I Messenger 7-8-22 by Cheryl Smith

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SU W PE O R M B Ju n e EN

VOL XI NO 44 July 8, 2022

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

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Established 2011 CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back. July 8, 2022

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Non Profit Organizations are invited to apply for funding to provide human development programs or services directly benefiting residents of the South Dallas Fair Park community. Applications for the 2022 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the South Dallas/ Fair Park Opportunity Fund (SDFPOF) will be accepted through July 8, 2022. The SDFPOF provides loans and grants to promote economic development and support human development initiatives in neighborhoods surrounding Fair Park. NOFA provides the form of application and scoring criteria for the human services grants. A maximum of $100,000 will be awarded to fund the projects and services. Proposals will be submitted on the City of Dallas Bonfire system https://dallascityhall.bonfirehub.com/portal no later than 5 p.m. July 8, 2022. To apply for the 2022 Notice of Funding Availability, visit https://sourcedallas.org/2022/01/21/ south-dallas-fair-park-opportunity-fund/

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INSIDE

QUIT PLAYIN’

THE LAST WORD

FAITHFUL UTTERANCES

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The Next First is You! OUR VOICES

BY CAROLYN KING ARNOLD

To all Black people and specifically all Black women and women of color. Regardless of your age and current social economic status, with desire, imagination, faith and persistence all things are possible. This past week two firsts for Black women took place, one nationally and one locally. Nationally, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson became the first Black woman placed on the highest court in America — she is now a Supreme Court Justice. Locally, thanks to my colleagues on the Dallas City Council I was voted in as Dallas’ first Black Woman myimessenger.com

Mayor Pro-Tem. As Mayor Pro-Tem, in addition to fulfilling my normal duties as a member of the city council serving the residents of District 4, I assist the Mayor in carrying out the Mayoral responsibilities as well as assuming mayoral duties in his absence as the Mayor. It was my desire and want to become an educator, earn a Doctorate degree, become President of a Homeowner Association and now serving my third term as a Dallas City Council person. It was my imagination and the ability to confront problems that led to the organization of the District 4 Faith-Based Coalition, #Dallas365 Safe Initiative, Domestic Violence Awareness - It’s Not Your Fault, Knowledge is Power

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson

Partnership and D4 Youth GOTV activities. It was my faith that gave me the confidence that helped earn me numerous honors and awards: Community Service Leader - National Council of Negro Women; Women of Wisdom Recognition and H.I. Holland Education Awards- Elite News; Community Service Leader Gospel Connection Award; and Who’s Who in Black Dallas.

It is my persistence, the driving force behind my faith that assisted me to win the Dallas City Council seat on my first try, only to lose two years later and pick myself back up to win, that gave me the opportunity to achieve this astounding first. I start each day with a plan of action making sure I end every day by accomplishing all things that could be accomplished that day. Yes, two firsts took place this past week but the next - first - is you “Black Women.” Together we will transform today’s Dallas and specifically District 4 into a thriving district where jobs, community pride, respectable affordable housing and the essentials of quality of life are commonplace for all residents. July 8, 2022

MY TRUTH by Cheryl Smith Publisher

Dealing with Financial Literacy I have tried to do a better job of telling people how much I appreciate them. When you can tell them how much they are “tap dancing on” your last nerve, you ought to also be able to share some love. It was overwhelming for me to hear about the recent passing of Karen Watts Cross. We’ve known each other for the past decade and we’ve shared some special moments. We were also always complementing one another. I will miss her but I take solace in knowing we shared our appreciation for one another. Which brings me to my truth. I have so much love and respect for Rodney A. Brooks! When the opportunity to share his words with the I Messenger Media family became available, I seized it and beginning today, you can read Rodney’s words right here! I met his wife, Dr. Sheila, in 1989 and she welcomed me into the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Communicators in a big way. She’s smart, stylish, loyal, passionate and supportive. Enough about her, tho. Through her I met Rodney, and I immediately had mad respect because he is also smart, stylish, loyal, passionate and supportive. I respected his work because he was good, darned good, in an area that wasn’t considered July 8, 2022

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sexy and headline grabbing unless you had a lot of it — money! The author of the bestseller, “Fixing the Racial Wealth Gap: Racism & Discrimination Put Us Here. But This is How We Can Save Future Generations”,

a reason and he breaks down the causes. And while there are banks and other financial institutions that tout their financial literacy programs, there’s still a huge divide that was especially evident as we dealt with the pan-

Rodney is the former deputy managing editor and personal finance and retirement columnist for USA Today. Rodney realizes that financial literacy is an area where many are not as knowledgeable as they should be and he is not blaming them. There’s

demic and saw multi-million dollar corporations receiving stimulus checks while small businesses with less than 50 employees sought other relief or for some, shut their doors. A huge shoutout to those that were able to pivot and weather the challenges, and

there were many. There were also others, who had they had a plan, and a relationship with a banking institution; would have been able to thrive or at least maintain. The Small Business Administration does not have data on how many Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) applications were denied, but I know business owners who didn’t “waste” their time applying. Just digest this fact: there were companies that returned a total of $436 million in PPP loans! So there is some good to come out of social media, putting people on blast and holding them accountable! Shame on those who received and kept the money although they knew better. Then too, shame also on the fraudulent who benefited from several COVID relief programs to the tune of $100 billion, according to the U.S. Secret Service and CNBC. Maybe just maybe should the occasion ever arise again, they will be in a better position, with the assistance of Rodney! So tune in every week and I am sure you will grow with the knowledge that Rodney shares. We are also hoping that we will be able to bring Rodney to town from time to time. He is a trusted voice with a wealth of experience and he knows how to relate. Can you dig it? myimessenger.com

Couples need to talk about money – no matter what age Lack of communication can devastate your finances MONEY TALK BY RODNEY A. BROOKS

In any successful marriage or relationship household duties are shared. Each person does what they are best suited for, which means one person usually handles finances and pays the bills. But couples will certainly run into trouble if one partner completely absolves themselves from finances. Even if one partner pays the bills, it is critically important that both be involved in the couple’s finances. Money is the top cause of stress in a marriage and one of top reasons for divorce. That includes people of all income levels. Black couples especially need to talk about money. We have one-tenth of the wealth of white households, and the pandemic has hurt our finances even more than White Americans. But many couples avoid discussions of finance altogether, putting additional stress on both the relationship and their finances. • Forty percent of couples myimessenger.com

that live together don’t know what the other makes, according to the Fidelity 2021 Couples and Money Study. • Forty-four percent of couples say they argue about money, at least occasionally. • A second report from UBS says only 20 percent of couples in the U.S. make financial decisions

their finances than Boomers or Gen Xers. There’s the newlywed couple: She had no idea that he had thousands of dollars in student loan debt until after they were married. She felt that he had not been honest about bringing that much debt into the marriage, and he was offended that he accused her of hiding out debt.

According to the Fidelity study, couples who talked about finances say money is not the biggest challenge in their relationship and they rated their household finances as good or very good. together. So, why are these trends so troubling? Financial planners talk about clients they have had for years, but never met the wife. In One financial planner told me about a husband who was incapacitated, and the wife needed emergency access to the couples fund. The problem was her name was not on the investment accounts. He couldn’t even discuss the account with her. It’s not just with older couples. Millennials are even more secretive about

According to the Fidelity study, couples who talked about finances say money is not the biggest challenge in their relationship and they rated their household finances as good or very good. Still, that’s not to say that all the couple’s finances need to be mixed together in one joint bank account. In fact, personal finance guru Suze Orman says: “I would never, ever have just one joint account.” She recommends having a joint bank account to pay joint expenses, if It works

for you, but says a couple should have separate accounts as well. Here’s some advice when it comes to couples and communications: 1. Do a budget. Make sure both partners buy in. One partner should not feel they are sacrificing things that are important. 2. Have an open discussion of finances. Talk frankly about their salaries, debt, savings and investments and credit scores. 3. Set a schedule. Partners should sit down for a financial discussion at least monthly. There should be a set date or time, and it should be on both calendars. 4. Do not let the discussion turn into an argument. Avoid placing blame even if one partner is responsible for most of the difficulties. 5. Focus on shared goals rather than differences. Make sure both spouses feel like their input is taken into consideration. Rodney A. Brooks is a Senior Fellow at Prosperity Now and the author of Fixing the Racial Wealth Gap: Racism and discrimination put us here, but this is how we can save future generations. A former Deputy Managing Editor/Money at USA TODAY, he has written for USA TODAY, The Washington Post and National Geographic.

July 8, 2022

Uvalde, Race and Guns! QUIT PLAYIN’ BY VINCENT L. HALL

The useless, predictable tragedy that occurred 352 miles southwest of Dallas County mesmerized and then terrified us. The jolting images of those hope-filled faces caused our hearts to drop. The news that some of these same children were unrecognizable caused our hearts to fail. There are a million and one forums of discussion around this subject. Since Linda Lydia asked Hailee and me to speak to the NAACP Youth Council, we decided to examine gun violence with a concentration on race and race relations. For us, the question is whether substantive gun laws will follow the latest sensational slaughter. This issue deserves volumes, but we will us start with some relative facts about guns and race. Nationally, Eighty-four percent of gun owners are white. This data was provided as a basis for the May 25th NPR news article, whose title immediately drew attention. “While the gun control debate amplifies, the overwhelming emotion in Uvalde is grief.” The American National Election Study (ANES) from 2012 says that whites make up 63 percent of the U.S. population. As a result, their representation among gun owners is higher than their share of the general population by more than 20%. Conversely, and unfortunately, Blacks make up 13% of the American population but 39% of the nation’s incarcerated persons. While that comparison may seem insignificant, diving deeper into the numbers will help you understand our reasoning. “Polls show that whites also make up the majority of those who oppose stricter gun regulations. In a July 2015 Pew poll, for instance, 57 percent of whites said it was more important “to protect the right of Americans to own guns” than to “control gun ownership.” Among blacks and Hispanics, that number was just 24 percent.” July 8, 2022

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Although common national stereotypes dictate that blacks and browns are more prone to violence, three-fourths of minorities agree that gun control is a factor that ranks highest. The perception that Black and Brown males are predominantly gun-wielding and dangerous is a tool used by gun lobbyists and sales agents to create a sense of urgency. Crimes against person are more about proximity than race in every instance.

