I Messenger 2-5-21 by Cheryl Smith

VOL X NO 21 FEBRUARY 5, 2021

I MESSENGER

Black History!

All About

IMessenger An IMM LLC Publication MAILING ADDRESS 320 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway Suite 220 Dallas, TX 75203 WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM 214-941-0110

School to be named after Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III

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

Free - Take One WEB/SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Alana King

.EWSSTANDS IN

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

Free - Take One CIRCULATION/DISTRIBUTION MB Distribution

Editorial submissions editor@texasmetronews.com

Pastor Haynes with family, friends and Paul Quinn Family.

On the very land where his parents walked, where he attended Bishop college/chapel, and where he pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the place that has been home to Paul Quinn College for almost 30 years and soon there will be a school, bearing his name Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III. This isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a distinction afforded to many, especially those still living, but Dr. Haynes will join the ranks of Rev. Dr.

Zan W. Holmes, Jr., and the Hon. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) The school will be for grades 6th thru 12 and according to DISD officials, the secondary IB (international baccalaureate) school is taking applications for those entering into the sixth and seventh grade next academic school year. Dr. Haynes is shown on the far right, with his wife, Debra Peek-Haynes.

& E.Dallas

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

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 5, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

INSIDE

Wake Up and Stay Woke

DeSoto & Glenn Heights Elections

Mrs. Verna McKenzie Celebrates 105th B’Day!

Economic accountability, a transparent government, the COVID-19 pandemic and unemployment were issues that DeSoto’s new mayor talked about on the campaign trail and some say the message resonated with voters as former Mayor Pro-Tem Rachel Proctor handily defeated Mayor Kenzie Moore with 60.67 percent of the vote to fill the unexpired term.

Family members, friends and community members celebrated the 105th birthday of Mrs. Verna McKenzie with a Drive-By Birthday Extravaganza. A former teacher at John Neely Bryant Elementary School, she retired from DISD in 1978. She was also the First Lady at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church, and Southern Crest Full Gospel Baptist Church.

myimessenger.com

p12

p16

February 5, 2021

MY TRUTH by Cheryl Smith, Publisher

Can You Be Lovable? I consider Chuck D, of Public Enemy fame, to be one of the great minds of our time! A consummate professional and thought-provoking deep thinker with great work ethic; he is phenomenal. I also consider him a friend. I picked him up from the airport once during a visit to Dallas, and I told him I had a stop to make because it was payday. When I arrived at the building that housed Service Broadcasting - the parent company of K104, KKDA-AM and KRNB, Chuck came inside with me. Always gracious, he greeted February 5, 2021

folks and chatted while I took care of my business. When he was in the company of those who were in a position to effect change at the station, Chuck urged them to be kinder to the locals. He wanted locals to be showered with love on the way up, instead of waiting until they hit big time and then jumping on the bandwagon. Which brings me to my truth. Dallas has so many smart and talented people — people who are going places. I’ve always prided myself on being able to see the good in

I MESSENGER

people. I also see the bad and ugly, but that’s another story for another day. Anyway, I applauded Chuck for looking out for those who don’t have. It’s amazing we live in a world where the person who could purchase the entire restaurant is offered a free meal but not the person who doesn’t have a pot or a window (you get my point?) And that’s a message we should all take under consideration. Look at the person next to you, in the next room, in your house, at your school or workplace.

Are you spreading and showing the love? Does someone else have to come to you and tell you how great someone close to you is or are you seeing the greatness? Sure some say familiarity breeds contempt. That is sad. During a visit to the nation’s Capitol, I watched as people seemed to part the waters for U.S. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. At home I hear people saying “we need term limits” or criticizing with blanket statements that provide no context or research. In Washington DC, the only other persons I saw getting any real attention were senior legislators (like Mrs. Johnson), or the young Kennedy legislator (yeah, you know of THE Kennedys!) There are places where seniority is respected and actually necessary! It’s important to note that just like when you are looking for a leader, you should look in the mirror; you shouldn’t overlook the greatness that is right there amongst you! Try pulling back on the negativity and counter by showing love, volunteering support, giving a shoutout or happy face emoji — something that shows that your heart is capable of loving. Dick Gregory would always ask, “Are you capable of being lovable?” If you are you will see and appreciate more of what is offered during your lifetime. myimessenger.com

Joe Simon: “Don’t Give Up, You Can Make It If You Try, You Can Win“ WAKE UP AND STAY WOKE DR. E. FAYE WILLIAMS, ESQ.

Rather than focus on recent violence that ravaged the nation’s capital, I’ll celebrate Black women! It would be easy to join with others who’re still attempting to provide an accurate explanation for the madness. To that subject, for the time being, I’ll only say that because of the current political climate and incessant cultural conflict, I became a sounding board for the expression of legitimate fears for the Inauguration Day safety of Vice President Kamala Harris. While we were rightly concerned with the appropriate security being in place on Inauguration Day, contemporary social violence dictates that we must also be concerned about her safety every day thereafter, along with that of Mr. Biden. We must not, however, allow those concerns to overtake our excitement of the election of Harris and Biden. We Black women know how hard we worked to make Kamala’s election a reality. The benefit of our effort accrued to Kamala and Joe equally. With respect to their present and future security, we must not allow our fears of what might happen overmyimessenger.com

rule the exciting victory that we now experience. The important fact that must remain foremost in our minds is that we Black women have clear evidence of the positive results of our unity and common purpose. From many, we’ve heard laudatory acknowledgment of the exemplary role we’ve played in this most recent, and many other elections. As we congratulate our collective efforts and support the Biden-Harris administration, let us remember other Black women who did monumental things and are worthy of praise. A person receiving great acclaim for her impact on the 2020 presidential election is Stacey Abrams, who came into national prominence during the 2018 Georgia gubernatorial election. Unable to be acknowledged as winner by 55,000 votes because of an opponent who orchestrated and managed the alleged purge of 1.4 million voters, Stacey turned disappointment into action. She organized the voter rights organization, Fair Fight, undertook developing a network of attorneys to challenge specious changes to election laws and established voter education and registration initiatives which increased many African American voters and other voters of color.

She organized a massive get-out-the-vote effort to strengthen her voter registration efforts. To the regret of many Republicans, she didn’t confine her efforts to the Georgia borders. Her efforts extended to jurisdictions which maintained the same type of legal and extra-legal obstacles that shut her out of the

Dr. E. Faye Williams

governor’s mansion. Stacey lit a metaphorical fuse that brought explosive excitement to 2020. Another significant effort by a Black woman in 2020 was by LaTosha Brown, co-founder of the Black Voters Matter Fund. Few need to be told about voter suppression in remote areas of the South. LaTosha and members of BVM addressed this problem by hitting the road in their campaign bus. Clocking thousands of miles, they crisscrossed highways

throughout the south educating and registering voters who would’ve otherwise missed the opportunity to vote. Looking forward, we can extend congratulations to the Black women who’ve been appointed to serve in the Biden-Harris administration. We must be equally proud of Marcia Fudge as secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Linda Thomas-Greenfield as ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice as leader of the Domestic Policy Council, Cecilia Rouse as chair of the Council of Economic Advisors and many others who’ll serve using the full measure of their skills and experience to “Build Back Better.” Let’s congratulate our sisters for preparing themselves for just such a time as this. We know the truth, but few outside the “Beloved Community” will agree that throughout the history of our nation, Black people, especially Black women, have been found near the center of most struggles and most successes of our nation. Black women have never faltered in meeting our challenges. 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.

