JUNE 26, 2020 VOL IX NO 44
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A R U A L B B CO ES Y A H From the Classroom to the Board Room
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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.
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BRING THEM DOWN WAKE UP AND STAY WOKE DR. E. FAYE WILLIAMS, ESQ.
TriceEdney – The aftermath and ongoing circumstances of the murder of George Floyd have given each of us reasons to give focused thought to the current state of our nation. Regardless of outlook, all have been forced to take a position on where we are and where we are going as a nation. Welcomed, yet unexpected, citizens of nations throughout the world, inspired by visuals of the brutal murder of George Floyd, have also chosen this time to address the evils of abuse and oppression that impact them. I am pleased to see the masses gathered in cities across the world expressing, with their words and bodies, unwillingness to accept injustice for themselves and for their social/cultural neighbors. They are addressing every source of oppression – from insult to injury – as a target for change, and this change, seemingly, begins with the elimination of symbols of oppression. This is a good place to start. Few will deny the impact of symbolism on our social constructs and interaction. The symbols of our favorite teams, organizations, and schools are a source of inspiration and pride. The Pentagon is symbolic of our military strength, Mt. Rushmore edifies inspirational leadership, and the Lincoln Memorial symbolizes the successful rebuff of a traitorous uprising based upon a brutal system of human servitude and oppression. Recently, I have awakened to the news that symbols of oppression are being rejected world-wide. Wikipedia reports: “As part of the worldwide George Floyd protests, members of the Black Lives Matter movement have also removed or defaced statues of other historical figures that were responsible for large-scale suffering of Black people. In Bristol, UK, protesters toppled a statue of slave trader Edward Colston, who played a prominent role in the Bristol slave trade, while BLM
protesters in Ghent, Belgium, vandalized a statue of King Leopold II, who caused the death of tens of millions of Congolese.� Later, I learned that NASCAR had banned the display of the Confederate flag at its events. The Marine Corps and Navy have also banned the display of the Confederate flag on their respective installations and ships. Local political leaders are planning and removing Confederate monuments while Congress has resolved to remove statues of Confederate leaders from the Capitol’s Statuary Hall and to rename military installations which honor Confederate leaders. These actions eliminate symbols that are deeply offensive to many Americans. To African Americans, the Confederate flag and other symbols embody the hatred and brutality of slavery, and discrimination in the post-Civil War America. To patriotic Americans, symbols of the Confederacy represent edification of a traitorous and defeated enemy which, despite proximity, advocated dissolution of the US. Some argue that these symbols are cultural icons that only represent Southern Heritage. I contend that symbols of the Confederacy represent allegiance to and support for repression of African Americans and anyone non-white. Statues identified for removal are recent additions to the cultural landscape. As an example, Nathan Bedford Forrest, founder of the KKK, has a bust in the Tennessee Capitol which was placed in 1978. Rather than heritage, his bust symbolizes allegiance to the principles of white superiority. No other nation allows or endorses the edification of those who attempted the violent overthrow of their established government. Even post-WWII Germany has outlawed the use of symbols or propaganda that promote Nazism. Shouldn’t we expect as much? Dr. Carter G. Woodson said, “The oppressor has always indoctrinated the weak with his interpretation of the crimes of the strong.� The objective of this indoctrination has always been maintaining the cultural, social and economic racial disparities of the “Old South.� It is time that we bring down the symbols which provide emotional support to those who endorse those crimes.
(Dr. E. Faye Williams is National President of the National Congress of Black Women and Host of “Wake Up and Stay Woke� on WPFW-FM 89.3.)
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INSIDE
MY TRUTH
THE LAST WORD
QUIT PLAYIN’
That’s right. You map out your life, sometimes in a vacuum and other times, with the help of friends or loved ones. It seems perfect, easy to achieve if you take certain steps.
The President of the United States hit a new low when he used the military to clear DC’s Lafayette Park of citizens. They were exercising their First Amendment rights of speech and assembly while the president was exhibiting A chest
The second epistle in The Warrior Method (TWN) series is more comfortable to speak than to achieve.
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JUNE 26, 2020
MY TRUTH by Cheryl Smith, Publisher
Please help?
Sometimes the best laid plans are disrupted. You can plan and mark your calendar, but then guess what? Life happens! That’s right. You map out your life, sometimes in a vacuum and other times, with the help of friends or loved ones. It seems perfect, easy to achieve if you take certain steps. It sounds easy and you are confident; that is until life happens. Which brings me to my truth. I wasn’t trying to come up with something I planned to be doing into another century. I was living for the moment. I asked for friends to help me fulfill a need. Today, I come
with the same mission: raise funds to help our youth go to
ors and not having anything to wear to the ceremony? Well, the Don’t Believe the Hype Foundation has fulfilled similar needs for over 25 years. In addition to funding trips to journalism conferences/ conventions from Seattle to D.C. and Milwaukee to Baton Rouge; a student in Sen. Royce West’s Dr. Emmett J. Conrad Leadership Program received a scholarship for the past 25 years and aspiring journalists received over $50,000 between the DFW/ABJ scholarship program and Urban Journalism Workshop. Usually our biggest fundraiser, the celebrity bowl-a-thon, is held in June and people from all
college, participate in educational programs and grow. First Chuck D of Public Enemy gave his support, followed by comedian Dick Gregory (who came almost every year prior to his death in 2017). We even bought a suit for a young man to wear to his high school graduation. Can you imagine graduating with hon-
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over come to support. With major corporate and community support this much-anticipated event was always a success. We are grateful to the “leaders,” celebs and media who participated. Sure, we are going to have an event this year. It’s year 26! But right now, we have to put safety and health first. In spite of COVID-19, we still want to award scholarships, but we need your help. Won’t you please make a contribution? The Don’t Believe the Hype Foundation is a 501 C-3 organization and we also have the Healthy Living Expo at the African American Museum on Martin Luther King Day every January. We serve our communities. You can make your donation to the Don’t Believe the Hype Foundation - Bank of America; through our FaceBook page; or by mailing to DBTH Foundation, 320 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway, Suite 220, Dallas, TX 75203 TX ID # 20-4646384. Our communities have been in a state of pandemonium for a long, long time. We must survive COVID-19 and we must continue working for our future. Here are just a few of the scenes from previous bowl-athons. I’m looking forward to gathering again, one day. In the meantime, let’s continue supporting our youth. Please give today. I’m calling on everyone who cares about our future, all who have participated in the past, previous scholarship winners or benefactors. Let’s all continue to lift as we climb!
