I Messenger by Cheryl Smith

VOL IX NO 47 JULY 17, 2020

I MESSENGER

DNC e hin y c a m tor c i v s d l e i r y a g e f o r H 19 p.

CROCKETT

VICTORIOUS IN TEXAS HOUSE RACE

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 Allana Barefield Andrew Whigham III Anthony Council Ashley M. Moss Chelle Wilson Cierra Mayes Dareia Tolbert Dr. Felicia N. Shepherd Dorothy J. Gentry Eva Coleman 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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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.

JULY 17, 2020

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Black Women and Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lives Matter WAKE UP AND STAY WOKE DR. E. FAYE WILLIAMS, ESQ.

TriceEdney â&#x20AC;&#x201C; While in the midst of proclaiming Black Lives Matter, (and I agree) I want to make it clear that all Black Lives Matter, including Black women and children. It shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be necessary to say that, but it is. To MATTER is to have VALUE! Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s little doubt that Black Lives Matter. Thousands have demonstrated their support of that belief in streets across the nation and, for unnumbered reasons, many more support that belief in the privacy of their consciences. The real challenge for those of us dedicated to broadening the understanding of Black Lives Matter is changing the concept of BLM from a slogan to a way of life. In so doing, we develop the ethic of embracing actions and ideas that encourage and stimulate positive growth in our communities. It means rejecting those actions and ideas which produce no tangible positive outcomes in the lives of Black people â&#x20AC;&#x201C; especially Black women and children. It could be said that in the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;60â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, The Black Panther Party was a precursor of BLM. Their Ten Point Program parallels the safety and physical concerns for the Black community of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BLM Movement. In the early 1990â&#x20AC;&#x2122;S, Dr. C. DeLores Tucker, Founder of the National Congress of Black Women, broadened those concerns with a campaign against â&#x20AC;&#x153;gangsta rapâ&#x20AC;?â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a campaign that addressed the psychological destruction of our youth and persons unduly influenced by the media. Dr. Tucker understood that the information we feed our minds is intrinsically linked to how our reality is shaped and the conduct we can be expected to exhibit in our daily lives. If Black Lives are to really Matter, we must re-examine how we think of each other and how

we treat each other. If Black Lives are to really Matter and we are to rise above the common discord we see in the daily intrigues of our nation, we MUST recalibrate how we value each other and regard each other with the respect we demand for ourselves. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for Black women to bring back our complaint about being constantly bombarded with unspeakable terms in what some call music. Gangsta rap, when it comes from Black men or Black women, has no regard for Black women or children. No other women have to endure being bombarded and brutalized with such filthy language in their music. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long past the time to change that. Bob Law, esteemed radio personality and leader of the National Black Leadership Alliance, Kwabena Rasuli of Clear the Airwaves and I have made every appeal possible to radio stations that play the offending music, to corporate thugs that finance radio stations playing the pornographic language that glorifies drugs, violent behavior, rape, murder, that disrespects Black women and have no regard for children. This garbage is pumped into the minds of Black youth throughout the day. Many who pay to keep the filth on the radio in Black neighborhoods are in the fast food industry that helps to damage the psyche of our youth, as well as damage their health. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve concluded that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to stop talking about it and move to the next step. We must move to action that takes the profit out of those who pay to make that kind of music possible. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a parent, you must listen to the words used in what your children are hearing. Identify the companies advertising on the stations playing the offensive music and stop doing business with them. Money speaks louder than words. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;re in a period where weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re working hard to Rescue Our Children and Heal the Wounds of Circumstance. All of us have a duty to cleanse and clear our airwaves.

Dr. E. Faye Williams is National President of the National Congress of Black Women and Host of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wake Up and Stay Wokeâ&#x20AC;? on WPFW-FM 89.3.

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INSIDE

MY TRUTH

QUIT PLAYIN’

THE LAST WORD

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JULY 17, 2020

MY TRUTH by Cheryl Smith, Publisher

at her new home, and the thought of being served a five-course meal by Chef Cassondra; was definitely a positive one because I have eaten her food for almost 30 years, with nary a complaint. But we’re in the midst of COVID-19 and folks have not been taking precautions. I had concerns about leaving the comfort and safety of my castle. After all, leadership has failed us and the Karens are running rampant. You may ask yourself, Who should I listen to?” Now if there is one time you want to be on the right side of history, during your life time; this is it. Diane assured us that social distancing was in full effect, and it was. Trey was celebrating his 50th birthday and I was celebrating key moments in history since some point in last century. Chef Cassondra was her usual epitome of professionalism; taking care of business. And that is an important feature. We got to talk after dinner, but she had a job to do and she was about taking care of business. Accompanied by Christina, we were treated like royalty. We had a great meal, great conversation and a chance to while acknowledging the times we are in, celebrated the life we have lived and shared our hope of the one we are anticipating. We know it’s going to be a different life. There are some things

Chef Cassondra with Trey, who was celebrating his 50th birthday!

Social distancing/ healing dinner

Continued on next page...

Have you ever second-guessed yourself and then found you had the best time of your life? Sometimes you just don’t know what’s down that road, around that corner or over that mountain. You just have to have faith. Well, we’ve been social distancing for the past five months and in addition to the experience being challenging and frustrating; it can also be frightening and depressing. So, when you find yourself in an uplifting situation, it’s worth celebrating. Which brings me to my truth. Even as I got dressed for this special birthday dinner I had reservations. Sure I had been looking forward to visiting Diane JULY 17, 2020

I MESSENGER

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We have to get busy living or busy dyingWHO DO WE THINK WE ARE NOT? THE BLACK CARD BY TERRY ALLEN

“We have to get busy living or busy dying. Who do we think we are not?” That quote is from the iconic movie Shawshank Redemption starring Morgan Freeman. The statement is symbolic of the story of a decades-long quest for redemption and freedom. Did this movie affect you in any way? Coronavirus has raised its head again yielding its reach into Texas again and everyone is scrambling to create, cope and respond to the return of the impact of COVID-19. Which one would you choose to do? Get busy living or busy dying? I choose to live! My intention with this column was to facilitate and support our FWBN family of readers and community in harnessing our inherent power to deal with COVID-19 and the racial disparities that exist which have been highlighted by the media. I want to help and seek your help to navigate this shift that has happened. We are resilient. We can flatten the curve. And we can sustain our families!

My Truth, Continued...

we won’t be doing and other things we shouldn’t be doing. We also know that we need to use this time to ensure that we are in a better place. And being in a better place may involve making some serious changes with that person in the mirror. When I got up from the table, I wanted a few things: hugs and a to-go container! myimessenger.com

We can build our businesses! How? We must live without fear or feeling helpless to COVID-19, social injustice and economic losses. Guess what? We have the power! Unfortunately, the power is collective. We cannot win alone. In Shawshank, the survival in the prison was collaborative. Freeman and Tim Robbins’ characters’ survival and success came from their collaboration. They worked as a team to get free. They had a plan. We have to collaborate at all levels to survive BOTH pandemics. We must become spiritual warriors who stand together to block the spread of the virus, prevent the losses in our community and create new income. Family! Beloved! Please stop and tell yourself: YOU MATTER! We can no longer suppress our anger. Let’s collaborate on how we process the emotions stemming from racism, job loss, bearing the burden of hatred in this society. There are humans in this world that would have us believe we are not worthy; they say that we are unlawful. They say that we are threatening. So, let’s control the narrative. We know where our heart lies so we have to provide resources to survive. Here is my list:

I also wanted some type of assurance that we would come together again. Living through COVID-19, we live with the realization that there are some people we might never see again. Actually that is the way life is all along, we just don’t see it that way. COVID-19 has opened our eyes. Hopefully COVID-19 will open some hearts and we’ll become kinder and gentler. Maybe all of those “isms” can be turned into “wasms.”

