I Messenger 4-23-21 by Cheryl Smith

I MESSENGER VOL X NO 32 APRIL 23, 2021

ON THE BALLOT IN TARRANT COUNTY

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

Free - Take One

WEB/SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Alana King

.EWSSTANDS IN

Rowlett AT .EWSSTANDS IN esquite d,Rowlett ardson Mesquite chardson .Dallas

Free - Take One MB Distribution CIRCULATION/DISTRIBUTION

Editorial submissions

editor@texasmetronews.com

& E.Dallas

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

IMessenger

Established 2011 CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back. April 23, 2021

I MESSENGER

It’s Official: Kim Godwin makes History at ABC News The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) congratulates longtime member Kim Godwin on her historic appointment as not only the first Black executive and first Black woman to head ABC News as its president but also the first Black executive and Black woman to head a broadcast network news operation. She will begin her role in early May 2021. “This historic announcement shows what we at NABJ have always known: there are Black executives more than capable of taking the reins of a network operation. We hope this move sends a clear signal to other networks,” said Ken Lemon, NABJ Vice President-Broadcast. “The NABJ Family is thrilled that Kim has been tapped for this position and it is the logical next step for a hard-working news leader. Her appointment opens the door for diversity and inclusion at a higher level. The glass ceiling is broken and must be shattered.” Godwin told NABJ that her new role is a testament to the work of those who came before her to open doors for Black journalists. “The significance of this appointment is not lost on me,” Godwin said. “I stand on the shoulders of giants in journalism who paved the way as members of NABJ. I was mentored by many in this organization and have therefore made it my business to mentor many as I’ve come along. I’m looking forward to

Kim Godwin

of news properties. At the network level, she has executive produced news programming, managed a nightly news broadcast, created cross digital content, and earned recognition for award winning programming and reporting. Godwin began her career running local newsrooms in markets across the U.S. including New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Philadelphia and Cleveland. “Kim is an instinctive and admired executive whose unique experiences, strengths and strategic vision made her the ideal choice to lead the outstanding team at ABC News and build on their incredible success,” said Rice. “Throughout Kim’s career in global news organizations and local newsrooms, she has distinguished herself as a fierce advocate for excellence, collaboration, inclusion and the vital role of accurate and transparent news reporting.” Godwin said she has immense respect and admiration for ABC News. “As the most trusted brand in news, they are to be commended for the extraordinary work and dedication of the journalists, producers, executives and their teams across the organization,” she said “I am honored to take on this stewardship and excited for what we will achieve together.” Godwin joins Disney from CBS where she was second in command as

joining the extraordinary team at ABC News and excited about what we can accomplish together.“ ABC’s official announcement on Godwin’s appointment is below. Kimberly Godwin was named president of ABC News today by Peter Rice, chairman of Disney General Entertainment Content, to whom she will report. Godwin will oversee editorial and business operations for broadcast, digital, streaming and audio news across the organization which includes trusted and iconic franchises “Good Morning America,” “World News Tonight,” “20/20,” “Nightline,” FiveThirtyEight, “The View” and “This Week.” Godwin will join ABC News in early May and brings to the team a breadth of experience in newsroom leadership garnered from an accomplished 35-year career dedicated to excellence and the vital role of journalism. As an experienced and strategic executive, Godwin has overseen newsgathering and managed full editorial oversight across a global portfolio see KIM GODWIN on page 32

myimessenger.com

INSIDE

Wake Up and Stay Woke There’s no doubt that there are faults and flaws in the American system of democracy. When I taught, my students learned that American democracy was established under the principle of one-man-one-vote/ majority rules. Indigenous people, Black people, women and other groups weren’t allowed to vote. Whichever white man got the most votes “ran the show.”

myimessenger.com

Our Voices I’ve got tears for George Floyd. Salty tears for George Floyd. I’ve got tears for George Floyd, briny, grownman tears for another grown man I never met. George Floyd’s brutal murderer is on trial, but we’ve been tricked into having to defend the dead man, the victim in our minds.

p13

GUILTY!

With less than 10 hours of deliberations and no questions or additional instructions, a jury convicted former Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin on all charges in the death of George Floyd. In an emotionally-charged trial that lasted three weeks, Judge Peter Cahill read the verdict late Tuesday afternoon from the seven women and five men that decided Mr. Chauvin, 45, was guilty.

p18

April 23, 2021

MY TRUTH

by Cheryl Smith, Publisher

Can’t expect others to love you and you don’t love yourself! Maybe it is the times we’re living in, dealing with COVID-19, social injustices, social distancing, isolation, uncertainty, pain, suffering, racism and the inability to do what you want to, when you want to. You know, like a Ball of Confusion, as the Temptations sang. Freedom and free will have fallen by the wayside, in hopes, for some, of surviving another day. For those reasons, and others; I actually find myself spending more time than I care to admit, wondering why there is so much hatred in the world and where can I go to find that peace, somewhere where people realize that our time is so short on this earth so why do we spend so much time with the people, focused on things or carrying out acts that are really not worth the time of day? Why is the hate so strong? Which brings me to my truth. If you are not Black, you might be a little turned off if you read further. And, if you are Black, heck the way some of you are acting, you may feel like I need to be taught a lesson or two. These nine words to the wise, I hope will be sufficient: Don’t come for me unless I send for you! With that said, a deep conversation between friends focused on hatred. This was not a mixed company group and during the discussion someone April 23, 2021

I MESSENGER

said there is so much hatred for Black people, that every other ethnic group held us in such low regard and had little if any respect for Black people. Now if this is the world we live in, where my skin color continues to be the determining factor when people are choosing whether or not to like, respect, treat me fairly, or let me exist; well I have a question for Black people.

First, when we review the results of the 2020 Census, as flawed as they may be, we’re going to find some shifts in populations. If so many “others,” do not like Black people, do not support Black businesses and institutions, don’t want to hire or provide opportunities to Black people, then what chance do we stand if Black people act just like the “others” and don’t have any love for Black people? It doesn’t take 30 seconds for something negative to come out of the

mouths of some folks, especially since they have social media to hide behind. If you don’t love your own, how can you expect others will? Folks see how you treat your own, which speaks volumes about who you are. You aren’t better because you are the biggest critic, showing you can be “fair.” Actually you are worse than the person who enslaved Africans. You see, it should be harder to hurt what is a reflection of what you see in the mirror. But that’s not the case! If you truly want progress, it needs to begin in your heart. Love who you are. Embrace your blackness and help others along the way. For you to constantly tear down your own is the second most egregious act ever perpetuated against mankind because you don’t have to worry about anyone else bringing your people to a point of distinction. No one really needs to worry about where we will be 50 years from now, because self-hatred makes us contribute to our own demise. We need a pledge to stop the violence we are perpetrating against one another. Try uplifting over tearing down. Try building over destroying. Try giving over always taking. Let your tongue be used more for good than evil. Fall in love with yourself and you will be so much closer to making this world a better place. myimessenger.com

WILLIAMS: Knock at the Door WAKE UP AND STAY WOKE DR. E. FAYE WILLIAMS, ESQ.

There’s no doubt that there are faults and flaws in the American system of democracy. When I taught, my students learned that American democracy was established under the principle of one-man-onevote/majority rules. Indigenous people, Black people, women and other groups weren’t allowed to vote. Whichever white man got the most votes “ran the show.” There were, and always have been, schemes to unfairly shift the balance of political power. My students also learned that our political model was established under a two-party system where compromise was ostensibly sought to achieve consensus. Today, rather than seeking compromise, legislating is tantamount to combat. Data tells us that nationally the Republican Party stands in the minority, yet rather than adhering to founding principles, they use every available tactic to ensure the “rule of the minority.” Recently, the Republican legislature sent a bill to Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp which he signed enacting voting restrictions aimed at communities of color. Objective observers view this new law as a “revenge law” for Democratic success in the 2020 general elections designed to prevent future election successes of non-Republican candidates. myimessenger.com

Analysts attempt to justify the Georgia law by comparing it to laws of more progressive states. This is a false narrative. The history of discriminatory voting practices in southern states in general, and Georgia specifically, is proof. My friend Dick Gregory often said, “Just because it’s legal doesn’t make it right.” Commonly, objection to the new law is that it was enacted in response to “Trump’s Big Lie” of a stolen election. The length of the 98-page law prevents a complete review, but research by Georgia Public Broadcasting reporter Stephen Fowler condensed the law and I will attempt to condense it further. The new law provides for:

Georgia state troopers arrest Democratic state Rep. Park Cannon in the state capitol on March 25 as Republican Gov. Brian Kemp signed a law enacting broad voting restrictions that activists say target Black voters. Credit: Photo Courtesy

properly executed, and, if not, the legislature could use administrative remedy to correct them. This supports the likelihood that a recurrence of Trump’s baseless claims about the 2020 election could be successful. This provision concerns officials and activists in large Democrat-ran counties such as Atlanta’s Fulton County.

