I Messenger 7-22-22 by Cheryl Smith

I MESSENGER VOL XI NO 46 July 22, 2022

Warren G. Lee remembered

I Messenger An IMM LLC Publication MAILING ADDRESS 320 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway Suite 220 Dallas, TX 75203 WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM 214-941-0110 Cheryl Smith PUBLISHER - EDITOR editor@myimessenger.com www.myimessenger.com S. Curet GENERAL MANAGER stewartcuret@myimessenger.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Marva Sneed EDITORIAL TEAM Anthony Council Chelle Wilson Dareia Tolbert Dr. Felicia N. Shepherd Dorothy J. Gentry Eva Coleman Monique P. Stone Lajuana Barton Rebecca Aguilar Vincent Hall DESIGN/LAYOUT FzanStudio WEB/SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

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Established 2011 CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back. July 22, 2022

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INSIDE

QUIT PLAYIN’ Believe it or not, in the early 1970s, few African Americans could afford to live in Pleasant Grove. The only Black family who lived east of Masters Road other than my family was the family of Joe Cooper. Our family caught hell on Amity Lane.

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July 22, 2022

MY TRUTH by Cheryl Smith Publisher

What would you have done? Everyone has a job, a purpose, a mission, a life. We hope! In Uvalde, TX, those charged with serving and protecting were said to have been responsible for “systemic failures and egregiously poor decision making.” Recently, I took some time to reflect on my decades on this earth, recalling whether I had any times of “systemic failures and egregiously poor decision making.” That human side of me was able to respond honestly and own my discretions, indiscretions, mishaps and flaws; as well as my successes and triumphs. Fortunately, however; my “systemic failures and egregiously poor decision making” did not result in deaths; as was the case in Uvalde when Salvador Ramos murdered 19 children and two adults. A report issued by a Texas House of Representative committee was 77 pages long and pointed to 376 law enforcement officers who were at Robb Elementary School on that fateful day. So many were traumaJuly 22, 2022

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tized by events of that day. There was a lot of explaining and confusion, tears and sorrow. I was surprised to hear that one of the classrooms that the shooter attacked was the

Comedian Dick Gregory would tell a joke about a state trooper who stopped a speeder on the highway. The state trooper had some choice words for the driver. He then proceeded to walk

The law enforcement officers who were on the scene will have to deal with their own demons regarding their actions and inactions. same room that he was in as a fourth grader and according to reports, he told of being bullied in that same room. Since that horrific day, I’ve heard many talk about what they would have done, had they been on the scene in Uvalde. Which brings me to my truth. If I woulda, coulda, shoulda sounds good; but doesn’t mean a thing,

around to the passenger side and strike the passenger a few times and when asked why he was hitting the passenger who wasn’t doing or saying anything, the officer replied something to the effect that he “didn’t want them to drive off and five miles down the road the passenger would be saying, ‘man, if he had talked to me like that, I would have…’” And that is true to form.

Everyone talks about what they would have done had they been in a situation and some wouldn’t have done a darned thing! After all, everyone marched with Dr. Martin Luther King. Everyone speaks out when someone makes racist jokes at school, work, etc. Everyone stops a bully in his/her tracks. Yeah, right! If only! The law enforcement officers who were on the scene will have to deal with their own demons regarding their actions and inactions. And we all, at some time will have to face our own demons; including Salvador Ramos. It is sad that people continue to die at the hands of the likes of Salvador Ramos. It is even sadder when there is so much wrong in the world and too often folks are silent unless it affects them. It is time out for only the hit dog hollering. We need folks to stand up and take an interest in the suffering of others; just as we’d want others to do when we are suffering! myimessenger.com

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July 22, 2022

The Lord Gave us Nancy! QUIT PLAYIN’ BY VINCENT L. HALL

Believe it or not, in the early 1970s, few African Americans could afford to live in Pleasant Grove. The only Black family who lived east of Masters Road other than my family was the family of Joe Cooper. Our family caught hell on Amity Lane. Watermelon or eggs on the windshield, insults, you name it. Because being Black in this “new colony” was so challenging, my family was glad to know that Joe Cooper was there. My mother knew of Joe and Lillian Cooper because of their work in the South Dallas community. This couple was the supreme example of love, marriage, family, politics, and style. After meeting the Coopers, Joe gave the okay for Nancy to ride to school with me some days. I had a purplish blue Toyota Corona. Working 33 hours a week at Gibson’s Discount Center in high school was paying off. Nancy and I became the best of friends. No man is complete without a female ride-or-die. My dad often said, “The only man smarter than a woman is a man who knows he is never smarter than a woman!” (You will get that sometime between now and Labor Day.) We were friends because no one could match the love of her life, Carlton Hall, “one of the Henderson’s Chicken boys.” July 22, 2022

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By the time he was 16, he was driving new Corvettes. Carlton and his family were so cool, debonair, and balling hard! I never said I was one of the Hall boys, but I didn’t always deny it either! Carlton, his son James and his brothers went on to establish the second phase of the Henderson dynasty. Hall’s Chicken is still the best

we rarely saw each other. Years later when I got to Southwestern Bell Telephone, she was already there. She was pivotal in my baptism and ordination into the Communication Workers of America, Local 6215. Nancy eventually retired as the Executive Vice President. We had so many life ties. My Erinn and her James are

Nancy Hall, former executive vice president CWA Local 6215 and her husband Carlton of the Hall’s Chicken family, a Black Dallas dynasty.

known in Dallas. If Nancy got a dollar for every time her phone rang from somebody “wanting some chicken,” she would be filthy rich. The day after graduation, I moved out of my home, and the Coopers were sick. We spent that whole summer in their backyard pool, just chilling. We parted ways by Labor Day that year, but we would eventually meet again. We lost touch, but as I set foot on the firmament at the University of Texas at El Paso, who would call out my name but Nancy Cooper. After that,

months apart. My Alison and her Jennifer are weeks apart. Her baby, Jazmine, came as my oldest niece Jessica was born. However, Nancy was resolute when the word came forth that my Bonus Hailee was set to arrive. “Immo pass on this one Potna’! You on your own!” Nancy and her family graced me to speak words of comfort at her father’s funeral. Joe “Cool” left as effortlessly as he came. Unfortunately, my dad died six days later. Nancy is that kind of friend

you want to call you when you are down or when you suffered a tragedy that went public and viral. When I lost my election for the city council, I called her. I called Nancy for advice and comfort when the news soon broke that a divorce was imminent. When my dad was “going through” and I was singing the woes that are far too familiar to every caretaker, I called Nancy, We have sat with each other through every kind of lifedrama and trauma that most could imagine. We worked the backrooms of politics like night janitors. We have grieved over loved ones and mutual friends. There is no more soothing balm than a friendly ear devoid of judgment and self-righteousness. Just somebody who knows the rotten side of that shiny apple you show the world. Somebody who can keep a secret while they keep you sane. This is my testament, and hundreds of others could write a similar testimony. Nancy lost a short battle with cancer the other day, and I finally came to grips with the “B” portion of Job 1:21, a scripture that always eluded me. “The Lord Giveth and the Lord Taketh Away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Thank you, God, for gifting my life with Nancy Marie Cooper Hall. Love you, Carlton! We got this! Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and award-winning columnist.

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July 22, 2022

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July 22, 2022

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July 22, 2022

Comerica’s Irvin Ashford, Most Influential Special to Texas Metro News

Savoy, the leading African American business and lifestyle magazine, announces its most prestigious list to date of the Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America in their Summer issue, available at SavoyNetwork.com and Amazon. For the second time in three years, Savoy magazine has recognized Comerica Bank Chief Community Officer Irvin Ashford Jr. as one of its Most Influential Black Executives, a definitive listing of African American executives, influencers and achievers impacting corporate America. “Savoy is proud to present the 2022 Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America. In this issue, we assembled an elite representation of African American men and women who have been recognized for their executive and business leadership in national and global-leading corporations,” said L.P. Green, II, Publisher of Savoy magazine. “These innovative trailblazers have led efforts to foster growth for some of the country’s highest-performing companies throughout and beyond the US market.” Ashford, who also earned this accolade in 2020, oversees community reinvestment nationally and all associated activities, including community development and investments, volunteerism and data analysis, and ensures adherence to fair and responsible banking practices. Additionally, Ashford leads July 22, 2022

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Comerica’s diversity business resource groups. Ashford previously served as Comerica’s National Director of Financial Education and External Affairs and maintains these responsibilities in his current role. “The strategic partnerships and award-winning financial education programs Irv and his team have cul-

Irvin Ashford Jr.

tivated and implemented over the last 22 years at Comerica has positioned our company to be a corporate social responsibility leader in the financial services industry,” said Wendy Bridges, Executive Vice President, Corporate Responsibility. “This well-deserved honor represents the integral role Irv plays in delivering on the Comerica Promise of “Raising Expectations of What a Bank Can Be” in the communities where we live and serve.” Savoy’s Summer issue also features an article pinned by Ashford -- “Raising Career Aspirations,” offering career advice for young professionals and aspiring executives (page 260).

