I Messenger 2-11-22 by Cheryl Smith

I MESSENGER VOL XI NO 23 FEBRUARY 11, 2022

Let the record reflect: I have done my job!

"I am running on my professional record and my record alone." The Honorable Tammy Kemp

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. February 11, 2022

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Why Black History? THE TRUTH CLINIC By James W. Breedlove

can’s historical experiences, both in Africa and the Diaspora. In fact, a positive identity or enhanced Since 1926 February has been associated with self-concept is critical for the academic, social, and the celebration of Black History. The initiative for personal success of Blacks everywhere. And this this celebration was spearheaded by noted black vacuum makes Black history even more important. historian Carter G. Woodson. But the question Black History also makes us aware of the cycles possibly arises in the minds of some--why Black America has gone through in the continuing strughistory? Isn’t history the past? Why bother with gle with its conscience. At times it moved toward it? We certainly can’t change it. reconciliation and justice, but at other times it That may be true, but let’s pause to examine the seems to be saying to black people, “Thus far, and value of Black History because there are those who no further.” still believe that Blacks have no history worth conBut Black History in America is more than the sidering. A noted Oxford University scholar stated, saga of black people; it is the true story of America “Perhaps in the future there will be some African stripped of myth and legend, a story in which the history to teach. But at the present there is none. cruelty and violence that has undermined and diThere is only darkness…and darkness is not the vided our society stands bared to the world. subject of history”. “No nation, no race,” observed Dr. Charles Finch We must, therefore, seek out our of the Morehouse School of Medicine history because buried therein is a “can face the future unless it knows glorious heritage encompassing evthe extremes it is capable of. ery aspect of human existence. It is Maya Angelou said, “If you know a snapshot of the best and the worst something about your past, you can of mankind. It contains the magnifistand a little more erect, you can face cence of the richest civilizations the the slings and arrows of outrageous world has ever known. Black history fortune.” embraces Cleopatra--the queen of Black people helped build America. Egypt. It will tell of Pythagorus--the Their blood, sweat and tears turned a mathematical genius. It will reveal James W. Breedlove virgin land into an industrial powerheroes such as Hannibal, Tubman, house. Black inventors, artisans, exDrew, Turner, Dubois, Garvey, Malcolm X, King, plorers, statesmen, and entrepreneurs made vital Bethune and many others. We must study for contributions to America in all fields of endeavor. ourselves and be aware of black men and women But the task is not finished. And today we must who were rulers, warriors, physicians, physicists, accept the challenge to add to that noble history. astronomers, artists, philosophers, and educators African Americans stand tall. Discover your that made history. family history and find out who you are. Let us Black history also reveals a significant inkblot study this history with the understanding that we called American slavery. Hundreds of years have are not, as white supremacy infers, an inferior peonot dimmed the memories of atrocities inflicted ple. We are going to use that beautiful black history on our ancestors as they were reduced to human to inspire us to greater achievements and greater chattel by force of law. You will see Plessey defining independence. It is going to be the basis for proudly a separate but not equal society. You will see the de- telling our story to the outside world. spicable Tuskegee experiment perpetrated on in“If a race has no history,” Woodson wrote, “it has nocent blacks under the disguise of medical hope. no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible But as we look back through the chronicles of factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in slavery, oppression, and deception we should not danger of being exterminated.” wallow in self-pity or fabricate shallow excuses Black history shows us it has been done. Our for today’s disparities. We should take inspiration Black heritage says we can do it again. Our future from the valiant success story of black survival in and the future of generations to come demands the face of overwhelming odds. It is a blood soaked that we take up the challenge, to not only lift up past, the odyssey of a great people who have had our generation, but to pass on a flaming torch that horrific crimes committed against it. But we can- inspires future generations of Blacks to climb highnot take inspiration from something that we do not er, ever higher. know. Why Black History, you ask? My answer -- beCarter G. Woodson argued, if education is ever cause it is OUR HISTORY. to be substantive and meaningful within the conComments or opinions may be sent to the text of world history, it must first address the Afri- writer at: thebreed@swbell.net

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INSIDE

FAITHFUL UTTERANCES Flipping through the channels, I caught a glimpse of one of the court dramas. This young lady was devastated because she loved a man who didn’t love her in the same way. This isn’t a new story and it’s one that many experience. You give, hoping that the person will reciprocate.

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BUY BLACK BUSINESS

Life isn’t fair. I think we do our children a disservice when we tell them that they can expect fairness. It is expecting others to have a moral compass and to do the right thing. The reality is that we live in a world that has different scales of justice that do not apply to us all.

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THE LAST WORD How should we commemorate Black History Month? Should corporations, universities, and nonprofit organizations bring in speakers, beat drums, and eat soul food? Should folks take out ads in the media lifting up Black accomplishments?

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February 11, 2022

MY TRUTH by Cheryl Smith Publisher

Who’s responsible for repressive voter laws? Getting out the vote is in the best interest of all elected officials, especially those in the Democratic Party. During a recent voter education and mobilization forum, sponsored by the Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., it was pointed out that when there is a huge voter turnout at the polls, Democratic candidates have a better chance of securing victories. Which brings me to my truth! If you weren’t registered to vote by January 31, 2022; then you can’t vote in the March 1, 2022 primary election. Please don’t think I am letting you off the hook, though! Just because you don’t have a voter registration card does not mean you can’t work campaigns, polls or voter education programs; Just because you may have a criminal background, does not mean you can’t participate by encouraging others to vote and donating to campaigns; AND, February 11, 2022

Just because you aren’t on the ballot or you don’t have an opponent, you definitely don’t get a pass! Every darned election, you should be out working like your life depends on it because it does; just as those lives of your descendants and future generations are equally affected. We’ve seen what happens when there’s low voter turnout.

pointing presidential election next time around. You know voters are fickle. And while many voters take their responsibility seriously and focus on ensuring that they are aware of the issues and the stances of the candidates; there are so many who are not prepared. I salute the organizations and foot soldiers who are helping to educate potential voters. An informed elector-

Texas has already been cited as having some of the most oppressive and disenfranchising voter laws in the country. When it’s a presidential election the turnout is so much higher than during midterm elections. Voters fail to realize that those they vote in during the presidential election need reinforcements that come during the midterm election. Also, if you stay home during the midterm election, you could be setting the stage for a very disap-

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ate is so powerful. Don’t be intimidated at the polls. Don’t let weather deter you, you’ve been wet before and you’ve been hot. Are you hungry? Having people in office who will do the right thing can make the difference in a meal on your table, you having a table, or you having a place to set a table! Go to the polls. Vote ear-

ly. If you have to vote absentee, pay attention to the deadlines and get your document in. Last day to receive vote by mail applications is February 18. Early voting begins February 14 through February 25 and Election Day is March 1. When you are voting, read every single page — those last pages of the ballot are just as important as the first one; just ask President Joe Biden who first served on a City Council. And even before that, several other former presidents were high school class presidents; like Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. Not voting the entire ballot could cause you to pass over some very strong candidates! Texas has already been cited as having some of the most oppressive and disenfranchising voter laws in the country. If you aren’t going to vote, Texas doesn’t need to worry about keeping those legislators responsible for that distinction in office— they have all the help they need, YOU! myimessenger.com

The Honorable Tammy Kemp presents solid case for re-election Let the record reflect: I have done my job! For the past seven years, I have been hard at work presiding over felony cases and dispensing justice in the 204th Judicial District Court. Before I took the bench in 2015, I hired the best and brightest staff in the Frank Crowley Courts Building and we did an assessment of the pending cases in the 204th as well as the manner in which the court operated under my predecessor and identified multiple deficiencies and opportunities for improvement.

