I Messenger 7-2-21 by Cheryl Smith

I MESSENGER VOL X NO 41 JULY 2, 2021

SUPERB Women June 2021

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 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 MARKETING TEAM Carlton McConnell Terry Allen PR DESIGN/LAYOUT FzanStudio

Free - Take One

WEB/SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Alana King

.EWSSTANDS IN

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

Free - Take One MB Distribution CIRCULATION/DISTRIBUTION

Editorial submissions

editor@texasmetronews.com

& E.Dallas

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

IMessenger

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 2, 2021

I MESSENGER

Esteemed HBCU president dies By AMORE Texas Metro News The news of the death of Dr. Frederick S. Humphries on June 24 at his home in Orlando, Fla was literally heard around the world. Having had an enormous presence in the lives of faculty, alumni, and friends of both Florida A& M (FAMU) and Tennessee State Universities, Humphries will be greatly missed. Dr. Humphries served as TSU’s 4th president. In 1985 he became the eighth president of FAMU and under his leadership FAMU was named Time Magazine’s College of the Year. It is also important to note that during Dr. Humphries’ tenure, enrollment at FAMU rose from 5,100 in 1985 to more than 12,000 students in 1999. Current FAMU President Dr. Larry Robinson shared a message following Dr. Humphries’ death. “We have been informed of the unfortunate passing of Dr. Frederick S. Humphries, the eighth president of Florida A&M University,” he said. “The dark clouds have indeed gathered on the horizon. Dr. Humphries is one of FAMU’s favorite sons.” Dr. Robinson talked further about Dr. Humphries’ commitment to the advancement of higher education, in particular within the HBCU community, and how the Appalachicola,

Dr. Frederick S. Humphries

Fla. native changed the trajectory of FAMU. He continued, “We join the Humphries family, friends and Rattlers around the world in celebrating a life dedicated to service and one well-lived.” A proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Dr. Humphries is wellknown throughout the Metroplex, having recruited heavily in the area from 1985 - 2001. A 1957 magna cum laude chemistry graduate of Florida A&M, following his sister, Mona who was Miss

Florida A&M when she graduated with a chemistry degree in 1954. The 17th president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she also died at age 85, in 2018. Former FAMU Student Government President Andrew Whigham III talked about the depth and breadth of Dr. Humphries influence recently on his BlogTalkRadio show, “The World According to Drew.” Numerous callers phoned in to share their thoughts on their favorite president, including forsee HBCU on page 8

myimessenger.com

INSIDE

Potter’s House Set to Celebrate

Quit Playin’

SCLC Joins Lawsuit

The minister that TIME magazine called “America’s Best Preacher” and “The Next Billy Graham” found a home in Dallas for The Potter’s House in 1996 and it grew to the 30,000 member global ministry who the nation has seen: build fresh-water wells and hospitals in Kenya through its global humanitarian arm MegaCARE.

They say that the third time is a charm but do not believe it. America is smack dab in the middle of a backlash stemming from the “Third Reconstruction,” and it is ugly. American history repeats, and it rhymes. The First Reconstruction was the period between 1870 and 1887.

Hoping to discourage states from following Georgia which has taken extreme steps to suppress voting, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) announced today that it is joining a lawsuit against the Southern state for passing Senate Bill 202, which aims to prevent many Black and historically disenfranchised citizens from voting.

myimessenger.com

p14

p19

July 2, 2021

MY TRUTH by Cheryl Smith Publisher

Happy 100th birthday to Mrs. Kathryn Mitchell

Born July 1, 1921 July 2, 2021

I MESSENGER

The Truth is that some people are going to live strong and long; some will live lives that are impactful and of note. Still others are going to merely exist. No one is doubting the breadth and depth of the life of Mrs. Kathryn Mitchell. She has been of benefit to society for 100 years and is still going strong as she celebrates her very special birthday on July 1, 2021! Last month at their monthly meeting, members of the South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club (SDBPWC) celebrated her birthday with their charter member, as they showered her with love. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Parent Teachers Association and SDBPWC; Mrs. Mitchell was born in Tyler, Texas and attended Texas College before pursuing her masters degree at Texas Southern University. A long-time educator; the elementary school teacher, who made her mark in the classroom and the civil rights movement, started out teaching at C.F. Carr Elementary. There’s so much more that can be said about this trailblazer. Hers is a story of triumph and resilience. Today we salute her and the work she has done. Her legacy is definitely intact and her life is an example for others to follow! myimessenger.com

Chauvin gets 22.5 years for murder of George Floyd Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has been sentenced to serve 22.5 years in prison for the murder and of George Perry Floyd, Jr. This is the longest sentence a former police officer has received in state history. In the remarks announcing his decision, Judge Peter Cahill said he based the sentence on law, not emotion. He kept his remarks brief and encouraged the public to read the 26-page sentencing memorandum. In the memorandum opinion, Cahill ruled that only two out of four aggravating factors would support a sentence that exceeds state guidelines— Chauvin’s abuse of authority and the particular cruelty shown to George Floyd. The hearing began on an emotional note with an impact statement from George Floyd’s young daughter Gianna Floyd. She told the court via a video recording how much she missed her dad. “I ask about him all the time,” the sevenyear-old said. “I want to play with him. We used to have dinner meals every night before we went to bed. My daddy used to help me brush my teeth.” Philonise Floyd and Terrence Floyd, George Floyd’s brothers, as well as his nephew Brandon Williams also provided impact statements. “I wanted to know from the man himself—why? What were you thinking when you had your knee on my brother’s neck when you knew he posed no threat,” said a tearful Terrence Floyd. Philonise Floyd shared how he hasn’t been able to sleep since his brothmyimessenger.com

Former MPD officer Derek Chauvin

Credit: MGN

er’s killing. According to pool reports, prior to the hearing, Philonise Floyd sat in the courtroom with his head bowed and hands clasped as if he was praying. After impact statements from the Floyd family, prosecutor Matt Frank made the prosecution’s case for why Chauvin deserved a maximum sentence of 30 years. He reminded the court of the four aggravating factors that the court agreed with and why the court should depart upward in sentencing. Frank became emotional when he spoke about the impact of Floyd’s death on his loved ones, and dismissed the defense’s filing to offer Chauvin probation. “This was murder!” Frank said. Chauvin’s mother Carolyn Pawlenty also provided an impact statement for the Chauvin family. “My son’s identity has been reduced to that of a racist,” she said, as she recounted how proud she was of his 19year history as a police officer. She said she always supported

him “100%” and “always will,” and that Chauvin’s sentence will also be a sentence for her. Notably, she made no mention of the Floyd family and did not offer condolences for their loss. In a move that seemed to surprise many legal pundits, Chauvin offered a brief statement. He said he couldn’t say much due to legal circumstances but offered sympathies to the Floyd family. “I want to give my condolences to the Floyd family,” he said. He also gave a cryptic remark about other information coming out in the future that “would be of interest” to the family and offer some “peace of mind.” In April, Chauvin was found guilty by a 12-person jury of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in the May 25, 2020, killing of Floyd. His videotaped murder sparked national and international outrage and spurred a movement against police violence and an end to systemic racial injustice. In his remarks after the sen-

tencing, MN Attorney General Keith Ellison, flanked by the prosecution team, said that although the sentence was less than the 30 years the State requested, it did provide a measure of accountability and is the longest sentence that a former officer has received thus far in the state. He called on the Senate to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. Rev. Al Sharpton, attorney Benjamin Crump, members of the Floyd family and community members gathered outside of the courthouse. Before leading a prayer, Sharpton noted that they weren’t gathered in celebration. Instead, they were saying a prayer of thanks for the strength of the Floyd family and the activists who continually pressed for justice in the streets. “It’s not justice because George Floyd is in a grave tonight, while Chauvin is in a prison,” said Sharpton. He said the sentence was a measure of accountability, however, and called on the community to continue to press for justice in the recent police shootings of Daunte Wright and Winston Boogie Smith. Rallies and marches were planned this evening in reaction to Chauvin’s sentence and also to press for the end of systemic racism and police brutality. “I wanted the maximum sentence but I’m grateful for what we received,” said Philonise Floyd after the sentencing. “Gianna—that’s who I’m happy for. She will have that closure and understand that her daddy did change the world.” July 2, 2021

Paul Quinn College Hosts Community Event: The Reintroduction Story and Photos By MARVA J. SNEED Paul Quinn reintroduces itself with an expansion of new Buildings, new opportunities for students and community. President Michael Sorrell said, “Fifteen months ago, our worlds were shaken at their cores. It was a scary time. One that revealed a lot about all of us. Some people cowered in fear. Others hid behind the comfort of the status quo. The Quinnite Nation did neither. We planned. We built. We transformed.” Dr. Sorrell gave a tour of the first new buildings on campus in 40 years, new campus running trail, and shared how the school has re-imagined itself and innovated over the last 15 months. The preview for press was in advance of “The Reintroduction” community event held on Tuesday, June 15 from 4 pm to 9 pm. The event was open to the public and included a COVID vaccine clinic, campus tours, food trucks, Bishop 5 + 1 Reunion Revival, Pastor Denny D. Davis of St. John Church unleashed in Grand Prairie, gospel choir performance and performance by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

First new Building on Paul Quinn Campus in 40 years

Paul Quinn Walking Trail Dr. Michael Sorrell in the new dorm

New Dorms on Paul Quinn Campus

Paul Quinn New Basketball Gym

July 2, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

The Potter’s House set to celebrate historic 25th Anniversary by Looking Ahead Noted luminaries, surprise celebrity guests, others expected to commemorate the church’s milestone this Sunday beginning at 9 a.m. CT The minister that TIME magazine called “America’s Best Preacher” and “The Next Billy Graham” found a home in Dallas for The Potter’s House in 1996 and it grew to the 30,000 member global ministry who the nation has seen: build fresh-water wells and hospitals in Kenya through its global humanitarian arm MegaCARE, introduce its inspirational conference series like the global juggernaut MegaFEST which draws crowds of over 100,000 and contributes millions to the city’s economic impact and serve over 30,000 returning citizens and help introduce government legislation around criminal justice reform through the Texas Offender Reentry Initiative. Twenty-five years after establishing one of the most iconic and influential churches in America, Bishop T.D. Jakes and The Potter’s House continue to find innovative ways to help those in need and amass a global following. Sunday, July 4 at the Dallas-based church there will be a celebration of the work the myimessenger.com

mega ministry continues to do in all facets of faith, entertainment and business. Last month, the Bishop announced plans to improve the quality of life for people of color with his Atlanta revitalization project and he debuted a new sermon series on network REVOLT entitled Kingdom Culture with T.D. Jakes that will feature sermons conversations directly from the services filmed at The Potter’s House. In 2020, also Jakes launched the T.D. Jakes Foundation, a workforce development and community building foundation harnessing decades of resources and connections to prepare people for success in the 21st-century workforce, and connect corporations to new, highly skilled pools of talent amid increasing global competition. In addition to celebrating 25 years of the Dallas-based global ministry, Jakes will be marking other milestones, including his 45th anniversary in ministry with additional commemorations planned throughout the year.