In their logic, “law-abiding” whites need guns to protect them against “legions” of black and brown criminals. When you say gun control to this segment of Whites, immediately imagine facing non-white predators without firearms and ammunition. And for them, that’s a harrowing thought. The NPR piece went further. “Research finds that support for gun rights is strongest among whites who are racially prejudiced. In a study conducted by Kerry O’Brien and colleagues using data from the ANES, “racial resentment,” a common measure of racial prejudice, is correlated with both gun ownership and opposition to gun control. Similarly, those who score high on racial resentment are 25 percent less likely to support “making it more difficult to buy a gun” than whites who score low.” As we have watched the level of “White resentment” rise in the Trump Era, we can only conclude that the likelihood of severe gun control laws are far from reality. We have hardly evolved as a nation since

the 2012 Sandy Hook event that preceded Uvalde. The only real difference in a decade is that we traded the beautiful photos of innocent white children for beautiful photos of brown children. The inconsistencies and garbled explanations from Uvalde, especially among law enforcement officials, are troubling. The insidious, conspiracy-loving, realist side of us still asks questions. If the Robb Elementery children had been in a Highland Park elementary school, would the result have been the same? Would there have been such a delay? The two groups only lived 352 miles apart, but the value gap is historical and wide. Dr. Eddie Glaude, who wrote a book describing America’s value gap on race, suggests our only hope regarding gun laws, social justice, and social equity. “The task at hand is not about securing the goodness of the American Idea or about perfecting the union. It is about according dignity and standing to all Americans no matter the color of their skin.” Apparently, perfecting a union that was imperfect in its framing trumps dignity and standing for all Americans. So to answer your question. No, we do not believe any substantive, life-saving legislation will come soon. We could be wrong. We pray that we are! But America’s race problem and guns appear to be inextricable.

Hailee Hall, NAACP Youth Council Region VI Youth Representative contributed to this story.

Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and award-winning columnist.

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July 8, 2022

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July 8, 2022

A ward W inning

Sunday Brunch B U F F E T

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July 8, 2022

TX Legislator Expresses Concern for Poor Women following Roe v. Wade Decision By Sylvia Dunnavant Hines

After the Supreme Court voted on June 24 to overturn the historical ruling of Roe v. Wade there has been a public outcry, protests, and political commentary from across the country, and around the world, as both sides of the abortion issue weigh in on what is next. Pro-life and pro-choice advocates have taken to the streets to voice their opinions about the Representative Toni Rose wants to make reversal of the ruling which de- State sure the community understands that “voting clared the Constitution of the impacts all aspects of our lives.” United States protects the liberty “The first thought that came to of a woman to choose to have an my mind after hearing about the abortion during the first two tri- Supreme Court’s ruling, was that mesters of pregnancy. I couldn’t believe they really did

“We will not be able to make the necessary policies and changes, if we don’t have the numbers,” said Rose, who is committed to using her legislative voice to be effective on women’s health issues. “We don’t have the numbers in some areas that we should have because people don’t come out to vote. We are going to do all we can to fight. We must get our community to understand how not voting impacts the community.” July 8, 2022

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it,” said State Representative Toni Rose, who represents District 110 which includes the communities of Oak Cliff, Pleasant Grove and Balch Springs in Dallas County. “I knew that their decision would have a huge impact on women, especially Black women.” Representative Rose’s legislative focus has been ensuring that women receive the health care that they need after giving birth. One of her recent accomplishments has been expanding Medicaid Health care benefits for women after childbirth from two to six months. “My prayer is that no woman would have to have an abortion, but I just don’t believe that government has the right to dictate this issue. This decision should be made between a woman, her doctor, and her God,” said Rep. Rose. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in 2019, there were 11.4 abortions in the U.S. per 1,000 women ages 15 to 44. (That figure excludes California, Maryland, New Hampshire, and the District of Columbia). “Women are still going to have abortions. The people that are going to be impacted are those people who don’t have the resources to go to another state to have a safe abortion,” said Rose. Rose predicts that the loss of federal protected abortions will cause women to revert to going underground to seek assistance in terminating unwanted pregnancies. myimessenger.com

In the absence of safe abortions, history has painted a dark picture of women seeking self-induced methods to terminate their pregnancies which include hangers, the ingestions of toxins such as bleach, or falling to cause trauma to the fetus. Although some of these efforts might not be successful, they could cause lasting damage or even death, according to experts. Prior to Roe v. Wade, the CDC reported that the mortality rate due to illegal abortions for nonwhite women was 12 times higher than that of white women. “After hearing about the Supreme Court’s decision, I knew that it was just the beginning for the potential of the voice of the human being to be taken away,” said Nakia Davis, founder of Heels on the Move to Heal, a Dallas-based nonprofit organization dedicated to spreading awareness and education on sexual assault, domestic abuse, and human trafficking. Davis was the victim of a rape as a teenager and that act resulted in a pregnancy, so she is well aware of how important it is being able to take advantage of a safe abortion. “Although I am 100 percent pro-life, I still believe that we as individuals should have the right to control our own lives and control our destiny,” said Davis, who as a minor had no choice in the reproductive decisions that was made after her rape. “This includes whatever path God has for us to walk down. I believe that in taking the right away from a person to decide about their lives, we are falling down a dark path.” myimessenger.com

Nakia Davis considers herself to be pro-life, after being forced to have an abortion due to a teenage rape.

Today Davis, also known as “Kia D,” is a source of inspiration and support for others because she didn’t let her circumstances ruin her life. Armed with several degrees, including a Ph.D. in Psychology, the mother of two, who just celebrated her one year wed-

After Rape, Teen Survivor Aborted Fetus ding anniversary on July 4, 2022 is a voice for women and has actually created a digital radio platform; where she is also a talk show host, sharing information and empowering listeners. Based on previous statistics, Rose says the recent high court’s decision will impact Black women, women of color and poor women more than other groups. “The only solution to this is voting, I know people don’t under-

stand it but voting on all levels impacts every part of our lives: the food we eat, the cars that we drive and the roads we drive on,” said Rose. The fight for safe abortions is now left to individual states. Some states have already banned abortions with no exception for incest or rape, and this includes Texas. “We will not be able to make the necessary policies and changes, if we don’t have the numbers,” said Rose, who is committed to using her legislative voice to be effective on women’s health issues. “We don’t have the numbers in some areas that we should have because people don’t come out to vote. We are going to do all we can to fight. We must get our community to understand how not voting impacts the community.” Rose believes that the inability to terminate unwanted pregnancies will lower the rate of high school completion, increase single mothers, and raise the rate of premature births. The CDC currently estimates 700 women in the US die from pregnancy-related complications. Based on their records a full-term pregnancy is more dangerous than a medical abortion. They also reported Black women experience maternal mortality two to three times higher than White women. According to Guttmather Institute, a research organization that supports abortion rights, some 40 million women of child-bearing age will live in states where abortion will become more difficult to access. July 8, 2022

Need to Destigmatize Gynecological Health Conversations GUEST COMMENTARY America is in the midst of a public health crisis and Dallas is showing leadership in addressing the most prevalent and costly health issue affecting women - uterine fibroids. The Dallas City Council’s proclamation of July as Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month is a first step toward destigmatizing gynecological health conversations so more women can become informed about possible solutions.

The Dallas action underscores similar legislation passed last week recognizing July as Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month in the State of Texas. Fibroid treatment is at the intersection of healthcare equity and racial justice. Latina and Black women are two to three times more likely to suffer from fibroid symptoms, including heavy bleeding, severe cramps, pelvic pain, urinary frequency, and reproductive dysfunction including miscarriage, early labor, and infertility. Eighty percent of women have fibroids by the age of 50.

Because information is elusive, many do not know the source of their symptoms and most women do not know they have several options for treatment. In the United States, almost $8 billion is spent on obstetric outcomes attributed to fibroids, with a cost of more than $17 billion annually in absenteeism and short-term disability. It is imperative to prioritize resources for research, treatment, and prevention of fibroids and to support a readily available, comprehensive, organized source of information about fibroid risk

factors, symptoms, diagnostic techniques, and treatment options. Fibroid awareness is not a political issue. It is a critical medical, social, and financial issue that disproportionately affects women of color. The exciting news is that the Dallas City Council recognized this, catalyzing conversations that lead to solutions. Suzanne Slonim, MD, FSIR Fibroid Institute Dallas Jessica Shepherd MD, MBA, FACOG Sanctum Med + Wellness Andrea Arguello, MD, FACOG MacArthur OBGYN

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July 8, 2022

C-Section Knowledge is Power: Benefits Of New Patient Education And Surgery Protocols Jamie Morgan, M.D.

Obstetrics and Gynecology

About 15 years ago, a set of protocols was developed for patients undergoing colorectal surgery. These guidelines, known as enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), include evidence-based aspects of care before, during, and after surgery to accelerate patient recovery. Over the years, other surgical specialties have adopted ERAS protocols. Hospitals in more than 20 countries follow ERAS, and we use them here at UT Southwestern. Research has shown that ERAS protocols result in shorter hospital stays, reductions in complications and readmissions, reduced health care costs, and improved patient satisfaction. The benefits of ERAS have been well-documented in many specialties. We’re continuously refining protocols for patients who deliver by cesarean section (C-section), helping better prepare them for planned – and unplanned – C-sections. For example, new research from UT Southwestern and Parkland Memorial Hospital has shown that multimodal pain management after C-section – not relying solely on opioid medications – can control pain effectively and may increase breastfeeding success. If you have had a C-section in the past or know someone who has, you may notice that we’ll provide a few new pieces of information as you prepare for your next delivery. ERAS and C-section education Depending on where you live, approximately one-third of patients have C-sections. The American ColJuly 8, 2022

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lege of Obstetricians and Gynecologists estimates that 2.5% of C-sections are done at the mother’s request. Others are planned, such as in complex pregnancies or if a patient has undergone one or more C-sections in the past. However, sometimes an unplanned C-section is necessary if the mother or baby are at risk.

Just because a doctor discusses C-section doesn’t mean you have to have one. Credit: CDC

During prenatal visits, your doctor will discuss with you what could cause the need for an unplanned C-section. However, just because the doctor talks to you about C-sections doesn’t mean you’ll have one. Rather, we want patients to know what to expect with an unscheduled C-section before it’s time to deliver. ERAS protocols are helping our Ob/ Gyn teams prepare patients. In the event of an actual emergency or urgent situation, there is limited time to explain the procedure and patients are typically preoccupied with their medical situation.

C-section protocol changes with ERAS Eating and drinking before C-section The adage was that patients shouldn’t eat or drink anything for eight hours before surgery. However, ERAS guidelines recommend patients drink clear liquids, juice, and sports drinks up to two hours before surgery, and have a light meal six hours beforehand. Studies show this can improve outcomes after colorectal surgery, and research suggests that some of these benefits may transfer to other types of surgery. Therefore, we have begun to recommend that some patients eat or drink prior to C-section to potentially: • Return to normal bowel function sooner • Improve the patient experience • Potentially speed recovery These rules may differ among patients, so make sure you understand the directions from your doctor regarding eating and drinking before a C-section. Urinary catheter removal We used to leave a patient’s urinary catheter in place for 12 to 14 hours after surgery. Now, we often take it out right away. We’ve found that this protocol has reduced the risk of difficulty urinating. It also means the patient can become mobile again sooner. Speaking of which, we encourage women to get out of bed and move around as soon as possible after a C-section. Chewing gum Eating and drinking early after surgery can help the return of bowel function, and studies have shown myimessenger.com

that chewing gum can have the same effect. We may recommend you chew gum if you are nauseated or not hungry after your procedure. Multimodal pain relief To help reduce opioid use because of the associated risks, especially in breastfeeding women, we’ve begun to use a combination of non-opioid medications to help control your pain along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as Motrin or acetaminophen. In a recent study, a team of UT Southwestern providers including senior author Elaine Duryea, M.D., found that NSAIDs can effectively control pain after a C-section and may increase breastfeeding rates. Prior to July 2020, women who had C-sections at Parkland Memorial Hospital traditionally received a morphine patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device for 12 hours after delivery. The device allows patients to self-administer opioid pain medication as needed. After 12 hours, patients would start receiving NSAIDs as needed based on their pain rating. In July 2020, after discussions with the obstetrics anesthesia team, Ob/ Gyns at Parkland changed to a new C-section multimodal pain management protocol in which NSAIDs became the frontline medication and opioids were given only when needed based on a patient’s pain rating. The researchers – including anesthesiologists, Ob/Gyns, and nurses – compared data from before and after the transition to the new protocol. They found that women who had frontline NSAIDs used approximately 4 times less morphine during their stay, reported less pain, and had a similar length of stay at the hospital. Approximately 9% of patients in the multimodal group who wanted to exclusively breastfeed required formula supplementation compared to 12% in the traditional group. myimessenger.com

A new protocol for patients after they have had a C-section can help ease their recovery.

