I Messenger

JUNE 5, 2020

VOL IX NO 41

I MESSENGER

ESSENTIAL D e s ti n y Pe o p les puts her heart into her work

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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.

JUNE 5, 2020

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What

about our children?

WAKE UP AND STAY WOKE DR. E. FAYE WILLIAMS, ESQ.

(TriceEdney) - Like many who’ve had to shelter in place, I’ve had time for introspection and reflection.

I’ve had to limit contact with family members, but I’ve had the opportunity to share memories and plan for future engagements with them.

As leader of a national organization, I’ve had to plan for the utilization of new creative procedures to keep our organization operational. I’m a community activist, so I’ve had to examine and evaluate the impact of COVID- 19 on our communities.

While much has been said about the current disparate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color, very little attention has been placed on a plan for healing that will be essential postpandemic. I place special emphasis on the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of our youths.

I can only imagine the weight of uncertainty that has been added to their customary burden. If not before COVID-19, our children must suffer to varying degrees with emotional distress that can only be labeled Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

The American Psychiatric Association defines PTSD as “a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who’ve experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, serious accident, terrorist act, war/combat, rape or other violent personal assault. People with PTSD have intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to their experiences that last long after the traumatic event has ended. They may relive the event through flashbacks or nightmares; they may feel sadness, fear or anger; and they may feel ... estranged

from other people.�

I would think the initial temporary school closures were greeted by our youths as an extra spring break. I’d also speculate that, when these closures were applied to the remaining school year and students realized a longer separation from friends and nor- malcy, they had to face another demoralizing disappointment in a sequence of many.

For many, food and shelter security became real and immediate. Some have become victims of domestic violence sparked by routine practice or proximity anxiety. For many more, illness and death of family and friends and the real potential of personal illness or death have become thoughts which are their constant companions.

More long term, the educational disparities and academic gaps suggest loss of future opportunities for some.

Academic and athletic scholarships which depend on evaluation results of completed school years will not be realized. These obvious assaults on the mental health of youths will go unchecked and unanswered.

Historically, our communities have been reluctant to accept the existence of mental health problems, ignoring rather than addressing them. If healing is our true purpose, we must first acknowledge the full scope of the issues — general and individual — which confront the target of our concern. We can no longer count on the intestinal fortitude of victims to shepherd them through their trauma.

Some need help.

We must become more thorough and sincere in demonstrating our concern.

Instead of the casual, “How ya doing?� our inquiry must be a more thorough one like, “Is there anything I can do to help you?� or a variety of probing questions that’ll help our youths express themselves.

We must remember that their healing begins with us. Unchecked, the impact of their trauma becomes generational.

(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

FAITHFUL UTTERANCES

QUIT PLAYIN’

While some have been sending praises of essential workers and those in the trenches, there have been the horror stories about people who either don’t like their jobs or they are just plain ornery.

Since I was a kid, I remember hearing the expression ‘handwriting on the wall’. That expression was based on a Biblical story in the book of Daniel 5 starting with verse 3. My Pastor, Chris Simmons, taught from this passage this morning and I wanted to share some of my thoughts with you today.

Baylor Scott and White CEO Jim Hinton pulled no punches when asked why he was laying off 1200 rather than furloughing them.

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Parkland accepting personal protective equipment donations Items must be new and unopened With news reports showing the increasing need for personal protective equipment (PPE) at hospitals across the county, members of the North Texas community have been reaching out asking officials at Parkland Health & Hospital System what they can do to assist.

It’s simple – you can donate new and unopened PPE to Parkland.

Those items include: • • • • •

N95 masks (Medical Grade) Surgical masks Industrial masks Surgical caps Medical protective gowns (water resistant) • Foot/shoe covers • Medical latex-free gloves

• Eye protection goggles • Medical face shields • Powered air purifying respirators (PAPR) and PAPR hoods • Hand sanitizer (all sizes) • Antibacterial soap • Disinfectant wipes

Items can be donated Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Parkland’s Logistics Building, 5223 Tex Oak Ave., Dallas, TX 75235.

For additional information about donating PPE please email Pamela Bryant at pamela.bryant@phhs.org myimessenger.com

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JUNE 5, 2020

MY TRUTH

by Cheryl Smith, Publisher While some have been sending praises of essential workers and those in the trenches, there have been the horror stories about people who either don’t like their jobs or they are just plain ornery. They are in it for the paycheck, or they may have started out in love with their career but over the years they’ve become jaded.

Not a pleasant thought, and not someone you want to brush with the “show them all some love“ paint brush.

Then too, however there are those noble men and women who are so deserving of love.

Which brings me to my truth.

Destiny has always been known as sweet, loving and respectful. Her mom, LaWonda, and I have been friends for decades and I’ve seen this young lady grow into someone who would make any mother proud.

Must be those Alabama roots!

Destiny is a registered nurse. She’s been on the front line serving with passion and compassion. Her love for her profession and the invaluable work that she does is worth celebrating and praising.

She says, “I have an affinity for the pride and humbleness the work of nursing offers to those with a caring heart and a thirst for helping those in need.”