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Flowers are beautiful – but do not last I WAS JUST THINKING... By Norma Adams-Wade
Here are some flowers for you. Please enjoy them right away. They won’t last. That’s the problem with beautiful things. Mostly, the beauty is temporary. It’s like a Happy Birthday party. You get to be the center of attention, sap up adulation and gifts, eat cake and have it too. Then the next day comes and it’s back to business as usual. I was just thinking.... why is beauty so fleeting, even the beauty of life? It doesn’t last. So, in the midst of all the muck and mire, destruction and mayhem, sorrow and heartbreak in recent months, I want to give you some beauty. Right about now, we all need some flowers. So, here are yours. Usually, flowers are meant to deliver an assortment of messages – a gesture of comfort during sadness, an apology or request for forgiveness, a congratulation, an acknowledgement of a wedding or other myimessenger.com
special occasion, or a “just because” reason. Flowers usually do the job they were assigned to do. Actually, I do not believe in giving flowers. And it is for that very reason that I usually do not give them. Why spend money on something so beautiful, knowing that it will not last? I have received many bouquets of flowers and each time have greatly appreciated the sentiment. But when
will disappear. All life is temporary. But so many lives -- some promising, some scarred; now and before -- have been more fleeting than we would have imagined. The Holy Bible -- one of my revered reference books, written by many writers but inspired by One, – translates Psalms 90:10 this way: It says, in essence, that we are assigned at least 70 years (“threescore and ten”), not free of sorrow, and
the buds and leaves begin to fade and fall, my smile turns upside down. Beauty goes the way of all flesh – physical beauty, an exquisite sand castle on the beach, a brand-spanking-new car. Try as you will to hold on to it, the glamour
that our years are “soon cut off.” Later, verse 12 requests: “so teach us to number our days.” Shakespeare in his works also re-worded many Biblical references. He referred to that 70year span in Macbeth: “Threescore and ten I can
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remember well,” he wrote. “(...and within that time), I have seen hours dreadful and things strange...” He went on to describe one “sore night” that “trifled former knowings.” We, too, have experience such “sore night(s)” and days with recent tribulations that defy explanation and still are continuing. With all his literary fluff, the message of the playwright and author, in my view, was that life is full of agony among its beauty and ridiculousness. I must confess that I wanted to talk about Atatiana Jefferson of Fort Worth, Texas and Breonna Taylor of Louisville, Kentucky. The two women wrongly killed by police officers will not leave me alone. But I am taking a detour from pain and will rest a moment among the flowers. I do not believe in them. Yet, here are yours. They are indeed exquisite. I just wish they and their beauty would last. Norma Adams-Wade is a veteran, award-winning journalist, Graduate of UT- Austin and Dallas native. One of the founders of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), she was inducted into the NABJ Hall of Fame
JUNE 26, 2020
The Warrior Model Organic and Organized! QUIT PLAYIN’ VINCENT L. HALL
The people’s champ must be everything the people can’t be – Blessings, 2016, Chancellor Johnathan Bennett, aka Chance the Rapper. The second epistle in The Warrior Method (TWN) series is more comfortable to speak than to achieve. TWM is built upon the axle and example of Dr. King’s Montgomery Bus Boycott. Rallies and marches are excellent for openers, but if you plan to get the man’s knee off yo neck, you gotta replicate that Energizer Bunny…keep going and going and going! In “After Rosa sat: The genius and success of the 13-month Montgomery Bus Boycott,” Chris Kromm makes this observation. “Laying the groundwork for a boycott in Montgomery were E.D. Nixon, a member of the Black Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters union and officer with Parks in the local NAACP, and Jo Ann Robinson, a professor at Alabama State College and leader of the Women’s Political Council. In 1954, more than a year before Parks’ act of civil disobedience, Robinson wrote a letter to the mayor of Montgomery warning that ‘there has been talk from twenty-five or more local organizations of planning a city-wide boycott of buses.’ The Montgomery protest was organic and well-organized. It was made up of local groups and shareholders. These groups banned together, chose a target, and were relentless in making their adversary acquiesce. The Warrior Method in Dallas was similar. We had a leader who knew the community’s history and viewed the enemy’s moves from a perch of elective power. BLM has taken a stance that there will be no anointed national leadership. I concur wholeheartedly. But there has to be a spokesperson, a strategist, and a negotiator in front and accountable. Not all three jobs have to reside in one body, but it could. Secondly, the movement needs some JUNE 26, 2020
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form of ties with local elected officials. This excuse that officeholders should abstain is bullshit. We can’t keep choosing friends, frats, sorors, and North Dallas’ handpicked Negroes. As a community, we often go left (no pun intended) on the Democrats, and unfairly so. Democrats, since the 1960s, welcomed us into their tent and even fought to have “safe seats,” designed to increase minority representation. This party is far from perfect. However, the only coloreds welcomed under the GOP tent are trained, timid, and tokenworthy. We elect leaders on the strength of their charisma, rather than the substance of their character. Once chosen, they major in ceremonial acts and “fail-safe” actions. Then we re-elect them for a lifetime. Who can fault the candy store owner who grants your wish, and the candy makes you sick. Our issues are not
white folks so mad. But our mission and mantra were to share our pain with everybody! DPD demanded we “vacate the crosswalk” within 30 seconds after stepping off the curb. We challenged it legally and expanded it to 90 seconds, and built a single line processional. Often, motorists waited through multiple light changes. Drivers cursed us and the police. And we cursed back. They felt it was unjust, but it paled in comparison to police brutality, discrimination in hiring and promotions of officers, and the rampant racial profiling. Black Police Officers Association members like Corporal James Allen, removed their uniforms and joined us. DPD officers would tell you that the safest place in Dallas was on our pocket line. Many of the officers — Black, Brown, and White — appreciated and respected us. We made our tax dollars
DPD’s James Allen joined protest lines in the 90s.
as much with the party as the parties we pick. After the target, organizing is the orbit. Next, the Warriors were principally concerned with the safety of protestors and the public. We met with the PD and went through every detail. We drafted what was essentially a parade permit and then used their laws to our advantage. For example, we began protesting daily against DPD in Pleasant Grove. The police arrived 30 minutes early and stayed 30 minutes late. When we realized that they had grown numb, we renegotiated and took our protest to Northwest Highway. I have never seen
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work for us and with us. Chaos was to be expected, but injuries and carelessness were unacceptable. Nighttime protests.. are you kidding? Large international crowds are encouraging, but when that party is over, the constant work of real change begins. Protests require a visionary champ and organized home-grown soldiers. The Montgomery Boycott was organic, organized, and spanned 381 days. However, that tree and its branches have lasted for 65 years. Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and award-winning columnist.