How we hope moms benefit from ERAS One of the main intentions when ERAS was developed was to reduce the time patients had to stay in the hospital, which is a worthy goal for most surgical procedures. But for C-sections, we don’t necessarily want to send patients home right away for a couple reasons. First, there is your baby. Pediatricians often want to watch the baby over the course of a day or two to make sure they are adjusting to life outside the womb, gaining weight, and learning to breastfeed. Also, patients may have conditions such as preeclampsia or chorioamnionitis, a bacterial infection that can occur before or during labor. These patients should not go home right away regardless of how quickly they recover from surgery. Second, some literature indicates

Credit: CDC

ERAS protocols might increase breastfeeding rates. This is likely because the patient feels better. She can get up and around faster and focus on breastfeeding instead of post-op pain or complications. Our main goal in implementing ERAS is to improve our patients’ experience, both under our care and during recovery. This is why, for example, we try to offer a “gentle C-section,” which brings elements of a vaginal delivery into the operating room. While obstetrics and gynecology may not have the amount of data other surgical specialties have regarding ERAS benefits for C-section patients, we’re starting to catch up. Cesarean sections are among the most common surgical procedures performed on women – improving the patient experience is always top of mind. July 8, 2022

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July 8, 2022

What Did We Expect? THE LAST WORD BY DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX

As soon as the Supreme Court announced its decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, a decision that allowed states, not the federal government to legislate women’s bodily autonomy and right to choose, those who support abortion rights took it to the streets. They gathered with enthusiasm fueled by outrage that a right established nearly fifty years ago has been snatched back. They gathered outside the Supreme Court, and at state capitals and state courts, angrily chanting “we won’t go back.” They have pressured the White House, imploring President Biden to do something to preserve abortion rights at the federal level. They have rightfully excoriated Maine Senator Susan Collins (R), who voted to confirm all three of the most recent conservative justices Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Comey Barret, saying that she believed them when they asserted, under oath, that they believed that Roe was a precedent that could not be overruled. I agree that the Dobbs decision was wrong and infringes on women’s bodily autonomy. But I wonder what those who took it to the streets expected when the a terrible trio joined the Supreme court. Rabid Republicans have been trying to overturn the Roe decision for decades, July 8, 2022

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mistakenly describing themselves as “pro- life.” They support life in the womb but not in the world, failing to fund Medicare expansion, the child tax credit, affordable and quality housing and education, and other things that support a quality of life for children and their parents. Taking it to the streets after the fact may be emotionally satisfying and movement-galvanizing, but it is too little too late. As soon as the three conservative joined the court, Roe was bound to be overturned. Instead of acting and strategizing, activists are impotently reacting. The only way Dobbs can be reversed now is to both expand the Supreme Court and elect people at the state level that will support women’s bodily autonomy. The Dobbs decision has racial reverberations. Black women are lower income than others, and more likely to have abortions, mostly for economic reasons. Many are mothers of several children and simply cannot afford one more. The removal of their bodily autonomy

has economic consequences for women when unwanted pregnancies can cause interruptions in education and employment. While laws exist to prevent discrimination against pregnant women, these laws are often unevenly enforced, and women of modest means often lack the resources to bring this discrimination to court. Women of modest means may also face barriers in traveling to get an abortion in a state that allows them. Missing work, paying for services and paying for transportation can cost as much as a thousand dollars. Some employers, like Starbucks, Yelp, Microsoft, PayPal say they will pay up to $4000 for employees who must leave the state to get an abortion. But do women really want their employers to know the details of their health status? Voting has consequences, which seems to be why the Senate has been so opposed to passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. Instead, states have passed legislation to chip away at voting rights, passing new restrictions, gerrymandering,

and worse. What if the outcry of outrage about finding for Dobbs had been directed, months ago, toward the Senate’s failure to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. Then, perhaps, we might be in a better position to preserve abortion rights, and other rights. Unfortunately the same women who decry the loss of their bodily autonomy thought so little of voting autonomy that they failed to turn out in droves when both the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the Freedom to Vote Act failed in the Senate. Now, Democrats are hoping that the Dobbs decision will motivate people to get out and vote for Democrats. But Democrats have been asleep at the wheel, trying so hard to mollify Republicans in the name of compromise that they’ve turned off those who want more immediate action. President Biden has been leading the party since January of 2021. Why has nothing been done since Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an author, economist, and social commentator.

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July 8, 2022

Judge Making Beauty History With Invention

By Stephenetta (isis) Harmon

Shequitta Kelly is not your run-of-the-mill judge. By day, the Dallas County Criminal Court judge helps prevent youth from becoming mainstays in the criminal justice system. But, when she’s not in her court gown, she is making history as a beauty entrepreneur. Kelly is the mastermind behind the Hair Shield, a patent-pending invention designed to help beauty consumers protect their weaves and wigs. “It’s a satin-lined protective case for you to store your hair extensions and your wigs so that you can reuse them,” Kelly told Texas Metro News. “It’s like a bonnet for your extensions.” Once her patent clears, Kelly will become one of a dozen Black women in history to ever hold a hair patent. Her invention is for people who have been putting extensions in the wrong places, like drawers, bags, and shoe boxes. When not stored properly, “they get damaged, dry out, and you can’t reuse them.” This can be an expensive pain point for many. “Wigs, alone, cost $400- $500, easily,” Kelly said. “And that’s the low end.” Kelly knows firsthand as she has invested thousands of dollars in extensions over the years. “As a professional woman, I have to look my best. My grandma raised me, ‘If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you do good.’” July 8, 2022

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And she’s not alone. Beauty is big business, especially for Black women who spend upwards of $500 billion yearly on beauty purchases — including hair. “It’s an expensive industry and we are just pouring into it,” she added. But even with financial success, Kelly admitted that she likes to save coins more than spend them. And hair was, literally, on the chopping block. From Judge To Entrepreneur Her breaking point came while trying to piece her ex-

tensions that were falling apart back together before a hair appointment. After a few hours of Googling acceptable ways to save her pricey hair pieces, she started drawing out and sewing her very first shield. “I’m not a beautician, but it just makes sense to me,” Kelly said. After realizing it worked, she made a second, better one. A couple of her friends in merchandising noted that there was nothing on the market like it and encouraged her to get it manufactured. “I had no intentions of being an entrepreneur on top

Judge Shequitta Kelly

Credit: LMG Imagery

of being a full-time judge,” she explained, but their response was convincing. She researched resources and invested in a lawyer to file a provisional patent for her invention. She also learned that entrepreneurship can be quite humbling. “I’m a book-smart person. If you give me the book, I will read it. I can apply it,” said Kelly. “Entrepreneurship isn’t like that. It’s really trial and error — and there’ve been a lot of errors!” She experienced setbacks while getting her logo designed and teaching herself how to make a pattern. Her biggest challenges were finding a manufacturer and getting to an affordable price point — for her and her product. “To get the price that I wanted, I had to up the quantity,” she said. Kelly ended up with 1,000 Hair Shields and no customers. “I just had way too much because people didn’t know what the Hair Shield was. So, it was me trying to just get them to buy it. First, you’ve got to explain what it is. Then, you’ve got to convince them that they need it. And, I’m not a salesperson. I’m a judge!” Fortunately, she found her footing with the help of her husband, who happens to be in sales. Today, her consumer base has grown from friends and family to virtual strangers looking for a beauty fix. That, Kelly said, has been her greatest reward. “That is something I made in my little bitty closet, just because I was myimessenger.com

Judge Shequitta Kelly's invention: The Hair Shield

Credit: Instagram

Shequitta Kelly is set to become one of a dozen Black women to ever hold a hair patent. having a moment […] And, so to know that my little baby is now being purchased all over the world — I’ve gotten people to purchase my product from overseas. And, to see that they believe. They’re like, ‘Hey yeah, this is a great idea. Not only that, I need it.’ That’s myimessenger.com

been so rewarding.” Making An Impact As she grows her beauty empire, Kelly is focused on her brand becoming a household name. “I want my Hair Shield to be known just like the wave cap or Kleenex,” she

said. She also looks forwards to offering a full haircare lineup. “I want the Hair Shield [brand] to expand, to be more of a haircare product — not just for extensions, but for your own hair,” Kelly shared. Kelly, the judge, is now

comfortable as Kelly, the entrepreneur. But, she’s not building a brand to quit her job. She’s building a brand to help consumers save money and to bring money back into the community. “I hope to one day be able to use the Hair Shield as a brand that pours back into my community,” said Kelly. “As it grows, I can start employing people from within the community. “I understand what it’s like to struggle and need a good job. I want to be that person that gives them a good job. And if it’s through the Hair Shield, oh my God, that’d be such a blessing.” Learn more about the Hair Shield at thehairshield.com. July 8, 2022

Brittney Griner Writes President Joe Biden Seeking Help By Dorothy J. Gentry Sports Editor

Brittney Griner recently wrote a letter directly to President Joe Biden and the White House pleading for their help in freeing her from Russia. The WNBA star who plays for the Phoenix Mercury, has been detained since early February in a Moscow airport reportedly over drug charges. Griner, a nineyear WNBA veteran, has played for the Russian women’s professional basketball team, UMMC Ekaterinburg, for the past seven years during the league’s off-season. Representatives of the 31-year-old Griner released excerpts of the reportedly handwritten letter on Monday, July 4, per ESPN’s T.J. Quinn. Below are excerpts of the letter: “I’m terrified I might be here forever…I realize you are dealing with so much, but please don’t forget about me and the other detainees…Please do all you can to bring us home.” “On the 4th of July, our family normally honJuly 8, 2022

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ors the service of those men who fought for our freedom, including my father who is a Vietnam War Veteran,” another excerpt read. “It hurts thinking about how I

terrified I might be here forever.” “I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I believe in you. I still have so much good to do with my freedom