Bishop T.D. Jakes

Various community leaders, elected officials, public figures and other noted guests are set to meet to help Jakes and The Potter’s House family celebrate this quarter century milestone. Amongst those expected are singer Yolanda Adams, Pat Smith and other surprise celebrity guests. Place: The Potters’ House of Dallas, 6777 W. Kiest, Blvd., Dallas, TX Time: Begins at 9 a.m. CDT In 1980, Bishop Jakes started his first church, Greater Emmanuel Temple of Faith, out of a storefront in Montgomery, W.V., with fewer than 50 members. By 1993, the

church had moved, settling in Cross Lanes, and had grown to 1,000 members. Jakes along with 50 families then relocated to Dallas, where he founded The Potter’s House. Today, the congregation has grown to more than 30,000 members. Bishop Jakes ministers to one of the fastest-growing audiences in the world. The Potter’s House reaches audiences of more than 22 million online and Bishop Jake’s trusted voice is heard in more than 80 million homes each day. Bishop T.D. Jakes and The Potter’s House Sunday service are available to stream free on all of their official digital platforms. July 2, 2021

REMEMBERING

DECEMBER 26, 1935 - June 24, 2021

HBCU,

from page 2... mer National Alumni President, Dr. Carolyn Collins, from Tampa, Fla. “I had the esteemed honor and pleasure of working with Dr. Humphries during the Centennial Celebration in 1987 and before that I served as SGA President when he was at the helm of FAMU,” said Whigham, who is now a respiratory therapist at a local Dallas hospital. “He made sure we had all the opportunities to thrive as students and productive members July 2, 2021

of society. Numerous times on flights, I would sit with him and Mrs. Humphries and discuss the future of the university. He really cared about the success of FAMU and the students.” Whigham said he cherishes the memories and the knowledge he gained through his association with Dr. Humphries. A recipient of numerous awards and honorary doctorate degrees, Dr. Humphries served as chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges, and a member of President Bill Clinton’s White

I MESSENGER

House Advisory Committee on HBCUs. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.; Barnett Bank (Bank of America), Florida, the National Merit Corporation, the Princeton Review, Academy for Educational Development (AED) and a founder and board member of the Thurgood Marshall Fund. Dr. Humphries is survived by three children, Frederick Jr., Robin Tanya Watson, and Laurence Humphries, and eight grandchildren. Antoinette McTurner Humphries, his wife of 46 years, died in 2006. FAMU announced that on

Thursday at 6p.m. the Student Government Association will sponsor the University Students’ Vigil at FAMU. Dr. Humphries will lie in state at Lee Hall from 3 to 6 p.m. on Friday, July 9 and his funeral is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, July 10, at the Al Lawson Center. A public wake is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday prior to an Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Memorial Service at 7 p.m., which will also be open to the public. There will also be a Memorial Service at Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN at 2 p.m. on July 18, 2021. myimessenger.com

myimessenger.com

July 2, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

ACLU Texas http://www.aclutx.org/ http://www.facebook.com/acluoftexas http://www.twitter.com/aclutx

myimessenger.com

July 2, 2021

Briefs Mayor Eric Johnson announces Back to School Fair Dallas students will benefit from a program designed especially for them. Mayor Eric Johnson recently announced the 25th annual Mayor’s Back to School Fair. The Mayor’s office is partnered with DISD, Susan Cordova, Deputy Superintendent, sponsors, non-profits, and the business community. Champ, Dallas Mavericks mascot was there to greet DISD students. The Back to School Fair will be August 6, 2021 at Fair Park. There will be two options to pick up school supplies for the Drive-Thru only Fair. Friday, August 6, 2021 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Walk-Up Only Fair Friday, August 6, 2021 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Participants are required to pre-register and show their confirmation number in order to receive their school supplies. Find out more information about this annual event and register by July 30, 2021 at https://mayorsbacktoschoolfair. com/

Dallas joins Washington D.C. and New Orleans to declare July Fibroid Awareness Month To raise awareness of fibroids as the most prevalent and costly health issue affecting women, Dallas’ City Council on Wednesday joined two U.S. Cities and nine U.S. states in declaring July Fibroid Awareness Month. “Fibroid treatment is at the intersection of healthcare equity and racial justice,” said Dr. Suzanne Slonim, the fibroid expert, author, and speaker who championed Dallas’ and Texas’ declaration of July as Fibroid Awareness Month. “Since Latina and Black women are two to three times more likely to suffer from fibroids, and fibroids cost women and their families and places of business billions in lost work time

and medical procedures, addressing this women’s health issue has the potential to help women of color save billions of dollars each year.” Uterine fibroids — benign tumors in the uterus — affect 80 percent of women under the age of 50, causing pelvic pain, abnormal uterine bleeding, urinary frequency, back pain, and reproductive dysfunction including miscarriage, early labor, and infertility. Each year in the United States, it’s estimated almost $8 billion is spent on obstetric outcomes attributed to fibroids, and fibroids cost women in the U.S. more than $17 billion annually through absenteeism and short-

term disability. “Dallas is proud to increase the well-being of residents and advance women’s health,” said Dallas District 9 Council Member Paula Blackmon, a member of the Workforce, Education and Equity Committee and the only woman in the Dallas Council’s Latinx Caucus. “By destigmatizing gynecological health, we can help women access resources and care to prevent the pain, suffering and stress caused by uterine fibroids,” In addition to three U.S. Cities, July is Fibroid Awareness Month in nine states: California, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia.

Lala Healthcare Solutions, LLC opens first of its kind Pediatric Home Health Training Lab

July 2, 2021

I MESSENGER

skilled pediatric home health nursing services and attendant care to children and young adults with special needs. These nursing services are provided in the comfort of the client’s own home to eliminate the need for extended hospitalizations. The services

include PDN/Private Duty Nursing, which involves assisting the patient with complex direct skilled nursing care, to develop caregiver competencies through training and education and to optimize patient health status and outcomes.

invites you to join us for an

OPEN HOUSE at our new Training Lab facility, "Parker's Lab!"

Date: July 8, 2021 Time: 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm Location: 1341 W. Mockingbird Ln. Ste. 113W Dallas, TX 75247 Light snacks and drinks will be served

____________________

Elected officials, community leaders and leading medical experts will join Lala Healthcare Solutions at their new Pediatric Home Health Training Lab Open House on Thursday, July 8, 2021, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm at 1341 W. Mockingbird Lane, Suite 113W, Dallas, Texas 75247. The pediatric home health training lab, the first of its kind in the state of Texas, will provide extensive classes and training to certify nurses in pediatric home health care specifically for LaLa Healthcare Solutions. “The vision of the lab came from my personal field experience while caring for medically fragile children,” said Chantal Torrain, Founder and CEO. “Having a teaching lab where clinicians can learn on a human simulator, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, is priceless and is particularly needed in pediatric home care. Many children who go home from the pediatric ICU still need full mechanical medical equipment to breath. Lala Healthcare Solutions understands the daily struggles and challenges of caring for a medically fragile child and knows firsthand the importance of having a highly skilled workforce.” LaLa Healthcare Solutions (LaLa HCS) provides

Please RSVP to: Lola Wilson 404-245-8028 Espy.lolawilson@gmail. com

myimessenger.com

West Wall Street

hold at Friendship-West Baptist Church

Outdoors West Wall Street

Brief and Photos By MARVA J. SNEED Recently Friendship-West Baptist Church held West Wall Street commemorating 100 years since Black Wall Street in Tulsa, OK. The two-date event, featuring vendors, included food, clothes, service vendors and more! Friendship-West also celebrated its 45th church anniversary weekend. The goal of West Wall Street’s is to highlight Black & Minority owned businesses in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

myimessenger.com

July 2, 2021

Backlash 3.0 is No Charm! QUIT PLAYIN’ VINCENT L. HALL They say that the third time is a charm but do not believe it. America is smack dab in the middle of a backlash stemming from the “Third Reconstruction,” and it is ugly. American history repeats, and it rhymes. The First Reconstruction was the period between 1870 and 1887. Seventeen African-American Representatives served in Congress after the Union won the Civil War. The 17 were all Republicans elected from southern states and were diverse in educational, professional, and social backgrounds. However, the South never actually withdrew from the battle. Black folks were proud, but White folks were not having it! Backlash 1.0 came soon after Reconstruction 1.0. The Ku Klux Klan grew and became openly hostile to newly freed slaves and their fragile rights. The 1890s brought in Jim Crow Laws that enforced segregation by the legal principle known as ‘separate but equal.’ Jim Crow allowed for poll taxes, literacy tests, and voter disqualification. Voter suppression efforts today, though vile and contemptuous, are mild com-

July 2, 2021

pared to Jim Crow. “Black Codes” limited the freedom of African Americans. The most sinister feature of the Black Codes is that they guaranteed America had a “cheap labor force” after slavery. Blacks were required to sign a yearly labor contract, and those who refused were arrested or punished. “Sundown Laws” enforced “White only” towns and suburbs to ensure that Blacks did not sully the “loveliness of Lily-Whiteness.” “Get out of town at sundown” was a common threat in the old cowboy movies, but it could mean sudden death or dismemberment to Black laborers or travelers. Sundown towns appeared throughout the continental U.S. and, in some cases, included Mexicans, Chinese, Japanese, Jewish, and Native Americans. One sign in Connecticut read, “Whites Only Within City Limits After Dark.” The Second Reconstruction ran from 1945-1968 or from the end of World War II until the late 1960s. Grassroots, civil rights movements persuaded the White House, the federal courts, Congress, and L.B.J. to sign the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It has long been conjectured that L.B.J. predicted the Democratic Party would lose the South for a generation. The Democrats have lost the South