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A Silver Lining to a Slap in the Face THE LAST WORD DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX
The President of the United States hit a new low when he used the military to clear DC’s Lafayette Park of citizens. They were exercising their First Amendment rights of speech and assembly while the president was exhibiting a chest-thumping use of force. He brandished a Bible, something which he seems not to have read. That was his low, and he got even worse in his offensive rhetoric, especially about the murder of George Floyd and the protests of police brutality. He stooped even lower and illustrated his infamous racial insensitivity when his campaign announced that he would have his first rally since the coronavirus shutdown the nation in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Juneteenth. June 19, 1865, was the day when enslaved people in Texas, the last enslaved Black people in the nation, learned that they were free. The Emancipation Proclamation was on January 1, 1863, but Black folk didn’t learn of their freedom until two years later. Choosing to have his first campaign rally in Tulsa on Juneteenth is a slap in the face to Black Americans. Juneteenth is a celebratory day, but there is nothing to celebrate when our bigoted President co-opts our holiday for a cheap political stunt. The Divider-in-Chief will supposedly deliver a message of “racial conciliation” in Tulsa, a site known for white hate and economic envy that left hundreds dead and thousands homeless. I’m not sure he can deliver such a message, especially when he recently said that issues of prejudice and bigotry could be solved “quickly and easily.” myimessenger.com
The Tulsa Massacre of 1921 took place when armed white people swarmed Greenwood, an affluent Black area of Tulsa. They looted houses, then burned them, dripping with economic envy. A gubernatorial commission concluded that the cause of the Massacre was “too many n-—s” having too much money. Money wasn’t the only thing the Black people of Tulsa had. They also had an unwavering sense of self-determination and pride. When segregation excluded Black residents from libraries, wealthy Tulsans built their own. Black people had pharmacies, hospitals, grocery and department stores, theatres, churches (one was torched in the Massacre), and schools. You could find the same professionals in Greenwood as you could in “white” Tulsa – physicians, attorneys, teachers, entrepreneurs, and more. This thriving Black community was threatening to whites, who were heavily invested in the myth of white superiority. While Greenwood thrived, envious white folks plotted and, according to Dr. Olivia Hooker, a Tulsa survivor who died in 2018, stockpiled guns, waiting for an excuse to attack. When 19-year-old Dick Rowland jostled 17-year-old Sarah Page in an elevator, whites were ready. They threatened to lynch Rowland, and then when armed Black men said they would prevent a lynching, it was on. Whites swarmed Greenwood, burning, killing, destroying a symbol of Black pride and entrepreneurial capacity. The people who lost their property were never made whole. Those who had insurance found their claims denied. The white mob responsible for the destruction went mostly unpunished, reinforcing the notion that you could terrorize Black people, destroy their property, and
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suffer no consequences. We have a president who insults Black people and experiences no consequences, a president so unabashedly racist in his words, now piles on with his Juneteenth and antics. His press secretary said Juneteenth is a “very meaningful day for him.” Really? The same president who thought, just three years ago, that Frederick Douglass was still alive, has now developed some knowledge and empathy for Black history, empathetic to instances of systemic racism? While I am repulsed by the president’s decision to go to Tulsa on Juneteenth, there is a silver lining to his cluelessness. The day after his announcement, there was massive news coverage about Trump’s disgusting decision, and accompanying robust commentary. White Americans don’t know much about Black history, but neither do many Black folks. If you didn’t know about Juneteenth and the Tulsa Massacre before, you surely know about it now. The president’s ill-advised decision has increased awareness about a chapter in Black history that too many want to deny. The destruction of Greenwood, a thriving Black community, because of jealousy and malice is one of the many reasons the demand for reparations is a solid one. 45 walks around with his foot in his mouth; his actions and comments after the George Floyd murder protests are clear examples. But the celebration of Juneteenth and the horrors of the Tulsa Massacre are not taught in standard history books and not well known outside the Black community. Thanks to Trump, these incidents are better known. Every slap has a silver lining. Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an author, economist, and social commentator.
JUNE 26, 2020
Former NFL player outshines alopecia ABOUT YOUR HAIR BY DR. LINDA AMERSON
Few people will deny that having alopecia areata affects them psychologically. It can also become a social trauma for millions of men, women and children, affecting daily social situations and personal interactions. Often, how other co-workers, friends and/or family member react to alopecia areata, is the most
crucial factor in how well a person copes. So PLEASE use caution WITH YOUR WORDS when you say “It’s only Hair” or “Just get a Wig,” or “Hair loss is ONLY a Cosmetic Problem.” Put yourself in this person’s shoes. Losing hair can be devastating! I urge you to always be complimentary and tell them you care about them, and how their happiness is important to you, you will support them through challenging times, and if this applies, tell them you love them! You could emphasize how their inner beauty shines more than their outer beauty to you!” This can be a very powerful statement, when said with meaning.
Ryan Shazier is a 28-year-old former linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the proud son of Rev. Vernon and Shawn Shazier. Follow #50 on the football fields. He previously played for Ohio State University. This 6 foot 1, 237 pound player, has a speed of 4.36 in the 40 yard dash. Fast! Ryan was affected with alopecia at the age of five. He first had round patches which progressed to alopecia universalis. His parents helped him through his challenging times of scalp injections from the Dermatologist, and coping with name calling throughout his childhood. Yes, kids are cruel when they do not understand a medical condition which contributes to alopecia. According to Jeremy Fowler, an ESPN Staff Writer, ‘Ryan’s hair would fall out in patches, which kids in the stands at his football games would notice when he took off his helmet. The laughing and taunting was clearly audible to his parents Rev .Vernon and Shawn. He was bullied, called “patchy,” “patch,” “cue ball,” and other harsh names. Shazier. With loving parents and the confidence that came from excelling in football, Shazier has earned new nicknames -- playmaker, first-rounder, potential Steelers star.’ Ryan Shazier retired from the NFL in his third NFL season in 2016. Ryan, a Trendsetter, formed his agency, ‘Creative Artists Agency,’ an excellent platform to help kids cope with alopecia. Thank you Ryan for being a positive role model to children diagnosed with alopecia areata, totalis and universalis disease. Dr. Linda Amerson, Board Certified Trichologist, 817 265 8854. #39yr Veteran Hairandscalpessentials.com
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Hall’s Honey Fried Chicken (214) 371- 3020
4845 S Lancaster Rd. Dallas, TX 75216
Hall of Famer
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Paul Quinn becomes latest COVID-19 Testing Site handed out on a first-come, first-serve basis. “As an institution, we have a general philosophy that we must address the issues that are important to the communities we serve.” In May, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson appointed Dr. Kelvin Baggett as the city of Dallas COVID-19 Health and Healthcare Access Czar. “It’s important to know your status… to address your health, and to also promote and protect the health of those you love or come in contact with,” said. Dr. Baggett. “COVID-19 has demonstrated that not only can it be contagious but also in certain segments in our population, it can be deadly.”