WORST TO THE FIRST I successfully streamlined the court’s docket process and reduced the number of individuals in jail pending court action in the 204th from an average of 300 defendants per month down to approximately 100 defendants per month. At a daily cost of $70 per day to house an individual in the County jail, this translates into cost savings to taxpayers and opportunity for the accused. In my first year on the bench, I took the 204th from being the worst ranked felony court to the number one most efficient court in Dallas County; and since that time, the 204th has maintained an exemplary level of efficiency, consistently ranking among the top three most efficient district courts. myimessenger.com

At Paul Quinn College

MOST QUALIFIED CHOICE

cluding working as a defense attorney, and a prosecutor at the Dallas County District Attorney’s (DA) Office, where I tried every type of felony offense including capital murder and death penalty cases. As the former Administrative Chief Prosecutor over the Family Violence & Child

When I decided to run for the bench, I entered the race with confidence knowing my prior experience handling felony cases had properly prepared me for the judiciary. I have 33 years of balanced, senior level experience in-

Abuse Divisions, I supervised 28 attorneys, 21 investigators and 18 support staff. I have presided over more than 100 felony trials and also preside over the Felony Domestic Violence Court. My fellow judges elected me twice to serve as Presiding Judge over all 17 felony courts in Dallas County. It is in this role during the pandemic that I assessed non-violent defendants to release from jail to reduce the spread of the virus among inmates and jail staff; helped implement changes to ensure the health and safety of felony court staff; and, identified the most efficient ways to continue day-to-day court operations remotely during the temporary shutdown of the courthouse. Last year, I partnered with the 203rd Judicial District Court to launch the C.R.O.W.N. (Conversations Regarding Our Women Now) Program, to positively redirect women, ages 17 to 25, who are serving probation sentences. Every four years my job is open and reviewed. I simply ask voters to do their homework and compare my qualifications, experience and accomplishments against that of my opponent. While working at the DA’s Office, my opponent was assigned to my court as the February 11, 2022

#2 prosecutor in the 204th. There are three prosecutors assigned to each felony court. Having served as a #2 prosecutor earlier in my career, I know first-hand it is the position where prosecutors gain the most trial experience, typically trying case after case after case. However, my opponent was allowed to serve the citizens of Dallas County as the #2 prosecutor in the 204th Judicial District Court for approximately two years and never tried a single case during that time. Instead, she repeatedly asked for resets and continuances and was rarely on time or prepared for court proceedings. My extensive knowledge and application of the law make me uniquely qualified to be re-elected as presiding February 11, 2022

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judge of the 204th. My rulings are legally sound, fair and factually based. My rulings have never been reversed by an appellate court and I have never been reprimanded by the Judicial Ethics Commission. I am running on my professional record and my record alone.

TOUGH BUT FAIR I have kept my campaign promises to be accountable to the public, compassionate towards victims, and fair to the accused. I am compassionate towards both victims and defendants and I am genuinely concerned when I see young people standing before me accused of crimes that can potentially change the trajectory of their lives forever. So yes, I sometimes talk to myimessenger.com

Participating in community Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo

"I am running on my professional record and my record alone." young defendants as if they were my own children and I am unapologetic for caring. Additionally, I firmly believe in second chances. Whether a defendant’s criminal activity is a result of addiction, mental illness, stupidity, immaturity, impulsivity or some other type of underlying reason, my goal is to seek treatment or a diversion program to address the root cause of the behavior. Nevertheless, there are some repeat offenders, as well as offenders who commit serious, violent crimes myimessenger.com

where prison time is the appropriate sentence. In those cases, I take into consideration all of the information available about the offense, the applicable law(s), the defendant’s criminal history and background, and the impact to the victim(s).

THE 23rd HUG When my opponent first announced she was running against me, her original campaign messaging focused on me granting Amber Guyger’s request for a hug. People who truly know me

Judge Tammy Kemp

February 11, 2022

will tell you I am an emotive and compassionate person. I am honestly baffled when people say they want a more compassionate justice system but then criticize a judge for demonstrating that very compassion in a tragic case. Almost every person sentenced to prison will rejoin society. Once their sentence is complete we want them to become productive members of society. They should have life again, their punishment should be over. While the media primarily focused on the hug with Ms. Guyger, it was actually the 23rd hug I gave that day following the conclusion of the trial. After the jury sentenced Ms. Guyger and I officially dismissed them from their duty, I thanked them for their service in the deliberation room and hugged each person individually. Then following the brother’s victim impact statement, I went directly to Botham Jean’s family, expressed my condolences on their loss of an amazing young man, thanked them for their composure during the trial and individually hugged each member of the family. This is something I have done in all cases where there is loss of life. After showing compassion to 12 jurors, four juror alternates, one staff member and five of the victim’s family members, before it ever crossed my mind to address the defendant, I had already hugged 22 other people. After engaging with the victim’s family, I looked for Ms. Guyger’s family, they were gone. I had every intention of returning to my chambers, but when I looked over at the defense’s table, I was reminded how racially divided the courtroom had been throughFebruary 11, 2022

Judge Tammy Kemp with the Mavs ManiAACs at the Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo

out the trial, and I heard my mother’s voice (God rest her soul) say, “Now, Tammy, I know you aren’t going to just talk to the Black people in the room and not go over and offer a word of encouragement to this woman.” So, I went over and told her, ‘Brandt Jean has forgiven you. You have to forgive yourself.’ To which Ms. Guyger responded, “Do you think God will forgive me?” I said, “Yes, I know He will.’ What transpired next was me giving Ms. Guyger a bible after she told me she did not own one, and her subsequent request for a hug because she thought I treated her fairly.

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Following the trial, I received threats and a number of complaints regarding the bible and/or the hug. Then a thorough review of the facts by the Judicial Ethics Commission found no wrongdoing by me as judge and all of the complaints, including the one from the Freedom From Religion Foundation and the 300-plus page complaint filed by the Dallas County District Attorney, were all dismissed.

CLOSE CALL As presiding judge, far more concerning than a hug after the trial, was the violation of the court’s gag order to not discuss the case in the media

before the trial by the elected DA — a discovery revealed by the defense just minutes before we were getting ready to bring the jury in for opening arguments. After a year of preparation for this very high-profile trial with potential security and protest implications to the courthouse and the city unlike anything I had ever seen before (we had snipers on the roof ), the DA knowingly violated the court’s order by conducting an interview with a local television station that aired the night before the trial was set to begin. His pre-trial media coverage potentially put the enmyimessenger.com

tire trial in jeopardy. If jurors had seen the news story, it could have influenced their thoughts about the case. What raced through my mind in that moment was all of the countless hours that had gone into this trial on both sides, the idea of starting over with jury selection, potential motions for a change of venue and the domino effect of events that would likely follow; all because of a news story that never should have happened. Later, after the trial, my decision to hold a hearing to have the DA respond to an allegation of contempt of court due to the gag order violation, was not at all personal. It was, however, me upholding the laws I was sworn to uphold as a judge and holding the District Attorney’s Office accountable, for even prosecutors are not above the law.

KEEP KEMP I have been deeply humbled and honored to serve as your judge and I believe whether a defendant, victim,

Judge Kemp out in the community

attorney, witness or juror — ALL people deserve respect and equal access to the justice system. I brought those values as well as strong ethics, morals, and professionalism to the bench when I was first elected in 2014 and again in 2018, and with your support at the polls beginning next week, we

can continue building on that progress in the 204th Judicial District Court over the next four years. The Preston Hollow Democrats, 23rd Senatorial District Tejano Democrats, East Dallas County Democrats, Dallas Police Association, and National Latino Law Enforcement Organization have endorsed me. Please join them in supporting my re-election for Presiding Judge of the 204th Judicial District Court.

JUDGE KEMP AT-A-GLANCE A native of Wewoka, Oklahoma, I earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma. After graduating law school, I worked as an Assistant Attorney General and was later appointed Assistant Secretary of State for the State of Oklahoma, before relocating to the Dallas area. I have been practicing law since 1988 and my areas of expertise include criminal, corporate and retirement law.

