I Messenger 12-24-21 by Cheryl Smith

I MESSENGER VOL XI NO 17 DECEMBER 24, 2021

South Oak Cliff

I Messenger 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 editor@myimessenger.com www.myimessenger.com S. Curet GENERAL MANAGER stewartcuret@myimessenger.com 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 DESIGN/LAYOUT FzanStudio WEB/SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

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Established 2011 CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back. December 24, 2021

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INSIDE

I WAS JUST THINKING Yes, grammar and pronunciation are wrong. Please ignore them. But let’s do talk about teachers during this holiday season. Why are teachers paid so poorly? Ignored by legislators? And treated as though they are second-class citizens?

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COVID-19 RESURGENCE COVID-19 – which never really went away – is back in full force with a new variant that is raging through families, cities, towns, states and unfortunately the locker rooms of professional sports franchises yet again.

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THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

Have you thought that you could TikTok your way to a luxury vacation with a little Imagination and a few pointers from Lifestyle Guru Kelly Rizzo. I’ve enjoyed Kelly being a previous guest on the Valder Beebe Show. I became very interested in her as a previous guest with a bubbly personality, then I found out she was married in 2018.

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December 24, 2021

MY TRUTH by Cheryl Smith Publisher

What a wonderful year! OK, you’re probably wondering if I am dreaming when actually for me just the mere fact that I am being seen and not viewed, is enough to say, “it’s a wonderful year!” And really mean it. Which brings me to my truth. No one wants to hear a bunch of complaining. You have issues. Yes, we all have issues. You’re in pain. I feel for you and there are so many others who are in pain. You don’t like your job. I love my job so I’m not feeling you on this one. You’ve lost a loved one. I know it’s hard. We’re living during a time when

Almost 20 months ago, I thought that the world would become kinder and gentler, that people would realize how valuable life is and that everyone would be more interested in sharing love than causing destruction and promoting hate. December 24, 2021

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not only are we losing loved ones; sometimes the news is slow reaching destinations because of quarantines and social distancing, among other pandemic related issues or concerns. I could go on and on, BUT, as this wonderful year comes to a close and I anxiously await a wonderfully exciting 2022, I’d like to end on a positive note. We could all agree that these are the worst of times and the worst of times, still we must get through this together. Almost 20 months ago, I thought that the world would become kinder and gentler, that people would realize how valuable life is and that everyone would be more interested in sharing love than causing destruction and promoting hate. The pandemic has caused me to look at life through a different lens and to realize what’s important. And since I only have control over Cheryl Smith, believe me when I tell you; she is kinder and gentler and she is focused on living her best life while not doing anything to make anyone else’s life miserable What a novel thought! myimessenger.com

Jason Made Me/Us Proud

This week I just want to express something from my heart rather than my head. The state championship victory by South Oak Cliff left me speechless and to that end I am going to relinquish my spot. I can’t get deep because I will cry. It was a privilege for me to watch some parts of Jason Todd’s youth at my church. To see him win this championship brought me full circle.

but I could see that bright smile shine through heaven once the game was over. Parenting is about instilling and installing enough in your children so that they thrive and do the right thing whether you are watching or not. Cheryle Lynn Todd was excellent at parenting and now this community is made better for her work. Read the Resolution below produced by Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price. It speaks for itself, for Jason and for us! That’s all. Just wanted to brag about my Christmas/Kwanzaa gift! SOC gave us the gift of pride! Whereas South Oak Cliff High School opened its doors

schools in the city before the opening of Carter and Kimball, and Whereas South Oak Cliff High School saw a dramatic demographic change between 1966 and 1970, where the student body went from nearly 100 percent white to almost 100 percent African-American, during Dallas’ version of the national ‘White Flight” era, and, Whereas the South Oak Cliff High School Golden Bears began and sustained a dynasty in athletics over the years and had a prominent alumnus which includes names like Dennis Rodman, Harvey Martin, Egypt Allen, Michael Downs, Nekeshia

Clifton Jason Todd was a good kid. He had a strong grandfather and grandmother. Jason’s uncles include a doctor and a lawyer. But his mother and I were the best of friends. She was a stern and loving mom. She departed several years ago,

to students in 1952 as the first DISD high school built since Lincoln High opened in 1939 and, Whereas South Oak Cliff High School snowballed as it welcomed students in south and east Oak Cliff, and SOC was among the largest high

Henderson, Wayne Morris, and scores of other standouts, and Whereas South Oak Cliff High School and made the state football playoffs 17 consecutive seasons and, as of 2021, had produced at least 24 players who have gone on

QUIT PLAYIN’ BY VINCENT L. HALL

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to play in the National Football League, and a wealth of educators, professionals, and community activists who are model citizens, and Whereas South Oak Cliff High School football team is headed by Clifton Jason Todd, whose grandfather Frederick D. Todd served as principal of the school during its glory days which featured a stronger emphasis on academics as a part of athletics as well as demanding excellence from his faculty, staff and student body, and Whereas South Oak Cliff High School has a well-rounded football staff which includes: Michael Traylor, Ellis Wheatfall, Jacoby Walker, Kyle Ward, Wayne Ingram, Devon Allen, Domenic Spencer, Cranston Jones, James Davis, Keith Davis, James Gish, Christopher Pegram, and Marlon Reaves, and Whereas South Oak Cliff High School is led by Principal Dr. W.F. Johnson, and Assistant Principals Michael Jones, Shelia Cherry-Branch, Marsha Potts, and Allen Gray Assistant Principal, who all serve under the visionary leadership of Superintendent Dr. Michael Hinojosa Therefore be it resolved that the Dallas County Judge and Commissioners Court proudly join in with our citizens who rightly celebrate the South Oak Cliff Golden Bears as they claim the school’s first-ever 2021 State 5A, Division II Championship. Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and award-winning columnist.