Brittney Griner

Photo: Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images

usually celebrate this day because freedom means something completely different to me this year... as I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m

that you can help restore. I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know they are suffering so much right now. I am grateful for whatever you can do at this moment to get me home.” Per ESPN’s Quinn, Griner’s representative said

they would not release the entire letter or detail how it got to the White House. Since her detention, Griner has been allowed to send and receive monitored notes to friends and family through her Russian attorneys. Per reports, the White House National Security Council confirmed the White House has received Griner’s letter. “We believe the Russian Federation is wrongfully detaining Brittney Griner,” NSC spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said Monday. “President Biden has been clear about the need to see all U.S. nationals who are held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad released, including Brittney Griner. The U.S. government continues to work aggressively -- using every available means -- to bring her home.” Griner’s trial began on Friday, July 1 with her appearance in court and is scheduled to continue Thursday. She is charged with trying to smuggle hashish oil into Russia. Per reports, Griner myimessenger.com

“We believe the Russian Federation is wrongfully detaining Brittney Griner,” NSC spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said Monday. “President Biden has been clear about the need to see all U.S. nationals who are held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad released, including Brittney Griner. The U.S. government continues to work aggressively -- using every available means -- to bring her home.” has not entered a plea but there is talk that she may plead guilty, knowing that Russian officials would require an admission of guilt as part of any deal to send her home. House of Representatives Pass Resolution In addition to playing in the WNBA and overseas, Griner competes as part of Team USA Women’s Basketball and won gold medals in the 2016 and 2021 Olympics. Like most WNBA players, she plays basketball overseas in the offseason, most recently in Russia. Since being detained she has received an outpouring of support from teammates, athletes of other sports, entertainment personalities and various government officials advocating for her release. Last month the House of Representatives yesterday passed H.Res. myimessenger.com

1132, Rep. Greg Stanton’s bipartisan resolution calling on the Russian government to immediately release Griner and expressing support for efforts made by the U.S. government to secure her release. “Not a day goes by that we aren’t thinking of Brittney and working to get her home,” said Stanton. “We will continue to push for her release and make sure that she is not forgotten.” “I’m grateful for this overwhelming show of support from Congress. We need to be doing all we can to keep Brittney’s case on the forefront and finally put an end to this nightmare,” said Cherelle Griner, Brittney’s wife. “This resolution sends a clear message: securing Brittney’s release must be the highest priority of the U.S. Government, and we know the

American people support every effort made to bring her home,” said Terri Carmichael Jackson, executive director of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association. Stanton introduced the resolution last month with Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee and Colin Allred of Texas. Griner grew up in Houston, Texas and graduated from Baylor University. In May the U.S. Department of State released a statement saying they considered Griner to be wrongfully detained by the Russian Federation, which means the Department, led by the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, will seek to negotiate her release.

tance” of Griner to the league. Griner’s initials and jersey number (#42) are featured along the sideline of all 12 WNBA courts. The Mercury, Griner’s team for nine years, has been granted both roster and salary cap relief so that it can carry a replacement player until Griner, who will be paid her full salary, returns home and is ready to get back on the court. The league has also named Griner as an honorary All-Star for the 2022 season and she will be honored at this weekend’s All-Star activities in Chicago. Additionally, every WNBA market will support “BG’s Heart and Sole Shoe Drive,” which is in partnership with the Phoenix Rescue WNBA Honors Griner Mission. Griner foundThe WNBA are using ed the initiative in 2016 their 26th season to “ac- to support the homeless knowledge the impor- population. July 8, 2022

Reflections on America’s Independence Observance OUR VOICES DR. JOHN E. WARREN

Because of where America stands today on the ever present issue of race, the following reflections are offered from the first two paragraphs of the Declaration of Independence, signed July 4, 1776. First, the Preamble, which has much bearing on where we stand today as a nation: “When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, they should declare the causes which impel them to separation…” The Republican Party and all its state affiliates seeking to abolish voting and civil rights, have provided living proof that the political “Bands” they are

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connected to do not include us, as people of color. The voter suppression laws, murder of Black people by law enforcement and the biased prision sentences for the murder of Black people such as that given to Derek Chauvin, are clear proof that there is no belief that “that all men are created equal and that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Before we get too excited about the cookouts and holiday celebrations with fireworks across this great land, let us reflect on some of the words of Frederick Douglass which appear elsewhere in this issue as his Fourth of July Speech of 1852 in Rochester, New York. Let’s look at Independence as being incomplete because of the disparity that Douglass found between Black and White. Today such disparities exist at every level, in spite of the efforts of so many whites who have joined with Black people in the struggle. Douglass asked in his speech: “Are the great princi-

ples of political freedom and natural justice, embodied in that Declaration of Independence extended to us?” It would appear that in 160 years, many of his questions remain unanswered. The inequality of slavery still exists today in the minds and

Frederick Douglass

behavior of many Americans who cannot accept that America is a melting pot of all nations. ”Out of many, one”. That melting pot includes people of color. The key requirement is that we as people of color must never accept less than equality in all things. While we may not technically be slaves, as reminded by the recent declaration of Juneteenth as a federal holiday, many of us are still mental slaves to mediocrity and the acceptance of less than what we should have. If some of us remain slaves to inequality and injustice, then the following question Douglass raised is appropriate today: “What to the American slave, is your 4th of July? I answer; a day that reveals to him, more than all other days

in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. To him your celebration is a sham, your shout of liberty and equality, hollow mockery; your prayers and hymns, your sermons and thanksgivings, with all your religious parade and solemnity, are to him, mere bombast, fraud, deception, impiety, and hypocrisy — a thin veil to cover crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages.” In conclusion: what should we do? We should review the America to whom Frederick Douglass spoke. We should weigh against his words how far we have come. We should celebrate Juneteenth; the 13th,14th and 15th amendments; the Emancipation Proclamation, which had not been thought of when he wrote this speech; Civil rights, Voting Rights and Equal Employment Opportunity as well as an integrated armed forces. While we are remembering and celebrating the U.S. Supreme Court Decision of Brown vs. Board of Education, let us remember that our schools are more segregated now than ever before. Yes, we can take some time out to celebrate that which we should have already enjoyed, as stated elsewhere here. What is the 4th of July? That which I must still fight for to make real in the lives of those who look like me. Dr. John E. Warren is publisher of The San Diego Voice and Viewpoint.

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The Road Less Traveled FAITHFUL UTTERANCES BY DR. FROSWA BOOKER-DREW

Driving to the Austin area is something I can do with my eyes closed. Jumping on I-35 is very familiar and comfortable. Even without a GPS, I know where I’m going. On this visit, I traveled to some areas that required my GPS and without hesitation, I trusted the map to take me to the desired locations. On my way back home, I selected the fastest route as an option. I believed that the GPS would take me on the familiar stretch of road, I-35, and without any trepidation, I followed the path. Initially, I thought I was going out of the way just for a bit to avoid traffic but when I found myself on isolated county roads, I became concerned. It was especially frightening when the police had blocked off the path I was supposed to take, and I had to go another way that was even more remote. I was traveling through farm areas that had no housing nearby and towns that had less than a thousand residents. I did not see anyone who looked like me and as a Black woman traveling these backroads with little myimessenger.com

descriptors to tell others where I was, it caused a lot of anxiety. As the map brought me closer to I-35, I became elated because where I thought I was headed initially became closer to my reach. When I approached the access road for the highway, I had not only avoided traffic through Austin, but these backroads took me almost a hundred miles around the major highway. I still reached my destination, but it wasn’t the way I wanted to go or planned when I started this trip. I learned so much from this experience about walking with God: 1.Blind faith only lasts so long. I trusted the GPS without paying attention to the route. Many of us trust God because it’s tradition. Grandma did it. Momma made you go to church. It was the thing to do on Sundays. The danger in this is that you are relying on someone’s experience instead of building your own relationship with God. If you don’t have a relationship with God, when life gets tough, it is easy to walk away because you haven’t developed your personal walk—you’ve relied on tradition and not God’s truth. “Therefore, hear the parable of the sower: …

This is he who received seed by the wayside. But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful….” (Matthew 13:3-23) 2.God will take you places that you didn’t imagine. On the start of my trip, I had no idea that I would travel through places I had never seen or even heard of. I reached my destination but going through that experience reminded me that we always want control but when we ask God to order our steps, we must be prepared to go places that take us down roads that are often uncomfortable and even unfamiliar. “I will lead blind Israel down a new path, guiding them along an unfamiliar way. I will brighten the darkness before them and smooth out the road ahead of

them. Yes, I will indeed do these things; I will not forsake them.” (Isaiah 42:16) 3.Despite my fear, my faith reminded me that God was there with me. Even in my moments of feeling so alone in the middle of nowhere, God was present. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 6:8) 4.Your road to travel in life might be lonely. “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14) No matter how much uncertainty you are facing as you travel through life, know that God is in control and will bring you over, through, and out to the other side. Do your part: trust, believe, and watch God work. Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is the Founder and CEO of Soulstice Consultancy, specializing as a Partnership Broker and Leadership Expert for companies and organizations to thrive with measurable and meaningful impact. She also is the VP of Community Affairs and Strategic Alliances for the State Fair of Texas.

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

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

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

ALREADY GEAR

Already Gear can help you with advertising and promoting your company, organization or family’s image on various items for gifts or giveaways. You can bring in your own logo/art design or use their in-house graphics team. Already Gear can imprint your logo/ art design on t-shirts, apparel, bags, trophies, awards, writing instruments, watches, and other promotional products. Check Reginald Beaudoin out at www. alreadygear.com.

GRACEFUL SOLES DANCE STUDIO

Happy anniversary to Graceful Soles Dance Studio. Started in 2012 by Makaia Gatson, in order to provide an affordable place of dance expression and life mentorship for aspiring Graceful Soles dance provides a variety of myimessenger.com

instructional dance classes including ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, lyrical, and line dance for ages three through adult. 6905 K AVE, SUITE 210 PLANO, TEXAS 972-598-3670 https://gracefulsolesdance.com/

PJ EDUCATION GROUP

PJ Education’s goal is to support the next generation of educators to increase academic success within our community; through leadership programs, innovative programs, and recruitment and retention programs. Under the leadership of Edna Jean Pemberton, PJ Education is your academic partner for research and retail, advocating for access to lead educational materials and resources that equip and empower educators and educate and elevate students for academic success. Call (972) 499-5229 www.https://pje.group/

THE SILENT PARTNER

The Silent Partner specializes in Tour/Event Marketing and Management. As the owner, President and General Manager, Allison C. Tucker, Jr. has the magic touch in the development, management and marketing of urban entertainment and special events. Find out about the big concerts coming to your area. Visit www. thesilentpartner.biz

LARKSPUR LANE EVENTS

Sharde Redmon is the owner and founder of Larkspur Lane Events, an event planning company based in Rowlett, TX, that services the Dallas-Fort Worth

area. Larkspur Lane Events was founded in 2017 with the mission to execute the perfect experience for all clients. Schedule your consultation today at www.larkspurlaneevents.com

TEAM BAILEY FITNESS

Team Bailey Fitness is the energetically trained duo Cedric and Schnequaw Bailey. They specialize in weight loss, weight gain, diet planning, endurance, strength training and toning. Together they have 20+ years of fitness knowledge and experience and take pride in their client’s success. Let this husband and wife team work with you for desired results. TBF Training Studio 3711 W. Camp Wisdom Rd. Dallas, TX 75237 info@teambaileyfitness.com Tel: (214) 694-6298

SANDRA CLARK MULTICULTURAL FUNERAL HOME

Sandra Clark Multicultural Funeral Home can help you whether you have just lost a loved one or if you’re anticipating the death of a loved one. They even provide services for your pets. The team has years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. 6029 South R.L. Thornton Dallas, TX 75232 (214) 371-2600 http://www.sandraclarkfuneralhome.com/ July 8, 2022

Superb Women June 2022

Our Superb Women!