Judge Kemp embracing the community at National Night Out

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I am a member of the State Bar of Texas and the State Bar of Oklahoma and previously worked as a criminal defense attorney and prosecutor at the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. I have been a member of Concord Church for more than 28 years, where I serve as a Deaconess, and I am also a member of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. I have been happily married for 28 years to a wonderful, supportive husband, who is also a Deacon at Concord Church, and we have three amazing college-educated adult children. Re-elect Judge Tammy Kemp for the 204th Judicial District Court Accountable to the public. Compassionate towards victims. Fair to the accused. Early voting begins Monday, February 14th and Election Day is Tuesday, March 1st. Political advertisement paid for by the Judge Tammy Kemp Campaign, Paul Hamilton, Treasurer.

February 11, 2022

Black Culture or Black History? QUIT PLAYIN’ BY VINCENT L. HALL

This year, this annual commemoration of Black History Month, pledge to do something you never have before. As you celebrate the honorable handiwork and intellectual inventiveness of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, attempt the extraordinary. In 2022, find a book or two that you haven’t read and commit to learning something new about Black history. And Quit Playin’ like you’re a scholar on the subject. My grandfather, Ed Hall, used to say something that pushes me daily, and it could probably help you too. He would say that they could take all the knowledge in my possession out of this world, and the world wouldn’t miss much. Don’t get it twisted. Papa wasn’t implying that we lack intellect or ability. He meant that there could be no exhaustion of learning and searching. You should never be satisfied with the small amount of knowledge that you can consume, comprehend or contain. There is no room for complacency in education, formal or otherwise. Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, a college dean, preacher, and one of the ten most intelligent and spherically learned people in America delivered a sermon that will never leave me. Along the length of a virulent diatribe, he declared that one of his misgivings February 11, 2022

was having Black students in his African American studies class who thought they were exempt. They made the erroneous assumption that being Black made them experts at Black history. Quit Playin like you don’t think so too!! We confuse knowing our culture with knowledge of our history. The two are far more than a stone’s throw removed from one another.

oquent on Dallas’ Black history, including all the white people who helped or tortured us. Additionally, Peyton can serve up a side order of city and statewide Black history that will leave you longing for more. And then there are books and seminal works that you haven’t read, like “Big D” by Darwin Payne. A professor Emeritus from SMU, his work almost fits glove-in-glove

Marion Butts Collection Dallas Public Library. Leave it on the photo, they need the advertisement. We got lots of Black history just dying over there.

Some of you deem yourself too old to learn or too smart to study. But we must encourage our young people to do a deep dive into Woodson, W.E.B. DuBois, Mary McLeod Bethune, and others. Then, if they know all the trademark folk, have them read to Marcus Garvey, Shirley Chisholm, or H. Rap Brown. Call on our local historian and griot, Donald Payton. Payton can wax bold and el-

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with Jim Schultze’s “The Accommodation.” Buy both books. Listen to one passage of Big D related to Texas’s State Fair. “One special target had been the State Fair of Texas whose president was Mayor Thornton himself and which had been integrated only through pressure. A significant battle had been won in May 1953 when the State Fair’s board of directors vot-

ed to integrate the Midway rides for all 16 days of the Fair rather than only on Negro Achievement Day. This applied only to rides where no contact was involved among the riders. It turned out that at least two rides did not qualify for integration under these terms, and in 1955 the Youth Council of the NAACP under the leadership of Juanita Craft announced intentions to picket the entrances of the Fair on Negro Achievement Day.” We search worldwide to find Black historical figures, and that is worthwhile. But just like politics, all history is local too! You gotta know the roots in order to understand the tree! The African American Museum, in Fair Park, rotates a litany of local and national artifacts that point to movers and movements that shaped this city. If you think Dallas is a hot political mess now, you have no idea how bad it was. Education and especially one of social relevance, is like progress. It is neither a monument nor a mosaic. It’s a movement. It is neither static nor stationary. It’s slippery. We behave as if there is nothing left to grasp. Ebonics and Soul Food are cultural and rooted in history. However, African American history is much deeper than slang and sweet potato pie! Papa Hall was right; we need to learn a lot more! Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and award-winning columnist.

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February 11, 2022

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February 11, 2022

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Celebrating Black women on federal bench OUR VOICES BY BEN JEALOUS

President Biden’s first year in office has brought both triumphs and disappointments. There’s no question that the administration has work to do on voting rights and on passing the critical social infrastructure pieces of the Build Back Better plan. But firmly in the “wins” column is the president’s extraordinary success nominating and confirming to the federal bench extraordinarily qualified judges with a demonstrated commitment to civil rights, especially Black women judges. This is profoundly important to our legal system, to how justice is administered, and to how everyday people experience life in our democracy, whether they ever find themselves in court or not. That’s because even though the U.S. Supreme Court grabs headlines when it decides a big case, the high court takes only a few cases every year. The vast majority of federal cases is decided in the lower courts, at the circuit and district levels. This is where rulings are made that affect our right to vote, to not be discriminated against in housing or to access health care, and so much more. myimessenger.com

Having a strong contingent of Black women judges on these courts means the lived experience they bring—in addition to their stellar legal credentials—is coming into play in deciding cases that will shape all our lives for years to come. The numbers tell a powerful story. A full 65% of President Biden’s circuit court nominees have been people of color. Three quarters have been women, and 42% have been Black women. These statistics break all previous records for inclusion on the critically important circuit courts, whose opinions establish the law in all the states in their region. The president has shown a similar commitment to diversity on the district courts, as well. And all this comes against a backdrop of record-shattering appointments overall: President Biden has had more lower federal court judges (circuit and district combined) confirmed than any other president in his first year, in 60 years. Probe beneath the numbers and you discover even more compelling stories: The personal histories of the Black women tapped by President Biden to serve on our highest courts. A distinguished Yale Law School graduate, Candace Jackson-Akiwumi had her choice of high-powered legal jobs. She worked for a

while at a prestigious law firm, then quit to become a public defender, representing people who could not afford a lawyer. In that role, she helped expose the government’s use of “phony stash houses,” a way to trap people into committing crimes they would not otherwise commit. Today she serves as the only Black judge on the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago. Similarly, Yale alumna Eunice Lee spent 20 years at Manhattan’s Office of the Appellate Defender, representing poor people in New York City convicted of felonies. Today she is a judge on the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in New York. And Ketanji Brown Jackson, a Harvard Law graduate, devoted years of her career to public service, representing low-income people in Washington, D.C., as a public defender. She also served on the U.S. Sentencing Commission, where she worked to end the unjust discrepancy between sentences for crack and powder cocaine. Today she serves on the D.C. Circuit and is on the short list as a future Supreme Court nominee. The paths to confirmation for these women and their fellow nominees were tainted by attacks, racist and otherwise. The right wing press criticized these nominees as “radical liberals.” The Senate

Judiciary Committee asked Ms. Jackson and Ms. Jackson-Akiwumi point-blank at their confirmation hearings if race would play a role in their judicial decision-making. And far right conservatives did everything they could to delay their confirmation. But all of them prevailed, with dignity, grit and grace, the qualities that so many accomplished Black women have shown in the face of adversity. And the story is still being written. On the campaign trail, President Biden promised to name the first Black woman to the Supreme Court, and Justice Stephen Breyer’s retirement paves the way for that to occur. He has held to that promise. Justice Breyer’s intention to retire from the Supreme Court came on Jan. 26, 2022. A day later, President Biden vowed to nominate a Black woman to the Supreme Court by the end of February, saying “it’s long overdue.” Soon, we may see that woman take a long-overdue and rightful seat on the nation’s highest court. I look forward to celebrating that beautiful and momentous day. Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way and Professor of Practice in the Africana Studies Department at the University of Pennsylvania, where he teaches leadership.

