I Messenger by Cheryl Smith

VOL X NO 24 FEBRUARY 26, 2021

I MESSENGER Dr. Harry Robinson Jr. African American Museum

DR HARRY ROBINSON Is that possible? One of these law students could become a Supreme Court Justice!

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

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Looking for answers during this challenging time? WAKE UP AND STAY WOKE DR. E. FAYE WILLIAMS, ESQ.

This coronavirus that has us sheltering in place has taken some through many different emotions. Some have experienced fear, concern, stress and many negative feelings. There are some who have used this time to do positive things that carry with them hope and good feelings about what they’ve been able to do for themselves and for others. I find there is always something out there that makes me smile. Even though I have on my mask and gloves, I bow my head each time I come near anyone just to let them know I see them, and I acknowledge their humanity. I can’t always tell if they acknowledge my recognition of them, but I feel good knowing I have acknowledged them.

STAY ACTIVE

DIVERT YOUR ATTENTION

There are so many things one can do so as not to sit around and bemoan the fact that this virus may have changed our lives forever. It’s so important to be physically and mentally active. In my case I walk between four and five miles per day. One day during the past week, I walked 5.2 miles. Imagine how excited I was about that extra .2 miles! That may not sound like such a big deal, but I knew how long it had taken me to get there! I put that in my success column. You don’t have to do all the big things immediately. Try a gradual approach to whatever it is you set as a goal. In my case, I’m ready to set a new walking goal. That helps to keep my mind off negative things I might be thinking if I just sat around saying, “Poor me.”

There’re so many great things you can do. In my case, along with Bishop Joe Simon, I’m soliciting unregistered voters. Along with members of the National Congress of Black Women, we’re teaching people how to register online. There’s another easy project you can do to help while taking your mind off your fears. Adopt a nursing home. Call the director and find out what products would be helpful for you to donate. Ship the products without ever having to go to the nursing home. If you’re looking for answers, whatever you do, instead of sitting around in fear, think solutions by making a list of at least 10 things you’re capable of doing. Select from the list and do as many as you can. Don’t just sit around in fear.

Dr. E. Faye Williams is National President of the National Congress of Black Women and Host of “Wake Up and Stay Woke” on WPFW-FM 89.3.

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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 26, 2021

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INSIDE

Quit Playin’

Dr. Harry Robinson Jr.

This final installment of our Black History Month series relies on the concept that Black Culture was pivotal as we rose from slavery to self-sufficiency. The Black Church, Black Preacher, and Black women laid the foundation, but our culture built the walls.

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February 26, 2021

MY TRUTH by Cheryl Smith, Publisher

Rodney Reese, 18, was arrested at 10:45pm on February 16 in Plano

Too many women belong to an elite club that no one in their right minds would want membership in. If you’ve ever seen Haile Gerima’s movie, Sankofa, a mother’s pain is excellently portrayed and has been part of my psyche for decades. Her anguished cries were reminiscent of the moans I’ve heard so many times from mothers who have lost a child. Which brings me to my truth. Last week, there could have been another member inducted into that “club” of women who lost sons to police violence/brutality. Outrage is mounting across the country as video of Plano (TX) police arresting a young Black man, 18-year-old RJ Reese, walking home after working the late shift at Walmart. Police say they responded to a call about a man in shorts and t-shirt, stumbling in the street during the winter storm. The situation escalated. All I could do was clench my teeth and shake my head as I watched the officers try to “help” RJ before Rodney “RJ” Reese taking him to jail. They ask if he was okay and he responds that he lives a short distance away and didn’t need any help. They persisted, offering a ride. He declined. He just wanted to go home. A Class C misdemeanor, could have cost RJ his life. It was a case of majoring in the minors! Now charges have been dropped but RJ will probably always remember that night in jail. He’s not a criminal and his actions weren’t either. An inquiry is expected. We can’t condone or excuse the handling of that encounter. And for those who have alternative narratives, it is refreshing that you are becoming the minority.

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We believe our lying eyes!

February 26, 2021

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February 26, 2021

Not Enough Oil FAITHFUL UTTERANCES BY DR. FROSWA BOOKER-DREW

In my lifetime, I’ve witnessed much and I can add something new to my list. Although I’ve seen snow and even been in blizzards in Denver, Chicago, and Toronto, I’ve never gone through what I experienced recently. Monday, February 15, what I thought was going to be a temporary situation went from losing power two hours at a time to more than 11 hours. My house went from a temperature of the low 70s to the low 40s before we made the decision to go stay with a friend. We were not prepared for the possibility of electrical outages, freezing temperatures in the house, and flooding from pipes bursting. This was so different for me and I realized in that moment, that even with the best intentions, we can grossly underestimate what can happen. I was expecting leadership to do the right thing and this was a wake-up call that our dependence on others to lead in moments of crisis lately has been disappointing and downright disastrous. We can learn a lot from Matthew 25 in this season. “At that time, the kingdom of heaven will be like 10 virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and February 26, 2021

five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, the cry rang out: “Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!” Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their laps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.” “No”, they replied “there may not be enough for both of us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and by some for yourselves.’ But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet and the door was shut.“ We often focus on the virgins who were prepared with the oil but not much attention is given to those who were not. I can imagine that those virgins got dressed up and ready to see the bridegroom. They did everything to make

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themselves ready but forgot something. How often do we do the exact same thing? We do everything we need to but later realize that we are vulnerable because we didn’t consider something critical. I’m sure that the virgins expected the bridegroom not to keep them out when they were trying to remedy the situation. I bet they also expected that these women who were with them would have helped them out. What happens when we do as much as we can and yet, life still happens? We may do all that we know how to do and still go through difficulties. The virgins didn’t know the bridegroom was going to be late. They knew he was coming. Ultimately, their assessment was incorrect, and they suffered expecting others to step up. Many of us are depending upon the generosity of family and friends in this time to get through. We expected our municipalities and leaders to do something and they didn’t. What we’ve learned is

the depth of our resolve and our resilience in the face of adversity. No matter how prepared we may be, disappointments happen. We may not have the door completely shut in our lives but we can count on times when we’ve done our best and we still miss out. We can’t give up or get frustrated. We learn from this situation to prepare our homes better, stay connected to neighbors and friends so when we are in need, we have relationships to depend upon, and elect leaders who care, not blame others, and do something. Even more importantly, the moments should remind us that God is present with us, sees all and knows all. We must know that no matter what we go through, there is still hope and the possibility of something different and better for our lives. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” We will get through this. Let’s check on others, give them assistance, and don’t shut others out when they need. 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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A Black Culture Renaissance! QUIT PLAYIN’ VINCENT L. HALL This final installment of our Black History Month series relies on the concept that Black Culture was pivotal as we rose from slavery to self-sufficiency. The Black Church, Black Preacher, and Black women laid the foundation, but our culture built the walls. The kidnapped Africans dropped on these shores arrived with social norms and art forms that ranged from ritualistic to spiritualistic. The mind, body, and soul of the same African who tended the cradle of civilization still moors us to a semblance of sanity. The fact that Africans in America in 2021 are not stark raving mad is partly because of our culture of resiliency and our commitment to formal and informal scholarship. The Black Renaissance period was the pinnacle of that cultural awareness. It’s time for the 2.0 version. Horace Meyer Kallen, a Prussian emigrant, mastered philosophy at Harvard University so well that before being elected president, Woodrow Wilson hired him at Princeton. In 1908, Kallen returned to Harvard and earned a doctorate. While studying at Harvard, Kallen became friends with Alain Locke, the first African American Rhodes Scholar. There were no more until the 1960s. “Cultural pluralism,” according to Kallen, declared that different ethnic groups myimessenger.com

have enriched the American way of life. As immigrants and native-born citizens learned new cultures, America was fortified.

