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UNCF Masked Ball raises funds for Scholarships

Deltas strongly oppose Florida legislation

Sorority's National President Elsie Cooke-Holmes released the following statement on Florida House Bill 999 and academic freedom:

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated fervently opposes legislative efforts in Florida and other states to limit academic freedom and undermine historical accuracy in education.

Journalistic endeavors such as the New York Times Magazine's 1619 Project and academic concepts like Critical Race Theory have launched a new era of scholarship that questions how governmental policies and cultural norms of America’s past have informed present-day wealth and health disparities.

Instead of engaging in rigorous academic debates of these ideas, propagandists have launched insidious campaigns to wipe out nearly all academic inquiry into racism and sexism in school districts, colleges, and universities.

The Florida House of Representatives recently passed House Bill 999, legislation that expressly prohibits any programs or campus activities that advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion and bans “the use of pedagogical methodology associated with Critical Theory, including, but not limited to, Critical Race Theory, Critical Race Studies, Critical Ethnic Studies, Radical Feminist Theory, Radical Gender Theory, Queer Theory, Critical Social Justice or Intersectionality.”

Critics of the bill and its companion, Senate Bill 266, point out that the bill’s vague language could lead to the elimination of state funding for Florida’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and

threaten the existence of historically Black organizations such as Delta Sigma Theta and other members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council on Florida’s university campuses.

Delta Sigma Theta’s more than 1,000 chapters will engage in advocacy efforts to ensure a complete picture of American history – in all its complexity and contradictionsis presented in our K-12 schools, libraries, and universities.

We are also mobilized to fight to protect the interests of Black academics, students, and organizations on campuses in states that have targeted them for censorship and exclusion.

No great society has ever flourished by shutting down academic inquiry and distorting history. James Baldwin once said, 'Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.'

America must face its history to build a future that lives up to its ideals and promises.

Elsie Cooke-Holmes

Delta Sigma Theta National President

QUIT PLAYIN'

Took a lobbying trip to Austin last week for the first time in years. It’s a noble idea, but frankly, Scarlett, if you don’t beat these low-life “pro-life” Texas Republicans at the ballot box, your issues are dead. They are all White, all right, and their racist moves are out of sight.

BLACK CARD

In my memory, the back porch was a powerful place, it felt like it was similar to that sacred ground that Moses walked on. In my mind, the back porch was akin to a location which is deemed to be sacred or hallowed.

RECOGNIZING BUSINESSES

Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., Psi Chapter will hold its 49th Annual Business Month Education and Scholarship Awards Luncheon on Saturday, April 22, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Dallas Campbell Centre. 8250 North Central Expressway, Dallas, Texas 75206.

BLACK PRESS WEEK

NNPA Publishers at the White House with Press Secretary Karine

Photo : Erica P. Loewe/White House

by Cheryl Smith Publisher

A lesson for women

Women’s History Month is rapidly coming to a close.

We have been celebrating all of the attributes of women; while calling attention to their many contributions since the beginning of time.

Thinking about all of the contributions, I can’t help but think about all the pain that counters the joys of being a woman.

Let’s not put women back in some obscure place after this month ends.

We must continue to extol the virtues of women. We must continue to be supportive and understanding. We must keep the compliments flowing and share uplifting messages.

Which brings me to my truth.

If anyone knows how hard a woman has it going through life, it has to be another woman.

So, how can we be so condescending, negative and at times down-right mean spirited to one another?

Makes absolutely no sense.

As an adult, I can look back on my childhood and recall times when my mother did something I just couldn’t wrap my head around.

Like when I did something wrong and the punishment was not forthcoming immediately, just as a trial would have been in the court of law.

Instead my mother would say something like, “I’m not going to whip you today. Just add another one on to the others you’ve got coming!”

When I tell you I would have the worst feeling because we could have had the whipping over with and now they were piling on and I might end up getting killed.

Today I realize that there could have been a number of reasons why Earline

didn’t tell me to go get the belt; why she delayed dispensing justice out.

It could have been her time of the month and she was cramping miserably.

She could have had a bad day at work, caused by a lazy, trifling coworker or a narcissistic supervisor.

Maybe my daddy didn’t do something he promised.

Did her friend get beat up by her husband or a child got arrested and she needed my mom’s support?

Possibly her feet were hurting because she was standing too long at the bus stop. Or she could have been challenged making sure that the ends were meeting.

could rely on others' strength instead of others ALWAYS relying on her.

And, she needs for other women to not add to the burden.

She’d much rather hear another woman say, “I feel you,” instead of saying something that translates into, “I hate you.”

So that means women won’t be quick to say another woman has an “attitude,” or needs to smile. because sometimes the inner pain is so intense — like the legendary group Earth, Wind and Fire asked, “Ain’t it funny how the way you feel shows on your face?”

Then too the first words out of a woman’s mouth, when hearing that her son’s girlfriend is pregnant, won’t be a character assassination of the young lady.

We won’t say something like, “Ain’t no way you would catch me with that (fill in the blank), “She knows good and well she's too old to wear (fill in another blank),” or “I‘d never be caught dead in that!”

Since she is not you, leave that woman alone. Do you.