December 24, 2021

VOTE

VOTE December 24, 2021

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Teachers “Cain’t get no respect!” – I WAS JUST THINKING... NORMA ADAMSWADE

Yes, grammar and pronunciation are wrong. Please ignore them. But let’s do talk about teachers during this holiday season. Why are teachers paid so poorly? Ignored by legislators? And treated as though they are second-class citizens? During the Christmas, New Year’s, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa season, may we turn our attention to teachers and consider how to make life better for them in the coming year?

Why are teacher salaries comparatively low? Photo Credit: pinterest

For starters, here are some target priorities: higher pay, more respect, improved working conditions, better scheduling, better retirement plans, safer and more disciplined classrooms, reduce pressure to “teach to the test,” and more support from parents and community. Reading some national reports recently about what teachers endure day-to-day was heart-wrenching. One blog drew tons of web comments from teachers sharing their personal career horror stories. Such reports hit hard enough to make you want to rally – or bribe – lawmakers to seriously advocate for the nation’s myimessenger.com

Teachers face challenges at school. Photo Credit: The Dallas Morning News. Ben Torres/Special Contributor

neer brother: “His bonus is more than my salary.” [Time Magazine] 4. Teachers are only qualified for pensions after teaching for 25 years; only one-fourth reach that point; and because of inflation and receiving no cost-of-living raises, teachers earn 15 percent less than in 1999. [www.howigotjob.com] Also, teachers must live in the same state in order to collect their pension. [Time Magazine] 5. Teachers have learned to live with the long-standing fact that they must pay for their own classroom supplies – a burden on their always meager salaries. Additionally, they are constantly asked to donate money and food items to help poor students and their families and to contribute to school hospitality coffers that fund staff parties and help co-workers battling health issues and family emergencies. [blog www.toughnickel.com] 6. Teachers often have to wait two, three or more hours to use the bathroom because they cannot step out while classes are in session…. and…staff members far outnumber available faculty restrooms, so teachers often reluctantly have to use stu-

roughly 3.5 million teachers. More teacher-friendly laws would demonstrate that parents and citizens realize and appreciate the valuable impacts that teachers have and have had on all our lives Here are just a few revealing facts from national sources: 1. Within the last five years, a beginning teacher’s average starting salary has been $36,141 and the average overall salary has been $56,383. Receiving no adjustments for inflation, the latter number has actually decreased since the 19992000 school year – meaning teachers have received no raises in 15 years. [U.S. News & World Report.] 2. United States teachers make about 20 percent less than other professionals with similar education and experience….and…. about 20 percent resort to second and third jobs. [www.cnbc.com] 3. Elaine Hutchinson, Oklahoma’s 2013 Teacher of the Year, has taught about 25 years and earned about $45,000 annually when she was featured by Time Magazine in 2018. She said she makes half of what her siblings make – an attorney, engineer and physical therapist. She said of her engi-

Part I

dent restrooms…and…in student restrooms, teachers often end up having to stop some unsavory student behavior, which uses up teacher’s precious toilet break time. [blog www.toughnickel. com] 7. The public-school work environment can be very challenging, sometimes dangerous. In her resignation letter, one teacher compared symptoms some teachers experience with those that a domestic violence hotline described for an abused spouse. “…replace ‘he’ with ‘public education,’ it would almost match perfectly,” the letter stated. [blog www. toughnickel.com]

Getting students to behave and do class work is one challenge. Photo Credit pinterest.

[To Be continued… Part II will discuss how teachers came to be so low in the food chain, current efforts that are changing some legislative minds, how teacher salaries compare with other professions, the role of women in teaching, how society takes advantage of a teacher’s altruistic nature, a call to reassess testing, and what’s needed to improve classroom and school safety in an increasingly dangerous society.] Norma Adams-Wade is a veteran, award-winning journalist, Graduate of UT- Austin and Dallas native. One of the founders of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), she was inducted into the NABJ Hall of Fame

December 24, 2021

Wear the masks, wash your hands and show love! December 24, 2021

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Voting, foxes and guarding the hen house OUR VOICES BY SEN. ROYCE WEST All but the most strident non-believers have conceded that Joseph R. Biden was elected President of the United States on November 3, 2020. The deposed, 45th POTUS became the first incumbent to lose the presidency since George H.W. Bush in 1992. But Joe Biden didn’t win Texas. In fact, 1.2 million more Texans voted for the Republican incumbent in 2020 than when he won election in 2016. I’ll admit that the reality that Texas is among the reddest of red states in the U.S. has agonized me for 20 years, despite my and other’s efforts to stem the tide. Ann Richards, Bob Bullock, Dan Morales and John Sharp were respectively, the last-elected Democratic Texas Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General and Comptroller. There hasn’t been a Democrat elected to the Texas Supreme Court since 1994. Fact is, a Democrat has not been elected to a statewide office since 1994. Indulge me in getting to the point that with all their electoral successes, including the November 2020 election that saw Republicans hold their majorities in the Texas House and Senate, only one factor can help explain the need for an election audit to take place in Texas. It’s the Big Lie! The continued, unfounded, babbling of massive election fraud that’s myimessenger.com