The selection of the “Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America” begins by examining the landscape of spheres of influence impacting Savoy’s readership including corporate sector influence, scholastic achievement, career growth, community outreach and recognition. The information received from over 500 prospective candidates in diverse fields was pre-screened by the selection committee. The selection committee includes the Savoy editorial board and community leaders with representatives from the academic and business arenas. The committee reviewed information on executives in human resources, information, real estate, finance, investment banking, diversity, foundations, procurement, business development, marketing, sales, health care, manufacturing and legal. After reviewing all the profiles, the field of candidates were narrowed to the “2022 Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America” listing based upon their exemplary record of accomplishments and influence while working to better their community and inspire others. Savoy’s full 2022 Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America listing is available online as of, July 18, 2022 exclusively at savoynetwork.com. The Summer issue of Savoy magazine is available for purchase online at www.savoynetwork.com/shop and Amazon. myimessenger.com

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July 22, 2022

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New Black-Owned App Aims To Help Users Say ‘Yes’ To Dating By Stephenetta (isis) Harmon A new app is here to help to make online dating easier. Oui,Meet launched at the end of 2021 with a mission to help users “stop swiping and start dating.” Founder Alicia Nicole said she was inspired to create the app while out with friends, lamenting over her abysmal dating prospects. “I thought it would be really great if we could have a curated meet-up,” she told Texas Metro News. “That’s how Oui,Meet came into fruition.” Pronounced “we meet,” the name is a double entendre -- referencing the French “oui” for “yes,” as well as the phonetic “we” for connections. The app is specifically designed to help minimize the time users spend messaging and maximize the amount of time they spend meeting -- whether via video or in real life. “We have so many different versions of the same app” in the marketplace, she said. With Oui,Meet, “rather than swiping and sending endless messages, you are out here, you are going on real-time dates.” With the app, users can search for matches and coordinate live “Meet Ups” after checking in with their location. “If you see a [profile] you…you send them a real-time meet request,” she said. If both users match, they have three chances to schedule a meeting at a location of their choice, ranging from a restaurant or coffee shop to a gym or festival. The traditional swiping component is available on the app, as well, but with a twist. “Once you swipe and you match with somebody, your inbox is only open for five days,” Alicia Nicole explained. “If on day five, you haven’t had a video date through the app, the match is going to disappear.” Shifting Into Opportunity myimessenger.com

The pandemic wasn’t on anyone’s radar when Alicia Nicole first started development on the app at the top of 2020. “Before COVID… It was simply meet while you’re out. But in the very, very beginning stages, the world shut down.

Alicia Nicole

Photo: Parker Parker

So, I had to figure out how to make the app still appealing. How do you still meet people if your city is shut down? So, this has been a work in progress.” Inspired by pandemic challenges, Alicia Nicole is also developing a virtual component for those who are either stuck inside due to pandemic concerns or just prefer to be at home -- yet still desire companionship. “We are currently in the process of raising funds to build this first-of-its-kind component to the dating app industry,” she exPhoto: courtesy plained. The shift also speaks to the changing dating market. According to Match’s “Singles In America” report, 71% of singles shared that video chatting helped them decide whether to meet up in person and 47% said it helps prevent bad dates. “Again, it’s just about really getting out, meeting people, dating, and having some human interaction.” From No Tech To Techpreneur Alicia Nicole represents a third of U.S.

entrepreneurs who work day jobs while building their dreams. For her, it’s a place of empowerment for both her venture and the team she has assembled. Every day, I get up and go to my nine to five, I am making a corporate entity a lot of money,” she said. “[So] I’m just, keeping that in mind all the time: ‘I’m going to make somebody else rich today,’ definitely feeds me to come home and get straight back to doing whatever I have to do.” Ironically, she doesn’t have a background in tech. She teamed with Dr. Koffa Toeque, a Black woman developer, to turn her idea into reality, recognizing the venture could generate tangible revenue. The numbers are great across the board as Alicia Nicole taps into a market primed for growth. In 2020. 44.2 million people used online dating services, generating $602 million in revenue. Statista estimates that the number will reach 53.3 million users generating $755 million by 2024. Alicia Nicole hopes to tap into that buying power and grow the brand big enough to be courted by other dating behemoths. Until then, she is hitting the proverbial pavement to get users on the app and meeting in real life. She also wants to empower Black women while doing it. Her developer is a Black woman and she’s looking to build her entire team with Black and brown faces. “Building with Black women, she said, will also be at the root of her work and legacy. I want my legacy to be that I really put on for black women. I’m trying to help us find love, help us create generational wealth, help us see the world, and build legacies.” And, she added in a later conversation, “I want to make my mama proud.” Oui,Meet is available on Google and Apple is currently available in the DFW Metroplex, Houston, and Austin. Users who do not live in those areas are encouraged to sign up for launch alerts. Learn more at www.ouimeet.app. July 22, 2022

July 22, 2022

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LIFE-LONG SERVANT

Reed becomes 31st President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Texas Metro News Team At its convention last week in Orlando, FL., Danette Anthony Reed was installed as the 31st president and CEO of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA), following in the footsteps of Dr. Glenda Glover, president of Tennessee State University. Vice President Kamala Harris, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, Dallas City Councilman Casey Thomas and other dignitaries joined Reed, who calls Dallas “home,” as more than 30,000 members and family members gathered for the public service organization’s first in-person boule since COVID-19 and also kicked off plans for the next convention that will be held in Dallas in 2024. The next convention will be the first one in Dallas since 2000 for the 59th Boule; when thousands of members painted Dallas pink and green. The 69th Annual Boule scheduled for July 15–19, 2020 in Philadelphia, PA was canceled due to concerns over COVID-19. And what a time is expected for 2024, especially as the international president gets to showcase southern hospitality for the world. A 46-year member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Reed is a retired PepsiCO executive; having the distinction of being the first African American woman plant director to lead the start-up of an $80 million bakery facility in Dallas and holding several other prestigious positions before retiring in 2017 after 34 years. Also a member of Links, Inc.; Top Ladies of Distinction; the Carrousels of Dallas, myimessenger.com

TX; and the National Association of Parliamentarians, she is a graduate of Northwestern University with a B.S. Degree in Industrial Engineering and a Master’s degree in Business Administration, specializing in Finance, from Southern Methodist University. A proven servant leader, Reed is the first president who is an engineer and the AKA life member has served in more than 24 leadership positions in the sorority. “I am humbled and excited to lead this great organization of outstanding women who represent all walks of life and who consistently live up to our mission of service

Danette Anthony Reed

to all mankind,” she said. “It is an honor and a responsibility that I don’t take lightly. Over the next four years, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will provide programs of service locally and worldwide to

make a difference in the communities we serve.” Under Reed’s leadership Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA) is an international service organization founded in 1908 at Howard University in Washington, D.C. It is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American, college-educated women. Alpha Kappa Alpha comprises 320,000 members in over 1,046 graduate and undergraduate chapters in the United States, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Dubai, Germany, Japan, Liberia, Nigeria, South Korea, South Africa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

July 22, 2022

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July 22, 2022

‘All Rise’ for Actress Simone Missick By Zon D’Amour Contributing Writer Los Angeles Sentinel