February 5, 2021

Power Leaks FAITHFUL UTTERANCES BY DR. FROSWA BOOKER-DREW

It’s easy to get overwhelmed and pulled in a number of directions. That was my week. It was a week filled with calls and responsibilities. On one call with a fabulous group of ladies that feed my soul, I was reminded about energy leaks. The consequences of our energy slowly leaking can be detrimental. A great analogy is to think about a house that leaks energy. Without proper insulation, energy costs can increase by at least 20%. Energy leaks through unsealed cracks and insufficiently sealed windows and doors as well as other unsuspecting areas in our homes. Leaking energy is expensive and requires repairs that if we do not take care of them in time, the consequences can be pricey and time consuming. This same concept applies to our body, mind, and spirit. There are many cracks that are in our lives that we may not even be aware of. When we do not take care of what flows in and out of us, we can lose a lot of energy, time, rest, and even peace of mind. Sometimes these cracks are distractions. They seem as if they are good opportunities that we are being presented but they will cost us peace and ultimately, the money isn’t necessarily worth it. A dear friend of mine reminded me that February 5, 2021

instantly healed. 48 Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” I think there are some key lessons we can take away from this passage: 1. When you are heading somewhere, there will always be interruptions. Sometimes we can be so fixated on getting where we are going that we don’t see the opportunities to be a blessing to others. Jesus could have easily told her, “I don’t have time for you. I’m on my way somewhere else.” How can we be clear and open to possibilities that may seem like distractions at first but are actual opportunities to change us and others? How do we discern between these God moments and the distractions? 2. Jesus recognized that in helping someone, power left him. Each time we interact with others, power leaves us. The difference between many of us and Jesus is that He knew His power was gone. We can go for days without realizing we are depleted. How can you notice the energy leaks and power drainers in your life? How are these impacting your mental, physical, and spiritual life? Who or what is pulling on you? 3. How often are we so busy that we miss the opportunity to touch the garment of Jesus? Our wounds can keep us from reaching out to the get help we need. As we are

there is a difference between good opportunities and God opportunities. Often, we miss the opportunities God has for us because we are bogged down with so much good stuff to do. Those good things can block our ability to receive the great one because we are too busy, too tired, or too distracted. Those are also cracks draining our energy. It was interesting when Jesus was on his way to heal someone that he encountered someone else who needed him. Luke 8:40-48 states: “40 Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. 41 Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house 42 because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. 43 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years,[a] but no one could heal her. 44 She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. 45 “Who touched me?” Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.” 47 Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been

I MESSENGER

moving toward our goals and dreams, are we being intentional in reaching out to Jesus to get replenished and healed to move forward? Otherwise, we will bleed out for decades seeking relief but never getting restoration. 4. Watch out for the people who tell you that what you are experiencing is not real. Peter told Jesus what he felt should be dismissed. Just because they don’t get it doesn’t mean you should stop identifying what you know to be true in your spirit. Leaking out energy can cost us more in the long run. Leaks in a house are sealed with insulation. Our insulation is spending time with God so that when we are distracted, attacked, and tired, we can withstand what we face. Even during a crazy week, I’m grateful for spaces that feed me and replenish me. I also know that I need God even more on this journey and if I am not being deliberate about spending time in God’s presence to mediate, refresh, and rejuvenate, it doesn’t matter where I am going if I can’t arrive intact. 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.

myimessenger.com

First Concession, Last Concession? QUIT PLAYIN’ VINCENT L. HALL “The prophet does not ask if the vision can be implemented, for questions of implementation are of no consequence until the vision can be imagined. The imagination must come before the implementation. Our culture is competent to implement almost anything and to imagine almost nothing.” – Walter Brueggemann Walter Brueggemann is a celebrated Old Testament scholar and theologian known by seminarians as a Master teacher. He exegetes and elucidates scripture in a way that brings “social justice” ministers to their feet. My friend, Pastor Damien Durr, speaks of him often. I never want to plagiarize, but Durr is always on point. They say it’s ok to be a copycat as long as you are copying the right cat. So yeah, I kinda stole this line of thought. Brueggemann promotes the notion that we ought to pray for imagination. Black Baptists religiously pray for a “reasonable portion of health and strength’, but we also need to ask God to grant us healthy imaginations. Lord, give us new dreams! As I watched Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.’s inauguration, I could not help but believe that the near octogenarian is still imagining. After four years of malaise and melancholy brought on by a two-bit, toy-gun wielding wannabee gangster we know as

Dr. Zan Holmes and Vincent L. Hall

BLACK HISTORY MONTH SERIES Donald Trump, America, and the world needs to heed Brueggermann’ s prescriptive. We need imagination. We need to imagine a future of freedom and good fortunes that all humankind has a reasonable opportunity to achieve. James Brown said it best. “I don’t want nobody giving me nothing, open up the door, and I’ll get it myself.” Good God! Let us imagine creating opportunities for the poor and marginalized. The unspoken “caste system” that exists in every nation must be confronted. We don’t have a trade imbalance with all of China, just the rich bastards who control 90% of their wealth. They trade with America’s rich bastards who have no empathy for the lesser-thans. If empathy were a commodity, Biden would be worth bil-

lions of dollars. Biden doesn’t exude that syrupy sorrowfulness that has known no pain or strife. He has survived more major calamities than most could imagine or endure. Empathy ought to invoke vision and imagination. Biden stuttered and stammered as a child. He was the object of constant ridicule by his classmates and at least one nun. Stuttering is no great plague today. In his generation, it was a sign of low intelligence. Biden kept imagining straight through law school. Biden’s firstborn daughter, Naomi, died in 1972, after a fatal car accident that also took his young bride. Biden became one of the most celebrated single parents in America. His son “Beau” died in 2015

EDITOR’S NOTE: Both of the above mentioned Faith Leaders, Drs. Zan Wesley Holmes and Frederick Douglass Haynes III make no concessions to their faith and community commitment. There are two schools in the Dallas Independent School District named for each of them.

myimessenger.com

after suffering from brain cancer in a very public way. Biden used his imagination to expedite the cure for cancer. Biden ran twice for President and lost badly. Joe imagined that if he helped a young Black dude from Chicago, he could get closer to his own vision. He imagined becoming wingman to America’s first Black President, and vision became reality. Biden was politically DOA early on in the 2020 election. He had to answer charges surrounding his support of the 1994 Crime Bill. Although that legislation had lots of support from the Black community, he became the latest culprit. The bill was horrible, but so were the district attorneys, judges, and the prison system. The clear majority of Blacks and minorities who refused jury service were also to blame. And oh yeah, some of the criminals that went to jail really were criminals. In every case, a sitting judge had the last word and built reputations and long-lasting careers by being “tough on crime.” Biden felt the full backlash for a “criminal injustice system” for which all of America was complicit. He kept imagining. If Brueggemann is right, then Biden’s biding imagination is what we need. The question is whether our culture, rife and replete with opinionated arrogance, unrelenting judgment, and unforgiving condemnations, can concoct a vision of justice for America and the world. Pray for imagination! Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and award-winning columnist.