other African Americans and it was called the “first national book” of African America. Locke contributed five essays: the “Foreword,” “The

BLACK HISTORY MONTH SERIES The art, food, education, history, music, and other differences became assets to the unique national experience. Locke made an appearance as the guest editor in the March 1925 issue of the periodical “Survey Graphic.” He headlined a special edition, ”Harlem, Mecca of the New Negro.” Locke waxed eloquently and effectively on the virtues and communal benefits of the Harlem Renaissance. Cultural pluralism was in full view. December of 1925, saw Locke expand the issue into “The New Negro.” It was a collection of writings by him and

New Negro,” “Negro Youth Speaks,” “The Negro Spirituals,” and “The Legacy of Ancestral Arts.” The New Negro did more than educate the masses about Black culture. Locke’s writings and theories coagulated the diverse and warm-blooded artistic ability of former slaves. He was immediately hailed as the “Father of the Harlem Renaissance.” The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy further widened the historical aperture to give us a more vivid snapshot of Locke’s philosophical value and worth. “Locke was a distinguished scholar and educator and

during his lifetime an important philosopher of race and culture. Principal among his contributions in these areas was developing the notion of “ethnic race,” Locke’s conception of race as primarily a matter of social and cultural, rather than biological, heredity.” African Americans continue to suffer from external beliefs that our biology and heredity make us less than. The Harlem Renaissance was important because it proved that we accomplish whatever we desire when we define ourselves and dismiss our naysayers. It is past time for us to prioritize and promote our own creativity and culture. European art, thought and culture cannot be the yardstick for the “Black experience.” If Henry VIII could have developed gospel, blues, and jazz music, he would have. We can never lose sight of the advantages that our disadvantages have granted us. Lemonade without lemons leaves little to celebrate! The church, the preacher, our women’s strength, and our cultural ancestry serve to reprove our viability on this earth. The 11th and unspoken Commandment of our credo must be that we define ourselves for ourselves. Therefore, the best advice that this writer can give you sums up this Black History Month series: Stay with the Black church, listen to the preacher, do what your mama tells you and be the best of who you are. Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and award-winning columnist.

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How to get a COVID-19 vaccine If you are a Parkland patient: Parkland patients (at least one appointment in the last year) will be contacted by Parkland when it’s their turn to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

If you are not a Parkland patient: Please follow these steps to register to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Go to the website of Dallas County Health and Human Services:

www.dallascounty.org/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination.php

Click on the green rectangle to register:

Fill out the form and click Submit. You are now registered.

When it is your turn, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment to get the vaccine at one of the hub sites (such as Parkland, UT Southwestern, Dallas County Health and Human Services, etc.)

Getting the vaccine will protect yourself and the people around you. The vaccine will help stop the spread of the virus in our community and end the pandemic.

Not able to register online? Call the Dallas County Health and Human Services Vaccine Registration Hotline at 469-749-9906, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Registration help is available in English and Spanish.

Until more people are vaccinated, please stay safe.

Wear a mask

Wash your hands

Clean surfaces 01/21/21

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February 26, 2021

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MOBE features female executives in advertising to kick off Women’s History Month Washington, D.C. – The MOBE (Marketing Opportunities in Business and Entertainment) Symposium celebrates Women’s History Month (March) with a weeklong series devoted to Women in Advertising beginning Monday, March 1. Each of the five programs will air at 7 p.m. EST on the Symposium’s Facebook Live and YouTube Live channels and is part of MOBE’s Advanced Marketing Series. The March 1 program will feature an examination of DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) called Ride Or DEI? followed on Tuesday, March 2 with a discussion with CEOs called Power Players: Transforming Madison Avenue. The week’s remaining topics will focus on Creatives: How Is Storytelling Changing (Wednesday, March 3), Advertising Sales: Follow the Money (March 4) and Chief Marketing Officers: ROI in the New Paradigm (March 5). The complete list of panelists (which follows on a separate page below) is comprised of presidents, CEOs and senior executives at some of the industry’s top agencies. MOBE leadership saw the opportunity to focus on Women’s History Month as an immediate extension of its Black History Month celebration. “We had great Black History Month topics and wanted to continue elevating our topics by acknowledging the impact of Black women in the advertising industry,” said Rael Jackson, MOBE’s February 26, 2021

Carol H. Williams

director of brand strategy. “Tom Burrell, who founded the legendary Burrell advertising agency, may be the most well-known name, but women such as Renetta McCann and Carol H. Williams, are arguably at least as influential.” (Williams is credited with creating the Pillsbury Doughboy and the unforgettable Secret (Deodorant) tagline, “Strong enough for a man, but made for a woman.”) Added Ken Rye, a MOBE Advisory Board member and multicultural marketing consultant, “Black women in the workforce, as entrepreneurs and as heads of household, have always been leading drivers of consumerism. This week gives us the opportunity to hear from some of the real powerbrokers who are expanding access and increasing impact in this everchanging industry.” Since MOBE Mondays launched as a weekly program in April 2020, an audience of more than 100,000 people have tuned in to include achievers, influencers and independent thinkers from

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major brands such as AARP, BET, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Nielsen, New York Life, The OWN Network, Procter & Gamble, Revolt TV and Sony. The MOBE SymposiumTM is the leading advanced marketing conference designed to accelerate the growth of business with thought leaders, industry influencers and business owners, enabling them to share cultural insights for purpose-driven brands and savvy marketers. MOBE’s proven track record of facilitating strategic alliances and professional development has resulted in agreements between Black businesses and major corporations that have delivered revenue-

producing connections and partnerships. An estimated $200 million in business was generated for African American companies as a direct result of associations conceived at MOBE symposiums. MOBE (pronounced MOBee) is where marketing, technology, sports and entertainment professionals join with emerging businesses, entrepreneurs and other business professionals and corporations. The MOBE series has delivered business building, education and mentoring resources for African American professionals since 1992. For more information, visit mobesymposium.com

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February 26, 2021

TBAAL receives $150,000 BLACK SEED Grant Now in its 44th season, The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL) has received a $150,000 special BLACK SEED project grant launched and spearheaded by the New York-based Billie Holiday Theatre, in collaboration with three additional Black-led theatre institutions: the Craft Institute, Plowshares Theatre Company and WACO Theater Center. The Black Seed Fund is made possible by a philanthropic cohort, with a lead gift of $5 million from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and Bloomberg Philanthropies, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, the Ford Foundation, Howard Gilman Foundation and the New York Community Trust. The Black Seed’s three-year initiative has a fundraising goal of $10 million, comprised of private and public funders, as well as individual donors. “We are incredibly excited to receive this special project grant,” said Curtis King, TBAAL Founder and President. “It is a testament that persistence, and the hard work we continue to do, have not gone unnoticed in Dallas and around the country. We’re glad to be a grantee among the group of more than 100 celebrated Black American Theaters.” Black Theatre institutions across America will receive a one or two year grant, ranging from $10,000 to $150,000. The funding is a national strategic initiative focused on creatFebruary 26, 2021