Star of OWN series stepping into her new role as an Executive Producer In the opening scene for the third season of “All Rise,” we be-lieve Lola Carmichael (played by Simone Missick) has lost her election and her seat as a judge only to reveal that she actually won. The series initially had a similar fate, canceled by CBS to later be picked up and renewed by OWN (The Oprah Winfrey Network). In an exclusive interview with the LA Sentinel, Simone Missick shares the importance of using her voice as an execu-tive producer to create an inspiring and culturally relevant narrative. L.A. Sentinel: In addition to starring in the show, it’s exciting to also see you credited as an executive producer. Can you share what that role entails? Simone Missick: I came into season three knowing I wanted to be an executive producer. I have three fellow co-producers, Denitria Harris-Lawrence who is our showrunner as well as Michael Robin and Len Goldstein who have been with the show since the beginning. I was stepping into this [role] knowing that I was going to be partnered with people that I trusted creatively and professionally to tell impactful stories while also being timely and culturally rel-evant. As an executive producer, there’s a level of joy I have going to work everyday being the lead on the show and then being able to help to tell it in a stronger, more culturally specific way. [For example] I said Lola has to go to Howard University. She was supposed to have gone to a school in California for undergrad and I said, ‘Oh no! She had to have gone to Howard.’ Those things are important. I remember growing up and watch-ing “The Cosby Show” and seeing all those [college] sweatshirts that Cliff Huxtable wore and asking, ‘Where’s that school?’ As an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) alumna, I know how imJuly 22, 2022

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portant those images are for young Black students and it was important for me to share that with the “All Rise” audience. LAS: Having watched several episodes from season 3, it seems as if some of the storylines are inspired by current events. Can you share what type of cases we can expect this season and how Lola will navigate these issues in her courtroom? SM: The show tries to illuminate that people are in charge of our criminal justice system and yes we have written laws but those laws are manipulated, changed

Simone Missick as Judge Lola Carmichael in ‘All Rise’ Photo: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc./ Courtesy of OWN

and stretched to fit whatever narrative that a person may have consciously or subconsciously about an individual or a group of people. This season we’ll see how difficult it is to get a wrongfully convicted man exonerated. Then we find ourselves dealing with a serial killer that’s been targeting Black women in Los Angeles for decades. Another episode that I’m really excited about is whether teaching Black History should be allowed in schools. There’s a moment when one of our characters can’t understand how this debate is happening in California. They say, ‘I know it’s happening down south, I know it’s happening in the midwest, but in Los Angeles?’ and Lola’s response to that is very much in line with my [own] awareness of where we are as a nation and the need for people in power to hold on to that power by trying to shape a narrative about the history of this country. Those are just some of the examples of the cases we have coming up. Some of

which, as you said are “ripped from the headlines” while some have been a part of the criminal justice system forever. I think [“All Rise”] does it in a way that feels fresh and exciting for our audiences while also asking them to question their own biases and their own judgements of who’s guilty, who isn’t, who deserves rehabilitation and who doesn’t. Who deserves a second chance and who’s irreparably damaged and thus needs to be put away for life. LAS: Can you share advice for fellow creatives who may feel as if they’ve been hard at work for years but have yet to experience their big break? How do you remain resilient during the toughest times? SM: I thank God for my husband who’s my prayer partner, my biggest supporter and someone who’s also in the industry so he understands the highs and lows. He’s encouraged me for years before it happened. I also have a strong prayer group of women, we study the word together, we lift each other up in prayer for auditions and meet-ings and also encourage one another because there are peaks and valleys. As artists we have these ideas of the way it should go but for me, I thank God for every “no” that I ever received that led me to “Luke Cage” because they weren’t looking for somebody who we had seen everywhere. It had to be me, one, because that’s how I believe God works but it also had to be me who literally had done only three jobs up until that point–three IMDb credits. I had done plays, commercials and short films but in the eyes of the industry, I was a ‘nobody’ but in God’s eyes, He knew exactly where I was supposed to be. For people who feel as though it’s never going to happen, if you truly love what you do and believe that’s what God has placed you here to do on this earth, never give up. Make whatever you can happen on your own so that when those opportunities come, you’re ready. Be good at your craft, sharpen your skills and never give up on yourself. Those are the things that will continue to propel you forward. All Rise airs Tuesdays at 8/7c only on OWN. myimessenger.com

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July 22, 2022

Warren G. Lee remembered Dallas Businessman served as President of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. By Cheryl Smith

Warren G. Lee

July 22, 2022

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Thousands of men across the country and around the world have claimed Warren G. Lee, Jr. as a mentor and as expressions were shared on social media upon hearing of his passing on Monday, it was clear of the significant impact he has had during his lifetime. Many talked about his character, his resolve and commitment. A life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Lee served as the 38th International Grand Basileus (President) and embodied the spirit of the organization’s cardinal principles: Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is the first international fraternal organization founded on the campus of a historically Black college. Many of his chapter brothers were with him a week prior to his death when they all attended the Theta Alpha Chapter retreat. Basileus Aaron Brown said in a chapter statement, “The Brothers of Theta Alpha Chapter offer our condolences to the family and our Brothers during this time. We are all deeply hurt by this loss; yet, find comfort in the collective Brotherhood and Friendship of

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.” “He was active and stayed the entire time and was actively involved,” said Derrick Payne, former Theta Alpha president. “He was also committed and engaged.” According to Payne, Lee was planning on attending the organization’s national conclave in Charlotte, NC, July 21-26, 2022, because he was looking forward to presenting 50-year pins to several Dallas area Omega Men. Lee was initiated into Omega at the University of Texas - Eta Theta Chapter in 1971, and in 1972 he was elected to the student position on the national board, as second Vice-Grand Basileus. His service continued over the years and he was elected to several positions, including Keeper of Finance (Treasurer) and 1st Vice Basileus (President). Lee emphasized leadership through the mantra, “Making A Difference In The Lives Of Black People,” and Omega men around the world mentored young men while organizing and executing countless social action programs; and donating millions to worthy causes. But Lee was not just a brother to his fraternity members. See WARREN G. LEE, page 25

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Ambassador Ron Kirk was a groomsman when Lee married Lorraine Green and considers him to be one of his oldest and dearest friends. Kirk, who served as Dallas’ first African American Mayor, is Godfather to Lee’s son, Warren G. Lee III. He described Lee as a “good man who was incredibly decent, loyal, smart and loved his church and golf.” Kirk said his friend even convinced him to seek membership in the fraternity he loved so much, and while he started the process, Kirk never completed membership. But that didn’t end their relationship. “We remained friends, always,” said Kirk. Willie Hinchen and Royce West joined the fraternity a year before Lee, who received his 50-year pin last year. Now a Texas State Senator, West was speechless when he received word of Lee’s passing. The two were close and West was clearly moved. “This is hard,” he said. Lee was at UT, West at UTA and Hinchen at Jarvis Christian during college and they all ended up in the Theta Alpha Chapter, after graduation. “He was a frat brother and a friend,” said Hinchen, adding that he is still processing the loss. “He did my taxes for over 30 years, and we both attended each other’s son’s entrance into the frat.” “If I could use one word to describe him, it would be ‘outstanding,” added Hinchen. “Warren was an myimessenger.com

Wake – Omega Service Remarks and Revelations Thursday, August 4, 2022, 7 pm Antioch Baptist Church 7550 S. Hampton Road Dallas, Texas 75232

Funeral

Warren G. Lee

outstanding man. He made me better!” Willie Earl Johnson and his wife Ella Goode Johnson were among those traveling to North Carolina for the Conclave, and Lee would have also been recognizing Mr. Johnson for 50 years of service. “Warren Lee was a multi-talented Godly servant. He was a servant leader at his church, with his family and in the Divine 9 World of Greekdom,” said Mrs. Johnson, who served as president of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, (Lee’s wife is a member) during Lee’s tenure as Omega Basileus. Her husband, who attended UNT, said, “He has left an exemplary mark of excellence for us all to follow. He

was a strong believer in following the correct process in all of your undertakings. He will be missed.” Lee also wrote letters of recommendation for the Johnsons’ two sons, Toby and Jabari, leading to them both becoming members of the fraternity. In addition to statements from across the country, the International Headquarters lauded Lee’s accomplishment in a statement on its website, referencing Lee’s work as a financial management consultant in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex area, serving as the principal in the firm Warren Lee & Associates. He also specialized in working with churches and other religious organizations in ministry and administra-

Friday, August 5, 2022, 10 am Antioch Baptist Church 7550 S. Hampton Road Dallas, Texas 75232 tive development; serving as a member of the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, as well as a member of the Irving branch of the NAACP, MetroCrest Chamber of Commerce, and the Dallas Community College District Accounting Advisory Committee. He was a decades-long member of Mount Pisgah Baptist Church where he served as chair of the Ministry’s Leaders Roundtable. He also worked as chairman of the Trustee Board, a Sunday School teacher, and as Evangelical Choir president. July 22, 2022

The Trendsetter is the new Texas Metro News youth section, focused solely on the ideals, interests, occurrences and opinions of our youth. Here you will find the latest, hottest, jaw-dropping stories, appealing to those ranging from 13-25. Prepare to be informed and entertained!