• Advertisers in this paper have showcased what they have to offer and how they are helping the community. Support them with your dollars. • Reach out to your inner circle and help them to practice self-care. Because we cannot help others if we do not help ourselves, be calm first. • Call your husband, wife, brother, sister, uncle, aunt and tell them you are ok. Tell them “I need you” and “How can I be of value to you?” Or “I am proud of you.” • Make sure you have the tools to keep your mind right, keep your body healthy and keep your spirit on the high road. As we seek power and faith to guide our steps in breaking down the systemic bias that seeks to tear us down, DO NOT let them break your spirit. Who do you think you are not? Celebrate and appreciate yourself! High Five! Right? Please email me at the paper and tell me you are with me. Terryallenpr@ gmail.com Terry Allen is a multi-media journalist and board member of the National Association of Black Journalists.

Maybe “nice” will take the place of “nasty.” Thanks Diane, for giving me hope, during a time when despair looms.

I’m going to share Chef Cassondra’s contact info here. Maybe meal, by meal, we all can heal. info@chefcassondra.com or 972-904-3600

JULY 17, 2020

Apologies are nice but investments are better By Harrison L. Blair, President Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce To be honest, it’s difficult to work through all the “I’m so sorry” & “just checking in” calls and text messages from my white friends and colleagues. I feel you, I really do. It is ok to check on your Black friends. We appreciate you professing your disdain for white supremacy and the general awakening that’s happening around the dangers of being Black in America. Just know that your Black friends are probably emotionally drained because, after all, we have lived with this type of trauma as a people for generations. We are wary of words because we know that actions speak louder. In 1968, following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., riots and protests erupted across the country for more than 10 days. Giving President Lyndon B. Johnson the pressure needed to push Congress to pass the Fair Housing Act. As important of a victory as it was, today, we still don’t have fair housing. In 2020, the city of Dallas remains one of the highest poverty concentrated and segregated cities in the United States. In a phrase, policy can’t change hearts and minds. Now, the lynching of Black bodies has forced a moment. A movement, where we must begin to address the pain and suffering caused by the lack of real investment in the Black community. How do we address the pain and suffering? With policies that JULY 17, 2020

move from the vantage point of heart and mind. Understand this - We don’t just want an apology or a check-in – we want to see some action. Now is the time to invest in African Americans the way African Americans have invested in America. In the world headquarters of capitalism, there’s no love like that of financial support. It’s time to write checks, not apologies. Here are some tangible ways to go beyond that call or social media post. To lenders who had a tough time loaning to small and minority firms, it’s time to un-redline the banks. We comprise only 4% of the businesses in the United States despite making up nearly 13% population. In part because Black entrepreneurs have not experienced the same level of investment as our white peers. Now is the moment to invest in a way that will have a generational impact on the people who built this country, but are yet to have an equitable share in its prosperity. It’s time to stop perceiving Black first-time homebuyers, entrepreneurs, and the communities they live and conduct business in as potentially risky investments. Black women, who comprise the largest demographic for startups in the state of Texas, only earn an average annual revenue of $43K. Partly because they don’t have access to capital to grow and scale their firms, you can change that now. We expect you to. Properly capitalizing the Black community will

I MESSENGER

Harrison Blair

only have a positive impact on effectively restarting our economy. You can start by lending to Black first time home buyers because we know that many small business owners get their equity to start their businesses from their homes. While you are at it, you should also work to create more meaningful relationships with Black businesses and the organizations that represent them across the North Texas region. It’s time to provide Black consumers equal access to all the financial tools and instruments your bank offers. It’s time to rethink how we assess creditworthiness, knowing that the current credit scoring model doesn’t account for consumer data on utility, cellphone bill, and rent payments. We know this exclusion hurts Black and Brown

people who are otherwise creditworthy. Properly capitalizing the Black community will only lead to higher annual incremental revenue for your bank. There is only an upside to investing in the Black community. Investing in the Black community is investing in a stronger America. Its time to help Black people build wealth. To my white c-suiters who are reading this, it’s time to look at your executive staff. Is there anyone Black there? Are there any Black women? If not, here is an opportunity to invest in your fellow Black citizens, who come from communities across North Texas where unemployment has been in double digits whether the economy was thriving or in disaster. In Dallas, with our large rolodex of fortune 500 myimessenger.com

corporations, we have so few Black executives. I’ve visited your websites and looked at your mission statements. It’s time that those lines about equity match the executive leadership team photos. We must acknowledge that the same forces that allowed a “peace officer” to rest his knee on the neck of George Floyd as he uttered his haunting last words, “ I can’t breathe,” are the same forces that devalue Black intervention, suggestion, input and ultimately Black bodies in corporate space. When trying to create truly diverse communities of thought, you must have a truly diverse community of voices. We need leaders on the executive team, giving

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their input and suggestions in the board meeting. Don’t just meet your diversity quota – allow people to bring who they are and their unique backgrounds into the room to cultivate more than a hegemonic cycle of process, product and leadership. Also, you don’t have a real diversity and inclusion program if the department consists of one member. If your diversity and inclusion executive doesn’t report to the CEO, the department won’t be effective. The future is diverse, and if you want to survive, you must have more than the viewpoints you know at the table. To my white friends who don’t own a business or serve in any leadership positions, know that you have a large

role to play in this moment. There are many ways you can invest in your fellow Black citizens. It’s time to consider the causes and corporations you have been supporting. If you want to be an ally to the Black community, look for organizations to join or give to that support the Black community. Your financial support and time will be a tremendous help to professionals and experts who rely on donors like you to help support the important work they are doing. It will also be an investment you make in your country and its future prosperity. We know the decision made by our forefathers, ancestors, and (more immediately) our great-grandparents are not

our fault; however, they are our responsibility. You don’t have to be Black to buy Black or build Black. In fact, we are stronger when we all support the Black community. When every community member feels invested in, we won’t have to declare that “Black Lives Matter.” So before you dial up your Black friend or draft a social media post in solidarity with the movement, remember that there is so much more you can do. If you want to build a better America, you will take up this call to action. Get off the sideline and get in the game. Your fellow citizens need your support. Open your hearts, say that Black lives matter, but most importantly, invest in Black people.

JULY 17, 2020

2020 is a Wrap!“Why doeth the Heathen Rage?”

I’m just like you. 2020 was going to be my year. Changed the vast numbers of my passwords to 2020Vision$$. Everything that needed a name became 2020. But it became apparent to me that 2020 is a wrap. As the cops refrain while affixing that yellow crime tape, “Move along folks, nothing to see here! All our hopes, dreams, new resolutions, and resolves; the old casting out the new, the plotting of a new day has been met with tragedy. It’s a wrap, people. This year and all of the chaos and calamity that came with it deserves the dreaded aster-

lication alerted me to the fatal, tragic, and far too early end of 2020. “As of 11:00 am July 6, 2020, Dallas County Health and Human Services is reporting 1,214 additional positive cases of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the total case count in Dallas County to 27,054, including 401 deaths. No new deaths were reported over the past day. An increasing proportion of COVID-19 cases in Dallas County are being diagnosed in young adults between 18 to 39 years of age, such that of all cases reported after June 1st, half have been in this age group. Increasing reports of cases are continuing to be associated with multiple large recreational and social gatherings since the beginning of June, including house parties.” (House parties: Really folks?) “The age-adjusted rates of confirmed

isk. The record book will demand 2020 be omitted or taken separately. So why does this heathen rage? For bible readers, that shameless reference to King David’s second Psalm is not always translated as heathen. It generally refers to a nation. But since we have a heathen running the nation…you get my drift. The daily COVID-19 report for Dallas County visits my desk before the Dallas Morning News. A few days ago, this pub-