February 11, 2022

Love Don’t Live Here FAITHFUL UTTERANCES BY DR. FROSWA BOOKER-DREW Flipping through the channels, I caught a glimpse of one of the court dramas. This young lady was devastated because she loved a man who didn’t love her in the same way. This isn’t a new story and it’s one that many experience. You give, hoping that the person will reciprocate. Sometimes relationships don’t work out, but the problem is when we stay with someone at the detriment of our emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical health. It’s knowing when enough is enough. Trying to make someone love you doesn’t work out well especially if the person doesn’t see and value what they have in you. The Bible has so many amazing real-life stories that are relevant even now. Jacob worked for Laban. He saw his daughter, Rachel, and wanted to marry her. The agreement was that he would work for seven years and at the end of his service, he would be given Rachel in marriage. Laban tricked him and gave him, Leah, the oldest daughter. He served Laban another seven years to have Rachel. The Bible says he loved Rachel more than Leah. You can only imagine the hurt of Leah to know that her husband loved another woman more than her and that woman was her sister. GeneFebruary 11, 2022

sis 29: 31-35 shares the pain Leah experienced: “When the Lord saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren. And Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben, for she said, “Because the Lord has looked upon my affliction; for now my husband will love me.” She conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Because the Lord has heard that I am hat-

was not pleased about Jacob dealing with two sisters (Genesis 30:1, Leviticus 18:18). His decision had ramifications for generations to come. Leah really wanted Jacob’s love. The name of each of her children illustrates her belief that if she continues to give him children, he’ll change. Leah’s story isn’t unusual. We stay in relationships that do not serve us well. We stay in jobs hoping that things will

Instead of looking to God and within for solutions, we seek happiness outside of ourselves. When we don’t deal with the issues that we face, they deal with us. The issues of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel impacted their children as well. Joseph (Rachel’s son) was sold into slavery by his brothers (Leah’s sons) because of jealousy. ed, he has given me this son also.” And she called his name Simeon. Again she conceived and bore a son, and said, “Now this time my husband will be attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” Therefore his name was called Levi. And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “This time I will praise the Lord.” Therefore she called his name Judah. Then she ceased bearing.” She ultimately had six children for Jacob—5 boys and 1 girl. God

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get better. We hope that if we do more, maybe this friend will see how committed we are to them. There are many examples of giving more, hoping that things will change when the other person/situation has demonstrated who they are and what they value. In addition to desiring Jacob’s love, there was a significant rivalry with her sister. They even traded time with the other for Jacob. Instead of recognizing the trickster ways of Jacob, they saw the other

as a target blocking the affection they wanted to receive. Blame can hide the real issue and instead of dealing with the source of the pain, we only address the symptom. Instead of looking to God and within for solutions, we seek happiness outside of ourselves. When we don’t deal with the issues that we face, they deal with us. The issues of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel impacted their children as well. Joseph (Rachel’s son) was sold into slavery by his brothers (Leah’s sons) because of jealousy. Leah didn’t walk away for whatever reason. She was committed to a man who did not feel the same way about her. She passed on her frustration to her children. What are you passing on to those who do love you because of the pain someone else caused? What issue is in your life that you hope will change? What is it that you keep pouring into but doesn’t do the same for you? Leah’s story is one that should remind us that when we understand God’s love for us, we don’t have to accept anything that doesn’t love or treat us the way we deserve. Seek God’s love first. Love you and leave those alone who are willing to see you reproduce pain over and over. 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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2022 DART

STUDENT ART CONTEST This year’s theme:

DART’S NEW BUS NETWORK:

SIMPLER. BET TER . FAS TER . EASIER! FINAL DEADLINE:

APRIL 8, 2022

Enter today at DART.org/ArtContest Community Partners

Media Partners Your Ad belongs here, Contact: 214-941-0110

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WNBA Dallas Wings News and Notes By Dorothy J. Gentry Sports Editor

Photos by Getty Images and USA WNT

The Dallas Wings have found the anchor for their team now and in the future in star guard Arike Ogunobowale, who signed a multi-year contract extension on Thursday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed per team policy, but the extension ensures Ogunbowale, the reigning WNBA All-Star Game MVP, is with the team through the 2025 season. She is currently in the last year of her rookie contract and the extension will kick in after this season. “This opportunity with the Wings is a dream come true,” Ogunbowale said. “I want to thank Wings ownership, Greg Bibb, and (Coach) Vickie Johnson for their belief in me. “I was excited when the Wings drafted me, and now having spent the first 3 years of my career here I’m proud to call Dallas home. I look forward a great future with the Wings organization.” The Wings selected Ogunbowale with the fifth overall pick in the 2019 WNBA draft, and the Milwaukee, Wisc. native led the team with 19.1 points per game, the league’s third highest scoring average in the WNBA during her rookie campaign. In the 2020 season, she led the league in scoring with 22.8 points per game, becoming just the fourth player, and the fourth youngest player, in WNBA history to lead the league in scoring in one of her first two seasons. In three seasons, the former Notre Dame product has been named to the 2019 All-Rookie First Team, the 2020 All-WNBA First Team, the 2021 myimessenger.com

Arike Ogunbowale Signs Multi-Year Extension All-WNBA Second Team and was named MVP at the 2021 WNBA All-Star Game.

“As a coach, you always want to be able to push your players and bring the best out of them

Dallas Wings Guard Arike Ogunbowale

“First and foremost, I am so happy for Arike and her family that they will continue to call Dallas home and that she will remain as a centerpiece of our team and community,” said Head Coach Vickie Johnson.

on the floor and have them expect the same from you. Arike exemplifies this and she is an exceptional team leader on and off the court with the way she conducts herself and rallies her teammates around

her. We are all so excited to see her continue to bring her game to the next level and lead this team on many successful runs in the future.” On July 5, 2021, Ogunbowale became the third fastest player to score 1,500 career points (74 games) while in the middle of recording the fifth longest double-digit scoring streak in WNBA history (65 games). Ogunbowale has totaled 1,730 points over the course of the past three seasons, the most points scored in the league in that time span and has played in every game but one (87 games). Since 2019, she is also second in the WNBA in three pointers made (185) and third in free throws made (373). Wings Head Coach Named to USA Women’s Olympic Team Coaching Staff Dallas Wings Head Coach Vickie Johnson was one of four WNBA coaches named to the coaching staff of the 2022 USA Women’s National Team training camp and FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament currently being held now through Feb. 12th in Washington, D.C. Head coach of the 2022 USA National Team is Cheryl Reeve, head coach of the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx. In addition to Johnson, other coaches named to the staff are Curt Miller (Connecticut Sun), Mike Thibault (Washington Mystics) and James Wade (Chicago Sky). The coaching staff was selected by the USA Basketball Women’s National Team Committee and approved by the USA Basketball Board of Directors. See WNBA DALLAS WINGS, page 44

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192ND CIVIL DISTRICT COURT

ACCESS, JUSTICE AND EQUALITY FOR ALL www.shelby192forjudge.com

POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT PAID FOR BY THE TRACIE M. SHELBY FOR JUDGE CAMPAIGN, TREASURER ROBIN STEVENS

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Call issued to Support Black Businesses dabizznesstax.com/lovilla-bables/home?authuser=0. Located at 3460 N Town E Blvd, Suite 400, Mesquite, TX 75150, reach out at 1(844) 425-0736 or you can schedule an appointment on line. Laquesha Massie is the Founder & CEO of the DaBizzness Tax Title & Insurance, Divine Tax Software LLC, WeLinq Enterprise, DaBizzness…

Buy Black! When Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III, of Friendship-West Baptist Church, announced 100 Days of Buying Black in acknowledging the 100th Commemoration of the Tulsa Race Massacre, we joined the movement. December 31, 2021 marked 100 days of featuring Black Businesses. and we decided that the struggle continues and we must also. So enjoy reading about more Black-owned businesses and please support.