I could go on and on, but hopefully you get my drift.

At that moment in time, the last thing my mother wanted to be doing was telling me, “This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you!”

All I can say is: Mother, I get it. I totally OVERstand!

Women, especially Black Women, are called “strong.”

We carry that label whether we want to be strong or not.

We don’t have an option. We have to be strong or nothing gets done.

I don’t care what “strong” woman you meet, she also would like times when she doesn’t have to be strong; when she

Now if that is your child or mother you can have another discussion, but there’s also a way you can have a discussion about what is proper and in order, without being improper and out of order.

Just think about any woman who you compliment. If she wasn’t smiling, most times she would; that is if she hasn't been beaten down so much by the negative comments that some dish out like a daily cup of coffee.

Wouldn’t you rather be responsible for bringing joy into someone’s life, instead of pain?Perform a daily audit of your behavior toward other women.

It could be very enlightening and life changing for you!

The Heart Condition Hiding in Plain Sight

OUR VOICES

DR. JAMAL RASHEED, PHD

The health of a community is often about connecting. Connecting with our neighbors, friends, and family to recharge our souls. Connecting with information that empowers us to make positive change.

Now we need to get connected and work together to address a serious cause of heart failure called transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy, or ATTR-CM.

Many of us may already be aware that when it comes to heart disease in the U.S., Black, African American, and Afro-Caribbean communities are disproportionately affected compared to other racial and ethnic groups.* But did you know about three to four percent of African Americans carry a mutation in the TTR gene (V122I) that makes it more likely that they may develop ATTR-CM, however not all carriers develop the disease. ATTR-CM gets worse over time, which is why early diagnosis and management are so important.

ATTR-CM hides in plain sight. That’s where community and connecting come in.

Getting diagnosed with AT-

TR-CM can often take years. Some signs of ATTR-CM, like carpal tunnel syndrome, extreme tiredness, and swelling in the lower legs and feet, can mimic other conditions. The signs of ATTR-CM may be difficult to connect with a heart condition. ATTR-CM, as a cause of heart failure can be missed. Family or friends can play an important role in helping you or your doctor determine health issues that you may not notice or talk about. Share all your health information with your doctor so that they can “connect the dots” and make sure health concerns aren’t overlooked.

We are connected by our health histories – sharing health information among relatives is important too. The hereditary type of ATTR-CM is passed down through relatives. If you have relatives with heart-related issues – tell your doctor. If a relative is diagnosed with hereditary ATTR-CM, a doctor may suggest genetic counseling and testing for relatives. Genetic testing can help relatives understand what potential steps to take.

Getting connected with information about ATTR-CM and learning from experts is also key. That’s why the Ellis County African American Hall of Fame Museum and Library is excited to partner with Pfizer, former NBA basketball player and coach Don Chaney, and Dr. Olasimbo Chiadika on a Voices for the

Heart event on March 30, 2023, at 6:00 PM CT to increase awareness of ATTR-CM in our community. Don will share his personal diagnosis story and his experiences living with hereditary ATTR-CM. To register for this important event, click here or scan the QR code below.

Working together, we can raise awareness of hereditary ATTR-CM and help make sure that our community, friends, and family have the information they need to take charge of their health.

*A 7-year study in London, UK found a gene mutation (ATTR V122I) was the cause of heart failure in 211 out of 1392 Afro-Caribbean patients.

For additional resources on hereditary ATTR-CM, including a discussion guide to help conversations with your doctor or share with a loved one, you can visit www.voicesfortheheart.com.

Content developed by Pfizer in collaboration with the Ellis County African American Hall of Fame Museum and Library.

CDC addresses heart disease risk factors in Blacks

By Ayesha Hana Shaji Texas Metro News Team

Heart diseases are the leading cause of death in America and one person dies every 34 seconds in the United States from cardiovascular disease, according to the CDC.

Black folks are at a higher risk than any other race to die from preventable heart diseases, said Booker Daniels, health communication team lead at CDC’s Division for Health Disease and Stroke Prevention, but it is not because of the lack of awareness surrounding the topic.

It’s because of the barriers and perceptions.

“Preventable heart disease exists in the context of a lot of different forces and factors,” Daniels said, adding that a few of those determinants are the social environment people are in; like social norms, social policies, and even climate change.

While heart disease is a clinical presentation, Daniels said, the risk factors that contribute to an individual's risk for heart disease exist in the context of where a person lives, where they learn, the food availability and recreational environments.

“All of those things contribute to a disproportionate burden of heart disease and stroke among Black and African Americans,” he said. “Our research revealed and really echoed based upon what we've heard from the lived experience of folks is

that heart disease and stroke and the burden of heart disease and stroke is not new, and it is not news to Black and African Americans.”

Most folks have direct contact with the issue either through their own health or through family members or those in their communities, Daniels explained. Thus knowing about cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure and heart disease is not the issue but accessibility and having a mindset to take incremental measures to improve your heart.

He said there are barriers and perceptions that result in the variation of numbers across demographics. Barriers include limited access to healthy and affordable food, and safe environments for outdoor recreation.

“Barriers include social structures that don't facilitate people leading healthy and active lives,” Daniels said, making it an issue rooted in racism.