been perpetuated by the former President and his loyalists. It persists despite the fact that more than 60 judges, both Democrat and Republican, former U.S. Attorney General Ken Barr and others, have found no evidence of fraud at a level that would impact the outcome of any election, in any state, nationwide. But in September, the Texas Secretary of State’s office announced there would be a “full and comprehensive forensic audit” of the 2020 election days after a publicly, released letter was sent to Texas Governor Greg Abbott by the former President, who has been known to create his own “alternate facts.” He still chided Abbott because the audit was not added to the agenda of the third Special Session. A month later, Abbott announced his nominee to fill the vacant office of Secretary of State, whose responsibilities include oversight of all elections held in Texas. His choice is Fort Worth Attorney John Scott, who has held other state government positions under Abbott, including CEO of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and time as a Deputy Texas Attorney General, under the also former state AG. What sets Scott apart more recently is his brief stint as one of the attorneys for the person many fault with inspiring the January 6 insurrection in his attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 Election. Scott quickly withdrew from the case fol-

lowing an unfavorable ruling by a Pennsylvania appellate court. Scott was also one the state’s attorneys who defended an early version of Texas’ Voter ID law in 2014 that a district and federal courts ruled to be intentionally discriminatory and unconstitutional. Even the 5th Circuit had concerns that led to the law being rewritten. The forensic audit that is now underway will review election results in four of Texas’ 10 largest counties: Dallas, Harris, Tarrant and Collin. Dallas County has voted Democrat for more than a decade. Harris County is now blue. Biden won in Tarrant County by less than 2,000 votes. More people voted for the former President in Collin County than in any other county in the state. He won Texas by 631,221 votes. What’s the problem? The office of Secretary was vacant for five months after a confirmation vote was never brought to the Senate floor for former SOS Ruth Hughs during the Regular Session that ended in May. Some say Hughs’ fate was sealed when her staff failed to toe the election fraud company line, instead saying the November election was “smooth and secure.” Scott was appointed after the last Special Session ended in September where his selection could have been challenged. He will oversee the 2022 Midterm Elections and will likely not face confirmation until the Legislature convenes again in 2023. Hughs was chosen by Abbott after her predecessor, David Whitley could not be confirmed.

I joined Senate Democrats to successfully block his confirmation. He resigned following a botched voter purge effort where Whitley issued a list to local elections offices that challenged the citizenship of thousands of voters who were correctly found to be naturalized citizens. The issue landed in federal court where the state was forced to settle and end the probe. Arizona, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania have launched 2020 election audits. None have discovered rampant voting irregularities. Abbott has stoked voter fraud theories that say illegal immigrants are on state voter rolls. The Lt. Governor called for another special session to include a voting audit and tougher penalties for illegal voting. Attorney General Ken Paxton’s crusade against voter fraud has successfully prosecuted fewer than 200 people since 2005, while nearly 84 million votes have since been cast. Now, our new Secretary of State was part of a case to overturn election results in a state won by the rightful President. He defended a Texas Voter ID law that was ruled discriminatory. He says an audit is needed to help instill confidence in voters who polls say already think state election results are accurate. Which of these ‘folks’ do you trust to guard your near-sacred right to vote? Royce West was first elected to the Texas Senate in November 1992. He represents the 23rd Senatorial District on behalf of the citizens of Dallas County.

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The Reason for the Season FAITHFUL UTTERANCES BY DR. FROSWA BOOKER-DREW

Christmas is my mother’s favorite holiday. She really enjoys the celebration and the opportunity to spend time with family. We’ve lost a lot of relatives over the years and Christmas is so different than what it was like in my childhood. I remember the family gatherings with all of the food and spending time with my many cousins. Christmas is very different for me now and has a very different meaning than the toys or all of the good food to be consumed. It’s a blessing to witness my younger cousins as they are now parents and to see my mother, aunt, and uncle get older as well as build new traditions with my daughter. Christmas is more than the gifts and decorations. It’s more than the tv shows and cartoons about the Grinch stealing Christmas, Father Time, ghosts to remind us of what we are missing or mushy Hallmark movies that always end in folks falling in love.

It’s more than jamming out to those classic Christmas songs by Donnie Hathaway, James Brown, or the Emotions. It is more than going to see our relatives and getting a plate from multiple houses. Those traditions are important but the reason for the season can not be forgotten. Luke 2 reminds us of why we celebrate: “And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord! And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the Baby, who was lying in the manger. After they had seen the Child, they spread the message they had received about Him. And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” During the time of Jesus’ birth, there was a lot of political turmoil and uncertainty. The birth of Jesus is a reminder that in the midst of chaos and challenges, God is ever present. No matter what we face, there is good news in knowing that God loves us so much that God sent His son, a redeemer and restorer. Christmas is not only a time to remember and reflect but it is for us to rejoice in knowing that God fulfills His promises. As prophesized in the Old Testament of a Savior to come, God fulfilled the promise. God continues to ful-

fill promises thousands of years later. Mary made herself available to be a vessel for God to use her. In this season, we, too, have the opportunity to be available to God’s call. Like Mary, we can answer. It won’t be easy, but we can be assured that we will not be forsaken as we walk paths that are new and different. Mary trusted God and is model for each of us that when we trust God, great things can happen in and through us. God can birth in each of us something amazing that can change the world around us. In this Christmas season, ask God how you can be used to bring glory and honor to God and be a blessing to those placed on your path. I hope you have a Christmas filled with so much love, peace, joy, and hope and as you celebrate with family and friends, but please do not forget the reason for the season. 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.