According to Dr. Baggett, there has been a rise in reported cases recently and June 17 saw the highest increase since May, with 413 cases and nine deaths. Stressing the importance of not en-gaging in social activities and continuing to practice social distancing to flatten the curve; he said the key is having testing sites that are accessible. “It brings me great delight to see them [Paul Quinn College] adapting in an area of public health where that’s normally not the role where you expect them to play,” he said. “Paul Quinn is rising above expectations and is doing things in a very creative, unique matter to address the
Bishop Vashti McKenzie with Cheryl “Action” Jackson of Minnie’s Food Pantry
By Allana J. Barefield Texas Metro News With the opening of a COVID-19 testing site on campus, Paul Quinn College (PQC) is getting in on the action to help a community that many say has been historically underrepresented, under-served and overlooked. In the midst of a global pandemic, this historically Black college recently partnered with Lyda Hill Philanthropies and the city of Dallas to offer free COVID-19 tests to residents through July. The testing site opened last week and beginning in July, tests will be offered on Tuesdays and Saturdays from JUNE 26, 2020
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for anyone, whether or not you have symptoms. Located in southern Dallas County; the private, liberal arts school with an enrollment of almost 600 students, sits on 146 acres in an area where there’s one grocery store within a five mile ra-dius. PQC President Dr. Michael J. Sorrell says it is important that citizens in that area also have access to the COVID-19 tests. “We know that people need to be tested, we know people need masks and we know people are hungry,” he said, adding that in addition to the tests, Minnie’s Food Pantry is providing food and masks
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Nayla Perez, Christina Aguilar and Allie Aguilar
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Minnie’s Food Pantry workers with Cheryl “Action “ Jackson prepare to load food in cars
broader needs of the community.” As one of many HBCUs that have opened up to allow testing, Paul Quinn joins a list of fellow HBCUs; such as Howard, Alabama State and Florida A&M Universities. Because COVID-19 has had such a critical impact on Black and Brown communities, Dr. Sorrell said the message is clear, leadership has to ensure that these communities are served, and where better than on HBCU campuses. “It says that we remain deeply rooted in our communities and our cause and quests to uplift our people,” President Sorrell said. “This is what real HBCUs have always done, this is uniquely just part of who we are.” The free COVID-19 tests are included in Paul Quinn’s “Safe For My City” campaign that has about 35 partners. Dr. myimessenger.com
Sorrell said he is happy to see organizations wanting to collaborate and advocate for Paul Quinn and the entire city. “Oftentimes we believe that the only people who are supposed to show leadership are elected officials and the reality of it is you don’t have to be elected to lead,” he said. “You can show a quiet display of leadership every single day which in turn, elevates the community in which you reside and which you love.” IF YOU GO: What: Paul Quinn College COVID-19 Free Testing Site Where: 3837 Simpson Stuart Rd, Dallas, TX 75241 When: Beginning in July, Tuesdays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more info: https://pqc-edu. squarespace.com/safeformycity
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Carrie Dodd and Tiffany Johnson
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From the Classroom to the Board Room Former Head Start Student elected President of the Board Laura Cobb Hayes was a student in the first ever Head Start in Dallas County. Fast forward a number of years and she now has been elected as President of the Board for that very organization. She was recently seated as President at the Head Start of Greater Dallas Annual Meeting. Ms. Cobb Hayes is the first African American female to hold the position. Her story is inspiring. “I grew up in a tiny little community called Dalworth,” she said. “The name is telling because it is nestled between Dallas and Fort Worth, just on the Dallas side of the Tarrant County line. It was a part of the community that was forgotten. Both of my parents worked. My dad worked two jobs and mom had the responsibility of working, taking care of the home and raising three kids- so that’s at least three jobs. A turning point in her life came when her parents enrolled her in a program. “I remember the day some folks came by our house to JUNE 26, 2020
tell my parents about a program that was for little kids like me. They talked about checking our eyes and teeth and having lots of books and activities and snacks. Did somebody say SNACKS! I was all in. My parents enrolled me in the program. I now know that it was the FIRST Head Start program in Dallas County.” In her own words, Ms.Cobb Hayes tells of the Head Start experience. “As a child I remember being amazed by all the things I was exposed to. All the books and field trips. I had never even been to a zoo. At the time I was just having a lot of fun. This was so much better than watching soap operas every day. I could not have realized how much I was actually learning. “That is until I got to first grade. Everything was easy for me. I was so far ahead of my peers. I was already reading and had number sense. That ‘head start’ literally situated me for my entire academic career.” She skipped grades in ele-
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mentary school, took accelerated classes in middle school and honors and AP classes in high school; and then graduating magna cum laude from college. She went on to get an advanced degree, became a teacher and administrator and eventually went back to the very school she attended as a child as the school principal. According to Ms. Cobb Hayes, she was able to build a successful and rewarding career in education and the non-profit world in a number of senior positions. “As a principal, I had the great fortune to have Head Start children feed into my elementary school,” she said. “I remember how engaged the Head Start parents were and
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how prepared the students were. Partnering with Head Start has become a very meaningful part of her life. “There are lots of little ‘Laura’s’ out there and they are little sponges just like I was. They need exposure to the big beautiful world that is out there and they need support. They need you. They need the community’s support.” Head Start of Greater Dallas (HSGD) offers free, high quality child-development services to qualifying students. HSGD provides children with the foundation of skills and knowledge they need to be successful in school and life and fosters self-reliant families and communities. myimessenger.com
Father Tribute My dad, Clarence H. Gentry, was one of the first Black journalists in Dallas. I’m a journalist because of him, inheriting my love of books, news and writing from him. My dad was a hard worker and all about fairness and justness. He was a great man and a great dad. RIP Daddy Dorothy Gentry
Fund supports local business Guns and Roses Boutique has been a staple in Dallas, TX for more than eight years. On Friday, May 29, 2020 the boutique was destroyed by selfish looters who took advantage of the protest. The restoration of Guns and Roses Boutique starts NOW! Princess Pope, owner and leader has been a prominent pillar in the community, and often praised for her support. As a fashion industry leader, she provides education and mentorship to aspiring myimessenger.com
fashion designers and entrepreneurs. A donation campaign was started to help cover damages to Guns and Roses Boutique. The donations will be spent to cover any expenses the insurance does not cover, including but not limited to: inventory, property damage, merchandise and loss of use for the business. The GoFundMe link is https://gf.me/u/x5qxji for Rebuild Guns and Roses Boutique.