He said CDC boldly states that “racism is a public health issue.”

be inevitable? And we know for a fact that that's not the case,” Daniels said.

Incremental things such as managing stress, moving more, working with a health professional to understand your risk and to control high blood pressure and to manage cardiovascular disease risk can go a long way, he said.

While exercising is shown to be clinically beneficial, he

“It's not a coincidence that the first word in our campaign is live because we don't want people to continue to call attention to what people already know, that heart disease and stroke can be deadly and disabling,” he said. “We know that there are things that you can do to live and you can live to the beat of your own life.”

Daniels stressed that while not everyone has the same choices, everyone has choices and there is a way one can improve their cardiovascular health if they make smart choices. Finding those choices that make sense for individual lifestyles and circumstances is important and the campaign can help with that.

continued, taking a 10-minute walk everyday and taking moments to practice healthy eating and active living contributes to improvements in one's heart health.

Beat Daniels is the CDC

The campaign provides Black and African American audiences, ages 34 to 55, with information, tools, tips and resources that normalize and promote taking heart healthy steps during the course of the life cycle, he said.

“Blacks are dying at greater risk and having earlier events earlier in life, and the consequences of those events are more profound,” Daniels said. “So we're seeing increases in morbidity and in many instances, mortality.”

Perception is a factor because many perceive heart diseases as inevitable and just a matter of ageing.

“One may ask, why would I make an effort to change something that is going to

representative for the Live to the Beat campaign, which is led by CDC Foundation and the Million Hearts initiative and pushes people to take steps to prevent heart disease and stroke.

Live to the Beat is an effort to “get upstream of some of those forces and factors” to create model images, messages and activities backed up by data and science, he said.

Booker Daniels

Photo: CDC

Faith Over Fear

FAITHFUL UTTERANCES

BY DR. FROSWA BOOKER-DREW

It happened again. I was conducting a women of color leadership circle through CCDA (Christian Community Development Association) and it started. The sirens went off. A notification on my phone stated that my area was in danger and to take shelter. In my pantry, I continued to facilitate the conversation. The winds were so strong and you could hear the freight train noise. Despite that all of that was going on around me, I was cautious but continued to focus on the work ahead.

Sadly, my former place of employment suffered significant damage. Only six miles away from my house, the roof was blown off while staff were in the building. As an organization designed to help others during natural disasters, they are now in need of help. No one was injured but the trauma of such an experience is life changing.

I’ve gone through some terrifying situations in my life. As a young woman, I remember attending a party as a college student and hearing gunshots. The fear took over and everyone began to run toward the exits. As I was holding my friends

hands to make sure we stayed together, we were afraid of not only being shot but being trampled. We ultimately decided to remain inside and hide instead of going outside to the unknown. After some time, we left only to discover that someone had been shot and killed.

I remember even outrunning a tornado. We were leaving a visit with my family in Louisiana to return to

people who do right and on people who do wrong. (Matthew 5:45 WE) Part of the human journey is to have experiences that are both good and bad. I remember as a child hearing people give an incorrect narrative: That becoming a Christian would make life easier. Trust and believe, this is not the truth.

As a believer, life still has its challenges but what you begin to realize is that you

get derailed. I’ve learned the value of having faith instead of fear.

Faith doesn’t ignore what is going on around us. Faith keeps our focus on God instead of our circumstances. “Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.”

(Psalm 112:6-8)

Texas and in our rear-view mirror, we saw a funnel cloud. As others were pulling over, we decided that we could make it. It was nothing but God that we made it. As I reflect over my life and so many situations that could have gone wrong or been worse, I see the hand of God through it all.

Life happens to us all.

“For there is no partiality with God.” (Romans 2:11) Bad things happen to good people all the time. “He makes his sun shine on both wrong and good people. He lets the rain fall on

can get through those situations with God instead of going through it alone. “When life is good, enjoy it. But when life is hard, remember that God gives us good times and hard times. And no one knows what will happen in the future.”

(Ecclesiastes 7)

Some people become immobilized because of their fear of the unknown. The uncertainty of life paralyzes them and they don’t live. We don’t know what will happen from day to day. We all make plans, but our plans change or

We put our faith in God knowing that God is in control of our lives—we may not have the power to control situations, but we can make a choice to choose faith over fear. Know that God says, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear…’” (Hebrews 13:5-6)

Storms come and go in our lives. No matter what, we can be assured that our faith in God will carry us through. Choose faith over fear every time. You will not go wrong.

Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is the Founder and CEO of Soulstice Consultancy, specializing as a Partnership Broker and Leadership Expert for companies and organizations to thrive with measurable and meaningful impact. She also is the VP of Community Affairs and Strategic Alliances for the State Fair of Texas.

Storms come and go in our lives. No matter what, we can be assured that our faith in God will carry us through. Choose faith over fear every time. You will not go wrong.

Political Insomnia!

QUIT PLAYIN’

BY VINCENT L. HALL

Took a lobbying trip to Austin last week for the first time in years. It’s a noble idea, but frankly, Scarlett, if you don’t beat these low-life “pro-life” Texas Republicans at the ballot box, your issues are dead. They are all White, all right, and their racist moves are out of sight.