When she accepted an assignment in New York City, she said she had no idea what her responsibilities would be. She boarded the plane from Atlanta’s Hartsfield Airport and arrived in the Big Apple ready to clock in at her assigned hospital.

“When I first got there, it was gruesome,” said the Tuskegee University graduate, who had just completed an assignment in Houston. “But it was a great experience and I felt that if I leave someone in a better condition, I did my job.”

Destiny had plenty of time to make a difference, during 12-hour shifts, and she took advantage of every second.

The conditions weren’t always the best, she admitted. There was also the JUNE 5, 2020

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Thanks,

Destiny concern about being infected with the coronavirus especially since she was assigned to a unit specifically for patients with a positive diagnosis.

“I felt I was going to be exposed wherever I was,” she said, adding that it was extremely challenging because, “they are begging and pleading for help in New York.”

Already health-conscious, Destiny said she double-dosed on vitamins and she tried to get rest when she could so she would be better prepared for her emotionally and physically-demanding shifts.

Destiny described conditions where there were three patients to a room, with each at varying stages of care. For Destiny, half the battle was mental. She had to stay focused and she couldn’t be afraid.

She came into contact with one patient, who has since gained a special place in her heart. Working on a floor with mothers who had just given birth could be very emotional. These

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mothers gave birth but their newborns were immediately taken to another area for at least 48 hours or how ever long it took to get test results. During that time, mothers had no contact, there was no time to bond.

“It was heartbreaking,” Destiny recalled, and worse especially if the mother does not live through the ordeal.

One mother was recovering and thankfully her newborn tested negative.

Still, however they were not able to be with one another.

So up steps Super Nurse, Destiny!

“I learned of the baby’s negative status and I took him and gave him all the love,” she recalled. “I went to the mom and I took the mom’s number and sent her videos and pictures. I also would talk to her and FaceTime daily with her.”

What Destiny did was admirable and there are probably some who frown upon her acts of kindness. But I look at her as a real hero. When I think of some of the stories that I have heard about and how so many are isolated from their loved ones; with some living their last minutes on this earth without being able to hear the voice of or touch a loved one; I want to hug Destiny!

Just like Destiny said, it is part mental for those taking care of the COVID-19 patients. Is it possible that recovery is part mental, so having someone who cares is a good thing?

Now everyone can’t be expected to go the extra mile, but guess what, when accolades are being given, every essential worker regardless of their level of commitment, gets to share in the glory.

I urge everyone, regardless of their jobs, to be the best at what they do. After all, putting in the work is the right thing and if you want to celebrate the good, you need to do like Destiny and put in the good work! myimessenger.com

Dr. Conrad Worrill joins the Realm of the Ancestors and the like. While we believe in the collective, it is correct to say that more than other single person he is the reason NBUF has lasted for 41 years.

As a part of his ideological family we are assured that our ancestral realm is being fortified with his strong spirit, joining Baba Jitu Weusi, Momma Porter and so, so many others.

Conrad was our brother, he loved his biological family, he loved his ideological family, he loved his community and spent the majority of his life working for African people worldwide.

He consistently made great contributions to the African Liberation Movement. He has begun his ancestral journey standing at the ready to assist us in death as he did in life when called upon.

As tributes pour in and rightfully so, we all know the best tribute to Dr. Worrill is to continue the work of African Liberation on all levels.

Dr. Conrad Worrill

government, The Demand for Full & Complete Reparations, the Durban 400 delegation to the World Conference Against Racism and various political campaigns. Within NBUF some of us have been his contemporaries, some have been mentored directly by him, some he has served as surrogate father figure, for others he has been a sage elder and for all of us he has made a great impact on our lives. Travelling the PanUpdates will be provided as Dr. Worrill’s contributions to African World he made us all information becomes available.

NBUF are too numerous to fully proud representing NBUF. account for. However, some Forward Ever, As a scholar/activist Chairman efforts that stand out under his Backwards Never, leadership include: The African Emeritus Dr. Worrill placed a Centered World Education meticulous focus on organizing Kofi Taharka Plan, We Charge Genocide African people, never too big to National Chairperson Campaign against U.S. do the “little things� passing National Black United Front out flyers, setting up chairs Dr. Conrad Worrill of Chicago, Illinois founding member and National Chairman of the National Black United Front (NBUF) from 1985-2009 has made his transition to the realm of the Holy African Egun (Ancestors). Our thoughts and prayers are extended to his wife Mrs. Talibah Worrill, his children, his brother, his grandchildren and large extended family.

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JUNE 5, 2020

Virus In, Vanity Out! QUIT PLAYIN’ VINCENT L. HALL

Baylor Scott and White CEO Jim Hinton pulled no punches when asked why he was laying off 1200 rather than furloughing them.

“We would not put somebody into furlough if we didn’t think we could eventually get them back to work. We just can’t afford to carry them because it erodes other parts of the organization. We’ve got to get back to a positive operating margin. The big question mark for us is, ‘what will the financial support look like for that care we provide?’”

Hinton wasn’t cute. Vanity doesn’t come with this virus.

It’s time to get back to our pre-affirmative action survival skills. Quick; go grab big mama’s memoirs!