A food-and-drink restriction The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported an average wait time for an African American voter in Georgia was 51 minutes, in contrast to the average wait time of seven minutes for a white voter. Criminalizing the distribution of food and beverages to waiting voters has an obvious and irrefutable disparate impact upon African American voters.

Guaranteed — limited — drop boxes The new law also limits ballot drop boxes in each county, as well as their hours of availability and location. Fulton County would go from 38 drop boxes to eight in the future. The law states that drop boxes need to be located at elections offices or inside early voting locations. Additionally, the law alters or gives options for procedures to early and absentee voting. I

Increased state power over counties The new law removes the Georgia secretary of state as the chair of the state elections board and allows the state legislature to appoint a “nonpartisan” chair of the board. Accordingly, this board is empowered to determine whether county elections have been

encourage readers to familiarize and understand the new law and what it means to our communities. We already know that Texas and Arizona are considering similar legislation. Brian Kemp is a self-serving politician who will discriminate to maintain his power. True to his discriminatory self-interests, the signing was done behind closed doors with six white cronies observing. When Georgia state Rep. Park Cannon knocked on Kemp’s door to bear witness to this modern jelly bean jar, she did it for us! We must likewise be willing to open the doors of racism and expose its ugly face to all. Keep on knocking, Park! Dr. E. Faye Williams is National President of the National Congress of Black Women and Host of “Wake Up and Stay Woke” on WPFW-FM 89.3.

April 23, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

Black Heritage Celebration

May 1 • 10am-4pm Join us at the Dallas Arboretum on May 1 for our first Black Heritage Celebration to kick-off the opening of our Summer of Sculpture exhibit and the return of ZimSculpt, an exhibit of Zimbabwean sculpture on display. The celebration features a vendor fair with over 20 Blackowned businesses, live dance and musical performances, a cooking demonstration and a fashion experience. Sponsors (as of 4/15) Capital One, Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, Dallas Weekly, Dr. Cristi Fletcher and Dr. Flaxie Fletcher, DeMetris Sampson, The Dallas Chapter of The Links, Inc. and the Dallas Links STEAM Academy, Mary Kay Global Design Studio, Texas Metro News, VisitDallas

Reservations required. No walk-ups allowed. Face coverings required for all guests, ages 5 and older, for the duration of visit.

DallasArboretum.org 8525 Garland Road • Dallas, Texas 75218 • 214-515-6615 The Dallas Arboretum is a non-profit organization supported, in part, by funds from Dallas Park & Recreation.

myimessenger.com

April 23, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

West Dallas Vaccination Clinic: Let’s Build Covid-19 Immunity in the Community (First Dose) Wesley Rankin Community Center 3100 Crossman Avenue Dallas, TX 75212 • Pfizer vaccine provided • Pre-registration required • Transportation available upon request Call for more information: 214.742.6674 or 214.820.4846

myimessenger.com

Day & time: Wednesday April 28, 2021 Time: 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM Register now at: bit.ly/westdallasvaccine Deadline: April 23, 2021

April 23, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

April 23, 2021

BLACK MARKET

An Excerpt from “Life After the Village—Tales from an Ex-Village People Cop” WHAT’S ON MILES’ MIND

MILES JAYE Naïve is the first word that comes to mind when I think back on my early experiences in the music business or record industry, whichever you prefer. As a New Yorker, I had been exposed to a widely diverse, multicultural environment. As a youngster I played in multi-cultural student orchestras, Brooklyn Borough-Wide Jr. High School Orchestra (3years) and New York City-Wide High School Orchestra (3 years). Brooklyn Tech, my high school, had a population of approximately 3,000 students from all five boroughs—Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Manhattan and Staten Island. At Brooklyn College I had Jewish professors and Muslim schoolmates. I ate fresh hot bagels for lunch nearly every day. My Air Force days were not only a mix of races but also of cultures with folks from virtually every corner of the nation bringing their own homegrown accents and attitudes right along with them. The Air Force Band of the Pacific traveled from Guam and Hawaii to Hong Kong, Japan, Burma, Taiwan, Philippines, and S. Korea. When I traveled with jazz guitarist Eric Gale to the European Jazz festivals in Nice (France), North Sea (Holland), Capitol in London, I met folks from all over the globe. I performed with the Village People in Peru, Columbia, and Australia. Well-traveled and exposed to so much of what the world had to offer; I was eager to experiApril 23, 2021

ence more. What I experienced was the Black Market. No, I’m not referring to the illegal exchange of goods commonly known as the Black Market, I’m referring to what is more commonly referred to as the Urban Market. Urban means bBack folks. Island, like most record labels back then, actually had a Black Music Department. After all the music I had made in my life up to that point, I was now limited and more accurately, restricted to making Black music. I know, what did I think they were signing me for? I don’t know, making good music? Wrong! Making good Black music. Here’s a point of interest. At the time of my signing there were about 200 Black or Urban radio stations compared to roughly 3,000 General Market, Adult Contemporary, Rock, Pop, or White, stations. Consider this; a successful music industry career is predicated on exposure. The more you are seen and heard, the more likely you will reach your audience. Very few artists capture all audiences, they’re known as cross-over artists— Michael Jackson, Prince, Garth Brooks, Sting, Barbara Streisand, Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion for example. At the time, the majority of Black artists live out their careers in the Urban domain. Interestingly, jazz, disco, hiphop and rap all performed better in reaching diverse audience listening and buying platforms. R&B, soul, neo-soul are strictly for Black folks. Gospel is a little tricky and a little more difficult to explain. Suffice it to say, it’s what I call,

I MESSENGER

artist dependent. Meaning, if the General Market is comfortable enough with the look and style of the artist, that artist may have a shot at crossing-over. In an effort to capture some of the Smooth Jazz or Contemporary Jazz market, I approached Island about recording a jazz violin record—no chance. They were clear about what they wanted—another Teddy, the next Teddy, the new Teddy. I politely reminded them that last I checked, although Ted was dealing with some very serious health and medical issues, he was by no means gone from the scene. I thought trying to cop (pardon the pun) or emulate his style or vibe would have just been disrespectful. In fact, it wasn’t until after his passing that I felt comfortable enough to record a few of his hits. That was paying homage to one of my mentors. Truthfully, I knew I didn’t have that Teddy magic, swag, confidence or charisma. Only he had it. Plus, I was silly enough to believe that given the chance, I could reveal my own God given magic. Think about it, who else could step up to the mic and sing a few verses, then step back and play a jazzy violin solo, then finish out the song singing? At least that was my logic and quite frankly my crutch, my secret weapon. I had to deal with cats like Luther, Jeff Osborne, James Ingram, Howard Hewitt, Will Downing and other brothers on the scene at the time. They were killing it. I was terrified! I felt like my only shot was to bring something unique to the table, but Island wasn’t having it. Unbutton your shirt and sing, so I wore suits. Actually,

