verdict leads to the final phase of the trial: Punishment. In the punishment phase, jurors hear evidence that is much broader in scope than the guilty or not guilty phase. The law asks jurors to hear all of the evidence and then answer two questions called "special issues." Their answers to these special issues dictate whether the death penalty will be imposed. The first special issue asks jurors whether "there is a probability that the defendant would commit criminal acts of violence that would constitute a continuing threat to society." Courts and commentators refer to this as the "future danger" special issue. If the State fails to convince jurors beyond a reasonable doubt, then the deliberations stop, and the defendant will be sentenced to life without parole. If, however, the State proves to jurors beyond a reasonable doubt the answer should be "yes," then jurors will go on to consider
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the second special issue, often referred to as the "mitigation" special issue. For this, jurors are asked, "whether, taking into consider-ation all of the evidence, including the circumstances of the offense, the defendant's character and background, and the personal moral culpability of the defendant, there is a sufficient mitigating circumstance or circumstances to warrant that a sentence of life imprisonment without parole rather than a death sentence be imposed." If the jurors are convinced that the answer is "no", that there is nothing sufficiently mitigating in the evidence, then the defendant will receive the death penalty. If, however, jurors answer the question "yes," that there is a sufficiently mitigating circumstance, then the defendant will be sentenced to life without parole. This is a very cursory outline of the capital murder scheme in Texas, but I felt it important to share with you the reader to clarify the process of the charge in El Paso as it currently stands. Federal charges are certainly possible, and if they come, the person could be prosecuted by the State and the Feds. Only time will tell, however. In the meantime, investigators in El Paso are piecing together their case, collecting evidence and speaking with witnesses in the 250th mass shooting in America in 2019. While the ink that reads "El Paso" on America's morbid scorecard was still wet, I woke up Sunday to the news that investigators in Dayton, Ohio are piecing together their own mass shooting case. That's number 251. Not even a day goes by. And Justice For All - A column by Dallas County State District Judge, SMU Adjunct Professor, and Candidate for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Brandon Birmingham. Follow him on social media @judgebirmingham, or follow his blog on Judgebirmingham.com. If you have any questions or comments, send them to brandon@judgebirmingham.com, or post them on social media at @judgebirmingham.
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Award winning authors to participate in
TULISOMA The 16th Tulisoma: South Dallas Book Fair will be held August 24, 2019 at The African American Museum in Fair Park, located at 3536 Grand Ave. The Book Festival will kick off Saturday, August 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature awardwinning authors ReShonda Tate Billingsley and Carole Boston Weatherford. ReShonda Tate Billingsley is an award-winning and national bestselling author and journalist. She has authored over 45 books and was involved in three anthologies. She writes both adult and teen fiction and nonfiction. Several of her books have been optioned for movies. Two of her books have been made into films – “Let the Church Say Amen,” directed by actress Regina King, and “The Secret She Kept.” Also, she was awarded the Best Books 2004 in Christian Fiction by the Library Journal for her novel, “Let the Church Say Amen.” She received a second award from the Library Journal, Best Books 2015 in African American Fiction for “Mama’s Boy,” a story about a mother’s love, courage and faith, as she struggled to save her son accused of shooting a police officer. Billingsley has received many other awards, including the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literature, National Association of Black Journalists "Spirit in the Words," and Essence best-selling myimessenger.com
author. She has also been inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame. Billingsley is also the co-founder of Brown Girl Books, an exclusive boutique publishing company, featuring over 40 authors, including herself and Victoria Christopher Murray. Carole Boston Weatherford is a New York Times best-selling author/ poet/biographer and awardwinning illustrator. She writes children’s books, books on history, commentaries and poetry. Her children’s books are sold directly to children through Scholastic Book Club, known throughout the nation for its educational and wholesome collection of children’s books. Her most recent book is “Dear Mr. Rosenwald,” a documentary on how the African American community invested and became involved in education during the Jim Crow era. In the novel, she wrote about how Booker T. Washington influenced philanthropist Julius Rosenwald, president of Sears, Roebuck and Company, and a Tuskegee's board member, to help fund a project to build schools in Southern rural communities. Weatherford has received many awards, including the Carter G. Woodson award for “The Sound That Jazz Makes,” along with the Caldecott Honors, NAACP Image Awards, SCBWI Golden Kite Award, and a Coretta Scott King Author Honor.
