I Messenger 5-13-22 by Cheryl Smith

IMESSENGER VOL XI NO 36 May 13, 2022

Two South Dallas Student Start Company To Bring Healthy Snacks To School

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Oak Cliff-Native Courtney Peace Is Making Waves With Bottled Water

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

Celebrating Youth and Creativity Photos and Brief By Cheryl Smith

It was a celebration of great artists in Congressional District 30 Saturday, hosted by the Honorable Eddie Bernice Johnson at the Meyerson! Equally inspiring was the message from the Congresswoman! Caroline will travel to Washington, DC to gather with other winners from across the country. Stop by the Meyerson for the next week to see the outstanding work.

Judges

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First Place - by Caroline Fletcher

Congresswoman Johnson

Chinazom Nweke was an Honorable Mention awardee.

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

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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. May 13, 2022

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Third Place - Cindy Wong with family

Congresswoman Johnson and State Rep. Jasmine Crockett

Chinazom Nweke, Congresswoman Johnson and Chinazom's mom, Ifeoma Nweke

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INSIDE

TO BE EQUAL Restaurants are places where people from different walks of life gather for nourishment, social interaction, and an opportunity to belong to a community. These things go to the heart of what it means to be American. Segregationists were heavily invested in preventing...

BLESSED TO BE BLESSING

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THE BLACK CARD I don’t think I will get much disagreement when I pull this “Big Mama” rule out of her Playbook. On the back porch, my grandmother, Lucille “Big Mama” Allen filled her three sons and three daughters, 16 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, 38 great-great-grandchildren...

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Chicago mayor brings message to Dallas By Cheryl Smith

During a stop in Dallas Wednesday, before moving on to Houston and Austin, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot discussed several issues as she prepares for a reelection bid and what is expected to be an expensive race in 2023. Citing figures in the $10 million range, the first term mayor said the race was going to be costly, and while the media and some segments want to see controversy, she is going to focus on talking about the great things happening in Chicago. Hosted by Dallas businessman

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Willis Johnson of JBJ Management, Lightfoot, who is an attorney serving her first term as the 56th mayor of the third largest city (by rank and population) in the country, touted a record that she said proves she deserves another term. An audience of former mayors, city managers, business leaders and other elected officials listened intently as statistics regarding crime, housing, economic development and education were shared. Poised, confident and matter-of-factly, she addressed her city’s “image” issues and critics who are not addressing her re-

cord and handling of everything from hiring a new police superintendent - in Dallas’ former police chief David O. Brown — or managing during the pandemic. Hear Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot in her own words on the recordings below. Voters will have their say on Feb. 28, 2023 and if there is no clear victor with a majority of votes cast, there will be a runoff election on April 4, 2023. https ://www.icloud.com/ photos/#030tRdpGo9aBKHcDUIT4CYy9g https ://www.icloud.com/ photos/#0a3HTPfENKN3O9m3yxCsPx7gA

May 13, 2022

MY TRUTH by Cheryl Smith Publisher

Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop! While I could reference several pandemics that we didn’t identify as such while growing up in Newark, New Jersey; only slavery had such a devastating death toll on Black people, that is prior to COVID-19. As of May 7, 2022 the CDC reported 998,408 total deaths in America, with 15-20% being Black and still the World Health Organization reports a significant undercount. According to Dallas County Health and Human Services, “a total of 6,427 Dallas County residents have lost their lives due to COVID-19 illness.” And it’s not over. Daily I receive reports about the number of new cases and deaths related to COVID-19. My message to everyone, you’d better get to living because the reality of life and death has become more “real” since COVID. Which brings me to my truth. I received a purse for Mother’s Day and the message inscribed was so significant to me: “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop.” A former editorial assistant, Marva Sneed, said that it was one of the more memorable quotes she has heard me use, at least that can be put in print! I’ve been saying “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop” for years and while I would like to say the phrase was my own contribution to great sayings, I have to attribute it to the hip hop culture. Now when I think about what “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop” means to me, it boils down to a simple premise, and that is how a person chooses to live their life. Are they giving or existing? Are they May 13, 2022

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giving their all or doing just enough to get by. Sure I like the grind, the hustle and the feeling of accomplishment. Also, as I attempt to figure out this thing called, “life,” always on my mind is the contribution I make during this lifetime.

Speaking of sayings, there’s one that says there are two important times in your life: when you are born and when you realize why you were born. In a nutshell, what is your purpose? Many times at funerals you will hear folks ask, “Why?” They want to know why the person in the coffin is gone when there are others in their life they would rather be saying farewell to. It’s interesting that some will even

proclaim, “It should have been me!” Reality check time. And again, what is your purpose? Death causes folks to make the strangest declarations. It never ceases to amaze me when folks say that a death was “untimely.” For the life of me, I don’t know when a death is “timely.” For the most part, you can say that the majority of people only die once or “YODO.” But more than likely you hear people say, “YOLO” or “you only live once.” I contend that every day is another day to live once again and also to make each day better than the one before; or you can at least make the attempt. And this brings me back to “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop.” I remember reading the book, “Purpose Driven Life,” by Rick Warren. If you’ve lived a life of purpose, your mantra can be “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop,” because you will have left an impact that remains long after you have said your last goodbye. Try keeping a daily, weekly or monthly log of your comings and goings. What do you spend the majority of your days doing? Now if you are retired or experiencing impaired health, these are variables that must be taken into consideration. Those of sound body and mind, well, you can get to evaluating and then coming up with a plan of how you are going to ensure that your time on this earth has meaning or value. Or did you just take up space, existing until you don’t? myimessenger.com

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May 13, 2022

Run Jane, Run! QUIT PLAYIN’ BY VINCENT L. HALL

“If Johnson seeks another term, it would delay an expected free-for-all to replace her. In anticipation of her retirement, several contenders for the seat emerged. They included state Sen. Royce West of Dallas, state Rep. Eric Johnson of Dallas, and Jane Hamilton, chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey.” – Dallas Morning News April 20, 2017 I ask that you vote for Jane Hope Hamilton, U.S. District 30. I like Jane because she always teaches me something. But, first, let me give you some background. As a boy living in Denison, Texas, in the 1960s, there wasn’t much excitement. The humble parsonage of the Mount Zion Baptist Church on Walker Street with my grandparents was my world. But one absolute pleasure for me as a first grader was reading. Two books, styled especially for youngsters, have never left my psyche and were familiar to most kids my age. “Tip and Mitten” was one, and the other was “Dick and Jane.” But, of course, today, Texas Governor “Hot Wheels” would try to have the book banned or insist that educators change the name. Richard and Jane may cut muster. But Dick would create a moral dilemma in this age of abiding ignorance and social upheaval. Any book title using Dick could cause civil unrest. If “gay’ is forbidden in Florida, May 13, 2022