Why do we celebrate birthdays? KICKIN’ IT WITH KENDALL GAYLE BY KENDALL GAYLE WASHINGTON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

After recently celebrating my birthday, I have come to question the idea of birthday celebrations. Normally, I’ll admit, I’m very extra about my birthday. It has to be the best of the best. I do not have parties each year due to self-obsession, but it’s the one time where my life-long friends come together. I asked my mom, “Why does my birthday feel like another day?” She responded, “That’s what happens when you get older.” Before I turned 17, each year I was excited for what my mom had planned for my birthday. When I turned 12, my mom told me I couldn’t have a sleepover; however, she ended up surprising me with one at the Hilton Anatole. My friends and I swam all night and filled up on cookie cake. Looking back, I will say it was one July 22, 2022

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Photo: Coastline College

of the best days ever, and I am grateful for my mom’s kind heart. Yet, the question in my head is why do we celebrate birthdays? I thought maybe the purpose of birthdays is not celebrating the day you were born, but a celebration of your life, and I can live with that. Each and every day of my life has been a blessing, and I get to be surrounded by people I love. I love celebrating others when it’s their birthday, and when I attend their celebrations, I am not thinking so much about their age, but about how much I love them.

Gift giving, along with receiving, is my love language. I am always excited to prepare a gift for my friends, no matter the occasion. When my friends ask me what I want, I say “something that reminds them of me.” Now that I am getting older, I am going to remind myself that my birthday is a celebration of my life. For everyone struggling with the concept of your birthday being egocentric, stop. A birthday is a day for people who love you to come out and celebrate you. myimessenger.com

Summer Song OF THE WEEK

The Trendsetter Staff Editor-in-Chief: Kendall Gayle Washington Managing Editor: Asia Nicole Alcorn Entertainment Editor: Angelina Liu Layout and Design Editor: Iniya Nathan

First Class by Jack Harlow. Harlow’s new hip hop/ rap song First Class is a tribute to Fergie’s Glamorous. The song has reigned on the Billboard for over 13 weeks.

Editorial Page Editor: Maya Palavali

Camp Exposure’s Annual Training Camp provides opportunities to hone athletic skills By Maya Palavali Cheers erupt in the indoor stadium as a football play is successfully executed while the players high five the people around them. From July 8 to July 10, student athletes from underserved communities across Dallas received professional NFL style training alongside life-long technical skills in the program, Camp Exposure. Created in 2018 by Tyler Patmon, together with Lubbock Smith III and Jeremiah Hatch, the camp was born from the Patmon family’s non-profit organization “Shine in Darkness.” Using the pillars and occupational teaching of the non-profit, Camp Exposure has been able to grow the message. “This has been a faith based holistic youth development program,” Co-founder and Director of Corporate Relations, Lubbock Smith III said. “We want to make sure that they fully discover everything they need so they can maximize all opportunities in life.” The unique combination of athletics and professional skills comes from the experiences of the people behind the project myimessenger.com

Lubbock Smith III, Jeremiah Hatch, Tyler Patmon and Rowdy pose with Camp Exposure students at the Highlander Stadium on Sunday. Photo: Angelina Liu

with the challenges and lessons they have learned. “We as former athletes understand the trials and tribulations of having our identity too wrapped up in the sport, and struggling with the transition into the professional world and into regular life,” Patmon said. “We really want to help these kids understand who they are outside [of football].” The three-day camp consisted of 99 participants, which were admitted through a selection process. The days were packed with fun activities, separated into football practice, informational panels and free time. The students were provided with top notch facilities and other amenities. “You’re not going to find a lot

of those top trainers, you’re not going to a lot of indoor places like this there.” Co-Founder and Director of Operations, Jeremiah Hatch said. From its start, Camp Exposure has grown from a small Dallas based foundation to a DFW area organization, with sponsors such as Vista Bank, the Dallas Cowboys, Embassy Suites hotel, Highland Park Independent School District and many others. “It was originally only for underserved communities here in Dallas, but because it was getting so much traction, they opened it up to the DFW area.,” Goldman Sachs volunteer, Ikechukwu Ubani said. “Just by knowing that and seeing what I’m looking at now, it’s going to

grow tremendously.” Camp Exposure has partnered with Goldman Sachs and Win With Why to run the event, along with the help of volunteers and other resources. “We’re volunteering with Goldman Sachs as part of the community teamwork’s program,” Goldman Sachs volunteer, Andy Liu said. Win With Why is an organization specializing in equipping school coaches and administrators to help their athletes in a healthy way. The foundation quickly became charmed by Camp Exposure because of the attention to details. “I’ve been in education for 70 years; In that space of athletics, people don’t pay attention to the details,” Win With Why, Dr. Shyrell Hobson said. “I saw what camp exposure is doing, as far as developing in all these things they don’t learn in public education.” Camp Exposure will have a lifetime positive impact on everyone that has been involved. “This is not just a football camp,” Baylor Bears cornerback, Byron Hanspard, Jr. said. “This is something that they’ll be able to take away with different things that are very important for an athlete’s mind, body and strengths.” July 22, 2022

Top 10 Online Scholarships By Asia Nicole Alcorn and Angelina Liu Wondering how you’re going to afford your dream university? Check out and apply for these 10 scholarships to take away some financial stress. 1. $2,000 Nitro Scholarship a. Requirements: To apply, you must be at least 17. You must either be a parent, college student or high school senior (may also be a college graduate looking to pay off debt). Deadline is Jul. 31, 2022. 2. Niche $2,000 No Essay Scholarship a. Requirements: You must be a high school, college or graduate student (can be planning to enroll within 12 months). You must be 18 or older, or at least 13 with the consent of your parent or legal guardian. Create a free account to apply. Deadline is Jul. 31, 2022. 3. Coca-Cola Scholarship a. Requirements: You must be a U.S. Citizen, National or Permanent Resident. You must also be a current high school (or home-schooled)

student attending a school in the U.S. (or select DoD schools), graduating during

4. Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship a. Requirements: You must

Photo: Coastline College

the 2022-2023 academic school year. Lastly, you must have a 3.0 GPA, along with planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution. You cannot be a child or grandchild of current, or former employees, officers, or owners of Coca-Cola bottling companies, The CocaCola Company, Company divisions, or subsidiaries. The application opens August 2022.

be a U.S. student, 14 years and older (enrolled or planned to be enrolled by 2026, in a postsecondary institution of higher education). Deadline is Oct. 31, 2022. 5. Terry Scholarship a. Requirements: Complete the application form, essay and FAFSA. Deadline is Nov. 20, 2022. 6. Unigo $10K Scholarship a. Requirements: You must be a student and legal U.S. resident (including District

Summer Crossword Answers Down

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2. Lemonade 5. Watermelon 7. Barbeque 8. Goggles

July 22, 2022

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of Columbia) and submit an online written response to the essay question. Ages 14 years and older may apply. Deadline is Dec. 31, 2022. 7. Top Ten List Scholarship a. Requirements: You must be a student and legal U.S. resident (including District of Columbia) and create a Top Ten list of why you should get the scholarship. Ages 14 years and older may apply. Deadline is Dec. 31, 2022. 8. Ron Brown Scholarship a. Requirements: The scholarship is for Black and African American high school seniors who come from economically challenged backgrounds and have a focus on serving the public. You must submit two letters of recommendation, your SAT or ACT scores, an official transcript and answers to essay questions. Deadline is Jan. 9, 2023. 9. Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship a. Requirements: You must be a high school senior and part of a minority group. You must demonstrate a need for financial aid and have exhibited traits in leadership or civic engagement. You must also submit copies of standardized test scores, transcripts, four essays and letters of recommendation. Deadline is Jan. 12, 2023. 10. I Have a Dream Scholarship a. Requirements: You must be a U.S. student, 14 years and older (enrolled or planned to be enrolled by 2027, in a postsecondary institution of higher education). You must also fill out the application form and complete the essay. Deadline is Jan. 31, 2023. myimessenger.com

ips

Coastline College

Using Disappointment As A Lesson “79. The idea is there, but the writing is lacking. It WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM BY MAYA PALAVALI needs to be better.” EDITORIAL PAGE Stunned, I grip the paper EDITOR as I hold back tears. SUmmer Crossword Answers Disappointment. We’ve it be As the classroom fills with all felt it, whether Down Across chatter, I sit on the edge of failing grades or countless termtossed my seat. Since 1. Pool Partyit was the final rejections. It’s 2. a Lemonade 3. Firework 5. Watermelon semester of fifth grade, the class around, but we only Beach Ball Barbeque our was 4.assigned to write a piece attribute it to 7. 6. Kite 8. Goggles biggest failures. of poetry about their school Disappointment experience. This was it; this dis-ap-point-ment/ noun would be the fruit of my labors. Sadness or displeasure My teacher drops a paper on caused by the nonfulfillment my desk, and I pick it up:

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of one’s hopes and dreams. The feeling of disappointment weighs heavy and isn’t an emotion that’s easy to deal with. It’s seemingly inevitable we fall into that pit of despair whenever you begin to feel the emotion’s ugly claws. But what if we let ourselves fully process disappointment to use it as motivation for the future? Whenever we feel negative emotions, it’s natural to try to fix the “problem” that arises through practices such as avoidance or blame. But the key to healing is to learn, which requires sitting in that hurt. Instead of looking at that feeling or event through a strictly negative lens, switch it out for something more positive. Try reframing

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your thinking from blaming yourself to figuring out how to use this for the better. Turning disappointment into motivation is a hard process; it’s the changing of a long-held belief you’re trying to dispel. Changing your mindset takes time and a lot of practice. The journey of positivity is not linear, and the results are gradual. It’s disappointing at first to even realize how difficult it is. So, start off small. If you miss your alarm, use the feeling that washes over you to set a couple more for the next day and sleep early. If you lose your keys at home, create a space in your home to keep them for the future. Do what you can for your future self in the moment of disappointment. I wouldn’t have continued writing if not for my initial disappointments. Writing would’ve turned into a shortterm phase, something I lost interest in as I found the next best thing. The depth of those emotions are what have shaped me into who I am today. Now I’ve become so much more than I hoped. My work has been published multiple times, I was selected for a prestigious journalism program and I have the privilege of interning with Texas Metro News; my stories are reaching people in a way I never thought was possible. Building a better future for yourself starts now, even if you’re hurting. It’s up to you to push yourself to become who you want to be. July 22, 2022

What The Staff is Doing This Summer

Maya Palavali at Pietro’s Bakery & Cafe.

Maya Palavali Summertime for me means I have more time and effort to work on projects of my own. I always clean my room as a way of calming myself; it’s great I’m able to make this a weekly habit. Whenever I feel the urge, I stop what I’m doing, pull up my monthly Spotify playlist and organize. Getting into the rhythm of folding my clothes allows my mind to wonder. I make sure to stay productive while letting myself breathe. Iniya Nathan Over the summer, my favorite thing to do is read. For me, reading is the best way to rest and reset for school. Going on vacation and going out with friends is also another I enjoy in order to refresh and relax before the upcoming school year. Everyone has their favorite places to visit, but I prefer to July 22, 2022

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Iniya Nathan enjoying an Oberweis milkshake.

go someplace new each time. My advice for people on how to relax during the summer is to participate in activities you enjoy.

novel. Another of my favorite activities is taking a drive at night and feeling the warm breeze through my hair while listening to a summer playlist my friends and I made. Through these activities, I can recharge for the coming school year. Sadly, my family doesn’t travel in the summer, although I have often begged them to. Asia Nicole Alcorn

Angelina Liu

Kendall Gayle Washington floating in the waters of Hawaii.

back mentally, physically and spiritually stronger. As a Cancer woman, I love the water and swimming is my favorite activity during the summer. I can always bingewatch shows, but summer is where I become one with the water. Nycorta Diaz Mabry, Jr.

Asia Nicole Alcorn, and her son Zane Alcorn, at Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark. Angelina Liu at Napoli’s Italian Kitchen & Market.

When the temperatures start going up, my overall attitude improves. I love the sunshine and warmth summer brings, although living in Texas means that to the extreme. Summer is a time where I can work, learn and have time for photography and reading. One of my favorite activities is to sit by the pool, listen to music and tan while reading a romance or mystery

During the summer, I like to relax. You know, like fun in the sun. I enjoy water parks with my family, good food and a refreshing beverage. I also like to bingewatch shows. I am currently watching “Summertime” and “El Dragón.” Kendall Gayle Washington In the summer, I like to prepare for the new school year while still having fun. My goal each year is to come

Nycorta Diaz Mabry, Jr. enjoys a Starbucks refresher on a hot summer day.

Summer is the season I look forward to the most. It’s a time of joy and laughter. It’s a time for midnight explorations. In Michigan, the summer is filled with cold, dreary weather. I love summer because during those three months, memories you’ll always remember are made. myimessenger.com

myimessenger.com

July 22, 2022

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Nena's Finds 215 W. Tyler St. Gilmer, Texas 75644 (903) 680-3333

myimessenger.com

July 22, 2022

SAVE SOME GREEN.

Wear the masks, wash your hands and show love! July 22, 2022

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GO YELLOW. #Back2DART

myimessenger.com

July 22, 2022

Call issued to Support Black Businesses Buy Black! By Cheryl Smith Texas Metro News

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

BRILLIANTLY MADE BUNDLES

Brilliantly Made Bundles is affordable hair extensions for women. Great quality with the thickness that women love! Check them out at www.brilliantlymadebundles.com to get your 100% pure virgin bundles and wigs.

TUFF BABY’S ORGANIC ESSENTIALS

TuffBaby’s Organic Essentials is a hair care system for women, children and men who are looking to thicken, strengthen and prevent breakage. The products are made using a special blend of essential oils that also combat itching and dandruff. Check them out at www.TuffBabysOrganics.com

FITNESS JUNKIE

JULIE’S SWEETS

Southern University Alum, Yolanda Temple, debuted her new business location in Grandscape in The Colony, Julie’s Sweets! Julie’s Sweets is a family owned small bakery operating in The Colony, Texas that produces and sells amazingly delicious cakes, cookies, cupcakes, and pies. Her handmade cakes, cookies, cupcakes, and pies. They use locally sourced products to make a variety of exceptionally delicious sweets from scratch daily. 5768 Grandscape Dr. Suite 135 The Colony, TX 75056 (469) 777-3833 July 22, 2022

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Many of us need to call 214-868-3393 for 1-on-1 Training, Group Training, Online Coaching, nutrition goals and sea moss. Nicole is ISSA PT Certified and holistic herbalist. Nicole Bradshaw builds personal plans and attains goals for her clients. Go with a pro, someone who is also a nutritionist, who has developed a unique program that will help burn calories, boost metabolism and improve your overall health. Reach the Fitness Junkie Chick - fitnessjunkie.1919@ gmail.com

LIP E’S NATURAL-BAKED COLLECTION

E’miree is the CEO of LipE’s, an all-natural lip gloss company founded in 2020. She started the business with the desire to create safe, healthy, and chemicalfree lip gloss for health-conscious users “who still want to look cute without using chemicals they can hardly

pronounce.” A teen entrepreneur, she wants to do big things for herself and the business. She specializes in all-natural, vegan lip glosses, 100% silk bonnets, and lip scrubs that will exfoliate your lips and make them smooth. Check them out at https://www.mylipes.com

JADE BOUTIQUE

Established in 2017, JADE Boutique was birthed through the desire to provide t-shirts that conveyed meaningful messages that represented the positive outlook of its founder. Check JADE Boutique out at www.shopjadefashow. com

DREAMY COCO

Dreamy Coco, a Black Magical girl inspired brand, is about Beauty, Cosmetic & Personal Care; created by two sisters with shared love of anime and chocolate and a goal to make everyone of any complexion feel truly magical. Get lip glosses and mini palettes at http:// www.dreamycoco.com/ or (817) 823-7609 myimessenger.com

Texas Women Committed to Remaining Fertile After Removing Uterine Fibroids

Lorraine Birabil and Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew worked diligently to make sure women are aware of Texas Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month. Photo: Barbara Jordan Leadership Institute