YAH ORGANICS CO

The owner of YAH Organics Co., Melody LaGrone is a certified Holistic Health Practitioner dedicated and passionate about holistic living. She has spent years researching answers for her own personal health issues and a love for all things natural/organic was born. Melody began helping friends and family to overcome some of their toughest health and wellness challenges. Alongside her husband, biggest cheerleader and co-owner Kevin and their blended family of 6, she understands all too well the tough demands of life can be even tougher if your mind, body and soul aren’t healthy enough for the journey. Yah Organics Co. is a holistic health & wellness company dedicated to providing quality, natural/organic herbal health aids, nutritional and dietary supplements, non-toxic personal care products, healthy snacks and non-perishable pantry staples.The motto is “it’s what you’re made of that counts.” Check out the site at www.yahorganics.com

PERSONALIZED CREATIONS

Personalized Creations by Marisa has custom apparel, drinkware, gift wraps, home decor, custom orders and more. At PCM they create unique items that “celebrate an often-overlooked demographic…brown skin.” Marisa started her business because of the lack of myimessenger.com

YA MOMMA’S KITCHEN LLC

Dr. Frederick D.Haynes III

stationery options for women of color in big box stores. She can help you Rep your Brand and promote your business! She even has a special payment plan, Sezzle! NOTE: That doesn’t mean “don’t pay your bills.” It means “pay like you said you would!” Honor your commitment. There are also VIP mail perks and you can join the mailing list. Check out https://personalizedcreationsbymarisa.com/.

LOVELESS GALLERIES

Yvette and James have a beautiful story of how they came together and formed Loveless Galleries. In addition to selling art and painting original art, they also have table sculptures. Interested in an original custom portrait, James can do it! James wants to paint all of the people that were involved in the development of the United States. He also does wall murals and he takes your photographs and paints original portraits. Get your 2022 calendars or pick up one of timeless beauties. Framing is also available! Give him a call at 817-841-7625 Log on to www.iloveblackart.net

DA BIZZNESS

Lovilla Bables is available to assist in all areas of tax preparation. She’s a 10year tax officer who says she “gets the job done.” Log on to Da Bizzness Tax Title at https://sites.google.com/

Ya Momma’s Kitchen LLC is located inside the Shell Gas Station at 440 W. Kiest Blvd in Dallas. Call 214-206-0560 for daily menu options. They provide a variety of “not your AVERAGE fast food along with Soul Food Mixture” at least twice a month. Get cajun/ creole and more. You can pick up or within a three mile radius, delivery is offered. Check them out of Facebook!

REINVIGORATE WELLNESS

Dr. Jasmine Ervin, Ed.D is the founder of Reinvigorate Wellness; a comprehensive wellness organization designed specifically for you. She can help you eat healthier and prepare healthy meals. Dr. Jae is an educator and she is passionate about cooking, education, and finances. She is committed to the meal prep system, K-12 education, and financial relief for others. Visit the https://www.reinvigoratewellness.com/ email her: TheReinvigorateBrand@gmail.com or call Dr. Jae at 214659-1684.

LUHU

Tiffani Hutton is the Founder of LUHU, a virtual assistance platform that connects non-profits and social justice-oriented organizations to equitable assistants, providing administrative support to

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achieve measurable impact. Equitable Assistants are often the first point of contact for an external agency, making it crucial that you select an assistant who is a true embodiment of your organization’s values, morals, and vision. At age 19 Tiffani began LUHU when she realized that personal connection and “people proficiency” were missing from the administrative field. Tiffani’s number one goal is to help your organization to advance its mission. Visit the website: https://www.luhuvirtual.com or email Tiffani at info@luhuvirtual.com.

TRC THE RELATIONSHIP CLINIC

There’s nothing wrong with counseling. Actually there are so many who need counseling but forego the opportunity to deal with issues that may keep them from reaching a better place. There’s help though... GARY “GP” WARDLAW, LMFT, LPC FOUNDER + CO-OWNER, LEAD THERAPIST and BRITTNEY WARDLAW, JD FOUNDER + CO-OWNER, CONSULTANT + EDUCATOR and they can provide services at two clinics. Services include counseling, consulting, and training advocacy, and a TRC Blog. Visit the TRC The Relationship Clinic at https://www. therelationshipclinic.com/ There are two locations: Waco Clinic, Waco, TX 76708. Hours, Monday–Friday 10 am to 6 pm. Phone (254) 294-7572 and Dallas Clinic, Duncanville, TX 75116. Hours, Monday–Friday 10 am to 6 pm. Phone (469) 759-6647.

POLISHED PICNICS

For the dreamiest picnics ever, Polished Picnics Co is your onestop shop for picnics. Michelle Washington is the Picnic Planner, Event Stylist/Curator, Florist, and Owner of Polished Picnics Co. and she has a serious addiction to making everything she touches look beautiful. Michele dreams big and works hard to execute each client’s vision to pure perfection because it’s what she truly lives for! Visit: https://www.polishedpartiesco.com/. Call 469888-6732, Studio (Studio One Eleven Dallas) 15080 E Beltwood Pkwy Suite 111 Addison TX 75001.

NOW AND THEN ZEN BODYWORKS

Now and Zen Bodyworks melts away your aches, pains, and nagging soreness. Now and Zen Bodyworks helps February 11, 2022

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relieve back pain caused by tight muscles excessive bending, and poor spinal alignment. Owner Brenda Austin is a fully licensed Massage Therapist and founder. Services include Lymphatic Massage; Sports, Deep Tissue, Prenatal, Hot Stone Massage; Out-Call Massage; Chair Massage. Perfect for your Sporting Events, Spa Parties, Massage for Causes, Employee Rewards Massage, Gift Certificates Available. Contact Now and Zen Bodyworks for your Zenergizing Experience. https://www.nowandzenbodyworks.com/ 16300 Addison Rd. Suite 260 Addison, TX 75001. Call 469647-2251 or email NowandZenbodyworks5@gmail.com

world touring artists in an intimate setting. Good food, entertainment and service; just the place for a nice time. Located at 813 Exposition Ave, Dallas, TX 75226. Call (214) 702-9945

SANKOFA KITCHEN

Lott’s Photography was established in 1997 on the Foundation of Good Photography is where you find it! Frank A. Lott II’s Photographic specializations are Black & White, Conventions & PR, Editorial, Entertainment, Event, Parties & Events, Photojournalism, Portrait, Weddings. Highly professional, Frank comes in, takes care of business and gets your photos to you promptly. Contact Frank at 214-916-8593

Looking for good, healthy food in the southern sector of town? Sankofa Kitchen has provided the best of fresh and healthy food and beverage choices for the Dallas-Fort Worth areas for over 20 years. Located in the heart of Dallas, they offer vegan and meat lover meals, delicious smoothies, and the best customer service. It’s an experience and you’ll love it! The entire family is dedicated to providing our community with healthy lifestyle choices, steering away from fast food to offer fresh food. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 12 pm to 7 pm, ready to serve our community. Check them out at 3333 W. Camp Wisdom Rd., Suite 118, Dallas, TX 75237. Call 972.296.0940 to place your order.

BILLIE JOE COFFEE CO.