“Don’t break a dollar to spend a dime” was Big Mama’s caveat of caution; think before you part with your hardearned money. Always look for a bargain and re-member that a bargain ain’t a bargain unless it’s something you can use.”

Unfortunately, we spend money on conveniences that JUNE 5, 2020

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we can’t afford. Bottled water costs a buck; more if you’re too bourgeoisie for Ozarka.

You pay for the fresh drinking water running in your pipes and most public places.

There’s $50 -75 dollars per month and some fluoride for your children’s dental health.

Back in the day, we were excited when UHF stations were added to our choices of channels 4, 5, 8, and 11. Today we have up to 400 options via cable, satellite, and video over the internet. We traded a free commodity for one that costs $200 per month. Most of us could slash half of that expense. Do you use even 10% of the channels you pay for? Is “My 600 Pound Life” a

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want or a need.

Smart shoppers realize that it’s not a hobby, it’s a skill.

Don’t buy anything that’s not on sale and not at least 50% less than the original price.

Those enticing signs that read “BOGO” or “buy one get one half off” only save 25%. “Buy two get one free” is 33% off and only qualifies as a bargain if you can use three.

Banks and credit unions make upwards of 30% of their profit these days on fees.

They took down those signs warning “hot” check writers they could be prosecuted.

Bankers these days are much more demure and much more dastardly. The lower interests rate go, the more tricks banks

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are forced to create.

Financial institutions provide overdraft protection on your checking and credit card accounts at an average of $25 per occurrence. A day in jail may have been cheaper, and it may have taught you some patience.

Automatic bill pay shouldn’t preclude you from checking your monthly statements.

Debit cards are convenient, but like credit cards, they tend to make us spend more than we would part with if we shelled out cold hard cash.

Passing them a card for that $60 feast at Pappadeaux’s ain’t nothing like peeling off three $20 bills.

A Smartphone ain’t smart

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when you’re dumb and broke.

That’s where $100 per month goes, $200 if you got teenage kids.

What about your bad habits?

Cigarettes are $7 a pack or $200 per month. Coffee or “energy drinks” could cost $100 per month. Booze at home is cheaper than at the bar. Just be careful not to get “drunk while sheltering” from COVID-19, you don’t end up in a shelter because of your addiction!

We spend money we don’t have to impress people we don’t like. We buy hair by the bag, donuts by the dozen, and burn gas like we have stock in oil companies. We Supersize combo meals and

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eat ourselves into oblivion, obesity, and outpatient clinics.

After you tithe---lol-there’s laundry, groceries, tuition, medical bills, utilities, prescriptions, entertainment, toll roads, and the list goes on and on. Let’s not forget your manicured nails and feet and the maintenance on that nappy mane God blessed you with.

Times are about to get hard.

This shit is about to get real.

There is more to come when they lay off hospital workers in a nation with as many sick folks as we have. The virus is here, and the vanity got to go!

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

JUNE 5, 2020

Handwriting on the Wall FAITHFUL UTTERANCES

BY DR. FROSWA BOOKER-DREW

Since I was a kid, I remember hearing the expression ‘handwriting on the wall’. That expression was based on a Biblical story in the book of Daniel 5 starting with verse 3. My Pastor, Chris Simmons, taught from this passage this morning and I wanted to share some of my thoughts with you today.

The scripture reads: “King Belshazzar gave a great banquet for a thousand of his nobles and drank wine with them. 2 While Belshazzar was drinking his wine, he gave orders to bring in the gold and silver goblets that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines might drink from them. 3 So they brought in the gold goblets that had been taken from the temple of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines drank from them.

4 As they drank the wine, they praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone.5 Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, JUNE 5, 2020

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near the lampstand in the royal palace. The king watched the hand as it wrote. 6 His face turned pale and he was so frightened that his legs became weak and his knees were knocking.”

that matters. It’s the love of a wonderful God that is sustaining us moment by moment. Our focus in this season must change to the Creator and not the created.

I’m sure this wasn’t the first party the King had. What made this different was that a hand appeared from out of nowhere.

We’ve been accustomed to illness and pausing but not a complete stop in our lives, either. We, too, had been going on about our lives and out of the blue, the unbelievable happened. Just as the King had to take inventory and receive guidance to interpret the meaning of the hand on the wall, we have been given this time Being in quarantine is creating to stop, examine, and explore. an opportunity to reflect on our past, present and future I hope that in this season you possibilities.

Are you paying are taking inventory of your life, attention to patterns, thoughts, of those things that are important and actions from your past and focusing on what next looks (including previous family like. You will get through this. We decisions) that are impacting will get through this as long as we you now? How can you be more pay attention to the handwriting intentional in disrupting those on the wall. norms that are not beneficial and doing something different that I look forward to your feedback can create the transformation on the book. You can order your you’d like to see? copyat drfroswa.com, sign-up for the newsletter or a free copy of As I’m typing this, I am hearing the first chapter on the website. birds sing. The chorus is beautiful Please share this content with and sometimes we are so busy your friends! that we can’t hear what is around Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is the Founder and us. This complete halt in our CEO of Soulstice Consultancy, specializing as lives is allowing us to remember a Partnership Broker and Leadership Expert what is important. The stuff that for companies and organizations to thrive with measurable and meaningful impact. She also we’ve worked so hard for doesn’t is the VP of Community Affairs and Strategic Alliances for the State Fair of Texas. matter right now. It isn’t the stuff There are several key points from this passage worth mentioning: 1. King Belshazzar lived through the bad mistakes from his father and he failed to use those experiences to inform his decisions.