February 5, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

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 itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.â&#x20AC;&#x201C;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

myimessenger.com

February 5, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

UTSW hosts talk on increasing Black male doctors The importance of increasing the number of Black male doctors in the United States was the subject of a virtual panel discussion at UT Southwestern in advance of the release of a documentary on the issue. For the past decade, Dale Okorodudu, M.D., an African American pulmonologist and critical care specialist who is an assistant professor of internal medicine at UT Southwestern, has been working to increase the number of young Black men going into medicine through his initiative Black Men in White Coats. Now he has produced a documentary by the same name alongside director Micah Autry. The film, produced independent of UT Southwestern, will be screened virtually by medical schools nationwide throughout the month of February. On Feb. 4, UT Southwestern, along with Southwestern Medical District partner institutions Children’s Health and Parkland Health & Hospital System, hosted a virtual panel discussion around issues presented in the film. The panel will included Okorodudu; Quinn Capers IV, M.D., associate dean for faculty diversity at UT Southwestern; Barry-Lewis Harris II, M.D., medical director of correctional health services at Parkland; Cameron Holmes, a third-year medical student at UT Southwestern; and Marc Nivet, Ed.D., executive vice president for institutional advancement at UT Southwestern, who moderated the discussion. myimessenger.com

Both Capers and Nivet are featured in the documentary, in which Black doctors share their experiences of going to medical school, discuss the challenges faced in their careers, and reinforce the importance of creating a pipeline to produce more Black male physicians. “What I want people to take away from this is a sense of empowerment,” Okorodudu says. “I hope when people watch this film they understand the problem impacts them and that they can have a role in fixing it and providing solutions – whether it’s serving as a mentor or, for the Black student, working hard so that you can become a medical professional.” Struck by the dismal statistic that only 2 percent of U.S. doctors are Black men, Okorodudu in 2013 committed himself to galvanize the academic medical community and the public to tackle the problem. The issue was amplified in 2015 when the Association of American Medical Colleges released a report, based on a study led by Nivet, that revealed the number of Black male medical school applicants was lower in 2014 than in 1978. Diversity advocates say closing the diversity gap is critical to eliminating mistrust among African Americans about the American health care system based on experiences of bias and a history of unethical medical experimentations performed on Black patients.

This mistrust is a contributing factor to existing health care disparities affecting Black patients, including the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on the African American community. “Research shows that more Black physicians will result in more Black people getting vaccines, following preventive health measures, and

Dr. Marc Nivet

having open heart surgery. In short, more Black male doctors will translate into more lives saved,” says Capers, who is a cardiologist and holds the Rody P. Cox, M.D., Professorship in Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern. But significant hurdles remain for academic medicine in correcting the problem. Researchers point to several reasons for the low levels of medical school enrollment among Black men, including insufficient pre-college education and economic obstacles rooted in systemic racial divisions, negative stereotypes about

Black males, lack of exposure to the profession, and few role models in the field. “It’s often hard to become what you can’t see, so initiatives like Black Men in White Coats and the film produced under that banner are critically important to change the perception among Black boys and young Black men about who can become a physician,” says Nivet. “Although we have a huge challenge to overcome throughout the continuum of education, UT Southwestern is strongly committed to helping create a pipeline that will lead to more Black male doctors.” Advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion is a priority in UT Southwestern’s Six-Year Strategic Plan. Among ongoing efforts, the institution recently moved to hire new deans focused on diversifying the student body and faculty in all three of its schools – the UT Southwestern Medical School, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, and the School of Health Professions. As this conversation continues, Okorodudu says he wants patients of all races to understand that creating healthy communities will benefit everyone. “We’re all connected because we live in a global world. If people didn’t believe that prior to 2020 – all they have to do is look at the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he says. Visit BMWCMovie.com to learn more about the film.

February 5, 2021

DeSoto and Glenn Heights Elections

Proctor, Bruton win seats

By CHERYL SMITH Economic accountability, a transparent government, the COVID-19 pandemic and unemployment were issues that DeSoto’s new mayor talked about on the campaign trail and some say the message resonated with voters as former Mayor ProTem Rachel Proctor handily defeated Mayor Kenzie Moore with 60.67 percent of the vote to fill the unexpired term of DeSoto Mayor Curtistene Smith McCowan, who died in late 2020. Throughout the campaign, she stressed taking the city back to the basics, focusing on the ABCs of her vision: “A for accountability; B for bringing us back together; and C for communication.” “We have to get on the same page with the school district to serve the students, communicate, connect and build that bridge with the school district,” she explained, adding that the Council needed to “restablish regular meetings with our school board, looking at a joint strategic plan.” In a candidate’s forum sponsored by the Southwest Dallas County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the 2015 DeSoto High School Alumni Hall of Fame inductee from the Class of 1999 said it was important also, to look at DeSoto’s response to the pandemic and what that response needed to be in the future. “Stricter accountability measures are needed,” she said. “It was made more February 5, 2021

Rachel L. Proctor elected Mayor of DeSoto

difficult than it should have been. We have to put things in place that make it easy and gives our residents the most help in the shortest amount of time.” An author and entrepreneur, Ms. Proctor was first elected to the DeSoto City Council in March 2013. In May 2014 she was re-elected and from May 2016 through May 2019 went on to serve as Mayor Pro Tem. She then ran for mayor but in a three-person race, was defeated by Ms. McCowan, who garnered 60 percent of the vote.

I MESSENGER

No stranger to politics, she held several positions, including Student Council and Sophomore Class President. A graduate of UTA with a Bachelors degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, she is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (yes, she is sorority sister to current Vice President Kamala D. Harris), and a licensed minister. With a 8.55 percent voter turnout, the seat vacated by Mr. Moore, who was Mayor Pro Tem, representing Place 7, at the time of Mayor McCowan’s death, was won by Letitia

Hughes, who defeated John W. McCalib and Calvin Graham; garnering 57.47 percent of the vote, according to unofficial Dallas County Elections results. Both victors will be back on the campaign trail in a year as the unexpired terms end with a May election in 2022. With 171 votes cast in the Glenn Heights Special Election to fill the City Council Place 3 seat, which became vacant after the resignation of Jeremy Woods, Sr.; Travis Bruton was victorious over Austin T. Kelley with 54.39 percent of the vote. myimessenger.com

myimessenger.com

February 5, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

February 5, 2021

Mrs. Verna McKenzie celebrates 105th Birthday! By MARVA J. SNEED Staff writer

It was a real celebration for Verna McKenzie as she celebrated her 105th Birthday. Credit: Marva Sneed

February 5, 2021

I MESSENGER

Bell was among the many who showed up to shower the “Birthday Girl” with cards and gifts. The Drive-By caravan was led by a local Corvette Car Club from Oliver Wendell Holmes Middle School to the honoree’s home. Decorated cars lined the streets as drivers honked their horns, waved, clapped, and shouted well wishes and birthday expressions. Mrs. McKenzie said after the last car drove by and the drumline sang Happy Birthday to her, “You have made my year, not just my day, my Year.”