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Weatherford has partnered with her son, Jeffery Boston Weatherford, an award-winning children’s book illustrator and performance poet. Together, the duo founded Children’s Books by the Weatherfords, a collection of children’s books and educational resources. The Book Festival will also feature literary/art activities for all ages and information for budding authors on how to self-publish their books. It will conclude with a free Hip Hop Gospel Extravaganza from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Museum lawn. Tulisoma, Swahili for "we read", is a community-based festival in the South Dallas/Fair Park area that promotes literacy. Reading is the foundation of education. And children who learn to love reading generally have better reading comprehension. According to Reading is Fundamental, children who learn to read early have a better chance of overcoming the achievement gap. Founded in 2003 by the late City Councilman Leo V. Chaney, Jr. and Dr. Harry Robinson Jr., president/ CEO of the African American Museum, the goal of Tulisoma is to create a dynamic event tailored to engage local families, avid readers, aspiring writers and visitors to the city. For information: www. tulisomabookfair.org or 214-5659026, ext. 304. I Messenger
AUGUST 9, 2019
QUIT PLAYIN
by Vincent Hall
DPS “Stop and Frisk”
Elected officials from throughout Dallas County gather to address issues Video clip sent to me anonymously during a tense moment on Tanner Street “Fake ass police in our community…Y’all ain’t policing, y’all harassing. All these officers for nothing...This what y’all do with y’all time; did you solve a murder yet? Where the murderers? This some sorry- assed policing y’all doing. Real talk…Y’all got a lot of complaints coming.” A video clip posted on Channel 11 August 2nd; “Dallas Mayor Defends DPS Patrols of Over-Policing in South Dallas.” AUGUST 9, 2019
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“I’m not sure if we’re really thinking through the quandary we’re putting law enforcement in if we are saying they can’t proactively address crime by dealing with these offenses that are actually offenses. But if they are not offenses and people are being pulled over for “protectional” reasons then those stops are truly baseless, that’s a civil liberties issue.” This has already been a long hot summer and unfortunately, it will probably get worse. Now we have more indigent drivers with tickets they can’t afford and problems
they cannot solve. The Mayor and DPS have squandered the little momentum DPD was making with “community policing.” However, I don’t want to keep you in suspense. The grades are in. Adam Bazaldua got an A. His swift actions and his close ties with neighborhood leaders in District Seven won the day. He campaigned on the idea that he would be a man for all of the people in his district and he did that. If he keeps that up, he will be the first Hispanic mayor. Honorable Mentions go to the other councilmembers who myimessenger.com
Sandra Bland
attended the press conference with him; Councilmen Adam Medrano, Jaime Resendez, Omar Navarez, and Chad West. Our fearless District Attorney John Creuzot was there along with Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price who was seeing DPS activity escalate at the jail and fielding phone calls from angry constituents. Incomplete grade – Deputy Mayor Pro Tem – B. Adam McGough and Lee Kleinman expressed their desire to have DPS troopers come to their districts en masse. That was “Mighty White” of both of them. Whites in their districts would be least affected and their Black and Brown constituents would be left to deal with the fallout---as usual. Passing grade - The Regional DPS Director. He gets a lot of credit for having the gonads to show up. He lost me when he touted the goodness and grace of his officers, some from as far away as El Paso who had issued 11,000 plus warnings and only 500 citations. myimessenger.com
That was “Mighty White” of them. But can we see the breakdown by race? Jeoff Williams was confronted about stops for third brake light malfunctions or missing front plates. They purportedly stopped any vehicle with a paper plate, even if the car was brand new. He hastily ran to the “lawful stop” talking point. (White folks kill me with that “law and order” bit until it applies to their “offenses” or their IRS returns.) Williams apparently never cruises in North Dallas. Thousands of cars are wearing the car dealer’s emblem as a vanity item. Councilmembers Carolyn King Arnold, Tennell Atkins, and Casey Thomas all got an “F!” We understand laws and citations, municipal and statewide. The threesome got an automatic F for Failure to Appear! Mayor Eric Johnson – His second “F “in the first six weeks. The day after a blissful inauguration, he announced his support for bringing