2. He praised the creation and not the Creator.

3. Sometimes in the midst of going about our lives, we experience the unbelievable.

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Andrea Harris and the fight for minority business THE LAST WORD DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX

Andrea Harris was not well-known, but she should have been. She was the co-founder of the North Carolina Institute of Minority Business Development, an advocate for social and economic justice, a champion for historically Black colleges and universities, and a Bennett Belle (Class of 1970) who passionately loved her college.

After a brief illness and a stroke, she made her transition on May 20. The death of the well-connected woman who made it her business to link others together has drawn tributes and accolades from former North Congresswoman Eva Clayton, from other North Carolina legislators, from many of her Delta Sigma Theta sorority sisters, from her alma mater, Bennett College (www.bennett.edu), from the Minority Business Development Agency (https://www.mbda.gov/news/ news-and-announcements/2020/05/ remembrance-legacy-ms-andrea-harris) and from her beloved Institute.

A community organizer before she was a minority business advocate, Harris was a little woman with a big voice that she did not mind using for advocacy. For many years, she convinced the North Carolina legislature to fund the Institute of Minority Business Development. At 5’1”, Andrea was a compact hurricane, a force to be reckoned with. And she was a friend.

I was so sorry to hear of transition.

We talked at least a couple of times a week when she was a trustee at Bennett College and I was its President. More recently, we might spoke infrequently and no matter how much time passed between our conversations, either of us myimessenger.com

felt free, at any time, to pick up the phone to chat or ask for a favor.

The news about the ways the coronavirus has affected Black and other minority business would undoubtedly have prompted a conversation with brainstorming, commiseration, advocacy, action possibilities, and possible solutions.

When I read the news that the corona-imposed recession has wiped out more than 40 percent of Blackowned businesses nationally, I thought about Harris and passion she brought to her advocacy. And I thought about the “bailout” has shortchanged minorityowned businesses, many who saw their requests for funding through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) be declined.

I imagined that Andrea would have called her friend, former Bennett faculty member and Congresswoman Alma Adams to push for set-asides for minority business. I imagined her calling another mutual friend, Rev. William Barber, to weave the minority business cause into his advocacy for social and economic justice.

Harris would not be surprised, just as I am not, that Black-owned and other minority businesses got the short stick of bailout funds and that such a large number of Black-owned businesses (more than any other racial or ethnic group) are imperiled by the coronavirus recession.

The massive hit Black-owned businesses took is partly a function of the industries, including personal services, that minority businesses are concentrated in. It is also a function of the precarious position of minority businesses, many of which are underfunded, with unequal access to capital and market discrimination.

People like Andrea Harris fought

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hard for the right of minority businesses to thrive. And she believed in helping young women, especially her Bennett Belles, to learn about entrepreneurship.

She helped us set up a summer entrepreneurship program for high school students, helped establish an entrepreneurship minor, and took many fledgling businesses under her wing.

We need more advocates for minority business. Most Black-owned businesses have but one employee. Many are unable to provide essential job benefits –health care, sick leave, and more. More Blackowned businesses need more access to capital. Coronavirus has heightened our

Andrea Harris

awareness of inequality in employment, income, occupational status (22 percent of nurses’ assistants are Black women, and another 22 percent are Latina), health status, housing status, and more.

While the Small Business Administration did not initially collect demographic data on who got bailout money, instinctively, we know that Blackowned businesses were less likely than others to get funding.

Andrea Harris’s life work was about promoting Black business. As these see ANDREA HARRIS, page 17

JUNE 5, 2020

Part 4: Wig’d Out ABOUT YOUR HAIR

BY DR. LINDA AMERSON

www.hairandscalpessentials.com

Mothers, medical professionals and hair loss experts have concern and compassion when children experience loss of strands of any kind. Based on science and genetics, the hair growth progression varies per child.

For example, there may be nutritional malabsorption, systemic diseases, trauma to the scalp, trichotillomania, scalp burn, hair shaft defect or alopecia areata to name a few. Put simply, when hair loss occurs in children, it indicates an imbalance within their maturing system.

Wigs for children ages 2-12 have increased in availability from non-profit organizations, and hairstylists who create a custom design. Teenagers 13-19 also wear

Photo by: Dr. Amerson

Dr. Amerson with Sonya and daughter JUNE 5, 2020

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CAP Kids

wigs for medical reasons, and glamour photo shoots. Improving the self esteem and confidence of a youth is vital in the current worldwide bully epidemic.

Parents should talk to their kids, and if necessary use correction officer methods, to ensure their child is not a bully. Most children do not understand there could be a medical condition, as the reason their peer is wearing a wig. Over the past several years, there have been many reported cases from kids and parents contacting media, where a wig was pulled off, or a teacher has taken the wig off of a child’s head in front of the entire class. Humiliating the child! Resulting in the child no longer wanting to attend school.