By Sylvia Dunnavant Hines

Heavy bleeding, uncontrollable bladders and back pain are just some of the symptoms that many women experience as the result of uterine fibroids. Until recently, many were suffering in myimessenger.com

silence out of fear the only relief would be to lose their fertility. Uterine fibroids, which are noncancerous growths in the uterus, are historically known as the most common reason for a hysterectomy. Removing the uterus prevents any fibroids

present in the uterine muscle from growing back. “I was diagnosed with uterine fibroids about 10 years ago, during a routine well-woman examine,” said neurologist Dr. Sharisse Stephenson, who was 35 years old when she was diJuly 22, 2022

Maria Garcia

agnosed. “At the time, I really didn’t have any symptoms. The doctor said that I had fibroids and I would need to have surgery like a hysterectomy or myomectomy. “This would mean that I would have to take off work for six to eight weeks. I had just started my own private practice. Since I didn’t have any symptoms, I thought that I could not afford to take off work for two months. According to a study by the University of Michigan, Black women are more likely to July 22, 2022

Dr. Suzanne Slonim

Photo: courtesy

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Photo: courtesy

Doctors recommended that Dr. Stephenson and Garcia have hysterectomies prior to their UFE procedure. Both women want to make sure that women know all their options before making permanent decisions about their health. experience symptoms from uterine fibroids. Nearly 25% of Black women between 18 and 30 will experience symptoms from their fibroids compared

to about 6% of white women. After a few years Dr. Stephenson’s fibroids became symptomatic. They increased in size, and she started to have

uncontrollable bleeding. Because she still didn’t want to close her practice for a few months, she continued to put off the surgical options that were ofmyimessenger.com

fered to treat her condition. Her symptoms eventually became so severe, that she could no longer avoid addressing them. “My uterus became so large, that I looked like I was nine months pregnant. By this time, I didn’t care if I had to close my practice for a year, I just wanted to get this taken care of,” she said. As Dr. Stephenson sought a viable solution for her fibroids, it became obvious that her procrastination had caused a negative impact on her health. Due to the size of her fibroids many doctors considered her condition “complicated.” At this point it became difficult for her to find a doctor that was willing to surgically remove her growths.

Dr. Quanita Crable, a Board Certified OBGYN, specializes in minimally invasive surgery. She has dedicated her career to helping women with uterine fibroid tumors. Photo: Dr. Crable

“By this time, I felt like I was dying. I went to all the major medical centers in Dallas. My case was considered complicated. Because my fibroids were so large some doctors were un-

comfortable with doing surgery,” she recalled. According to a report from Mount Sinai Hospital uterine fibroids can range in size from as small as a pinhead to larger than a melon.

“If someone is telling you something that you don’t want to hear, and it doesn’t feel right for you, then get a second opinion. Even if they see me for the first time and they don’t like what they are hearing, I recommend my patients get a second opinion. If you have big fibroids and you don’t want to be cut open, there are options to explore. It is important to educate yourselves,” said Dr. Crable. myimessenger.com

Fibroids have been reported weighing more than 40 pounds. “I was only working a couple of days a week because I would get so tired and lightheaded. I had to have help with every basic thing in my life. The bleeding was horrible. I couldn’t go anywhere. I would bleed in the chair or bleed in the car. I tried to go on a trip to Austin with my daughters. When I got out of the car, one of my daughters said that there was so much blood, it looked like I had been shot,” said Dr. Stephenson. As her condition worsened, Dr. Stephenson attempted consulting another doctor. Although this doctor still felt uncomfortable doing surgery, he referred her to Dr. Suzanne Slonim, who is a recognized interventional radiologist and a leading fibroids expert. “I had a telemedicine visit with her. She looked at the results of the MRI that had been done on my uterus and she said that she could help me. I was so happy that I cried,” said Dr. Stephenson. Dr. Slonim has over 32 years of experience July 22, 2022

in the medical field and is the founder of the Fibroid Institute Dallas. She focuses on treating fibroids with Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), a minimally invasive procedure without surgery. UFE cuts off the blood flow to the fibroids and causes them to shrink. “I could feel the difference right away. Before the procedure, my stomach was so big that it was hard for me to bend down to tie my shoes,” said Dr. Stephenson. “Even though my daughter was with me, I bent down and tied my own shoes without getting out of breath.” She said the procedure made her feel better than she had felt in years. According to Healthline, 30 percent of women between 25 and 44 have symptoms of fibroids. This means uterine fibroids are common during a woman’s childbearing years. “My periods didn’t start getting bad until I was 19. Then I began having super heavy periods. They would go away for a while. When my cycle returned it would be very heavy,” said 23-year-old Maria Garcia, who is Latina. July 22, 2022

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Dr. Sharisse Stephenson warns women not to wait like she did to receive assistance for their uterine fibroids. Even though she is in the medical field, she waited until her symptoms were severe, before finding a viable option for relief from her fibroids. Photo: Dr. Stephenson

At first Garcia was put on several types of birth control medications to help get her bleeding under control. Over the last four years she was told by various doctors that her problems were caused by one to three fibroids. It was even recommended that she have a hysterectomy to resolve her on-going issues. After a few trips to the emergency room due to anemia caused by severe bleeding, Garcia also sought out assistance from Dr. Slonim and found out she had over 20 fibroids. “Before my procedure

with Dr. Slonim, I had heavy bleeding consistently for four months. Since the procedure, I have only had one cycle and it has been light. I also don’t feel weak anymore,” said Garcia, who has a family history of fibroids. Doctors recommended that Dr. Stephenson and Garcia have hysterectomies prior to their UFE procedure. Both women want to make sure that women know all their options before making permanent decisions about their health. “Speaking as a physician who treats a lot of

uterine fibroid tumors. The biggest thing that I have seen is the lack of options that women are given to manage their fibroids. As a OBGYN and a surgeon I try to do my best to offer my patients every option for management - not just a hysterectomy,” said Dr. Quanita Crable, Board Certified OBGYN, specializing in minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Crable has dedicated her career to helping women explore their health options. She also encourages women to advocate for themselves. “If someone is telling you something that you don’t want to hear, and it doesn’t feel right for you, then get a second opinion. Even if they see me for the first time and they don’t like what they are hearing, I recommend my patients get a second opinion. If you have big fibroids and you don’t want to be cut open, there are options to explore. It is important to educate yourselves,” said Dr. Crable. July is Texas Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month. For more information on how you can participate go to the website txfam.org. myimessenger.com

Briefs

Local chapter provides relief to area senior citizens in preparation for a hot summer

Fabulous 50s Sorors of the Alpha Omicron Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated.

Texas Metro News Desk 2022 brings another centennial celebration for one of the members of the historically Black Greek-Letter sororities and fraternities that make up the “Divine Nine.” Serving the greater Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex is the lifelong mission for the women in the “Amazing” Alpha Omicron

Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc, as the members of this public service organization celebrate 100 years of service. In an effort to help seniors combat the impending heat, last week the chapter’s Fabulous 50s group donated 51 box fans to the Dallas Office of Community Care Senior Services. “Many seniors go through the summer

months without a comfort that we take for granted, cool air,” said Stevette Bauman, co-chair of Alpha Omicron Sigma’s Hospitality Committee. “It’s our job as an organization to make sure we care for those who need additional support. It’s what makes us ‘Greater’.” Founded in 1922, Sigma Gamma Rho’s centennial year is focused on service to

Dallas County Democratic Party Refers Republican HD 114 False Application to DA Dallas County Democrats filed with the Public Integrity Unit of the Dallas County District Attorney against the Dallas County Republicans’ acceptance of Mark Hajdu’s false application to run for State Representative HD 114, and his wife Jennifer’s signature on the application, in her role as chair of the Dallas County Republican Party. At the time of filing, Mark Hajdu did not live in that district. Election fraud is a serious matter. It is inconceivable that the Hadjus—one, a Republican Precinct Chair and the other, the Republican Party Chair—did not know what voting district they lived in. Filing a false application for office constitutes tampering with a government document, under penal code 37.10(a) (1). Falsely confirming eligibility to run aids and abets that offense. Filing this fraudulent application allowed Republicans to wait until the primary was decided so they could pick a Republican candidate to replace Mr. Hadju on the November ballot. There should now be no Republican candidate in this race. Dallas County Democratic Party Chair myimessenger.com

Kristy Noble Dallas County Democratic Party Chair

Kristy Noble issued the following statement: “Republicans can’t win elections on the issues—abortion and reproductive rights, gun violence prevention, access to affordable healthcare, and quality jobs—so they gerrymander, make Texas the hardest state in which to vote, and now, approve a false election application. For years Republicans have been screaming about election fraud. This is just one example of how that talk is all projection.”

mankind. Sigma Gamma Rho’s commitment is expressed in the sorority’s slogan “Greater Service, Greater Progress,” which promotes the intrinsic values of sisterhood, leadership development, and community service. For additional information on partnering with the “Amazing” Alpha Omicron Sigma Chapter, log on to www.sgrhodallas.org.