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too many references to Dick could get you blacklisted in Texas. Now, back to Jane. It baffles me that The Dallas Morning News acknowledged Ms. Hamilton as a possible contender in the 30th Congressional district five years ago but failed to endorse her. Yet, insiders know her skill, value, and unflappable determination to touch lives and fix issues.

from the Texas State Legislature to the Halls of Congress. She began her career as a legislative aide to Texas State Rep. Helen Giddings. She started her career in Washington, DC, a year later, serving on the U.S. House Rules Committee as a professional staffer to Ranking Member Martin Frost. My first real experience with Jane was with District Attorney Craig Watkins. She ran his

Jane and Family!

Jane Hamilton served as Chief of Staff and campaign manager for Congressman Marc Veasey, representing the 33rd Congressional District of Texas. In that role, she created the framework for implementing all political, legislative, and communication goals. Overall, Hamilton has 17 years of success creating and leveraging strong political and government networks in public policy, electoral politics, and grassroots organizing to achieve strategic goals at the state, local, and federal government levels. Jane’s legislative work spans

campaign and the Dallas Democrats delegation. As a result, Dallas elected the first Black DA; Dallas elected a jury box full of Black judges; and, the county went from Red to Blue. That speaks volumes of her ability to devise complex strategies and gain the level of respect that leadership requires. The girl is bad. Google “Black Girl Magic,” and Jane’s picture pops up! I have not been shy about my support for her. So people who know me tell me what they think of her chances. One said she didn’t smile enough. Another said that she appeared

too aggressive. And another said flippantly, “she is running against my Soror!” (Really in 2022?) First, if you had a bird’s eye view of what we are facing as a race of people and a nation, you might not smile as much. Second, yo mama was aggressive! Case closed. Finally, we have got to stop mixing pleasure with politics. Dwaine Caraway was a part of a fraternity. Lots of them didn’t vote for him. What? Too soon? US30 will be a safe Black district until the next census. Who knows after 2032. Jane is our most qualified candidate by a landslide. We cannot afford to allow lobbyists and cryptocurrency speculators to come into this community with TV blitzes and shallow promises. These wealthy ”Cryptomaniacs’ poured almost three million dollars into Jane’s opponents’ campaign. US30 is not a “redlight” district. You can’t buy us, and we won’t be pimped. And yes, if Jane had taken the same money, I would call her “Bitcoin Barbie!” My sister Gina, a long-time educator, explained why children learn from Dick and Jane. She says the series employs a simple but successful pedagogy. “Rote learning” uses predictable text that builds the memory muscle and establishes patterns for early childhood readers. So let me try it. Run Jane Run. See Jane Run. Win Jane, Win! Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and award-winning columnist.

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MORIAL: Helping Black-Owned Restaurants Grow and Thrive TO BE EQUAL BY MARC MORIAL

“Restaurants are places where people from different walks of life gather for nourishment, social interaction, and an opportunity to belong to a community. These things go to the heart of what it means to be American. Segregationists were heavily invested in preventing interracial dining from becoming a widespread reality because it spoke to something even deeper: When people sit down together for a meal, they can’t help but recognize the humanity of those eating with them. In addition, when people prepare food for you, they are letting you know that they care for your survival. In essence, cooking is an act of love.” — Soul Food Scholar Adrian Miller In my beloved hometown of New Orleans, a restaurant is so much more than just a place to get a bite to eat. It is the beating heart of a neighborhood, a refuge, both an archive for history and culture and a laboratory for innovation. This is true in many communities across the nation, of course. But New Orleans’ unique blend of ethnicities and heritage that is known as Creole is best expressed through our cuisine and our restaurants. That’s why myimessenger.com

I’m so proud that the Black Restaurant Accelerator (BRA), a joint initiative of the National Urban League and the PepsiCo Foundation, this week marks the milestone of its first 100 grant recipients with the soft opening of a new restaurant in New Orleans, made possible by the program, that breathes new life into a century and a quarter of New Orleans’ Creole tradition.

ole Café & Deli with the BRA’s support of the program, illustrating and highlighting the progress of grant recipients in 11 other cities. Fellow Louisiana establishments include Addis Nola, Beaucoup Eats, Ray’s on The Avenue, and Taste & See Personal Chef Services. It’s especially significant that we’re making this announcement at Vaucresson’s on Monday, during

“The strategizing that went on there, over bowls of Leah Chase’s hot gumbo and red beans and rice, helped to undercut the legal foundations of Jim Crow,” my mother, Sybil Haydel Morial, wrote in her memoir, “Witness to Change: From Jim Crow to Political Empowerment.” The Black Restaurant Accelerator is a five-year, $10 million commitment from the PepsiCo Foundation in partnership with the National Urban League to preserve and support Black-owned restaurants, and has been a lifeline for many across the nation who continue to experience the impact of the pandemic. The historic Vaucresson Sausage Company, which has operated under three generations in the historic 7th Ward since 1899, is launching Vaucresson Cre-

the annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, as Vaucresson’s is the last remaining food vendor to have served the original New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival three decades ago. National Urban League and Pepsico Foundation launched the Black Restaurant Accelerator a year ago as the COVID-19 pandemic was wreaking devastation on communities of color. The pandemic hit Black-owned businesses the hardest, with 58% already facing financial distress. The effects of the

pandemic also saw Black business ownership decline by more than 40% in the U.S. — the most significant drop across any ethnic group. In New Orleans, many had to make difficult decisions about the future of businesses that have been in their families for generations. Black-owned restaurants hold a special place in the history of the civil rights movement. Along with Black churches, they were among the few places where it was safe for organizers and activists to meet and plan strategy, and they often fed civil rights workers for free. My own parents, civil rights leaders in Jim Crow-era New Orleans, spent many hours at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant. “The strategizing that went on there, over bowls of Leah Chase’s hot gumbo and red beans and rice, helped to undercut the legal foundations of Jim Crow,” my mother, Sybil Haydel Morial, wrote in her memoir, “Witness to Change: From Jim Crow to Political Empowerment.” Dookie Chase’s is now a landmark of the civil rights movement, along with establishments like Paschal’s in Atlanta, Brenda’s Bar-BQue Pit in Montgomery, Alabama, and The Four Way in Memphis. Who knows what history could be made in one of our Black Restaurant Accelerator establishments? Marc Morial is president/CEO of the National Urban League.