I’ve always thought of myself as a musician first, singer second—still do. The music industry’s unlevel playing field is nothing new. From the earliest days of the so-called Race Records marketed directly to Black folks to Michael Jackson and Prince using their music to expose unfair industry practices and inequities, this is nothing new. Separating music genres by zip codes is patently ridiculous. I enjoy country music as much as MSNBC’s, Ari Melber, loves rap. Music was once organic, pure, spiritual, and soulful regardless of race, culture or gender. What happened? Music was called the Universal Language. What happened? I fell in love with the intoxicating beauty of melody, the irrepressible power of rhythm and the timeless art of expression, with no regard to White, Black, Brown, Red, Yellow of whatever. How sad is it that once again with all that we contribute, with all that we accomplish, with all the skills that we have mastered, with the immense uniqueness of our gifts, there remains a stifling sense of insufficiency and inferiority. I never learned to play Black music in the first place, and I have absolutely no interest whatsoever in selling out or selling my soul to cross over. The only crossing over I’m concerned about is when it’s time to go see my Maker. Otherwise, if you want to hear my music, you’ll probably find it in the Black Market. That’s what’s on my mind! Website: www.milesjaye.net Podcast: https://bit.ly/2zkhSRv Email: milesjaye360@gmail.com

myimessenger.com

MUHAMMAD: Tears for George Floyd OUR VOICES BY ASKIA MUHAMMAD

I’ve got tears for George Floyd. Salty tears for George Floyd. I’ve got tears for George Floyd, briny, grown-man tears for another grown man I never met. George Floyd’s brutal murderer is on trial, but we’ve been tricked into having to defend the dead man, the victim in our minds. Everyone who witnessed his execution last May 25 has tearfully testified to what happened that day: the 61-year-old cool breeze, Black dude wearing high fashion white-framed glasses; the off-duty emergency medical technician who offered to render assistance only to be rebuffed until she knew he was already dead, when she saw the urine flow from his lifeless body; the Cup Foods store clerk who wished he had just put $20 out of his own pocket into the cash register instead of calling the police to report the counterfeit bill the victim had given him; the child who made the video recording of the murderer with his knee on the victim’s neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds, who wanted to help him but was afraid she might also become a victim if she intervened; everyone who witnessed the gruesome scene that day has testified, except for the four cops who had a hand in killing him. myimessenger.com

The police dispatcher please man, somebody help who “called the police on me! I can’t breathe.” the police” as she witnessed If George Floyd was guilty of in horror in real time on the crime of which he had been surveillance video, was still accused, it was a misdemeanor. in shock on the witness A misdemeanor! I’ve got tears stand. The supervising police for George Floyd. sergeant, who arrived on the The evidence against this scene just as the corpse was murderer-former cop is so being transferred needlessly compelling. But hey, nearly 30 to an ambulance, crossed years ago the evidence against the “blue line of silence” and the Southern California cops testified that the accused cop accused of mercilessly beating had gone too far. And neither Rodney King to a pulp was the police lieutenant who’s equally compelling, but the been a cop in p e r p e t ra t o r s Minneapolis walked from longer than court, found anyone else innocent by a on the force, jury. nor the town’s In this chief of police case, the would defend circumstances the assailant’s suggest more action. tears are to be Then there is shed. Derek the terrifying Chauvin, video of the the cop accused with whose knee a hand in George Floyd died after being pinned on George down against the pavement by his pocket Minneapolis police officers during Floyd’s neck and his knee a May 25 arrest, which a bystander rendered him on George caught on video. lifeless has Credit: Washington Informer Floyd’s neck received as in a death-choke position, much as $1 million in legal who’s then heard on bodycam defense funds to help him beat video saying he never relented this charge. It is still true, folks because the dying man might with huge amounts of money have tried something. in this country will spend it in Instead, George Floyd to see to it that any and every complained 20 times that he White policeman is never couldn’t breathe. He begged convicted of killing a Black for his “mama” eight times. man in America. “Mama, I love you. I can’t do Coincidentally, the two nothing,” he pleaded. men both worked security at “Tell my children I love El Nuevo Rodeo on Tuesday them,” George Floyd said. nights, a local Minneapolis “Please. Please,” he pleaded nightclub where popular again and again and again. weekly dance competitions “Oh my God. I’m dead. Please, were held. George Floyd

worked inside. Chauvin, the perpetrator was paid to sit in his car outside. I’ve got tears, salty tears for George Floyd, who would have been charged with a petty misdemeanor had he been arrested by this cop: maximum penalty, a $300 fine. Instead, he was tried, convicted, and put to death after pleading for his life, crying, begging for his mama, by a dude who may have secretly had some kind of grudge for a big, Black coworker. I’ve got salty tears for George Floyd, like the bystanders, like the millions of people who’ve watched this drama unfold in a courtroom on TV where his troubled past behavior is being held up for scrutiny, while the perpetrator who took his life is being defended with a $1 million slush fund. While the jury has already heard about George Floyd’s drug abuse, they will likely also hear that Derek Chauvin received commendations from his police department, though never being told that his citations both involved his shooting a suspect, and surely never being told that he was the subject of 18 (count them) previous abuse complaints. I’ve got tears for George Floyd, a victim who did not have to die, at the hands of a cop who appears to not have a heart. WPFW News Director Askia Muhammad is also a poet, and a photojournalist. He is Senior Editor for The Final Call newspaper and he writes a weekly column in The Washington Informer.

April 23, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

Right now, justice looks like rightous anger in action FAITHFUL UTTERANCES BY DR. FROSWA BOOKER-DREW

This is a reprint of article I wrote published August 31, 2020 for the Baptist Standard. Right now, it’s hard for me to write. I’m triggered by the events of the past week in the video of 2nd Lt. Caron Nazario and the murder of Daunte Wright. I’ve discovered that in my moments of anger, grief, and fear for our lives, I had to step back and regroup. It can be overwhelming to see these scenes repeatedly and even remembering my personal experiences of encountering law enforcement that were painful and terrifying. This isn’t easy and just as I encourage all of you to pause and take a break when needed, I am doing the same thing this week. I find that when I feel like this, it’s important to remind myself of what’s important and why we can not stop or give up even when it feels like these abuses of power never seem to end. I hope this reminds you, too, of your why. Be encouraged and do not grow weary in well-doing. Find your way in participating, doing something, saying something—whatever that looks like for you. Don’t do it for yourself only—it’s about legacy. Our children and grandchildren deserve much better. myimessenger.com

“… let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24). I have been wrestling with this idea of anger. As a society, we are more comfortable with rage and other manifestations of anger, like hate, than we are with displays of righteous anger, which Jesus demonstrated. In the Gospel of Matthew, we see Jesus upset with something he witnessed. He saw the house of God being used for something other than it was intended. “Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. ‘It is written,’ he said to them, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers’” (Matthew 21:12-13). Jesus exhibited righteous anger. He did not stand back and watch injustice occur. In that moment, he did not just speak up; he did something. Many would describe his anger as righteous anger. Righteous anger is a response to the mistreatment of others and to sin.

Righteous anger speaks out In this season when righteous anger not only is needed but is critical, much of the church has remained

quiet, refusing to speak out on behalf of those who are part of the body of Christ. As we witness racial injustices, there has been a deafening silence from pulpits and congregations across our country once again. I am reminded of a parable in Luke 15. “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (Luke 15:4-7). Jesus is not saying the 99 sheep are not important, but when one is lost and needs to be reunited and returned to the flock, it is important that we find that sheep and bring it back into the fold.

Love at the core of God’s will At the core of justice is God’s will and an understanding that without love, we are like clanging cymbals (1 Corinthians 13:1). We create noise that continues to divide and separate the church. Our lack of love could be the very thing driving away those to

whom we are called to serve and minister. 1 John 4:20-21 says: “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” Right now, justice looks like the righteous anger of Jesus. Right now, justice looks like reconciliation and repentance and restoration. Right now, justice requires speaking up on behalf of those who have been separated from the body of Christ because of racism and discrimination. Right now, justice is love for those who do not look like us or live the way we do. I pray we begin to live and embody the Lord’s prayer: “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” But right now, I’m angry. I’m hurt. I’m grieving and I’m tired.

Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is the Founder and CEO of Soulstice Consultancy, specializing as a Partnership Broker and Leadership Expert for companies and organizations to thrive with measurable and meaningful impact. She also is the VP of Community Affairs and Strategic Alliances for the State Fair of Texas.