Curtis King

ing impact and “thrivability” for American Black Theatre institutions. “The Black Seed stands on the shoulders of Black theater leaders who came before and centered the work by us, for us, about us and near us,” said India Etwaroo, the Executive Artistic Director of the Billie Holiday Theater, who conceptualized and worked with other theatre partners to create the Black Seed initiative. “The goal for the grants is to develop and leverage national partnerships and support for new artistic commissions.” The TBAAL grant is to specifically support the Dress Performance Theatre Series, Sunday Evening Professional Theatre Stage Readings of African American Theatre Classics and new plays by young and promising African American playwrights from six historically African American institutions of higher learning Theatre Departments/ Programs: Jackson (Mississippi) State, Texas (Houston) Southern, Grambling (Louisiana) State, Alabama (Montgomery) State, North Caro-

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lina (Durham) Central, and Bethune Cookman (Daytona, Florida) universities. One of the project’s highlights and centerpieces will be to work with the Universities Theatre Directors to identify two promising young Black playwrights from each school whose work will be published in TBAAL’s Black Theatre Seed Anthology of New Plays. “This partnership and collaboration with TBAAL and the college and universities Theatre Departments/Programs is a dream come true,” said Dr. Mark Henderson, Jackson State University Theatre Arts Faculty Fellow. “It lays a strong artistic foundation for this generation and for generations yet unborn.” Dr. W. R. Coleman, Dean, of Alabama State University’s College of Visual & Performing Arts said, “The College of Visual & Performing Arts at Alabama State University looks forward to the collaborative endeavors and successes of the Black Seed project in partnership with TBAAL. As an institution that has always worked to strengthen the community in every way, TBAAL has found yet another opportunity to do so.” Kyle T. Zimmerman, the Playwright Professor at Grambling State University said, “The Black Seed Project holds a great deal of promise for promoting young African American playwrights. Producing and publishing plays with TBAAL allows our HBCU

young writers to make strides into the theatre profession, even though they are still undergraduates. The networking opportunities and connections will be invaluable to our students as they graduate and seek their place in the professional world.” Dr. Julius John, Director of Theatre at Bethune Cookman University, concurred. “The Black Seed Project is an exceptional opportunity for BIPOC college students who are aspiring playwrights. This is not only a blessing to the students who will be selected to take advantage of this powerful moment; but, additionally, it is the perfect occasion for each HBCU participating, to fully support every aspect of this esteemed project.” The Academy’s mission to promote, foster, cultivate, preserve and perpetuate the arts and letters of the African, Caribbean and African American experience is a perfect collaboration for this national project thrust. “We are excited to be part of what we know will be a historic project,” said Dr. Dianne Jemison Pollard, Dean of the Thomas F. Freeman Honors College at Texas Southern University. “It is an excellent opportunity for young playwrights, faculty and staff at Texas Southern University.” For information about TBAAL and the Black Seed project, contact Curtis King, Theatre Director and Producer, at 214.743.2440. myimessenger.com

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February 26, 2021

Here’s how Texans can apply for FEMA disaster assistance for winter storm damage

Benny Henderson, 53, takes a look at his mother apartment ceiling at Westmoreland Heights in Dallas on Saturday, February 20, 2021, where it collapsed over the kitchen due to water damage after the snow storm Uri hit Dallas this week. Credit: Lola Gomez/The Dallas Morning News

By CHARLES SCUDDER Many Texans who have suffered winter storm damage can apply now for help from FEMA. President Joe Biden signed a major disaster declaration Friday for 77 Texas counties, including much of DallasFort Worth. That allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency to distribute assistance for needs including temporary lodging, home repairs and uninsured property losses. FEMA said people should file insurance claims and begin to clean up and make repairs as soon as it’s safe to do so. It can’t duplicate insurance benefits, but it may be able to pay for costs that insurance doesn’t cover. FEMA suggest taking photos of damage and cleanup efforts to document repairs February 26, 2021

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This story, originally published in The Dallas Morning News, is reprinted as part of a collaborative partnership between The Dallas Morning News and Texas Metro News. The partnership seeks to boost coverage of Dallas’ communities of color, particularly in southern Dallas.

and to keep receipts for cleanup and repair costs. People may apply online at disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800621-3362. FEMA asks applicants to have the following ready: • A current phone number • Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are staying • Your Social Security number • A list of damage and losses • Your insurance policy number or insurance agent and company name

Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Rockwall and Tarrant counties are eligible for federal assistance. Other eligible counties include Angelina, Aransas, Bastrop, Bee, Bell, Bexar, Blanco, Brazoria, Brazos, Brown, Burleson, Caldwell, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Comal, Comanche, Cooke, Coryell, DeWitt, Falls, Fort Bend, Galveston, Gillespie, Grimes, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Hays, Henderson, Hidalgo, Hood, Jasper, Jefferson, Kendall, Lavaca, Liberty, Madison, Matagorda, Maverick, McLennan, Montague, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Nueces, Orange, Palo Pinto, Panola, Parker, Polk, Sabine, San Jacinto, San Patricio, Scurry, Shelby, Smith, Stephens, Travis, Tyler, Upshur, Van Zandt, Victoria, Walker, Waller, Wharton, Wichita, Williamson, Wilson, and Wise. myimessenger.com

ZAN WESLEY HOLMES JR. COMMUNITY OUTREACH CENTER PRESENTS IN CONVERSATION WITH DALE HANSEN, WFAA -TV Title Sponsor:

Roland Parrish and Parrish Restaurants Ltd.

Honorary Chairs:

In Conversation is the primary fundraising effort that helps to make possible the programs and operations of the Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Community Outreach Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The “Conversation” hosts a distinguished guest each year who helps to shine a light on the life and events of our city, state, nation and world. This year’s guest is Dale Hansen, WFAA-TV Sports Anchor, an award-winning journalist who has been a part of the WFAA-TV team for 37 years. He is the weeknight sports anchor and also hosts Dale Hansen’s Sports Special on Sundays, which is one of the highest-rated sports shows in the DFW area. The virtual event will take place at 11:30 A.M. Streaming information will be shared after guests are registered. Please visit www.zwhjcoc.org or email inconversation@zwhjcoc.org for additional information.

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February 26, 2021

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February 26, 2021

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BIG MAMA SAID,

“My feet are paid for, Just walk your walk for God and Me” THE BLACK CARD BY TERRY ALLEN

My Grandmother, Lucille “Big Mama” Allen said many things to her children throughout our lifetime on her journey to heaven. This particular statement, “My feet are paid for, just walk your walk for God and me: was uttered as she lay in a hospital bed and I had just arrived at her medical bedside via a plane flight from NYC to Dallas. I was New York living in Westchester County and I spoke with Big Mama frequently. I mostly dialed her number making homesick calls disguised as “Big Mama give that recipe again”calls. This time, I had gotten a call from my brother, the Bishop, the day before. He said, “Can you come home because Big Mama is in the hospital and this may be her last days?” OMG! As we celebrate Black History Month, I tell this story. I remember Big Mama’s religious upbringing and what feet meant to her. She would tell us that in the Bible, the mention of feet is a symbol for the traveling and effort required in bringing the Good News to others. Proverbs 4:26 Watch the path myimessenger.com

“

Then all of sudden, “Big Mama“ woke up! She smiled! Five hours later, upon her demand, we took her home. She lived for a decade longer! Big Mama’s illness gave us a lesson in our African history and insights to our powerful cultural faith heritage.”

of your feet. And all your ways will be established. I arrived at the hospital and one of my sisters said she had not been awake since she got there. She said she did not like the current doctor. I began to observe the Doc-