I MESSENGER

for three generations and going toward a fourth with no end in sight. Backlash 2.0 came quickly. The Republican Party blossomed with the help of some slick-talking politicians. Jim Crow became James Crow Esquire. The post-Civil Rights GOP cleverly veiled their racism. “Segregation now and forever” was recoded to “patriotism and Conservatism.” Ronald Reagan replaced George Wallace as the new poster boy. Reagan nodded at Negroes while winking at White privilege. President “ReRon” advocated “accountability and bootstraps” concurrent to cutting all ties with Affirmative Action programs. Many scholars believe that the Third Reconstruction commenced in 2008. The election and re-election of Barack Hussein Obama, a signal of upward Black mobility, has angered White folks all over again. Obama was welcomed as the H.N.I.C. of Black America, but not White America. Presidential candidate Robert Fitzgerald Kennedy predicted in the 1960s that a Black man could be elected within 40 years. Obama was elected 40 years and four months after RFK’s own assassination. Tuesday, November 4, 2008, was a joyous night. The world watched as this cosmopolitan,

chocolate family shared the stage with Joe Biden and his family. Nevertheless, “backlash three” has been no charm, and it was raging before Obama could recite his oath of office. Backlash 3.0 began with Mitch McConnell and the Tea Party. The hatred and hubris were so foul that Republicans like John McCain and John Boehner could not stand the stench. All the Tea Party and “Birthers” needed was a leader. They got their wish! If you could stuff slave owners, the K.K.K. and corporate America into one suit, it would look just like Donald Trump. Trump is the threeheaded monster that only American racism and White privilege could produce, and Trumpism will not die when he draws his last breath. Stay tuned because Backlash 3.0 will continue for at least a few more years. America has come a long way, but we can never get beyond the circumference of race and ethnicity. White folks officially started their latest civil war on January 6, 2021. Black folks, minorities and immigrants are scapegoats…again. Nothing is charming about our predicament. Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and award-winning columnist.

myimessenger.com

Age is more than a number FAITHFUL UTTERANCES BY DR. FROSWA BOOKER-DREW

I often tell young people that you need to find models for aging. We spend so much time as a society focused on youth that we don’t teach people how to age. So many people find themselves in their 40s, 50s, and 60s and older unprepared for life because the focus was on short-term fulfillment. We didn’t take the time to build a foundation that would steady us and keep us strong for the future. My uncle always reminds me that it is so interesting to witness squirrels hide acorns for the cold to be prepared for winter. As humans, for some reason, we believe that we have so much time and instead of preparing for the winter seasons of our lives, we have made a series of decisions that make that preparation difficult, if not, impossible. Much of our conversation about getting older is focused on money but preparation is more than the accumulation of wealth—what does it matter to have significant sums of money but your health, your mind, your body, and your relationships are limited or even non-existent? It’s time that we begin to teach people how to live so that they can grow old well. myimessenger.com

We spend so much time raising children that we don’t focus on raising them into becoming adults that can live long, productive lives. We can learn a lot from the Blue Zones (https://www. bluezones.com/) which explores life expectancy. Blue Zones research demonstrates that there are several communities around the world in which individuals live to be over 100 years old. Only one community (Loma Linda, CA) with multiple centenarians is in the US. The data from these communities show that these individuals have several things in common: 1. They exercise. 2. Have purpose for their lives. 3. Routines to address stress like prayer. 4. Watch food intake. 5. Plant based diets. 6. Drink wine in moderation. 7. Participate in a faithbased community. 8. Family is first and 9. Recognize the impact of social networks on behavior and identity. I find that as many of us get older, we don’t have the habits in place to sustain the quality of life that we once had. We haven’t taken the time to invest in ourselves and as a result, we have little to give or offer later on. I often tell my daughter that every person you see is the sum

total of their decisions. What decisions have you made or are making currently that do not serve you well and take time away from your life instead of adding to it? Think about going to the bank. You can not make a withdrawal of funds if you have not been consistent in adding money to your account. The same applies in our lives. If we are not intentional about our thinking, taking care of our bodies, building positive relationships, serving, and giving to others, we can not expect to receive those things later when we need them. Recently, an article appeared in The Ladders about age discrimination and the number of cases settled between large companies and seasoned workers. This behavior stems from our inability to see aging as a part of life and because of that, we dismiss it instead of knowing that at some point, it might be our reality. And for those who are afraid of getting older, consider the alternative. Aging is a beautiful gift from God. I have friends and loved ones who never had the opportunity to see 50. What we do with this gift is important and it starts in our youth preparing well for it so that we can enjoy it to the fullest. It starts by not only the way we view age but through the choices we make daily. The Bible reminds us that aging isn’t an accident, either.

“With a long life I will satisfy him and let him see My salvation.” (Psalm 91:16) God also wants us to value our elders and treat them well whether you feel they deserve it or not. “Rise in the presence of the aged and honor the elderly face-to-face. Fear your God. I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:32) Being older doesn’t stop your ability to contribute. God still has work to be done and when we don’t tap into the wealth of those with Godly wisdom and experience, we all lose. “The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green.” (1 Peter 1:24 ESV) God has a purpose for ALL of our lives. It’s up to us to steward the resource that we’ve been given so that when it is time for us to leave this place, we’ve been faithful with everything--- including our time between the dash on tombstone. 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 2, 2021

NNPA re-elects Executive Comittee of five Black Women Publishers

New Journal & Guide Publisher Brenda Andrews (Treasurer); Atlanta Voice Publisher Janis L. Ware (First Vice-Chair); Municipal Court Judge Tyrone Yates; County News Publisher Fran Farrer (Second Vice-Chair); Houston Forward Times Publisher Karen Carter Richards (Board Chair); and Mississippi Link Publisher Jackie Hampton (Secretary)

By STACY M. BROWN NNPA Newswire The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) completed its historic virtual convention by unanimously re-electing its all-Black women executive board. Houston Forward Times Publisher Karen Carter Richards earned a second term as the national chair of the NNPA. Meanwhile, the executive team of Atlanta Voice Publisher Janis L. Ware (First Vice-Chair); County News Publisher Fran Farrer (Second Vice-Chair); New Journal & Guide Publisher Brenda Andrews (Treasurer); and Mississippi Link Publisher Jackie Hampton (Secretary) also won the election to second terms for their respective positions. “We are doing some great things,” Carter Richards exclaimed. “I am excited about the next two years, and to have the support and July 2, 2021

the trust from the other publishers in the organization and for the five of us to run uncontested says a whole lot.” The executive team has worked diligently since its election victory in 2019, helping to catapult the Black Press of America to arguably two of the most successful years in the NNPA’s 81-year history. In addition to the executive team, NNPA publishers also elected two board members-at-large: James Washington, the publisher of The Dallas Weekly in Texas, and Walter White, the publisher of The Dayton Defender in Ohio. “This was a historic and transformative national election of NNPA executive officers,” stated NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr.” “And at-large board members won by unanimous consent of the membership of the nation’s largest and oldest trade association of Black-owned newspapers and me-

I MESSENGER

dia companies.” “The Black Press of America continues to make progress under the outstanding leadership of NNPA Chair Karen Carter Richards and the Board of Directors. In 2021, Black Press Matters,” Dr. Chavis said. Despite the pandemic that forced many out of jobs and a topsy-turvy economy where government stimulus served to rescue most, advertising and other revenue skyrocketed for the Black Press. Much of the success is credited to a more united NNPA, a stated goal of the executive committee. “I’m looking forward to working with these ladies again,” Carter Richards explained. “All of us bring something different to the table. I highly respect the executive team, and I love the team because we get along great,” she continued. “Most importantly, what I’m

looking forward to is that my family has been a part of NNPA for almost 50 years, and I realize the power of the NNPA is its publishers. James Washington said, ‘when the publishers meet, magic happens.’ Well, get ready for the magic.” The chair added that the work of the NNPA’s main office in Washington, D.C., has proven invaluable. She credited Dr. Chavis, NNPA Executive Administrator Claudette Perry, and the morning live daily breaking news show, “Let It Be Known,” for much of the recent progress made by the NNPA. “The team and the NNPA staff have made a great impact. ‘Let It Be Known’ has made us so visible to the world, and because of that morning news show, many more people know about the NNPA. It has been a key for us, and the [main office] gets the credit for that.” myimessenger.com

Aiming for a California Comeback: Tavis Smiley returns to Radio

Popular radio and television personality, whose career first began to skyrocket in the 1990s on Black Entertainment Television and proved its staying power until about four years ago in 2017 — is aiming to once again become a familiar face and name in American media.