Billie Joe Coffee Co., under the management of owner Billy Brown, touts superior service and personalized attention. At Billie Joe Coffee Co. their single purpose is to “produce the best coffee we know how” by sharing their inspiration and passion for coffee and create community through the celebration of it. They work with farmers visiting single farms and buying the highest quality coffees they can find. They procure, roast, and prepare coffee in a way that honors everyone involved, from the farmers to the baristas. Check out Billie Joe Coffee Co. 1015 Ikea Place Suite 200, Grand Prairie, Texas 75052 Call 972-639-3344 or email info@billiejoecoffee.com

FRANK LOTT PHOTOGRAPHY

THE TECH GUY

The IT Authority Greg Burns started The Tech Guy as a single-person consulting firm. Since then, the company has grown to help support the needs of our clients and business affiliates. The Tech Guy is a provider of computer network support, web design, business security systems, and other technology services. Our support staff and technicians specialize in technology in addition to computer networking services and premium application installation/website design. Our clients include law offices, insurance companies, government agencies, school districts, startups, and other general business companies from 10 to over 400 employees. Email: info@the1techguy. com. 903-339-2222

THE COCHRAN FIRM DALLAS/FT. WORTH/ HOUSTON

SANDAGA 813

Looking for a nice evening out on the town? Sandaga 813 is one of Dallas’s best-known and most-respected live music venues. Local performers cover a range of styles from Jazz, NeoSoul, House, Acid Jazz, RnB, Hip Hop and more. The “Love Soul” events showcase some of today’s most “in demand”

The Cochran Firm Texas stands for carrying on Johnnie Cochran’s life work, which means protecting the legal rights of ALL people. The Cochran Law Firm works day and night for justice. Experienced Personal Injury, Criminal Defense, Estate Planning and Bankruptcy Lawyers Bryan Pope, Larry Taylor and Nicole Taylor lead the team over locations: Dallas, Ft. Worth, Houston TX; and Tulsa OK. Check them out at www.cochrantexas.com or call 214-466-7620, 214427-8971 or 918-900-2000 myimessenger.com

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ZAN WESLEY HOLMES JR. COMMUNITY OUTREACH CENTER PRESENTS IN CONVERSATION WITH MARC MORIAL , NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE Title Sponsor:

Roland Parrish and Parrish Restaurants Ltd.

Honorary Chairs: Details:

www.zwhjcoc.org or email inconversation@zwhjcoc.org for additional information.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2022-in-conversation-withmarc-morial-national-urban-league-tickets-231719046907.

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Black History Real and Imagined THE LAST WORD BY DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX

How should we commemorate Black History Month? Should corporations, universities, and nonprofit organizations bring in speakers, beat drums, and eat soul food? Should folks take out ads in the media lifting up Black accomplishments? Should there be moments of silence, should folks lift up the special folks in their organizations who commemorated history? Or should we keep it real and call our nation out on the ways that Black history has been manipulated, distorted, and ignored? In the name of Carter G. Woodson, the founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), can we firmly support the teaching of truth in educational institutions? I’m not talking about critical race theory, a legal concept that is only occasionally taught in undergraduate schools, but mostly presented in our nation’s law schools. Somehow the history deniers have managed to propose laws in the majority of states to regulate the way race is taught in schools. These laws would prevent teaching content that would make students “uncomfortable” or “guilty.” In other words, legislators are saying that teachers can’t tell the truth. I understand discomfort. I myimessenger.com

understand it personally. I’ll never forget my seventh-grade Catholic school classroom when a sister who looked like she had jumped off an Aunt Jemima’s pancake box was pictured in the textbook and the nun looked at me, directly, before saying that enslavement “wasn’t that bad.” It might have been my mom’s eighth or ninth bus trip to the school to tell them about history. Uncomfortable? Tell me about it.

to me and to incorporate racism into the way they saw the world. So I have a message to those corporations who are doing these Black History Commemorations, ads and sales. Stop it! We ain’t stupid. We aren’t buying your stuff because you genuflected to a moment. If you are really about Black History, why not support Black people, on the real? Why not put your corporate weight into the fight for voting rights? Why not treat your employees fairly. We don’t

For the next week or so, I was hazed by classmates who told me that I used to be a slave. No matter. I gave as good as I got, and the truth was that my foremothers and forefathers were enslaved. Nobody cared about my discomfort nor the distorted version of history my classmates and I were force-fed. And nobody cared that white children were also being fed a distortion that allowed them to feel superior

need to see your ads, we need to see your action. That’s the hard part, though. It means changing your mind and shifting your consciousness. It means understanding the way that racism is baked into the cake we call America. It means calling it out, it means investigating the many ways your corporation benefitted from racism. If you are an insurance company, did your company insure enslaved people? Did you pay when they were murdered,

because they were the property that you insured? If you are a bank, did you issue bonds to corrupt and vicious enslavers? What were the profits and how do they manifest to this day? If you don’t want to deal with these issues, perhaps you can hire an historian or empower your employees to go through your archives. Or do you think that these questions are going to go away. We are living in a moment of reckoning. The murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor have reminded us that Black Lives Matter because heretofore Black Life has been considered cheap. We must call their names, sing their song, this month. The singing and swaying, the renditions of Lift Every Voice and We Shall Overcome are poetic and powerful, but action is even more powerful. Corporate America could change public opinion if it chose to own its role in our nation’s ugly history. It’s an ugly history, but it also a powerful one. As Dr. Martin Luther King often said, “The arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice.” Corporate America can accelerate the slope of the arc if they are willing to share their role in the exploitation of Black people. I’m not expecting corporate America to do the right thing. I’m just offering a possibility that makes sense and can make a difference. Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an author, economist, and social commentator.

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Carrollton - Cedar Hill - Coppell - Desoto - Irving - Grand Prairie

FAIR. COMMITTED. ENDORSED.

Senator Royce West

Representative Rafael Anchia

Representative Julie Johnson

Commissioner John Wiley Price

Commissioner Dr. Elba Garcia

www.judgesashamoreno.com Pol. Adv. Paid for by Judge Sasha Moreno Campaign.

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Work of Dr. King is still not done OUR VOICES BY REV. JESSE L. JACKSON, JR. As we begin our celebration of Black History Month, we have just completed an extraordinary national tribute to a leader who did not amass a fortune, nor command an army, nor hold elective office, and yet transformed America. In the U.S., we too often love martyrs and not marches. We honor those who sacrifice — after they are dead. Yet, Dr. King’s example when he was alive holds lessons for us today. I spent Dr. King’s last birthday with him. While he took time to let us celebrate his birthday, he spent the day working, meeting with allies to talk about how to end the war in Vietnam and how to build a poor people’s campaign at home. Dr. King saw how the war in Vietnam had sapped energy and resources from the war on poverty at home. With millions in poverty — more whites than Black or brown people — in the richest nation in the world, he understood that we needed a “revolution in values,” a radical redistribution of economic and political power. As he wrote in a report to his SCLC in 1967, “We must see that the evils of racism, economic exploitation and militamyimessenger.com

rism are all tied together — you really can’t get rid of one without getting rid of both.” Today, Dr. King would warn that a country where there is bipartisan support to spend over $7 trillion on the military over the next decade while bitter partisan division blocks lifting children out of poverty is condemned to grow weaker, not stronger. And surely, a country plunging into increasing tensions with both Russia and China will find it hard to rebuild at home. Dr. King helped lead the drive to pass the Voting Rights Act, understanding that the right to vote was fundamental to a democracy. Today that right is being systematically attacked by a right wing movement that understands it represents a minority, and thus is intent on making it harder for the majority to vote. The use of the filibuster by Republicans in the Senate, the very instrument used by Southern senators to defend segregation, is both revealing and repugnant. Southern senators used the filibuster to try to block the original Voting Rights Act. Dr. King denounced the “minority of misguided senators who will use the filibuster to keep the majority of people from voting. They will not let the majority of senators vote. And certainly, they will not want the majori-

ty people to vote because they know that they do not represent the majority of the American people.” Dr. King would urge President Biden to push hard to overcome those who stand in the way of democracy reform and of economic decency. Yet he also understood that citizen movements — citizens mobilized and demanding change — are essential if fundamental reform is to take place. He understood that it was Selma that moved the Voting Rights Act in Washington. So while he would call on the president to push, he would organize to force senators to face their own constituents. Joe Manchin, the senator from West Virginia, who has torpedoed the Build Back Better legislation, is a wealthy man, enjoying life on a yacht in Washington, D.C., profiting from fossil fuel investments, hanging out with the deep-pocket interests that finance his campaigns. He needs to face the West Virginians who need the child tax credit to help feed their children. The students who could attend college if community colleges were tuition-free. The seniors who can’t afford the medicines they need. The young graduates who can’t afford a family because they did the right thing and took out student loans to pay for college.