myimessenger.com

February 5, 2021

NAACP discusses racist call By ASHLEY MOSS Staff writer A White Garland resident apologized this week to members of the NAACP after the organization received a threatening, race-tinged message about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on the weekend of the holiday celebrating the life of the slain civil rights leader. “I’m so sorry for that one phone call,” Garland resident Lee Lutz, who is white, told members of the organization on Tuesday night. “I feel like I should apologize for everybody. I think that’s ugly and I hope he gets prosecuted.” The apology garnered nods of approval among the nearly two dozen Garland residents and NAACP members who

February 5, 2021

gathered virtually for the group’s regular membership meeting Tuesday night. The meeting came one week after the branch filed a complaint with Garland Police that a caller had left the organization’s members a voice message on its business phone line referring to Dr. Martin Luther King by the N-word and making light of his assassination. Members have said they believe the intent of the message - and its timing over the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday - was to be threatening. Last week, Garland Police said they identified and interviewed the suspected caller and would seek charges of harassment against him. Police Lieutenant Pedro Barineau said that the

I MESSENGER

Annie Dickson Garland NAACP President

department had referred the case to the Dallas County District Attorney’s office for consideration by a grand jury. A grand jury will determine whether sufficient evidence exists to bring an indictment of harassment against the accused suspect. Neither the District Attorney’s office, the grand jury intake coordinator, nor the public information

officer’s office returned phone calls left for them on Tuesday. NAACP Interim Branch President Annie Dickson gave an update to members and community residents on the case. “One of the things I’m proud of is that it was reported,” Dickson said to the group. “When you don’t report things, it gives permission to say ‘It’s OK’.” “Whether or not they do anything, it was reported and it was addressed,” she said, “and I’m pleased with that.” Dickson told those gathered for the meeting that the suspected caller was a white man “of age.” “He left a voicemail saying some very derogatory things about Dr. King,” Dickson said. “A detective in the Criminal Investigations Unit spoke to the man, who expressed that to this day he has the same opinion that he had when he left the voicemail.” Dickson said the case had sparked conversation beyond just members of the NAACP, the nation’s oldest civil rights group. “I talked to my daughters and granddaughters, who’ve never seen the things we’ve seen or (who have never) experienced what we’ve experienced,” she said. “ They can’t believe that we went through that.” Branch Secretary Chonda Williams said, despite the caller’s intent to harass or scare members of the group, the caller’s action would do neither. “We are not going to give in to intimidation or prejudice or fear, that’s not going to happen,” she said. myimessenger.com

myimessenger.com

February 5, 2021

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

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

214.623.7314

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

February 5, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

Eat.Sweat.Undress. FROM MARVA WITH LOVE BY MARVA J. SNEED

Eat.Sweat.Undress. The name of this company had me curious. I wanted to know more. It’s a female-founded and led brand that offers fitness, wellness, beauty, and fashion products and services to enhance the lives of women. Alexia Hammonds is the Founder and CEO of Eat.Sweat.Undress. Alexia was First Barre Instructor (ballet exercise) She’s a classically-trained Pilates Instructor, dancer, and yoga instructor. The First-ever Pilates Instructor globally to introduce virtual Livestream platform (Pilates Live.) Now she’s credited as the first Black woman to craft a signature perfume collection in Grasse, France, the historical home for all perfumes. Her new lifestyle brand is, Eat.Sweat. Undress. We talked about her newest product, a new hair perfume collection. MS: Eat.Sweat.Undress. I love that name. I was telling a co-worker about it and she said that sounds sexy. Alexia, tell us a little about yourself and how you got here. AH: Hello everyone, and thank you for having me. My name is Alexia P. Hammonds and I am from Atlanta, Georgia. I live in Dallas, Texas, a place I’ve loved on and off since about 2008. That’s a long time. I like to call myself a Lonestar peach. Texas has my heart, especially Dallas. I’m classically trained in ballet. I went to undergrad at Grambling State University myimessenger.com

to study Political Science. I moved to Dallas on a whim not knowing what I wanted to do with my life. I joined this nice fitness club. The fitness instructor knew that I had a background in dance and she was about to have a double hip replacement and she asked me If I would teach this new bar Pilates program for her this summer. I taught the whole summer. MS: From being a Pilate’s instructor and creating a position with a Pilate’s equipment company that John Pilates used in his Pilates studios what was next? AH: I wanted to do something with beauty and fitness. Being in fitness when you’re sick or need time off, you ‘re not getting paid. My dad told me I needed a product. In 2012 I created Eat. Sweat.Undress but I didn’t

Bianca Jackson

take it seriously. It was just a blog, I sold some tee-shirts and a friend had her bath and body products and she created a white label for me. It was just like a hobby for me. I realized that I wanted to create something that would bring generational family wealth. MS: Tell us about The Alexia P. Hammonds Hair Mist Collection.

AH: The products are formulated with a special keratin protein and cashmilan. The fragrances are beautifully aromatic as well as functional for strengthening, softening, and conditioning the hair. My hair is blown out and I use it on my hair. I wanted to blend two things that I love, to make our perfumed Hair Mist stand out in the market of hair care and fragrances… To hear the full interview with Alexia P. Hammonds tune into BlogTalkRadio.com/ Cheryl’s World link: http://bit. ly/38nW6eO and on Facebook. com/TexasMetroNews to From Marva with Love. Visit eatsweatundress.com and follow them on IG, FB, and Pinterest. “From Marva with Love” BlogTalkRadio.com/Cheryl’s World Texas Metro News email: marvasneed@myimessenger.com

Tuesdays 11AM

February 5, 2021

Tues 11:30 am - 1 pm

February 5, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

Dallas COVID-19 Resources

MO’ BETTAH WINGS

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

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

Safer at home

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

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

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

Keep your mouth and nose covered while out in public.

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

February 5, 2021

BLACK COLLEGE CLASSIC MOVES TO ARLINGTON By VALERIE FIELDS HILL News Editor

Southern and Texas Southern to play on October 9

A historically Black college football game that had been played in the Cotton Bowl will move to Globe Life Park in Arlington, giving that city its first Black college classic game. The Arlington Football Showdown will feature a matchup between two storied football programs, Texas Southern University of Houston and Southern University of Baton Rouge, La., promoters said at a press conference to announce the event at Globe Life Park Wednesday morning. The game will be played Oct. 9. It is expected to draw between 15,000 and 20,000 black college football fans, alumni from both universities and North Texas-area high school students and their families, promoters said. “What we have done is reimagined Globe Life Park,” said Matt Wilson, vice president of sports and events for the Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau. Globe Life Park is the previous home of the Texas Rangers professional baseball club. The club moved to Globe Life Field last season. “We love our friends in Dallas,” he said, “but to bring an event of this nature is a huge coup for us.” Sports officials at both schools lauded the move to Arlington. “We’re just trying to give our fans in the D/FW area a chance to see the Jags play,” said Rodney Kirschner, senior February 5, 2021

associate athletic director for the Southern University Jaguars Athletic Department. The game announcement came after nearly six months of meetings between event promoters, Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau officials, civic leaders, officials in the Southwestern Athletic Conference and both universities’ sports administrators, said April Watson, vice president of Lone Star Sports, LLC, the game’s promoter. “I’m excited,” she said. “We’ve had, probably since August of last year, no less than 25 meetings. This has been very strategic. They have really vetted us.” The Showdown will be the first time that Arlington, a city of 400,000 residents, has hosted a Black college football event. Dallas has hosted the State Fair Classic, a matchup between historically Black Prairie View A&M University and Grambling State University at the Cotton Bowl, since 1985. The Showdown has its beginnings in 2017 at the Cotton Bowl, where it was to be played for three years between the two teams. It was canceled last fall due to COVID-related restrictions prohibiting large gatherings at sporting arenas. In light of the cancellation of the 2020 game, the original promoter sold his rights to the game to Lone Star Sports, LLC., a Dallas-based marketing and events promotions