April 23, 2021

Keep Top Eyes Open! QUIT PLAYIN’ VINCENT L. HALL As if racism and oppression were not enough, Black folk also have a history of bearing the weight of those who look like brothers while acting like the others. They profit as Uncle Toms, Oreos, bootlickers, and Afro-Saxons. By any name, they represent a treasonous threat to our liberation. Donald Trump has a Coon Platoon. These blatant opportunists suffer little opposition or penalty for their sins. They proudly walk among us, flaunting their riches while maintaining their rightful place in Massa Donald’s house. Until, of course, there is no further use for them. Even “good Niggers” have a limited shelf life. (Hello Omarosa!) In days long since past, Coons were at least bearable. But, rented Negroes like Clearance Thomass, Ward Connerly, and Armstrong Williams, have birthed a new generation of

buck dancers. Social media has allowed them to grow and fester. Trump apologist Terrance K. Williams and racism denier Candace Owens lead the pack these days. Terrence was having the time of his cotton-picking life a few weeks ago in Oklahoma. He and former Republican presidential candidate Herman (COVID) Cain were the lead minstrels. These House Negroes kowtow to racist White folks for pelf and power. They scoff at the 94% of us who would rather die in a shallow grave than vote for Trump! Terrence is borderline illiterate and provides a brilliant contrast to Candace. She is that kind of sista that could go both ways. She splits no verbs and conjugates the King’s English faster and better than 90% of the Whites who hang on her every word. Candace is like the unnamed Governor whom Dr. King described in his “I Have a Dream” speech. Candace’s lips are regularly “dripping with the words of interposition and nullification.” This 30-something race traitor reaps the benefits

of cooning through public appearances and her new book. “Blackout - How Black America can make its second escape from the Democratic Plantation.” This ignorance obscures the fact that America is a two-party system, and at no time in history has both parties invited us in. She could not wait to pimp the death of George Floyd. Her YouTube video monologue has eight million hits to date. She said that George was neither hero nor martyr and called him a thug. “He was the example of a violent criminal for all of his life.” Candace was roundly lambasted, but she, like Trump, will have a loyal following for the rest of her life. These Negroes put our community’s safety in jeopardy for 30 pieces of silver and a seat reserved for “The Blacks” at Trump rallies. “Negro preachers” like Daryl Scott and Mark Burns hurt us because the world knows how much stock Black America puts in its pulpit. Black preachers have been our salvation from 1619 through COVID-19. Nevertheless, this new gen-

eration of budding coons and race prostitutes is even more valuable to Trump and the racists he directs. The 13th Amendment abolished slavery, but Trump’s legal team read between the lines. You cannot buy a Negro, but it is legal and beneficial to rent or lease one. Trump seems to have spared little expense. Millennials and young adults are too young, but horror still strikes when history rehearses the ritual of “necklacing.” The practice became a deterrent to treason during the Apartheid movement. Blacks that collaborated with, snitched to, or otherwise aided the government; were fitted with a rubber tire, filled with gasoline and burned. America’s Coons are having their best years since Reconstruction. However, treason becomes more noticeable as oppression intensifies. As they reminded one another on the Underground Railroad, “Keep your top eye open!” Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and award-winning columnist.

Your Ad belongs here, Contact: 214-941-0110 April 23, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

April 23, 2021

GUILTY!! GUILTY Convicted murderer Derek Chauvin

Chauvin to face sentencing By Texas Metro News Team With less than 10 hours of deliberations and no questions or additional instructions, a jury convicted former Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin on all charges in the death of George Floyd. In an emotionally-charged trial that lasted three weeks, Judge Peter Cahill read the verdict late Tuesday afternoon from the seven women and five men that decided Mr. Chauvin, 45, was guilty. He was charged with second-deApril 23, 2021

gree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in connection with the death of Mr. Floyd on a street corner last Memorial Day. President Joe Biden said the decision could be the moment of significant change. He called on the nation to unify. Mr. Floyd’s murder “ripped the blinders off for the whole world to see,” the president said. President Biden said he had reached out to the Floyd

I MESSENGER

family, praising them. Still, he said, “We can’t think our work is done.” “Today’s verdict is a step in the right direction,” he said, “…a step toward justice in America.” His thoughts were echoed by Vice President Kamala Harris, who cautioned that “a measure of justice is not the same as equal justice” and that “racism is a problem for everyone.” Derek Chauvin was charged in connection with kneeling on Mr. Floyd’s neck for

George Floyd

myimessenger.com

President Joe Biden

Vice President Kamala Harris

June Jenkins

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson

nine minutes and 29 seconds while he was handcuffed and lay prone against a city street. In Dallas, Dominique Alexander, president and founder of Next Generation Action Network, called the verdict “bittersweet” and noted that Mr. Chauvin had a look of disbelief as the verdict was being read. “Even he didn’t even believe it,” said Mr. Alexander. “He didn’t believe it because of this culture of policing that has allowed him through his years of service, has allowed him to feel like he can get away with murder.” June Jenkins, President, Collin County NAACP, said she was ecstatic that the former officer was found guilty on all three charges. “And while I’m ecstatic about this case, it’s just the beginning of a long road or continuation of a long-winding road, I feel,” she said, citing a case in Collin County where law enforcement officials are being investigated. “I’m hopeful. I think it’s a good sign that they came back that quickly,” she said. “I’m glad that justice was served in this case but there are many, many more cases that are ahead of us and many more that were previous to

this case. “I’m glad that with this particular case we were able to see justice served and look forward to seeing the same thing here in the Collin County community with some of the things we’ve got going on.” Ms. Jenkins referenced Marvin Scott III who was in the custody of police at the time of his death. Once the verdict was announced and each juror affirmed their decision, the State asked that bail for Mr. Chauvin be revoked and he was taken into custody. He faces up to 40 years in prison for second-degree murder, up to 25 years for third-degree murder and up to 10 years for second-degree manslaughter. Many talked about the video of Mr. Floyd, lying in the street while then-Officer Chauvin placed his knee on Mr. Floyd’s neck, ignoring his pleas for relief. President Biden noted that his last words were: “I can’t breathe.” Despite the concern of possible social unrest had the verdict come back “not guilty,” the president said the Floyd family was “calling for peace and tranquility no matter what that verdict is and I’m praying the verdict is the

right verdict.” That verdict, according to Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price, was already written. “The system is not vindicated by one case. He’s not the poster boy for justice.” Referencing Minnesota’s sentencing guidelines, the commissioner said the judge has very little discretion and the trial “couldn’t have been scripted any better.” “Not taking anything away from the prosecution because it wasn’t anything they could have added or deleted,” he said. What mattered was “whether or not the 12 jurors were woke.”

There was a collective sigh of relief as many cities and citizens had mentally and physically prepared for marches and demonstrations. More than 3,000 National Guard troops were deployed to Minneapolis-St. Paul ahead of the verdict. Dallas prepared as some establishments began boarding up their windows in anticipation. Upon hearing news of the verdict, Mayor Eric Johnson said, “A jury of Derek Chauvin’s peers has delivered justice in the only way that they could. Ultimately, the rule of law prevailed.

myimessenger.com

Comm. John Wiley Price

April 23, 2021

Mike Mata, DPA President

“We still have more work ahead of us to make our city stronger, safer, and more equitable but, today, the system worked.” Sgt. Michael Mata, president of the 2800-member Dallas Police Association, said that he respects the jury’s decision in Mr. Chauvin’s case. “The only thing I have asked for is due process,” he said. “He was charged with the crime. He had a jury of his peers with the ultimate decision. I will always respect the jury and the verdict.” But Sgt. Mata added that Mr. Chauvin should not have been charged with murder. “It was a stacked deck,” said Sgt. Mata. “It was negligence or manslaughter at the most.

Statements “While Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all counts today in the death of George Floyd, this is only the beginning of justice that our country is crying out for at this time. The Governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz said today this verdict represents a pivotal moment for not only his state, but the entire country. Yes, the entire country is watching. The country is watching how justice is being served and how real change is not just necessary, but mandatory at this time. Now - not tomorrow or next week, but today, right now. And there will not be a light at the end of the tunnel for anyone in this country until every individual from any community can sincerely say they are no longer afraid of unfairness and police brutality in a country where injustice has plagued us for many years. People are tired of business as usual. While Chauvin was found guilty on all three counts, now we begin to continue to create change. We must take to heart and see that our justice system is meant for every individual in this state and in this country. We must not only create it, but live it and be part of the change. The eyes of the LORD are on us to be fair, unbiased and impartial. True impartiality