COVID-19 cases in non-hospitalized patients have been highest among Hispanics (667.4 per 100,000), Asians (187.4 per 100,000), and Blacks (136.4 per 100,000). These rates have been higher than Whites (43.8 per 100,000). Over 60% of overall COVID-19 cases to date have been Hispanic. Of cases requiring hospitalization who reported employment, over 80% have been critical infrastructure workers, with a broad range of

QUIT PLAYIN’ VINCENT L. HALL

JULY 17, 2020

I MESSENGER

affected occupational sectors, including healthcare, transportation, food and agriculture, public works, finance, communications, clergy, first responders, and other essential functions.” No one ever confused me for an intellectual, but privately, I am a raging Philomath. Numbers have consumed me since the day it dawned on me that all cars had different numbers on the plates. Numbers teach better than words for me. Reading the July 6th edition of this epic and ongoing saga was serendipitous. This news and the other gathering of details that deserve my daily monitor made it infinitely clear, 2020 is a wash. Some of you are crushed because the NFL, NBA, MLB, or NHL will not be there when you need it most. While others will feel the sting of job and income loss or educational opportunities that have been shelved or stymied. Either way, the dice landed and the chips were raked in. In the year 2020, everybody crapped out. So rather than listen to this heathen rage, we must all think logically. Once we send all our kids to school, as this derelict dad suggests, then what? My 20/20 visions detect a breakout which closes a few schools at a time. The infected parents and families must all be tested, along with any and everyone they came in contact with. Over the past three weeks, we have seen the turnaround time for COVID-19 test results go from two days to seven. The issues arise because those tested don’t quarantine until the results return positive. Infections spread exponentially. Why doeth the heathen rage? Hell, I don’t know. But I know that Trump has no more right to direct my daughter Hailee back to school than me dispatching Barron to a local campus. Why does this heathen rage? I don’t know, and frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn! But for all intent and purposes, 2020 is “Gone with the wind!” Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and award-winning columnist.

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No Economic Victory Lap THE LAST WORD DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX

The June Employment Situation report, released on July 2, showed a continued decline in the unemployment rate. Thanks to coronavirus, the rate shot up to 14.7 percent in April and declined to 11.1 percent in June. About 4.8 million more people were on payrolls in June than in May. Just about every sector of the economy saw job gains, including the troubled leisure and hospitality industries. The Council of Economic Advisors says this employment report “shatters expectations”. It represents progress in the recovery from the corona-generated recession, but I’m not sure what expectations have been shattered. This administration has been bragging about economic strength even when there was none. It’s not yet time to throw a victory party, though. We still have a jobs deficit of about 15 million jobs, which means that while 7.5 million jobs were added in April and May, 22 million jobs were lost in March. If the economy continues to reopen, we might erase the jobs deficit by October or November at the rate we are going. But the economy CAN’T continue to open as it has. In some places, it is closing, with restrictions reimposed. Some cities have introduced curfews. Others have closed bars. Still others are strictly imposing social distancing. Some beaches in Florida and California are closed in response to climbing virus numbers. And in early July, the daily number of positive tests is climbing. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the plain-talking infectious disease expert, says we may soon see 100,000 new cases per day, up from 50,000 plus in late June. We know that the President considers himself a “cheerleader” for the econmyimessenger.com

omy, but you can’t cheer-lead your way into economic prosperity. If 45 wants to cheer-lead anything, he might try cheer-leading social distancing or mask-wearing. Our inability to control COVID-19 and the lack of a vaccine will slow, not quicken, economic recovery. While the employment report mostly showed improvement, the official unemployment rate does not include people working part-time who want full-time work, discouraged workers (who have stopped looking for work because they don’t think they can find it), and others considered “marginally attached to the labor force.”

Add these to “official” unemployment, and the rate soars from 11.1 to 18 percent. And the Black unemployment rate, reported at 15.4 percent, shoots up to 24.9 percent. Is this really cause for celebration and superlative language? The Federal Reserve Board has urged caution and does not see economic recovery anytime soon. They project a 9.3 percent unemployment rate by the end of this year, and a 6.5 percent rate by the end of 2021. The Congressional Budget Office has made similar projections, not-

ing that some jobs just won’t come back, causing long-term problems. Congress should use this information to strengthen the economy through spending and to bolster up cities and states that have laid off employees because they are collecting less tax revenue. Some in the Senate balked at further bailouts, but pushing states into bankruptcy does not serve our nation’s economic stability. Then again, neither is the head-inthe-sand approach to the coronavirus healthy for the economy. The coronavirus is not a state rights issue, and it doesn’t stop at any border, but the variation in state policies is partly responsible for the increased spread of the virus. A decline in the unemployment rate is a positive development as the economy moves toward recovery. But it is hardly cause for irrational optimism or celebration. And a healthy stock market is beneficial to stockholders, and fewer than half of all Americans hold stock. Little of the employment conversation addresses low-wage workers, poverty, the failure of some employers to provide sick days, and health care challenges. In focusing on the aggregate, we miss the circumstances that many citizens face. Even before corona hit, one in 10 Americans and one in five African Americans were poor. More than 40 percent of us could not absorb a $400 emergency. If you are crowing about the “spectacular” economy, why not take a minute to acknowledge those who do not enjoy it? Our “thriving” economy is an illusion. It’s doing better, but we’re not there yet. Now is not the time for a victory lap. It is overtime for dealing with issues of inequality.

Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an author, economist, and social commentator.

JULY 17, 2020

Part 1: MUA’s Survival During COVID-19 ABOUT YOUR HAIR BY DR. LINDA AMERSON

The skin is the largest organ of the body with the average person having 300 skin cells. Did you know skin accounts for 15% of your body weight? Furthermore, the average adult skin contains more than 11 miles of blood vessels. It is important to have consistent blood flow throughout the body… including your scalp for healthy hair growth. I have personally used the services of MUA’s, Tricia Ray…she ‘beat my face’ for photo shoots and special events. Since the pandemic has altered the

livelihood of many self-employed professionals, I asked Tricia to share about her survival during COVID-19. My name is Tricia Ray. Medical Esthetician & Makeup Artist. I have been a MUA for 11 years and the name of my business is Model’s Choice. COVID-19 has caused a decrease in my make-up business due to minimizing the frequency of client contact. Personally, I am working in a retirement community with clients being well over 60 years of age and they are very vulnerable to acquiring the Coronavirus. Since March of 2020 I have had to close my suite down for business. Then when the city opened up to 50% I did a couple of mobile services of waxing but that was about it. Therefore, changes have been to

Tricia Ray

consider mobile services and using disposable linen gowns, sheets, gloves, face shields and masks. The feedback from my customers has been grateful reviews; they are liking Mobile Servicing. My clients like my services, especially my waxing and hair removal services. Speaking of hair, a lot of my clients are wearing updos to help from them having to touch their faces. I personally like up-dos but sometimes it pulls away from my edges resulting in hair loss. Two tips that I would like to give my clients is to keep their hair on your head clean and up to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by touching your face and it makes using head-related PPE easier. #2 to keep all surfaces wiped down, wash your hands every time you have access to a sink to help to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. My contact info is Tricia Ray at 469855-4138 or you can find me on Facebook at facebook.com /Tricia Ray Dr. Linda Amerson, Board Certified Trichologist, 817 265 8854. #39yr Veteran Hairandscalpessentials.com