By TANU HENRY California Black Media Popular radio and television personality, whose career first began to skyrocket in the 1990s on Black Entertainment Television and proved its staying power until about four years ago in 2017 — is aiming to once again become a familiar face and name in American media. Smiley reentered the game on Juneteenth. But, this time, myimessenger.com

not only as a talk radio host but also as an owner, putting his mark on a format that is both “unapologetically” progressive and African American. Smiley owns the majority share in KBLA1580 Los Angeles. Smiley along with a group of investors dropped $7.5 million to purchase the radio station with a reach of about 12 million people in Southern California. The station is expected to

be on air 24 hours a day seven days a week. “We just want to be a voice for those who have been voiceless for too long in this city, speak a truth that is otherwise not being considered,” Smiley said of the station. In 2017, Smiley, who was born in Mississippi and raised in Indiana, was fired from National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service for having ro-

SAN DIEGO VOICE AND VIEWPOINT – “We just want to be a voice for those who have been voiceless for too long in this city, speak a truth that is otherwise not being considered,” Smiley said of the station. mantic affairs with people on his staff. For now, Smiley says he’s focused on the launch of the station, its potential impact and the adventure ahead. “The opportunity to have a Black-owned and Black-operated talk radio station in this city, where talk radio for too long has been all day, all night, all White, is an opportunity that is begging for someone to take advantage of it. So. I’m dumb enough to try,” Smiley said. July 2, 2021

July 2, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

SCLC joins Lawsuit Against Georgia For Voting Restrictions By ATLANTA TRIBUNE ATLANTA – Hoping to discourage states from following Georgia which has taken extreme steps to suppress voting, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) announced today that it is joining a lawsuit against the Southern state for passing Senate Bill 202, which aims to prevent many Black and historically disenfranchised citizens from voting. With the lawsuit, the SCLC, co-founded and first led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., joins the litigation filed by The NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the American Civil Liberties Union, The Southern Poverty Law Center, the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, The African Methodist Episcopal Church and others. Georgia is one of 14 states that have taken actions to make it more difficult for citizens to vote. This weekend, Democratic legislators in Texas walked out of a session, where Texas Governor Greg Abbott is trying to implement polices to make it more difficult for some citizens to vote in the Longhorn State. “We want to prevent other states from passing bills that pretty much amounts to voting intimidation,” said Dr. Charles Steele, Jr., president and CEO of the SCLC. Dr. Steele, who has been sounding the alarm for years about the need to restore the 1965 Voting Right Act which paved the way for freedom and justice around the world, said it is clear why Georgia myimessenger.com

SCLC President Dr. Charles Steele

and other states, which have been Republican strongholds, are imposing sweeping provisions to deny access for all citizens to vote. They have been successful, he said, in gutting the legendary Voting Rights Act and stripping away freedoms. “They want to prevent what occurred in the last election with the astronomical turnout that was greater than ever before,” he said. “More than 5 million people voted in the 2020 elections in Georgia. Four million in the runoff race for the U.S. Senate, and a very large percentage of new voters were Black voters. Despite Covid-19, there were more than 1.3 million absentee votes, nearly 30 percent were cast by mail. African Americans accounted for 42 percent of those requesting absentee ballots.” Dr. Steele said the SCLC, which has been on the frontline fighting for voting rights that led to historic 1965 Voting Right Act, will not sit idly by and allow this freedom to be taken from citizens. “We are suing Georgia, so other states will not see Georgia as the model of

where America is headed,” Dr. Steele says. “It is an attack on the Black voting power. There has been too much blood shed and too many lives lost for us to ever turn back, and the time is now to move this nation forward where all citizens have the right to vote and no baseless claims, or intimidation tactics will stop where America is headed.” Dr. Steele said the SCLC is seeking to overturn the following restrictions in the lawsuit. Identification requirements for absentee voting. S.B. 202 requires voters to provide a Georgia driver’s license (even if expired) or other government-issued identification to request and cast an absentee ballot. Voters who do not have these forms of identification when requesting an absentee ballot must provide a photocopy or electronic image of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document containing their name and address. Similar sensitive information, including a voter’s social security number, may be required to return an absentee ballot. • Limitations on use of secure drop boxes. S.B. 202 allows for the use of secure drop boxes, but caps the total number (which drastically reduces the number of secure drop boxes available in the most populous counties and in smaller counties), requires them to be located inside of the office of the board of registrars or absentee ballot clerk or inside of an advance voting location (outside of an emergency), limits the hours,

limits their use and availability during the early voting period (not available the weekend before Election Day), and imposes new inperson security requirements, which could include law enforcement. • Line warming ban. S.B. 202 makes it a crime to give or “offer to give” food and water to voters standing within 150 feet of the outer edge of a polling place. S.B. 202 also makes it a crime to come within 25 feet of a voter standing anywhere in line to vote or “offer to give” food and water. • Drastic reduction in early voting for runoff elections. S.B. 202 forces all runoff elections to take place 28 days after the general or primary election, which drastically reduces the advance voting period for runoffs from three weeks to one week, with no mandatory weekend voting days, including Sunday voting. • Delayed and compressed time period to request absentee ballot. Before S.B. 202’s enactment, a voter could request an absentee ballot during the period starting 180 days prior to an election through the Friday prior to the election. S.B. 202 reduces the time during which a voter can request an absentee ballot to the period starting 78 days prior to the election and requires that the application be received by the county election administrator 11 days prior to the election. • Mobile voting unit restrictions. Prior to S.B. 202’s enactment, Georgia law permitted election administrators to provide portable polling facilities, known as “mobile voting units,” which have been used to mitigate long lines and provide voting access in situations where voters may have difficulty accessing a polling location. S.B. 202 restricts the use of mobile voting units to only narrow circumstances in which an emergency is declared by the Governor. July 2, 2021

Superb Women

June 2021

Pat Smith

Pat Southall Smith is a journalist, minister, author, actress, speaker, entrepreneur, executive producer and philanthropist. A native of Chesapeake, VA, this mother of five received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from James Madison University. She is the first African American woman to win the Miss Virginia USA title and she placed first runner-up in the 1994 Miss USA Pageant. She is founder and CEO of Pat Smith Enterprises and Treasure You, a non-profit organization that inspires women to pursue their second chance in life despite difficult circumstances and setbacks. She recently launched an online clothing boutique, PS by Pat Smith, and a portion of the proceeds support the emergency needs of women and girls. She ministers to and mentors females of all ages. Pat is a member of the prestigious Vogue 100, was voted one of the 10 Most Beautiful Women of Dallas, named a celebrity role model for the Dallas Elevators mentor program; this member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is also involved with battered women’s shelters and breast cancer initiatives. She is simply amazing! Monique “M.P.” Stone Monique “M. P.” Stone is an author, executive, writer, entertainer and actress. A graduate of Miller High School in Corpus Christi, she moved to Atlanta, GA where she trained at the Dance and Theatre Arts Institute and toured as a troupe member. She moved July 2, 2021

to Dallas to join the Dallas Minority Repertory Company, producing and performing in several independent stage and film productions. Founder and Exec. Director of Angel Faces, Inc., she opened a Performing Arts Center providing free arts and etiquette training to disadvantaged youth. She also developed ENCORE, a “safe haven” before and after school program. She was named “2010 Woman of the

Year” by the South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club, received a “Decade of Excellent Community Service” recognition by the City of Dallas, and was listed in “Who’s Who In Black Dallas” 2012 edition. Monique released two documentaries, wrote several stage-plays, screenplays, television pilots, mini-bibles, and, was a Lifestyle writer for I Messenger Media. She’s also a whiz at organizing! She will whip you, your office and your home into shape! Joyce Williams Joyce Williams has a B.S. degree from Mississippi Valley State University and a M.Ed. degree from Delta State University with post-graduate studies at the University of Mississippi and UNT. She serves as Associate Vice Chancellor of Workforce and Community Initiatives for Dallas College. Touting more than 20 years of experience in education, she has impeccable credentials. Joyce was instrumental in the development of a strategic implementation of the Amazon

I MESSENGER

Veteran Apprenticeship program (Cloud Support Technician); and development and management of 9-12 apprenticeship programs serving over 2000 apprentices. She has served as President of Texas Association of Community and Technical Educators (TACTE); and Chair WECM State Leadership Committee. Additionally she has published articles in “Community Colleges for International Development.” A recipient of numerous awards and a life member of the NAACP, she is a past chair, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Dallas; Executive Board member, Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce; Chair, Visit Dallas; board member, Friends of Fair Park; and, member of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) Certification Advisory Council.

adjunct professor at two universities: McNeese University and Texas Wesleyan University; a motivational speaker, and legal analyst on The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, Heaven 97AM and KKDA Soul 73. Bobbie earned her undergraduate degree in Interior Design at Southern University, and law degree from Southern University School of Law. She is a sought-after speaker on legal topics for lawyers, students, community groups and other organizations. Her book, “The Legal Navigator” is an essential tool for parents and children to use in the school disciplinary process. A member of National Bar, Tarrant County Bar, and the L. Clifford Davis Legal Associations, Bobbie was a legal commentator on The Quad Review, and has hosted the TV show, “Legal Peek” and received the 2019 State Bar of Texas Law-Related Education award for her theatrical play, “Santa Goes to Jail.” All rise for this phenomenal woman. Honorable Monica McCoy Purdy

Judge Bobbie Edmonds Bobbie Edmonds is an aspiring interior decorator, author, practicing attorney, mentor and associate judge for the City of Forest Hill, TX. She has been the leader of a legal aide corporation,

Monica McCoy Purdy is Judge of the 95th Civil District Court. Judge Purdy earned her law degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Well-respected, this native of Tampa, FL, earned her degree from Spelman College. She helped develop the Legal Studies Department at Paul Quinn College where she taught as an adjunct professor. She has served as President of the J.L. Turner Legal Association; Regional Director for the National Bar Association. She’s a member of the National Bar Association, myimessenger.com

National Association of Women Judges, Dallas Bar Association, J.L. Turner Legal Association, Mac Taylor Inn of Court, Texas Bar Foundation Fellow (the highest honor bestowed upon a member), League of Women Voters of Texas former board member, Dallas Assembly, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Jack and Jill of America, Inc., The Links Inc., a founding member of Village Giving Circle, Commissioner to the Lawyers Network Commission & Advisory Committee for the Center for Reproductive Rights, Judicial Nominating Commission for the City of Dallas, and Thurgood Marshall School of Law National Alumni Board. Supreme Court, here she comes! Hon. Jasmine Crockett

Keep your eyes on this sister. She plays to WIN! Civil Rights Attorney Jasmine Crockett is in the Texas House of Representatives, District 100. Hailing from St. Louis MO, her passion for empowering people politically and in justice led to her career as a public defender, county party chair, and civil rights and criminal defense attorney focused on defending our most vulnerable neighbors from unlawful accusations, and exploitation, in the criminal justice system. Jasmine has made every decision with one goal in mind: protecting the civil liberties of those in underrepresented communities. She has a Bachelors degree in business from Rhodes College and law degree from the University of Houston. Now she is taking that fight and fire to the Texas House of Representatives and folks are taking notice. This member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., is well respected for her work ethic, passion, hard work and commitment. She won with support from her neighbors and constituents who agreed it was time for new leadership to myimessenger.com

disrupt politics as usual and get to work for the people. Trust and believe that she is working in your best interest! Clarice Tinsley