April 23, 2021

I MESSENGER

means the system in America works for everyone not just a few. I intend to always continue to work toward change that will create a fair and equal place for everyone no matter their race or their ethnicity.” Texas State Rep. Carl Sherman “This year, we have witnessed traumatizing instances of police brutality that Black Americans disproportionally experience, with the murder of George Floyd at the forefront of the conversation,” Engelbert wrote. “While this verdict represents a step toward justice, we are reminded that justice is too often not the outcome for people of color. The WNBA/WNBPA Social Justice Council will continue its work to combat injustice and inequality in our country and hope this represents a true turning point for how the effects of systemic racism begin to be addressed. We stand with all those who have felt the deep impact of George Floyd’s death.” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert This verdict is justice for George Floyd and his family. This verdict is also justice for

everyone who has ever been treated unfairly by the police, authorities, and within the American justice system,” said. Floyd’s brutal death sparked months of protests across the country and calls for needed legislation including the George Floyd Act in the Texas legislature and the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 both of which seek to address racial bias, police misconduct and excessive force. As the sentencing phase moves forward, and as similar cases across the country are heard in court rooms, and former cases are re-examined, it is our hope that justice will continue to prevail. This guilty verdict cannot be the end of the conversation. DCDP calls for continued and meaningful legislation and systemic changes that address racism in our justice system and further accountability for violent police misconduct. We realize that all governmental systems are only as good as the people within those systems. We pray for justice; we pray for equality; and we hope that all within our country will realize, once and for all, that Black Lives Matter. Carol Donovan, Dallas County Democratic Party Chairwoman

myimessenger.com

I still don’t understand how you have three charges for the same act.” Meanwhile social media, as was expected, was flooded with commentary from everyone from athletes and entertainers to educators and elected officials, media moguls and philanthropists. Aside from Mr. Chauvin, three fellow officers were charged: Tou Thao, Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng. Journalist Roland Martin provided commentary on his daily digital show #RolandMartinUnfiltered along with a variety of experts to discuss the trial including Sen. Amy Klobuchar (DMN), NAACP Legal Defense

Fund’s Sherrilyn Ifill and former police officer Cheryl Dorsey, author of Black & Blue (The Creation of a Manifesto): The True Story of an African-American Woman on the LAPD and the Powerful Secrets She Uncovered. Mr. Martin said the conviction Tuesday puts officers on notice across the country as they watched Mr. Chauvin taken away in handcuffs, “The verdict sends a loud and clear message!” Texas Metro News staff members Rebecca Aguilar, Eva D. Coleman, Dorothy Gentry, Stephenetta “Isis” Harmon, Valerie Fields-Hill, Marva Sneed and Cheryl Smith contributed to this report.

Dominique Alexander

Statements The jury sent an unmistakable message today that George Floyd’s death was unnecessary and criminal, that every individual accused or suspected of a crime has a right to his day in court and should not be slaughtered on a public sidewalk and that a nation that purports to be a beacon of law, justice and equality is better than what we saw in that video. We are pleased that the jury convicted Chauvin on all three charges: seconddegree unintentional murder and thirddegree murder and second-degree manslaughter. It sends a strong message. While we are delighted by the jury’s verdict, we are mindful that there’s still a lot of work ahead of us. Our criminal justice system remains deeply flawed. Black people disproportionately remain victims of police brutality and are more likely to be pulled over or cited for negligible or phantom traffic violations. Let us not relent in our efforts to press our local, state and federal elected officials for police reform, particularly as it relates to qualified immunity, bias training, de-escalation training and uniform hiring standards.

myimessenger.com

My prayer is that this will ignite a safer society where justice is equally allocated to absolutely everyone irrespective of socio-economics, race, religion or gender. Thank you to the many officers who do not stoop to such atrocities and honestly work toward protecting us every day. Bishop T.D. Jakes After nearly a year of grief, pain, and outrage, in the wake of the senseless killing of George Floyd, we are left knowing that his killer will be held accountable. Nothing can bring back George Floyd, or erase the pain and loss his loved ones continue to suffer. But today’s verdict is a solace, small as it may be. We are seeing real change in our country. George Floyd’s murder rallied millions and millions of Americans to take to the streets last year in our collective grief and outrage. We showed the world that we will not accept police brutality, and that the senseless killing of Black Americans will finally be met with consequences. All of us play a role in moving justice forward, and it starts with addressing the inequalities in

our justice system. Today’s verdict is a small step towards the dismantling of the gargantuan barrier that has prevented justice for so many families and communities affected by this national epidemic of senseless killing of Black Americans. It is a small step towards healing. “My heart and thoughts are with George Floyd’s family today. This is an incredibly difficult, emotional time for them and for all the loved ones of the far too many Black Americans who have lost their lives to police brutality. Today, tomorrow, and always, Black Lives Matter! Black Lives Matter! Black Lives Matter! The fight is not over. George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Daunte Wright, Jamarri Daiwon Tarver and far too many others should still be with us. We will keep fighting for justice in their name. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. reminded us that, ‘the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.’ Today, we can say that the arc is finally bending towards justice, so let’s continue protesting and pushing for equality, racial equity and major change to fulfill our promise of democracy. Texas Democratic Party Vice Chair Dr. Carla Brailey

April 23, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine Registration Need help with registration? We can help! Baylor Scott & White Health and Wellness Center community outreach representatives are available to help residents register for COVID-19 vaccines (by phone or in-person): Call 214.820.4846 for: • Assistance with registration (online or mobile app) • Assistance with transportation (to appointments) • Assistance with vaccine education

LOCATION

ADDRESS

DAY/TIME

Baylor Scott & White Health and Wellness Center

4500 Spring Ave. Dallas, Texas 75210

Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Cummings Recreation Center

2976 Cummings St. Dallas, TX 75216

Monday - Thursday 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Beckley - Saner Recreation Center

114 W. Hobson Ave. Dallas, TX 75224

Monday - Wednesday 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Fireside Recreation Center

8601 Fireside Dr. Dallas, TX 75217

Thursdays 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Martin Weiss Park

3400 W. Clarendon Dr. Dallas, TX 75211

Tuesdays 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM For more information contact: Candace Thompson, MSSW, MPA, CHWI Community Outreach Manager BSWHWCMEMBERSHIP@BSWHealth.org

4500 Spring Avenue I Dallas, Texas 75210

April 23, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

Dallas COVID-19 Resources

MO’ BETTAH WINGS

COVID-19 Call the hotline The bestHotline way to 24-7 protect yourself and others is to 214-670-INFO (4636) to get information regarding: stay at home. •Current COVID-19 Regulations & Testing Locations •Employment Assistance •Federal Relief Payment Information •Volunteer/Assistance Opportunities •Rental/Mortgage, and Eviction Assistance •Small Business Assistance •Social Services (food pantry, childcare assistance, senior assistance, unsheltered resident assistance and mental health resources) •Utility Payment Assistance

Slow the spread of COVID-19 The best way to protect yourself and others is to stay at home.

Safer at home

2860 E. LEDBETTER DR. (Inside Valero) DALLAS, Tx.75216 myimessenger.com

11am-10pm Monday-Saturday 12-8 Sunday

Wash with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.

Keep your mouth and nose covered while out in public.

Visit dallascityhall.com/COVID19 for a list of resources and up-to-date information about COVID-19.

April 23, 2021

ON THE

IN TARRAN

DR. BARBARA ODOM WESLEY

DAPHNE BROOKINGS

DEBORAH PEOPLES

Candidate for re-election Arlington City Council, District 8

Candidate for Fort Worth Trustee, District 4

Candidate for Mayor of Fort Worth

A retired college professor and successful small business owner, Dr. Barbara Odom Wesley has called Arlington her home since 1980. Her record of volunteerism includes leadership positions in national associations, local nonprofit organizations, and service on City Council appointed boards and commissions. She is a published author, motivational speaker, wife, mother and grandmother. One of her favorite quotes is: “ I learned early in life that service is the price you pay for the ground you walk on.” Her professional services consist of United Way of Tarrant County, Health Impact Council, Arlington Rehabilitation Hospital, Tarrant County Parenting Center, Home Health Services of Dallas and many more.

A former 4 year All-American athlete who served as a city Councilwoman and Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Forest Hill, she has over 20 years in social services, education and government relations. As one of the overseers of one of the largest TRE bond elections which will be used to hire and train teachers, adequate hotspots and laptops for students; in addition to securing PPE for teachers and students so they could return safely to school. She said she will continue to work with FWISD leadership to try to make sure it stays student focused and “our students receive the best instruction and resources through an equitable lens.”

After a long career with the city of Fort Worth helping connect more residents with city resources, she entered the business world. A trailblazer in the work place, she worked her way up at AT&T to eventually become a Vice President in charge of growing revenue across nearly half the country. She said she is poised to use this executive experience to help bring new businesses and good paying jobs to Fort Worth. After retiring from a three – decade career as a successful executive. Ms Deborah redoubled her commitment to positive change by serving as Chair of the Tarrant County Democratic Party. During her tenure, the county “reached new heights of voter registration and civic engagement.”