JULY 17, 2020

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Hallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Honey Fried Chicken

(214) 371- 3020 4845 S Lancaster Rd. Dallas, TX 75216

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JULY 17, 2020

Thousands view NNPA’s First Virtual Convention By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia The first virtual convention in the 80-year history of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) earned a thumbsup from partners and sponsors. The successful event’s website, vitualnnpa2020. com, generated more than 55,000 page views two days. Several hundred thousand additional impressions were generated by social media posts and livestreams on Facebook and YouTube. “We share in your excitement and applaud your efforts in successfully executing the first virtual NNPA Annual Convention,” Lester Booker, of General Motors Communications, wrote in a congratulatory email to NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. “Over the past two days, I’ve had the opportunity to view some of the convention and was impressed with its content, execution, and professionalism.” “The NNPA overall is pleased with the impact, the reach and the engagement across the United States and throughout the world for our first virtual convention,” NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., said. “This represents a tremendous step forward for the Black Press of America. We note that during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Black Press of America has been able to overcome many of the JULY 17, 2020

obstacles that the pandemic continues to present. We plan to rebroadcast the virtual NNPA 2020 convention as soon as we conclude some post-production edits and additions.” Claudette Perry, the NNPA’s executive administrator, said she’s breathing a sigh of relief that the convention was well-received by so many viewers. “I was very delighted that many of the celebrities whose stories have been conveyed through the Black Press for decades showed their appreciation for our publishers with their congratulatory sentiments on our first virtual convention as well as their recognition of 193 years of the Black Press,” Perry said. Sparking the interests were several topics and a host of celebrity guests, including livestream interviews and performances by Deniece Williams, Anthony Hamilton, Carlos Santana, Cindy Blackman Santana, Sandra “Salt” Denton, Boyz II Men’s Shawn Stockman, and journalist Jemele Hill. “The livestreams were amazing with all of the big names that we had and it really has helped to shine a spotlight on our publishers,” NNPA Chair Karen Carter Richards said. “The shoutouts to the Black Press from people like Magic Johnson, Sen. Kamala Harris, Rep. Maxine Waters, Attorney Joey Jackson, Rev. Jesse Jackson, and the others were simply delightful.” Following opening remarks by Chavis, Richards, and NNPA Convention

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Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis

Chair Terry Jones, Wells Fargo presented a discussion, “Navigating Finances through COVID-19,” which was followed by a webinar, “Hope, Misinformation, Fear, Sickness and Death: Physicians Discuss the Impact of COVID-19 on Black Communities.” A webinar about the Black Press of America’s future engagement and empowerment, included Mississippi Link Publisher Jackie Hampton, AFRO Publisher Dr. Frances Draper, Cincinnati Herald Publisher Jan Michele Kearney, “Make it Plain” host Mark Thompson, and Washington Informer Editor D. Kevin McNeir. “I thought it was time we show the larger scale folks that we do the same kind of work they do,” McNeir said during the webinar. Day 1 of the conference concluded with the NNPA

National Townhall, “Education and the Future of Black America, From Pre-K to High School and onto College.” The second day of the convention featured webinars on “Technology and Innovation: The Challenges and the Opportunities for the Black Press,” that included data scientists Enchanta Jackson and Jamercia Gray, computer scientist Perry Busby, New York Beacon Associate Publisher Ashley Smith, and Westside Gazette Publisher Bobby Henry Sr. The final webinar of the convention was “Black Millennial Voices and Visions for Transformation,” hosted by Houston Forward Times award winning Associate Editor and BlackPressUSA columnist Jeffrey Boney. The millennial panel included Micha Continued on page 13...

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NNPA,

Continued... Green, Editor of the Washington, DC AFRO; Lafayette Barnes IV, Editor of The Bridge and Assistant Editor of The Washington Informer; and Franklin Chavis, founder and curator of Black Millennial Voices. The conference concluded with a star-studded awards ceremony and performances that included a stirring rendition of “You’ve Got a Friend,” by The Temptations, who dedicated their performance to the Black Press, two special songs by Supremes legend Mary Wilson and a pre-recorded performance by Ziggy Marley. Wilson received the NNPA Lifetime Trailblazer Achievement Award, and Marley received the NNPA Global Icon Award which he dedicated to his legendary parents, Bob and Rita Marley. “I’ve received many awards throughout my life, but this one feels special to me,” Marley said in accepting his award. “Music is a powerful tool. Human beings have powerful beings. We can achieve whatever we wish to achieve if we are willing to do what it takes to achieve it. Standing up or kneeling down.” Public Enemy’s Chuck D, Attorney Ben Crump, Hip-Hop Legend MC Lyte and Congresswoman Karen Bass, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, were also honored. Before concluding the night with a special recorded music mix by DJ D-Nice, hip-hop legend, actor, and entrepreneur Ice Cube received the Artist of the 21st Century Award. “It’s an amazing honor and would like to thank everyone responsible for getting me this award,” Ice Cube stated. “This is a very cool honor from the Black Press of America. I’ve learned from some of the artists who’ve come before me that just being an artist and not trying to move the social landscape forward in some way, shape, or form is a waste of opportunity.”

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20/20 Vision FAITHFUL UTTERANCES BY DR. FROSWA BOOKER-DREW

As cases begin to soar in the US during this pandemic, we are all bombarded with images and words that cause fear and trepidation for many of us. I do believe that in spite of what we are witnessing, we must recognize God’s handiwork. I just finished reading the book, The Shack, and I was blown away by its content. It really challenged my perspective of God. So often we limit God’s infinite ability based on our limited view and perspective. It is so interesting that the year 2020 is about vision. 20/20 vision is a term used to express sharpness or clarity at a distance. As much as we focus on this as the ideal vision, it is not complete if areas such as side vision, eye coordination, color or depth perception are also at work. We have spent more time paying attention to things in the distance that we’ve ignored what is in close proximity. So many things we are experiencing have existed but they were not in our view for whatever reason. I believe the pandemic is an opportunity for all of us to have clarity about what is important in our lives. It is a time to dream about possibilities in the face of such uncertainty. And yet, we do know there are so many promises God offers that we must hang on to even when we doubt or find ourselves afraid. Remind yourself of what God has done for you and bring those memories to your remembrance to give you clarity on what has been done before. God is still at work and working in us. God places in each of us desires and dreams. I hope that you are seeking God in this time for revelation, guidance and direction. The fact that God has placed the world on pause is truly a wake up call for us to become more clear on our

purpose and passion. It’s time for all of us to become more intentional about God’s design for our lives. In our world, social media has become a place that we are drawn to in order to feel connected and a part of community. For many, it is a place to receive validation and affirmation. Although it can provide that, in this season I would caution you to be discerning about what you share. The Bible says, “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” (Matthew 7:6 NIV) Right before this passage, Jesus is sharing about judging others. In this passage, we must judge situations that we are faced with. A loved one recently shared on Facebook something personal and although the intention was good, the impact could have had far reaching consequences that may have been negative. Your pearls are worn close to your heart. If we share information with dream killers, what was sacred becomes damaged and possibly destroyed. Be careful of who you chose to share your vision and dreams with. If they are reckless (like the dogs or pigs in the scripture) or messy, they are not going to give the care and concern. Constructive criticism is always welcomed but if the heart is not well, their response won’t be either. It’s time to dream even as we pivot in this new normal. Seek God for clarity, for vision, and who should even be a part of it. Visit DrFroswa.com for information on her latest book, Fly Away or Austin Brothers Publishing to purchase her previous books, Rules of Engagement:Making Connections Last and Ready for a Revolution: 30 Days to Jolt Your Life. 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.