Clarice Tinsley was born in Detroit and graduated from Wayne State University with a BA in Liberal Arts, majoring in Radio, TV and Film. In 1988, the Wayne State Alumnae Association named her as Headliner at a special luncheon. And, in 1992, Clarice was awarded Wayne State University’s Arts Achievement Award. In 2020 she was inducted into the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame. Clarice is a proud Lifetime Girl Scout. Clarice began working at KDFWTV in 1978 and she is the longest-serving news anchor in the D/FW market. Previously, she worked at WITI TV 6 in Milwaukee. Clarice has appeared as a news anchor or reporter in several Dallas-based television productions, including The Good Guys, Prison Break, Walker, Texas Ranger and Dallas. She has won numerous awards including the Peabody Award and Alfred I. DuPont– Columbia University Award. She enjoys working out, reading, acquiring art, traveling, dancing, listening to music and spending time with her family and friends. Kind, generous and compassionate, Clarice also paints works of art in the medium of acrylic on canvas. Rev. Dr. LaVerne Whitehead Reed

of Richard Allen Chapel at Paul Quinn College. A native Memphian, Dr. Reed relocated to Texas where she earned the Doctorate of Ministry, Master of Divinity, Bachelor’s and Associates degrees in addition to the Diploma of Vocational Nursing and completed further studies at The Interdenominational Theological Center. At Texas Christian University and Brite Divinity School she received the Certificate of Academic Excellence and was designated a Benjamin E. Mays Scholar. Dr. Reed is a Certified Crisis Intervention Counselor, a Board Certified Chaplain, NAACP Life member, Southwest Regional Chaplain for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a Heroine of Jericho Worthy Matron, the published author of Mountain Move Around, and a contributing writer to a number of Lenten Devotional Guides. Dr. Reed is a trailblazer, a born leader and servant. She is our sister! Valerie Fields Hill Valerie Fields Hill is news editor for I Messenger Media. She is a proud graduate of Southern University and Agricultural & Mechanical College in Baton Rouge. She has been a staff writer at the Fort Worth StarTelegram, an assistant city editor at The Dallas Morning News and a Fellow at the Robert C. Maynard Institute for Journalism Education. She is a

The Rev. Dr. LaVerne Whitehead Reed is an effective leader in Christian Discipleship, Community Outreach and Education. She marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Memphis and is Senior Pastor of Warren Avenue Christian Church of Dallas. Among her extensive years of service, she was Dean

member of National Association of Black Journalists, D/FW Association of Black Journalists (serving as the scholarship chairperson), the Southern University Alumni Federation - Fort Worth Chapter and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. A mother to a Howard University junior and an award-winning gymnast, Valerie is committed to her children and a life of community service. She serves as an instructional facilitator at the St. John Church Counseling Ministry and she has outstanding project management skills and enjoys working in fast-paced environments. Valerie has used her excellent skills in journalism, social services and education. She’s a mentor to many and this Jaguar has used her impeccable journalism skills to train numerous aspiring journalists to be successful in their careers whichever path they chose to follow. Symone Redwine

Attorney Symone Redwine is described as beauty, brains and a bold Southern attitude She studied finance at the University of Pittsburgh and received her law degree from Cornell University. She practiced fashion and trade law in New York before returning to Texas to launch her private practice, Redwine Law Firm; with offices in Dallas and Houston. She has handled many high-profile cases including the first case of its kind serving as co-council with attorney Lee Merritt, in the lawsuit against R&B singer R. Kelly involving an underaged girl with whom Kelly had a sexual encounter. She says she chose to defend those who cannot fight for themselves. Symone is a former child actor who appeared in Problem Child, Walker, Texas Ranger; and most recently, Season 3 of the OWN series Ready to Love! Attorney Symone is an expert on: 1. How to get rent postponed during July 2, 2021

the pandemic 2. How to get mortgage payments moved to end of agreement 3. What employers cannot legally do 4. Deferring student loans without penalty 5. Re-applying for PPE loans for small businesses Dannetta English Bland

The University of North Texas System has just announced the appointment of Dannetta English Bland as Chief Diversity Officer, effective July 19, 2021. A graduate of the University of Houston, she is certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC). Dannetta has served Visiting Professorships at the University of Houston, Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at Austin. Her impressive portfolio includes stints as a crisp management manager, internal audit consultant and corporate governance senior manager. Dannetta is passionate about serving the community around her and has served on multiple nonprofit and advisory boards inclusive of INROADS, Inc., the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), the University of Houston C.T. Bauer College of Business Accounting Advisory Board and the Louisiana State University E.J. Ourso College of Business Dean’s Advisory Council. She was Regional Director of Student Member Services for NABA and served on the advisory council for ether Houston Urban Debate League. Dannetta, who spent 17 years at Deloitte LLP, is a heavyweight in the diversity, equity and inclusion arena. Alexia P. Hammonds Alexia P. Hammonds is the Founder and CEO of Eat. Sweat. Undress, a female-led brand that offers fitness, wellness, beauty, and fashion products July 2, 2021

and services to enhance the lives of women. She’s proud to be recognized as the first Black woman to create perfume in Grasse, France, the historic home of perfume. A classically trained Pilates Instructor, former Beauty Editor, and a regular product and fashion segment television guest, Alexia performed at the opening and closing ceremonies of the ‘96 Olympic Games. She performed as a dancer with the legendary Tina Turner during her Super Bowl performance. A graduate of Grambling State University where she was a member of Orchesis Dance Company and Cosmetic Executive Women Organization, she studied Political Science. Talented, beautiful and enterprising; Alexia is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and her namesake collection of hair perfume is now carried in retail locations throughout the Dallas area and is poised to be carried at hair salons, gyms, and boutique retail locations throughout the United States. Anita Odom

For decades Anita Odom has served faithfully developing and supporting minority programs to benefit inner-city youth. She’s the first African American Female Urban Area Director for Young Life West Dallas, a national nonprofit organization that spreads the Word of Jesus Christ to troubled inner city youth. Anita earned a degree in Accounting and Business Management from Cedar Valley

I MESSENGER

College, and an advanced degree from Dallas Baptist University in Business Administration, graduating Magna Cum Laude. As the seventh of nine children and a dedicated mother of two sons, she understands the concept of family. When Anita is not lending her time and effort to social functions, working with children for Christ or serving on boards, you can find her working at Odom’s Bar B Q with her family; still serving the community of West Dallas and the City of Dallas. Deeply grounded in her faith, Anita enjoys cooking, traveling, reading, golfing, interior decorating and “working to motivate teens to believe in themselves, by planting seeds of hope.” Angela Martin Lang

Angela Lang is a Sr. Content Strategist at Givelify and her extensive portfolio includes Vice President, Marketing at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, Social Media Manager/Digital Content Producer for KTVT, Anchor/Reporter at WPMI, KVBC-TV, WJCL, KMTV-TV, KXASTV and KOMU-TV, and Assistant Director of Communications at the Savannah College of Art & Design. An awardwinning journalist, Angela studied Journalism at the University of Missouri. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and while in high school she participated in the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists’ Urban Journalism Workshop. A long-time member of the National Association of Black Journalists (Yes, she’s an NABJ Baby!), Angela is an accomplished professional and social media guru, with impeccable communication, management and organizational skills. She’s a servant leader and a previous winner of the Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-a-thon. A wife and mother, Angela also loves to play cards. Beautiful, talented, smart and joyful,

Angela is someone you want to have on your team. Kamecia Mason

Folks recognized Kamecia Mason’s greatness long before she was appointed as McCarthy Holdings’ first vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, this year. Kamecia oversees the construction firm’s national internal and external strategy and implementation. As part of her duties, Kamecia leads McCarthy’s Capacity Building program — mentoring minority businesses. The program includes 32 women and minority owned construction-related companies through which McCarthy helps them shore up skills like project management, pre-construction, safety and after graduating, they are qualified to bid on McCarthy projects. Kamecia earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and criminal justice from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. She also holds Certified Diversity Executive credentials from the Institute for Diversity. In a male-dominated industry, Kamecia rules! She was named to the 2016 “40 under 40” list by the Dallas Business Journal, 2015 Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs by D-Mars Magazine, 2014 Luna Women’s Business Advocate of the Year by the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association, and 2013 Advocate of the Year by the Dallas-Fort Worth Minority Supplier Development Council. Loletha Horton Loletha Horton was born and raised in Dallas and the Sunset High School graduate is a proud mother and Executive Director of Community Impact for the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. She has been with the organization for 26 years holding various positions myimessenger.com

throughout her career. She started out as a volunteer in 1990 and has taken the Christian values the YMCA embraced her and her three sons with during a tough time in her life to benefit others. Loletha now dedicates her time to “pay it forward” by serving needy families in the West Dallas community. She received an Associates degree from Eastfield College, two Bachelor’s degrees from Dallas Christian College and an MBA from Dallas Baptist University. Loletha is the first female to sit on the Theta Alpha Foundation (Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.) Board. Loletha is a special woman who values the needs of every individual, family and community. Mattie R. Thompson

Mattie Rutherford Thompson joined HEB ISD in 1968. As a music teacher, she was chosen as the campus Teacher of the Year at Bellaire and Wilshire Elementary schools. In 1988 she became the counselor at Bellaire, Oakwood Terrace and the Transition Center. She worked for HEB ISD for 43 years. Her hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed as November 17, 2004 was declared Mattie Thompson Day by the Hurst City Council. Also the recipient of a Texas State PTA Life Membership in appreciation of her dedication to children, she is a member of the HEB Retired School Employees Association and Mattie was awarded the myimessenger.com

Distinguished former employee when she was inducted into the 2014 HEB ISD Hall of Fame. A board member of the KwanzaaFest Foundation, Mattie is a servant leader, who serves with a smile and impeccable skills. A member of St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church where she also sings in the choir; she also volunteered with the Don’t Believe the Hype Foundation. Quiet and unassuming, Mattie gets the job done. She’s a joy to be around and someone you can depend on. Mrs. Opal Lee