May 13, 2022

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May 13, 2022

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May 13, 2022

Controlling the Womb MIND OVER MATTER BY DR. BRENDA WALL

It’s more to it than abortion. Abortion has become the inflammatory debate in which everyone has had an opinion for the last generation. The argument is almost predictable where you’re either right or wrong based on moral argument, health considerations or personal testimonies. Yet, with the preview of the upcoming Supreme Court decision to terminate the almost 50-year-old Roe v Wade decision legalizing women’s reproductive rights, this particular legal precedent is not a mere return to the pre-Roe v. Wade era. It’s more to it than abortion. There can be little glee when rapists have more power than mothers, when mortality rates of mothers predictably increase or even when the decision is made to deliver a stillborn fetus. It may seem like such a victory of one side over the other with Alito’s draft opinion to overturn women’s Constitutional rights. It is not. Whether you are a fervent adherent of prolife or pro-choice in the way it has been framed for most of our lives, being caught up in that debate now clouds the far-reaching threat to freedoms at work right before our very eyes. May 13, 2022

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Power. Always power. And dare I say it, retaining the foundational origins of power enshrined in the United States Constitution for white men who owned property. It’s more to it than abortion. This will arguably be the most egregious decision since the Dred Scott decision which declared no African American had rights under the law. We have been conditioned to embrace a binary moral passion over birth and death. However, there was once (in my lifetime) just as inflaming a debate before the era of Roe v Wade. Segregation. I grew up in a time when racial apartheid was the law of the land; it was illegal to attend public schools (where the most tax dollars were spent) or be born in the nation’s segregated hospitals or be freely seated on public transportation. It was the era when private academies sprang up overnight in order to avoid the intermingling of the races. It was also illegal to be gay, to marry interracially, drink water from public fountains and yes, get an abortion. However, abortion was not the salient issue for the nation. Maintaining segregation was the country’s polarizing debate. Segregation fueled protest, water hoses and tumultuous sermons on separate but equal. Religious leaders who preached separation of the races and Congressmen who voted segregation of

public institutions galvanized the masses and solidified the country’s reactionary vote. As long as the vote was controlled, culture would perpetuate the white vote. Whatever it took to frighten people into mobilization then, from the movie Birth of a Nation, shown in Woodrow Wilson’s White

Power could operate best when the distraction of inflamed racial and sexual fears was at the forefront. White power meant that white sexual power and violence could function without restraint, challenge or consequence. House, inspiring the rebirth of the Klan or Willie Horton’s sexual assault, which became the Republican fuel casting a threat to deified white womanhood and taking George H.W. Bush to the White House was the calculated message. Power could operate best when the distraction of inflamed racial and sexual fears was at the forefront. White power meant that white sexual power and violence could function without restraint, chal-

lenge or consequence. As long as secrecy and denial cloaked forced sexual acts, the voice of women could be disregarded. This truth flourished during enslavement and more recently in certain Supreme Court testimonies. Babies were profitable. During the antebellum South, the economic value of the enslaved exceeded the invested value of all of the nation’s railroads, factories and banks combined. The economy of controlling the womb was indeed profitable. It still is. If you control the womb, you control the vote and at the same time, you effectively diminish female agency. Criminalizing sexual behavior as a tool of womb control, reinforces male dominance and increases the number of babies available for adoption and also for economic suppression. This time, Alito’s proposed legal opinion would pave the way for additional repressive controls that take us all the way back to the authoritarian dominance of plantation politics. Abortion is a tool to hide the efforts of corrupt men to regain political control by eliminating informed voices that vote. No more sex for you. Dr. Brenda Wall leads Reclaiming Mental Health for Women and Families at Friendship West Baptist Church, which is open to residents of the city of Dallas. Applications available!

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Reclaiming Mental Health for Women and Families in 2022 The Be Made Whole Counseling Center at Friendship West Baptist Church announces Reclaiming Mental Health for Women and Families! This exciting new grant will provide personal counseling, mentoring, classes, and more to help women connect with their po-

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wer and purpose. Groups will meet in eight-week segments and the first group, has already begun. If you: • live in the city of Dallas; • have been impacted by Covid (that’s all of us) and • know you deserve a good job please check us out.

We’ve got laptops, hot spots and technology for you, because it’s online. If you want some power, healing and financial breakthrough, join us. Applications are available now online. Please contact Ayshuanti Davis who will get you connected at adavis@friendshipwest.org.

May 13, 2022

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May 13, 2022

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PUBLIC RELATIONS EXPERT KAYLA TUCKER ADAMS NAMED GREATER NORTH DALLAS

WOMAN OF THE YEAR DALLAS - Public relations expert Kayla Tucker Adams has been named Woman of the Year by the Greater North Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club (GNDBPWC). Adams will be recognized at the club’s upcoming founders’ day and scholarship awards program, taking place virtually on Saturday, May 14 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm CT. This year’s theme is “Black Women in Technology: Promoting Opportunities to Shine.” Adams is an award-winning public relations executive, professional speaker, and writer with more than 20 years of experience in communication and public relations. She is the founder and chief strategist of KTA Media Group - a full-service communications firm specializing in public relations, media training, crisis communications, community engagement, book and product launches, digital marketing, social media, and strategic partnerships. Highly regarded as one of the best in her field, Kayla has worked with bestselling authors, movie producers, corporations, school districts, non-profit organizations, faith leaders, numerous celebrities and some of the most influential people in the world, including Oprah Winfrey and T.D. Jakes, myimessenger.com

and global nonprofit organizations, including March of Dimes. She firmly believes in operating with integrity and particularly enjoys working in the areas of cause marketing and community engagement on behalf of her clients. She has led communication efforts for initiatives such as March for Babies, Minnie’s Food Pantry Feed Just One Gala, and more. Managing and leading a rockstar team of professionals, Kayla provides stellar work and exceptional results for clients across the country. Actively involved in the community and philanthropic efforts, Kayla is always looking for ways to give back. She is currently a board member of the Dal-