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December 24, 2021

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December 24, 2021

Celebration Bowl was a major statement win for SC State and Buddy Pough By Steven J. Gaither HBCU Gameday

The Celebration Bowl VI was supposed to be a big, statement win. This was supposed to be the year that the MEAC succumbed to the suffocating momentum of the SWAC in the biggest battle between the two Division I historically Black colleges. This year — 2021 — was supposed to be the Year of Prime. But in the end, it was South Carolina State and Buddy Pough who showed that HBCU football was full of “dogs” as JSU head coach Deion Sanders has been saying since he got here. South Carolina State shook off a shaky start to come away with a resounding 31-10 win over Jackson State. Jackson State came into the game 111, with only a slim loss to an FBS program as a blemish on its record. It was clearly the favorite, from Las Vegas to December 24, 2021

the streets and malls of Atlanta. And it was made clear as soon as they arrived in town. “Well at first, they said we weren’t going to score 21 points (on them) offensively, so we had to come out and prove them wrong,” Durant said. “Another thing I’d say is that we had a little free time to go around Atlanta. I was in the mall with my teammates and the people were saying, “so ya’ll the team that’s playing against Jackson State, like they had never heard of South Carolina State. So that was big to us because we already knew we were the underdog.” That sentiment only grew around the time the two teams converged on Atlanta. The Jackson State program was not only the hottest story in HBCU football — it was arguably the biggest story in the country after Deion Sanders flipped top prospect Travis Hunter Jr. on Wednesday.

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South Carolina Coach Buddy Pough Photo Credit: HBCU Game Day

Buddy Pough has never flipped a five-star. But he’s made a few. Darius Leonard. Javon Hargrave. Diamonds in the ruff that he and his staff unearthed and then unleashed in the college football world. Friday, Pough was asked what he thought about the prospects of getting higher-rated prospects to HBCUs. He admitted that he didn’t even know if some of his best players could play for him at South Carolina State, so he doesn’t put too much stock Into what players are when they arrive on campus. “I would hope that we would start to get better players. But even the guys who end up being those kind of players — they aren’t those kind of playmyimessenger.com

ers coming out of high school. It’s the guy who gets snubbed outta high school. Who finds out he doesn’t have anything. He gets himself into a situation where he’s somehow or another gets on a team. And he’s always a little bit, snubbed. A little bit…behind. A little bit this that and the other, and he keeps working at it. And he gets better and he passes the other guy by.” And that’s exactly what happened on Saturday in Atlanta. Jackson State and Deion Sanders brought added attention to the Celebration Bowl, while South Carolina State and Buddy Pough trusted the process leaned on experience and cohesiveness and showed they were ready for Prime Time.

South Carolina State and Buddy Pough took a backseat to Jackson State and Deion Sanders all weekend but when the dust settled, the spotlight was theirs.

December 24, 2021

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December 24, 2021

CELEBRATING the MECCA!

South Oak Cliff - the Champs Thousands showed up Tuesday to celebrate District 5A Division II champions, South Oak Cliff; who after defeating Liberty Hill 23-14 on Saturday at the AT&T Stadium, became the first Dallas ISD school to win a Texas football state championship since 1958. As SOC head coach Jason Todd was praised, following the game, the player of the Game, Qualon Farrar, who will

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head to the University of North Texas next year, said simply: “We did it for the hood.” Elected officials, including Sen Royce West, DISD Trustee Maxie Johnson, Judge Amber Givens and Staci Williams, Councilmembers Casey Thomas, Carolyn King Arnold and Adam Bazaldua, State Reps. Jasmine Crockett and Toni Rose; joined DISD

Supt. Michael Hinojosa, to celebrate the school’s first state championship ever. The celebration, which began at For Oak Cliff offices at 907 E. Ledbetter Drive and ended at SOC high school, featured bands, car clubs, and residents came out of their homes along the route to cheer on the team of scholar athletes that have a cumulative grade point average of 3.26.

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December 24, 2021

COVID-19 Resurgence Hits Mavs, Sports World Again By Dorothy J. Gentry Sports Editor COVID-19 – which never really went away – is back in full force with a new variant that is raging through families, cities, towns, states and unfortunately the locker rooms of professional sports franchises yet again. Here at home, four Dallas Mavericks players and two assistant coaches have entered the NBA’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Maxi Kleber, Tim Hardaway Jr., Reggie Bullock and Josh Green all missed Tuesday’s home game at American Airlines Center against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Also in the protocols are assistant coaches Darrell Armstrong and Jared Dudley. The team, already dealing with injuries to star Luka Doncic (who has missed the last five games) and the absence of Kristaps Porzingis and Willie Cauley-Stein, made several emergency 10day hardship contract signings just to have enough players to put on the court. Dallas has signed Charlie Brown of Delaware’s NBA G-League team, George King from the G-League's Agua Caliente Clippers, and free agents Marquese Chriss and Theo Pinson. Head Coach Jason Kidd lamented the decimation of his team but said the key is to remain positive and learn to deal with something that is not going away. “We are trying to do the best we can to stay away from December 24, 2021

each other but also understand that we have a job to do, and that’s to go out there and find a way to win,” he said. “We must be positive. We have to accept this situation. It’s not going away. We have to adapt.”

However, even with the rising cases among players, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in an ESPN interview Tuesday said the league does not plan to suspend its season. “We have of course looked

were going to get to over the past several months, and that is this virus will not be eradicated, and we’re going to have to learn to live with it. I think that’s what we’re experiencing in the league right now.”

Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd poses for a portrait during the Dallas Mavericks media day, Monday, September 27, 2021, at American Airlines Center in Dallas. Photo Credit: Jeffrey McWhorter / Special Contributor

The NBA has been one of the hardest hit professional sports leagues by this latest Covid surge. As of Tuesday afternoon, through about eight days, more than 80 players had entered COVID health and safety protocols, prompting the league to postpone seven games over the past week as the Omicron variant sweeps throughout the world.

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at all the options, but frankly we are having trouble coming up with what the logic would be behind pausing right now,” he told ESPN’s Malika Andrews. “As we look through these cases literally ripping through the country, let alone the rest of the world, I think we’re finding ourselves where we sort of knew we

The virus is also affecting other pro sports; the National Hockey League (NHL) announced Monday that it will begin a league-wide shutdown Wednesday as it sees an increase in positive COVID-19 results among its players. And the NFL has also struggled with rising cases in its leagues causing the rescheduling of several games. myimessenger.com

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December 24, 2021

Briefs

Community Christmas Party Brief and Photos By Marva Sneed

Freedom Chevrolet Buick GMC by Ed Morse, General Manager, Kyle Bettilyon and Brenda Mosby

Tim Williams, Williams Chicken’s CEF – Director of Operations and Franchise

Williams Chicken held its annual Change for Change Community Christmas Party at Freedom Chevrolet Buick GMC by Ed Morse in Dallas, recently. It was an Oak Cliff style party where Williams Chicken and Freedom Chevrolet gave away 100 bikes and toys to area youth who got to take a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Freedom Chevrolet General Manager, Kyle Bettilyon and Hiawatha Williams CEO and Founder of Williams Chicken gave a Buick Encore to a 27-year-old mother with four children. Chloe Haley thought she was just getting new bikes for her children. Tears were flowing as she thanked Freedom and Williams Chicken for the car. Elected officials were there to celebrate: Texas State Representative Carl Sherman Sr., Judge Kim Cooks, 255th Family District Court, Dallas County, Dr. Keisha Lankford, candidate for U.S. Congress District 30; and Dareia Jacobs, candidate for Justice of The Peace, Precinct 4, Place 4.

Freedom Chevrolet Buick GMC by Ed Morse, Buick Encore giveaway

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus with Judge Kim Cooks

Change for Change, Dr. Keisha Williams Lankford, Candidate for U.S. Congress District 30

Freedom G.M. Kyle Bettilyon, Williams Chicken CEO, Hiawatha Williams, Santa Claus, and Texas State Rep., Carl Sherman, Sr.

Freedom G.M., Kyle Bettilyon, Williams Chicken CEO, Hiawatha Williams, Santa and Mrs. Claus and Chloe Haley (27 yr. old mother of four) with her two daughters is the winner of the Buick Encore

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Toys for the children, Williams Chicken Change for Change Community Christmas Party at Freedom Chevrolet Buick GMC by Ed Morse in Dallas

Change for Change, Dareia Jacobs, Candidate for Justice of the Peace Precinct 4, Place 4

Williams Chicken Change for Change Community Christmas Party at Freedom Chevrolet Buick GMC by Ed Morse in Dallas

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Briefs

Fil-A-Tundra Brief and Photos By Marva Sneed

The City of DeSoto and Local Churches partnered with South Toyota to Fil-ATundra of toys for families in the city of DeSoto on Saturday at the South Toyota, 39660 Lyndon B. Johnson Fwy. The toy presentations were made by Chief Jerry Duffield, of DeSoto Fire Department, to Sonia Moore of Community Nest and the presentation of clothing items to Ryan Henry of Friends Place in DeSoto. Remarks were made by the General Manager of South Toyota, James Mitchell, who said with the success of this toy drive not only did they fill one Tundra, not only two Tundras, not even three Tundras, but four

Tundras were filled. Councilmember Dr. Dinah Marks, beaming with pride, thanked all of committee members that helped pull this toy drive together and the sponsors: All Star Youth Sports Association, Access Storage, non-profit Big You Little Me, Church of the Disciple, City of DeSoto, Community Baptist Church, DC3, DeSoto Chamber of Commerce, DeSoto Private School, First Bible Church, First United Methodist Church, God Is Ministries-Tweedy Thomas, Hampton Road Baptist Church, Koinonia Baptist Church, and New Covenant Christian Fellowship Church, River of Life Church. The donors included Al Moten, Cedar Hill Mayor Steve Mason, businessman David Wells, LonnieB Creative Designs and Saidrick Jackson.

Fil-A-Tundra, (Left) 7 year old Aiden Farris creator of non-profit Big You Little Me Mom and friend

The City of DeSoto and local churches partnering with South Toyota Fil-A –Tundra

The City of DeSoto and local churches and South Toyota Fil-A-Tundra, DeSoto Senior Citizen Mr. Curtis Green

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The City of DeSoto and local churches and South Toyota Fil-ATundra, DeSoto City Councilwoman Dr. Dinah Marks

Fil-A-Tundra DeSoto Steppers and DeSoto City Councilwoman Dr. Dinah Marks

December 24, 2021

Briefs Annie’s List features Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer Brief and Photos By Marva Sneed

Annie’s List North Texas hosted its Signature Event Friday at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. Annie’s List is dedicated to recruiting, training, and supporting progressive women candidates across the state.