DPS into two neighborhoods based on the “data.” If Johnson wanted to stop murders and serious crimes he would have dispersed the troopers throughout Dallas to plague motorists and martialed a larger team of DPD cruisers, informants and investigators to the hot spots. Sadly, DPD officers are not just strapped by problems of attrition. Our officers face more danger than they ought because the talking heads at Dallas’ horseshoe choose developers in deference to developing communities. The homeless and the poor are no match when it comes to political donations. Secondly, and most importantly, Mayor Johnson knows that minorities have historical and lasting issues with the DPS statewide. The senseless stop and eventual death of Sandra Bland was just a symptom of an age old problem. Mayor Johnson should end the “occupation” of South Dallas now. His North Dallas voters wouldn’t allow “stop and frisk” and neither will we. Class dismissed!! p.s. Isn’t it ironic that DPS missed the White driver with “good tags” on Loop 12 who killed Councilwoman Davis? Or that we got DPS officers from El Paso here who may have stopped another White Driver with a car full of munitions that made it from North Dallas to kill innocent people? It ain’t irony…it’s the high price of racism? #QuitPlayin’ #sickofthishit I Messenger
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“Lip Gloss made with girls in mind, but I think Moms will like it too!” Emerging 9 year-old Kidpreneur, Sydney Miller has launched LipSync, a line of Lip Gloss. Sydney’s Mother, Tisha Holman who is also an entrepreneur, is who she credits as her inspiration for wanting to venture out and start a business of her own. Sydney watched how she created amazing things for her clients and wanted to
do the same thing. Sydney is excited to introduce four varieties of her lip gloss: It’s Poppin’, Mint To Be, Candy Girl and Let’s Talk. When asked about her premier release of lip gloss options, Sydney said, “I loved coming up with fun colors and flavors for my customers. I hope you love them as much as I do!” Look for big things coming from this wonderful little girl! LipSync products are available for purchase at www. wearlipsync.com
The Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists invites you to a Reception in Honor of the National Association of Black Journalists 2019 Award Recipients, Leadership and Salute to Excellence Awardees. Also welcoming new journalists and media pros to the area! Saturday, August 24, 2019 3:00-8:00p.m.
Hall of Famer
Community Service
Legacy
Educator
Tom Joyner
Cheryl “Action” Jackson
James Washington
Eva D. Coleman
Please RSVP to dfwabj@gmail.com or 214-941-0110 by Monday, August 19,2019
at
Luxury Cigar Lounge
4099 West Camp Wisdom Road #101 Dallas, TX 75237 myimessenger.com
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Wahlberger Restaurant to open in Frisco Mark Wahlberg attended the Dallas Cowboys training camp on August third as part of an announcement that Wahlburgers will open its first restaurant in Texas at The Star in Frisco - the Dallas Cowboys World Corporate Headquarters and Training Facility. The themed campus offers a wide range of dining, shopping and retail experiences. The popular casual dining burger and bar concept founded by brothers Mark, Donnie and Chef Paul Wahlberg (which just wrapped 10 successful seasons as A&E Network's Emmy-nominated reality show) will bring to The Star District its diverse lineup of crave-worthy burgers, sandwiches, sides and specialty drinks from its chefinspired kitchen. The restaurant is scheduled to open this fall.
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FAST & FURIOUS PRESENTS: HOBBS & SHAW Hobbs and Shaw was, for me, the best movie of the summer. Forget the superheroes of the summer. In this movie, we have super spies, Hobbs and Shaw. This is the first spin-off, of what looks to be more, in the Fast and Furious franchise. That will make it the ninth in the series. This one is the best yet. Dwayne Johnson, a former US agent plays Hobbs and Jason Statham plays Shaw, a mercenary who teams up with Hobbs to save the world from a deadly virus created by a Cyber-menace played by Idris Elba. Elba wants to take over the world using a lethal virus that can infect all of mankind and that virus is inside Shaw’s sister, who implanted it inside herself to prevent Elba’s character, Brixton, from getting myimessenger.com
access to the formula. The remainder of the movie has Brixton trying to do whatever he needs to do to get the virus from Hattie Shaw, played by Vanessa Kirby. This movie has everything. Action, adventure, comedy and even a bit of a romance, but the main theme to the story is family. Shaw has his mother, played by Helen Mirren, who’s enjoying her relaxing stay in prison and Hobbs has his Samoan family, led by his mother Sefina (Lori Pelenise Tuisano) who rules the brothers with a quick toss of a pair of thongs. Both actresses are hilarious with the moms they portray and both families have issues which are keeping them apart. Idris Elba is a welcome addition to the cast as the 21
cyborg villain and Hobbs and Shaw, who go from supporting characters in the previous Fast and Furious movies are now the stars on this high octane action film and they have great chemistry as two agents who start out hating each other but who become best friends during the course of the movie. The fight scenes are great fun and there are stunts in the movie which I don’t think we’ve ever seen before. Strap in tight and get ready for this thrill ride of a movie. It’s an amazing movie and I loved it. The movie is rated PG13 and has a run time of 2 hours and 15 minutes. On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate it a JUMBO (with extra butter, my highest rating).