las-Fort Worth chapter of March of Dimes and That Girl is SMART Youth Mentoring Program, a member of the Public Relations Society of America, National Association of Black Journalists, the fundraising chairperson for Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists, and a charter member of the Chi Zeta Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Since 2008, The Greater North Dallas Business and Professional Women's Club, a nonprofit social service organization under the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc., has been shining a spotlight on exceptional women in business who display passion, service,

and significant achievements to be widely celebrated. These women are leaders, mentors, visionaries, and heroes. Adams joins past Woman of the Year honorees such as Texas State Representative Rhetta A. Bowers and Texas Woman’s University Assistant Professor of Health Studies Dr. Jasmine Ward. Additional 2022 honorees include NASA System Engineer Dr. Enrique Jackson (Man of the Year), Author Ayana Brody Parham (Young Entrepreneur) and Bands of Hope President Gilda Smith (Community Service). This year’s speakers are Dow Chemical’s Kenyatta Dial and Lockheed Martin’s DeOnica Gatewood and Venetia Jones. Each year, GNBPWC awards scholarships to African American high school seniors during its founders’ day program. This program raises funds to provide college scholarships to high school graduates. Over the last fourteen years more than fifty students have benefitted from the funds donated at this event and other fundraising endeavors. Free registration for the event is available at https://us02web.zoom.us/ meeting/register/tZcpc--urzgtHtLijMnvuw14OGztMiWHXA7S. Attendees will receive a confirmation email upon registration. May 13, 2022

Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce’s 37th Annual Quest for Success Awards Program CLASS OF 2022 Teresa Coleman Wash, Founder & Executive Artistic Director, The Bishop Arts Theater Vicki Meek, Multimedia Artist and Independent Curator Terry Loftis, President & Executive Director, The Arts Community Alliance (TACA) Dr. Harry Robinson, Founder and CEO, The African American Museum of Dallas Zenetta Drew, Executive Director, Dallas Black Dance Theater Phillip Collins, Artist & Curator, Dallas Museum of Art John Spriggins, Manager of South Dallas Cultural Center Curtis King, Founder of The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL) John Paul Baptist, Arts Commission Chair for the City of Dallas Ann Williams, Founder of Dallas Black Dance Theater Mae Beck, Wife of Late Artist Arthello Beck (accepting his posthumous award) Darren James, President of KAI Enterprises

Christopher Sax Mitchell Credit: Thomas Garza Photography

May 13, 2022

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Curtis King

Jimmy L. Gaston, Phillip E. Collins, President Harrison Blair

Zenetta S. Drew

Maxcie Taylor (Ms. Curve TX)

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Mya performs

Mrs. Ann Williams

Credit: Thomas Garza Photography

Delta Sigma Theta President Elsie Cooke Holmes, Jim Austin and Cheryl Smith

Councilman Casey Thomas with Emma Rodgers

Darren James and Jimmy Gaston

Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

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Credit: Thomas Garza Photography

May 13, 2022

Blessed To Be A Blessing

By Edwin Buggage

Editor-in-Chief Data News Weekly

An Inspirational Journey The Anthony Bean Community Theater (ABCT) continues to be a leader in bringing quality productions to the stage. For over two decades garnering many awards along the way lead by Anthony Bean, it is more than just theater, but is aimed at telling positive stories about African Americans, changing narratives, and empowering the community. May 13, 2022

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While ABCT have been in existence for over 20 years, Anthony Bean’s history with theater goes back to the 1970’s while still a teen, he and his older brother, the late Monroe “Jomo Kenyatta” Bean began the Ethiopian Theater in 1973. “I remember when we first began, and back then the debate was centered on should Black theater be more message oriented or aesthetic. I feel as Black people in the arts this is something that continues to this day. But I feel that you can do both, this is what

we do over at ABCT. We have stories that challenge our community to be better, but we execute it in a way that considers the highest standards of quality in set design, costumes, and other aspects of production.” Planting the Seeds of Greatness Throughout his career in theater, Bean always was committed to teaching the craft of acting. Today, many of his students are getting into prestigious programs myimessenger.com

such as NOCCA, Julliard and working in television and film. One of his early students is acclaimed actor, businessman and advocate of all things New Orleans’ Wendell Pierce. “I saw something in him early, I could see the seeds of greatness in him even when he was young. I am glad that I was able to be part of his journey. He and so many others make me proud, knowing that my they too are not simply just creating great art, but are interested in empowering and giving voice to the aspirations of our community. Showing our city at its best,” says Bean of his work that continues to give his life purpose and meaning. It Takes A Village Over the years, Bean’s work has been recognized by national celebrities including the late Redd Foxx, who hosted a fundraiser for him in the 1980’s. Local icons such as Irma Thomas and the late Allen Toussaint have also been supporters and have been the subjects of plays produced by Anthony Bean. In a city where the political landscape mirrors the

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greatest of stages with its drama and intrigue, Bean has found a way to get the support and put on the stage many who are or have been elected leaders in the City of New Orleans. “I remember getting the support of the City’s first Black Mayor Ernest “Dutch” Morial, I can say I have lived to see us take the reins of power. Today though, we must consider how to use it to help those who need it the most in our city.” He adds, “Others who have been instrumental in helping ABCT is Gail Glapion, who was on the New Orleans School Board, and is on the board of ABCT,

she continues to be a supporter and advocate for the theater. Of course, I cannot forget City Councilmember Oliver Thomas, who as a longtime friend has always been committed to young people and supporting ABCT.” Life, Legacy, and Empowering the Next Generation As Bean continues to seal his legacy, he recently opened an the ABCT Actor Studio. It is home to a teen TV Show what’s going on and rehearsal space and classroom blazing the trail for the next generation. “My life is one that is dedicated to giving and service. Of showing that we can own something that can empower our community. That has been my mission from day one because I feel I have been blessed and it is my job to bless others with the tools to live their best lives and aspiring to reach higher.” Anthony Bean Summer Camp is presently holding audition for his Performing Arts Youth Summer Camp for more information call 504-862-Play. This article originally appeared in New Orleans Data News Weekly. May 13, 2022

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BIG MAMA SAID:

GIVE PEOPLE THEIR ROSES WHILE THEY CAN SMELL THEM! THANK YOU FOR A LIFE WELL LIVED MARY S. MCFALL! THE BLACK CARD BY TERRY ALLEN