JULY 17, 2020

Martin joins BIN: Black Information Network as on-air commentator “#RolandMartinUnfiltered” Podcast on iHeartPodcast Network BIN: Black Information Network, the recently launched 24/7 comprehensive national audio news service dedicated to providing an objective, accurate and trusted source of continual news coverage with a Black voice and perspective, announced Monday that acclaimed American journalist, Roland S. Martin, has joined the network as a commentator. Martin will exclusively

curate custom commentary segments for BIN to be broadcast daily throughout the network’s 24-hour news feed. A former reporter at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, editor of the Dallas Weekly and news director at KKDA-AM; Martin currently serves as the host and managing editor of “#RolandMartinUnfiltered” a daily digital show. Listeners can hear Martin’s BIN Commentary on the iHeartRadio app, available across more than 250

platforms and 2,000 devices, as well as on local AM/ FM broadcast radio stations across the Atlanta, Augusta, Charlotte, Cleveland, Columbus, GA, Detroit, Greenville, Macon, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Orleans, Norfolk, Riverside, San Francisco and Seattle markets, with additional local markets being added. Martin’s commentaries will spotlight a variety of conversations, perspectives and topics that are top of mind with the

African American audience as it relates to politics, economics, lifestyle and more. “When we launched BIN: Black Information Network, we knew how extremely important it was to provide a forum for trusted voices within the Black Community and there’s perhaps no one more trusted and reliable in Black media today than Roland Martin,” said Tanita Myers, Director of News Operations for BIN: Black Information Network. “He has built a leg-

#Roland MartinUnfiltered

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acy that has paved the way for other Black journalists and continues to use his platform to bring a much needed perspective on topics that matter to both Black Americans and the nation in general.” Over the course of his journalistic career, Martin has captivated listeners and fans from all over the world with his memorable interviews with multiple U.S. presidents, top athletes, entertainers in Hollywood and more. He has been named one of the top 50 political pundits by the Daily Telegraph in the United Kingdom and has made numerous appearances on a variety of American networks, as well as media outlets in Canada, Columbia, Italy, Australia and South Africa. He was awarded the 2008 President’s Award by the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) for his work in multiple media platforms and is a member of the Texas A&M University Journalism Hall of Honor at his alma mater. In addition,

NABJ’s current Vice President-Digital has more than 30 awards for journalistic excellence, including Journalist of the Year in 2013 by NABJ. He is also a four-time NAACP Image Award winner including being named Best Host for two years in a row as well as a recipient of the coveted Peabody Award for Best Political Team on Television for his coverage of the 2008 election. In addition “#RolandMartinUnfiltered” is now available on the iHeartPodcast Network. “#RolandMartinUnfiltered” is a daily show broadcast from Washington, DC, that focuses on news, politics, culture, entertainment, social justice, sports, education, business and finance. The podcast features some of the top minds in education, public policy, and academia, discussing the news of the day and why it matters. “I am excited to provide daily commentaries to BIN. We are living in a time where

Roland Martin

we need more coverage about the issues facing African Americans,” said Martin. “In addition, I am really thrilled to partner with the iHeartPodcast Network to distribute and market the ‘#RolandMartinUnfiltered’ audio podcast. We have seen tremendous growth with the daily video show, and we can’t wait to do the same with the audio podcast.” The iHeartPodcast Network is home to more than 750 original podcasts with over

215 million downloads each month. iHeartRadio Original Podcasts span every category from business, sports, spirituality and technology to entertainment, family, comedy and true crime – and everything in between – making iHeartRadio the largest publisher of podcast content in the world. These shows are distributed on all major podcast platforms including the iHeartRadio app, which additionally distributes more than 320,000 shows.

Fund supports local business Guns and Roses Boutique has been a staple in Dallas, TX for more than eight years. On Friday, May 29, 2020 the boutique was destroyed by selfish looters who took advantage of the protest. The restoration of Guns and Roses Boutique starts NOW! Princess Pope, owner and leader has been a prominent pillar in the community, and often praised for her support. As a fashion industry leader, she provides education and mentorship to aspiring myimessenger.com

fashion designers and entrepreneurs. A donation campaign was started to help cover damages to Guns and Roses Boutique. The donations will be spent to cover any expenses the insurance does not cover, including but not limited to: inventory, property damage, merchandise and loss of use for the business. The GoFundMe link is https://gf.me/u/x5qxji for Rebuild Guns and Roses Boutique.

Princess Pope stands in front of her boutique shortly after fending off looters JULY 17, 2020

www.grandpasecret.com

Please wear your mask and wash your hands! JULY 17, 2020

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JULY 17, 2020

Crockett victorious in Texas House race By ASHLEY MOSS Texas Metro News In a closely-watched runoff election on Tuesday, attorney Jasmine Felicia Crockett secured the Democratic Party’s nomination for House District 100. Crockett gained a narrow lead over incumbent Lorraine Birabil, and with all 73 precincts reporting, attained victory with just under 100 votes. Representative Birabil, who initially won the seat in a special election earlier this year after then-Representative Eric Johnson resigned to run for Dallas mayor. One day after the election, a consultant for Rep. Birabil’s team issued the following statement, but nothing official has since been released by Birabil. Leading up to the primary in March, “I thought we won,” said Crockett, adding that her team relied on a grassroots approach, which included a mass texting campaign, mailings and regular phone calls to local constituents.

“We personally touched well over 7,000 doors in our district, and a number of those doors, we touched more than once,” she said. And then the early vote came in. A look at the results showed Crockett trailed by more than 500 vote-by-mail ballots. “I was flabbergasted,” said Crockett, referring to the low numbers. “It was hard to explain. You’re just seeing a number. You’re not seeing how that number is comprised. It was disappointing.” Crockett said she was unsure how the campaign would overcome the early setback in addition to speculation that it would not be possible to beat an incumbent, but after the initial shock wore off, she and the team kept going, vowing not to give up until the end. The hard work paid off, and on election day, Crockett overcame the deficit. “Our campaign theme was ‘we always run as if we’re losing,’” she said. “I‘m so thankful that we pushed through and worked hard. “The messages we get from you people who are inspired now, who

Jasmine Crockett

have become turned off by politics over all, that makes it worthwhile. It’s not my victory, it’s a victory for the people.” With no Republican opponent in the upcoming November election, Crockett can begin making plans for her District. Though she cites the COVID-19 crisis as her number one priority for the moment, she said she’s also looking ahead to other key issues for constituents, including education and the economy. “I’m just thankful that I get to go to Austin, and truly get down to writing legislation that I think will start to have positive effects on everyday people,” she said. See www.texasmetronews.com for more election results

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West’s valiant Senate run falls short By ASHLEY MOSS and VALERIE FIELDS HILL Texas Metro News The morning after one of the most watched races in the nation by African American voters, Texas Sen. Royce West conceded a win in the Texas Democratic primary runoff to up-and-comer Mary “M.J.” Hegar. West aimed to become the first Black U.S. senator from Texas. Senator West’s campaign cited an “uphill battle” for the runoff and referenced a gap in campaign funding as a notable challenge in the race. “At the end of the day we were outspent something like $6-million to $800,000,” West said. “We worked hard for every dollar against an opponent who had all the institutional and donor support, and we spent every dollar wisely because we had to.” Just after the polls closed on Tuesday, West said in an exclusive interview with Texas Metro News that he expected to pull out a win. He acknowledged, though, that it would be “a long evening,” and noted that it was important to watch for results from various counties around the state. However, with 100 percent of precincts reporting results across the state, West ultimately trailed behind Hegar with roughly 48 percent of the Democratic vote statewide while Hegar pulled in 52 percent in Tuesday’s runoff. In actual votes, Hegar earned a little more than 498,00 ballots to West’s 457,555 total ballot count, myimessenger.com

according to official results posted on the Texas Secretary of State’s Election Results website. Some national media outlets, including Vox and Buzzfeed news, had called the race early for Hegar. Most mainstream media outlets, including The New York Times, Washington Post and USA Today, did not name a winner in the close race until all precincts had reported. In his statement Wednesday morning, Senator West congratulated Hegar on her victory in the Democratic Primary Runoff, and wished her luck in the upcoming elec-

closely by some African Americans, many of whom stayed awake late Tuesday to witness the outcome. In Tarrant County, the Rev. Kyev Tatum, who leads several coalitions of African American pastors and community activists, was optimistic that the winner of the seat will defeat Cornyn, an outspoken supporter of President Trump. “I’m hoping we make history in Texas, that the Democrats will swing Texas back blue, something we haven’t seen since the (former Texas Governor) Ann Richards and Mark White days,” he said.