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America’s teachers deserve a
RAISE FOR THE PEOPLE
Nearly one of every five teachers in America leaves the profession within five years of entering the classroom, and attrition from the teaching workforce as a whole rose by 41 percent from 1989 to 2009. Turnover is 50 percent higher for teachers in low-income schools and 70 percent higher for teachers in schools serving the most students of color. That turnover harms student achievement, school-wide outcomes, and even district budgets. In South Korea, where teacher salaries and student achievement outpace the U.S., the rate of teacher turnover is one percent. It’s time for America to catch up. By raising teacher pay we can retain and support our teachers, and improve outcomes for our students. Attract more of America’s brightest young people into a profession that’s charting a path for the future of our kids. Pay erosion and the marginalization of the education profession is having a drastic impact in our schools. The number of college freshmen that plan to major in education is near its lowest point in 45 years. As the number of young people who AUGUST 9, 2019
teacher pay, we can attack these disparities and strengthen families and communities that have been neglected for far too long. BY SEN.KAMALA HARRIS Lay a foundation of economic opportunity opt into the profession declines, to tackle inequality, cities and communities struggle particularly for Black and to attract new teachers. This is Latinx students. America’s especially true in rural schools, public schools are more which are more likely to report segregated today than when difficulty in filling vacancies, Brown v. Board was decided particularly in STEM positions. over 60 years ago—and teacher The research is clear: If we segregation is even worse. want more young people to With that segregation comes aspire to enter the profession, educational neglect. America’s we should increase teacher pay. highest-need districts receive Narrow race and gender pay less state and local funding disparities to lift up women than wealthy districts, and for and teachers of color. Even districts serving mostly students controlling for degrees and of color, the gap is even worse. experience, Black teachers, on Resource inequality drives average, earn $2,700 less per the race-based achievement year than white teachers, and gap, which robs students of women earn $2,000 less than the equivalent of 1.5 years of men. For Black Americans, academic progress. In part, this these gaps are compounded inequality plays out in the form by higher student debt loads, of teacher pay: The average creating an even greater barrier teacher salary in America’s to entering and staying in a highest-poverty schools is profession that fails to offer roughly $4,000 less than in our competitive pay. These trends lowest-poverty schools. If we don’t just hurt teachers, they want to tackle rising inequality disproportionately harm Black and improve outcomes for all and Latinx students. Lower of our kids, we must invest in pay is one reason teachers of our teachers and public schools. color are not proportionally Prepare America for the represented in the profession, future by strengthening a devastating reality given our economy at home and they boost math and reading improving our competitiveness achievement, graduation abroad. Greater educational rates, and college aspirations attainment is correlated with for students of color. If we’re higher wages across states and intentional in how we increase
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s t ro n g e r economic growth across countries. Yet today, American students rank behind their peers in other countries, particularly in science and math. Raising teacher pay and investing in public education can improve student performance, reduce dropout rates, increase earnings for students later in life, and reduce the risk of adult poverty. Yet, the U.S. has the largest teacher pay gap of any developed country in the world. If we invest in our teachers and close achievement gaps between the U.S. and higherperforming countries, we could raise lifetime earnings for our students and add up to $2.3 trillion to the economy. This plan is about elevating and respecting the teaching profession, confronting inequality, leveling the playing field for our kids, and building an economy that works for all. Because across America, too many working people are overlooked and underpaid. From childcare workers and home health aides to nurses and school support professionals, America’s fastest-growing occupations don’t have good enough pay and economic rights. Raising teacher pay is one pillar in a strategy to bring working people who are the backbone of our economy out of the margins and into the center of the conversation about economic justice.