I don’t think I will get much disagreement when I pull this “Big Mama” rule out of her Playbook. On the back porch, 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. She would always say very proudly with her hands on her hips stance, “Honey, you got to give people their roses while they can hold them and smell them…. Amen.” She left legacies that became part of life lessons. She taught me how to seek knowledge, recognize support and express gratitude. Her most important request from her “Roses” advice was to publicly and personally recognize the service and support others gave you. She mandated that we give roses publicly. She would close with Jeremiah 29:11 in her final word. Today, I can say job well done for another mom of mine, Mary Simpson McFall. You will then know how God sends you what you ask for (Jemyimessenger.com

remiah 29:11) if you ask. When I entered college, I was scared but bold and SMU was a new frontier where I met Mary McFall. She was the woman who rescued me and adopted me. She was the Assistant Dean of Students and the Director of Multicultural Affairs at SMU before there was DEI. It is through her that I discovered my ties to Greatness and the plans God had for me. Mary McFall introdu-

ted my sojourn through my alma mater’s biased roadmap. She introduced me a history that looked like me. Momma Mary had me embrace great Black men, she taught me how to know my place and use it! Just because of Mother Mary- I grew, I accomplished, I evolved. She taught me how to be like Empire’s Cookie Lyons and to “get what’s mine!” Her gift to me allowed me to bring to the cam-

Mary’s adoption allowed me to give Roses daily. I sat with Jon Henrik Clarke at St. Philips, talked with Ivan Van Sertima, gave praises to Claude Anderson, and broke bread with the intensely deep Amos Wilson in the Dallas-based MA’AT thinktank. Her gift allowed me to chat with Coretta, and exchange ideas with MLK, III on a plane ride. She placed knowledge in my hands that restored my ancestral memory. She helped me find my stolen legacies. With Mother Mary, I learned – God the protector, Jesus the warrior, Swahili, Xhosa, Yoruba, Corinthians, jimbe, Pamoja, intercession, faith, Kemitic and Afrikan. ced me to the teachings and lessons that became permanent imprints of her legacy for all who met her. On a call from Upward Bound director, Thomas Edwards, Mary welcomed me into her office and her world. She “poured” into me knowledge that would become my gifts. She introduced me to “new friends’ Maya, Nikki G, Haki Madhubuti, Sonia Sanchez, Kwame Ture, Gil Scott, Miles, Satchmo. She suppor-

pus Dick Gregory, Don L. Lee, Nikki Giovanni, and so many others. Her uplift of me allowed me to bring great minds to SMU in my college years. I recall the day we sat at a restaurant with Kwame (he was Stokely then), and her, Kwame and I just talked about resistance, survival and the fact that Miriam (Makeba) would not let him eat red meat. He said to Mother Mary, “thanks Mary for the ‘Roses” and for Terry, he is a good brother, he

is young and hungry for truth.” Mary’s adoption allowed me to give Roses daily. I sat with Jon Henrik Clarke at St. Philips, talked with Ivan Van Sertima, gave praises to Claude Anderson, and broke bread with the intensely deep Amos Wilson in the Dallas-based MA’AT thinktank. Her gift allowed me to chat with Coretta, and exchange ideas with MLK, III on a plane ride. She placed knowledge in my hands that restored my ancestral memory. She helped me find my stolen legacies. With Mother Mary, I learned – God the protector, Jesus the warrior, Swahili, Xhosa, Yoruba, Corinthians, jimbe, Pamoja, intercession, faith, Kemitic and Afrikan. Yet, the greatest gift she gave me was calling me her “bonus son.” She made me family, she gave me Brick and Jamila and all my other nieces and nephews. I have been by her side so many times for years, celebrating her gift; being her “bonus” son. A few days ago, Mother Mary transitioned! God said, “Join me Mary – your feet are paid for” God said, “Job well done!” God opened the gates of heaven and when he did, a Saint walked through! Amen! Rise in power, Mary! Rise in Peace, Mother! Rise in Perfection, Mom. Terry Allen is an NABJ awardwinning Journalist, PR professional and founder of 1016 Media, the charity - City Men Cook and Dallas Chapter President of NBPRS-DFW

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CAIR Welcomes Ruling that Tulsa Massacre Lawsuit May Proceed By Deon Osborne

Black Wall Street Times

WASHINGTON D.C.,—The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, welcomed a ruling by Tulsa County District Court Judge Caroline Wall that a lawsuit seeking reparations for survivors and descendants of victims of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre may go forward. Judge Wall ruled against the City of Tulsa’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit filed under the state’s public nuisance law. It means, For the first time in 101 years, attorneys representing historic Greenwood District, home to the original Black Wall Street, will force the City of Tulsa and other entities to take the stand and defend their role in the destruction of businesses, homes, and over 300 Black men, women and children of the prosperous Greenwood community in 1921. “We welcome the decision to allow this important case to move forward and hope it will lead to some sense of justice for the survivors and

“We got a lot of work to do to prove. And we can prove it, we will prove it. But I appreciate her giving us the opportunity to show that we had the necessary information to move past a motion to dismiss,” Attorney Damario Solomon-Simmons said.

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The last three living survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre enter Tulsa County courthouse for a hearing on Attorney Damario Solomon-Simmons’ public nuisance lawsuit on Monday, May 2, 2022. Photo: Mike Creef / The Black Wall Street Times

for the descendants of those killed and injured in the massacre,” CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper said in a press release. He said CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, and white supremacy. Historic Tulsa Massacre lawsuit moves to historic trial The last three known living survivors of the Massacre: “mother” Viola Ford Fletcher, who turns 108 on May 10, her little brother “Uncle Redd” Hughes Van Ellis, 101, and “mother” Lessie Benningfield Randle, 107, sat in the front row of the packed courtroom on Monday, May

3, as the historic ruling came down. CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims. The organization’s support for the lawsuit comes as the stakes remain high. With no support for reparations from city, county or state elected officials, the judicial system appears to be the only viable route towards reparations and restitution for the Greenwood community. Follow The Black Wall Street Times for updates on the Greenwood public nuisance lawsuit. Deon Osborne was born in Minneapolis, MN and raised in Lawton, OK before moving to Norman where he attended the University of Oklahoma. He now lives in Tulsa and serves as the Associate Editor for The Black Wall Street Times.