April 23, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

BALLOT

NT COUNTY GYNA BIVENS

DR. STACY BURRELL

CHRISTIE K. MOORE

Candidate for re-election - Fort Worth City Council, District 5

Candidate for Crowley Independent School District, Place 3

Candidate for Mansfield City Councilwoman Pl 5

Ms. Bivens wears two hats: She serves as President and Executive Director of North Texas Leaders and Executives Advocating Diversity (LEAD). She also represents more than 100,000 constituents in her role as a Fort Worth City Councilwoman. Bivens’ career started in broadcast journalism. Many of her stories were carried by radio and television news networks. A fierce advocate for her Constituents, Bivens has represented Fort Worth City Council District 5 since 2013. District 5 is home to the corporate office of BELL Helicopter and American Airlines. She was the first African American corporate spokesperson for TXU (now known as Oncor).

Dr. Burrell is the Director of Grants Compliance and Monitoring Department for Fort Worth ISD. She is responsible for the districtwide compliance process for state and federal grants that includes the development of evaluation proposals, instrument designs, method of data collection, data analyses, and interpretation. Formerly, she was the coordinator of Academic Advisement that oversaw the Middle and High School Success Interventions programs that are grant funded by United Way of Tarrant County. Her academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree in Social Science Education and Master’s in Guidance and Counseling from Jackson State University as well as a Ph.D. in Counselor Education: Students Affairs in Higher Education from Mississippi State University.

Christie K. Moore is the owner and CEO of Mansfield Funeral Home, which has been rated number one in this area several times. With her business sense and her experience as a small business owner she said she knows that the citizens of Mansfield will have an ally in her, because she understand the importance of maintaining a low tax rate while supporting the very fiber of our economic growth. Her goal is simple, “always lead with integrity and to be open and transparent on every issue and know that I was elected by the community to serve the community, therefore, I will always be accessible to the community.”

myimessenger.com

April 23, 2021

On Cheryl’s World on Blog Talk Radio and streamed on Facebook, Debra Brown Sturns talked with Black Women who are running for office in Tarrant County. You can log on to the Texas Metro News Facebook page or Cheryl’s World, to view the entire interview.

KELLY ALLEN GRAY

LEAH KING

SHALUNDA CORZINE

Candidate for re-election - Fort Worth City Council, District 8

Candidate for Tarrant County Water Board

Candidate for Keller Independent School District, Place 6

Allen Gray has served on the City Council since 2012. Community Service is nothing new to Allen Gray. She started early in District 8 neighborhood, going door to door, when a neighbor died collecting money that was presented to the bereaved family. She has used proven tools gained from her community revitalization experience to develop new ways for District 8 to progress. The core of her success is engaging citizens to insure that each resident has a rich quality of life and every family has a safe environment in which their children can thrive.

Leah King, president and CEO of United Way of Tarrant County, is a nonprofit leader who brings together individuals, groups, and service providers to help solve some of the community’s toughest social issue. Over the course of her career, she has held positions in community relations, marketing communications, investor relations, and public affairs with Fortune 500 companies in oil and gas and retail, and in regional community banking. She is also a member of both Texas Wesleyan and TCU President’s Advisory Councils. In May 2017, Leah was elected to the board of directors of the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) and is currently serving her first term. Leah and her husband, Barry, “spend every moment possible” with their grandchild.

Shalunda Corzine, MBA, M. ED., currently works in the fifth largest school district in Texas, in the office of Human Capital Management specializing in Employee Relations. Her focus is on developing tools and solutions for a wide variety of employee problems and resolutions. Before becoming an educator, she worked with non-profit organizations in strategic marketing and development. She is a wife, mother of two amazing children, and one mischievous Yorkie. With almost 20 years of teaching and training experience, Shalunda firmly believes that “education is the great equalizer” and high-quality teachers are the beginning of the equation.

April 23, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

Voting is your duty. Election Day is May 1, 2021.

SHAWN LASSITER

TIESA LEGGETT

YOLANDA E. MCPHERSON

Candidate for U.S. Congress in Texas – 06

Candidate for Fort Worth City Council, District 6

Candidate for Mansfield ISD School Board Trustee Place 2

Shawn Lassiter is a non – profit leader, a lifelong educator, and a former science teacher in Fort Worth. As a first – generation college graduate, Lassiter understands the power of education to liberate people and open doors of opportunity. Also being an administrator in Fort Worth, she saw how a lack of funding drained hope and opportunity from our public education system. She knows the issues that so many Texans are experiencing with families enduring a pandemic and an economy that fundamentally does not work for working people. As a mother of three and a fierce advocate for equity, justice, and working people, she believes it’s time for District 06 to have a representative in Washington dedicated to uplifting the voices of those in the community.

Tiesa Leggett is the founding president of BRIDGE Fort Worth. She was appointed to the Blue-Ribbon Citizens Committee, established by the Tarrant County Commissioner’s Court, to review the future needs of the JPS Health Network. She is a member of the Fort Worth Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. Leggett graduated from the University of North Texas with a BA degree in journalism and holds a Master of Science degree with a focus on sustainability from the University of Texas at Arlington. She served as the Vice President of Advocacy at the North Texas Commission where she led regional legislative issues such as aviation, eminent domain, transportation/infrastructure, and taxpayer-funded lobbying.

A native of Dallas, McPherson is a graduate of Beverly Hills Christian School and Bishop College. The wife of Bishop B.C. McPherson II, she retired from the classroom after 32 years as an educator. The mother of two college students, she also mentors youth and ministers wives. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and has had leadership positions in the Southern Baptist of Texas State Convention. “My platform is equity and quality of education for current and future student advocacy. I have the unique ability to connect and relate to the concerns of teachers, students, parents and the community, as a whole.” McPherson goals are full transparency and bridging the equity gap in education. Additionally, tops for an aggressive hiring of qualified minority teachers and administrators.

myimessenger.com

April 23, 2021

Dr. Amerson adapts to Temporary Business Closure Dr. Linda Amerson, Board Certified Trichologist, has adapted to the temporary closure of LA's Hair and Scalp Clinic. We continue to offer our award-winning products to consumers. Our exclusive products are manufactured by a facility in Garland, TX. Premium quality natural ingredients are used to assist with dry, oily, itchy, flaky, inflammed scalps, as well as hair breakage, hair thinning and regrowth. Everyone may order from our website, and we will ship your product order to you. http://www.hairandscalpessentials.com We need your support. In addition, we offer Video Consultations globally! We will schedule an appointment, give a diagnosis, them make a recommendation. We are available to serve you in the comfort of your home. Call us today - 817.265.8854 http://www.hairandscalpessentials.com We need your support.

April 23, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

Nena’s Finds Boutique A Uniquely Stylish, Fashionable Boutique for women of all Sizes! Ranging from Pretti and Petite to Pretti and Plus! Nena likes to be a bit edgy, blingy ... But she keeps it Chic with Sophisticated Style!

Nena’s Finds is your one stop shop for an Eccentric flare!

214.623.7314

nenafinds17@gmail.com Schedule your Sip n Shop, Trunk Show, Girls Nite Out or Wardrobe Revamp with Nena’s Finds today!

myimessenger.com

April 23, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

April 23, 2021

Kim Godwin from page 2 executive vice president of News directing newsgathering across the global portfolio with full editorial oversight. A multitalented trailblazer with exceptional journalistic instinct and skills, she also had served as vice president of News, CBS News executive director for Development and Diversity, and senior broadcast producer of the “CBS Evening News.” At CBS, she oversaw Network News Services and 400 domestic and foreign affiliates; CBS Audio Services including over 600 affiliates and podcasts; the National Desk and domestic bureaus; News Standards & Ethics; and Race & Culture. She joined the network in 2007. A fierce champion for inclusion and telling representative stories, in 2020 Godwin helped to develop and oversaw both

April 23, 2021

the CBS News Race & Culture Unit and CBS Village, a multiplatform franchise to highlight content about di-verse groups. She was recognized in November 2020 by the NABJ and the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University with the Ida B. Wells Award for her work in advocating for coverage of communities of color, building a diverse newsroom, and championing young journalists throughout their careers. Before joining CBS News, Godwin honed her journalistic and leadership skills for 20 years at top local stations in the United States. She was the acting news director and assistant news director at WCBS-TV, New York City; vice pres-ident and news director at KNBC-TV, Los Angeles; vice president of

I MESSENGER

News Operations, NBC Television Stations; vice president and news director at KXAS-TV, Dallas/Fort Worth; and news director at the duopoly WOIO/ WUAB in Cleveland. Godwin is a proud graduate of Florida A&M University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in broadcast journalism and joined the Beta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. FAMU was the first histori-

cally Black university to have an accredited journalism program. She is currently the chair of the board of visitors at her alma mater’s journalism school. Godwin has been honored with six National News and Documentary Emmy Awards, two Edward R. Murrow Awards, an Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia award, and a Sigma Delta Chi Award. She is also a well regarded member of the NABJ.