Cheryl Smith By Cheryl Smith Texas Metro News

2021 was the "Year of the Woman," especially the Black Woman! For 10 months we dedicated this space to uplifting Black women and spreading a message that we need to show love and empower people with love instead of destroying them with hate and disrespect. We celebrate Black Women and call them SUPERB! AND WE ARE KEEPING THE CELEBRATION GOING IN 2022!

of the Regency International Pageant and will be competing in Las Vegas this July against other plus size women. As a plus size woman Maxcie is excited to use her platform to share encouragement with other curvy women and to inspire them to go after their dreams regardless of their size. Not only is she a pageant queen, Maxcie is also a social media strategist, and runs a B.R.A.N.D. Ambassador agency that teaches inspiring influencers how to develop their B.R.A.N.D. and monetize their Instagram account. A wife and mother, the mass communications major’s book, “Queen in Me” is on sale.

Me Famous” and “The Price of Fame series’ for The REELZ Channel. Also a former producer with USA networks and programming coordinator KXAS-TV/NBC-5, she is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. TERRI T. THOMAS Terri T. Thomas is vice president and community manager for Chase and she is a “hustler” in a positive way.

KIM CLEMONS Fun-loving, energetic and a joy to be around, Kim Dunn Clemons is a wife and mother.

MAXCIE TAYLOR Maxcie Taylor is a speaker, author, B.R.A.N.D. Ambassador Coach

Kim Dunn Clemons hails from Santa Cruz, CA where she attended Santa Cruz High School and graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in Radio, TV and Film Production. Kim is currently a Showrunner/ Here she is Ms. Curve Texas ’22! Yes, Writer at AMS PICTURES in Dallas – producing Maxcie Taylor recently won this title as part “Murder Made Me Famous,” “Scandal Made July 8, 2022

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For the past 19 years she has held several positions from branch manager to vice president and she is about the community and helping clients improve their personal finances. Terri has a BA in Business Administration and Management from Austin College and she studied her junior year abroad at the La Universidad de Salamanca. A founding member, she is also a board member of the Collin County Black Chamber of Commerce. We especially like that she worked with From Your Heart Ministries to provide dental cleanings to youth in Uganda. And, she has done so much more, including with the North Texas Jobs Corp. myimessenger.com

SHANIA WILHITE Shania Wilhite is energetic and a gogetter. She wants to focus on community health, environmental safety and curbing gentrification.

in Journalism with honors (Summa Cum Laude) and she received her Masters Degree from New York University. Yes! She’s an NABJ Baby!!! Her impressive career includes stints at The Root, Black Entertainment Television, Mic, The Movement and NBC News. She specializes in content around social justice, identity and culture. Erin calls herself an amateur cook, but everything she undertakes, she masters! Erin currently resides in Brooklyn but her heart remains in her hometown of Dallas, TX!

Community College, Spelman College and Cornell University where she received a MRP in City and Regional Planning. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Hope’s specialties include: Project Management, Pre-Development, Brainstorming, Proposal A recent graduate of Texas A&M Concept & Design, Troubleshooting, Conflict University-Commerce with a degree in public Resolution, Mediation, Community Relations, health, Shania attended the School of Health Public Relations and Networking. Professions at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center. Shania is a community ERIN E. EVANS coordinator for the DEC Network where she You have to check out some of Erin E. Evans’ is responsible for membership and guest insightful, thought-provoking pieces. @ experience, event planning, and facilitates heyerinevans or www.erinevans.me support as well as operational support at the DEC@RedBird. Shania is interested in Animal Welfare • Arts and Culture • Civil Rights and Social Action • Disaster and Humanitarian Relief • Environment • Health • Human Rights • Politics. HOPE ANGELA IRETI HART She’s a student of life and an activist. Hope Angela Ireti Hart is constantly evolving and leaving places better than she found them. An Urban Planning & Community/ Economic Development Consultant, she has enjoyed stints at U.S. Small Business Administration and Prospector Works. Hope Angela Ireti Hart hails from Oak Cliff and graduated from Justin F. Kimble High School. She received a BA degree in Urban Studies/Africana Studies from Vassar College. Hope also studied at Mountain View myimessenger.com

TONYAA WEATHERSBEE A Florida native,Tonyaa Weathersbee writes and edits projects, speeches and scripts, as well as lecture on topics ranging from politics, social justice and the craft of journalism to issues on Cuba, Latin America and the African diaspora.

Tonyaa Weathersbee is the metro columnist for The Commercial Appeal, the major newspaper of Memphis, Tenn. Journalist Tonyaa Weathersbee is the bomb. A long-time member of the National Association of Black Journalists, and award-winning journalist, Tonyaa earned a master’s degree in mass communication Currently a senior enterprise editor at with a concentration in international/ HuffPost, where she manages a team of intercultural communications and a BS reporters and critics who write about arts Degree in Journalism from the University and entertainment; Erin Evans is a graduate of Florida. Hailing from Jacksonville, she of Howard University with a BA Degree graduated from William M. Raines High

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School and she has participated in numerous fellowships. She is a self-professed “expert in Afro-Caribbean culture, a Florida Gator and Jacksonville Jaguar fan and mom to 2 kitties!”

Dr. India Stewart enjoyed stints at Dallas College, UTD, Catholic Charities Fort Worth, Center for Transforming Lives, UNT, Texas Women’s Foundation, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and Resource Center of Dallas. A self-described practical idealist, Dr. India is a sociology professor and community advocate committed to building the equitable future we all deserve. She has served on the Boards of AIDS Interfaith Network, Mental Health America of Greater Dallas, and LifeNet Community Behavioral Healthcare. She also volunteers with Dallas Dinner Table, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Transfer Advisory Subcommittee. She has a Ph.D. in Public Affairs, MS in Applied Sociology, and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from UT Dallas, and a BA in Government and International Affairs from Augustana University.

MADISON CHASE Madison Chase is a trainer, host, author, motivational speaker and ambassador for helping you be your Best You.

PR and RonSean Productions, LLC. Hailing from Dallas, LaShirl currently resides in Cali and she’s making things happen internationally. She is the president and lead publicist representing celebrities and professional athletes in the entertainment and sports industry. LaShirl received a BA degree in Communications, Public Relations and Advertising from the University of North MICHELLE BROWN Texas. A consummate professional LaShirl Scholarship, sisterhood and service. has branched off into the world of producing That’s what Michelle Brown is about. She so we’ll be seeing a lot more of her in the embodies the true meaning of sisterhood. future and we salute her because she is the epitome of Black Girl Magic!

A Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts alum and a trained classical ballerina, Madison Chase studied at The Juilliard School. She is CEO and Founder at Madison Chase Fitness, DR. INDIA STEWART Celebrity Fitness Expert at Madison Chase Fitness and World’s Only 3X Miss Fitness Dr. India Stewart is an educator, Champion at ESPN. Madison represented philanthropist and artist. Her work speaks Richardson in the Miss America Pageant volumes. and she also previously hosted a live weekly fitness segment, “Workout Wednesday.” Her articles have been published in Eclipse Magazine, www.eurweb.com, www. dallasblack.com, www.eclipsedfw.com, Heart & Soul Magazine, Oxygen, Muscle and Fitness Hers publications. https://www.youtube.com/ As the director of the Blazing Southwest watch?v=gJh23paKqHo Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Michelle Brown has an awesome task and LASHIRL SMITH she serves with grace and love. She is a LaShirl Smith represents some of the hottest recipient of the highest award bestowed by in the business and she is all about results the National Association of Pretrial Services and putting her clients first. Agencies (NAPSA) – the Ennis J. Olgiatti LaShirl Smith is the Boss Lady at Group Award for lifetime achievement in the field of July 8, 2022

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SYMPHONY PARSON LOWE pretrial services. Michelle served as National President of NAPSA, 2004-2006 and is the Symphony Parson Lowe is full of energy, only African American woman to have ever love and about making this world a better received this award. She is also the founder place! of the Texas Association of Pretrial Officers and retired as the Tarrant County Pretrial Services Director after an impressive tour of duty that expanded more than 20 years. Michelle is a past president and current member of the Fort Worth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. JUDGE TONYA PARKER Honorable Tonya Parker is highly respected and widely honored for her work on the bench and in the community.

Symphony Parson Lowe studied broadcast journalism at Florida A&M University, where she was initiated into the Beta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. A resident of Midlothian, Symphony is active in the community, working to bring about fairness, equity, inclusion and justice. She’s doing everything from leading marches to feeding the homeless and distributing food kits. Symphony is an NABJ/DFW-ABJ Baby having participated in the DFW-ABC (J) Judge Tonya Parker was elected Judge Urban Journalism Workshop as a high school of the 116th Judicial District Court in student. In addition to stints at Break of 2010 and has held the position in 2011. Day Design, Hanley Wood, American Heart She has also served twice as the Presiding Association and Sharecare, she also worked Judge for the Dallas County Civil District for Service Broadcasting (K104/KKDA/ Courts. Judge Parker has also served as the KRNB) and today she is an event planner for president of the Texas Association of District 7-Eleven. Judges. The recipient of numerous awards, LAURA COBB HAYES Judge Parker has been a dedicated public servant and community leader. A member As the National Executive Director of The of the J.L. Turner Legal Association, Dallas Urban Specialists, Laura Cobb Hayes is Women Lawyers Association, Dallas Arts impacting so many lives! And soon, we will District Alliance, City of Dallas Community be calling her Dr. Laura Cobb Hayes! Previously Laura Cobb Hayes served as Development Commission, Dallas Bar Association Board, and more; the SMU Chief Executive Officer of The Learning Dedman School of Law graduate consistently Bridge, Chief Academic Officer and Vice President of Edison Learning, National receives high scores from her colleagues. myimessenger.com

Director of Foundations for New Leaders for New Schools, Director of Education for the Foundation for Community Empowerment, Senior Director for Texas Education Agency, educator in DISD, AND, a principal in Grand Prairie ISD. Certified in numerous disciplines, the UNT Masters Degree graduate also served as president of Head Start of Greater Dallas (first Black female elected!), Advisory Board member of Dallas Children’s Theater and Board Member of Big Brothers Big Sister of Greater Dallas and also Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and Links, Inc and she may not know Karate, but she knows Taekwondo! STEPHANIE WARD Stephanie Ward is super-talented, smart, meticulous, beautiful and creative. The world would be so much better if she had more time to put her dynamic writing skills in motion again! She’s a California Girl, hailing from Oakland where she attended Carver Vocational-Technical High School, and when she arrived in Dallas working for the Dallas Morning News, she was on her job, she was in the community and she was involved! The San Francisco State University alum then opened Stephanie’s Collections, a beautiful art gallery in North Dallas that drew people July 8, 2022

SHARON DOUGLAS a BA Degree in Business Administration Sharon Douglas is the sole owner of Potere and Management, she was Basileus of her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. After several Construction LLC with offices in Fort Worth, years in corporate America, Dana took her TX and Atlanta, GA. talents to the world, as an on-air talent for Bobbcat Films, as a speaker/emcee/host and moderator, as a columnist for Examiner. com and for the past decade as the principal owner of the inHERface Group. She’s appeared on CBS’s “The Amazing Race,” and Fine Living Channel’s “All Girl Getaways,” and so much more.

from all over for her quality products and services. There was always something going on at Stephanie’s! Stephanie has enjoyed stints at Spicewood Designs, New Lime Media and Gift for Moms.