I MESSENGER

company whose management saw Globe Life Park as a better fit for the two universities’ fans, some of whom had complained, among other things, of limited parking at the Cotton Bowl, poor traffic management and lengthy walks from parking areas to the stadium. The Arlington Showdown comes amidst a resurgence of interest in Black college sports matchups. Last month, for example, the Greater Columbus Sports Commission in Ohio announced the return of the HBCU “Classic for Columbus” after a 20-year hiatus. The game and surrounding activities will take place Aug. 25-29, 2021 in downtown Columbus and will feature Central State University, a public historically black college located in Wilberforce, Ohio and Kentucky State University, a 135-year-old HBCU located in Frankfort, Ky. Similarly, Hollywood actor Michael B. Jordan announced in December he had organized the “Hoop Dreams Classic,” a basketball event showcasing four women’s and four men’s HBCU teams on Dec. 18, 2021 in Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. There’s also recent interest in HBCU sports programs among professional athletes. This week, ESPN reported that the NBA is considering highlighting Historically Black Colleges and Universities during a rescheduled

NBA All Star game on March 7 in Atlanta. The plan reportedly is being championed by Chris Paul of the Phoenix Suns, a vocal supporter of HBCU athletes. Finally, of course, in a move widely reported by mainstream media outlets last fall, former Dallas Cowboy Deion Sanders left his gig as a regular football analyst to coach at historically Black Jackson State University, luring with him his own son, a four star recruit, and a constant stream of other four and five-star athletes, some of whom had committed to play at highly-ranked predominantly white programs. David Squires, a sports journalist who has written about Black college sports events since the early 1980s, said that while HBCU classic games have been played for decades, some cities are coming to a fresh understanding of their economic impact. Squires, who has covered sports for national outlets including BlackVoices.com and The Undefeated, said the Arlington Football Showdown is “a good idea” to lure out-oftown visitors to spend dollars in the local community. “People will come from as far away as Oklahoma and Louisiana to these games,” he said. “You’re in a big football area.” “People put these (Black college football) classics on their travel schedules a year see BLACK COLLAGE, page 25

myimessenger.com

Black College, from page 24...

in advance,” said Squires, a journalism lecturer at the historically Black North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University in Greensboro, N.C. Aside from Dallas’ State Fair Classic, there are at least a half dozen other longstanding Black college classic games across the nation which attract scores of fans, including: • The 31-year-old Southern Heritage Classic, a duel between Jackson State University and Tennessee State University played each year at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis. More than 48,000 residents, alumni and others attend this annual event. • The 36-year-old Circle City Classic, which pits Kentucky State University and Central State University at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. The event drew about 23,000 sports fans, in 2015. • The 80-year-old Magic City Classic, one of the largest in the nation. This matchup between state rivals Alabama State University and Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical College is held at Legion Field in Birmingham. In 2015, the game drew 64,000 attendees to Birmingham for an entire week of fanfare, parties, a concert and other events. • The Bayou Classic, considered the grandfather of Black College classic games because of its commercial appeal and annual broadcast appearance on network television. This event brings cross-state rivals Grambling State Universimyimessenger.com

ty and Southern University of Baton Rouge, La., to Mercedes Benz Stadium in New Orleans. The 46-yearold tradition includes a pageant, golf tournament, concerts, a Greek show and Battle of the Bands. Black college classic events bring families to dine in local restaurants, stay multiple nights at hotels and entertain themselves at nearby music halls, Squires said, so some cities are jumping on the bandwagon to lure such events. “I think every year, somebody is trying to do a new classic,” he said. Wilson, the vice president of sports at the Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the Football Showdown fits into Arlington’s long-range plan of attracting entertainment events, such as horse shows and big truck competitions, that appeal to the city’s diverse residents. “We’ve really embraced, as

a city, the moniker ‘Arlington: The American Dream City’,” said Wilson. “We’ve seen our African American population grow,” he said. “We want to make sure we’re meeting the needs and wants of this population.” The Arlington Football Showdown could not have come at a better time, economically speaking. Economic development staffers have been challenged in recent months to bring events to a city that has been hit hard by retail closures, limited attendance at both Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers events and slowdowns at its two amusement parks, Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, due to the Coronavirus pandemic restrictions. “In this environment, we have one or two choices: We can pack it up…or you can give people a choice,” said Wilson, explaining that economic development executives had the undesirable choice of allow-

ing venues to remain empty – or figure out novel ways to fill them, but do so safely. “Too many people are counting on a paycheck – waiters, waitresses, hotel staff. They can’t afford to wait to see what happens,” he said. The Arlington event will follow the blueprint of other Black college football classics. The Showdown will include four days of activities. Beginning on the Thursday before the game, promoters will host a college fair showcasing academic degree programs at various HBCUs and career information and an evening Scholarship gala. On the Friday prior to the game, the lineup includes a golf tournament, Battle of the Bands, a Greek Step and Comedy show and alumni parties. Saturday’s activities include a yet-to-be-named high school game to be played before college matchup and on the Sunday following the gameday, promoters will host an Alumni and Friends Brunch. The Showdown’s activities will be held at venues such as Texas Live! in the Arlington Entertainment District. Watson said the event’s sponsors, who are based in Texas, favored activities that engage local residents who potentially would patronize their establishments. “For our sponsors, that’s a big deal,” said Watson, who herself lives in the Arlington-Fort Worth area. Tickets to the Arlington Football Showdown will sell for $20 pre-sale and $25 at the gate. They can be purchased through the Texas Rangers Box Office. Tickets go on sale Feb. 1. For more information on the event, click here: www. theArlingtonFootballShowdown.com February 5, 2021

February 5, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

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

myimessenger.com

February 5, 2021

During Black History Month, let’s reflect on the past to move toward the future

“Where there are no roots, there are no fruit,” said Clarence E. Glover Jr. (left), shown in a drum circle at the 2019 Harambee Dallas Festival at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. “We as African-Americans must recognize our historical and cultural roots in order to produce quality and cultural fruit.” Note: Melody Afi Bell, who died last week, is on drums.(File)