VOTE

Election Day is May 1, 2021

myimessenger.com

April 23, 2021

Virtual and liVe Community Calendar National Financial Literacy Month Alcohol Awareness Month Autism Awareness Month Now-4-30-21 Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson hosts the Congressional Art Competition for high school students. Submission: bit. ly/3utJPOf. Info: Susan Zeb at 214-922-8885.

Now-May 16

QUEENS & CROWNS Event by The Attaché Cigar, 4099 W. Camp Wisdom #101. 9 pm.

April 24 DFW Small Business Expo at Music City Mall, 2401 S. Stemmons Fwy. Lewisville. Free www.eventbrite.com. 12-5 pm. Cheryl’s World presents Host Debra Brown-Sturns. “Men in Tarrant County Politics” on Facebook.com/Texas Metro News and BlogTalkRadio.com. 12-2 pm. Join the conversation 646-200-0459 FAMU 6th Annual Rattler Generations: Scholarship Roundup. Guest Speaker Roland Martin. 4-6 pm. CDT. Online: 2021rattlergenerations.eventbrite.com.

Jubilee Theatre Presents Pooled by Moses T. Alexander Green. Box Office Tuesday-Friday 12pm-5p as 817 338-4411.

April 22 Meet the Candidates: Plano City Council Mayor Place 6. Event hosted by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. - Delta Alpha Alpha Zeta Chapter. Online at us02web.zoom.us. 7 pm.

Kids & Kites Festival Event by Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Justin Henry DISD and Adam Bazaldua at William Blair Jr. Park, 3000 Rochester St, 1-3 pm.

San Antonio Black History: Walk on the River. Host Walk On The River. Eventbrite.com. 7-8:30 pm. CDT.

AARP Texas Meditation Series: Meditation for How to Meditate. Reg: https://bit.ly/3dswZtO. 2-3 pm. CDT.

Women In Power Empowering, General Membership Meeting. Online: Eventbrite.com. 6 pm. CDT.

3 Mile Hike, Yoga and Brew: at Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center. 1206 W. FM 1382, Cedar Hill. Eventbrite.com. 2-4 pm.

AARP Texas Meditation Series: Meditation for Better Sleep. https://bit.ly/3dswZtO. 9-10 pm. CDT.

Achieving Financial Freedom: Event host Delta Sigma Theta - Houston Alumnae Chapter. bit.ly/2QDb4qF. 10 am.

April 23

North Texas Area Community Health Centers has Free COVID Vaccines: for all who qualify 16 years & older, at NTACHC Northside, 2332 Beverly Hills Dr. Ft. Worth. 8 am-12 pm.

The World According to Drew, host Andrew Whigham, III on BlogTalkRadio.com 8-10 am. It’s thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, & entertaining news commentary. Join the call at 646-200-0459.

The First Ladies “We Got Your Back” Town hall Series w/ Mother-Daughter Duo Erica & Krista Campbell. Moderator Erica Campbell. https://bit.ly/3dsn2wo. 8-10 pm. CDT.

The Jirah Nicole Show with Jirah Nicole Mickle. From 11 am-1 pm. CST Tuesday’s on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio.com. Call in and join the conversation at 646-200-0459. Color of COVID Surviving or Thriving hosted by Liftfund’s DFW Women’s Business Center. Dallas-area leaders, including Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins. 11:30 am-1 pm. CDT. Eventbrite .com.

April 28 I Was Just Thinking with Norma Adams-Wade. From 11 am -1 pm. CST On Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio.com. Call in and join the conversation at 646-200-0459.

AARP Texas Meditation Series: Meditation for Older Adults. Reg: https://bit. ly/3dswZtO. 6-7 pm. CDT. The Impact of Hispanic Communicators DFW Scholarships in my Career: Event by Hispanic Communicators - DFW. Featuring Host/Moderator Gloria Campos. Reg. Via Eventbrite.com. West Dallas Vaccination Clinic (first dose) Wesley Rankin Community Center, 3100 Crossman Ave. 10 am-2 pm. Reg: bit. ly/westdallasvaccine Deadline 4-23-21

April 29 Happy Birthday to Valerie Fields-Hill

April 26

Cinnaholic Arlington GRAND Opening! At Cinnaholic, 5001 S. Cooper St. #115. 11 am-9 pm.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Iota Lambda Zeta Chapter presents Mental Health Mondays Virtual Zoom Conference http:// www.iotalambdazeta.webs.com. Live on Facebook/Iota Lambda Zeta 6-8 pm. CDT.

I MESSENGER

Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance, What kind of community do we want to build? A Hard Conversation with Anne Miskey and Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew MDHADALLAS.org. Go to: https://bit.ly/2RJjGgd. 12 pm. CDT. The Bald Truth - My Journey From Victim To Survivor Documentary Premiere. Event by Angela Chatman The Bald Truth. Free via Eventbrite.com. 6-8 pm.

May 1 AARP Texas Meditation Series: Meditation for How to Meditate. Reg: https://bit.ly/3dswZtO. 2-3 pm. CDT. The Red Hats and Heels Virtual Gospel Tea. Guest Speaker, Rev, Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd Host Southwest Dallas County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. https://bit.ly/2QAS4sS. 11 am-12 pm. GAAP Grant Writing Training Virtual Workshop. Reg & Pay: www.gaapgrants.org. Contact Annette for details at 214497-4260. 8:30 am-1 pm.

May 2 The World According to Drew, host Andrew Whigham, III on BlogTalkRadio.com 8-10 am. It’s thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news commentary. Join the call at 646-200-0459. Ubuntu Market for Small Business. Hosted by Pan African Connection, 4466 Marsalis, Dallas. 12-5 pm. For vendor Info: Email: adjwoahogue@yahoo.com Or call 214-943-8262.

May 3 AARP Texas Meditation Series: Meditation for Healing. https://bit.ly/3dswZtO. 6-7 pm. CDT.

BLACK LIVES MATTER

AARP Texas Meditation Series: Meditation for Better Sleep. https://bit.ly/3dswZtO. 9-10 pm. CDT.

Happy Birthday to Charles D. Jones Jr.

Soul Movie Screening + Q&A. Host Destiny Art Center. 8:309:30 pm. CDT. https://bit.ly/2QyFivg.

April 23, 2021

THE DOC SHEP SPEAKS SHOW! From 11 am. CST on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, @fnsconsulting, and You Tube @docshepspeaks

National Drug (RX) Take Back. Event by Red Oak Police Department: 547 Methodist St. Red Oak. 9am-1 pm.

April 25

From Marva with Love, with Marva Sneed.11 am -1 pm. CST, Fridays on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, and BlogTalkRadio.com. Join the conversation at 646-200-0459.

April 27

Ask Dr. Amerson with Dr. Linda Amerson.12 pm. CST @DFWiRadio.com, and Live on Facebook @DrLindaAmerson

Liz Mikel with Linny Nance and the Network Band! Event by Revelers Hall and Linny Nance Music: at Revelers Hall, 412 N. Bishop Ave. 8 pm-12 am.

African American Family History. Host AARP Texas. 6-8 pm CDT. Reg: https://bit.ly/3mXzdV6. The Links, Inc. Denton County Chapter presents Experiencing COVID Fatigue. Guests Speakers: Johnna Weaver and William B. Lawson, M.D. Ph.D. Moderator Andrew Whigham, III. bit.ly/3amBt3c 7 pm.

AARP Texas Meditation Series: Meditation for Healing. https://bit.ly/3dswZtO. 6-7 pm. CDT.