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Bastille Day In Bishop Arts By M. P. Stone
What could be better than having a Renaissance Queen Book Signing and
HIP-NIQUE Art Showcase
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Jewelry hosted
by Indigo 1745? Having it in the heart of The Bishop Arts District on Bastille Day! Thanks to Denise and Keith Manoy, owners of the upscale specialty shoppe for men and women I was privy to and captivated by all aspects of the celebratory festivities. And so were hundreds of other people in attendance, showing their support and allegiance to such an important day in French history. Bastille Day is the common name given in English-speaking countries to the national day of France, which is celebrated on 14 July each year. In French, it is formally called la Fête nationale according to Wikipedia. The French National Day is the
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anniversary of Storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789, a turning point of the French Revolution as well as the Fête de la Fédération which celebrated the unity of the French people on 14 July 1790. Celebrations are held all throughout France. The oldest and largest regular military parade in Europe is held on 14 July on the ChampsÉlysées in Paris in front of the President of the Republic, along with other French officials and
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foreign guests. A number of other countries also chime in on the celebration as does America, which has a tremendous number of people living in the U.S. from France. French cuisine, poodles and people wearing french attire and berets were the highlight of the event. Street artist, crowd dancing, wine tasting, boccie ball, trapeze acts, pop-up bistros, a 10-ft Eiffel tower, vendors and live music also made quite an impression. Many agreed that it brought a joyous familiarity and comfort to those who have french roots. myimessenger.com
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ASK ALMA
Forgiveness My “Ask Alma” super girl powers tell me that you’re beautiful, smart and worthy Ok, I was with a police of someone who will give officer for 10 years. He did you his best. some awful things in our You’ve spent enough relationship. Meaning he Dear Nsme Withheld time allowing Robocop cheated on me. to block your blessings. A lot of it was through I’d have to say I’m glad Unpack your big girl the Internet or through the this relationship is over bloomers and let him phone. Meaning he was and no, you don’t need bounce! sexting many other women. him as a friend. Friends Surround yourself with Which he considered not don’t deliver hurt and pain; cheating. friends show up with tissue friends and family who love and support you – We were living together and support. everybody else has got to and I was battling lupus. He Nobody wants to admit go. You’re living with lupus, said it was because I was it, but it’s hard to love God bless you! You ain’t sick often and didn’t like to yourself more than the got time for no foolishness. do the things I used to do. one you love when they Lupus didn’t give you a Long story short, I found instantly break your heart. Love’s not like a cell choice, but you can chose a side phone with over 30 different women in the phone, you can’t turn it on to have devoted, faithful, and off ~ or put it on silent compassionate friends and phone. I was devastated! when it’s convenient for the relationships that’ll bring Here I am battling lupus situation. Sounds like you you joy. Don’t be afraid and he can’t be loyal. still have of not having him in your I was heartbroken, so feelings for him and life. He doesn’t hold your I kicked him out and our if you can’t have him as happiness in the palm relationship over. He has a lover, you’ll consider of his hand. Your light of tried to be my friend ever happiness lives inside of since, but I’m so angry that allowing him to be your friend. Don’t! You can you, under your control, 24 he hurt me. forgive him, but don’t /07. He’s apologized and Alma begged me to forgive him. forget. Dear Alma,
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He wants to be friends and be a part of my life. What’s your take on this? Name withheld
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LIFESTYLE by Valder Beebe
TCI: Jan Ashley