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May 13, 2022

Oak Cliff-Native Courtney Peace Is Making Waves With Bottled Water By Stephenetta (isis) Harmon

Courtney Peace wants you to drink more clean water. And, while you’re at it, his water. “You gotta stay hydrated,” said the Oak Cliff native, while gulping down a bottle of his own Maji Pure alkaline water. Studies show that most of us aren’t. According to the CDC, 43% of Americans drink less than four cups a day (another survey put us at 80%). And, when we do drink enough, it’s not likely to be the cleanest or the safest. That’s why Peace launched Maji Pure as one of a handful of Blackowned water companies in the country. “I had been drinking [my alkaline water] by myself for a minute,” he explained. Then, water shortages and boil notices during the pandemic (and 2021 snowstorm) helped him see a bigger vision. “It was kind of like a Godsend,” he said. “I was one of the few guys who could actually bring water to the community [...] in their time of need.” That’s when Peace knew he had to bring his brand to the masses.

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Courtney Peace

Photo Credit: Alex-Martin

Overcoming adversity He initially started the venture with a few partners, but when they fell off, he knew he had to keep going. “I kept with the dream.” It took two years for him to push through bureaucratic red tape and financial setbacks. The most challenging parts, he said, were figuring out the manufacturing process and getting a license to bottle and sell water. “They gave me the blues about that license,” he admitted. Peace also opened up about facing uphill battles since he was a teenager. By the time he was 18, he was incarcerated for a crime he said he did not commit. After serving 11 years of a 15-year sentence, he was out on parole, unemployed, and with few options to make his own second chance. But, he is not looking for sympathy. “I don’t believe in hard or difficult, I just believe in what it takes to get it done.” He’s more interested in impacting the community. The most rewarding parts of his journey have been “to actually see my people appreciate what myimessenger.com

I’m doing for the community and the unity I’m bringing behind it,” he said. “I am someone that is really from the hood. For people in the hood to see me doing this, it gives them a spark of innovation. “They can see and say, ‘Peace can do this. Peace went to prison, wouldn’t nobody give Peace a job when he got out of prison. And Peace has got a billboard right now with Maji Pure going down Highway 35,’” he continued. “It changes the consciousness and the belief on what we can do.” From making water to making waves Calling it the “people’s water,” Peace believes he has one of the best alkaline water brands on the market. “It’ll change your life,” he said. “Everyone who has tried the water has become a customer. You don’t really know what clean water is until you drink clean water.” Maji Pure water is filtered through a reverse osmosis process to a level of 0 TDS, which measures the number of dissolved sediments in the water. It is then infused with minerals like calcium and magnesium to make it alkaline. While the body is self-regulating, alkaline water with a pH balance of 9 has been touted for helping take stress off the body’s systems, resulting in everything from better digestion and clearer skin to weight loss. “It’s like a healing agent,” said Peace. “Our bodies are so filled with different toxins daily, from the air we breathe and some of the foods we eat. Alkaline water helps your body maintain balance. It will have you feeling better. Your energy levels will be better.” For non-believers, he’s also done a few live demos showing the pH myimessenger.com

levels of several national water brands. Each time, Maji Pure tested higher, with fewer additives. And now, he’s ready to make waves in the community. Since launching in January, Maji Pure is already available in local momand-pop shops, medical spas, and even gyms throughout Texas, including Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, El Paso, Houston, and Mansfield. Peace has even secured retail space in California. He’s also sharing the wealth. While building his brand, he offers wholesale opportunities and training for other entrepreneurial hopefuls. Within the next two years, Peace wants Maji Pure to become a household name. “I’m not just saying it’s water for Black people. I want everybody to embrace this and pay attention to what they are putting into their body.” That includes creating and selling a filtration machine for consumers to soften and change the pH at home, along with opening a grocery store. “That’s something else I hope to happen in the future -- where we provide fruits and vegetables to our community,” he explained. Until then, he plans to keep pushing his marketing and community-building efforts. He will be selling water at the Rick Ross Car and Bike show in Georgia next weekend and then he will be back as a sponsor for a mental health awareness event and for a local Juneteenth celebration. “We are doing a lot of things in the community that we’re trying to balance out from negative to show the positive light of where we come from.” Courtney Peace

Photo Credit: Alex-Martin

Learn more about Maji Pure at majipure.com. May 13, 2022

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

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Let’s get together We’re hosting a new event, and we’d love to see you there. Join us for Dallas Police Department South Dallas Job Fair, May 14, 2022 at 10:00 AM. Register soon because space is limited. We hope you’re able to join us!

Saturday, May 14, 2022 10:00 AM Dallas Police Department South Dallas Job Fair Juanita Craft Recreation Center myimessenger.com

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May 13, 2022

THE HYPOCRISY: States with death penalty want to overturn Roe V. Wade OUR VOICES BY TANESHA PEEPLES BLACK WALL STREET TIMES

It’s infuriating that in the year 2022, people have the unmitigated gall to tell women what to do with our bodies. What’s even more infuriating is the hypocrisy and contradiction that drive these patriarchal and archaic ass attempts to end Roe v Wade. At the top of the week, Politico reported on leaked documents from the Supreme Court signaling that it was moving towards reversing the landmark ruling, Roe v. Wade. Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973, making it legal for women to terminate their pregnancy during the first trimester. Ever since then, there have been national attacks and successful attempts to restrict and bar women’s rights in regards to their reproductive health. Pro-life supporters have based their criticism and repeal of Roe v. Wade in wanting to preserve the sanctity of life but when it comes to advocacy, that’s where the buck stops. If you ask me, these people aren’t all concerned with folx quality of life. They’re sitting so high up on their horses that clouds of privilege, judgment and delusion are blocking their view of reality and humanity. Now, if the true goal for ending Roe v Wade is to preserve the “sanctity” of life May 13, 2022