MJ Hegar

Sen. Royce West

tion in November. “I congratulate M.J. Hegar on her win. I have been working to elect Democrats for decades, and I look forward to turning Texas blue in November,” he said. Of her win, Hegar said, “I’m so proud to be the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate. Now it’s time to win Texas.” Hegar will face off against Texas Senator John Cornyn, who has served in the seat for three terms, in the fall election. The race was watched

Tatum, as did some political pundits, believed that the outcome of the race would come down to voter turnout in Central Texas, San Antonio and Houston. West captured Harris County, including Houston and parts of some surrounding cities by a slim margin with 78,812 votes, compared to 77,222 votes for Hegar, according to the Secretary of State’s official results. To the West of Houston in Bexar County, which in-

cludes San Antonio, Hegar led West by nearly double: roughly 46,000 votes to about 24,000 votes.In Travis County voters also favored Hegar, who lives in Round Rock outside of Austin, by a hefty margin. More than 68,000 voters chose Hegar while a little more than 51,000 voted for West. Senator West’s campaign had indicated in the months leading up to the runoff that they expected to rely heavily on voters in the state’s urban centers choosing West over Hegar. Accordingly in North Texas, Dallas County Democrats voted more than 2-to1 for West, who resides in Dallas. West garnered more than 88,000 votes while about 39,000 voted for Hegar. Voters in Tarrant County also favored West: About 44,000 to 33,000 votes for Hegar. Reflecting, Senator West vows to continue actively working for the people: “When I was born, my mother did not have the right to vote. She reminded me of this bracing fact this week. It brought home to me both how far African Americans have come as a people, and how much more work is to be done,” said West in a statement to his supporters. “I’m proud my mother was able to vote for me in this race, and I am re-energized today to continue my work as a state senator, addressing the needs of my constituents. We will keep working for justice in Texas.” Ashley Moss reporting in Dallas; Valerie Fields Hill reporting in Tarrant County. JULY 17, 2020

Inaction is not an option. Complete the 2020 Census to shape the next ten years for your community. The power to change your community is in your hands. We can help inform funding every year for the next ten years for public services like healthcare, childcare programs, public transportation, schools, and job assistance. And our responses determine how many seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives. But time is running out, so complete the census today online, by phone, or by mail.

Complete the census today at:

2020CENSUS.GOV Paid for by U.S. Census Bureau.

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JULY 17, 2020

Dreamerz Cafe - Chef Duke We recently talked to Chef Rasheeda Duke, the owner of Dreamerz Cafe. Chef Duke said Dallas College (formerly Dallas County Community College District) changed her life and belief in herself. “I learned so much about striving for a college education and career and pushing through in spite of my family history.” MS: Tell us about your journey to own and be the Chef of Dreamerz Cafe. RD: Wow, the fact that you said ‘journey’ is confirmation that you’re speaking my language. I had a lot of disappointment. I got my culinary degree as an adult. I was a full-time mom with three children. I was previously married. During that time I got my degree, I had some business owners who wanted to invest in me. When I graduated college I had an offer to work with a franchise in Canada, but I had a teenage daughter and I wasn’t able to embark on that opportunity. The biggest disappointment was a job offer I got to open an American concept in Australia. That hurt me so bad. I had to change my perception of how I handle things... I started teaching culinary at Cedar Hill High School and those young people changed my perception and gave me the will to go ahead. I opened Dreamerz Cafe’ right here in the hood.

From Marva with BY MARVA SNEED

Chef Rasheeda Gillis Duke

MS: What was it about the children that allowed you to dream bigger? RD: Here’s the thing. I have a different kind of work ethic. I understand the business perspective and I understand a lot of things. When I came to Cedar Hill High School they had changed what used to be home economics to a new state-of-the-art professional kitchen. I was able to expose the students to things that they had not been exposed to before. I enlightened them on things in culinary. They thought I was there to cook for them and I told them I was there to teach them to cook for me and to see if it was worth paying for. I had to showcase my skills to the school. My test was Thanksgiving dinner. The students did an amazing job. When I came they had only had two catering jobs, but by the end of the semester we had catered 27 events. Chef Duke talked about so much more, describing her journey including her education at El Centro College. She describes Dreamers Cafe’ as a buildyour-own concept kitchen. To hear the full interview, go to BlogTalkRadio. com/Cheryl’s World link: https://bit.ly/ 3f9Ou0c. Dreamerz Cafe’ is Located at 4417 S. Lancaster Rd. Suite 2289. across from the VA Hospital. 972-863-7372.

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RACE REARS ITS HEAD IN ODD POLICE TWIST I WAS JUST THINKING... By Norma Adams-Wade

Texas Metro News

Minnesota police officer J. Alexander “Alex” Kueng is caught in an unimagined racial bind. Kueng (pronounced “King”) is one of the less-known, four cops accused in the Memorial Day killing of George Floyd – a handcuffed, unarmed Black man whose death in a Minnesota neighborhood is now sadly legendary. Rookie officer Kueng, 26, is in a bind because he himself is halfBlack. National media reports that his mother is White. His father is Nigerian. Kueng has four adopted, African-American siblings. Some national media also have reported that a few of Kueng’s relatives say that ironically, he became a police officer because he wanted to help protect Black people from abusive officers – having seen such behavior as a younger male. Reports say he thought he could best accomplish change from inside a police force. In a baffling twist of fate, his goal apparently did not work out as planned. In a June 27, 2020 New York Times piece, reporter Kim Barker quoted Kueng’s mother quoting her son: “He said, ‘Don’t you think that that (change) needs to be done from the inside?’” The mother is quoted as saying. The piece said Kueng and his family even volunteered at a Haiti orphanage after the devastating 2010 earthquake. And it said that one of Kueng’s siblings is a demyimessenger.com

voted Black Lives Matter supporter. So, what happened? Floyd’s death has been described repeatedly as one of the most heartless killings captured on video by a witness and put on social media for all the world to see. Some observers could even construe the Kueng-Floyd clash as Black-on-Black crime. Yet, what observers make of the situation is unpredictable. I was just thinking, ...sociologists say cultures manage best when they learn to live together. But in the Floyd killing, cultures converged for an unfathomable tragedy. The victim and officers were a mixture of misfortune. Kueng is in a bind because he was the youngest and newest officer in the squad, having gone out on only three previous assignments. Of the other three officers, one is Asian (Tou Thao, 34) and two are White (Thomas Lane, 37, and Derek Chauvin, 44). Chauvin, of course, set the tone for the racial carnage. He was older and had a 19-year career wearing the blue uniform. The details are history-book copy by now: The infamous Chauvin pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck, mashed to the ground, for eight minutes, 46 seconds. Before Floyd died, he repeated many times, “I can’t breathe!” Police records say Kueng restrained Floyd’s back. Lane held down Floyd’s legs. Officer Thao stood watch to halt interference from onlookers. During the killing, the officers seemed not to object. Defense attorneys claim, though, that Kueng said