As the Valder Beebe Show prepares to launch this fall a second radio drive-time show on a FM Radio platform, we have decided that our new show; the Valder Beebe Show GOD TALK focuses on conversations that inspire; faith, hope and belief in the power of God. We will address topics that will change the audience’s lives. We are living in a time in a society where every aspect of life is openly talked about. I believe we talk about everything but the things that matter; homeliness, discrimination, crime, the government’s bad behavior, health & wellness, family, church, faith, and the quality of Americas’ food, water and air. Women, we are known as communicators and we must communicate about what is important. A critically important topic, breast cancer, that has the highest mortality rate of any cancer in women between the ages of 20 and 59. Breast cancer affects more women than any other type of cancer and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. A preview of the Valder Beebe Show GOD TALK starts with my conversation with N Jan Ashley, she is in the fight of her life against breast cancer. And to add more misery, insurance and finances are also her adversaries. Yes, she does have insurance, yet without first payment, no services. Read her interview (below) and listen to her story; Soundcloud.com/ valderbeebeshow (listen to part 1 & part 2). VBS: Jan, can you share your journey with me? NJA: My story is, I was just diagnosed with invasive ductile carcinoma. It’s basically because I am estrogen and progestin positive. I’m also HER2 positive which I was informed that two years ago myimessenger.com
that would have been a death sentence. In prior years there was no cure. But now they have an inhibitor that isolates those so my prognosis is good. The problem is, I am employed, I have insurance, but I have an extremely high deductible. VBS: Let’s back up so we can give a wider viewer. Is this your first cancer diagnosis? NJA: No it is not. I was originally diagnosed in 2010 with cervical cancer which caused me to have a partial hysterectomy and they left my ovaries in and I was not put me on hormone treatment at that time. Well I’ve never been on hormone treatment and that is part of the problem. VBS: As your doctor put you on a treatment plan, did you encounter any stumbling blocks? NJA: When I did find out, unfortunately it was already a 7cm mass about the size of a lemon. I realized that I had waited way too long to argue about the type of treatment that I would receive. Anything over a 4cm requires chemo, radiation and bilateral mastectomy. The mass was so large that their protocol was to start chemo first because it was too large to be operable at this point. They are trying to shirk it [the mass] to get to a size they can remove. At first everything was going fine. They were scheduling all of these assessments and then they scheduled me to have the port for the chemo put in place. This is a surgical procedure. I had to go to the hospital to preregister. I sat across from the clerk and she said “we will need $1, 494.63” before surgery. I told her well I don’t have it. I had already paid out-of-pocket for multiple tests. The Clerk asked “then when would you like to reschedule?” I was just in total
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shock at how a human being could sit there and say that. Then my response was ‘you are telling me, if I don’t have the money I cannot have the surgery?’ The Clerk said we will see if you can qualify for a financial aid program and she sent me on my way. I was refused service until I came up with that fifteen-hundred dollars. I was blessed by a good friend who had a fifteen-hundred dollar care credit account and transferred it to me. But it does not stop there. VBS: There’s more? NJA: Then I go to Oncology. I’ve got the port in but before I could start chemo I had to come up with another $700.00. I had to go to Facebook and put up a fundraiser. Thankfully to family, friends and strangers many people that I knew 40 years , all contributed to my Go-Fund-Me. Over a weekend I raised three-thousand dollars. VBS: Jan, you are educated and you hold a degree. How long have you been in your job? NJA: I’ve been a teacher for 29 years. I have paid into insurance for 29 years………. complete interview Soundcloud.com/valderbeebeshow ValderBeebeShow.com, 411RadioNetwork.com, Youtube.com/valderbeebeshow, 411RadioNetwork. com; Podcast audio: Soundcloud.com/valderbeebeshow, Soundcloud.com/kkvidfw, 411RadioNetwork.com, PChatman Streaming TV Network
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR COMMUNITY CALENDAR Back to School Month Immunization Awareness Month Recurring Events Feeding The Needy, Host: Michael “Hollywood” Hernandez, 834 S. Ervay St., 3-5p., Sundays. Marvelous Marriage Monday’s, Friendship-West Baptist Church, 2020 W. Wheatland Rd., 7-8:30p. Sista the Musical, Jubilee Theatre, 506 Main, Ft. Worth Tickets: 817-338-8411, 7-26-8-25-19. Times Vary.
Safe Place: Works by Ari Brielle, Oak Cliff Cultural Center, 233 W. Jefferson Blvd., 10a-6p. 7-26-8-30-19.
August 7-8 The State Fair of Texas, Resource & Job Fair, Briscoe Carpenter Live Stock Center, Fair Park, 9:30a-2p.
August 7 National Association of Black Journalists 2019 Convention 2019 National Pan-Hellenic Council of Dallas Meeting, A. A. Museum, 3536 Grand Ave. 6:30-8p. Google My Business: How To Stand Out In Google, Frost Bank, 2950 N. Harwood St., #100. 10a-12p. Tickets: Eventbrite.com. $9.99 Catfish Wednesday’s, Shell Sack, 770 E. Road to Six Flags St., #100 Arlington, 11a-2p. For locations: www.ShellShack.com.