The takeover of Houston ISD schools by the State of Texas is just their latest coup! The people who warn against WOKE culture can’t wait to catch you sleeping so they can rape and plunder. Guess what? You were asleep last November, and now your ass is exposed.

That’s right! I said it! I’m tired of you Negroes feigning surprise and clutching your pearls whenever these White folks show you who they have been forever. If being freed from slavery three years late (Juneteenth) wasn't enough, you need a good cussing.

You got the right column.

Here’s a little anecdote to show you how no good and spiritually listless Greg Abbott is. I have written this before, but it bears repeating.

In September of 1986, Abbott jogged through the ritzy River Oaks neighborhood in Houston on a windy day. A large Oak limb snapped as he ran beneath it. The accident cost him the use of his spine and wreaked havoc on his kidneys.

Abbott, an attorney, sued the homeowner and a tree care company and has received nearly $10,000,000 in payments since.

Author and Attorney Mark Bello makes mention of Abbott's gross hypocrisy in a 2013 "Legal Examiner."

"Mr. Abbott has been outspoken in his support for the tort reforms. He says tort reform is needed to curb "frivolous lawsuits.”

What a hypocrite! For example, under Abbott’s policies, if a patient is left paralyzed from the waist down due to

a doctor’s negligence, tort reform caps non-economic damages at $250,000 with no built-in increases over time, to keep up with the rising cost of living.

And, let’s not forget who we are talking about. Abbott has sued the federal government 27 times; (20 since President Obama took office) at the expense of taxpayers. The cost for Texas alone is $2.58 million. Of those 27 cases, he has won five. Were these 22 losses frivolous expenditures of taxpayer money?”

Abbott still refuses to accept the

in at the last minute, so you couldn’t call the bill racist. They don’t want you WOKE, but they are fully awake!

We are in the throes of another American Civil War in Texas and every Red State in this union. We are at the cold war stage, but a few more incidents, like January 6, 2021, could spark full-blown warfare. The likes we have not seen since Generals Grant and Lee were on the battlefield marquee.

This takeover of Houston ISD is all about race. They don’t like that ‘Colored

Obamacare Medicaid expansion in Texas, causing millions to suffer for lack of preventive, physical, and psychological treatment.

And don’t get it twisted, Abbott and his cohorts are pushing every racial, gender, and cultural button they can to satisfy the “Trump Klan.” They don’t like Nigguhs, Messicans, Asians, or “other-gendered” homo sapiens.

Trumpsters equally despise “liberal whites” who sympathize or otherwise take sides against White male dominance and White privilege.

Abortion and other women’s reproductive rights are also on the burner. The maternal morbidity rate for Black women increased in Texas between 2016 and 2020. Black women die at a rate four times that of white women, and 12% of those deaths were directly attributed to discrimination.

These folks boldly sponsored a bill banning land sales to citizens from China, Iran, and North Korea. But, of course, they were slick enough to throw the Russians

Mayor” nor the fact the Democrats run the largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the nation.

The Associated Press buoyed my position and solidified my suspicions.

“Race is also an issue because the overwhelming majority of students in Houston schools are Hispanic or Black. Domingo Morel, a professor of political science and public services at New York University, said the political and racial dynamics in the Houston case are similar to instances where states have intervened elsewhere.

“If we just focus on taking over school districts because they underperform, we would have a lot more takeovers,” Morel said. “But that’s not what happens.”

Abbott and his army of low-life, “prolife Republicans are at it again, and the last thing they want you to be is WOKE! But what we need is political insomnia!

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

Iotas showcase young designer

Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., Psi Chapter, will host the Spring and Summer Fashion Show, featuring their 2023 Youth Entrepreneur Honoree, Ms. Dymecia “MeMe” Daniels. This dynamic event will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2023, at the Courtyard by Marriott Dallas Midlothian @ Midlothian Conference Center 3 Community Drive Midlothian, Texas 76065.

General admission is $20.00, and donations are welcomed. All proceeds will benefit their 49th Business Month Education and Scholarship Fund.

Donations can be made via PayPal: PsiChapter36@gmail. com or Zelle: PsiChapter1936scholarships@ gmail.com. All proceeds will benefit the sorority’s 501c (3) education and scholarship fund. Include with payment the following memo: “Education and Scholarship Luncheon”. For further information, Wonda Traylor at psichaptersg@gmail.com.

Dymecia Daniels

DART Hosts Community Meetings About Future Service Projects

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will host a series of in-person and virtual community meetings during the month of March to seek public input on Phase Two of the New Bus Network and other system improvements planned for 2024 and beyond.

Riders from throughout the DART Service Area are encouraged to attend the meetings to share their ideas on several topics and how they relate to each community, such as:

• Phase Two of the New Bus Network

• Bus corridor investments

• Passenger amenities and facilities

• Fleet transition plans

• Operating facilities

More information and meeting dates can be found at DART.org/futureprojects.

Why Black Women’s Health Matters

OUR VOICES

BY MICHA GREEN

Happy Women’s History Month!

Just as Black history is American history, women’s history, or “herstory,” for that matter, is key to history overall, our collective stories – “ourstory,” if you will.