The workers who have no future without targeted investments that provide alternatives to the coal industry that is rapidly dying. Let Joe Manchin tell them why he stands in the way. Kyrsten Sinema, the senator for Arizona, who now violates the promises she ran on and chooses to defend the filibuster over voting rights, needs to hear from Arizonans — Black, brown, Native American, seniors, the disabled, the students — all of whom are victims of voter suppression efforts of the minority. That she already has a serious Democratic primary challenger can only help concentrate her mind. America is once more at a turning point. The need for change is apparent, though there are entrenched interests mobilized to stop it. It is only if citizens of conscience mobilize and work and demonstrate and organize that these interests can be overcome. Dr. King’s triumphs came from understanding that essential truth — and by devoting his life to building that movement. We can celebrate his example and Black History Month by answering the call to action and by realizing that the work is not yet done. The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. is president and CEO of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition.

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The C.R.O.W.N. Program presents Love for Our Community Drive-Thru Food Giveaway Event hosted by Judge “Rocky” Jones and Judge Tammy Kemp provides free groceries and diapers WHO: Honorable Raquel “Rocky” Jones, Presiding Judge, 203rd Judicial District Court Honorable Tammy Kemp, Presiding Judge, 204th Judicial District Court C.R.O.W.N. Program participants Hunger Busters The Lullaby House WHAT: The Love for Our Community Drive-Thru Food Giveaway presented by the C.R.O.W.N. Program, has partnered with Hunger Busters, The Lullaby House, and Paul Quinn College to distribute free groceries and diapers to the public. Other participating community partners include Texas Metro News, Metrocare, Services of Hope and SPCA Texas.

Honorable Tammy Kemp

Honorable Raquel “Rocky” Jones

WHEN: February 12, 2022 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. CST WHERE: Paul Quinn College 3837 Simpson Stuart Rd. Dallas, Texas 75241 Enter at East Gate entrance (closest to I-45) BACKGROUND: Founded in 2021 by Judge Raquel “Rocky” Jones of the 203rd Judicial District Court and Judge Tammy Kemp of the 204th Judicial District Court, the C.R.O.W.N. (Conversations Regarding Our Women Now) Program is an eightweek mentorship program that seeks to positively redirect eligible women, ages 17 years to 25 years, who are serving felony probation sentences. The program’s curriculum includes sessions on mental health, college readiness, employment, personal finances, self-esteem, dating and healthy relationships. The program meets on the first and third Thursday of each month in both courts. Participants who successfully complete the program are eligible to have their court ordered community service hours waived; court costs and probation fees reduced or waived; participate in mail-in reporting; and have the potential to receive an early discharge from probation. The program’s second cohort is now underway. myimessenger.com

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GET THE FUNDING YOU NEED TO HELP KEEP YOUR DOORS OPEN.

YEP, I’M OPEN.

Get up to $15K from Dallas County to help keep your business open.

If your business has been struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s a solution to keep it going. Dallas County offers forgivable loans up to $15,000 for small businesses in need.

This program can assist with:

Eligible businesses must:

3 months of payroll

Be located in Dallas County but outside the city of Dallas

Lease payments

Been in existence since March 1, 2020

Utilities

Have fewer than 100 employees

Renting of existing equipment

Have suffered financially due to the pandemic

Payment of existing business-related loans for equipment vehicles Real estate + $3,000 of restart up capital

For more information, visit DCBusinessAssistance.com or call (214) 875-2187.

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WNBA Dallas Wings News and Notes cont. from page 23 All four will serve as court coaches during the Feb. 5-9 training camp. Johnson and Thibault will assist on the bench during the FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament from Feb. 10-12, while Miller and Wade will continue as court coaches and team scouts during the tournament. “This is a really strong collection of WNBA coaches,” said Reeve. “They possess great minds for the game, strong connections to the players, USA Basketball experience, and I am looking forward to working with them.” One of four world-wide sites selected by FIBA to host a FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament, the Washington, D.C., site features teams from the USA, February 11, 2022

Belgium and Puerto Rico competing Feb. 10-12. Puerto Rico will play Belgium on Feb. 10; the Feb. 11 contest features the USA against Belgium; and the women’s games conclude with a USA versus Puerto Rico clash on Feb. 12. All games will be held at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, D.C. WNBA Hold Draft Lottery, Dallas Wings Will Pick Fourth The Dallas Wings will pick fourth in the 2022 WNBA Draft Lottery. The team also has the sixth pick in the draft giving them multiple top-10 picks in consecutive years. The 21st annual WNBA Draft Lottery was recently held during a 30-minute spe-

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cial on ESPN. The Washington Mystics won the lottery for the first time in franchise history and earned the top pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft which will be held April 2022.

Dallas Wings Coach Vickie Johnson

The Indiana Fever, which had the most chances to win the top pick (442 out of 1,000), will have the second selec-

tion. The Atlanta Dream will select third after having the second-most chances to land the top pick (276). The Wings, which had 104 chances to receive the first pick, will choose fourth. By missing the 2021 WNBA Playoffs, Indiana, Atlanta, Washington, and the Los Angeles Sparks qualified for the Lottery drawing. Dallas, however, had previously acquired Los Angeles’ own 2022 first round pick in a trade on April 14, 2021. The Dallas Wings last year had the No. 1, 2, and 5th picks in the WNBA draft. They finished the season in 7th place (14-18) and lost in the first round of the playoffs to the eventual WNBA champion Chicago Sky. myimessenger.com

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Metro Community Calendar powered by February 2022

Celebrating the rich heritage and ancestry of Black People

11 The South Dallas Cultural Center Exhibit opening - Nitashia Johnson: The Beauty of South Dallas 5pm - 8pm 3400 Fitzhugh Ave, Dallas, TX 75210 Tickets: sdcc.dallasculture.org Galentines Day: Candle-Making Party! by The CandleLIT Experience. Galentines Day is all about celebrating your love for the ladies (gals) in your life or self-love. 8 to 10 pm at SOAR Creative Studio, Uptown Dallas. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3tQmRDR

The undisputed Queen of Comedy, Sommore, is set to rule the stage as she hosts the Festival of Laughs at Texas Trust CU Theatre in Dallas at 8 p.m. Sommore leads the evening with some of comedy’s most talented and sought-after entertainers, including Arnez J, Don DC Curry, Tony Rock, Tommy Davidson, D. ELLI$ and Griff! The Dock Bookshop Singles Night speed dating (40 & Up, video camera conversations) When: 7:30 pm CT Where: Zoom More info: TheDockBookshop.com / 817-457-5700

The Dock Bookshop presents: special guest Dr. Michael Bell Finding God in Hard Places 3 - 5 pm CT In - person & Virtual Register / More Info www.thedockbookshop.com 6637 Meadowbrook Dr. Fort Worth, Tx 817-457-5700

EARLY VOTING BEGINS - THROUGH Feb. 25

etry, dance, and supporting Black Owned Businesses at Frisco School Of Music & Performing Arts, 9360 Preston Rd. Frisco. 7 to 10 pm. Register/Tickets: https://bit.ly/3rHHlf9

A Night of Black Excellence: Songs of a Revolution, 2 – 4 PM I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA, 1411 I M Terrell Cir S Fort Worth, TX