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Princess Pope stands in front of her boutique shortly after fending off looters JUNE 26, 2020
www.grandpasecret.com
Please wear your mask and wash your hands! JUNE 26, 2020
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JUNE 26, 2020
Trump comes to Dallas to talk race relations, policing Snubs three top Black law officials
Chief U. Renee Hall
By Rebecca Aguilar Senior Correspondent When President Donald Trump stopped in Dallas to have a roundtable discussion on policing and race relations after George Floyd’s killing last month, the visit garnered headlines. The event at the Gateway Church campus included faith leaders, law enforcement officials, small business owners, and senior members of the Trump administration. “And I want to thank you all for being here...We want law and order. We have to have a lot of good things, but we have to have law and order,” said President Trump. But missing at the roundtable were the three top law enforcement officials in Dallas County who also happen to be Black: Sheriff Marian Brown, District Attorney John Creuzot, and Dallas Police Chief, U. Reneé Hall. In a telephone interview, DA Creuzot said he had no idea why he wasn’t invited, and whether being Black was one of the reasons. The county’s top prosecutor said that Trump missed an opportunity to find out how his office deals with policing issues. “I could have easily shown him the statistics that we have right here so he could understand that institutional racism exists in many institutions, including the insti-tution of policing.” The Dallas Police Department confirmed Chief Hall was not invited to the JUNE 26, 2020
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Presi-dent’s event. The Chief declined our request to talk about the President’s visit. The police department’s Public Information Officer sent an email that read, “Chief Hall will not be making any statements regarding President Trump’s visit to Dallas or not being invited to participate in the round table discussion.” Sheriff Brown addressed the issue on CNN. “I’m not sure why I wasn’t invited,” she said. “...when you initiate a conversation, and you purport that conversation to be about racism and policing in America, and you fail to include the top three law enforcement officials in the area where you are speaking, I think that says a lot and causes one to raise a brow.”
Sheriff Marian Brown
On Friday, the three attended a roundtable at Dallas City Hall with other law en-forcement officials, and community leaders. Republican Senator John Cornyn said he asked Mayor Eric Johnson to organize the discussion to find ways to help rebuild trust between the public and law enforcement. At a press conference, Cornyn was asked why the Trump administration did not invite the top Black law enforcement officials to his roundtable a day earlier. The Senator said he did not know. “I think we need to hear from everybody.” At Cornyn’s roundtable, District Attorney Creuzot was able to share why he does
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District Attorney John Creuzot
not prosecute misdemeanor marijuana cases. He said 90% of the cases are against Black people when only 22% of the county’s population is African American. In a phone interview, Creuzot told us he has the statistics to prove that there have been two systems of criminal justice in Dallas County. But under his watch, no longer will the poor and people of color be set up to fail. “When you’re targeting the lowest offender and target that person and prosecute that person, then you have put a criminal record on them, which impairs them from going to school, live in a better apartment, or get a better job,” he explained. Before becoming the district attorney, Creuzot was a Dallas Felony District Court Judge for 21 years. He said he can look at cases through different angles. “You know before now the DA was just prosecuting cases, but now we’re talking about who are we prosecuting and why, and what are we getting out of it.” He added the way they prosecute now has saved the county $1.3 million dollars. Creuzot said out of respect for the office of the President, he probably would have gone to the roundtable if the Trump administration would have invited him. He also had one piece of advice for Trump: “Turn the phone off, turn the television off, get some sleep. Not everybody is your enemy. Not everybody is attacking you, and you don’t have to attack everybody.” myimessenger.com
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Virtual Community Calendar June 24, 2020 Happy Birthday To Team Member and Great Lady Marva Sneed AKA Co’Ka Of the dynamic duo Mo’Ka n Co’Ka
A Message For You, The Stimulus Show with Marva Sneed. Guests Mrs. Dena Price owner of South Dallas Cafe and Chad Houser owner of Cafe’ Momentum. 11 am -1 pm. CST On Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, and BlogTalkRadio.com. Join the conversation 646-200-0459. Zan Wesley Holmes Community Out Reach Center Hosts Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program Free Wills Clinic Register: https://www. zwhjcoc.org/registration-form-wills-clinic. #NationBuilding w/ Michael Sorrell at 12:30 pm CT on Facebook & Twitter. Follow Paul Quinn College’s President, Michael Sorrell on all social media platforms. @MichaelSorrell on Twitter & Instagram and @ Michael J. Sorrell on Facebook. Dallas County Democratic Party Town Hall Series Presents: Conversation with Constables. 4 pm CST Tickets: www.Zoom. us Also streams live on Facebook.
New Policies to Support the Protest: Public Safety & Housing. 5:30 pm – 7 pm. Interactive Facebook Live and Zoom Meeting. Feat: Pastor George Mason from Wilshire Baptist Church Demetria McCain from Inclusive Communities Project To read the 10-point plan, & Register bit.ly/ocofdemands.
June 26, 2020 From Marva with Love with Marva Sneed 11:15 am Carl Moore owner of Mo’ Betta Wings, 12:15 Rev. Richard Evans How’s the church community doing challenged by COVID-19?