If your child wears a wig, for whatever reason, make sure she/ he keeps their scalp clean by shampooing regularly. A scalp odor may occur from a dirty, sweaty scalp.

Help Is Available! Several nonprofit organizations are making a difference. They accept natural

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Photo by: Jeff Wyotovitch

hair donations, to offer a custom free wig to children with medical induced hair loss. In addition, annual camps for children with hair loss to have fun with peers, are available.

• Wigs for Kids • Helping Children With Hair Loss (CWHL) • Locs of Love • A Child’s Voice foundation • Hair Aid – Australia Alopecia Areata Foundation Inc. • Children’s Alopecia Project (CAP) host annual camps • Alopecia World is a website platform for questions and answers, where consumers diagnosed or going thru alopecia conditions. It is nonmedical.

We offer a Virtual Consultation and microscopic analysis to use science...Getting to the Root of the Problem. Call for an appointment.

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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JUNE 5, 2020

WE’RE IN A STATE OF EMERGENCY! - Tamika Mallory

JUNE 5, 2020

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JUNE 5, 2020

Dallas under curfew 7pm-6am Police Chief U. Renee Hall said the curfew covered Deep Ellum, Farmers Market, Cedars, Central Business District, West End, Victory Park and Uptown, with the boundary streets of Oak Lawn Avenue, Riverfront Boulevard, Corinth Street and Peak Street.

JUNE 5, 2020

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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 5, 2020

www.grandpasecret.com

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ANDREA HARRIS,

Please

wear your mask and

wash

your hands!

from page 9...

businesses are being harder hit than others by the corona recession, many of us know that our feisty friend would roll her sleeves up and dig in to offer advocacy and provide solutions for Black-owned business.

Amid a national pandemic, some don’t think we should talk much about race. But if we are all in the same boat, some folks are riding, while others are rowing. Harris would be one of those who would focus on the rowers.

In tribute to her, we should all be advocates for Black-owned businesses, and direct some of our dollars their way.

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

“We are open for carryout. We care about our customers and our community and we thank you for your business during this difficult time.”

Hours of business: Monday-Thursday 11:30 am-9:00 pm.

Friday 11:30 am-10:00 pm.

Saturday 12:00 pm-10:00 pm.

140 S Clark Rd Cedar Hill, TX 75104

Call orders in

(214)-859-3472

We run specials Monday-Thursday myimessenger.com

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JUNE 5, 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 5, 2020

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We’re OPEN!

214-421-5387 Two Podners Bar-B-Que & Seafood 1441 Robert B Cullum Blvd.

Dallas, Texas 75210 myimessenger.com

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JUNE 5, 2020

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MAY 20, 2020

Virtual Community Calendar

June 3, 2020 Ask Dr. Amerson ‘’Sexual Assault Awareness’ at 11am CST on DfwiRadio.com guest is Author & Life Coach Maurita Brown shares information about a topic which is often swept under the rug.

Statistics given and resources. Tips on hair & scalp care, & alopecia, #ScalpDoctor #39yrveteran #7yrhost Hollywood Live! With Michael “Hollywood” Hernandez with Co-Host Shavonda with a “V” on Hollywoodlive.com from 2 pm-4 pm. Guest: Michelle Priest Vocalist & Don Diego. Sax Player.

A Message For You. with Marva Sneed comes to you From Marva with Love, bringing you COVID-19 information on how to get the help you need, News, Resources, Music, and Encouragement. 11 am-1 pm. CST. Facebook/@CherylSmith and BlogTalkRadio.com. 646-200-0459. Today’s guest Michael Guinn Poet of the spoken word.

NNPA’s Live Publishers Broadcast Hosted

by Stacy M. Brown Journalist/Correspondent 12pm CST 1pm EST. Live on Facebook/ Black Press USA, Vimeo, and YouTube. Nab’a Muhammad- Final Call , Chicago, Dr. R.B. Holmes, Jr. - Capitol Outlook Newspaper Tallahassee, Fl., Trennie Williams- Silver Star News- Memphis, Karl Rodney- New York Carib News.

Financial Wellness Webinars 11am – 12noon. If you are a financial coach, bank CRA compliance officer, a non-profit with a financial program, or a community leader join these weekly webinars that equip attendees with strategies to assist during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sponsors: FDIC, Office of the Comptroller of Currency, and the Federal Reserve of Dallas. Contact: Linda Gabriel, 972-761-2809. Register by June 2nd at 5:30pm at: https://cvent.me/rMn5D

June 4, 2020 Goals Don’t Have Feelings Dr. Stacia Alexander. Top Achievers Nonprofit Lawerence Mann and Jalen Brunson Building Athletes for resiliency at 7pm at Facebook/@ GoalsDon’tHaveFeelings www.PositiveInfluences. org Facing challenges today for blessings tomorrow. Dallas Office: 469.227.7847.

Secretary of the National Association of Black Journalists. Join in on Facebook/@CherylSmith and BlogTalkRadio.com at 11 am- 1pm. Questions ask Cheryl at 646-200-0459.