Miss Dee’s Kitchen by Award Winning Producer/Director Snoop Robinson at TBAAL, 1309 Canton St. 8 pm. Tickets: http://snooprobinson. com/index.html Valentine’s Chocolate & Wine Walk McKinney. Drink wine, eat chocolates, and shop Downtown McKinney with your GALentines or your sweetheart at the Valentine’s Chocolate & Wine Walk in Historic Downtown McKinney. 12 to 6 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3GPKCQ1 Chocolate Galentines Brunch. Get super cute, grab your bestie, or come alone and join us for a Chocolate Galentine’s Day Brunch at Thirsty Cupcake, 502 South Old Orchard Lane, #Suite 134, Lewisville. 11 am to 2 pm. Tickets: https:// bit.ly/3tTnIDQ

13 Verb Kulture events BeatStreet Poetry Live (Best Sunday Social and Open Mic in Dallas) 5pm - 8 pm The Free Man Cafe 2626 Commerce St # 115 Dallas, Tx Open Mic will be limited to 5 artists. Call 972-815-3724

Stephanie Mills and The Whispers perform at the Music Hall at Fair Park. Tickets available at Music Hall Box office. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE SPEAKER SERIES -“How to Clone a Mammoth”, presented locally by at 7 p.m. Could extinct species, like mammoths and passenger pigeons, be brought back to life? National Geographic Emerging Explorer Beth Shapiro investigates. Perot Museum of Nature and Science, 2201 N. Field St.

The World According to Andrew on BlogTalkRadio.com 8 am.-10 am. CST. Sundays Tune in for thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news and commentary. Join the call 646200-0459 on Andrew’s World.

17 Women, Words, and Wisdom: Songs by Black Female Composers - Fort Worth Opera. Fort Worth Opera’s smash-hit Black History Month concert, A Night of Black Excellence: Say It Loud - Songs of a Revolution. 2 to 3:30 pm at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell St. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3AunwMn

19 BBW Presents A Black Diamond Affair Grown & Sexy by Beautiful Black Women, Inc. BBW hosts a casual Black DIAMOND Affair you do not want to miss. Ticket price includes entry, food, drink (BYOB) & live entertainment. 4 to 9 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3qTZszv

Doc Shep Speaks Show! A fresh perspective, but still entertaining! Welcome to The Doc Shep Speaks Show!!!. Tuesdays at 11 am. CST Live on Facebook/@TexasMetroNews, @ fnsconsulting, and YouTube Live @ docshepspeaks.

26 Erykah Badu at The Factory In Deep Ellum by Music Concerts Online.

I Was Just Thinking with Norma Adams-Wade “History Class is in Session” Join in on Facebook/@ TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio.com at 11 am -1 pm. CST. Wednesdays. Join the conversation call 646-200-0459.

The B.A.C. 2 BLACK FEST (Black Arts Centennial) by Infinite Arts Movement, celebrating over 100 years of Black Arts through music, po-

February 11, 2022

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Lifestyle Metro Calendar powered by FEBRUARY 2022 AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH 10 1989 - Ronald Brown became the first Black to head the National Democratic Party

Towards a Black Historical Consciousness in Teaching Black History. Online workshop by School Outreach at The New York Public Library. While Black history is a popular subset of history education, most learners uncritically engage with the subject leaving major gaps in how we understand Black people’s history and culture. 8 to 9 am CST. Reg: https://bit.ly/3KBl2Aq

The Dallas Mavericks play Los Angeles Clippers and halftime entertainment is Texas Southern Southern University’s Ocean of Soul Marching Band. Also from 5:30, visit the Jack Daniels Old No. 7 Club for the pregame mixer presented by Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey and hosted by DJ Steve Nice. https://mavs.spinzo.com/mavs-vs-clippers-202202-12-RVHPD?group=african-american-heritage-night-fcyb

EARLY VOTING BEGINS THROUGH Feb. 25 15 Understanding PTSD Trauma impacts everyone differently, depending on the nature of the trauma, presence or lack of social supports, participation in treatment, and coping mechanisms. Online event. Instructor: Jaymi Dormaier, LMSW. Facebook live @MindspringMentalHealthAlliance 12 to 1 pm

Meet and Greet Dr. Keisha Lankford for U.S. Congress District 30 at Distinctive Vines Wine Lounge, 1110 S. Akard, Dallas, TX 75215 at 6pm. For more info, www.distinctivevines.com 1909 - NAACP was founded Join UNCF and the Dallas Mavericks in celebration of African American Heritage Night at 7:30pm.

Dallas. Tickets · $10. www.eventbrite.com/e/brims-mimosas-beats-day-party-tickets-253980902717

The DFW Network is hosting its first in-person networking event! The Kick-Off Networking event is at Bar Louie (8166 Park Lane) from 7pm-9pm. This is your opportunity to make new friends and connections while advertising your business. Register below. https://bit.ly/dfwnetworkkickoff

Together We Vaccinate by Project Unity, Project Unity is committed to the health, safety and well-being of our communities. Held at Balch Springs Civic Center, 12400 Elam Rd. For ages 5 and up. 10 am to 1 pm. Reg: https://bit.ly/3v1bDem

1992 - John Singleton became 1st Black film director to receive an Oscar nomination (Boyz N the Hood).

16 13

1959 - Actor, Rapper Ice T born

20 Banned Black Films you need to see. 15 years of African Odysseys. Online event by Black History Walks. Selection of banned Black films screened by the African Odysseys film programmed over the last 15 years with facts, statistics, and reasons. 11am CST. Reg: https://bit.ly/33OuPCC

BEST SUPERBOWL WATCH PARTY in the Metroplex@ Michael’s of Las Colinas the New Upscale Grown and Sexy Entertainment venue Come join the DFW Social Elite for the Hottest New Brunch in Town. Young Black Entrepreneurs Networking and Development Group, The FIVEE Bistro & Bar, 1319 Botham Jean Blvd,

Mutual Survival: Black-Jewish Relations in the 21st Century. Online event by Wassmuth Center for Human Rights. Phillip Thompson, Idaho Black History Museum, discusses the crucial collaboration of Blacks and Jews during the 20th and 21st Centuries. 7 to 8 pm CST. Reg: https://bit.ly/356GXzc 2020 - Actress Ja’Net Dubois died - Born 8-5-32

18 I Am Not Your Negro - James Baldwin - Film History Livestream by Washington DC History & Culture. 7 to 9 pm CST. Reg: https://bit.ly/3AnAprG

VOTE BY MAIL APPLICATION DUE! 19 Brims and Mimosas Beats and Brunch Day Party, 11a5p at FIVEE Bistro & Bar, 1319 Botham Jean Blvd.

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New Light Church presents Grief, Peace Conference, 1300 S. Beltline Rd, Mesquite, 10a-12p with Pastors Shawn and Marian Rabb and facilitated by Mental Health Expert and Author, Andrea Wise-Brown, LPC

20 Tracing African Jamaican Roots: Secrets of 1817 Slave Registers Uncovered, by Ancestry Talks with Paul Crooks. Blending Black ancestry with Black history, Paul Crooks reveals how he used the 1817 Slave Register to trace his ancestry and bring his back story to life. 1 to 2 pm. Booking Information: https:// paulcrooks.info/black-genealogy-online-events The Young OG’s Texas TakeOver @ Hyena’s Comedy Nightclub (5301 E Mockingbird Ln) Starring Teddy Ray & Lewis Belt Hosted by JCann Showtime 7pm (2 item Minimum) Tickets - CertifiedFunnyComedy.com or txt 832 921 7288 1927 Actor Sidney Poitier born in Miami, FL. Dies 1/2022Poet Langston Hughes born. Died May 22, 1967

21 1965 - Malcolm X murdered in Harlem, NY

23 February 11, 2022

February 11, 2022

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February 11, 2022

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 February 11, 2022

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