Annie’s List Executive Director Royce Brooks

Dallas County Democratic Party Chair Kristy Noble

Hon. Helen Giddings and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

A ward W inning

Sunday Brunch B U F F E T

M a k e Yo u r R e s e r v a t i o n s TO DAY ! 97 2 - 2 9 6 - 0 4 0 3

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Be the lifeline patients need.

Give blood or platelets.

Call 1-800-RED CROSS, use the Blood Donor App, or visit RedCrossBlood.org

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December 24, 2021

Blacks Contributing to Biden’s Sinking Poll Numbers OUR VOICES BY PARIS DENNARD By now you have seen the daily reports of President Biden and Vice President Harris’ sinking poll numbers. This is not some isolated occurrence from one poll: there have been a series of polls that are all coming to the same conclusion. The Biden-Harris administration is missing the mark and letting down the American people. Their support is eroding rapidly as a result. A recent poll from HIT Strategies highlighted something the mainstream media certainly does not want to talk about. Black Americans, a tried-and-true voting block for the Democrat Party and one of the key constituencies for Biden, are contributing to the President’s tanking approval numbers. This is not surprising given where we are today as a nation and how the Black community at large is weathering this Biden-Harris storm. Things are not good, and for too many things are getting worse. While the administration once tried to push a false narrative saying that rising inflation was “transitory” and temporary, we now have experts saying the opposite. Americans will be ringing in the new year with prices continuing to rise. That means we can expect to see prices for everything your family needs and wants to reDecember 24, 2021

main high. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor announced last week that consumer prices rose by 6.8% last month. That increase is the largest annual surge in 39 years. On top of all that, real average hourly earnings decreased by 1.9%. So the next time you hear President Biden make the claim that wages are up, know that it’s 100% false. Most troubling? The reality that Democrats and the Biden-Harris administration seem unbothered by lower income Americans, including many minorities, suffering through this crisis the most. 71 percent of households making less than $40,000 are experiencing financial hardship due to Biden’s hidden tax on Americans this year. It is no wonder that HIT Strategies BlackTrack poll results “underscore the economic hardship many Black voters face and offer insight into Biden’s declining approval numbers among Black voters…Economic anxiety and frustration among Black Voters are among the potential causes of Biden’s and Democrats’ sagging approval numbers among Black voters.” On the question “generally speaking, are you very satisfied, satisfied, dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied with the direction in which the country is headed?” Black voters reported less satisfaction than previous months. When asked if they approved or disapproved of the way Joe Biden is handling his job as President of the United States, Biden’s overall approval rating

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from Black voters declined. When Black voters were asked if their lives have improved under President Biden, the percentage has consistently gone down and those saying it has gotten worse has gone up during the same time frame. In a recent Forbes article, Willie Cousins said “When it comes to the issues that I care about, like voting rights, police reform, and human infrastructure, President Biden is doing a poor job,” Cousins said. “Every day prices are getting higher and even though I have seen a small increase in my wages, I’m still having to pay more for the basic necessity to keep my family thriving.” Cousins’ experience and sentiments are like so many other Black Americans today. It is hard, and yet the Democrats seems to be tone deaf, out of touch, and doing nothing to fix it. When it comes to the border and the drugs pouring over and into our cities, they have failed. When it comes to the increased violence, murders, and burglaries plaguing Democrat-run cities, you see Democrat officials still pushing to defund the police and supporting bail for the evil perpetrators hurting the innocent. The global pandemic is still not under control and yet the Biden-Harris administration continues to push the same policies that have not worked and are actually doing more harm than good. Forced vaccine mandates are giving too many Black Americans the pink slip just in time for Christmas and the New Year.

Biden will continue to see his poll numbers tank because he is failing to understand how hard it is for so many Americans feeling left behind and forgotten once again. Cousins put it best: “President Joe Biden needs to come and talk to the Black community and tell us what he is working on and how it will impact our families, neighborhoods and communities, we have endured a lot during this pandemic, and some of us are still trying to fight our way out. We want our elected leaders to understand that and fight with us, and sometimes it feels like they aren’t fighting hard enough.” The Democrats in charge of the White House, the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate, and many cities just don’t get it. Joe Biden is too disconnected from reality to understand that he is literally pushing policies that will build the Black community to broke. The poll that matters most is the one on election day, and come November 2022 the vote for economic security, education, prosperity, and public safety will not be a vote for Democrats because they don’t have a plan. The Republican party will continue to show up, propose empowering policies, earn your vote, earn your approval, win back Congress, and put the American people first. Paris Dennard is the National Spokesperson and Director of Black Media Affairs for the Republican National Committee (RNC). Follow him on Twitter: @ PARISDENNARD.

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December 24, 2021

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December 24, 2021

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!

December 24, 2021

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December 24, 2021

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VIRTUAL AND CALENDER Virtual andLIVE LiveCOMMUNITY Community Calendar HIV/AIDS Awareness

DECEMBER 25 MERRY CHRISTMAS

RECURRING

Chocolate Secrets Open Mic Monday Chocolate Secrets, 3926 Oak Lawn Ave. 7:30-11pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3mGIBN2. Miracle on West Fork 2021 a holiday drive-thru light show at 387 West Fork, Irving. 6-10 pm.