As we were planning this health supplement in March, covering Black women’s health was a natural fit. However, focusing on Black women’s health was more than a convenient way to uplift ladies in health care. Understanding and prioritizing Black women’s health is necessary in addressing challenges in the African American community.

I contend Black women are superheroes. While many live day in and day out as “strong Black women,” African American women face major health disparities.

As strong and resilient as Black women often are, between historic mistreatment of their bodies, environmental and social factors that detrimentally affect health, and racism in health care that persists today, Black women are being disproportionately affected at higher rates for diseases such as “anemia, cardiovascular disease and obesity,” according to “Health Equity Among Black Women in the United States,” a February 2021 study published in “Journal of Women’s Health.”

The journal, written by Juanita J. Chinn, Iman K. Martin and Nicole Redmond, notes Black women have shorter life expectancies and higher maternal mortality rates than other women in the United States.

“The higher burden of these chronic conditions reflects the structural inequities within and outside the

health system that Black women experience throughout the life course,” the writers note. “The health inequities experienced by Black women are not merely a cross-section of time or the result of a singular incident.”

Dr. Karenga Lemmons, who has worked as a physician for more than four decades, said inequities in access to health care and other societal and structural challenges, Black women tend to face further overall challenges.

Often serving as givers versus receivers, Lemmons, who is also my cousin, said it is particularly imperative that Black women prioritize their health in order to continue serving other people’s needs. Referencing Sophia A. Nelson’s 2022 book, “Be the One You Need: 21 Life Lessons I Learned While Taking Care of Everyone but Me,” Lemmons noted how unhealthy it can be when women don’t prioritize health first.

“Black women are often the providers, [but] it’s time to take care of your health,” Dr. Lemmons said. “As an individual, if you can’t take care of your health, you can’t take care of others.”

Strong Black Woman vs. Healthy Black Woman

While “strong Black women,” should be celebrated, it’s also imperative that we emphasize the importance of “healthy Black women.”

The strong Black woman stereotype, research shows, contributes to the implicit bias often seen in the medical industry when treating African American women patients.

“Research consistently has documented the continued impacts of systematic oppression, bias, and unequal treatment of Black women,” the journal notes.

Due to stereotypes, some doctors don’t always take African American

women seriously.

“We also carry a lot of stigma as Black women. We’re too emotional, we’re overly aggressive and all these social factors go into how we are afraid to take care of our health,” said Lemmons.

In April 2021, my mother, the Rt. Reverend Paula Clark, experienced an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) rupture in her cerebellum, causing bleeding in her brain. The AVM ruptured at a gym and though she was in a health crisis, she had to call emergency services herself, and her best friend, a Black woman physician in Chicago, had to insist doctors conduct imaging tests, which ultimately diagnosed the issue and saved her life. Initially, doctors planned to send her packing with instructions to rest and eat.

My mother’s story isn’t isolated.

In the famous 1964 words of activist Fannie Lou Hamer, Black women are “sick and tired of being sick and tired.” They deserve respect and just treatment when addressing health challenges.

It’s time to go beyond “strong Black women,” and help people appreciate the importance of “healthy Black women.” Prioritizing “healthy Black women,” will not only help in encouraging self-care and healthier living, but will offer wake-up calls to practitioners who undermine Black wellness. Further, uplifting Black women’s health, by nature of womanhood, can put a stop to generational health challenges faced in African American communities.

Washington Informer Managing Editor Micha Green is a storyteller and actress from Washington, D.C. Micha received a Bachelor’s of Arts from Fordham University, where she majored in Theatre, and a Master’s of Journalism from University of Maryland’s prestigious, Philip Merrill College of Journalism.

Feeding the Community

Hundreds of families benefit from food giveaways

By Ayesha Hana Shaji Texas

Hundreds of cars lined up outside the Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center as early as 7 a.m. to collect free food boxes on Friday, March 17 at the St. Paddy’s Daythemed Center Table Spring Break mobile pantry food drive hosted in partnership with the North Texas Food Bank and the City of Dallas.

With food to feed more than 500 families, the drive started at 9.30 a.m. and wrapped up around 11:30 a.m., said Trina Terrell-Andrews, CEO of Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center.

Their first food drive was for Mother’s Day in May 2020. Seeing so many people being impacted by the pandemic, Terrell-Andrews said they felt it was important to really help during times beyond the traditional holidays.

“We try to do it around the holidays and especially when we know kids are home for an extended period,” Terrell-Andrews said. “We decided to do it at the end [of spring break] because I'm sure some parents gotta make it through the

rest of the weekend.”

With support from more than 45 volunteers from both

lice officers and state troopers; families were served for two hours.

Lieutenant Oscar Villarreal said with the current bad economy, many communities are struggling.

“We have a lot going on and one of the most important things you can do is the humanitarian aspect of things and taking care of the public,” he said. “And as public servants, what better way to show the community love than to do something like this?”

“Hey, this is one of the things that's really important to us,” he said. “It's not a mandatory thing for our people. So this is them taking their time to give back to the community.”

But this was not the only food drive happening at the same time. Cars also lined up outside the University of North Texas at Dallas campus for their monthly mobile food pantry, held each third Friday..