By NORMA ADAMS WADE This is the first Black History Month since the disastrous year of 2020. We want to close that door and move toward hopeful opportunities ahead. Right? But is forgetting the past more productive than remembering it? That’s the question a Dallas pundit of African-American history is asking as we enter this exhaustive 28-day historical marathon. Clarence E. Glover Jr. is one of many scholars who will be February 5, 2021

cramming more than four centuries of Black history into this short span of time. The former diversity educator for Southern Methodist University and Dallas ISD is a minister, urban gardener and drummer who often presents an African interpretation of Biblical scriptures and sometimes lectures as his ancestral alter-ego character “Professor Freedom.” Glover said he will be probing for answers to his whathave-we-learned question as he begins his busy schedule of lectures, libation ceremonies and community outreach projects. He also will spend

I MESSENGER

much time leading Sankofa ceremonies that honor forgotten and unknown laborers and change-makers from the widespread African diaspora. His consulting agency, Sankofa Education Services, highlights the West African Sankofa symbol — showing a mythical bird moving forward but looking back — to promote the value of learning from the past. “Where there are no roots, there are no fruit,” Glover said. “We as African-Americans must recognize our historical and cultural roots in order to produce quality and cultural fruit.”

He said he will build on the 2021 national Black History Month theme — “Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity” — and will title his own lecture “E Pluribus Unum: African Families and the American Dream.” The graduate of Grambling State University and SMU’s Perkins School of Theology said both topics give him space to explore current developments, including the new Biden-Harris administration’s emphasis on restoring national unity. But some folks may reject his surprising point that “unity is see THINKING, page 29

myimessenger.com

Thinking,

from page 28... nothing new for America.” The nation’s founding motto of unity — E pluribus unum, or Latin for “out of many, one” — seems to have gotten lost in recent racial and political turmoil on American soil, Glover said. A large portion of the “many” includes ignored enslaved Africans and their descendants who provided all-day, back-breaking labor, Glover

myimessenger.com

said. The laborers planted and harvested crops including cotton, tobacco, wheat, lumber, rice, corn and indigo — goods that formed the economy upon which the colonies and new independent nation were built. “We must accept the fact that the dream of the American nation, 1776, was built on the backs of enslaved African families,” said Glover, who was born on Shreveport farmland his family has owned for centuries. So, he will honor the millions of forgotten enslaved Africans and their descendants, buried in and outside cemeteries,

where many bear no headstones to even recognize them as “unknown.” Glover said he likes to think that a brief annual Dallas commemoration he hosts also will help bolster the African-American Burial Grounds Study Act. The measure is a bill introduced by Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, that the Senate passed unanimously in December. The bill, which awaits a House vote, would establish a national network to document, preserve and maintain African-American burial grounds across the nation.

As he does yearly, Glover invites people of all cultures to join him as he lays a commemorative wreath and hosts a brief memorial at 3 p.m. Feb. 28, the last Sunday in Black History Month, at Freedman’s Memorial Cemetery in Dallas, 2525 N. Central Expressway at Lemmon Avenue. To participate or learn more, email clarencegloverjr@ aol.com or call 214-546-3480. 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 5, 2021

Remembering two ICONS Arthur Joe Sr. and Edwin Washington II were long time friends. And co-founders of the Dallas-based civil rights non-profit organization, Black Citizens for Justice Law and Order (BCJLO). Mr. Washington transitioned on November 17, 2020 and Mr. Joe died on January 10, 2021 at ages 98 and 95, respectively. Mr. Washington is the father of Ashira Tosihwe, who along with Emma Rodgers, co-owned Black Images Book Bazaar that operated in Dallas for 29 years and closed in 2006. Washingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s widow is Billie Washington. Arthur Fred Joe, Sr. was

Arthur Joe Sr. Oct. 16, 1925 - Jan. 10, 2021

Edwin Washington II Jan. 26, 1922 - Nov. 17, 2020

born in Palestine, Texas. He proudly served in the United States Navy and was a World War II Veteran. He was active in the civil rights movement and was a founding member

of the civil rights organization Black Citizens for Justice, Law, and Order (BCJLO) in 1969. The Baylor University Institute for Oral History published his oral memoirs

in 2015 documenting his civil rights activism in Texas. He leaves behind his loving wife of 53 years, Daisy E. Coleman Joe of Dallas; daughters, Barbara Joe-Jones of South Orange, New Jersey, Earnie A. Joe of Dallas, and son, Arthur F. Joe, Jr. of Dallas; 3 grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, family members, and friends. Mr. Joe was a staunch local civil rights worker who, with his wife, Mr. Washington and a group of loyal and devoted workers, helped file many cases with the local EEOC office; picketed corporations and businesses; and addressed societal ills.

Remembering Our Griot A special storytime in former 10-year DISD special celebration of African education teacher. American History Month was She later became selfto feature Melody Afi Bell at employed as a professional DeSoto Library on February griot/storyteller and cultural 8. it was to celebrate African teacher/entertainer. She culture through music, stories, frequently visited local schools language skills and more. demonstrating drumming and But Ms. Bell telling Africanwill not be in culture stories. attendance and Sis. Afi, as expressions are some people pouring in upon called her, was hearing of her born and grew transition. up in Dallas Friends say and was a Dallas Black staple at annual community Kw a n z a a , cultural icon Juneteenth, and Afiah Bey died Black History Sis. Afiah of a broken heart, Month activities. Jan. 29, 2021 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an She was quite exact month and one day after knowledgeable about African her youngest son, Isaac Bey, history and traditions and was killed in front of her home showed a great respect for the on Dec. 28, 2020. culture. Afiah, whose birth name is Sis. Afi was well liked and Melody Bell, was a well-known adults and children flocked to and respected griot storyteller, her during her demonstrations, poem, drummer, singer and a one friend said. February 5, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re open and ready to serve you!

You can enjoy life and still be safe!

Elaineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Jamaican Kitchen

(214) 565-1008 2717 Martin L. King Jr Blvd, Dallas, TX 75215

Wear the masks, wash your hands and show love! myimessenger.com

February 5, 2021

Mavs Coach Carlisle,

former colleague remember Sekou Smith By DOROTHY J. GENTRY Sports Editor To say Sekou Smith touched the lives of everyone whose path he crossed is an understatement. He inspired, uplifted and encouraged many and left an impression on everyone, including Dallas Mavericks Head Coach Rick Carlisle who talked about Smith on Wednesday, a day after he passed. “Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to the family of Sekou Smith, a guy many of us knew very, very well,” Carlisle said. “He covered the Pacers when I was there for a couple of years and then went on to a very productive television career. “This guy was universally liked, loved, and respected. He was a completely authentic person with great credibility,” Carlisle continued. “It is very, very sad at age 48 for a life to end. So our prayers go out to his family and he will be missed.” Smith, a well-known and respected NBA reporter and analyst for more than two decades died on Tuesday at the age of 48 from Covid-19. Smith worked for NBA TV and wrote for NBA.com since 2009. Tributes from coaches, players, fellow journalists and more continued to pour in as the reality of his death hit home. A statement from Turner Sports, which broadcasts February 5, 2021