August 8 The Stormproof Way To Build Your Brand, Host: Tresa Chambers, North Park Center 8687 N. 75 Fwy. #1612, 7-9p. Reg.: meetup.com/entrepreneur-brandstorming.com. Bone Thugs & Harmony, The House of Blues 2200 N. Lamar St., 7p. Tickets: www.concerts1.livenation.com.
August 9 The Fresh w/DJ Clue, Sandaga 813, 813 Exposition Ave., Dallas. 9p-2a. Tickets: Eventbrite.com. Drive-In Movie: Incredible 2, Frisco Athletic Center, 5828 Nancy Jane Ln., 8-11p. Tickets: www.friscotexas.gov.
August 10-11 Hidden Women’s Conference Host: Tabitha’s Tea Party, Hilton Rockwall/Lakefront 2055 Summer Lee Dr. Sat. 7p & Sun. 12p. Info: TheHiddenMovement.com.
August 10
Highland Back Pack Drive Host: Brotha Shawt, Estell Village Apartments, 5969 Highland Village Dr., 1-5p. Donations Needed contact: www.davantedpeters.org.
August 11
Back 2 School Teacher Supply Drive, PRYME, 10333 Technology Blvd. 11a-4p. Tickets: www.menhbrand. com. For Teachers Only. Church Service, Pan African Connection, 4466 S. Marsalis Ave. 11a-1p. Tickets Eventbrite.com.
August 12-16
2019 Back 2 School Community Fair, Fredrick Douglass Human Services, “The 616”, 616 W. Kiest Blvd. 9a-1p. Eventbrite.com. Dr. Kang’s Vegan Potluck, Regal Row, 1720 Regal Row #210. Bring A VEGAN Dish or Donation of $10 & up. The Unmasking Conference, Host: Tamisa Hunter, Women Like Us, Inc., Vouv Dallas, 4444 Sigma Rd., 10a-4p. Info: www.womenlikeusinc.org/conference.
August 12 Cardio Hip Hop with JessieMae, LC Fitness 901 N. Polk St., #370. DeSoto. 6:30p. Info: www.jcfitness.info. Monday Jazz Happy Hour w/ The Willis Duo, The Balcony Club, 1825 Abrams Rd. #B, 6p-8p. Community Feeding: No One Goes Hungry, Host: This and That Love Ministry, Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken, 7932 S. Great Trinity Forest Way, 10:30a-1:30p.
Back to School Backpack &Supply Giveaway, Pan-African Connection Bookstore Art Gallery, 2-4p. PreReg.: eventbrite.com/e/back-to-school-backpack-supply.
Around The World Crawl, Trinity Groves, 3011 Gulden Ln. 6-10p. Tickets: Eventbrite.com. Opening Night: CRSHD with Director Emily Cohn, Texas Theatre, 231 W. Jefferson Blvd. 7-8:30p.
August 16 Poetic Justice DFW Poetry Showcase,,African American Museum 3536 Grand Ave. 7-11p. Eventbrite.com. Make Out Party with Director: Emily Esperanza: Texas Theater, 231 W. Jefferson Blvd. 10:30-11:30p. Tickets: prekindle.com. MLK Back To School Festival, Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, 2922 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., 10a-1p. For questions, contact 214-670-8418.
Legislative Breakfast, The Study USA, 801 W. Irving Blvd. 8:30-9:30a. RSVP: IHCC 469-212-8345.
Dallas Zoo Animal Adventures, Grand Prairie Library, 901 Conover Dr., 11a & 11:45a.
Nanette Lee PhatTuesday Comedy Show, Hyena’s Comedy Night Club, 5321 E. Mockingbird Ln., #220. 10p. Tickets: Eventbrite.com. August GBM: Philanthropy-Real Black Wall Street, Communities Foundation of Texas, 5500 Caruth Haven Ln., 7-8:30p. Tickets: dfwulyp.wildapricot.org.
August 14 Open Mic Night, Friendship-West, 2020 Wheatland Rd., 7-9p. Info: email KKeeling@friendshipwest.org.
Called 2 Love Comedy, Hagee Communications Center, 499 E. University Ave., Waxahachie., 7-9:30p.