UNT Dallas also partnered with North Texas Food Bank and distributed 20,000 pounds of food, according to Eronia King, Project Coordinator of Experiential Learning at UNT and one of the organizers of the drive.

Around 30 students, faculty and staff volunteered to help out.

the Heroes Center and the City of Dallas including po -

Participating with the food giveaways is at the top of of their priority list,

“It is part of UNT Dallas’ mission to strengthen our community and to give back,” King said. “Depending on the economy, there are ebbs and flows of what there's an influx of and what people are lacking, and we're able to at least help with any feelings of insecurity around foods.”

It was another day of giving at Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center under the leadership of Trina Terrell-Andrews.

Metro News Team

Photos: Ayesha Hana Shaji/TMN

Police officers volunteering at the Center Table Spring Break mobile pantry food drive

Volunteers load food boxes into cars lined up outside the Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center

If you speak when you are angry you will make the greatest speech you will forever regret

BY TERRY ALLEN

In my memory, the back porch was a powerful place, it felt like it was similar to that sacred ground that Moses walked on.

In my mind, the back porch was akin to a location which is deemed to be sacred or hallowed.

My grandmother, Lucille “Big Mama” Allen filled her three sons and three daughters, 16 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren, 38 great-great grandchildren, seven great great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and bonus family members with simple, Bible-based logic for us to use all throughout our lives.

Her words flowed out to us on the back porch of the house that she and Granddaddy built. Her wisdom soon proved to be sacred and spoken from hallowed ground, in my eyes.

Just recently, I was in a team meeting and I was charged and told my thoughts had nothing to do with the meeting. Here I am, voluntarily committing to the team effort, and leadership tagged me with interfering with the flow.

Big Mama’s lessons popped directly into my head!

She would always say very

proudly with her hands on hips' stance, “Chile if you speak while you are still angry at your family then every word said will rise up later to bite you in your ass."

Big Mama’s best legacy was building lifetime lessons in our heads. Big Mama said get those conflict weeds out of your head. My weeds came in statements like, “It’s not you, it’s me” weed! "It’s your fault weed" and “I am right” weed!

She taught me how to think, resent and think again before I spoke in anger. She told me to remember what John said, “John said, 'In my father’s house there are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you …and so on.'”

Big Mama knew that conflict and anger had to be set aside to a higher divinity. Her sacred back porch was a living and learning foundation for her subjects-US!

Her lessons on conflict would help solve some of the global conflicts we are seeing now. She asked are you the type who runs and hides in a closet if there’s a conflict; or maybe you flourish in these types of situations.

Jesus also taught about what it means to be a peacemaker. The Bible challenges us to be peacemakers and agents of reconciliation. Jesus even gave us a promise that we will be called sons and

daughters of God when we live this out. God's Word helps us handle conflict in a godly way so He can use it for good.

So plant seeds, not weed!

Here is what Big Mama, the seed planter, taught me about conflict:

Seed 1- Own it. If you’ve messed up, own it. Own it fully because the offense is against our Holy God—don’t explain it. Own it. Ask for forgiveness. We should own all that we can for the good of relationships and the glory of Christ. Confession, and walking in the light, gives God the opportunity to display grace in our lives. (1 John 1:7-10)

Seed 2 Speak Truth. If you’ve been hurt, go to the person humbly and talk to them. Listen to them. And pray for them. (Eph. 4:29-32)

Seed 3 Give grace. Be quick to forgive. Remember the grace upon grace that you’ve been freely given in Christ Jesus.

So reader family, in summary-Ask God to give you the grace to receive His grace, and for the grace to give it freely to others! I promise you, then your words will never be words of regret. Emaiil your outcomes to me at Terryallenpr@gmail.com.

BIG MAMA SAID

Terry Allen is an award-winning media professional, journalist, and entrepreneur. He is also the founder of City Men Cook and 1016 Media. Reach him at terryallenpr@gmail.com

Links Diamonds and Sneakers Gala

Co-Chair

Co-Chair

Recognizing businesses and entrepreneurs

The 49th Annual Business Month Education & Scholarship Awards Luncheon: Spotlights African American Businesses and Women Entrepreneurs

Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., Psi Chapter will hold its 49th Annual Business Month Education and Scholarship Awards Luncheon on Saturday, April 22, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Dallas Campbell Centre. 8250 North Central Expressway, Dallas, Texas 75206.

Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., is a national business and professional women’s organization founded in 1929, which seeks to unite qualified business and professional women to enhance and improve their status in our highly complex, competitive business and professional world. The organization also establishes and promotes civic and social service activities for youth and adults. For more information regarding Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., at www.iota1929.org

Donations can also be made via PayPal: PsiChapter36@gmail.com or Zelle: PsiChapter1936scholarships@ gmail.com. All proceeds will benefit the sorority’s 501c (3) education and scholarship fund. Include with pay-

ment the following memo: “Education and Scholarship Luncheon”. Our community and our story. For further information, contact Wonda Traylor at psichaptersg@gmail.com.