A Message For You, hosted by Cheryl Smith, publisher of Texas Metro News, Garland Journal and I Messenger. She is a veteran journalist and FAMU graduate, who currently serves as Secretary of the National Association of Black Journalists. Join in on Facebook/TexasMetroNewsand BlogTalkRadio.com at 11 am- 1pm. Questions ask Cheryl at 646-200-0459. National Coalition of a 100 Black Women, Inc Dallas Metropolitan Chapter 2020 Barbara Jordan Civic Engagement Webinar Series an engaging series aimed at educating our communities on the impact of civic engagement legislation. Topic: Did You Know That You Can Serve? 7 pm. Register: www.ncbwdallas.org. SIP and Eat with LaShante’ “The Lifestyle Chef.” LaShante Williams, Every Thursday at 7pm CST on FB live and IG live and https:// www.instagram.com/lashante_thelifestylechef/
JUNE 26, 2020
NBPRS Dallas and NABJ Media Related Task Force presents the “Virtual” Happy Hour with host Terry Allen 5:30 pm CST. Register in advance for this meeting: https:// us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/vpIpcumvrD4jCjxEQOkkv1R6jaqJ1yhGw. Bring your best drink and enjoy the best in online networking! Grown Folks Jazz, hosted by Sam Putney from the Skip Murphy Morning Show every Thursday on Facebook.com/JimAustinOnline. At 7:30 pm. Guest: Therese-Marie
Stewpot Food Distribution/Distribucion de Comida. 12 pm- 2 pm. Call Aracely Lomeli at 469-573-0148. English and Spanish speaking. DeSoto Fourth Friday Concert with Natural Change. 8 – 9:30 pm The City of DeSoto is going VIRTUAL! Back by popular demand, we are excited to re-launch the DeSoto Fourth Friday Music Series! Find us at facebook.com/ArtsDeSoto. Curbside Market by La Francaise Bakery 10 am – 2 pm Curbside Market @ La Francaise Bakery 201 Gold St., Garland.
June 27, 2020
Mental Health In African American Men Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc Southwestern Region partners with Ora Lee Smith Foundation for Self-Care Sundays. Join on Zoom at http://tiny.cc/selfcaresundays Meeting ID 879 3975 4974 Password 897949 Live Stream on Facebook @WeAreOraLee. Hungry For Change: The Gatherings Part 2 host Cheryl “Action” Jackson at Plano Municipal Center1520 K Ave. Plano 3 pm – 5 pm. Register on Eventbrite.com.
A Message For You. I Messenger Media is continuing to provide thought-provoking, informative, enlightening and entertaining news, and commentary. 1 pm. on BlogTalkRadio.com. Positive Reflections Ministry Free Groceries (Includes meat, non-perishables goods & produce while supplies last) Pick up location: Pleasant Zion Missionary Baptist Church 1910 N. St Augustine Rd. Dallas from 9 am to 1 pm. Call 214-208-5536.
Meet A Black Mental Health Professional: We Are Here, host Dr, Tanisha Guy. 7 pm – 9 pm. The event will introduce you to 20 Black mental health professionals. Reg: Eventbite.com.
June 25, 2020
A Message For You. I Messenger Media is continuing to provide thought-provoking, informative, enlightening and entertaining news, and commentary. 1 pm. on BlogTalkRadio.com.
2020 Arlington NAACP Community Legal Clinic. 9 am – 1 pm Virtual Zoom Register: https://forms.gel/woznCHeM7WVKBrcD8. Mayor’s Milk Initiative: S. Dallas at Paul Dunbar Learning Center 4200 Metropolitan Ave. Dallas. 9 am - 12 pm. No ID required anyone is welcome. Mountain View Church Of Christ Distribution of Free Groceries Saturdays 9 am - 12 pm. 7979 E. RL Thornton Fwy. Dallas. DRIVE-THRU ONLY First come first serve.
Virtual Community Conversation-Rio Grande Valley. 8 pm-9 pm. Join Senator Royce West on a Virtual Community Conversation across Texas by attending this virtual town hall! Learn more about Senator West’s experience, his vision for Texas, and ask questions. Register: www.mobilize.com.
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Jubilee Theatre, Celebrates its 39th Birthday with this very special production. How I Got Over honors the legendary Queen of Gospel, Mahalia Jackson Jubilee Theatre, 506 Main St. Ft. Worth 817.338.4411 Visit JubileeTheatre.org.
June 30, 2020 A Message For You, with Anthony Council Morehouse student and I Messenger Media intern. Anthony brings that perspective from those born in this century. Live on Facebook/@TexasMetroNews and Blog Talk Radio.com.
July 1, 2020 A Message For You, The Stimulus Show with Marva Sneed from11 am -1 pm. CST On Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, and BlogTalkRadio.com. Call in and join the conversation at 646-200-0459. Meet A Black Mental Health Professional: We Are Here, hosted by Dr, Tanisha Guy. 7 pm – 9 pm. A 2-hour event will introduce you to 20 Black mental health professionals. Register: Eventbite.com. Virtual Community Conversation-North, Texas. 7:30 pm. Join Senator Royce West on a Virtual Community Conversation across Texas by attending this virtual town hall! This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about Senator West’s experience, his vision for Texas, and ask questions. Register: www.mobilize.com.
July 2, 2020
Early Voting June 29-July-10
SIP and Eat with LaShante’ “The Lifestyle Chef.” LaShante Williams, Every Thursday at 7pm CST on FB live and IG live and https://www.instagram.com/lashante_thelifestylechef/
Voting At The West, Friendship West Baptist Church is a voting precinct 2020 W. Wheatland Rd. Dallas. 8 am – 7 pm. Dallas County residents can vote in any precinct in the county.
Mayor’s Milk Initiative: S. Dallas at Paul Dunbar Learning Center 4200 Metropolitan Ave. Dallas. 3 pm. No ID required anyone is welcome.
June 29-July 3, 2020 Social Media Pro Presents: Social Media Day Summit 2020. Panel guests: Jesse Jameson, Kate Buck, Kate Paine, Rob Ainbinder, Matthew Hughes, Dorien Morin-Van Dam, Sherrod Washington. Register: socialmediadaysummit.com.
June 28, 2020 Andrew’s World with host Andrew Whigham III on BlogTalkRadio.com 8 am.-10 am. Tune in for thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news and commentary. Join the conversation at 646-200-0459.
Join in on Facebook/@CherylSmith and BlogTalkRadio.com at 11 am- 1pm. Questions ask Cheryl at 646-200-0459.
June 29, 2020 A Message For You, hosted by Cheryl Smith publisher of Texas Metro News, Garland Journal and I Messenger. She is a veteran journalist and FAMU graduate, who currently serves as Secretary of the National Association of Black Journalists.