April 30 From Marva with Love, with Marva Sneed.11 am -1 pm. CST, Fridays on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, and BlogTalkRadio. com. Join the conversation at 646-200-0459.

myimessenger.com

Professional Wrestling Match “STACKED“ in Dallas Lio Rush will wrestle at the VIP Wrestling Match in Dallas on April 23, 2021, at the Haltom Theatre. The former ROH & WWE wrestler will be among other celebrity and professional wrestlers to perform that night when the DFW AllPro Wrestling Academy presents “STACKED.” Rush is the reigning Major League Wrestling World Middle Weight Champion. His style and personality are captivating and have gained him his spotlight in the entertainment industry. From WWE to his latest album, “The Final Match,” his ability to think outside the box sets him apart from other creatives in his generation, and his wealth of talent is renowned. Rush is best known for his time with WWE where he is a former NXT Cruiserweight Champion and his time with Ring of Honor (ROH) where he won the 2016 Prospect Tournament. He is also known for his Combat Zone World Heavyweight Championship win and CZW Wired Championship win. At 25 years old, the champion wrestler created a name for himself quickly and looks to move the world with his words and life experiences. As a wrestler, actor, singer, songwritmyimessenger.com

Champion Wrestler, Hip Hop Artist, and Actor LIO RUSHset to wrestle at the VIP Live er, television and social media personality, Rush has shared his gifts on platforms including Fuse TV with Rapper Wale, “The Power Rangers Movie”, “WWE 2K19”, and “MTV’s The Challenge: Double Agents”, which aired December 2020. As a newcomer in the entertainment industry, Rush has been resilient. His heart, motivation, and drive allow him to move seamlessly between projects and passions. As an artist, his transparency to his fans and audiences is peculiar. Rush brings a unique blend of R&B, Pop, and Melodic Hip-Hop to the table with his music,

where he melodically rants off his deepest thoughts and fears on love, drugs, and more. Rush will match Will Allday and Chandler Hopkins in the VIP Undisputed World Title Match. Attendees will have the chance to meet Lio Rush during the meet

and greet segment at 6:30 p.m. Doors are set to open at 7:30 p.m., and the show starts at 8:00 p.m. For more information on the match and how to purchase tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite. com/e/vip-wrestling-presentsstacked-tickets-149300272133. April 23, 2021

UNT Dallas College of Law names new Associate Dean Cynthia L. Fountaine

Cynthia L. Fountaine is joining the UNT Dallas College of Law this summer as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Law. During the past 11 years, Fountaine displayed vast legal expertise in both of her Dean of Law and Professor of Law roles at Southern Illinois University School of Law.

With almost 30 years of experience in legal education and administration, Law School leadership says she will be an exceptional asset to the Dallas institution. “I am excited to join the UNT Dallas College of Law to help advance its mission,” said the Professor. “I am so impressed with the faculty, staff, and students and all they have accomplished so far, and I am looking forward to helping the law school as it continues to build its program of legal education to provide outstanding

opportunities for students.” No stranger to Texas, Fountaine previously served as Interim Dean and also instructed classes at Texas Wesleyan University School of Law (now Texas A&M School of Law), where she was a law professor for 13 years. Additional professional experience includes Washington & Lee University School of Law as a visiting professor and University of Cincinnati College of Law. Also, she taught at the University of Bayreuth Faculty of Law

in Germany as a Fulbright Senior Scholar. She has been active in many professional organizations, including the American Bar Association and the Association of American Law Schools. She was recently named the SIU Law Class of 2021 Outstanding Faculty Member. Fountaine begins her new position at the Dallas Law Center campus on August 1, 2021. For more information about UNT Dallas College of Law visit https://lawschool. untdallas.edu

www.grandpasecret.com April 23, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

April 23, 2021

Dallas Wings look to Take Flight After Historic WNBA Draft By DOROTHY J. Gentry Sports Editor Photos: WNBA/Dallas Wings The Dallas Wings have missed the playoffs for the past two years. They hope their fortunes changed and they can return to playoff contention after Thursday night’s WNBA draft. The franchise became the first team in history to make both the #1 and #2 overall pick after drafting Charli Collier from the University of Texas with the first overall pick and Awak Kuier from Finland with the second pick. The Wings also chose Chelsea Dungee from Arkansas with the fifth pick and Dana Evans from Louisville with the 13th overall pick. “I’m very excited about our 2021 draft class,” said Dallas Wings President and CEO Greg Bibb. “I feel confident the addition of tonight’s draft class, along with the trio of players who joined the organization last year, gives us a strong foundation moving forward. “With this group joining our young and talented core roster, we are bullish on the future of the Dallas Wings organization.” Upon hearing her name, Collier pointed to the sky. “It’s my God. My God is so good. Every day I wake up with this passion. I love basketball,” she said. “My heart is racing right now. I worked so hard for this April 23, 2021

Dana Evans

Chelsea Dungee

moment.” For her, the selection as the first pick should also silence the naysayers. “A lot of people have a lot to say about me but you can never question my work ethic,” she said of fans who throughout the season would label her ‘overrated.’ “I deserve to be here and I’m built for it. Hate me or love me you gotta respect me either way. This is the game I love. I grind each and every day for this. This is my moment.” Collier became the first player in WNBA history to be drafted first overall from the

University of Texas and the second from the Lone Star State behind Brittney Griner, out of Baylor in 2013. The native Houstonian declared for the draft as a junior after she led her team to the Elite Eight, averaging a doubledouble with 13.1 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. Collier was All-Big 12, an Academic All-Big 12 and a Lisa Leslie Award Top-10 finalist as well. With the second pick the Wings chose Kuier who will be the first Finnish player to take to the court for the WNBA. She is also just the sixth player in draft history

I MESSENGER

to be taken in the top five without NCAA experience. She currently plays for Ragusa in Italy with fellow Wing’s frontcourt member Isabelle Harrison, and the Finnish draftee is averaging 8.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. Dungee made nearly 2,000 points in her three years at the University of Arkansas while shooting 40% from the field and 35.4% from beyond the three-point arc. A WBCA All-American and Ann Meyer’s Drysdale Award Finalist, the Razorback also shone on the defensive side of the ball, averaging 1.5 steals per game, and racking up 34 blocks during her three years in Fayetteville. Evans helped lead Louisville to the Elite Eight averaging 20.1 points and 3.9 assists per game. The Cardinal also shot the ball well, making 37.7% of her threes and completing a total of 222 triples. During her four collegiate years, Evans was named a ESPNW and Sports Illustrated First Team All-American, twice the ACC Player of the Year and was a Naismith Trophy Semifinalist. WNBA Training Camp is tentatively scheduled to begin April 25. The season starts May 14. The Dallas Wings are entering its sixth season in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. They play their games at the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. myimessenger.com

A NOBODY turns out to be a special SOMEBODY AT THE MOVIES BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ

NOBODY is a story about a man, Hutch Mansell, played by Bob Odenkirk (Better Call Saul) who lives a mundane life. The opening scene of the movie is a collage of every day of the week showing just how mundane his life is. Monday, go to work, Tuesday, take out the trash (where he misses the pick up by just a few seconds every week) and on and on. He lives a routine life providing for his wife and kids while working for his fatherin-law at a manufacturing plant. He’s just a NOBODY. However, after a home invasion robbery, with his family asleep in the house, we discover Hutch has a violent past as a former FBI agent with

myimessenger.com

special training. Not wanting to escalate the situation he holds up a possible golf swing on a female robber which greatly disappoints his son who wrestled with the other robber on the floor while his father did nothing. In interviews with Odenkirk he reveals the movie is based on a true story about a robbery in his California home. The true story propels the movie into a tale of vengeance and revenge as he then goes out in search of the couple who robbed him in his own home. Using a sketch he made of one of the burglar’s tattoo he begins his search for the two criminals with the hopes of retrieving a kitty-kat bracelet that the invaders stole from his daughter. While being a vigilante he tangles with a street gang on a city bus to protect a young woman who’s being harassed

by the gang. One of the gang members, who ends up in the hospital, turns out to be the younger brother of a member of the Russian Mafia. Things now escalate as the mob puts a hit out on Hutch and his entire family. Odenkirk does a great job in this movie of going from a simple man to revealing he’s a trained killer. The cast, with RZA as his brother (the movie never explains how he got a black brother) and Christopher Lloyd as his father does a great job as a collaborated team. The fight scenes are excellent and really memorable. Odenkirk spent two years

training for the fight scenes and does all of his own stunts in the movie. The movie is rated R for violence and has a run time of 92 minutes. NOBODY is showing on PPV including Prime Video and VUDU as well as in local theaters. On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate NOBODY a JUMBO.

April 23, 2021

ARRESTED

HE IS A SERIAL RAPIST

He targeted members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. but this is more than about a sorority. We’re talking about a community.

Come on PEOPLE! Don’t you CARE? Will it matter when it is your sister, mother, aunt or grandmother or maybe YOU?

Crimestoppers 877-373-8477 April 23, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com