Aunt Mary and Uncle Charles came by I went to Big Mama’s side to rub her feet. I am not sure why because that is what my brother always did. As I rubbed her feet her eyes opened and she said,” Baby don’t worry about them feet

tor’s bedside behavior and agreed with her! So much went on those seven days in the hospital room. During the week I was there, we all took turns talking to Big Mama. One night after my

they are paid for, but you got to handle this for me.” And she went back into her coma. OMG! Big Mama just told me I had to act but had no idea what. I was shaken! I called my sis in

Houston. She was on her way. I called a “community aunt” and she arrived with 5-6 other “aunts.” I then observed those ‘Aunts” gathering around her bed. They begin a 30-minute Bible toting “ring shout.” The entire hospital floor heard the wails, the moans and the chants. Nurses stopped working. Doctors stood by the door. Then all of sudden, “Big Mama” woke up! She smiled! Five hours later, upon her demand, we took her home. She lived for a decade longer! Big Mama’s illness gave us a lesson in our African history and insights to our powerful cultural faith heritage. The ring shout, rooted in the ritual dances of West Africa and forged by the Atlantic slave trade, is believed to be the oldest surviving African American performance tradition of any kind. I learned how to walk for God and Big Mama that day. Acts 3:7 And seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened. February 26, 2021

Gina Grant continues to soar FROM MARVA WITH LOVE BY MARVA J. SNEED

On From Marva with Love, we are celebrating Black Entrepreneurs for Black History Month. Gina Grant is the Founder and CEO of Women That Soar, a Dallasbased media and content development company. Her focus is all about empowering and inspiring women to overcome their obstacles and soar, both personally and professionally. Women That Soar has been hosting an award show since 2007 for women who have overcome those obstacles and celebrates their accomplishments. MS: Gina, tell us about some of the people that have received the Women the Soar Award and how you found them. GG: Well, Women That Soar is the brand of the media

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company. It’s the brand, but the WTS Awards is named after the company and is all about honoring women who have courageous stories of going through the ups and downs of life and who are willing to share their stories with others about how they learn to soar. So we find the women based on other people just sending us stories. We look for women who have reached the pinnacle of success. But yet at one point in their lives, they were at the bottom. They were in the pit a lot of times. Nancy Lieberman and Gloria Campos were honored among others. MS: How did COVID affect your business? GG: COVID hit in March 2020, when we had just partnered with the city of Dallas. We had come off one event, on February 15. We had Yolanda Adams there, and this is where we made the big announcement that we were going to do part two of the WTS Awards. We had filmed

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Gina Grant

part 1 and in November 2020 were supposed to be part two. It was going to be a three-day event. We had every celebrity and we were bringing Hollywood to Dallas, and COVID hit and shut us all down. Honestly. I was in Prayer day and night. Productions were dying. Everyone was losing money left and right. We went in the hole, and God just started speaking to me and said, “share your story.” I started to writing. So every day I would get up and I just wrote my own story and I sent it to my producing

partner, Reuben Cannon, and he said, “Gina, we’ve got to shoot a docu-series and it’s got to be focused on minority women.” I said, it has to be about African American and Hispanic women. MS: Tell us about the docuseries. GG: Overcomers is an unscripted, pre-eminent docu-series that is like none other. It explores the raw, reallife stories of single mothers who have chosen to rise above their current circumstances and fight for a better future for themselves and their children… To hear the full interview with Gina Grant, go to B l o g Ta l k R a d i o . c o m / Cheryl’s World link: http:// bit.ly/3qI42yp or Texas Metro News FB: https://bit. ly/2LZBOjj. Follow Gina Grant at www.womenthatsoar.com. “From Marva with Love” BlogTalkRadio.com/Cheryl’s World Texas Metro News email: marvasneed@myimessenger.com

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Dallas COVID-19 Resources

MO’ BETTAH WINGS

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

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

Safer at home

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

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

Keep your mouth and nose covered while out in public.

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

February 26, 2021

ERCOT resignations follow massive Winter Storm Power Outage By REBECCA AGUILAR Texas Metro News Following harsh criticism for mishandling the massive power outage that affected more than 4.5 million Texans during last week’s winter storm, five of the 15-member Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) board resigned on Tuesday. Responsible for the Texas power grid and managing the flow of 85 percent of the electricity used in Texas, ERCOT came under fire from citizens and elected officials, and not just in Texas. “I think they are cowards for not wanting to deal with the consequences,” said Kristy Willis of Arlington, adding that she and her wheel-chair bound daughter were without power for 32 hours in frigid temperatures. “I have a special needs daughter in a wheelchair, and it would have been too difficult to try to relocate because I was afraid of slipping on the snow and ice.” TX Governor Greg Abbott, who had called for ERCOT board members to resign after the massive power blackout, released a statement on Tuesday welcoming the resignations. “The lack of preparedness and transparency at ERCOT is unacceptable. We will ensure that the disastrous events of last week are never repeated.” The Public Utility Commission (PUC) oversees ERCOT. Abbott appointed the three PUC Commissioners. “Having out-of-state board members resign will not change the failed oversight by February 26, 2021

the Public Utility Commission or the lack of common sense policy by the Texas Legislature,” said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, in a statement he issued on the resignations. According to ERCOT’s website, in addition to Chairman Sally Talberg, who lives in Michigan; Vice-Chairman Peter Cramton, who resides in Maryland; Terry Bulger, Vanessa Anesetti-Parra and Ray Hepper also do not live in Texas. Four members submitted a joint resignation letter Tuesday that expressed their concerns about being out of state leadership. They also said that Texas should invest in an infrastructure to prevent another power outage disaster. “We have noted recent concerns about out-of-state board leadership at ERCOT. To allow state leaders a free hand with future direction and to eliminate distractions, we are resigning from the board effective after our urgent board teleconference meeting adjourns on Wednesday, February 24, 2021,” read part of their statement. News of the resignations did not appease Texans. “Resigning does not make one ‘not guilty,’” said Dee Fuente, adding that she wants answers from ERCOT and Abbott. According to Fuente, her husband left their West Dallas home last Monday night when the power went out. He and their dog stayed in their car with the engine running outside a gas station to keep warm in frigid temperatures. “We prayed that we would

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make it out and no one would get hurt,” said Fuente. Unfortunately, there were several other cases of displaced, having medical emergencies and also reports of citizens who didn’t survive the more than five days of freezing temperatures and power outages.

Scene from the home of Richard and Nancy Wallace during the snow storm last week

During a packed virtual town hall meeting last week, called by Texas State Senator Royce West and attended by more than 20 area elected officials, ERCOT and provider Oncor reps, the questions were intense as many shared their horror stories of dealing with the power outages, some lasting more than 40 hours, despite initially being told of 15-45 minute outages. The senator said citizens deserved answers, adding that generator companies had been forewarned. “I’m disappointed we didn’t fix this 10 years ago,” said Sen. West, referencing the cold temperatures and snow storm during Super Bowl XLV in 2011. Oncor said there were two major issues: “winter storm

outages and controlled power outages directed by ERCOT, which serve to reduce high demand and protect the integrity of the electric grid.” Those outages have disproportionately impacted Black and Brown communities, according to Dallas City Councilman Omar Narvaez, who said one of the zip codes in his district, 75212, has the second highest percentage of residents with power outages. According to Woody Rickerson, ERCOT Vice President of Grid Planning and Operations, one out of four were not getting the power they needed because of the need for more generators because of broken or frozen parts. “The cold weather has caused a lot of them to break and this is colder than any weather we’ve seen,” he said, adding that the natural gas pipeline freezing was not anticipated. Texas State Rep. Ramon Romero, Jr., told Texas Metro News every angle into the massive power outage should be investigated, “It’s not just ERCOT, but also the PUC and the energy providers, transmission lines, generators, and the producers.” He said he believes blame can go in any direction, but it’s important to gather the facts first. “Personally, I want answers as to how we will never allow this to happen again,” said Rep. Romero. “The people of Texas will have to decide what to do with those that put us in this situation.” Cheryl Smith contributed to this report.