Mrs. Opal Lee is the grandmother of Juneteenth. Years ago, the elementary school teacher, counselor and food pantry leader hosted fellow activist Dick Gregory at an annual Juneteenth Celebration in Fort Worth. The attendance was light, but that didn’t stop her or Mr. Gregory from celebrating June 19, and you can bet that the next time she calls for a celebration, the attendance will be anything but light for this 94-yearold social justice activist who President Joe Biden knelt before this week. She is elated that, with Vice President Kamala Harris by his side, the president signed a bill establishing Juneteenth, which marks the end of slavery in the U.S., as a federal holiday. Five years ago she walked 1,400 miles from Fort Worth to the nation’s capital, in what was part of a several decades long campaign to have June 19 recognized as a national holiday. She also gathered millions of signatures of support. A graduate of the old I. M. Terrell High School and HBCU Wiley College, she received a bachelor’s degree in education. Juneteenth is special to her for several reasons, good and bad; including the burning of her parent’s Fort Worth home in 1939 by whites who’d rather it be burned to the ground before they’d

accept a “Negro” family as neighbors. Talk about a beautiful spirit and smile, Mrs. Opal, who was born in Marshall, TX; is tenacious, stays focused, and gets results.

say about her and that is why she is so widely respected. Jamille Bradfield

Sheriff Marian Brown Sheriff Marian Brown grew up in Dallas, and educated in Dallas Public Schools. She is a graduate of the University of Texas Arlington, where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications. She began her law enforcement career in 1988 with the Duncanville Police Department as a pioneer, being the first African American female police officer. Sheriff Brown rose quickly within the ranks from a patrol officer. Her experience includes serving as a first line supervisor; formulating and supervising the Community Oriented Policing Unit; Crime prevention/ Community Relations Supervisor; Patrol Watch Commander; Criminal Investigations Commander; and Assistant Chief of Police. She holds a Master Peace Officer Certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. A mother and wife, she

is a graduate of the International Law Enforcement Institute’s Command College as well as the FBI National Academy Associates’ Command College. She has received training in Special Investigative Topics, Crime Prevention, Hostage Negotiation, and holds an Instructor Certification. The Chief is the type of law enforcement official who makes you feel pride. She realizes the importance of lifting people up instead of stripping them of any semblance of respect and dignity. Her actions are deeply rooted in her faith. The chief is smart, fearless, compassionate and no-nonsense. There’s so much you can

Jamille Bradfield is all of that and more. She’s talented (did you know she was part of an all-girl group in the 90s?), she beautiful, brilliant, an excellent writer; and yes, she has the receipts. She is the communications/ PR/marketing guru who works and promotes her client instead of herself. A native of Atlanta, GA, Jamille is a journalist/ movie/entertainment critic, and campaign manager and strategist (her clients win!). She attended Howard University before returning home to Clark Atlanta University to graduate; and when she moved to Dallas, she got some serious training under the tutelage of PR guru, Lyria Howland, who is the absolute best! She has enjoyed stints in the Dallas County District Attorney’s office, GreyHound Bus Lines and Blockbuster. Currently, Jamille is Community Outreach & Special Events Manager at Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., this wife and mother underpromises and overdelivers, time and time again. She is a team player, who works well with others, and she’s a born leader who commands respect. Carmina Barnett Carmina Barnett began her broadcasting career in 2000, and a year later, the door opened for her to join D/FW’s only 24-hour Gospel Music Station. During Carmina’s radio career she has served as a Program Director, Promotions Director and Director of Operation for various radio stations. She was an award winning program director and music director for KHVN-AM. Currently she is a news July 2, 2021

correspondent for Onyx News Network. As host of the syndicated radio show, Inspirations with Carmina, she gained more popularity and continued to build a strong base in the industry. She is dedicated to contributing and having a positive impact, and has developed partnerships with many local schools, educational organizations, ministries and non profit organizations. She participates both professionally and personally in a host of community activities and she has gained a reputation as a Voice Over Pro and great event host. Carmina is also the owner of Tea Cakes by Minke. A very popular mistress of ceremonies, Carmina has a loyal fanbase locally and nationally.

in “A Raisin in the Sun.” Her film and television credits include Brenda in “Acrimony,” and Chyna in “Empire,” both with Taraji P. Henson. She appeared in “Petals on the Wind” and Tyler Perry’s “If Loving You Is Wrong” on OWN-TV. Her assistant director credits include “Mountain Top” (Dallas Theater Center); “The Color Purple;” “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope;” “Ain’t Misbehavin’” (Jubilee Theatre) and “Spunk” (WaterTower Theatre); and Stage West’s “Bootycandy.” Now you can see her on The Young and restless! Long committed to public service and a sense of community, Ptosha is a huge supporter of charitable events and causes. The multi-talented actress also enjoys: aerobics, cheerleading, cycling, racquetball, roller skating, running, softball, swimming, volleyball, weight lifting, and singing.

July 2, 2021

Karen Carter Richards

Perri Camper

Ptosha Storey

Ptosha Storey is Dallas’ finest. A long-time member of Dallas’ Friendship-West Baptist Church, Ptosha attended the famed Booker T. Washington School for the Performing Arts and after graduation attended SMU where she was initiated into the Nu Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. A series regular on the BET drama “The Oval,” Ptosha’s hometown fans cheered her performance at the Dallas Theater Center when she played Ruth Younger

Zeta Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Perri is a dynamic woman, who attended the Potter’s House in Dallas and worked as an educator while also staring her own business (One Happy Camper, LLC). Always pleasant, full of love, compassion and grace; she is professional, talented and supportive. Nothing petty about Perri. She is spiritually grounded, loves her family and is respectful of everyone. Keep your eyes on Perri and support her efforts/works because she is so deserving and she is making us proud!

Perri Camper is an actress and producer, known for several roles in American Soul (2019), The Last One (2017) The Bill (2017), Seven Deadly Sins: Lust Sonia (2021); to name a few. When she first decided to move to pursue her dreams, she landed in New York City, became employed by BET and then her acting skills provided opportunities in Los Angeles, where she is definitely making her mark. A graduate of Lincoln Humanities and Communications Magnet and the University of North Texas; she pursued a degree in Radio, Television and Film, was a member of the National Association of Black Journalists, the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists (formerly Communicators), and, she participated in the DFW/ABC Urban Journalism Workshop. It was at UNT that she pledged the Amazing

I MESSENGER

Karen Carter Richards is the Chairman of the Board at the National Newspaper Publishers Association. She is the CEO/Publisher of the Houston Forward Times, a multimedia company that publishes weekly; the largest Black owned and independently published newspaper in the southern region. At the age of seven, her father put a basket on her bicycle and she had to deliver the newspaper in her neighborhood. Karen is President/Founder of the Julius and Lenora Carter Scholarship and Youth Foundation (named in honor of her parents). She attended Xavier University, the University of Houston and the University of St. Thomas. Born in Arizona, her family moved to Houston when she was an infant. She is involved and effective, serving in numerous positions and winning numerous honors. She also served as chairperson of “Go Red Girlfriend,” an African American Awareness Initiative for the American Heart Association and she is a beacon of light, hope and influence in Houston because of her commitment to journalism and community. A born leader, Karen is about taking care of business.

Jordan Hora

Jordan Hora, founder of JH Collaborative, is a multi award-winning strategic communications executive who got her start in the world of communications after serving at The White House in the Office of FaithBased and Community Initiatives, where she assisted in executing a national grass-root outreach program that communicated the intent and responsibility of the President’s initiative. Jordan has led brand and consumer communication and social media strategies for corporate and multimillion-dollar companies including McDonald’s, Western Union, Ronald McDonald House Charities, AlbertoCulver Multicultural Brands, Soft & Beautiful and Just-For-Me across diverse industries and continents. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the National Association of Black Journalists. As host of a podcast, “So, About That,” she led carefully curated conversations that “sidestep the predictable and tap into themes lying dormant underneath the surface of what always gets discussed.” Recently promoted to Senior Director of Communications for T.D. Jakes Ministries, the native Texan and alum of Oklahoma State University, is also a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and Public Relations Society of America. Jordan is described as “amazing,” “intelligent,” “brilliant,” “full of energy,” “authentic,” “sincere” and super talented. She is all of those things and more! Leona Allen In the 1980s, as a reporter at the Dallas Times Herald, Leona Allen made her hometown proud, covering myimessenger.com

stories and also appearing as a regular commentator on KKDA-AM Radio. A longtime editor and member of The Dallas Morning News editorial board, her recent promotion to Deputy Publisher is significant as she is responsible for diversity and inclusion initiatives across the company. Her promotion in 2020 made her one of the highest-ranking Black female executives in the newspaper industry. Before joining the company in 1994, she was part of a team at The Akron Beacon Journal that won a Pulitzer Prize for a series of stories on race relations. Over the years she has continued to build a career and it was a dream to come home to her hometown of Dallas and assume leadership position after leadership position, representing The Dallas Morning News and the community at large, in addition to her alma mater (University of North Texas) and aspiring journalists. In addition to mentoring and leading in the newsroom, Leona volunteers and serves as a mentor to many in newsrooms across the country.

Mesquite. Born and raised in Dallas, Rep. Rose developed a passion for civic engagement at an early age which mirrors her work in mental health, social justice and criminal justice. Representative Rose earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Paul Quinn College, where she also became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. A former president of the Paul Quinn College Alumni Association, Rep. Rose is passionate about mental health reform, access to affordable healthcare, improving the quality of life for our aging population and underserved communities, among other issues because she is a servant leader. She is a member of and has held leadership positions in several organizations including: the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women, Women In Government, National Black Caucus of State Legislators, Texas Legislative Black Caucus and the Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She’s also been honored by several groups and organizations.

myimessenger.com

DeMetris Sampson is an attorney, and retired in January 2014 from Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP where she was the first African American woman to become a partner in a majority firm in the City of Dallas. DeMetris is all that! She holds a BBA degree from the University of Texas at Austin, a Juris Doctorate from UT School of Law, and a Masters of Laws (Taxation) from SMU. A member of the Omicron Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., NAACP, Dallas Assembly and Links, Inc., DeMetris served as president of the J. L. Turner Legal Association and the Dallas Association of Black Women

Trailblazer Award; Concord Church Lydia Award. A 2-time president of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Ella is an event planner and Dallas County Elections Precinct Judge. She’s served as President and Program Chair for Women’s Council of Dallas. She’s also a Dallas Office of Arts and Culture Commissioner. WOW! Honorable Eddie Bernice Johnson

Ella Goode Johnson

DeMetris Sampson

Hon. Toni Rose

The Honorable Toni Rose is currently serving her fourth term in the Texas House of Representatives, representing District 110; which includes the diverse communities of Oak Cliff, Highland Hills, Pleasant Grove, Balch Springs and

Attorneys. In 1990, she was named an Outstanding Young Texas Ex by UT and in 2012 was awarded the Legacy of Service Foundation Image Award by her sorority. At her retirement she was honored, by Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, for her distinguished career. In 1991, she was named to the East Texas State University Board of Regents. She is featured in The Historymakers and is the recipient of numerous awards for community service, leadership and just for being the bomb. A member of St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church for over 30 years, she is Board Chair of the Zan Wesley Holmes, Jr. Community Outreach Center.