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JUNE 26, 2020
Preparing Your Finances for the Future On “From Marva with Love,” we recently heard from Dr. NaRita Anderson. She has a Ph.D. in Personal Financial Planning from Kansas State University and her research focuses on risk management decision-making strategies of baby boomers in the United States. Dr. Anderson is an Assistant Professor at the University of Central Oklahoma, where she has been teaching personal finance and business principles since 2006. She was born and raised in Oklahoma City, OK, and is the mother of one Sean Anderson Beals. MS: Your research is in risk management decision-making strategies. Can you explain what that is to our listening audience? NA: Sure, so as a baby boomer myself, risk management is a big part of things that I think about and are the things that keep me up at night. So I have been in the process of expanding my knowledge and understanding of
JUNE 26, 2020
From Marva with BY MARVA SNEED
Dr. NaRita Anderson
these financial areas as I make this journey. Being a researcher allows me to look at other people’s perspectives. So when we talk about risk man-
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agement, let be define risk. Risk is uncertainty or lack of predictability that may result from a loss or failure. So this idea of risk management
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is your organized strategy for protecting your assets and your people from the risk of loss. MS: Risk management is different from Estate Planning. What is Estate Planning? NA: Your estate consists of everything that you own, including your bank account your stocks or bonds any real estate you have and your personal property, it is all those things collectively that make up your estate. The estate planning we typically think of is what we are going to do with our stuff. An estate plan is a plan for the use and the disposition of assets. So it’s the building of those assets, and as you build assets, you have to have a plan….. Dr. Anderson also told us what a proper estate plan is. To hear the full interview go to BlogTa l k R a d i o. c o m / C h e ryl’sWorld. Link: Link: https://bit.ly/3aCmWyA. Tune in to “From Marva with Love,” Fridays from 11 am-1 pm.
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“We are open for carryout. We care about our customers and our community and we thank you for your business during this difficult time.�
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Open Tuesday-Saturday 11am-8p. During this pandemic we are still open for call-in and pick up orders. We have specials Tuesdays $5 burger baskets with fries and Wednesdays $5 chicken strip baskets with fries. Our menu is filled with so many delicious items. We have Bar-B-Q plates, Crab boils and so much more. We would love to serve you.
6090 Bonnie View Rd Dallas, TX 75241 Hours
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Dr. Amerson adapts to Temporary Business Closure Dr. Linda Amerson, Board Certified Trichologist, has adapted to the temporary closure of LA's Hair and Scalp Clinic. We continue to offer our award-winning products to consumers. Our exclusive products are manufactured by a facility in Garland, TX. Premium quality natural ingredients are used to assist with dry, oily, itchy, flaky, inflammed scalps, as well as hair breakage, hair thinning and regrowth. Everyone may order from our website, and we will ship your product order to you. http://www.hairandscalpessentials.com We need your support. In addition, we offer Video Consultations globally! We will schedule an appointment, give a diagnosis, them make a recommendation. We are available to serve you in the comfort of your home. Call us today - 817.265.8854 http://www.hairandscalpessentials.com We need your support.
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JUNE 26, 2020
Supreme Court upholds that workers cannot be fired for
being Gay, Lesbian or Transgender By Rebecca Aguilar Texas Metro News Senior Correspondent
LGBTQ workers will now have more protection at work. In a 6-to3 decision, the US Supreme Court ruled against discrimination in the workplace on the basis of sexual orientation. The ruling has given Veronica Jimenez of Dallas some relief. By day she presents as a male at her job at a dental office. Only some of her family members and friends know she’s transitioning from male to female. “I’ve faced prejudice in the workplace for being trans, but kept quiet to keep my job,” said the 49-year-old. Veronica is her name as a woman. She asked us not to use her male name because she still fears she will be discriminated against at work. The Court’s decision expands the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include sexual orientation along with race, gender, and religion. The majority vote included two Republican-appointed justices, Neil Gorsuch and Chief Justice John Roberts who joined the Democratically appointed justices in the majority opinion. The ruling in part states:”Because discrimination on the basis of homosexuality or transgender status requires an employer to intentionally treat individual employees differently because of their sex…an employer who intentionally penalizes an employee for JUNE 26, 2020
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being homosexual or transgender also violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.” Currently, 22 states have laws that protect workers based on sexual orientation. Twenty-one states have laws protecting workers from discrimination based on gender identity.
Cece Cox, J.D. Chief Executive Officer
Cece Cox is the CEO of Resource Center, which advocates for the rights of the LGBTQ community in North Texas. “Despite everything going on in the world today, this is a watershed moment for our community. The message from the Court today was clear: there is no room for discrimination against LGBTQ people. We applaud the Court for standing on the right side of history and will continue the fight for full equality.” said Cox. Veronica Jimenez has faced dis-
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crimination and racism because she is a Mexican-American transgender woman. She says the high court’s decision gives LGBTQ people the right to be who they want to be. “It makes me feel that, like even if, with so much ugliness and hate in the world, there are some good people in powerful places fighting for people like me.” Cox said the ruling would hugely impact Blacks and Latinos in the LGBTQ community who face the most discrimination. “We know that Black and Latinx LGBTQ people still face disproportionate discrimination in many areas of their daily lives. While today’s decision is a step forward, our work does not end here.” Aimee Stephens was the woman who brought the trans rights part of the case to the forefront. In 2013 she told her co-workers at a funeral home that she was having gender reassignment surgery to transition to a woman. She was fired after six years as a funeral director. Her former boss testified in Court that she was fired because she “was no longer going to represent himself as a man.” Stephens died in May in Detroit from health complications. The UCLA Williams Institute reports there are one million workers who identify as transgender in the LGBTQ community and more than seven million Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual workers in the US. myimessenger.com
Mark Cuban makes $100k donation to NABJ Covid-19 Relief Fund By Dorothy J. Gentry Sports Editor A $100,000 donation to the National Association of Black Journalists by Dallas Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban was made in honor of two long-time Dallas/Fort Worth journalists who both passed away last month. The donation to NABJ’s Covid-19 Relief Fund was announced by the organization on Thursday after an appearance by Cuban on CNBC. According to CNBC, Cuban told them the donation was to honor former sportswriters Roger B. Brown and Martin “Marty” McNeal. He called them “two legends in the business that I had the pleasure of working with via the Mavs.”