Minnesota rookie police officer J. Alexander “Alex” Kueng.

to fellow officers, “You shouldn’t do that;” and that Lane said, “Shall we roll him ever?” Police reports say Chauvin told them to remain as they were. Chauvin is charged with third-degree murder. The other three officers with aiding abetting. The three lower-rank officers deferred to Chauvin, although, surely, they must have sensed his derangement. The longstanding brotherhood of silence and rank intimidation won out. In still another strange twist, reporter Barker’s New York Times exposé states that Chauvin had been Kueng’s field training officer after Kueng graduated from the Police Academy in December 2019 – maybe explaining more reason why Kueng kept silent. He who reportedly wanted to change the system from within got swept into the system instead. Twist of fate? Perplexing racial conundrum? Hopefully a fair jury will reach a just conclusion. 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

JULY 17, 2020

214-421-5387

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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.

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JULY 17, 2020

Mavericks, Wings begin season in Florida “Bubbles” By Dorothy J. Gentry Sports Editor Both of Dallas’s professional basketball teams are in the state of Florida – on separate, single-site campuses - for the next few months as sports makes its initial return from a COVID-induced hiatus. The Dallas Mavericks are in Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, which is serving as the NBA’s campus for all games, practices and housing for the remainder of the re-started season. Meanwhile the Dallas Wings are at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, which will serve as the site for the League’s 12-teams training camp, games and housing. The NBA’s season was halted on March 11 when the Coronavirus pandemic began. They will resume their 2019-20 season on July 31. Originally scheduled for late May, the WNBA’s 2020 season never began. Also postponed due to the Coronavirus, they will begin play on July 25. The Mavericks arrived in Orlando last Wednesday afternoon. They immediately got tested for the coronavirus and had to quarantine for 48 hours. All players were available for the first day of official practice which was Friday. “This is a historic situation. It’s extraordinary, this environment they’ve put together, the care, the attention to detail,” Head Coach Rick Carlisle said. “We realize this is probably a once-in-a-lifetime thing. This will go down in history as one of the really unique events in sports history. So our guys have had a great attitude about it. “It’s great to be back in the gym. Every-

JULY 17, 2020

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body misses the smell of the gym. It’s one of the really special things about any sport. And so, we had a really great, productive practice. The level of enthusiasm is really terrific with our guys.” Carlisle, the president of the NBA Coaches Association, is ensuring that the League’s commitment to social justice reform is on display as they resume their season. Before his media sessions he reads a passage from the Equal Justice Initiative Calendar, which lists the anniversary of racial injustice incidents. “ I ’ m going to read these every single day,“ he said. “Appreciate you guys listening. Thank you.” And like the MAVS, when the Wings arrived in Bradenton on Monday they were tested and quarantined for a few days. Players also practiced on the first day of available practices, Friday. “The concern level about getting everyone here safely into the bubble was a top, top concern and our biggest priority and biggest focus up until today

when we started practice,” Wings President and GM Greg Bibb said. “Thankfully, we’re in good shape. We’ve had a great stage so far and quarantine is over. And it was great to hear the ball bouncing on the hardwood this morning.”

Rick Carlisle

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Tori Miller named first woman GM in NBA G-League history By Dorothy J. Gentry Sports Editor

Tori Miller began her basketball career as an intern for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns. On Thursday she made history when she was named General Manager of the College Park Skyhawks, the first woman to hold the title of General Manager in the history of the NBA G League. The Skyhawks are the NBA G-League affiliate team for the Atlanta Hawks.

The position is a promotion for the Decatur, GA native who was named Assistant General Manager of the Skyhawks on July 30, 2019. According to the team’s announcement, former Skyhawks General Manager Derek Pierce will continue to oversee Atlanta’s scouting department in his role as Vice President of Player Personnel for the Hawks. Miller, a University of Miami graduate, began her tenure with the organiza-

tion as manager of basketball operations in 2017 with the Erie BayHawks, the NBA G-League of the New Orleans Pelicans. The Skyhawks were 14th in the G-League’s Eastern Conference with a 13-30 record before the G-League’s season was canceled due to the ongoing Coronaviruus pandemic. The NBA G League is the National Basketball Association’s official minor league basketball organization.

Tori Miller

B.S. in Mass Communications now offered at Jarvis Christian College

Eric Stringfellow

Jarvis Christian College (JCC) has been approved by its accrediting agency, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools-Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), to offer the Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications. This degree encapsulates the vision of Eric Stringfellow, former public relations director at JCC myimessenger.com

and Assistant Professor who passed away earlier this year. Mr. Stringfellow had established Mass Communication programs at other institutions of higher learning. His vision was to have a Mass Communications major that included the old with the contemporary. Voice and Diction and Mass Communication Theory combined with The Black Press and US History; Sports Communication; and Race, Class and Gender in the Media are just a few of the courses that will prepare students for a 21st-century multimedia experience. If you are interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications, contact Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at gpruitt@jarvis.edu or by phone at 903-730- 4890 ext. 2105.

JULY 17, 2020

MAY 20, 2020

Virtual and liVe Community Calendar

July 15

Youth Justice Forum hosted by Black & Bitter Coffee and Books. Join this interactive forum streaming on FB Live. Follow Black & Bitter on Facebook and go to the page at 6 -8 pm. Mr. Theodore will discuss the School to Prison Pipeline and Ms Ransom will share local feedback and data on these topics. Eventbrite.com.

Meet A Black Mental Health Professional: We Are Here, hosted by Dr, Tanisha Guy & Megan Pickens, LPC-S. 7–9 pm. Register: Eventbite.com.

Online Spiritual Care Sessions with Rev. Dr. Melanie Harris Fridays at 1 pm via Zoom. Friendshipwest Baptist Hollywood Live! With Michael Church. Join in on the session by click the link: https://zoom. “Hollywood” Hernandez and us/j/8567036848? Access Code: 856 703 6848. Co-host Shavonda with a “V” July 18 Fields, on Hollywoodlive.com. From – 4 pm. 2020 Women’s Summer Book Discussion hosted by Fort Worth Real Talk with Cornel West Metropolitan Black Chamber of ComJoin Verizon Media, NABJ and NAHJ merce. Join the women in a discussion as we explore the hard truths about of The Four Agreements by author Don Black oppression in American society Miguel Ruiz. Texas Christian University, with Dr. Cornel West. 2 pm. CST RegSenior Learning & Development Consulister: https://vmrealtalk.splashthat. tant Ebony Rose will lead discussion. 10 com/ Dr. West’s keynote, Q&A. – 11:30 am. https://us02web.zoom.us/ webinar/register/WN_-fZupTGmTuW3l5kCBbCALw Advocate for Women of Color wocempowerment@ gmail.com if you want to engage on issues that will impact Women of Color Institute Presyour local community. WOCEI will hold a ZOOM meeting on ents “Hour of Power” with Rashad Wednesday, July 15 @ 7:00 pm. Also, stay tuned for informa- Robinson at 10:00 am. Free training opportunities can be found on our website: tion regarding judicial candidates and other forums. www.nationalwomenofcolor.com. Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regisJuly 16 ter/WN_ihziUWAwSZWv3f6ejcXIVA Happy Birthday Becky Lewis July 19

Build Your Own Business Free Webinar Series by The Boss Business Coach. Start and Grow Your Own Business. Join the series of free classes. Register today, classes begin July 9! Tickets by Eventbrite.com. Free Wills Clinic. Zan Wesley Holmes Community Out Reach Center Hosts Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program. To participate, you must register, to determine your eligibility for this free service. Both registration and application must be completed between July 13-July 17. https://www.zwhjcoc.org/ registration-form-wills-clinic Appointments will be held July 29. Free Wills Clinic July 29, 2020. New Policies to Support the Protest: Breaking Down the Budget Hosted by Cara Mia Theatre. Interactive Facebook Live Q&A at 5:30 pm CST. The 10-point plan - bit. ly/ocofdemands. Featuring, Amber Baylor from Texas A&M University School of Law, Mayra Fierro from Metro Dallas Youth Committee, Amber Goodwin from Community Justice Action Fund, Kristian Hernandez from Our City, Our Future.