June 5, 2020 1987 Dr. Mae C. Jemison the 1st.

Black woman astronaut.

From Marva with Love 11:15 am Terry Allen CEO of City Men Cook and CEO 1016 Media, He hosts the biggest Sunday Dinner on Father’s Day. 12:15 pm. Joseph Abrahams CEO Invest in your Success.

How has COVID-19, the Lockdown affected you?

June 6, 2020 1931 Baseball Willie Mays is Born 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.

NABJ Webinar: How They See Us | Black Male Media Project Moderated by: Bill Whitaker, This is an NABJ initiative designed to accurately reflect the contributions of black males in the media, and promote networking, mentorship, and professional development of black males working in the media. 1:00 pm CST. Register: bit.ly/HowTheySeeUs.

Math & Reading Summer Bridge Camps June 8 – 25, 2020 and July 6 – 23, 2020. On-line classes with designated class times will be offered to help kids stay current during the summer. Classes feature live teacher assistance, virtual field trips, arts projects, Google Classroom, and more. Classes and locations vary. Sponsor: Beacon Hill Preparatory Institute. Contact: 972-329-7779. Website: www.beaconhillprep.org.

June 8, 2020 Happy Birthday to Team Member and a great guy Joseph Abrahams 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/@CherylSmith and BlogTalkRadio.com at 11 am- 1pm.

Questions ask Cheryl at 646-200-0459.

NNPA’s Live Publishers Broadcast Hosted by Stacy M. Brown Journalist/Correspondent 12pm CST 1pm EST. Live on Facebook/BlackPress USA, Vimeo, and YouTube. Bede Emuka -African News-Digest (Houston) Carol Zippert, Greene County Democrat (Alabama) Rod Doss- New Pittsburgh Courier Ken Miller- Inglewood Today Garland ISD Class of 2020 Graduation Ceremonies, Sachse High School at Williams Stadium 510 Stadium Dr. Garland.

8 pm. For more information and all of the details: garlandisd.net/graduation

June 7, 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 on Andrew’s World.

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.

NBPRS Dallas and NABJ Media Related Task Force presents the “Virtual” Happy Hour with host Terry Allen every Sunday 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!

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

JUNE 5, 2020

June 8-25, 2020

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June 9, 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.

Ask Dr. Amerson ‘Auto Immunity and Alopecia Areata’ at 11am CST on DfwiRadio.com Expert guest is Author & Transformational Coach Sandra Dubose, who will share her testimonial; we will discuss other alopecia categories. Tips on hair care, scalp care, & alopecia. #ScalpDoctor #39yrveteran #7yrhost Hollywood Live! With Michael “Hollywood” Hernandez with Co-Host Shavonda with a “V” on Hollywoodlive.com from 2 pm-4 pm. Guest: Eve Wooten & Samanthea Hunte.

Virtual Community Conversation-WOW Dems and NDTDW with Sen. Royce West. 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.us 7pm CST. Garland ISD Class of 2020 Graduation Ceremonies, Rowlett High School at Williams Stadium 510 Stadium Dr. Garland.

8 pm. For more information and all of the details: garlandisd.net/graduation

June 11, 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. Join in on Facebook/@ CherylSmith and BlogTalkRadio.com at 11 am- 1pm. Questions ask Cheryl at 646-200-0459

Valder Beebe Show That Celebrity Interview, daily shows on 411RadioNetwork.com & SoundCloud.com/valderbeebeshow; On-Demand (schedule) YouTube.com/valderbeebeshow Garland ISD Class of 2020 Graduation Ceremonies, South Garland High School at Williams Stadium 510 Stadium Dr. Garland. 8 pm. For more information and all of the details: garlandisd.net/graduation.

Garland ISD Class of 2020 Graduation Ceremonies, Memorial Pathway Academy at Williams Stadium 510 Stadium Dr. Garland. 8 pm. For more information and all of the details: garlandisd.net/ graduation

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June 10, 2020 Women’s Issues Town Hall with Royce West & Rep. Victoria Neave. Focusing on issues that impact women. 7 pm-8 pm.

Register: www.mobilize.us.

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JUNE 5, 2020

Scenes from Frisco Protest

Photos by Eva Gray Coleman (IMM) JUNE 5, 2020

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JUNE 5, 2020

Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Dak Prescott donates $1 Million to address police training and racism

By Dorothy J. Gentry Sports Editor Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott’s $1 million donation – announced in an impassioned Instagram post Wednesday morning – will go toward improving police training and addressing “systematic racism through education and advocacy in our country.”

Prescott’s statement on Instagram covered four pages and featured black and white images including a photo of George Floyd and an image of black and white hands intertwined. The donation will be administered through his Faith Fight Finish Foundation, which ”invests in the future of our youth by empowering them to find strength through adversity.”

For more information visit www. faithfightfinish.org.

The statement read in full: As a Black, Multiracial American, I am disgusted and unsettled! I am as optimistic as they come! I try to understand and find the positive in every situation or aspect of my life.

My mom left me the word Faith to live out for a reason. I believe in the good in each individual and this country as a whole! To be humble and to see every man and woman as the same takes humility and accountability.