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Briefs TSU joins nation’s first quantum education and research initiative NASHVILLE, Tenn.-Tennessee State University (TSU) says it looks forward to students being on the cutting edge of technology in the fields of finance, digital manufacturing, and military affairs now that the institution is a member of the IBM-HBCU Quantum Center. TSU officials recently announced that it has joined the nation’s first  quantum education and research initiative for historically Black colleges and universities. The aim of the center is to help students and faculty build skills in quantum computing

and increase diversity and inclusion in the field. “With the creation of Big Data, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and aerospace designing just to name a few, quantum computing has quickly become an emerging technology,” said TSU President Glenda Glover. “The IBM-HBCU Quantum Center partnership helps TSU prepare our students and faculty to be innovators in this field. It is an absolute gamechanger when we consider our current climate and how research could lead to new discoveries in medicine and drug development.”

Dr. Glenda Glover TSU President

TSU is one of 10 newly added institutions that comprise the 23 HBCUs that have joined the Center to date. As part of the initiative, TSU will have access to IBM quantum computers on the cloud, as well as opportunities for joint

Lawsuit claims neglect, poor winter storm response caused Houston man’s death The family of an elderly Houston man who died after spending more than two days without electricity or natural gas filed a lawsuit against electricity grid manager ERCOT and electricity transmission company CenterPoint Energy. The lawsuit alleges that electricity grid manager Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and CenterPoint disregarded recommendations following a federal investigation of similar grid failures in 2011 and 1989. During the blackout, the temperature dropped as low as 11 degrees in Houston and to 40 degrees or less inside Mr. Austin’s home. Mr. Austin, who was born and raised in the historically African-American community of Acres Homes in northwest Houston, was found unresponsive and pronounced dead by emergency responders on February 16. Trial lawyer Larry Taylor, managing partner of The Cochran Firm in Houston and Dallas, said similar public health emergencies were common throughout the state during the historic winter storm, and residents of historically underserved myimessenger.com

Photo Courtesy Stock Footage/Canva

lower-income neighborhoods were among the hardest hit. “This shouldn’t happen to anyone, whether you’re in rural or urban America,” Mr. Taylor said. “This lawsuit is about us getting answers and accountability for people to make sure this never happens again.” “Ample warnings were not enough for these companies to do the right thing,” Mr. Taylor added “Sadly, we now have to ask a jury to hold these companies account-able.” The lawsuit is Linda Brown, individually, as next kin of Doyle Aron Austin vs. Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc., and CenterPoint Energy, Inc., filed in Harris County district court.

collaboration on research, education, and community outreach programs. “IBM’s priority in launching the Center is to support and facilitate quantum re-search and education for HBCU faculty and students as part of the growing quantum workforce,” said Dr. Kayla Lee, Product Manager for Community Part-nerships, IBM Quantum. “We’re proud to continue building on the momentum of the founding institutions and looking forward to collaborating with Tennessee State University to build a quantum future.”

Tarrant Area Food Bank to continue Mega Mobile Markets through May Fort Worth ISD will continue working with the Tarrant Area Food Bank and will open the Herman Clark Stadium gates (Herman Clark Stadium is at 5201 C.A. Roberson Blvd.) each Friday morning through May 21 for the Mega Mobile Market. The National Guard will continue assisting with food distribution. Distribution times will be Fridays in February from 10 am to 1 pm. The Tarrant Area Food Bank has provided meals through the Mega Mobile Mar-ket to families since last September. Organizers planned to provide meals for 1,500 families, many of whom are dealing with unemployment due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but the number of families served weekly has climbed to 3,000. In January, approx imately 7,000 families received food. Each attending family receives a variety of high-quality, nutritious food. Photo Courtesy Tarrant County Food Bank February 26, 2021

February 26, 2021

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February 26, 2021

Dr. Harry Robinson Jr. African American Museum Is that Possible? I WAS JUST THINKING BY NORMA ADAMS-WADE

When has a person worked hard enough, given enough life blood, and effectively stayed the course long enough to have a building named in his or her honor – and that while they still are living? If you have an answer, I have a person. And with my arms folded and foot tapping, I could say “I’m waiting.” That said, let me put forth this argument in favor of naming the African American Museum at Fair Park in honor of its founder and former CEO, Dr. Harry Robinson Jr., who still is very much alive. There’s a lot of history behind this argument that I cannot claim. As a journalist, I am echoing what I hear in the wind and just can’t keep to myself. For my part, I long have admired the work that Dr. Robinson put into the museum since he started it 47 years ago at the old/no-longer-in-existence Bishop College campus in Dallas in 1974. The campus is now Paul Quinn College. One man. One mission. One undying determination that nothing would sideline his almost obsessive vision to elevate to the highest the African American story in Texas February 26, 2021

and these United States. Remarkably, Dr. Robinson actually pulled it off. Historian Dr. W. Marvin Dulaney described the museum’s journey when he wrote its history in the Texas State Historical Association’s Handbook of Texas. Dr. Dulaney is now the museum’s deputy director and chief operating officer. Dr. Robinson Jr., who will be 80 come September 16, is a New Orleans-born library science and history major who earned degrees from Southern University, Atlanta University and the University of Illinois. He has moved away from day-to-day operations and is now the museum’s chief fundraising officer. In the Handbook, Delaney described how Dr. Robinson persevered over nearly two decades, moving the museum from a 30-ft x 30-ft room in Bishop College’s Zale Library, to the library’s basement, to borrowed spaces in various buildings around Dallas, to finally experiences the triumphant entry into the newly-built 38,000 squarefoot, nearly $5 million architectural showplace at 3536 Grand Ave., behind the gates and inside Dallas’ landmark Fair Park. The museum’s journey, with Dr. Robinson ever at the helm, reads like a movie plot. It presents pathos, stifling challenges, seeming hopelessness, the rallying of foot soldiers, then jubilant con-

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Dr. Robinson in a room at the museum.

quest with fanfare on entry day, November 13, 1993. I was there reporting. The museum is known as the only one of its kind in the Southwest. To learn about exhibits, lectures and activities, visit www.aamdallas.org. I read recently about plans to unveil in August, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, a bust of Marcus Garvey, 81 years after the Jamaica-born key proponent of the Pan-African/Black nationalist movement died in 1940 at age 52. Dr. Robinson came to my mind. So, I was just thinking… Why cannot Dallas people right now begin plans to hon-

Credit: dallasnews.com

or for his mighty works Dr. Robinson -- our own deserving, local treasure of a man -while he can smell the flowers and know that they are his? Dallas-born educator, historian, and minister, Dr. LaTrese Adkins, expressed disappointment remembering that her attempt to jumpstart a grassroots movement to raise funds and honor Dr. Robinson did not catch fire in the summer of 2019. She had attempted to honor the museum founder – a historian and researcher whom she admires -- with either a museum endowment, a bust, or most-hoped-for: the myimessenger.com

Museum’s entrance.

museum being renamed the Dr. Harry Robinson Jr. African American Museum. Countering the argument that buildings and such are named for an individual after they die, it has been pointed out that there are buildings where that assumed rule did not apply. Ann Williams Way in Dallas was named for Dallas Black Dance Theatre founder Ann Williams and the Wright Museum in Detroit honors its founder, physician Charles H. Wright. Both honorees were alive when they received the honors. Former Democratic St. Rep. Helen Giddings summed up the sentiments of several leaders who said in 2019 that Dr. Robinson Jr. deserves a tangible remembrance. “I don’t know of anybody who disagrees that the African American Museum is myimessenger.com