16-YEAR-OLD TO BE TRIED AS ADULT By Marva Sneed On Friday, July 15, 2022, Judge Cheryl Shannon of the 305th Dallas County District Court heard the remainder of a case related to certifying the 16-year-old juvenile who allegedly shot and killed Ali Elbanna as an adult. The Judge ruled the 16-year-old can be tried as an adult in the fatal Dallas robbery. Elbanna’s family wants justice in his murder. The accused shooter is 16-year-old Camron Range. While a juvenile, Elbanna's family wanted Range to face a harsher sentence due to the severity of the crime as he faces a capital murder charge. Iman Elbanna, the second eldest daughter of Ali Elbanna, said, "The crime he committed was so grave, not just the murder itself but then last week we learned this individual had been committing violent crimes since the age of 12." The juvenile certification hearing began last Friday, July 8, and that day, the District Attorney’s juvenile

prosecution team called their witnesses and presented their side of the case, pushing for the individual to be tried as an adult. On Friday, July 15, 2022, Judge Shannon heard the case from the defense attorney for the juvenile and from their witnesses. The main subject of the hearing related to the murder of Ali Elbanna, which occurred on November 16, 2021, at the Costco Business Center on Park Lane in Dallas. Mr. Elbanna was loading his groceries into his car when four individuals, including the juvenile who is the subject of the juvenile certification hearing, approached him, demanded his belongings, and shot and killed him. The four individuals were arrested, and the three adults were charged with capital murder related to the killing along with multiple counts of aggravated robbery for offenses committed earlier the same day, including one at NorthPark Mall. July 22, 2022

America Has Two Law Enforcement Standards OUR VOICES

DR. JOHN E. WARREN

The recent shootings by law enforcement of individuals being pursued by police have reminded many people of color of what appears to be an unwritten universal double standard. One would think that after the George Floyd murder and the subsequent murder of a young Black man following a traffic stop in the state of Minnesota, something might have been learned. We just witnessed a young Black man in Akron, Ohio being shot more than 60 times by police following a pursuit for what allegedly was a traffic violation.

We can still remember another Black man who was shot because he had a cell phone in his hand when confronted by police. The list is almost endless, from California to Chicago to North Carolina, from Missouri, and from New York City where a Black man was choked to death over some cigarettes. Now let’s look at the “white” side of law enforcement, starting with the most recent Fourth of July mass shooting in Illinois. An 18 to 20-year-old white male kills seven people and wounds 31 others. When police check-up with him, he is taken into custody without a shot being fired. Another 18 to 20-year-old in Buffalo, New York mass murders 10 African Americans at the Tops Supermarket and he is arrested without a shot being fired.

Let us not forget Rittenhouse, who killed two people with an assault weapon, also was arrested “alive”, was tried in Minnesota, and was acquitted, becoming a national hero of the Extreme Right. It appears no matter how much we (Blacks and those whites who join us) march and protest, it makes no difference to law enforcement around this country. This same shoot-to-kill mentality, if the alleged lawbreaker is Black or Brown, appears to be universal. It appears that the solution to this problem cannot be legislated because we can’t make laws to change the hearts of men. But we must not let each of these incidents become just a matter of business when dealing with white folks, but continued acts of

murder if one is a person of color. We know there are no federal murder laws, but we can mobilize within each state where these “murders” occur and take action against those who do not prosecute these murderers of unarmed people to the fullest extent of the law. This year’s Fourth of July mass murder is a testament to the hypocrisy of a Congress, both House and Senate, that refuses to outlaw assault weapons and enacts weak and meaningless gun laws as pacification of an aggrieved nation. A midterm election is coming up. We have homework to do if we are going to make a difference. Dr. John E. Warren is publisher of The San Diego Voice and Viewpoint.

“Just Stand and Take Up the Cross and We All Will be Redeemed!”

We Can NOT Be Bystanders to the Current Climate that Allowed A Man to be Shot 60 Times! BIG MAMA SAID BY TERRY ALLEN Lucille “Big Mama” Allen’s playbook should be part of the White House’s domestic policy. Her wisdom would be the game changer necessary to arrest the development of what some consider an ill turn in our communities and cities. Big Mama was an influencer. Today, her ways and means would be the perfect template for domestic policy. Let me start with Big Mama’s origin first. Whenever she said, “Take up the cross,” it was always delivered as a call to action and a charge against something unkind and inhumane. I heard her shout that three times for the murder of three “M” men July 22, 2022

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Martin, Malcolm and Medgar. Her biblical reference was: Matthew 16:24-26 24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? Big Mama wanted us to know although we do good and great things in the world with the strengths that we have worked at while we actively avoid our weaknesses that we have self-assessed as not good for us. To “take up our cross,” however, means to lay our fears and E.G.O (Easing God Out) aside. It means to lay our “ego strength” aside. Taking up our cross means, instead, picking up those weak-

nesses that we so often try to run away from in life. Her playbook recipe, “just stand and take up the cross and we all will be redeemed!” was saying we must exercise the power to take up a defense and dismantle the devil’s handiwork now! Today not tomorrow. Why do we need to take up the cross? Well, Jayland Walker, a 25-year-old Black man who was unarmed at the time he was killed by police in Akron, Ohio, last week, was shot at least 60 times after 90 shots were dispersed at this Uber Eats driver. Per an NPR report, while the investigation into the shooting is still ongoing, it was said officers independently related that they did perceive that Walker was a threat. Alert: He is running away from them with a COVID-19 face mask and that sparked Akron, Ohio officers to shoot 90 times,

hitting him 60 times and then handcuffing him after he had been shot 60 times. OK! So now the same questions arise, the same protests are in play and the same excuses are being used as a rationale. So now do you understand why Big Mama would stand and shout to the top of her voice, “ Stand and take up the cross?” Big Mama would be here now taking up the cross, instead. She would be picking up those weaknesses that we so often try to run away from in life and making them spiritual roses. Email me if you TAKE UP THE CROSS and make an impact at TerryAllenPr@gmail.com. Terry Allen is an NABJ awardwinning Journalist, PR professional and founder of 1016 Media, the charity - City Men Cook and Dallas Chapter President of NBPRS-DFW

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Bring Brittney Griner Home TO BE EQUAL BY MARC MORIAL

“For Black people keeping Griner in their prayers during this tough time, let this serve as another reminder that we should be acknowledging and accepting members within our community in all of their multitudes. Russia isn’t erasing the fact that Griner is also queer; neither should we collectively. Too often in pop culture, we treat being Black and LGBTQIA as an either/or when it’s BOTH for members of our community. In times like these, we’re reminded that bigotry is nuanced and multidimensional. Russia has made it clear that it’s after Muslims, LGBTQIA people, Black and brown people, and more. Let this serve as an opportunity to protect those among us who live in multitudes as well.” — Ernest Owens It’s hard to imagine the feeling of dread Cherelle Griner experiences each day that her wife, WNBA star Brittney Griner, is wrongfully detained in a hostile nation with a long history of persecuting LGBTQ people. When a scheduled call on their wedding anniversary last went unanswered 11 times over several hours, Cherelle was devastated. “This would have been the first time for me to actually just hear her in real time and to truly know if she’s OK or to know if she’s seconds away from not being in existence anymore,” she told The Associated Press. This week, as Brittney Griner’s detention in Russia surpassed four months, the National Urban League joined more than 40 other civil and human rights organizations to call on President Biden and Vice President Harris to strike a deal for her release. myimessenger.com

In a letter to the president and vice president, we acknowledged Griner as an American hero, wife, daughter, sister, teammate, anti-bullying advocate, Olympian and WNBA superstar who is enduring inhumane treatment, deprived of contact with her family. “We join Brittney’s family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones in deep appreciation of

hashish oil were found in her luggage as she entered the country. She has not formally been charged. The lack of publicity in the early weeks of her detention has become a source of controversy. On Brandon Marshall’s SiriusXM podcast “I Am Athlete,” WNBA legend Lisa Leslie said women’s basketball players were instruct-