Ella Goode Johnson is a graduate of UNT, where a library was established in her name, and Amberton University. A General Motors retiree, she is a wife and mother to two adult sons. A native of Hearne, TX, she was instrumental in chartering the UNT National PanHellenic Council. Ella’s community and civic involvements, include the Theodore and Bertha Roddey Foundation, Dodd Education and Support, Inc, the Priscilla Art Club, Project Male (Cedar Valley College), African American Museum, NCNW, Natl Assn. of Parliamentarians, The Power of Woman Coalition at Paul Quinn College. The Board Chair of The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, she is a graduate of Leadership Southwest and serves as a volunteer administrator for the Heads Up! Foundation. Ella has received UNT President’s Green Glory Award; Texas PTA; Blackshear High Academic Hall of Fame; KKDA’s African American Hero; Dallas Women’s Center/ SMU MAURA AWARD; South Dallas BP&W

Eddie Bernice Johnson is the first registered nurse to serve in the Texas House, Texas Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. She advocates for veterans and a number of other causes and issues, like science and technology, Lupus, World Peace or foreign affairs. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and The Links Inc., Congresswoman Johnson has strong family ties and feelings of loyalty to those she trusts and respects. She mentors many and is widely respected for her political prowess and work ethic. The congresswoman is serving her 15th term representing the 30th Congressional District of Texas. Congresswoman Johnson is the first African American and woman to chair the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. The Dean of the Texas Congressional delegation and the Texas, New Mexico and Arizona Democratic Congressional Delegation, this former Congressional Black Caucus Chair is the highest-ranking Texan on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. A mother and grandmother, she hails from from Texas Christian University and a Master’s degree from SMU. A strong proponent of education, there’s a school named after her in Dallas ISD! Her awards and honors are numerous. She is superb! July 2, 2021

Kiely Williams and Pamela Long

BET ‘THE ENCORE’

THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW BY VALDER BEEBE

In the Valder Beebe Show studios, I’m speaking with two of the talented singers hoping to make it all the way… Pamela Long (Total) R&B songstresses and Kiely Williams (3LW/ The Cheetah Girls) putting their all into The Encore. BET brings together nine of the most memorable solo artists and girl groups from the 1990s and 2000s to form the ultimate R&B super group in the new original series, “BET Presents The Encore.” With nothing to lose, they have signed on to this one-of-a-kind music experiment to become the next big musical sensation. And theyeverything to gain, these talented singers WHO ARE wives, moms, and entrepreneurs, will move in together, write new music, July 2, 2021

learn choreography, record an album, and put on a live performance. The catch? The songstresses must achieve this in only 30 days, with none of them knowing who their bandmates will be ahead of time. Pamela Long (Total), and Kiely Williams (3LW/The Cheetah Girls). “The Encore” was part of BET’s “Winning Wednesday” lineup alongside Tyler Perry’s “Sistas” that racked up 2.5 MM total viewers. To describe Kiely Williams as a “triple threat” would be an understatement! Although Kiely is known as the outspoken member of the groups, 3LW & The Cheetah Girls, she’s sold over 14 million records altogether worldwide in both groups and has gone on nationwide tours with the likes of Destiny’s

I MESSENGER

Child, Miley Cyrus & N’SYNC. Kiely has been showing the world what she is made of since the age of five, when she starred in a Robert DeNiro television pilot.She has shown the world that she is a writer, actress, vocal producer and an amazing dancer. —Pamela & Kiely publicists provided text in conjunction with the Valder Beebe Show VBS: I am so delighted to speak with you star ladies (laughter). You both are like the next hottest thing going on BET. Bet The Encore racked up 2.5 million viewers. KW: I think we are just shocked and humbled by the response. VBS: I you both are seasoned professionals and have dealt with fame. How are you feeling about it a whole new light? I mean being a part of BET?

PL: Like Kiely said its exciting. I say it’s a second chance at what we love to do. It’s the camera, the signing, the audience even our competition. It’s a whole new opportunity for the fans to see us in a different way. And when you get a ………………….. Pamela Long and Kiely Williams complete interview…… SoundCloud.com/valderbeebeshow; more interviews: YouTube. com/valderbeebeshow: Broadcasting to a national & global audience: ValdeBeebeShow.com ; KKVI FM Radio, KRER FM, 411RadioNetwork, Streaming TV, Social Media, Print Publications I MESSENGER, Texas Metro News, and Garland Journal News.

myimessenger.com

July 2, 2021

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.

July 2, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

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

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

214.623.7314

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

myimessenger.com

July 2, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

July 2, 2021

Overcoming and Achieving

Although bullied Smith manages to achieve against all odds

Ken Bell and Tarazzo Smith

Tarazzo’s Family at Graduation

Story and Photos By MARVA J. SNEED Tarazzo Darnell Dewayne Smith is a very special man and as the valedictorian for the New Beginners Preparatory School Class of 2021, he was center stage on Saturday, in a positive way, despite numerous obstacles he has faced. In addition to being bullied as far back as he could remember, and landing in the emergency room twice because of injuries he suffered, including a concussion; Smith remained focused and worked toward graduation day. Along the way, his grandfather, Larry Hodges, died after battling lung cancer and Smith was devastated. But it seemed like there was always something to cause more trauma in his life, according to his July 2, 2021

Tarazzo and Grandmother Veronica Hodges at Graduation

grandmother, Veronica Hodges, who told of one incident when Smith was stabbed in his eye; which caused him to be crossedeyed and in need of surgery, she said. Actually one incident was so severe that his loved ones worried about whether or not he’d survive; and if so, would he suffer severe memory loss. “Some say ‘but God,’” said

I MESSENGER

Tarazzo Smith’s Parents Nate and Valencia Williams and grandmother Veronicia Hodges

his mother, Valencia Williams. “However it is ONLY GOD that has brought our son to this moment.” Describing her son as a young man with a “heart that is bigger than words,” she talked about how creative Mr. Smith is. “His creativity is beyond earthly talent. Tarazzo Darnell DeWayne Smith is our Pandemic Prince,” she said of the future Oklahoma

Sooner who managed to deal with the many obstacles, even while going through the COVID 19 pandemic. Among those who stood by his side was his grandmother who said that Smith is an outstanding student who has beaten the odds. “Tarazzo graduated at the top of his class and we are so proud of him. He is also a teen business owner of Tezzie Apparel.” Some say Smith got his entrepreneurial spirit from his grandparents, who years ago owned and operated the popular Veronica’s Delicacies restaurant in South Dallas. On his website, he displays apparel with messages and he will customize and personalize everything from face masks and shorts to tee shirts and hoodies. His online store is at www. tezzieapparel.com. myimessenger.com

New Era begins with Dallas Mavericks Franchise By DOROTHY J. GENTRY Sports Editor

thank Mark and the rest of the organization for putting their trust in me to move the team to the next level.”

Photos: Dallas Mavericks One is a former player who helped lead the franchise to its only championship in 2011. The other is a legendary executive with sports giant Nike who worked alongside Michael Jordan and the late Kobe Bryant. Together they are the new faces of the Dallas Mavericks franchise and are ushering in a new era after a surprising end to the 2021 season. New Head Coach Jason Kidd was officially named the Mavs 10th head coach on Monday. He succeeds Rick Carlise, his former coach who spent 13 years with the team. He resigned early this month after GM Donnie Nelson – who hired him – was let go after 24 seasons. Kidd, who was inducted to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018, begins his third stint in Dallas after spending eight of his 19 seasons as a player with the team and helping the Mavericks to the 2011 NBA title. The 10-time NBA all-star and two- time Olympic gold medal winner joins the Mavericks after most recently serving two seasons as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he was part of the franchise’s 2020 NBA championship season. “We are excited to welcome J-Kidd and his family back to myimessenger.com

Head Coach Jason Kidd

General Manager Nico Harrison

Jason Kidd named head coach; Nike executive named GM Dallas,” said Mark Cuban. “He possesses a winning mentality that carried him through a Hall of Fame career as a player and has helped him successfully transition to the NBA’s coaching ranks. “We are eager for him to get to work and lead our franchise and talented young players into the future.” “Dallas has meant so much to me as a player and I want to thank Mark Cuban for the opportunity to return as a head coach,” Kidd said. “I am excited to get to work with this young, hungry and incredibly talented team and to continue to build a winning legacy for the Mavericks organization.” New GM Also announced on Monday was the naming of Nico Harrison as the team’s general manager. Harrison joins the Mavericks after spending the last 19 years at Nike,

where he most recently held the title of vice president of North America basketball operations. In his role, Harrison supervised Nike’s basketball brand managers and worked closely with many of the brand’s star players, including Hall of Famers Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. He replaces longtime general manager Nelson. New GM Harrison, Cuban said, “brings a wealth of basketball knowledge along with both executive and leadership skills. He has proven to have a unique eye for talent on and off the court. I’m looking forward to watching Nico lead the Mavs to new heights.” “It’s a true honor to be the general manager of the Mavericks; an iconic franchise with a rich history not only within the NBA, but across sports,” said Harrison. “I’m grateful for this rare opportunity and want to

Controversy Despite the hires intending to signal a new era in the franchise, Kidd’s hiring in particular has met with some controversy due to past issues including domestic violence allegations and a DUI. Kidd pleaded guilty to spousal abuse in 2001 after he was accused of hitting his now-ex-wife Joumana. Per a report in the Fort Worth Star Telegram, quoting the New York Times, ESPN, and Associated Press, in 2007, Kidd filed for divorce accusing his wife of “extreme cruelty.” A petition later filed by his wife alleged Kidd “punched, kicked or choked her, once giving her a concussion by striking her with a candlestick,” The Associated Press reported. The hire is also troubling because of the Mavs history of sexual harassment in the workplace – detailed in a 2018 Sports Illustrated article that led to a front office shake-up and the hiring of CEO Cynt Marshall. Neither Marshall or Cuban – nor Kidd or Harrison have made any direct public comments but are expected to do so on July 15th when they will all hold a news conference. Details are forthcoming. Stay tuned to TexasMetroNews. com for more on this developing story.