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then why is it that most of these states that have anti-abortion laws are ones that also support capital punishment? Isn’t a life a life? Death penalty states want to play God In response to the leaked Supreme Court opinions, Georgia State Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene – one politician many of us love to despise – said, “Life starts at conception. Our constitution never did and never will give the right to murder another human being in the womb.” If I had the chance to sit down with Marjorie – which would be a frigidly cold day in Hell – I’d ask her about her thoughts on murder outside of the womb. Her state of Georgia has upheld the death penalty for 300 years, with thousands of executions on record. Did those people not deserve protection of the sanctity of life, too? Oklahoma is also another contradiction culprit, ranking number one in executions per capita. The state has “legally” executed 199 people since 1915–not including the over 300 illegally executed in the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Despite having a gruesome state-sanctioned murder rate, Oklahoma recently passed a bill mirroring Texas’ strict abortion policies. In addition to Georgia and Oklahoma, 13 other death penalty states have trigger laws in place and waiting to be dropped the minute the Su-

preme Court pulls Roe v. Wade. So how can these lawmakers say they’re legally entitled to decide the fate of a life but tell women they can’t make that same decision? As anti-BLM people like to say, don’t “all lives matter”? Ending Roe v Wade won’t stop abortions What will we see if Roe v. Wade is overturned? Certainly, an increase in unsafe procedures. According to Planned Parenthood, by 1965, illegal abortions made up one-sixth of all pregnancy-related deaths in the United States. The site also states, “Overturning Roe v. Wade could put safe, legal abortion out of reach for onethird of people ages 15 to 49 who may need it.” As we’ve seen in the past, women aren’t going to be backed into a corner when it comes to making decisions about their health if Roe v Wade is rescinded–they’re going to find another way. But, let’s just say they do decide to carry out the pregnancy and give the child up for adoption. Why aren’t conservatives concerned about foster children? Currently, there are over 400,000 kids in foster care across the United States. Children’s Rights reports that in 2019, more than 20,000 young people aged out of foster care without permanent families. Research has

shown that those who leave care without being linked to forever families have a higher likelihood than youth in the general population to experience homelessness, unemployment, and incarceration as adults. What about their quality of life? Finally, what kind of quality of life will there be for a mother who decides to keep their child and is forced to raise them in poverty; a mother who’s traumatized from being sexually assaulted by the child’s father; or a family who’s lost a loved one due to undiscovered, late-term pregnancy complications? Anyone that has a heart doesn’t want to see a life terminated under any circumstances. But circumstances are different for different people and it’s not our place to judge or regulate what that person does with their body through policy or religion. Bottom line, you can be prolife and pro-rights at the same time–it’s called pro-choice. Tanesha Peeples is driven by one question in her work--”If not me then who?” As a strategist and injustice interrupter, Tanesha merges the worlds of communications and grassroots activism to push for radical change, specifically in the public education system. Her grand vision is one where everyoneregardless of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender or zip code-can have access to a comfortable quality of life and enjoy the freedoms and liberties promised to all Americans. And that’s what she works towards every day.

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May 13, 2022

ENTREPRENEURS:

Two South Dallas Students Start Company To Bring Healthy Snacks To School

Co-owners Christian Williams, 12, left, Vincent McNuckles, 10, of TK Snacks and More, inside the school cafeteria at St. Anthony Academy in Dallas, on April 27, 2022. The cafeteria at St. Anthony is one option for a landing spot for the student's vending machines titled TK Snacks that will offer students healthy options for snacks they can eat while at school. Shay McNuckles, not pictured, is helping the young boys with the business side of things. Photo: Ben Torres / Special Contributor

By Sriya Reddy

Twelve-year-old Christian Williams and 10-year-old Vincent McNuckles want to bring healthy snacks to their school. They don’t enjoy their school lunches and have watched their classmates bring in sugary snacks for breakfast regularly. After being May 13, 2022

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inspired by TikTok, the two cousins knew what they needed to do – start their own vending machine company. That’s how TK Snacks and More was born. The name is inspired by the boy’s favorite snacks, T for Takis and K for Kit Kats. Contrary to its name, the goal of TK Snacks is to change the culture of snack-

ing at their school, St. Anthony Academy in South Dallas. “We could help people and not hurt them,” McNuckles said. “Because there are a lot of unhealthy snack choices in South Dallas.” “It’s important for your body to eat healthier options because you could get diabetes or you can have health problems,” Williams said. myimessenger.com

The vending machines will sell trail mix, SkinnyPop and granola bars among other snacks. So far, TK Snacks has two potential clients. The MLK Wellness Complex opening late this summer and St. Anthony, which the boys are forming a pitch and proposal for the board in June. St. Anthony’s Principal Onjaleke Brown and Assistant Principal Brian Wesley described Williams and McNuckles as dreamers and as students that are always asking why. “They’re persistent and I think that’s going to take them a long way in life,” Brown said. Both administrators are excited by the possibility of bringing new options to their students. “We want to make sure that our children have access to be able to make the healthier choice,” Brown said. “If we’re saying that nonfried chips, such as popcorn, are really good then they need to be able to have access to it.” Wesley said a lot of students don’t have access to good snacks. Often, they are only able to pick up breakfast at the local gas station on their way to school. This vending machine could help solve that problem. “Yeah, they’re gonna make money, but the thing is, they’re solving the problem with a healthy choice that they lack here,” Wesley said. Williams and McNuckles see this often. They say some of their

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“Showing our children these various options as next steps and things that they can do, like they can own their own business, is a part of our obligation as educators,” Brown said. “If we just try to limit them to what we think or the routes that we took, then we’re not doing a good job of teaching.” friends bring up to six bags of packaged chips to school every day. They could only name one of their friends that eat healthy snacks, like apples and oranges, at school. For the two boys, they love their occasional fast food stop, typically Raising Cane’s or Chick-fil-A, but also really enjoy vegetables – celery, asparagus, broccoli. On top of encouraging classmates to choose healthier options, the boys are also learning a lot about entrepreneurship and starting a business. They are creating pitches, designing logos, and organizing finances, all with the help of McNuckles’ mom and Williams’ aunt Shay McNuckles who steers them in the right direction. McNuckles said once they start making profits, they will invest the money into stocks. And soon after, they want to become the richest kids on Roblox. Williams said he will also invest, but also get himself a phone, computer, and a new bike.

Brown said it is important for students to learn about various ways to earn a living. “Showing our children these various options as next steps and things that they can do, like they can own their own business, is a part of our obligation as educators,” Brown said. “If we just try to limit them to what we think or the routes that we took, then we’re not doing a good job of teaching.” Wesley, an entrepreneur himself, said he’s proud of the two for starting a new business and solving a problem in the southern sector. “I was very proud of them because they know I’m also a business owner as well,” Wesley said. “For them to take that initiative at that young of an age and then their mother to pour into them and invest into them to be able to do it.” This story, originally published in The Dallas Morning News, is reprinted as part of a collaborative partnership between The Dallas Morning News and Texas Metro News. The partnership seeks to boost coverage of Dallas’ communities of color, particularly in southern Dallas.

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Metro Community Calendar powered by RECURRING: The African American Genealogical Interest Group meets the 3rd Saturday each month, 2 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., through May, in the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1st floor West Room, 1515 Young St.