DECEMBER 30

Nia: Purpose - Remembering and restoring African American cultures, customs and history

That Dope Day Party in UPtown @ Palms, 2922 N. Hall St. Every Satur”DAY” 3-10 pm. Tickets: Music Bingo at Guitars and Growlers at Guitars https://bit.ly/3oQJ9lK & Growlers Richardson, 581 West Campbell Rd. #101, Richardson. 7-9 pm. Thursday Night Jam Sessions with the Kappa’s The Brightest Show South of the North Pole at at Daq’s Luxury Daiquiri Lounge, 8700 Preston Rd. The Light Park in Lone Star Park, 1000 Lone Star DECEMBER 28 Plano, 4-10 pm. Info: www.nikishaw.com Pkwy. Grand Prairie. 12 pm. Tickets: https://bit. ly/3pYF5kv. DECEMBER 23 Ujima: Collective work Liquid Soul at Distinctive Vines Wine Lounge, 1110 S. Akard St. 5-10 pm. Tickets: https://bit. The Elephant Room Christmas Party, 4791 S. and responsibility ly/3E7tkLV Afrofire in Plano: a fire afro fusion workout at Buckner Blvd. Dallas. 7-10 pm. Tickets: j3-muWorking to Help each The Mat Yoga Studio Plano 3136 Independence sic-productions.square.site other and in the Pkwy. #B. 7 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/30jFeob DECEMBER 31 2021 Fall Exhibitions Ruth Mae McCrane, at the African American Museum, 3536 Grand Ave. 10 am-5 pm. Info: aamdallas.org.

The Evelyn Hotel Toy Drive at The Evelyn Hotel & Spa, 4801 Spring Valley Rd. #104, Farmers Branch. 12-5 pm.

Kwanzaa

DECEMBER 26

Thursday Night Jam Sessions with the Kappa’s at Daq’s Luxury Daiquiri Lounge, 8700 Preston Rd. Plano, 4-10 pm. Info: www.nikishaw.com Liquid Soul at Distinctive Vines Wine Lounge, 1110 S. Akard St. 5-10 pm. Tickets: https://bit. ly/3E7tkLV Black As... Trivia hosted by Comedy On The Commons, online event 6:30-7:30 pm CST. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3e6TdBi

DECEMBER 24 CHRISTMAS EVE

Umoja: Unity - Unity of the family, community, nation and race

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Oak Cliff Thrives with Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce.6-7:30 pm. Tickets: oakcliffchamber.org. Soul Line Dance Tuesday-Live! Virtual. 7 pm CST. Reg: www.becreativeartscenter.com. FREE

Kuumba: Creativity Using creating and your imagination to make communities better

Grow DeSoto Market , 324 E Belt Line Rd. 4-7 pm. The Art of Luxury Black & White NYE Affair at House Of Blues, 2200 N. Lamar St. 10 pm-2 am. Ozark Poets and Writers Col- Tickets: https://bit.ly/33C2S0p lective; December Reading ft BeatStreet Poetry Live (Best Sunday Social and Angelique Zobitz via Zoom. 8 pm JANUARY 1 Open Mic in Dallas) by Verb Kulture Events at The CST Zoom ID: bit.ly/3yNzeB6. Free Man Cafe, 2626 Commerce St. #115. 5 pm.

Church Eleven32 3pm Christmas Eve Celebration, at Allen Performing Arts Center, 300 Rivercrest Blvd. 3p or 5pm. Reg: bit.ly/3GCZwIN.

DECEMBER 27 Kujichagulia: SelfDetermination - Being responsible for your own conduct and behaviour

A Glass Full of Jazz @ Distinctive Vines Wine Lounge, 1110 S. Akard St. 5-11 pm. Tickets: https://bit. ly/3GAvtSb Sundays

“The World According to Drew” with Andrew Whigham, III 8-10 am CDT.

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Black Organization - 2022 Networking Think Tank at Waxahachie Civic Center, 2000 Civic Center Ln. 2-6:30 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3pcALNC

JANUARY 2 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.

JANUARY 3 Chocolate Secrets Open Mic Monday, Chocolate Secrets, 3926 Oak Lawn Ave. 7:30-11pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3mGIBN2 VIRTUAL Black Abolitionist Tour of London host Dr. Hannah Murray, University of Edinburgh, online event 12-1:30 pm CST. Tickets: bit.ly/3e9Jjyy.

Booker T Alumni Holiday Party at Louie Louie’s Kuumba: Creativity - Using creating and your JANUARY 4 imagination to make communities better Poetry Dueling Piano Bar, 2605 Elm St. 8 pm. Night at Black & Bitter Coffee, 100 S. Main St. Red Cross Blood Drive at Dallas County DemDuncanville 8 pm. ocratic Party Event Center 1414 N. Washington SUNDAY SERVICE at DAQS Daq’s Luxury Daiquiri DECEMBER 29 Lounge, 8700 Preston Rd. Plano. 12-3 pm. TickAfro Soca Love: Dallas Black Owned Mar- Ave. 10-4 pm. ets: daqsallfolks.com. ketplace + After party NYE Edition at Gilleys Ujamaa: Cooperative Dallas, 1135 Botham Jean Blvd. 9 pm. Tickets: Lasoa Cigar Lounge Ladies Wine Down Tueseconomics Working to days at 2150 N. Josey Ln. 3109 Carrollton. 5-8 Kwanzaa - Online Celebration https://bit.ly/3IMlWcs pm. Tickets: www.lasoacigarlounge.com/ build shops with Melaneyes Media via Zoom and Facebook @melaneyesmedia and businesses New Year’s Eve Worship Experience at Disciple 7-8 pm. Info: www.melaneyesJANUARY 5 Central, 901 N Polk St, DeSoto. 11:50 am. media.com/ Kwanzaa Ujamaa Cooperative Economics at Cameo Sundays at Rockwood, 600 Jackson St.510 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3yGCIoM.