As our communities take action, protesting and fighting for the justice of George Floyd and every black life, I am with you!

I have viewed these protests and riots in our streets as a form of strength and an attempt to show we as Black people have rights that aren’t being perceived equally as our counterparts.

These riots have caused consternation and confusion in an already crisis-driven world.

My MOM left me the word Faith to live out for a reason. I believe in the good in each individual and this country as a JUNE 5, 2020

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whole! To be humble and to see every man and woman as the same takes humility and accountability.

As our communities take action, protesting and fighting for the justice of George Floyd and every black life, I am with you!

I have viewed these protests and riots in our streets as a form of strength and an attempt to show we as Black people have rights that aren’t being perceived equally as our counterparts.

These riots have caused consternation and confusion in an already Crisis-driven world.

Dak Prescott

I do not believe in looting or that violence is the answer.

I have personally struggled, along with our country, since the Coronavirus pandemic began. Anxiety became something I had to understand and battle with as I searched for a purpose without the game of football around. I wanted to help, make a change, be a part of something that fixed the pandemic. During that search, I lost an Idol, my brother. He and I shared the same mission: FIND A BIGGER PURPOSE! As I process the passing of my brother, I have come to realize we are not given a voice to pronounce how much we matter.

It is our obligation to tell our neighbor how much they matter to us and to take a stand for the greater good of each other.

BLACK LIVES MATTER! We must commit to hold ourselves and our communities accountable! We must

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teach one another about our differences.

We must embrace the different colors, cultures and ways of life. To be multiracial is beautiful and that is what this country is!

To the men and women of that police our streets, I have the utmost respect for those of you with a passion for protecting and serving your communities. When you choose to wear the badge of a police officer, you pledged to PROTECT life and property through the enforcement of our laws and regulations. How can you claim to uphold the law when those within your own ranks don’t abide by it? You need to hold your own accountable! Each of you are as guilty as the men who stood

by Derek Chauvin if you do not stand up against the systemic racism plaguing our police forces nationwide.

TAKE ACTION! As long as cops continue to profile blacks as a threat, cops will continue to be perceived as untrustworthy.

You have to CHANGE YOURSELF before you can ask anyone else to Change!

I STAND TO MAKE A CHANGE! I STAND TO SEE OUR COUNTRY WHOLE! I STAND TO MAKE OUR COUNTRY EQUAL! I STAND TO HELP OUR STREETS AND COMMUNITIES TRUST ONE ANOTHER I STAND FOR BLACK LIVES! I STAND FOR LOVE! I WILL TAKE ACTION AND HELP! I WILL ACT ALONGSIDE ALL OF YOU! We will clean our streets and our communities not only of the looting and violence, but most importantly the racism, racial-profiling and hate!

I plan to take action and pledge $1 million to improve our police training and address systematic racism through education and advocacy in our country.

God Bless All Love Dak Prescott FAITH @faithfightfinish4 myimessenger.com

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JUNE 5, 2020

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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.

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of services

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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.

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JUNE 5, 2020

Bobbie Edmonds On “From Marva with Love,” we heard from Bobbie Edmonds, who comes “from the cotton fields of North Louisiana.” Today, she’s an inspired interior decorator, practicing attorney, mentor, and associate judge for the City of Forest Hill, Texas. She inspires, motivates, and educates her audiences inside and outside the courtroom and she did that very thing with us. She has been the leader of a legal aide corporation; an adjunct professor at two universities, McNeese University, Lake Charles, LA, and Texas Wesleyan University, Fort Worth, TX; motivational speaker, and legal analyst on The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, Heaven 97AM and KKDA Soul 73.

MS: Attorney Edmonds we’ve heard of the salon owner Shelly Luther who opened her salon during the quarantine order that was in place.

What are your thoughts?

BE: Well, my first position as a lawyer is that the citizens should follow the order, they should follow the laws. If there are emergency laws or changes they should follow those. So my first position is that an African American would not have gotten away JUNE 5, 2020

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From Marva with

BY MARVA SNEED

Bobbie Edmonds

with that. That’s number one if we want to talk frankly.

African Americans call their beauty shops, beauty shops.

So you look at the name salon which elevates it from being just a regular beauty shop. And you have a person not of color that is defiant to the law. I felt that Miss Shelly should follow the law like everybody else. Everybody else was trying to support their families. To feed her children, to me, that was not a credible argument. We are

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all in this together.

MS: The Attorney General Ken Paxton said that he was going to pay her fine. Have you ever heard of that?

BE: No I haven’t.If it has happened in the past I haven’t heard of it.

An elected official, the Attorney General, is taking action against a valid order against a District Judge and saying that he is going to pay her fine. Well, he can do that, but here’s the thing -- it gives the wrong impression. The Attorney General does not govern the actions of District Judges. The commission for judiciary conduct is a separate entity that looks at actions of judges.

Attorney Edmonds talked more about the District Judge, procedures, and the actions of the Attorney General.

To hear the full interview Link:https://bit. ly/363smB2.

Tune into “From Marva with Love,” Fridays from 11 am-1 pm on BlogTalkRadio and Facebook Live.