Credit: dallasnews.com

there today because of Dr. Harry Robinson Jr. and his vision,” Giddings said then. Dr. Adkins said she knew the task would be daunting, particularly in the waning economy at that time. But she firmly resolves that city and museum officials should take the lead in honoring Dr. Robinson, beyond a mere bust -“an insufficient memento that can be taken up and stored once his contemporaries have left this world,” she affirmed. “Efforts to acknowledge Dr. Robinson’s exemplary servant-leadership through means that can speak to past, present, and future was and is as appropriate as it is long overdue,” Dr. Adkins said. “Here is our community’s chance to give flowers while he yet lives.” For his part, the ever-modest Dr. Robinson dismissed

Museum’s lobby.

the idea and instead named financial backers that he said he believes deserve the honor more. I personally disagree. If he were a more demanding personality, he maybe would advocate more demonstratively for his own legacy. But, alas, he prefers to stay in the background and perhaps let his achievements speak for

Credit: Pinterest

themselves. So, someone else should step forward and lead this charge anew. Will you do it? 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

February 26, 2021

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February 26, 2021

Briefs Prairie View A&M receives new grant to increase teachers of color Prairie View A&M University’s (PVAMU) Whitlowe R. Green College of Education received a $1.5 million Houston Endowment grant, which will be used to advance the college’s Educator Preparation Program, aimed at increasing the number of qualified teachers of color and prepares them for long-term success. Currently, the college offers three undergraduate degrees and 14 graduate degrees. Houston Endowment funds will enable the college’s faculty, staff, and administrators to design and implement programs and

Photo Courtesy Prairie View A&M University

services to impact student learning, such as integrating state-of-the-art technology and the recruitment of firsttime, fulltime freshmen and community college transfer students. In 2020, the State Board for Educator Certification

(SBEC) recognized PVAMU’s Educator Preparation Program in two areas: Preparing the Educators Texas Needs, which is the number of prepared teachers who identify as teachers of color; and Preparing Educators for Long-term

Success, or encouraging teacher retention as a Texas public school professional for at least five years. “Minority teacher representation is critically low nationally,” said Michael McFrazier, Ed.D., dean of the WRGCOE. “Although the country is becoming more diverse each year and is expected to have a majorityminority population by 2044, the teaching force is not keeping up with the changing racial makeup of America’s youth. Fewer than 20 percent of teachers are minorities nationwide, and only two percent are black males.

Speak Loudly Speakers Bureau Say It Loud! Readers and Writers is pleased to announce the launch of Speak Loudly Speakers Bureau, its outreach, contact, and engagement portal representing a growing list of professionals, authors, educators, artists, and entertainers, who are available to fulfill your organization’s needs. We are prepared to set up immediate connections with our clients for your upcoming conference, meeting, lecture series or cultural event. Since its inception, Say It Loud! has partnered with some of the most wellrecognized voices in the literary, academic, artistic, and entertainment communities. All of these individuals believe that the Say It Loud! mission to reach a wide-range of audiences, starting with the youth, is key to cultivating a life-long love of literature and literacy. They have also come February 26, 2021

to rely upon the Say It Loud! networking capabilities and expansive reach across the country. With this new venture, the Speak Loudly Speakers Bureau will become the natural hub for programming, conferences, speaking venues and enhanced learning and teaching opportunities. We invite you to our webpage to formally meet this diverse group of authors, artists, activists, and scholars and more. https://www. s p e a k l o u d l y . c o m / s p e a kloudly-speakers-bureau/ What the Speak Loudly Speakers Bureau offers: • Access to a diverse and dynamic group of authors, artists, scholars, entertainers and more • Monthly and quarterly forums focusing on current issues, cultural conversations, and speakers’ spotlights.

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Patrick M. Oliver

• Media coordination to help with the success and publicity of your specific event. • Inclusion in the Speak loudly and speaker bureau calendar of events. Our expanding list of speakers who are available include: publisher and poet Dr. Haki R. Madhubuti, authors and co-publishers Wade Hudson and Cheryl WillisHudson, two-time Kirkus Prize winner Derrick Barnes, poet and publisher jessica

Care moore, nutritionist and Associate Professor Dr. Jenelle Robinson, Super Bowl drummer Cora Coleman, storyteller and poet Xelena Gonzalez, award-winning illustrator R. Gregory Christie, Associate Vice Provost and author Dr. Stephanie HelmPicketts, SMU assistant professor Dr. Sanderia Smith and others. Founder Patrick M. Oliver is a literary arts and education consultant as well as recipient of numerous community service awards, contracts, and grants. Experience and expertise include serving as director of sales and marketing Third World Press (Chicago), program director Open Book Program (Chicago) and senior contract administrator in the aerospace industry (Los Angeles). Editor and author of five books. Founder and executive director Say It Loud! Readers and Writers. myimessenger.com

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February 26, 2021

Despite pandemic, NBA schedules All-Star Game By DOROTHY J. GENTRY Sports Editor It will be an NBA All-Star Weekend like no other. In fact, it won’t even be a weekend. Due to the ongoing pandemic and health and safety protocols and “for the well-being and safety of the greater Atlanta community,” NBA All-Star 2021 will be a one-night event - for the first time ever - with the absence of fans, NBA sponsored ticketed events, parties or social functions. This year’s All-Star festivities will take place on Sunday, March 7, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, home of the Atlanta Hawks, beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET on TNT. The Skills Challenge and 3-Point Contest will occur before the All-Star Game. The Slam Dunk contest will take place at halftime of the AllStar Game, which will follow the same format as last year, with the teams competing to win each quarter and playing to a Final Target Score during the untimed fourth quarter. Normally All-Star is a weekend of events including both a rookie and celebrity game on Friday night, the Slam Dunk and 3-point contests on Saturday night and the Game itself on Sunday. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stood by his decision to allow the All-Star Game to go on despite reservations from many players including LeBron James, Damian Lillard and De’Aron Fox, all of whom said they didn’t see the need for the game this year but would support it should the February 26, 2021

NBA move forward. “There were obviously those who thought we shouldn’t play without fans, thought we should play in the Bubble, thought we shouldn’t be playing in a very serious way because of the social justice issues in this country,” Silver told ESPN’s The Jump host Rachel Nichols this week. “So

and enhanced PCR Covid testing. Captains for this year’s game are LeBron James (West) and Kevin Durant (East). All-star starters were announced this week and include the Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic, who is making his second consecutive AllStar start.