Psi Chapter’s Honorees for 2023

Alvernon K Tripp Hall of Fame Award Honoree – Mr. Calvin Stephens

Outstanding Businesswoman of the Year - Ms. Pam Eudaric

Joyce M. Jones Community Service Award-Dr. Linda D. Lee

Dorethea N. Hornbuckle Business Entrepreneur Honorees: Dr. Linda Amerson

Dr. Shaneka Baylor, PharmD

Tandy Caraway

Shauna Freeman

Christina Henderson

Alma Love Langrum

Lynette Ross

Nikki Simon

Tasha Speed

Sharon R. Thomas-Smith Youth Entrepreneur-Dymecia Daniels & Dallas Wise

Nenlep Issa Ruma and Daok Nansat Zakka 1 year

Mr. and Mrs. Gantt 53 years

Aronald Adjepong and Mary Anne Adjepong 38 years

Newman and Riki Oyee

Melvin K. Pelzer and Lori Pelzer 29 years

Byron Clarke-Bennett and Albanie T. Bolton-Bennett 2 years

Mr. and Mrs. Williams 30 years

Herman and Connie Mashaba 41 years

Mr. and Mrs. Samuel 4 years

Chelle Wilson and Marc Aaron Wilson 23 years

Lansana Sowa and Yealie Sowa 6 years

Mr. and Mrs. Roudley 10 years

Merrick and Mahalia L. Jackson Butler 23 years

Eve and Maximillion Cooper 7 years

Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Jusu 1 year

Call issued to Support Black Businesses

Buy Black!

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

HAROLD’S CHICKEN

the street is the chicken is good with their signature sauces. Harold’s is a new late night dining spot open until 12 am.

They have Dine-In and Take-Out at 241 FM1382, Cedar Hill, (Next to Kroger) 214-810-3919. https://www.soulgoodexpress.com/

SOULGOOD EXPRESS

Ezra Coffee Company is a specialty coffee brand that connects coffee, culture, and history with every blend. Grounded in a love for coffee and a desire to help others, Ezra Coffee's self-made CEO, Jessica Taylor, perfected her roasting process to create rich, flavorful coffee blends that can be enjoyed by everyone and doesn't need any help from a milkbased creamer.

https://ezracoffeeco.com/

ACTIVELY BLACK

Harold’s Chicken is an iconic chicken restaurant from Chicago, just opened a franchise in Cedar Hill, Texas. Black owned by Kristen Pierce-Sherrod. Her father started the restaurant 73 years ago. Native Chicagoans were glad to see it come here. They have been open since January and the word on

Soulgood Express owner Chef Cynthia Nevels, has a new concept. Soulgood Express is now open in Frisco. They have two mini concepts in Houston and Frisco and a food truck in Dallas at Klyde Warren Park. Soulgood is an innovative organic and ecofriendly vegan takeout restaurant, food truck, vegan baker.(972) 707-0361 Soulgood Express 9605 TX-121 Frisco.

Website: https://www.soulgoodexpress.com/

EZRA COFFEE COMPANY

Actively Black is a Black owned entity created by former professional basketball player Lanny Smith. Actively Black was created with the input and advice from friends who have experienced at the highest levels with Nike, Adidas, Jordan Brand and more. This is a premium athleisure and sports apparel brand designed by us, for us.

Check out the website: https://activelyblack. com/

SANKOFA KITCHEN

Sankofa Kitchen has provided the best of fresh and healthy food and beverage choices for the Dallas-Fort Worth areas for over 20 years. It’s located in the heart of Dallas, they offer vegan and meat lover meals, delicious smoothies, and the best customer service. They offer healthy lifestyle choices, steering away from fast food to offer

Dr. Frederick D.Haynes III

By Cheryl Smith

Texas Metro News

fresh food. They’re open Tuesday to Sunday 11 am to 7 pm. 4141 W. Wheatland Rd. 972-296-0940.

https://www.sankofakitchen.com/

Ultimate Power Connection is owned by Master Electrician Candace Johnson, an Electrical Contractor. She worked her way from apprentice to a license Master Electrician in Texas. She has been in the electrical industry for over 20 years, working residential, commercial and industrial fields with a strong focus on safety. She is certified as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) & Women Business Enterprise (WBE) Visit the website: https://www.ultimatepowerconnection.com/

CAMEDRA'S SWEET SENSATIONS

Camedra is a home baker located in a suburb south of Dallas serving the D/ FW Metroplex area. A Custom and Traditional home baker, Camedra bakes sweets that you can taste with your eyes, nose and mouth; leaving you craving for more of those Sweet Sensations. A Sweet Sensation Every Time!