Brittney Griner

your Administration’s ongoing efforts to secure her freedom,” we wrote. “The U.S. Government has acknowledged that Brittney is essentially a political pawn in classifying her as wrongfully detained. While these have been critically important measures, we now urge you to make a deal to get Brittney back home to America immediately and safely.” Last month, the U.S. Department of State officially reclassified Griner as “wrongfully detained,” signaling a significant shift in the way the agency handles her case. While one of the criteria for the designation is “credible information indicating innocence of the detained individual,” the change means the U.S. considers any legal proceedings in the Russian courts to be irrelevant to her case. Russian prosecutors claim illegal vape cartridges containing

ed not to “make a big fuss about it so [Russia] could not use her as a pawn.” However, many suspect the WNBA was concerned that the case would draw attention to the league’s dismally low salaries compared to other sports leagues, which is the reason Griner was in Russia in the first place. Women’s basketball players can earn exponentially more than their WNBA salaries playing overseas. Surely, Griner’s race, gender and sexual orientation have played a role. “Imagine if Tom Brady were being held by Russian officials right now,” sportswriter Will Leitch observed. “This month our nation honors America’s diverse journey towards freedom, equality, and justice for all with the observation of the Juneteenth Federal holiday, the 50th anniversary of

landmark Title IX legislation, and LGBTQ+ Pride,” we wrote in our letter to the president. “Brittney’s intersectional identity embodies this celebration of America’s strength and diversity. As a celebrated world-class athlete, she also demonstrates the uniquely unifying power of sports.” From the Olympic Games to the World Cup, the sport has long been recognized as a unifying global force. Even the United Nations General Assembly’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development states, “We recognize the growing contribution of sport to the realization of development and peace in its promotion of tolerance and respect and the contributions it makes to the empowerment of women and of young people, individuals and communities as well as to health, education and social inclusion objectives.” Few athletes embody this spirit of goodwill more than Griner. When she saw unhoused people in Arizona walking outside without shoes on her way home from practice, she began carrying shoes in the trunk of her car to give away, an effort that led to the establishment of BG’s Heart and Sole Shoe Drive in 2016. She is an outspoken anti-bullying activist, and she’s been honored by GLAAD and the Human Rights Campaign for her work defending the rights and dignity of LGBTQ individuals. Her ongoing detention is an indefensible and agonizing attack not only on Griner herself, her wife and her family, but on the sanctity of sport and the safety of all athletes traveling to compete internationally. President Biden and Vice President Harris must make every effort to bring her home immediately. Marc Morial is president/CEO of the National Urban League.

July 22, 2022

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July 22, 2022

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July 22, 2022

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July 22, 2022

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Metro Community Calendar powered by On the fourth Thursday of every month thru August 4th, the Dallas Comedy Club will host a monthly stand-up comedy show featuring female or female-identifying comedians to benefit charity from 7:30-9pm at the Dallas Comedy Club.

31 Self Care Sunday Funday Pop-Up Shop - Four Corners Brewing Co. 1311 S. Ervay St -Dallas

AUGUST 3

JULY 22

National Association of Black Journalists and National Association of Hispanic Journalists meet in Las Vegas! Register at www.nabj.org

Tracy Morgan Live @ The Texas Trust CU Theatre at Grand Prairie

Kendrick Lamar w/ special guests Baby Keem & Tanna Leone @ The AAC in Dallas

Wiz Khalifa w/ special guest Logic at the Dos Equis Pavilion in Dallas!

2021 N. Hampton RD #145 DeSoto, TX

27 Burna Boy Live -The Pavilion@Toyota Music Factory

Send your calendar items to

editor@texasmetronews.com

The Denton County Democratic Party (DCDP) will hold its LBJObama Dinner at the Hilton Garden Inn, 785 State Highway 121, Lewisville. The keynote address will be given by former Texas State Senator Wendy Davis and the guest speaker will be Texas House Rep. Jasmine Crockett. For tickets call 972-835-7301.

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.

9:30am - 12:30 pm at Dallas College Eastfield Building S, 3737 Motley Drive, Mesquite

Jubilee Theatre presents BASS HALL 817-212-4280

24 Fredas Fancy a little jewel-Handmade Gemstone Jewelry will be at the pop-up market at Pegasus City Brewery in Dallas.

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

Kevin Hart live @ The AAC in Dallas!

14 The Weeknd live at The AT&TStadium in Arlington

18 Scarface @ The House of Blues

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.

See Chris Brown & Lil Baby @ The Dos Equis Pavilion in Dallas!

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July 22, 2022

Lifestyle Metro Calendar powered by Someone Like Me, is a panel with eight queer femme and non-binary artist sworking across mediums and cultures. It will be at the Latino Cultural Center, 2600 Live Oak Street, Tx 75404 through August 20, 2022. **** Wellness Series Kids Creative Movement, gives kids the opportunity to be creative expressing themselves through dance, gymnastics, yoga, and more. Children must be accompanied by a legal guardian during the entire class. The classes are held at Sammons Park, 2403 Flora Street, Dallas, Tx 75201, next to the Center Café. Dress yourself and your child in comfortable clothing. The Wellness Series takes place Tuesdays at 10AM through-Aug 2.

**** Sweet Tooth Hotel is presenting their newest exhibit Rewind through August 31. Located at Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm, 970 Garden Park Dr. Allen, TX 75013. Ticket prices range from $15-$35. **** The Immersive Van Gogh exhibit is now available to the public, located at Lighthouse Dallas, 507 S. Harwood St. Dallas, TX 75201. Presented by Lighthouse Immersive and Impact Museums, Immersive Van Gogh is a digital art experience that invites audiences to enter the works of Van Gogh, evoking his highly emotional and chaotic inner consciousness through art, light, music, movement and imagination. **** Shakespeare Dallas presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream, located at Samuell-Grand Amphitheatre, 1500 Tenison Pkwy. Dallas, TX 75223, through -Saturday, July 23rd. Ticket prices range from $15-$20. **** The Perot Museum of Nature and Science, located at 2201 N. Field St. Dallas, TX 75202, celebrates its 10th Anniversary with the new exhibit, “Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall.” Starting July 9th-September 5th, world-renowned conservationist and ethologist Dr. Jane Goodall – who has famously studied chimpanzees in the wild for more than 60 years – will be celebrated in this special exhibition, produced in partnership with the National Geographic Society and the Jane Goodall Institute.

Women of Color Executive Coaching Circle 3-5 pm www.ccda.org

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If you love wine, this event is for you. Deep Ellum hosts Deep Ellum Wine Walk at Discover Deep Ellum, 2650 Main St. Dallas, TX 75226. This event will take place from 6-9 p.m.

A networking event for the young and old. Creative Connection, where bridges will be built and catering by Chef Quavis will take place. Tickets are available at CreatedbyDRC.com

AUGUST

Family Empowerment Expo Waxahachie Civic Center, 2000 Civic Center Lane, Waxahachie 10a-6p

30 The 2022 ILIVE Women’s and Girls Wellness & LifeStyle Expo! University of Texas at Arlington, Texas 10a- 2:30 p 300 W. First Street Arlington, Texas, TX 76017 *** The Denton County Democratic Party (DCDP) will hold its LBJObama Dinner at the Hilton Garden Inn, 785 State Highway 121, Lewisville. The keynote address will be given by former Texas State Senator Wendy Davis and the guest speaker will be Texas House Rep. Jasmine Crockett. For tickets call 972-835-7301.

3-7 National Association of Black Journalists / National Association of Hispanic Journalists Convention in Las Vegas

Kendrick Lamar w/ special guests Baby Keem & Tanna Leone @ The AAC in Dallas

**** Grapevine Palace Theatre, located 300 S. Main St. Grapevine, TX 76051, presents family-friendly summer movies every Tuesday and Wednesday through August 3rd. The upcoming movie list includes The Little Mermaid, Frozen and more! Tickets are $4 (children 2 and under are free). **** The Box Garden at Legacy Hall, located at 7800 Windrose Ave. Plano, TX 75024, will host a free movie night every Wednesday through July 27th. Movie-goers can enjoy food from over 20 restaurants located inside the Plano food hall and drinks from one of Legacy Hall’s bars. The Box Garden is now dog friendly, so guests can bring their furry friend to enjoy the fun too. Admission is free.

JULY TEXAS FIBROID AWARENESS MONTH July 22, 2022

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July 22, 2022

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July 22, 2022

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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 myimessenger.com

July 22, 2022