Roger B Brown
Marty McNeal
Mark Cuban
Brown, known affectionately throughout the Metroplex and nationwide as “Roger B.” was a long-time radio show host on KKDA-AM and was the first Black full -time sportswriter at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. He passed away at age 61 on May 18. McNeal, who worked for the Dallas Times Herald and covered the Mavericks before
becoming the long-time Sacramento Kings beat writer for the Sacramento Bee, passed away three days later on May 21 at the age of 64. After hearing of their deaths, Cuban reached out to the Dallas/Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists President Cheryl Smith on ways to honor the beloved journalists. “We were excited, but not surprised to hear of Mr. Cuban’s offer of support,” she said, adding that he and the Mavs organization has always been responsive to and respectful of the media. “We have stellar journalists in this market who have earned respect and while Roger B. and Marty are no longer with us, Mr. Cuban is helping to share their legacy with future generations.” According to Mavs.com writer Dwaine Price, a friend and former colleague of both Brown and McNeal, the idea was straight from Cuban, who has been at the forefront of making a major difference in the African American communities. “I thought it was a terrific idea that Mark wanted to reach out and make a lasting donation to the National Association of Black Journalists that will honor both Marty Mac and Roger B., who were huge figures within the journalism community on a national level. They will be sorely missed by their family, friends and peers, but their legacies will
live on thanks to the generous contribution made by Mark Cuban.” Alicia Brown Young, sister of Roger B. Brown, thanked Cuban and called the donation “an honor.” “My parents would be very proud. He (Roger) has always known he wanted to be in sports. Journalism provided him that avenue to pursue his dream. His legacy as the first Black sports columnist for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram opened the door for so many sports writers to follow and pursue their dreams in writing and broadcasting. “To Mark Cuban, thank you so much for honoring my brother Roger for his passion, dedication and love for the world of sports,” Young continued. “Particularly grateful for his years as a beat writer for the Mavericks. It was one of his greatest achievements.” The NABJ COVID-19 Relief Fund was established after the spread of the Coronavirus cancelled or suspended all collegiate and professional sports and led to layoffs and salary cuts at many media outlets. A. Sherrod Blakely, chair of the NABJ Sports Task Force, said in a statement to CNBC: “On behalf of the NABJ Sports Task Force, we are honored that Mark Cuban has stepped up in such a meaningful, impactful way at a time when so many are in need.”
Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Community Outreach Center presents Juneteenth: Hustle and Flow Coaching | June 15-19, 2020 An array of topics and speakers are on the agenda for the fourth annual Juneteenth event sponsored by the Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Community Outreach Center. This year’s event Atled Hustle & Flow will include a series of coaching sessions for what is being termed the “Hustle & Flow Krewe.” Two sessions will be offered each day June 15-19 via Zoom. Hustle & Flow means the way a group of individuals conduct their business. These sessions are primarily for individuals who have a hustle from which they make money. Hustle and Flow Krewe coaching is designed to teach parAcipants who have a hustle basic educaAon on how to make their hustles grow into a business and how to get to the next level in their business pracAces. Ten dynamic speakers are set to share informaAon to that end. Learn more about speakers and their topics at www.zwhjcoc.org. Click on Juneteenth. DAY 1 June 15 (Monday) 10 -11:30 am | Welcome to the New Economy | Frances Smith-Dean 1 – 2:30 pm | You Are More Than a Conqueror: Transforming the Hustle Game | Kerry Reynolds DAY 2 June 16 (Tuesday) 10 – 11:30 am | Innovate Your Business with Market Research | Judith Collins 1 – 2:30 pm | Real Estate: An Old Game for a New Season | Kesha Hall DAY 3 June 17 (Wednesday) 10 – 11:30 am | Tax Strategies for the Self-Employed and Business Owners | Alfred Record 1 – 2:30 pm | Why Should Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Be Important to Me? | Ezra James DAY 4 June 18 (Thursday) 10 – 11:30 am | Grow Your Business with 0 Dollars Using the Power of Social Media | Jasmine Anderson 1– 2:30 pm | PodcasZng—a Great Way to Connect with your Audience | Alexis Williams, Terry Price DAY 5 June 19 | Friday 10 -11:30 am | Types of EnZty Structures | Markeyta Mitchell 1 – 2:30 pm | Understanding the Sales Game | Audrey Brown To register, go to www.zwhjcoc.org and click on Juneteenth. For more informaZon, contact Jasmine Anderson at jasmine.anderson@zwhjcoc.org
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JUNE 26, 2020
WE’RE OPEN No More Hugs and Kisses... JUST GOOD FOOD!
FOR BUSINESS!
2536 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Dallas, TX 75215
(214) 565-1025
2120 NStAugustineSuite100 Dallas, TX 75227
(972) 329-1414
Thanks for your cooperation and continued support of Black Jack Pizza!
JUNE 26, 2020
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Hanging with Hollywood
MISS JUNETEENTH MOVIE REVIEW BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ MISS JUNETEENTH is a labor of love for first time director and Fort Worth native, Channing Godfrey Peoples. She is also the writer and producer of the film, all while recently giving birth and undertaking the role of a mother. The movie is a stirring story of a single mother, played by Nicole Behaire (The Jackie Robinson Story) who is a former Miss Juneteenth herself and trying to get her teenage daughter, Alexis Chikaeze) to fulfill the dreams that never came true in her life. The movie follows two plot lines. One is of the traditions of Juneteenth in Texas and the pageant, and it also tells the story of Turquoise Jones trying to get her rebellious daughter on the path that will lead her somewhere in life, unlike the heartache she suffered in hers with a good for nothing exhusband and having to work at several jobs just to
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keep the lights on. The movie does a good job of drawing the parallels that Texas slaves went through having their emancipation delayed two years and Turquoise’s dreams being delayed by a series of setbacks she’s faced in her life. MISS JUNETEENTH is a gut-wrenching story that will move you to tears. Director Channing Peoples does an excellent job of taking you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions throughout the movie. I also have to mention local actress Liz Mikel who works with Turquoise at Wayman’s BBQ and Lounge. It’s a real “Texas Joint” that adds a big helping of Texas realism to the film (which takes place in Fort Worth). MISS JUNETEENTH is a major motion picture, playing and receiving recognition at both The Sundance and SXSW film festivals. It cost me about $7 and I watched it on Fandango PPV. It’s also playing at The Grand Berry Theater in Fort Worth. The movie is not rated and has a run time of 1 hour and 43 minutes. The emotional story moved me and the movie kept me entertained. I loved it! On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate MISS JUNETEENTH a JUMBO.
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We’re open and ready to serve you!
Elaine’s Jamaican Kitchen
(214) 565-1008 2717 Martin L. King Jr Blvd, Dallas, TX 75215
JUNE 26, 2020
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FEBRUARY 8, 2019
I Messenger
Do you know this man?
POLICE have not apprehended “Pookie” the serial rapist. We know he has attacked members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and there is a $5,000 reward offered by Crime Stoppers.
HE IS A SERIAL RAPIST
He targeted members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. but this is more than about a sorority. We’re talking about a community. Come on PEOPLE! Don’t you CARE? Will it matter when it is your sister, mother, aunt or grandmother or maybe YOU?
877-373-8477 JUNE 26, 2020
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