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January

Healthy Living EXPO

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Cervical Cancer Awareness

Birth Defect Prevention/Screening

Blood Donor

Glaucoma Awareness

Healthy Weight

February

Mardi Gras

Black History Month

Children’s Dental Health

Heart Health

Burn Awareness

Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia care

Eating disorders Awareness

March

Women’s History Month

Black Press Week

Brain Injury Awareness

Colorectal Cancer Awareness

Kidney Month

Nutrition Month

LGBT Health Awareness Week

Doctors’ Day

Tuberculosis

Major League Baseball

April

Election Guide

National Financial Literacy Month

Community Banking Month

Alcohol Awareness Month

Autism Awareness Month

Donate Life Month

Foot Health Awareness

Humor Month - Black/Brown comics

Religion - Easter

STI Awareness

Public Health Week

Eye Health and Safety

Infant Immunization

May

Cinco de Mayo

Class of 2023

Mother’s Day

National Small Business Month

ALS Awareness

Bike Month

Better Sleep Month

Healthy Vision Month

High Blood Pressure Education Month

Lupus Month

Skin Cancer Awareness

Mental Health Month

Older Americans Month

Stroke Awareness Month

Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month

Asthma Day - May 1

Food Allergy Awareness

June

Black Music Month

Juneteenth

Father’s Day/Men’s Health Month

Women Veterans Day

PTSD Awareness

Cancer Survivors Day - June 2

Blood Donor Day - 14th

July

Minority Mental Health

The Black Church

UV Safety

Hepatitis Day - July 28

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MARCH

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Brain Injury Awareness

Colorectal Cancer Awareness

Kidney Month Nutrition Month

LGBT Health Awareness Week Tuberculosis

23

Hit the road to adventure when Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures skates into your hometown! Exciting twists and turns await as Mickey Mouse and his Disney friends embark on a wild ride to your favorite Disney destinations at American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas.

25

The Metropolitan Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and Dallas Park and Recreation want families to feel good inside and out! Together, they are hosts for the Health and Wellness Expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 2901 Pennsylvania Ave, Dallas 75215.

13th Year Anniversary of AIDS WalkSouth Dallas!

Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce

Business Mix & Mingle 5:30-8:30pm Register at dallasblackchamber.org

APRIL

1

For Women’s History Month, The Writer’s Block, Inc. will host a Facebook Live event 11:00 am, central time (9:00 am Pacific, 12 noon Eastern) Facebook Live event link - (8) Breakfast, Brunch & Books: An Online Book Release Celebration! | Facebook

6

This event fund raises will support the programs and services of AIDS Walk South Dallas, Inc. whose mission is to empower persons living with and affected by HIV/AIDS through prevention, advocacy, education, peer support and emergency financial assistance. Headquarters is the historical Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center located at 2922 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Dallas. This will be a 5k walk/run and at the conclusion, there will be entertainment and other various activities for adults and children alike.

20

Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce Virtual Orientations to learn how to maximize your chamber investment. https://dallasblacktxcoc.weblinkconnect.com/events

27

Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce Business Mix & Mingle 5:30-8:30pm Register at dallasblackchamber.org

MAY 7

Black Heritage Celebration Business Expo at the Dallas Arboretum

9th Annual Dallas Greek Show: Calling all D9 Greek Alumni Step Teams!

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Dallas Black Dance Theatre presents DBDT: Encore! Dancing Beyond Borders

6:30-8:30 pm

African American Museum Attire: Western

8

- Pushing the Boundaries of Physicality.

7:30 pm at Eisemann Center - Richardson. Get Tickets DBDT.com

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.

Over $7000 Cash $ Prizes will be awarded @ The Black Academy of Arts Letters, 1309 Canton Street Dallas, Texas 75201 7pm |email: DallasAlumniGreekShow@ gmail.com

For Vendor & Sponsorship Information

DAGS Hotline 214-923-8790 30

Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., Psi Chapter, Dallas, TX, Spring & Summer Fashion Show: Featuring Youth Designer Dymecia Daniels, 2023 Youth Entrepreneur Honoree

UNCF Masked Ball raises funds for Scholarships

NCNW, Inc. T. Mathis-Hawkins Section

Annual Membership Round -up

JOIN US

You are cordially invited to attend our Membership Roundup and learn about the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. T. MathisHawkins Section and the exciting initiatives we are involved in the community.

“Open to the Community”

Saturday, March 25, 2023 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Polk-Wisdom Library, 7151 Library Ln. Dallas, TX 75232

Fun * Light ReFReshments * DooR PRizes

For more information: Contact Maurine Henry, mohenry81@gmail.com

Bring this flyer for a chance to win one of the Grand Prizes!!!!!!!

PFIZER IS PROUD TO SPONSOR

A Community Event to Raise Awareness of a Rare Heart Condition Called ATTR-CM*

Voices for the Heart is a program dedicated to raising awareness of a rare heart condition called hereditary ATTR-CM (hATTR-CM). hATTR-CM is a serious and often underdiagnosed cause of heart failure in Black, African American, and Afro-Caribbean communities.

As part of the program, Pfizer is teaming up with groups in the community to:

• Explain the warning signs of ATTR-CM

• Help you or your loved ones who might have this heart condition talk about it with their doctor

Learn more about a community-based event coming to your area on the next page.

*ATTR-CM=transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy. Registration

Searching for youth ages 12-18 for an outstanding opportunity to join a great organization!

NCNW has some exciting events and opportunities to offer our youth Planned activities include, but are not limited to:

• Job Fairs

• Social Outings

• Scholarship Awards

• Youth Global Initiative

• Community Health Fair

• College Fairs/Expos & Tours

• Volunteer Opportunities & more!

For more information, please contact NCNW 3rd Vice President LaKendra McAfee Email: tmhvpres3@gmail.com/Phone: 469-404-7235

contact LaKendra McAfee, NCNW Youth Coord. 214-463-9476