Sekou Smith 1972-2021

and operates NBA TV and NBA.com read: “We are all heartbroken over Sekou’s tragic passing. His commitment to journalism and the basketball community was immense and we will miss his warm, engaging personality.” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued a statement that read in part: “The NBA mourns the passing of Sekou Smith, a beloved member of the NBA family. Sekou was one of the most affable and dedicated reporters in the NBA and a terrific friend to so many across the league. Sekou’s love of basketball was clear to everyone who knew him and it always shined through in his work.” NABJ Sports Task Force released the following statement as well: The passing of Sekou Smith due to Covid-19 complications hits so many members of the NABJ Sports family extremely hard. He was more than a colleague; he was a friend and brother

I MESSENGER

to us and so many others. Our deepest prayers go out to his wife Heather and children. Mavs.com writer and longtime sports journalist Dwain Price wrote on social media: “I am so sad to hear about the passing of my friend, Sekou Smith. Sekou was a true gentleman and a class act and one of the best people I’ve ever met. He will truly be missed. R.I.P.” A colleague of Smith’s from Atlanta - sports journalist, photographer and blogger Jameelah Johnson, who covers the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, WNBA’s Atlanta Dream, NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and more - shared her thoughts with Texas Metro News on the passing of her friend. Here are her unedited words on what Sekou meant to her: “Where do I begin with Sekou Smith’s impact? Whenever Sekou walked into a room, you knew he was there. I remember thinking to myself, “Who doesn’t he know?!” But it’s not that Sekou knew everyone, it just seemed that way because he spoke to almost everyone he encountered. Whether it was a greeting in passing or stopping to have a conversation, Sekou made you feel comfortable. It translated into his work as well. “I would learn from him when I watched how he interacted with the players. It never came across as forceful or contrived, he spoke to them like they knew each other

from way back when. Before I applied for credentials for my first Summer League, I reached out to Sekou. I asked him if he’d be attending. I wanted to find people I could connect with while I was there. Sekou reassured me when I mentioned requesting credentials and then offered to introduce me to people after I told him I’d only know one person out there. I didn’t even have to ask him. That’s just how he was. I’m mourning his loss selfishly because I’ll miss talking to him at the games. I’ll miss us chopping it up and joking on each other. I’ll miss hearing his thoughts on the Hawks’ latest moves. I’ll miss him reminding me how he’s been on that Hawks flow for many, MANY years. I’ll miss seeing him at Media Day. I’ll miss seeing him on NBA-TV and saying “My guy, Sekou!” More than anything, I’ll just miss him. “How Sekou made many people feel is what I admired most about him. I’m thankful to have known him. He had this much of an impact on me and we were friends. I can’t imagine what those in his daily life are experiencing. I’m praying for his wife and children, family and loved ones.” Smith started his career as a sports reporter at The Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, Mississippi, then moved on to The Indianapolis Star and The Atlanta JournalConstitution before joining Turner Sports. He will be missed. myimessenger.com

myimessenger.com

February 5, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

Virtual and liVe Community Calendar

BLACK HISTORY MONTH Living with Low Vision ZWHJCOC Lunch & Learn Session, with Dr. Stephanie Fleming, O.D. 11:30 am-12:30 pm. Via Zoom at www.zwhjcoc.org.

Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s DBDT: Encore! Reminisce reflects on the Civil Rights Era, music tribute - Andra Day, Aretha Franklin & Gladys Knight & The Pips 7 pm. DBDT. com.

Advancing Social Justice, Health Equity, and Community, by The Hastings Center. Feat: Professor Patrick T. Smith of Duke Univ. Online: thehastingscenter-org.zoom. us. 11 am. CST.

Business Alliance Ball at The Attaché Cigar, 4099 Camp Wisdom Rd. #101. 7 pm. Tickets: www.theattacheclub.com.

FEBRUARY 10

Reimagining “We The People” Hosted by Reimagining We The People National Conference. 9 am- 5 pm. CST. Reg: http:// bit.ly/2Y7YP6b.

2021 Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k/5k Dallas. Host Hot Chocolate 15k/5k. Dallas’s sweetest 15k/5k at 7 am-12 pm. CST. Register: http://bit.ly/2GBBIZ8.

Civil Rights Legacies: Martin, Malcolm, Gwen, and Julian. Event by Schomburg Center for Research in Black Online: Eventbrite.com. 5:30 pm CST.

The LOVE Expo 2021. Event by Boss Hogg Productions and Brianna Hogg at South Oak Cliff High School, 3601 S. Marsalis Ave. 2-6 pm. CST. Info: www.eventbrite.com.

FEBRUARY 4

Grand Opening of See Us Now Staffing! Host Irving Hispanic Chamber & the Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce. 4 pm. 500 Riverside Dr. Bldg. 6 #100E, Irving. Info: 972-441-2887 Dallas Black Girl Magic Museum at Black Girl Magic Museum, 2620 Gus Thomasson Rd. #116, Mesquite, 12-7 pm. Tickets and times: Eventbrite.com.

FEBRUARY 5 13th Annual DMV Links Red Dress Event. Event by DMV Links go red. Special guest: Joy-Ann Reid of The ReidOut Online: reddress.eventbrite.com. 6-8 pm. CST. Rhythm In Black: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow – A Black History Month Event. Event by Andy Street LB. Tickets Online: eventbrite. com. 11 am CST. Pink GOes RED for Heart Health! Virtual Zumba and Yoga Session. Hosted by AKA Gamma Omicron Omega Chapter Tyler. 6:30-6:45 pm. Zoom: bit.ly/3iIH1b2 ID#: 94828613328 code: 778985. Virtual 1st Fridays-Black History Month Int’l Celebration & Showcase. Host is First Fridays. Online event tickets: Eventbrite.com. 2-5 pm. CST. FOUR HUNDRED SOULS: A Community History of African America from1619-2019. Event by National Civil Rights Museum. Online: www.civilrightsmuseum.org . 6 pm CST. Trap n Paint Dallas at Trap n Paint 2414 Converse St, Dallas. Tickets: http://bit.ly/2NFFtmQ. 7-9 pm. Knowledge is Power - Black History Month Celebration. Buffalo Soldiers Celebrate Black History Month at Cedar Hill State Park, 1570 FM 1382, Cedar Hill. 11 am-5 pm. CST.

FEBRUARY 6 1st Saturday Harvest Project Food Rescue Free Fruit and Veggies, at the Pan African Connection 4466 S. Marsalis Ave. 10 am-3 pm. Email: Panafric@airmail.net or Call 214-943-8262.

myimessenger.com

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 646-200-0459. on An-

1964 - After 12 days of debate and voting on 125 amendments, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by a vote of 290-130

In The Middle with Ashley Moss. “Talking about topics that Matter” Join in on Facebook/@TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio. com at 11 am-1 pm. CST. Mondays. Join the conversation call 646-2000459.

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

22nd Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration On BET 7 pm. CST. Host Rickey Smiley Theme: “Nothing Can Stop Us” Super Bowl LV. Dear Black Man Videoshoot. Event by Lyre Luciano at Rochester Park, 300 Rochester St. Dallas. 10 am. Irving Black Arts Council Black History Month Art Exhibition The Jalen Law Collection at Irving Black Arts Council, 3333 N MacArthur Blvd, Irving. 1 pm.