July 2, 2021

Virtual and liVe Community Calendar

Minority Mental Health Month

Addison Kaboom Town! Visit Addison 4970 Addison Circle Dr. 5-10 pm. Tickets: www.AddisonKaboomTown.com.

The Black Church Month

The 2021 R&B 4th JAM Concert, host Inspiration Band at Armstrong Park, 100 James Collins Blvd. Duncanville. 6-9 pm.

JULY 1 SoulJazz Thursdays. Feat: Natural Change Band Hosted by Sandaga 813, 813 Exposition Ave. 8 pm-12 am. Visit www. sandaga813.com July 2021 Program - Summer Series Feat: Independence Day, host Roof Top Cinema Club at Heritage Village,1515 S Harwood St, 7:45-11 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3gIuLIt.

JULY 2 From Marva with Love, with Marva Sneed. 11 am -1 pm. CST, Fridays on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, and BlogTalkRadio.com. Join the conversation at 646-200-0459. Teen Late Friday Night Recreation Program. Host Dallas Parks & Rec. 7-10 pm. At 14 City recreation centers. Contact: 214-670-8847. For the center near you. City’s 75th Anniversary & Independence Day Celebration, Farmers Branch Historical Park, 2540 Farmers Branch Ln. 6:3010 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3vIGGKz.

DJ B-1 SOS BAND DEDICATON, Online @ Facebook.com/ DJ B-1 7:30 pm CDT http:// www.planetfunksvilleradio.com/

Independence Holiday StayCay w/ 97.9 DJ Phil @Aloft Hotel, 2333 W. Mockingbird Ln. Dallas. Tickets: Eventbrite.com. 4 pm.

North Dallas Shared Ministries Food Pantry, Dallas, Call for more information: (214) 358-8700.

FireTwerk Day Party w/ Lil Ronny Motha F at Live Wick’s, 2405 South Collins St. Arlington. Tickets: Eventbrite.com. 5 pm. Ft Worth Day Party Explosion at Your Mom’s House, 3005 Bledsoe St. Fort Worth. Tickets: Eventbrite.com. 2-8 pm. Worst Behavior Indoor / Outdoor Open Air Patio Day Party, The Green Gator at Toyota Music Factory, 340 W. Las Colinas Blvd. #100 Irving. 3-9 pm. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.

JULY 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY

Lakewood 4th of July Parade, 10 am-1 pm. 6603 Lakewood Blvd, Dallas, Starts at the corner of Lakewood & Cambria. Online Black History Course for Adults. By Simon Education. Eight week course. 6-8 pm CDT. Reg: Eventbrite.com.

Fireworks - July 4th Kickoff @ Shark Club, 8451 Parkwood Blvd, 9:30 pm-2 am. RSVP: sharkclubfireworks.eventbrite.com.

July 2, 2021

Lone Stars & Stripes Fireworks Celebration, Lone Star Park, 1000 Lone Star Pkwy, Grand Prairie, 5-11 pm. Tickets: www.lonestarpark.com/tickets.

THE DOC SHEP SPEAKS SHOW! From 11 am. CST on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, @fnsconsulting, and You Tube @docshepspeaks.

Ask Dr. Amerson with Dr. Linda Amerson.12 pm. CST @DFWiRadio.com, and Live on Facebook @DrLindaAmerson

JULY 8 SoulJazz Thursdays Feat: Natural Change Band. Hosted by Sandaga 813, 813 Exposition Ave. 8 pm-12 am. Visit www. sandaga813.com. Food Pantry at The Wilkinson Center, 3402 North Buckner Blvd., Dallas, Phone: (214) 821-6380. Hrs: Mon-Thurs. 9 am12 pm. Tues 1 pm-4 pm. Call for an appointment.

Fort Worth’s Fourth 2021, at Panther Island Pavilion, 395 Purcey St. and online: fortworthsfourth.com. Gates open at 6 pm. Free. DJ Snoopadelic - 4th of July Party at Lava Cantina, 5805 Grandscape Blvd. The Colony. 3pm. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.

JULY 9 From Marva with Love, with Marva Sneed.11 am -1 pm. CST, Fridays on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, and BlogTalkRadio.com. Join the conversation at 646-200-0459.

Red White & Baddies Brunch & Day Party, by LEZ Connect Group. At 9 FORTY FIVE NORTH 15375 Addison Rd. Addison. 12-3 pm. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.

I MESSENGER

JULY 10

Greater Southwest Black Chamber Of Commerce VIP Investor Breakfast. Emcee, Terrance Sauls, 7:30 am at Hilton Garden Inn, 800 Main St. Duncanville. Reg: www.bit.ly/3jbgWDV

Farmers Branch July 4th walking parade on Rawhide Pkwy, Farmers Branch. 9-11 am.

“SOPHISTICATED SATURDAY’S” Host Made Men Entertainment. At Foundation Room, 2200 N. Lamar St. Tickets: Eventbrite.com 10 pm-2 am.

Happy Birthday to Shonedra Redd

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

JULY 4TH SIP-N-SWIM at Lorenzo, 1011 S. Akard St. 12-7 pm. Tickets: www.eventbrite. com/e/157113499707.

If It Don’t Feel Like 90s RnB Dallas Edition, at the House of Blues, Dallas. 2200 North Lamar St. 9 pm-2 am. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.

JULY 6

JULY 7

4th of July Celebration, host City of DeSoto. Feat: Fred Hammond. 6-9 pm. at 1700 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, Lancaster.

Mannie Fresh @ APEX Fridays: Cancer’s Night Out, at Herrera’s Addison 4021 Belt Line Rd. Addison. 9 pm-2 am. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.

Every Friday Night Don Diego and The Razz Band at Club Odyssey, 7439 Westmoreland Rd. 6 pm. Face Mask Required.

Soul Line Dance Tuesday - LIVE! (Virtual Dance Sessions) Hosted by BE Creative Arts Center. 7-8 Pm CDT. Website: www. becreativeartscenter.com to register.

The World According to Drew, host Andrew Whigham, III on BlogTalkRadio. com 8-10 am. It’s thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news commentary. Join the call at 646200-0459.

JULY 3

Tyrese at Fair Park Music Hall, 909 1st Ave. 8 pm. Tickets: Ticketmaster.com.

JULY 5

4th of July Day Party at Blends Daiquiri Lounge, 2810 E.Trinity Mills Rd. Carrollton. Reg: Eventbrite.com. 4 pm.

First Fridays at Main Station - July 2021! at Main Station, 100 South Main St. Duncanville. Tickets: Eventbrite.com. 7 pm.

The Connections For Positive Priorities And Common Sense” with Debra Brown-Sturns. On Facebook.com/Texas Metro News and BlogTalkRadio.com. 12-2 pm 646-200-0459

Frisco Freedom Fest Presented by CoServ, 8874 Coleman Blvd. Fireworks start at 9:45 pm.

The Connections For Positive Priorities And Common Sense” with Debra Brown-Sturns. OnFacebook.com/TexasMetroNews & BlogTalkRadio.com. 12-2 pm. 646-200-0459 National Museum of African American History & Culture Livestream Tour. Event by Texas History & Culture. 3-4:30 pm CDT. Eventbrite Reg: https://bit.ly/3hh07F8. Keep Calm I’m a Cancer Day Party w/ DJ Kid Capri, by FollowYaDJs.com. SANDAGA 813, 813 Exposition Ave. 3-8-pm. Tickets: Eventbrite.com. Frisco Rotary Farmers Market, 6048 Frisco Square Blvd. Farm fresh produce and more. 8 am-12 pm.

JULY 11 West End Association Outdoor Market. Host The West End, 607 Corbin St, Dallas. 1 am-5 pm. NEO SOUL SUNDAYS feat Bonnie & Clyde The Band, at Lava Cantina, The Colony, 5805 Grandscape Blvd, The Colony. 4 pm. Tickets: Eventbrite.com. The World According to Drew, host Andrew Whigham, III on BlogTalkRadio.com 8-10 am. It’s thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news commentary. Join the call at 646-200-0459.

BLACK LIVES MATTER

AHYONZ Feat: Kenya C. @ Legends Restaurant, 700 S. Cockrell Hill Rd. Duncanville. 10 pm. It’s Free.

myimessenger.com

July 2, 2021

www.grandpasecret.com July 2, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

July 2, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

MICKLE CAJUN KITCHEN 3203 W. Camp Wisdom Rd. Dallas, Tx 75237 Next Door to Java Lavender / Health & Nutritional Bar & Restaurant micklechickenllc@gmail.com 469.399.0007 Gumbo Ln.

LEGAL NOTICE Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for two permits 1. (BG) Wine and Beer Retailer’s and 2. (FB) Food and Beverage by Mr. Toby Mickle dba Mickle Chicken LLC. Trade Name: Mickle Cajun Kitchen to be located at 3203 W. Camp Wisdom Rd. Suite #3203, Dallas, TX 75237 [Dallas], [Dallas County], Texas. Officers of said corporation: are Mr. Toby Mickle / No Partners.

myimessenger.com

July 2, 2021

ARRESTED

HE IS A SERIAL RAPIST

He targeted members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. but this is more than about a sorority. We’re talking about a community.

Come on PEOPLE! Don’t you CARE? Will it matter when it is your sister, mother, aunt or grandmother or maybe YOU?

Crimestoppers 877-373-8477 July 2, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com