LeBron James West

Kevin Durant East

I certainly heard the other side of this issue here. “It seems like no decisions during this pandemic come without uncertainty and come without risk,” he said. “This is yet another one of them, and yet it’s my job to balance all those interests and ultimately, it feels like the right thing to do to go forward.” For NBA All-Star 2021, the NBA and its player association, the NBPA, have established additional measures to supplement the league’s current Health and Safety Protocols, league officials said. These include private travel to and from Atlanta for players, the creation of a “mini bubble” environment within a single hotel for players and coaches,

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HBCUs and COVID-19 Awareness As part of this year’s events and in its ongoing efforts toward social justice, the NBA and NBPA will commit more than $2.5 million in funds and resources toward Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and support and awareness around equity and access to COVID-19 care, relief and vaccines. All-Star 2021 will highlight the importance of HBCUs and raise awareness around the disparate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color. In addition, All-Star will feature special performances by HBCU musical groups and unique storytelling and

content by distinguished alumni and students. “This year’s All-Star Game will honor the vital role HBCUs play in our communities and focus attention and resources on COVID-19 relief, particularly for the most vulnerable,” said Silver. Michele Roberts, executive director of the NBA Player’s Union praised the inclusion of the HBCUs into this year’s AllStar festivities. “HBCUs provided premium education to our communities at a time when access to higher learning was denied to us. They were there – and have remained there – for us. We now stand with them,” she said. “As NBA All-Star returns to Atlanta, Spelman College looks forward to being a part of the celebration that highlights HBCUs across the city and beyond,” said Spelman College President Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell. “Our mission at Spelman is to educate Black women to become global leaders and to inspire a commitment to positive change. We are honored to be part of the NBA 2021 All-Star celebration of our nation’s HBCUs.” In addition to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and UNCF, the other beneficiaries of this year’s NBA All-Star including the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education and the Direct Relief (Fund for Health Equity, a humanitarian aid organization that works to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies. myimessenger.com

Virtual and liVe Community Calendar

WOMENS HISTORY MONTH February 25 Trending Thursday’s, Grow your Business with Google. Speaker: V R Small Reg: http://bit.ly/3s6LEj1. 1-2 pm CST

Queen Esther: Moment of Preparation Online Event hosted by First Baptist Church of Glenarden. 6 pm. CST. Register, visit www.fbcglenarden.org/queenesther. Walk on the River 2.0: The African Influence - Online Screening Event hosted by Walk On The River and Melaneyes Media. Tickets: http://bit.ly/3akx2WX. 7-10 pm. CST. WHUT Screening and Panel Discussion of The Black Church. Event by WHUT Howard University Television. Free Event: http://bit. ly/3dx4pI1 5:30 pm-8 pm. CST. Be Love Campaign- February Series Reconciliatory Love host the King Center. Reg: http://bit.ly/3qs8Ho0 5 pm CST.

Buy Black Expo 2021, at South Oak Cliff High School, 3601 S. Marsalis Ave. 2-6 pm. Reston Links “Black Magic in STEM” Black History Program. Online Event hosted by Reston Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. 11 am-1 pm. CST. Info: http:// www.restonlinksinc.org/ DFW Small Business Vendor Expo. Event hosted by Young Black Entrepreneurs Networking and Development Group, Music City Mall, Lewisville, 2401 S. Stemmons Fwy. 12-5 pm. CST. Tickets: http://bit.ly/3pkj9MR. Black History Celebration LIVE. Online Event host The Dock Bookshop & Dock Community. Eventbrite.com. 12 pm CST. Hope for Tomorrow: Supporting the Black/African American Caregiver Journey. Host Alzheimer’s Association - North Central Texas Chapter, AARP Texas Register by calling 800-2722900. Tickets: https://bit.ly/2NNBhBr 9 am-12 pm. CST.

How To Make It All Work - The Four Pillars For Work-Life Harmony. Host Dorothy S Travis & Aldreama Harper - Chief Operations Strategist. Tickets: Eventbrite.com 11 am-12 pm. CST.

MELA-FEST: The BIGGEST BLACKEST Fashion Event & Pop Up Shop. Event by Kashmere Model Mgmt. & Talent Agency. At 211 N. Ervay St. Dallas, 8th Floor. 1-6 pm. CST. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.

Lunch & Learn: Grow Your Business with 0 Dollars Using the Power of Social Media. With Jasmine Anderson. Hosted by Zan W. Holmes Jr Community Outreach Center. Online: zwhjcoc.org 11:30 am-1 pm. CST.

Your Network Is Your Networth 2k21. Host Addiktive Events. Royal Lane Studios, 1135 E. Avenue J, Grand Prairie. 6:3010:00 pm. CST. Tickets: Eventbrite.com. Info: 682-300-8193.

February 26 From Marva with Love, with Marva Sneed. 11 am -1 pm. CST, on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, and BlogTalkRadio.com. Call in and join the conversation at 646-200-0459. DeSoto ISD Celebrates Black History Month with a Zoom Panel Discussion on Facebook. com/DeSotoISD. This week: “Black Enterprise,” Black Business ventures. 12 pm. MAVS READING CHALLENGE with Dwight Powell, a book written by a Black author and inspired by Black culture for a Reading Time Out. Info on Reading Challenge: mavs.com/readingchallenge. A Night at the Museum. Honoring African American Athletes. Event by Buffalo Soldier National Museum. 6 pm. Tickets: www.buffalosoldiermuseum.com/gala-2021. André De Shields is Frederick Douglass: Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory. Event by Flushing Town Hall. RSVP at http://bit.ly/FTHBHT3r 6 pm. CST.

February 27 Black History Month Celebration with amazing picture books, Crown Hair Love, Black is a Rainbow Color. 2-3 pm. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.

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March 5

In the Middle with Ashley Moss From 11 am -1 pm. CST On Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio.com. Call in and join the conversation at 646-200-0459.

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

Sisters in Song: A Celebration for Women’s History Month. Event by AARP Georgia. Log onto www.facebook.com/RialtoCenter 7 pm. Virtual Birthday Night. Celebrating Women’s Sobriety. Host The Magdalen House. Register for the Zoom event: https://bit. ly/3ssnMaa 7-8 pm. CST.

March 2 THE DOC SHEP SPEAKS SHOW! From 11 am. CST on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, @fnsconsulting, and You Tube @ docshepspeaks DFW News & Tings with Jirah Nicole. From 11 am-1 pm. CST Tuesday’s on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio.com. Join the conversation at 646-200-0459. Williams Chicken Presents Entrepreneurs are Innovators! Panel: Tim Williams, Carlos White, Carl Shields, & Victor J. Elmore. Webinar Series. Reg: www.williamschicken. com 11:30 am-1 pm. CST

Feb 28-March 14 29th Annual Pan African Film Festival, Virtual. The Paff to Evolution Register, Tickets/Passes on Sale: www.paff.org.

March 1

Free Tickets at Addison Improv-Stand Up Comedy, 4980 Belt Line Rd. #250, Addison. 8-10 pm. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.

March 3

February 28

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

Andrew’s World with host, Andrew Whigham III on BlogTalkRadio.com 8-10 am. Tune in for thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news and commentary. Call in at 646-200-0459.

Michael “Hollywood” Hernandez Live Podcast on Facebook @HollywoodHernandez, at 2 pm.

The DFW Area Chapters Impact Day of Service. Event by The DFW Area Chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Online with Facebook Live. Donations: bit. ly/2OXylTD 3-5 pm.

March 4 Policing Reform for Racial Justice. Feat: Detective Marquez “Marq” Claxton Event by Anna Julia Cooper Center. RSVP: https://bit. ly/3az3gwG. 5-6:30 pm. CST.

Soledad O’Brian “Disrupt & Dismantle” Preview: Moving Shingle Mountain. Feat: Marsha Jackson Online Event hosted by Southern Sector Rising. 7:30-9:30 pm CST. Info: https://southernsectorrising.org/ HBCU Council - HBCU Sunday 2021 (Virtual) Church Service. Event by The HBCU Council of Shiloh Baptist Church. Info: Call 202-524-2696. www.hbcucouncil.com 9 am. CST.

Every Friday Night Don Diego and The Razz Band at Club Odyssey, 7439 Westmoreland Rd. 6 pm. Face Mask Required. Elevation Comedy Tour 2021. Host Shavonda with a V. Feat: Anastasia The Bold. 9 pm-1 am. Tickets: Paypal. me/CarlJ23. Flores Ballroom, 4615 Singleton Blvd.