July 17 Stewpot Food Distribution/ Distribución de Comida - Must Sign Up. Friday’s distribution - we will have ready meals and groceries available. If you know someone who would like to sign up but they do not have access to the web, please have them call Aracely Lomeli at 469-573-0148. Register; www.Eventbrite.com /stewpot. 12 pm - 2 pm.

JULY 17, 2020

July 21

Drive Thru FOOD Pantry Word of Peace International Ministry, Inc 2000 N State Highway 360, Ste 2044, Grand Prairie 3:00 pm -5:00 pm. Sharing what we have to be a blessing to our community!

July 22 Happy Birthday Jihad Muhammad Meet A Black Mental Health Professional: We Are Here, hosted by Dr, Tanisha Guy & Megan Pickens, LPC-S. 7 – 9 pm. A 2-hour event will introduce you to 20 Black mental health professionals. Register: Eventbite.com. Hollywood Live! With Michael “Hollywood” Hernandez and Co-host Shavonda with a “V” Fields, on Hollywoodlive.com. From 2– 4 pm.

July 23 Together We Test Free Covid-19 Testing at Friendship West 616 W. Kiest Blvd 9 am - 1 pm. Friendship-West Baptist Church in partnership with Project Unity, Catalyst Health Network, St. Paul United Methodist Church, Stratifi Health, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. You must wear a Mask.

July 24-25 Desperate for Jesus Women’s Conference, hosted by Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. Join Chrystal Evans Hurst and Priscilla Shirer, July 24 at 7pm and July 25 at 9 am for a spirit-filled, free online conference. Features two amazing speakers and women of God: Jackie Hill Perry and Katherine Wolf. It’s FREE, but you must register at www.DFJ2020.com.

Terry Allen and the Happy Hour is back! 5:30 pm. CDT. Special guest is Froswa Booker-Drew, VP Community Affairs and author. Talking Change and July 24, 2020 Course Correction in the Pandemic Surge. Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/vpIp- Curbside Market by La Francaise Bakery 10 am cumvrD4jCjxEQOkkv1R6jaqJ1yhG_w. – 2 pm Curbside Market @ La Francaise Bakery 201 Gold St., Garland. DeRay Davis LIVE - Arlington Improv 309 Curtis Mathes Way, Ste 147, ArlingDeSoto Fourth Friday Concert - DeSoto Gospel ton, 8:30 pm. Tickets: https://improvtx. Live DeSoto is going VIRTUAL! Back by popular demand, our com/ DeSoto Fourth Friday Music Series online! Facebook at www. facebook.com/ArtsDeSoto. 8- 9 pm.

July 20 Happy Birthday L. Diane Evans Black Teens in America Share Perspectives Hosted by Dallas Professional Women, Roundtable discussion. Participants will be: encouraged to educate themselves on Black history, able to celebrate Black heritage, culture, and influence, able to identify microaggressions and other forms of racism, able to recognize forms of racism and white supremacy, able to build bridges of understanding (generational + different communities) Tickets: https://us02web.zoom.us/ 6:30 - 7:30 pm.

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BLACK LIVES MATTER #NationBuilding w/ Michael Sorrell, at 12:30 pm. CDT, Wednesdays on Facebook & Twitter. Follow Paul Quinn College’s President, Michael Sorrell on all social media platforms. @MichaelSorrell on Twitter & Instagram and @Michael J. Sorrell on Facebook. A Message For You, with Anthony Council Morehouse student and I Messenger Media intern. Tuesdays at 11am Anthony brings that perspective from those born in this century. Live on Facebook/@TexasMetroNews & Blog Talk Radio.com Join the converAndrew’s World with host Andrew Whigham III on BlogTalkRadio.com 8 am.-10 am. Sundays Tune in for thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news and commentary. Join the call at 646-200-0459 The Stimulus Show, hosted by Cheryl Smith publisher of Texas Metro News, Garland Journal and I Messenger. She is a FAMU grad and secretary of the National Association of Black Journalists. Join in on Facebook/@CherylSmith and BlogTalkRadio.com at 11 am Mondays. Call 646-200-0459. SIP and Eat with LaShante’ “The Lifestyle Chef.” LaShante Williams, Every Thursday at 7pm CST on FB live and IG live and https://www.instagram.com/ lashante@thelifestylechef/

A Message For You, The Stimulus Show with Marva Sneed from11 am -1 pm. CST, Wednesdays and Fridays on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, and BlogTalkRadio.com. Call in and join the conversation at 646-200-0459.

A Message For You, with I Messenger Media multi-media journalist Allana Barefield and the legendary Norma Adams-Wade. Mondays at 11am. Live on Facebook/@TexasMetroNews & Blog Talk Radio.com Join the conversation.

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Hanging with Hollywood

THE OLD GUARD MOVIE REVIEW BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ

THE OLD GUARD is an action adventure film from the same director who brought you LOVE AND BASKETBALL 20 years ago, Gina Prince-Bythewood. The movie stars Charlize Theron, who at first glance is a mercenary who goes on missions to help the downtrodden all over the world, but we quickly discover she is so much more. It turns out she has the

powers of immortality and has been fighting, with a group of immortal crusaders for over 600 years. As a matter of fact, she’s tired of fighting battles for mankind and it takes a new member of the group to reinvigorate her will to keep fighting. A young Marine named Nile, played by Kiki Layne, is killed during a terrorist mission in the Middle East and is mysteriously brought back to life and joins the group. While Theron’s character Andy is self assured of her immortality, Nile is uncertain myimessenger.com

with her new powers and the two women work together to teach the new member of the team the ropes. However, the thought of living forever is not easy to deal with for either female warrior. The movie, which is based on a graphic novel, gives us plenty of action with martial arts fight scenes and guns, knives and swords. If you like action, you’ll love THE OLD GUARD because the action never stops. Chiwetel Ejofor also stars as a former CIA agent who unknowingly works for the bad guys while thinking he’s doing something good by harnessing the power of the immortals to use for good to help mankind. He ends up as an ally for the group of fighters who’ll live forever. Theron is strong as Andy and Kiki Layne as Nile plays her character excellently as the young soldier who doesn’t understand her immortality. She just wants to see her momma. By the way the end of the movie gives all indications that there will be a sequel to the film. The movie is rated R for graphic violence and has a run time of 2 hours and 5 minutes. It’s a non-stop action adventure and on my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate THE OLD GUARD a JUMBO!

We’re open and ready to serve you!

Elaine’s

Jamaican Kitchen

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

JULY 17, 2020

FEBRUARY 8, 2019

I Messenger

Do you know this man?

POLICE have not apprehended “Pookie” the serial rapist. We know he has attacked members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and there is a $5,000 reward offered by Crime Stoppers.

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?

877-373-8477 JULY 17, 2020

I MESSENGER

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