PATRICIA BUTCHER BARTON Patricia Butcher Barton is a wife, mother, daughter, sister, writer, author, poet, retired licensed vocational nurse.

Sharon Douglas is a graduate of HustonTillotson College in Austin, TX with a B.A. in Business Administration. Sharon also DANA DAVIS studied Military Science Transportation at She is “Living everyday with Purpose, The University Texas of Austin and later Passion, and Promise,” and Dana Davis is served in the United States Army as a Second enjoying every moment! She’s a star! Lieutenant; serving two years active duty and 12 years in the Army Reserve. While serving as a Captain in the Army Reserve, Sharon trained cadets at The University of Toledo and continued her education in the Master’s Program for Human Resources Education Technology at The University of Retired from Southwestern Bell, Patricia Toledo and the University of Iowa. Sharon Butcher Barton hails from Corsicana, TX also attended the University of Dallas where where she attended G.W. Jackson High she studied Architectural Technology. She’s a School and later continued her education at member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Mountain View College. A best-selling author, CANDACE T WARREN this community servant is an absolute joy to (MAHOGANY THEARTIST) be with and around. She has been a writer of poetry and prose since childhood. A wife Jazz artist Candace T. Warren is a selfand mother, she has served as a mentor described “lover of all things good, mom, and source of inspiration and support to creator, soldier, flower, thinker and a Dana Davis is multi-talented and multi- so many. In Faithful Remembrances, which creative mind.” Candace T. Warren (Mahogany TheArtist) is faceted. Hailing from Los Angeles CA she co-wrote with her daughter, LaJuana, where she went to Los Angeles Senior readers find words that are consoling and the host of Jazz Fusion 411 with Mahogany, High. She then went on to the University of empowering as she helps them cope with at 411 Radio Network. The minister of music at Forest Avenue Missionary Baptist California, Santa Cruz and while obtaining life as they deal with grief. July 8, 2022

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knowledgeable. The Chief Administrative Officer at Paul Quinn College, Kizuwanda Gayden Grant, received her doctorate in higher education from the University of North Texas. She is also the Senior Director of Compliance Title IX Coordinator at Paul Quinn. Prior to attending UNT, Grant studied mathematics education at Columbia University, Teachers College and Grambling State University. A brilliant speaker, Dr. Grant is a leader and a team player. She is result-oriented and a joy to work with.

Art Museum of Fort Worth and Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. HON. CHARLETTA ROGERS COMPTON Hon. Charletta Rogers Compton is the president of Rogers & Associates, Creative Productions.

HONORABLE KATHLEEN HICKS Church, she is also the owner-operator at The Honorable Kathleen Hicks is a born Jazz BeCuzz. Hailing from Richardson, TX, leader. A fierce advocate and champion of she is a graduate of Lloyd V. Berkner High the people, she speaks truth to power. School and studied interdisciplinary Music Studies at Berklee College of Music. She also taught piano and voice at Texas School of Performing Arts and Candace is the former minister of music at Hill Chapel CME Church. KIZUWANDA GAYDEN GRANT, PH.D. She’s brilliant. Talk about analytical, meticulous and always prepared. That’s Dr. Kizuwanda Gayden Grant.

Kathleen Hicks served as a City Councilmember for the City of Fort Worth and was the youngest woman ever elected to the Fort Worth City Council. She eventually served as Mayor Pro-Tem. Currently the executive director of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Tarrant County, she is a member of the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Kathleen attended Mount Holyoke where she received a bachelor’s degree in politics She’s an educator’s educator and advocate. and then a Masters degree in International She’s a student’s voice and motivator. That’s Relations from the University of Nottingham. because she is passionate, focused and Her board service includes the Modern myimessenger.com

Dallas College Board of Trustees member Charletta Rogers Compton received her associates degree from Mountain View College and her Bachelors of Business Administration from Dallas Baptist University. She also received her certification as a contract compliance administrator. She has an extensive portfolio serving on the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, Kimball United Neighborhood Association, Southwest Dallas Neighborhood Association, Dallas County Heritage Society, University of North Texas at Dallas Long-range Planning Team, North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency, Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau, Dallas Together Forum and Association of Community College. She has received the Minority Business News’ Women Who Mean Business 2000 Award; D/FW Minority Business Development Council & Minority Business News’ 1997 Helping Hands Award; and the Dallas County Heritage Society’s Heritage Award. July 8, 2022

DR. PORCHIA JAMES There’s so much to Dr. Porchia James. She’s a veteran, a dentist, a member Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, and more!

Communities Foundation of Dallas. She has enjoyed stints in leadership as a principal fellow, an assistant principal and school principal for Dallas ISD. Sharon received her BBA from Jackson State University, a BS in Elementary Education and Teaching from University of Missouri-Saint Louis and a Master of Education – MEd, Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of North Texas. She has additional Texas Education Agency certifications in Elementary Education – Early Childhood – 4th grade teacher and English as a Second Language Early Childhood and School dedicated to healing hearts and bringing Principal. souls closer to Christ through dance!” Candice served as the official choreographer BRENDA KING MURPHY for The Black Academy of Arts & Letters’ Yes, Brenda King Murphy can take care of Emmy-nominated program, “The Civil Rights your taxes! She’s the owner of B&B Tax Concert” that aired on CBS. For workshops, Services! bootcamps, speaking engagements, dance ministry consultations, appearances & more, please contact: 469.231.4482 or ordered. steps@yahoo.com.

Dr. Porchia James is an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon and owner of About Face Oral & Facial Surgery. She was an assistant professor in oral & maxillofacial surgery at Meharry Medical College where SHARON CROCKETTshe was also the chief resident and she served ALEXANDER as a general dentist in the United Air Force. Dr. James received a BS Degree in Chemistry Looking for an educator who is passionate from Xavier University of Louisiana, a DDS about children and their learning experience, (Doctorate of Dental Surgery) from Meharry meet Sharon Crockett-Alexander. Medical College, and an AEDG-1 from US AirForce. She’s smart, talented, beautiful and this member Delta Sigma Theta Sorority can put a smile on your face! CANDICE ORDERED STEPS JOHNSON Candice Ordered Steps Johnson serves as a motivational speaker, mentor and workshop leader, helping others to discover their own conversation through PRAISE! The owner and CEO of Bingeworthy Books, Candice Ordered Steps Johnson attended Duncanville High School and she is an author, choreographer and entrepreneur. She is the Artistic Director of the awardSharon Crockett-Alexander is the winning Ordered Steps Productions Dance Company, which is a “body of Believers director of Additional Days School Year at July 8, 2022

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Introducing a Diva—Brenda King Murphy! She’s stylish, loving and a consummate professional; always doing something for somebody! Dallas’ own Brenda King Murphy attended Franklin D. Roosevelt High School. When she walks into a room she turns heads! Brenda is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and community servant leader. A life member of the National Council of Negro Women, Brenda holds leadership organizations in several organizations, including Top Ladies of Distinction. She has received numerous awards for her service and leadership. myimessenger.com

DR. MYRNA DARTSON The talented and loving Myrna Dartson, Ph.D is a sought-after speaker, professor contributing author and more!

who’s been married for 62 years! Such a loving person, she was a mentor and source of support and inspiration to so many. If you didn’t know better, you would think that she was an alumnus of Southern University because she has been so supportive of the school. Also a loyal supporter of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Herdercine is known for being compassionate and knowledgeable. She doesn’t mince words and her opinion is valued. RASHEEDAH SMITH Rasheedah Smith is an Associate Banker with JP Morgan Case and she is totally committed to anything she undertakes.

Member, American Podiatric Medical Association, Dallas Podiatric Medical Association, and American Professional A psychologist by trade, Dallas native Wound Care Association. Extraordinarily Dr. Myrna Dartson studied educational talented, we’re looking forward to seeing psychology and Counseling Psychology at Dr. Dartson’s work on the big screen through Texas A&M University after receiving her Two Chix Flix Entertainment. undergraduate degree in psychology at Xavier University of Louisiana. Dr. Dartson HERDERCINE NASH was an adjunct professor at Paul Quinn A registered nurse and licensed massage College. She specializes in individual and therapist, Herdercine Nash cares about family therapy and psychological testing people and her community. (IQ, forensic, pain management). Dr. Dartson is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Knights of Peter Claver, Ladies Auxiliary. She is also a We need more Rasheedah Smiths, because classically trained pianist and vocalist. she builds meaningful relationships with clients aligning them with the knowledge, DR. MICAELA DARTSON tools, and resources, they seek, so that they Dr. Micaela Dartson is a Doctor, Producer, can make wise financial choices on how they Filmmaker, Screenwriter, Novelist, Former use and grow thier money, and build wealth Professor and Alpha Kappa Alpha Woman! for future generations. passionate about A Dallas native, Dr. Micaela Dartson life, she teaches fun and high energy spin graduated from High School for the Health classes and she is also a avid photographer Professions Magnet and attended Xavier and digital artist. Rasheedah has also University of Louisiana. After graduation she enjoyed stints at Fitness Connection as a attended Barry University School of Podiatric fitness instructor; at JuiceLand as a Manager; Medicine. Dr. Dartson previously taught at Hailing from Delhi, Louisiana, Herdercine Dallas College as an instructional assistant; Paul Quinn College. She is involved in the Nash graduated from Esther Toombs High and as a program assistant at 2M Research. community through several organizations School and studied Nursing at Howard Rasheedah is an NABJ/DFW-ABJ baby; including: Dallas Screenwriters Association, Community College/EL Centro College. having participated in the DFW-ABJ Urban Women In Film-Dallas, FAST Screenplay She’s a wife, mother and grandmother Journalism Workshop and she attended UTA. myimessenger.com