March 6 Developing and Leading Multi-Ethnic Congregations: A Black Church Choice. Host: Rev. Dr. Joseph W. Daniels, Jr. Event Online: prophetic-activism.org. 11:45 am1:15 pm. CST. 17th Annual Women Empowering Women’s Conference. Event by Daughters of Deborah, Inc. Reg: Eventbrite.com. 9:30 am. CST. Online: http://bit.ly/3selYAK.

March 7 Happy Birthday to Eva D. Coleman Andrew’s World with host, Andrew Whigham III on BlogTalkRadio.com 8-10 am. Sundays. Tune in for thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news and commentary. Join the call at 646-200-0459. Women Make History. Event by Eventura Event Planning a celebration of International Women’s Day. Reg: Eventbrite. com. 1 pm. CST.

March 8 International Women’s Day Women of Impact: Celebrating Women in Photography! In celebration of International Women’s Day, join Nikon Ambassadors Tamara Lackey, Ami Vitale and Michelle Valberg. Reg: Eventbrite.com 7 pm. CST

BLACK LIVES MATTER

Financial Planning for Women. Event by Savvy Chicks Rule and EA Wealth Management. Event: Eventbrite.com 6:30 -8 pm. CST.

Black History Month: A Celebration of Black Resilience Online event by Women of Color Remake Wellness. A discussion led by black women in the health and wellness space. Tickets: Eventbrite.com 6-7:30 pm. CST.

March 5-7

56th Anniversary of Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee. A Historical Crossing Goes Global as a Virtual Event to fight COVID-19. Commemorating “Bloody Sunday.” Register: selmajubilee.com.

February 26, 2021

GAME CHANGE

State Fair Classic Spring Game day reset One of the largest HBCU classic, the State Fair Classic, a time-honored football tradition between Grambling State University and Prairie View A&M University, has been rescheduled, again. Typically held at Cotton Bowl Stadium during the State Fair of Texas each fall, the game was postponed to February 27, 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the cancellation of the 2020 State Fair of Texas. Now, due to the recent winter weather crisis in Texas and the time required to assess the impact of the storm to the Cotton Bowl Stadium and what is needed to get the stadium game ready; the schools, ALW Entertainment, Fair Park, and the State Fair of Texas have made the difficult, yet prudent decision to move the event from Fair Park. The 2021 State Fair Classic Spring Game will now kickoff at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas. “Unfortunately, due to the impacts of the recent inclement weather and the time required to assess what is needed to get Cotton Bowl Stadium ready, we collectively agreed with the State Fair of Texas and the promoter that the prudent decision is to move the event,” said Peter Sullivan, general manager of Fair Park. “We look forward to hosting this great event again in the future.” All previously purchased game tickets will be honored and tickets are still available February 26, 2021

Dru Hill

Warren Sapp

MARK YOUR CALENDAR • Grambling State University Tigers vs Prairie View A&M University Panthers Saturday, March 13, 2021 • State Fair Classic Spring Game Globe Life Park 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, TX 76011 2:45 p.m. – Pre-Game National Anthem Performance • Gospel Recording Artist Marvin Sapp 3:00 p.m. – State Fair Classic Spring Football Gamr Halftime Concert - National recording artist Dru Hill featuring Sisqo and can be purchased at all outlets including Catfish Floyds, Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que, ticketmaster. com, TM locations, and Williams Chicken locations. Get more information on State Fair Classic events at StateFairClassicFootball. com. The State Fair Classic has been played on the grounds of the State Fair of Texas since the 1920s and between these two teams – the Grambling State University Tigers and Prairie View A&M University Panthers – since the 1980s. However, like most Texans, Fair Park and Cotton Bowl Stadium are still assessing the potential impacts from the

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recent winter weather crisis we all faced this past week and do not feel it is wise to host the game at this time. We look forward to continuing the tradition of the State Fair Classic football game during the State Fair of Texas at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Fair Park this coming fall. “We are disappointed the State Fair Classic Spring Game is unable to be played in Cotton Bowl Stadium at Fair Park this coming weekend but are happy to see the game will continue to be played in DFW,” said Mitchell Glieber, president of the State Fair of Texas. “Held for nearly a century, this game is a time-honored tradition at

the State Fair of Texas, and we look forward to it returning in its grandeur to Cotton Bowl Stadium this fall.” A showdown for all, the game is known to only be half of the entertainment. Another highlight of the event is the “Battle of the bands” – the halftime face-off between the school’s marching bands in an impressive showing of the masterful musicians and talent at both schools. For this game, however, the bands will be unable to perform due to COVID-19 safety protocols. In lieu of this, there will be a halftime show featuring Dru Hill – an American R&B group known for soul, hip hop, and gospel music. Also, due to COVID-19, the spring game will be at a limited capacity of 25,000 attendees. The schools are urging fans to arrive early to make sure there is plenty of time to go through security and to adhere to the clear bag policy in effect for Globe Life Park. All fans are required to wear masks covering the nose and mouth, for the duration of the event, unless actively eating or drinking. In addition, guests should maintain social distancing, putting six feet between themselves and other parties, wash their hands and use hand sanitizer regularly. Fans who are not feeling well or may have been in close contact with someone they suspect may be infected with COVID-19 should stay home and contact their doctor. myimessenger.com

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February 26, 2021

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A look at real nomads AT THE MOVIES BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ

NOMADLAND is a very melancholy story about a woman, Fern, played by Frances McDormand, whose husband dies and she loses her job at a factory that makes drywall, when the business closes for good. The entire community in Nevada loses so many of its residents who depended on the factory for work; in just six months the town’s zip code is eliminated. With no friends, no family and no job Fern heads out on a trek across the Western US, living in her van and having limited success in finding work. While on her journey she discovers a group of modern day nomads who band together to try and lend support for one and other. The group provides her with friendship and companionship which makes her life a bit more bearable.

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Director Chloe Zhao takes us on a scenic journey and weaves a beautiful tapestry of a story that has become a reality for many older Americans who don’t seem to have a place in today’s society. Companies aren’t hiring older workers and many are alone and are forced to fend for themselves to keep a roof over their head. It’s a sad situation but amazingly Zhao manages to show the silver lining in the lives these people live. The movie also stars real life “nomads” who do an excellent job of showing their lifestyle as people who live out on the road. One of the real life nomads is a character named Swankie who confides in Fern that she has cancer and plans to spend her final days making memories touring the country rather than spending her final days in a hospital bed. The real treat of the movie is the telling of the story of the lives of these ordinary people that live an unorthodox lifestyle. Another of the real life nomads, Bob, explains the

group’s credo during a round table talk with the members, ”Good-byes are not final in this group. We just promise to see one and other again somewhere down the road.” The movie is hard to watch at times but at the same time it’s interesting and keeps your attention throughout. The movie is extremely relevant to the times we’re living in and obviously the movie was shot before the COVID pandemic which would have effected the lives of these people even more. McDormand plays her character beautifully and director

Chloe Zhao, who’s from China, has a firm grasp on the story of the American decline that many seemingly ignore. She doesn’t pull any punches in the story telling of a true American film. NOMADLAND isn’t glitzy or glamorous but it’s a story that holds a mirror up to the current situation that’s going on in the USA. It’s rated R for nudity and is currently showing at movie theaters and at home exclusively on HULU. On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate NOMADLAND a LARGE.

February 26, 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 February 26, 2021

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