So stay tuned to Texas Metro News, Garland Journal, and I Messenger to read what Sports Editor Dorothy Gentry is sharing. To hear the full interview go to link: https://bit. ly/3aCmWyA BlogTalkRadio.com/Cheryl’s World to From Marva with Love.

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I MISS YOU Darkness and clouds surround me and yet, I’m covered.

Plucked from my life without warning. I turned for a second.

One second and you were gone. A void vast. Attempting to catch my breath. With each a calm. When the heat of this situation is too much, I’m covered. When the deluge of tears attempts to drown me, I’m covered. When sadness envelopes me, I remember what you said, and I am covered.

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JUNE 5, 2020

THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

23andMe COVI19 Joyce Tung

By VALDER BEEBE

In the Valder Beebe Show studio I conduct a Q&A with Joyce Tung, PhD – Vice President, Research at 23andME. I focused on a New Study: Could Genetics Play a Role in the Severity of COVID-19? While a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University, Joyce studied the genetics of mouse and human pigmentation.

She earned her PhD in Genetics from the University of California, San Francisco, where she was a National Science Foundation graduate research fellow.

This Q&A is valuable as the new study: Could Genetics Play a Role in the Severity of COVID-19? 23andMe is looking for individuals who’ve recovered from COVID-19 hospitalizations to participate in a new study.

To help gather more insights, 23andMe has launched a research study to help determine whether genetics may play a role. 23andMe’s unique research model, with millions of customers consenting to participate, offers their scientists a powerful tool for potential insight into the role genetics may play in explaining differences in the severity of the novel coronavirus.

Scientists around the world are racing to understand COVID-19 and the novel coronavirus that causes the disease. Among the questions they’re asking: why do most people who are infected show mild to moderate symptoms (or possibly no JUNE 5, 2020

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symptoms at all), whereas others develop a severe form of the disease?

Encouraged by the overwhelming interest (with more than 400,000 existing 23andMe customers already

and severity of disease, how can that be?

JT: We have seen in past studies looking at different infections disease, that there are genes that are associated with the susceptibility to and severity of disease.

For example, we have found in other studies that genes associated with our immune system can be involved with influencing the severity of the disease.

VBS: How do the 23andMe scientist use this unique platform to find answers? Then what happens to this data?

JT: Our research platform, people can take part from the safety and comfort of their own home. We take their genetic information and answers to their survey questions i.e. ‘have you been diagnosed with COVID19’, and we put those Joyce Tung together to understand how DNA influences disease. We enrolled to participate, including find something out, we share several thousand who’ve data findings with the scientific confirmed they had the virus), community.

23andMe is opening enrollment Joyce Tung’s full to people who have been inter view…….YouTube.com/ hospitalized with the disease valderbeebeshow Valder Beebe Show THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW but are not currently customers.

Opening up the research to On-Demand video: ValderBeebeShow.com, individuals with more severe 411RadioNetwork.com, Youtube.com/valderbeebeshow; symptoms will increase their PODCAST audio: Soundcloud.com/valderbeebeshow, ability to learn how genes may Soundcloud.com/kkvidfw; Broadcast:KYBS FM play a role in the severity of this Y99.9, KRER FM 102.5, Streaming TV PChatman disease. Text provided by Joyce Network and VBS affiliate broadcasters; On-Demand Tung’s publicists in conjunction 411 RadioNetwork.com,. – Now available on with the Valder Beebe Show 411RadioNetwork APP . Valder Beebe Show is a Power VBS: The role genetics may of 3 Women media influencer consortium partner. play in explaining the difference

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myimessenger.com

Hanging with Hollywood

THE HIGH NOTE MOVIE REVIEW BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ

THE HIGH NOTE stars Tracee Ellis Ross as Grace Davis, a highly successful singer who is now over 40 and being pushed into a corner and being forced to accept a very generous deal to perform at a long residency in Las Vegas.

With the help of her assistant, who wants to be a music producer, she finds the courage to record fresh tracks rather than repeat the same process she’s been following for the past 10 years.

character without being too over the top with her sexuality.

Ellis is also very giving in the movie, giving Dakota her own story line about her relationship between her and her aspiring talent. Jealousy causes a real riff in the movie when Grace discovers Maggie is working with another talent, even if it is on her own time.

There’s a surprise ending and it gives the movie a really nice and feel good ending. I won’t spoil it

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Ice Cube is great in the movie as Grace’s manager. He wants Grace to stack that paper while she still has the ability to perform and tuck away a nice nest egg for himself as well. But Grace gets her inspiration from her personal assistant of the past three years, Maggie, who is perfectlyplayed by Dakota Johnson, who played in the “50 Shades” series. She has the perfect smoldering sexuality to play the myimessenger.com

for you.

Finally, Ellis’ singing is stellar in THE HIGH NOTE. You forget from watching the popular TV Show BLACK-ISH that her mother is Diana Ross. Looks like her mom gave her a lesson or two.

The movie has a run time of 1 hour and 53 minutes and it’s rated PG-13. On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate the movie a JUMBO!

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JUNE 5, 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 5, 2020

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