July 8, 2022

Team Uncovers Arrest Warrant for White Woman Who Lied About Emmett Till

Carolyn Bryant with her husband and children

By Stacy M. Brown

A search team has found the unserved warrant charging a white woman in the 1955 kidnapping of Emmett Till. The Associated Press reported that the team searched a Mississippi courthouse basement for evidence about the African American teenager’s lynching, and now relatives of the victim want authorities to finally arrest the woman nearly 70 years later. A warrant for the arrest of Carolyn Bryant Donham — identified as “Mrs. Roy Bryant” on the document — was discovered last week by searchers inside a file folder that had been placed in a box, Leflore County Circuit July 8, 2022

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Clerk Elmus Stockstill told The Associated Press. Stockstill told the outlet that documents are kept inside boxes by decade, but there was nothing else to indicate where the warrant, dated Aug. 29, 1955, might have been. “They narrowed it down between the ’50s and ’60s and got lucky,” said Stockstill, who certified the warrant as genuine. In March, President Joe Biden signed into law the Emmett Till Antilynching Act of 2022, which makes lynching a federal hate crime. Earlier, the bipartisan measure passed both chambers of Congress. Named after Emmett Till, a 14-year-old African American savagely murdered by a

Credit: biographymask.com / Everipedia

group of white men in Mississippi, the legislation received push back from three Republicans – Andrew Clyde of Georgia, Thomas Massie of Kentucky, and Chip Roy of Texas. Each were the lone votes against the bill. Emmett Till’s murder sparked the civil rights movement which ultimately led to bills like the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and other social justice laws. “I could not have been prouder to stand behind President Biden as he signed the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act into law,” National Urban League President Marc Morial stated.“The act of lynching is a weapon of racial terror that has been used for decades, and our com-

munities are still impacted by these hate crimes to this day.” “This bill is long overdue, and I applaud President Biden and Members of Congress for their leadership in honoring Emmett Till and other lynching victims by passing this significant piece of legislation.” According to the bill’s text, “Whoever conspires to commit any offense … shall (A) if death results from the offense, be imprisoned for any term of years or for life.” “(B) In any other case, be subjected to the same penalties as the penalties prescribed for the offense of the commission of which was the object of the conspiracy.” Specifically, the legislation makes lynching a federal myimessenger.com

Here is a photo of 1955 warrant for “Mrs. Roy Bryant”

hate crime, punishable by up to life in prison. The measure had faced defeat for more than 100 years, with lawmakers attempting to pass the legislation more than 200 times. The House finally passed the bill on a 422-3 vote. It passed unanimously in the Senate. The Mississippi search group included members of the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation and two Till relatives: cousin Deborah Watts, head of the foundation; and her daughter, Teri Watts, the Associated Press reported. Further, the report stated that relatives want authorities to use the warrant to arrest Donham, who at myimessenger.com

Credit: Emmett Till Legacy Foundation

the time of the slaying was married to one of two white men tried and acquitted just weeks after Till was abducted from a relative’s home, killed and dumped into a river. “Serve it and charge her,” Teri Watts told the AP in an interview. Keith Beauchamp, whose documentary film “The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till” preceded a renewed Justice Department probe that ended without charges in 2007, was also part of the search. He said there’s enough new evidence to prosecute Donham. Donham set off the case in August 1955 by accusing the 14-year-old Till of mak-

ing improper advances at a family store in Money, Mississippi. A cousin of Till who was there has said Till whistled at the woman, an act that flew in the face of Mississippi’s racist social codes of the era. Evidence indicates a woman, possibly Donham, identified Till to the men who later killed him. The arrest warrant against Donham was publicized at the time, but the Leflore County sheriff told reporters he did not want to “bother” the woman since she had two young children to care for, the outlet continued. Now in her 80s and most recently living in North Carolina, Donham has not com-

mented publicly on calls for her prosecution. But Teri Watts said the Till family believes the warrant accusing Donham of kidnapping amounts to new evidence. “This is what the state of Mississippi needs to go ahead,” she said. District Attorney Dewayne Richardson, whose office would prosecute a case, declined comment on the warrant but cited a December report about the Till case from the Justice Department, which said no prosecution was possible. Contacted by the AP on Wednesday, Leflore County Sheriff Ricky Banks said: “This is the first time I’ve known about a warrant.” July 8, 2022

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July 8, 2022

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Alameda County Sheriff Greg Ahern Lost Re-Election: But Mailer Falsely Invoking Latino Voice Bears Watching NNPA Newswire/BlackPressUSA Oakland Post By Mariano Contreras The results of the June 7 primary election sent a message to Sheriff Gregory Ahern: Alameda County residents wanted change and desired reform. Candidate Yesenia Sanchez, although outspent by Ahern, received 52.05% to his 32.28% of the vote and will now be Alameda County’s new sheriff. But the contest gave rise to a disingenuous new Political Action Committee (PAC) that worked for the re-election of Ahern. On May 10, a group called United Latinos Vote (ULV) spent $40,000 on a mailer supporting Ahern’s re-election. The Oakland Police Officers Association (OPOA) contributed $25,000, making them the largest donor to this PAC. Traditionally, PACs form to support a candidate with more money than allowed by the conventional political contribution means. It seems ULV was created with the intention of not only donating thousands of dollars

to the Ahern’s re-election but also falsely insinuating that the money came from Latinos. But investigation shows that the ULV PAC has no record of ever speaking in favor or against police reform in Oakland or supporting any other local and/ or Latino campaigns. Safe neighborhoods, peaceful streets, and accountable police departments have always been priorities for Oakland Latinos. In pursuing public safety, we have also presented a diverse spectrum of sentiments and ideas based on principle and truth. Since the early 1970s, numerous Oakland Latino groups have been actively involved in supporting campaigns that reflected our concerns and interests. Many times, while volunteering our time to campaign, we were successful in including our issues on candidates’ platforms. As a result, we formed advocacy groups made up of longtime activists and initiated candidate forums that spoke to our Latino community. The Latino Task Force began out of

Alameda county sheriff greg ahern lost re-election but mailer falsely invoking latino voice bears watching

this effort, and we have involved ourselves in every election cycle since the 2016 general election. We have a history and connection to Oakland. What has ULV done in Alameda County? What have they done in Oakland? Alameda County’s Latino population borders 23% and, by many accounts, was not friendly to an Ahern re-election. It was most opportune and worrisome that a “Latino” PAC accepted money from a group blind to Latino issues when a formidable and qualified Latina candidate decided to run for sheriff. The OPOA has never shown

any interest in addressing issues important to Latino officers such as the lack of high-ranking Latino officers or the disproportionate discipline of Latino officers in the Oakland Police Department. Now OPOA wanted to conveniently ally itself with a new and suspect Latino group that ignores many years of opposition to the broken, heavy-handed Sheriff’s Department and the brutal mismanagement of the county’s Santa Rita Jail. We reject this devious and failed attempt at misleading the Latino electorate! Our effort to engage our community should be grounded in trust, involvement, and knowledge of our issues, not opportunistic gamesmanship. Mariano Contreras is a member of the Latino Task Force. The post Alameda County Sheriff Greg Ahern Lost Re-Election: But Mailer Falsely Invoking Latino Voice Bears Watching first appeared on Post News Group. This article originally appeared in Post News Group.

Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa Releases Statement on Mass Shooting in Illinois

AUSTIN, Texas -- \Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa released the following statement on today’s mass shooting at a 4th of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois, which has killed at least six individuals and injured dozens more: “Today’s mass shooting – on our nation’s Independence Day of all days – is a horrifying, tragic reminder that, under NRA rule, this country will never truly be free. “Free from senseless gun violence. myimessenger.com

“Free from a sense of terror at every kind of mass congregation of people. “Free from the fear of sending your 4th-grade child to school and thinking today might be the day she’s slaughtered in her own classroom. “We find ourselves today yet again praying for a community that has been instantaneously ripped to shreds at the hands of a deranged individual with a firearm. And we find ourselves again today, exhaustedly, hoping against hope that today

Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa

might be the day Republicans across this country see the sick,

evil toll that the NRA’s flood of dark money is taking on our people. “This November, we will send leaders to Austin and Washington who do not have a price tag, whom the NRA cannot buy, and who will fearlessly and unapologetically enact common-sense gun safety legislation that will save lives and allow the United States to finally declare its independence from the loud, wealthy minority saturating our streets with guns and bloodshed.” July 8, 2022

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

JULY 8-10 The Camp Exposure Football Invitational (“Camp Exposure”) is a free, all-inclusive, three-day overnight football camp specifically curated for under-represented high school athletes. The highly anticipated event returns for its third annual installment from July 8-10th with on-the-field training at Highland Park High School, and personal and professional development off-the-field sessions at Embassy Suites of Dallas Park Central.

the perfect setting to strengthen civil rights and every form of socio-economic equality in Atlantic City to progress policies that impact Black America.

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

14 The Weeknd live August 14th at The AT&TStadium in Arlington

8-10 p.m, “Rhythm and Rhapsody” will take place at Hamon Hall. The event will bring together poetry, rhythm and dance to show the social challenges in the African American community.

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

Send your calendar items to

12pm-6pm, there will be a Dallas reproductive liberation march at the Main Street Garden Park organized by The Afiya Center and Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas. Kendrick Lamar w/ special guests Baby Keem & Tanna Leone @ The AAC in Dallas

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editor@texasmetronews.com Doc Shep Speaks Show! A fresh perspective, but still entertaining! Welcome to The Doc Shep Speaks Show!!!. Tuesdays at 11 am. CST Live on Facebook/@TexasMetroNews, @ fnsconsulting, and YouTube Live @ docshepspeaks.

From July 9th to October 15th, the Dallas Bites and Sights tour will offer an exclusive tour featuring only Dallas black-owned businesses. The tour will feature untold stories of the Black history of Dallas at 4925 Greenville Ave.

Burna Boy live @ The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

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AUGUST Self-Care Fair free community event and feminine hygiene supply drive at After 8 to Educate (Fannie C. Harris Youth Center) 4212 E. Grand Avenue, Dallas.-- 11AM-3PM

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

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

113th NAACP National Convention is

8:53-10:53 AM, the Too Hot to Handle half marathon will take place at Norbuck Park. The event will feature a 10K and 5K run.

18 Scarface @ The House of Blues

I Was Just Thinking with Norma Adams-Wade “History Class is in Session” Join in on Facebook/@ TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio.com at 11 am -1 pm. CST. Wednesdays. Join the conversation call 646-200-0459.

Kevin Hart live @ The AAC in Dallas!