AFROJams Christmas ft. BeBe Winans on Facebook Live @afrotainment 7-10 pm. Info: http://www.afrotainment.us/

CHERYL’S WORLD Tune in to Cheryl’s World on BlogTalkRadio.com, Facebook Live and Streamyard for thought-provoking, enlightening, informative and entertaining news and commentary. Call 646-200-0459 to join in.

community

DEC 26-JAN1

Empowering The Masses Disaster Relief Drive Through Food Pantry at 3314 Detonte St. Dallas. 8 am-11 pm. Info: call 972-460-6316 or www. empoweringthemasses.org.

Tuesdays “Doc Shep Speaks Show” with Dr. Felicia Shepherd, 11 am CDT,

Indie Sounds Open Mic Showcase at Da Crab Trap, 3431 Altamesa Blvd. #166 Fort Worth. 7-9:30 pm.

DECEMBER 30-31 Revive 2022 at Concord Church, 6808 Pastor Bailey Dr. 7-11 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/33qgIDd Thursdays

Wednesdays “I was just thinking...” with Norma Adams-Wade, 11 am- 1 pm. CDT.

“The Connection” with Debra BrownSturns, 7 pm. CDT.

Happy New Year

Imani: Faith - Believing in people, families, leaders, teachers and the righteousness of the African American struggle.

1619 Interactive Book Discussion an Online event. 5-7 pm CST. RSVP: www.womensdiversitynetwork/events-1 Wine Down Wednesdays at Distinctive Vines Wine Lounge, 1110 S. Akard St. 5-9 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3InI90b Mi Amora Wednesdays at Amora Kitchen and Lounge, 12255 Greenville Ave. #130. 10 pm-2 am. Reservations: 469-844-8545

JANUARY 17 Realizing The Dream Healthy Living Expo host I Messenger Media L.L.C. at African American Museum, 3536 Grand Ave. in Fair Park. 12-5 pm.

Fridays “From Marva with Love” with Marva Sneed, 11 am-1 pm CDT.

December 24, 2021

LIFESTYLE GURU KELLY RIZZO THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW BY VALDER BEEBE Have you thought that you could TikTok your way to a luxury vacation with a little Imagination and a few pointers from Lifestyle Guru Kelly Rizzo. I’ve enjoyed Kelly being a previous guest on the Valder Beebe Show. I became very interested in her as a previous guest with a bubbly personality, then I found out she was married in 2018, to comedian Bob Saget (ABC Full House star). I love bringing opportunities to the audience of the Valder Beebe Show. Hotwire wants to see your #HotwireHotelGoals on TikTok -- Most creative upgrade video will win a $50,000 vacation complete with their own private jet experience. I asked how this challenge worked. Put your TikTok green screen feature skills to good use and (virtually) get yourself to the dreamiest hotel background in the U.S. that you can find!

Follow @hotwiretravel on TikTok, and then, following the instructions at hotwire.com/ bookbeyond, show us your best travel transformation from home to dream hotel on TikTok using #HotwireHotelGoals. From your couch to a fabulous infinity pool, or your home office desk to a five-star rooftop bar, the possibilities are endless. One creative TikToker will be selected to win a luxury getaway on a private jet. TV host Kelly Rizzo shares a few tips for getting creative and booking your own luxury vacation on the cheap with Hotwire. Kelly is the rocker-chic multi-media personality and the creative force behind the Eat Travel Rock brand and award-winning Eat Travel Rock TV. Kelly is truly considered a trusted expert in food, travel, and music through her frequent press bookings on regional and national television/online/radio, professional video/photo content creation, and relationships with major brands. In the digital entertainment series, Eat Travel Rock TV, Kelly

Guru Kelly Rizzo

goes behind the scenes and off the cuff with master chefs, rockstars and other creative industry heavyweights around the country and in exotic destinations worldwide. Follow along with her adventures in eating, traveling, and rocking out in real time with her highly engaged social following on @EatTravelRock. -- Kelly Rizzo’s publicist provided text in conjunction with the Valder Beebe Show Kelly Rizzo’s complete interview…… YouTube.com/valderbeebeshow: more interviews: Broadcasting to a national & global audience: ValdeBeebeShow.com ; SoundCloud.com/ valderbeebeshow; KKVI FM-

Radio, KRER FM, 411RadioNetwork, Streaming TV, Social Media, Print Publications I MESSENGER, Texas Metro News, and Garland Journal News. VBS: I’m thinking my audience can participate in this HotWire challenge? KR: First, you gotta get on Tik Tok. Get on Tik Tok and make a video. First maybe you are sitting on your couch going from drab to fab. Using the green screen feature you are going to make your fabulous video. The winner of the best video is going to be picked by Jason Derulo is going to win a dream $50,000 vacation and a private jet experience that you can travel to anywhere in the U.S. This is really next level hotwire.com/bookbeyond……. Complete PODCAST interview: SoundCloud.com/kkvidfw; SoundC l o u d. co m / va l d e r b e e b e s h ow ; more interviews: ValdeBeebeShow. com; YouTube.com/valderbeebeshow;411RadioNetwork.com; broadcasting to a global audience on KKVI FM Radio,KRER 104.5 FM, Streaming TV, Social Media, Print Publications; I MESSENGER, Texas Metro News, and Garland Journal.

www.grandpasecret.com December 24, 2021

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December 24, 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 December 24, 2021

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