Texas Health “On the Go” Mobile Unit, East Side Church of Christ 2000 S. First St., Garland. Call for Appt.: 855-318-7696, Mon.-Fri. 8a-4:30p.
$9.99 Catfish Wednesday’s, Shell Sack, 770 E. Road to Six Flags St. #100 Arlington. 11a-2p. For locations: www. ShellShack.com.
Red Day 2019, Guest Speaker: Tabernacle of Praise Missionary Baptist Church, Dr. Anthony Sharp, Bon Air Baptist Church, 5707 Bonnie View Road., Dallas. 11a.
2nd Annual Dorothy Norwood Back To Church Gospel Festival Audition Now, 5300 E, Berry St., Ft. Worth, 2p. Info: 940-799-1081.
Los Angeles Sparks vs. Dallas Wings, College Park Center at UTA 600 S. Center St., 6-9p. Tickets: wings. wnba.com.
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TRI-Cities NAACP Monthly Meeting, Museum of International Cultures, 411 E. Hwy 67, Duncanville. 7-8p.
Emerald City Band, Lava Cantina The Colony, 5805 Grandscape Blvd., 8-11p. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.
Royal Torch Boutique Showcase Sopping Experience, Social Corner, 1818 W. Pioneer Pkwy., Arlington. 6-9p. Email: Royaltorch@outlook.com.
TREC Talks: Dallas City Manager T.C. Broadnax, TREC Dallas, 3100 McKinnon St., #1160. 5-6:30p. Tickets: www.recouncil.com.
Mountain View College Economic & Workforce Development Building 4849 W. Illinois Ave. 7:30a-12p. Reg: events.r20.constantcontact.com.
August 13
Back to School Community Event, Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, 1819 N. Washington Ave. ,10a-1p. Reg: www.pilgrimrestdallas. org/events by 8-4. Back T2 School Bash, Buckner Trace Everglade Park, N. Jim Miller Rd. & Everglade Rd. 10a-2p.
Music under the Dome Summer 2019, A Tribute to Aretha Franklin & Nipsey Hussle, African American Museum 3536 Grand Ave. 7p.
Sommore Live!, Addison Improv, 4980 Belt Line Rd. #250. 7:30-9:30p. Tickets www.improvtx.com
Mark Cuban Artificial Intelligence Boot Camp, Mavs Gaming, 2909 Taylor, Dallas. 12-5p. Tickets: apply. markcubanai.org.
“Living My Best Life” VIP Red Carpet Yacht Get Away, Sam’s Dock Pier 121 Marina, 1481 East Hill Park Rd., Lewisville. 7:30-10:30p. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.
August 15
Operation iMpact 9th Annual Back to School, Dan F. Long middle School, 2525 Frankford Rd. 12-3p.
Beauty and Brains Scholarship Brunch, Speaker: Cora Jakes-Coleman, Dallas Black Police Association, 211 Centre St., 12p. Tickets: bit.ly/bbfundraiser.com.
TJMS One More Time Experience with Charlie Wilson, The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory, 300 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving. 5-8p. Tickets: majic945.com.
Back To School Fair-Webb Chapel, Clinicas Mi Doctor, 9753 Webb Chapel Rd, Dallas. 11a-1:30p. Eventbrite.com.
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Happy Hour with Don Diego, Chocolate Lounge Exclusive, 4222 W. Camp Wisdom Rd. 6-8p.
August 17 IHCC Hora De Poder, Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 135 S. Jefferson St., Irving. 9-11a. Info: www. IrvingHCC.com. Texas Health “On the Go” Mobile Unit, Springs Fellowship Church 817 Holcomb Rd. Dallas. Call for Appt.: 855-318-7696, Mon.-Fri. 8a-4:30p. Back To School Bash, Heritage Community Park 304 E. Bear Creek Rd., Glen Heights, 10a-2p. Info: 972-223-1690 http://www.glennheightstx.gov/319/Back-to-School-Bash. Truth Talk: A Conversation About You, Toasted, 5420 Ross Ave. #180. 12:30-2:30p. Tickets: Eventbrite.com. A Social Media Makeover Workshop, Lincoln Experience, 3620 the Star Boulevard #1205, Frisco. 9a-12p. Tickets: www.mindyourbizllc.com.
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