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

JULY TEXAS FIBROID AWARENESS MONTH 9

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

by Verb Kulture at Hamon Hall. The performance will be at 8pm at 2403 Flora Street, Dallas, Tx 75201

23 Karaoke Lic Sync Battle 7225 University Hills Blvd in Dallas at 6p.m.

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Self-Care Fair free community event and feminine hygiene supply drive at After 8 to Educate (Fannie C. Harris Youth Center) 4212 E. Grand Avenue, Dallas.-- 11AM-3PM

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Family Festival / Fiesta de la Familia 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM at Kimbell Art Museum

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

The 2022 ILIVE Women’s and Girls Wellness & LifeStyle Expo! University of Texas at Arlington, Texas 10a- 2:30 p 300 W. First Street Arlington, Texas, TX 76017

2022 Texas Democratic Party State Convention

Parker County Peach Festival 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM at Downtown Weatherford

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

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

AUGUST 3-7

Shakespeare in the Park, performing a Midsummer Night’s Dream. At the Samuell-Grand Park, July 5th, 9th, 10th, 12th, 16th, 17th, 19th, and 23rd at 8:15pm Location:1500 Tenison Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75223

National Association of Black Journalists / National Association of Hispanic Journalists Convention in Las Vegas

**** The 7th Annual iLIVE Expo is North Texas largest Wellness and Lifestyle Expo of its kind!

BAMM, Being a Melanin Mom, Inc. cordially invites you to Second Annual Black Owned Experience Summer Expo! 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM CDT Lofty Spaces, 816 Montgomery Street Dallas, TX

2nd Annual Carnival Festival at Cravens Park, 400 Cravens Park Drive Arlington, Tx 76018, at 1-7pm RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-caribbean-carnival-festival-tickets-303928116177?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Send your calendar items to editor@texasmetronews.com

Bastille on Bishop 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM at Bishop Arts District

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The Elevator Project is having a Rhythm and Rhapsody show. Rhythm and Rhapsody is a live show, with music, storytelling, poetry, and dance. Rhythm and Rhapsody is being presented

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Amazon Air Delivery Could Be Moneymaker For Black Drone Pilots In California NNPA Newswire/BlackPressUSA Oakland Post By Edward Henderson, California Black Media

For Black drone pilots, e-commerce package delivery going aerial could present new earning or business opportunities for them. Last week, Amazon announced that its customers in Lockeford, a town of about 3,500 people in San Joaquin County, will become among the first to receive Prime Air deliveries via drone. The tech company, the world’s largest e-retailer, chose Lockeford because of its historic links to the aviation industry. “Lockeford residents will soon have access to one of the world’s leading delivery innovations,” said Assemblymember Heath Flora (R-Ripon), whose district includes the town. “It’s exciting that Amazon will be listening to the feedback of the San Joaquin County community to inform the future development of this technology.” Amazon’s drones fly up to 50 m.p.h. and can carry packages of up to 5 pounds as high as 400 feet in the air. Blacks and the Drone Industry Technology and aviation industry watchers say drone pilots are in high demand right now and they predict their demand will keep increasing. The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) estimates that by the year 2025, at least 100,000 jobs will be created for drone pilots. Multiple companies are set to spend over $16 billion on drones over the next eight years, with advertising agencies, construction, and security firms being among the first. According to the Economic Research Institute, the average pay for a drone pilot is $71,669 a year and $34 an hour in California. The average salary range for a drone pilot is between $50,891 and $88,659. Entrepreneurship related to drone piloting creates opportunities, experts say, for generating new streams of income and establishing new businesses that support the industry. Jeffery Howell, a Navy officer currently stationed in San Diego, began his journey myimessenger.com

with drones when his wife gave him one for his birthday last year. “At first I was nervous,” said Howell. “I’ve never really flown a drone before, so I started watching YouTube videos back-to-back, learning about the qualifications to fly drones legally and weight classes. As I delved deeper into it, there is a whole different world and community out there.” Over time, Howell became more comfortable piloting his drone and was interested in connecting with other pilots who looked like him. Eventually, he stumbled upon the Facebook group, ‘Black Drone Pilots,’ and connected with a community of over 300 pilots nationwide who not only shared his budding passion but were making a living with it.

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On the weekend of June 11, Black drone pilots held inaugural meet-and-greets in five different cities nationwide. Howell attended the event in Newport Beach and had the opportunity to network and fellowship with local pilots. “I was amazed at the brothers and sisters getting together just having a good time flying,” he said. “You could tell that the ones who weren’t as knowledgeable were getting pointers from the more experienced pilots. It was a beautiful thing to see.” Inspired by his new network of professionals, Howell decided to start his own drone photography and video company ‘Air Speed Aerial Productions.’ To start his business, Howell needed to attain his Park 107 certification through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). All drone pilots must take and pass this test to receive their commercial licenses. The test costs $175 to register and there are several online guides to help study for it.

Licensed drone pilots and entrepreneurs like Howell are a welcomed sight within an industry that still has room to grow in terms of diversity. There are 250,000 drone pilots certified with the FAA. Ten percent are Black and only 3% are Black women. Ashlee Cooper is a certified drone pilot who founded ‘Droneversity,’ a Delaware-based organization that teaches teenaged youth about the fundamentals, opportunities and innovations within drone piloting and aviation, more broadly. “Aviation careers have always been a white male-dominated field,” said Cooper. “Unless you were in the military or related to a pilot, it was unlikely you were going to tap into those positions within the aviation industry. Most of them do not require a high school or college degree.” Youth are eligible to take the Park 107 exam at the age of 16. Cooper’s company provides courses to help them take and pass the exam as well. “Most of these young girls and boys are gamers. They take naturally to flight. The skillset is marketable. Like gaming, it takes handeye coordination and knowing how to operate under pressure and solve problems quickly.” Cooper, who also is a member of Black Drone Pilots, transitioned from her background in molecular biology to drone piloting during the pandemic. Her experience with secondary education created inroads for her organization to reach teenagers and help inspire them to pursue drone piloting as well. “I still feel like I’m late, however, I know my timing was divine especially because of who I’ve been able to help. Being a Black woman in this industry has led to some incredible partnerships and networking. There is an opportunity as long as we provide equitable access. By making it more accessible, you have more innovators.” You can connect with Black Drone Pilots’ Facebook page here to follow their updates, get a listing of future events or learn how you can begin your own journey to drone piloting. The post Amazon Air Delivery Could Be Moneymaker for Black Drone Pilots in California first appeared on Post News Group. This article originally appeared in Post News Group. July 8, 2022

Big 3 Basketball Sets Up For Month-Long Dallas Stay Photos and story by Dorothy J. Gentry Comerica Center in Frisco was the site of Big3’s Week 3 of 3x3 basketball action. The Center was rocking with basketball, fans, rappers, VIPs and more the July 4th weekend. Players including Joe Johnson, Royce White, Swaggy P. and Baylor University’s Isaiah Austin, and teams like Aliens, Power, Tri-State and Enemies along with head coaches like Lisa Leslie, Rick Barry, Gary Payton, Nancy Lieberman and more excited fans with thrilling plays, wild courtside gesturing and fun moves. Big 3 founder and legend Ice Cube was front and center the whole weekend and thanked all the Big3 fans for coning out for the first of five consecutive weeks in Frisco. The remaining schedule for Big3, all at Comerica Center in Frisco, is as follows: Week 4: • Friday, July 8th, 7 p.m. CST • Sunday, July 10th, 2 p.m. CST Week 5: • Sunday, July 17th, 2 p.m. CST Week 6: • Saturday, July 23rd, 6 p.m. CST • Sunday, July 24th, 12 noon, CST Week 7: • Saturday, July 30th, 12 noon, CST • Sunday, July 31st, 2 p.m. CST Week 8: • Saturday, Aug. 6th, 12 noon CST • Sunday, Aug. 7th, 2 p.m. CST For ticket information visit https://big3.com/tickets/ July 8, 2022

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A Win For The Warriors, A Win For The Community NNPA Newswire/BlackPressUSA Oakland Post The Golden State Warriors have proved yet again that they are winners and they showed their appreciation for the fans with the party of all parties. More than 1 million fans reportedly came to the parade held by the Dubs on Monday in celebration of their win against the Boston Celtics on June 16 with a score of 103-90 in the sixth game of the series. By 7 a.m., fans who had come from around the Bay Area on BART, Caans, bike, ferry as well as those who had traveled from as far away as the state of Washington, Ohio, Texas and Canada had lined both sides of the parade route, which ran along Market Street from Main to Eighth Street. Before the parade began, the Warriors team members, coaches, owners and more were welcomed to a dais displaying all four of the team’s NBA Championship trophies from 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2022. The parade started a little after 11:20 a.m. as the day reached its high of 81 degrees. Despite the heat and crowding, the atmosphere was one of overwhelming joy. Upon arrival at the event, you’d see diverse warrior fans with ages as low as 2 and as old as 72 all decked out in merch, full of excitement. At different spots, hot dogs, cold drinks, jello shots and merch were all being sold in scattered areas of the street and the scent of marijuana lingered in the air. While waiting for the parade to start, you’d see clumps of fans hustling to get myimessenger.com

A win for the warriors a win for the community

a good view with a lot of fans even climbing to high ground like light poles and bus shelters. Convertible cars holding politicians and other dignitaries including three Bay Area mayors: Libby Schaaf of Oakland, London Breed of San Francisco and Sam Liccardo of San Jose. U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi was also present as was Rep. Barbara Lee who came in after celebrating Juneteenth the day before in her home state of Texas. But the crowd roared to life at the sighting Draymond Green, whose bus was the first on the parade route. Fans screamed their admiration and from there, the hype was permanent. From the open-roofed buses, players waved to fans and threw merchandise like glasses and shirts. Once you heard crowds of people shouting “MVP! MVP”, you knew that the star player, Stephen Curry, came down the street. People went crazy as Curry graced the streets alongside his wife, Ayesha. Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Gary Payton II frequently got off

their buses to mingle with the crowd, taking selfies, glad-handing and in Payton’s case, dousing the crowd with a water cannon. “You guys, Steph Curry is up there!” a girl excitedly told her friends, sometimes

Golden State Warrior Draymond Green shrugs wryly while holding the championship trophy while riding along in his party bus on San Francisco’s Market Street on Monday. Credit: Twitter

referred to as the greatest shooter in NBA history. Jerseys saying “Curry” were most common, but so were other blue and gold outfits, including a girl wearing a Warrior’s banner as a cape. As the parade passed, fans

breached the barriers, taking over Market Street despite the best efforts of police. But there were no security problems. The Warriors have had a tough time recently and in their remarks several players have said that the lows have made this victory all the more sweet. After losing the past two years, no one expected them to win this year’s championship especially since several well-known players suffered injuries. In the end, the ups and downs left everyone, both the players and the fans, in high spirits. When asked about how winning the championship felt, especially after enduring so many injuries, Klay Thompson said, “Just going to breakfast after and seeing everyone in the neighborhood so excited…That’s what it’s about.” He continued, “It’s the small things in life that inspire you to keep going like taking a picture with an old lady or a kid.” This sentiment, the feelings of love and joy, is what makes the Warriors such a special team, and part of what makes the Bay such a special place. Other sources for this story include CBSNews, Kron4 News, USA Today and The San Francisco Chronicle. Sarah Clemens, Makiah Hiley and Daisha Williams are Oakland School of the Arts students working as interns for the Post Newspaper Group. The post A Win for the Warriors, A Win for the Community first appeared on Post News Group. This article originally appeared in Post News Group. July 8, 2022

July 8, 2022

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ARRESTED

HE IS A SERIAL RAPIST

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

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

Crimestoppers 877-373-8477 myimessenger.com

July 8, 2022