Celebration - spotlighting 3 Contemporary Black Women Inventors, Aprille Ericsson, Ayanna Howard, and Arlyne Simon. Reg: Online via Eventbrite.com. 11 am-12:30 pm.

FEBRUARY 11-13 Affairs of the Heart Virtual 5K Walk/Run. Hosted by National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. - Dallas Metropolitan Chapter Online: runsignup.com.

bit.ly/3oZWaal

2021 Free Human Rights Lecture Series host SJSU Human Rights Institute. Keynote Lecture by Dr. Angela Davis. http:// go.sjsu.edu/HRI3. 7-9 pm. CST. Reg: http://

Facebook Live: Protecting Loved Ones From Financial Scams & Fraud. Event by AARP Programs. Reg: https://bit. ly/36bt5Bw 6-7 pm CST.

54 Miles to Justice, by Not My Son at Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 2922 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. 8:30am-12pm. Eventbrite.

FEBRUARY 12

Galentines - Goal Setting & Manifesting Workshop by Brittani Rettig, GRIT by Brit at GRIT Fitness Addison, 4288 Spring Valley, Farmers Branch. 12-2 pm. Tickets: Eventbrite

An Evening Of Blues Valentine Weekend, Feat: TJ Hooker Taylor at The Warehouse, 1125 E. Berry St. Ft. Worth. 7 pm. Tickets: JimAustinOnline.com.

FEBRUARY 8

FEBRUARY 13

Marvelous Marriage Mondays at Friendship-West Baptist Church Register for Virtual event, \friendshipwest.zoom.us/.../upcpcOmhqz4rqNU 7-8 pm. The Bear Creek Food Distribution 11 am-3 pm. 2700

Finley Rd. Irving. Drive-Thru.

FEBRUARY 9 2021 Free Human Rights Lecture Series host SJSU Human Rights Institute. Feat: Teach-In Panel w/ Drs. Bettina Aptheker, Barbara Ransby, and Neferti X.M. Tadiar: 5-8 pm CST. Reg: http://bit.ly/3oZWaal Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Café Con Nosotros. 8:30 am. Reg: irvinghcctx.chambermaster.com//register2308.

Valentine Makeover 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.

FEBRUARY 11

FEBRUARY 7 Ubuntu Market (Small Business Marketplace) at Pan African Connection 4466 S. Marsalis Ave. 12-5 pm. Shop Small Businesses. Info email: Panafric@airmail.net

DFW News & Tings with Jirah Nicole. From 11 am-1 pm. CST Tuesday’s on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio. com. Call in and join the conversation at 646-200-0459.

56th Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee Symposium for Social Change. Interactive workshops & live Q&A feat: Activist Nina Turner & Dr. Sekou Franklin. Reg: selmajubilee.com. Sophisticated Lady Productions presents Triple Threat Valentines Celebration at The Warehouse 1125 E. Berry St. FT. Worth. 7 pm. Tickets: JimAustinOnline.com.

for the Homeless. Event by Help Is Help at Dallas International Street Church, 2706 S. 2nd Ave. Volunteer or donate go to www.helpishelp. com. 2-4 pm. CST.

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. From Marva with Love with Marva Sneed from11 am -1 pm. CST, Fridays on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, and BlogTalkRadio.com. Call in and join the conversation at 646-2000459.

BLACK LIVES MATTER

Dr. Carter G. Woodson Sixth Annual Luncheon: Feat. Deah Berry Mitchell. Online tickets http://bit.ly/3r3Ir2T. 2 pm. CST Feeding The Forgotten, by PEER 2 PEER Wholewellness. The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center, 1818 Corsicana St. Dallas, 11 am-2 pm.

February 5, 2021

The Little Things AT THE MOVIES BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ

With a stellar cast, Denzel Washington, Rami Malek and Jarod Leto, I had high expectations for the Crime Drama THE LITTLE THINGS, but in this thriller a great cast can’t overcome a weak script. Longview, Texas native, John Lee Hancock (who wrote February 5, 2021

the 2009 football biopic THE BLINDSIDE), both directed and wrote THE LITTLE THINGS and he missed his mark with both the script and his direction of the film. The movie runs at a slow pace and is just simply boring (I nodded off at one point in the film). Almost the entire movie is delivered at a slow and tedious pace. It’s only the last twenty minutes that had some action and gave a thorough explanation of what the

I MESSENGER

title means of the movie. Washington and Malek spend the entire movie trying to catch a serial killer, played by a very creepy Jarod Leto. In the movie Denzel is a burnt out cop with a tortured past and Malek is a young, hotshot detective who needs some work on his social skills. Together Washington becomes a mentor to the young hotshot teaching him some unorthodox methods of

catching a killer. The movie has a throwback feel to it similar to SILENCE OF THE LAMBS and KISS THE GIRLS. However, the movie never reaches the level of those two films and simply has the feel of a 90’s knockoff. The movie is rated R for violence, language and nudity. On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate this murder mystery a MEDIUM. myimessenger.com

myimessenger.com

February 5, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

Fire Up Your Mixers: State Fair of Texas Announces Texas-Themed Cookie Decorating Contest

The State Fair of Texas is excited to announce the 2021 Virtual Creative Arts Contests, kicking off with Texas Theme Cookie Decorating. In addition, the 2021 Virtual Creative Arts Contest Handbook is now available online. With four brandnew virtual contests, Texans can celebrate their creativity year-round. Whether participants are showing off their patriotic-themed decorated mantel, shelf, or tablescape, or cooking up some fun Texas-themed, decorated cookies, Big Tex cannot wait to see how Fair fans celebrate everything from their favorite holiday to Big Tex himself, through their creativity. Introduced in 2020 as a way for Fair fans to continue creative celebrations from the comfort of their own home during the COVID-19 pandemic, the

myimessenger.com

contests were so popular, the new virtual contest tradition will continue in 2021. The four contests in 2021 include: • Texas Theme Cookie Decorating – Stir up some Lone Star spirit by decorating Texas-themed cookies. Texas is filled with tons of symbols – bluebonnets, Dr Pepper®, armadillos, yellow roses – so you’ll have more than enough inspiration to choose from to decorate

your six cookies. • Patriotic Celebration – Bring the celebration of America to your indoor décor! To celebrate the Fourth of July, commemorating the birth of American independence, decorate a mantel, shelf, or tablescape with your best stars and stripes. • Big Tex Cake Decorating – Say “Howdy, Folks!” using your sugar art skills. Design, embellish, or decorate

any cake or cupcake of your choosing – the only requirement is that your dessert features the spirit of everybody’s favorite 55-foot-tall talking cowboy, Big Tex. • Holiday! – Have a favorite holiday? Take your pick of any celebrated holiday and decorate a food item or décor piece (mantel, shelf, or tablescape) to celebrate. Who says you can’t decorate for Valentine’s Day in December? To enter, just submit a photo of your masterpiece through the Fair’s online registration portal, available at Creative.BigTex.com. With different age divisions for each contest, participants of any age are welcome. The entries must be the work of the contestant, and contestants may only have one entry per specified contest category.

February 5, 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 5, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com