MAY

12 Just HEAL Bro Tour at Moody Performance Hall, 2520 Flora St. Dallas. Featuring Jay Barnett, Lamman Rucker, Dr. Rukudzo Sithole, Lawrence Adjah, DeMario Davis and Joel Tudman. RSVP to Just Heal.co

1929: Improvisational jazz singer Betty Carter is born.

1952: Boxer “ Marvelous” Marvin Hagler is born.

1961: Acclaimed poet Langston Hughes inducted into National Institute of Arts and Letters.

17 1954: U.S. Supreme court rules against segregated schools unconstitutional in Brown vs. Board of Education.

Green Funeral Home Open House 105 Vintage Dr, Red Oak, TX 75154-6302, Reception to follow with Food and Drinks. Come meet the owners and staff. Tour our beautiful facility. There will be door prizes!

1878: Entertainer Bill “ Bojangles” Robinson is born.

June

1946: Baseball great Reggie Jackson is born.

1904: Jazz pianist and composer “ Fats” Waller is born.

Armed Forces Day

Snoh Aalegra Live in Dallas, TX @ The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

19 Remembering George Floyd

Southern University Alumni Association Annual Bayou Bash African American Museum 6p.m.

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

1967: Legendary poet Langston Hughes passes away.

Tap Takeover with Four Corners Brewery -The Village Dallas

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

1900: Civil War hero Sgt. William Carney becomes first Black soldier to receive Medal of Honor.

1961: Ku Klux Klan members attacked Freedom Riders in Birmingham, AL while local police watched.

1963: Arthur Ashe became the first Black to be named to Davis Cup tennis team. He was 19 years old.

Please send your calendar items to editor@ texasmetronews.com

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE SPEAKER SERIES - “Wild Seas, Secret Shores,” presented locally by Charles Schwab at 7 p.m.

Kids’ Movies and Concerts at The Lakefront™ The Lakefront at Little Elm 701 W Eldorado Pkwy, Little Elm at 5pm

1925: Malcolm X born. He was a Black Nationalist and civil rights leader, orator. Fort Worth Botanic Garden Relax with an adult beverage, delicious bites and the jazz styling of the Danny Stone Trio, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Sample beers from local breweries. Stop by the beer garden outside of Over Under for FREE samples from Four Corners Brewery, Paletas for purchase, and live music from 6-9pm!

The 34th Annual NAACP Grand Prairie Freedom Fund Scholarship Banquet to benefit local students with scholarships for the advancement of education, 7:00 p.m., (Silent Auction/Social Hour begins at 6:30 p.m.) at Ruthe Jackson Center, 3113 S. Carrier Pkwy. Grand Prairie, Texas, 75052. The theme is “Moving Forward” and the dynamic Keynote Speaker is Matthew DeSarno, Dallas, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The Mistress of Ceremony (MC) Sharlene Speaks and Dareia Jacobs, and entertainment performed by “Pure Blend Band.” Contact Crist Coleman, Secretary, 469-744-4696 or email: GrandPrairieNAACPGala@yahoo.com for more information.

I Was Just Thinking with Norma Adams-Wade “History Class is in Session” Join in on Facebook/@ 18 TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRaAfrican Amer- dio.com at 11 am -1 pm. CST. ican Muse- Wednesdays. Join the conversation um’s 33rd Texas call 646-200-0459.

JUNE

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Lifestyle Metro Calendar powered by MAY

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 12 -14 UT Arlington Commencement ceremonies www.uta.edu *** Dallas College Graduation

UNT DENTON Commencement

8 am, 12 pm, 4 pm UNT Coliseum

The 4th Annual Denton Freedom Charity Golf Tournament is being hosted at Wildhorse Golf Club at Robson Ranch, 9400 Ed Robson Blvd A, Denton to help raise awareness for homelessness and hunger and freedom from addiction.

Elusive Ladies celebrate

44th DELTAversary -- #BADST

*** UNT DALLAS COMMENCEMENT Ceremonies

JUNE 4 ‘Live Out Proud’ at the Dallas Pride Music Festival & Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade in Fair Park June 4-5. Dallas Pride readies for its return to Fair Park June 4-5 to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and its allies with a weekend of events with the theme of “Live Out Proud.” Tickets are on sale now at dallaspride.org for the Dallas Pride Music Festival

Curtis Culwell Center 4999 Naaman Forest Blvd. Garland, TX

14 Denton’s MHMR LOSS Department is hosting a Music and Art Fest at Red’s Yard, 410 N. Bell Ave., Denton from 12 pm – 4 pm in efforts to provide outreach to local suicide survivors. Legal Clinics while helping families, college students, senior citizens, and veterans - sponsored by Verna’s H.E.L.P. Foundation Legal Clinic on Eastfield Campus at 9:30 a.m.

Iota Phi Lambda, Sorority Inc., Psi Chapter, 85th Anniversary Gala will be held at 7:00 p.m. at Hilton Dallas Lincoln Centre Hotel-5410 Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway, Dallas Entertainment will be provided by the legendary Don Diego Band.

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PIZZAFEST 2022

Bottled Blonde in Deep Ellum 505 N. Good Latimer Expwy www.pizzafestdallas.com

Texas Women’s Foundation Hosts #BestSelf 2022 for Tween and Teen Girls at Paul Quinn College Self-awareness, self-confidence, self-care and self-wellness highlighted. Keynote speakers : ● Tori Dixon, Licensed Professional Counselor, Graceful Journey Counseling ● Bishop Arts Theatre Center (BATC), Award-winning, multicultural, multidisciplinary nonprofit arts institution ● Stefanie Tovar, Bhakti yoga instructor based in Dallas ● Tisha Crear, Chef and founder of Recipe Oak Cliff WHERE: Paul Quinn College, 3837 Simpson Stuart Rd, Dallas

ROYAL ROUNDZ II

Kingdom Boxing presents Shurretta “Chiccm” Metcalf, Charles “The Future” Hatley and Ray “Valentino” Ximenez Jr at the Factory, 2713 Canton St. more at kingdomboxing.pro

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Juneteenth and Father’s Day

16 AT&T Performing Arts Center presents

THE EXCHANGE DFW African American Market and Vendor Showcase

An Evening with Soledad O’Brien

A Celebration of Black Business and Culture 12 pm - 5 pm

11:00 AM to 2:00 PM--A Memorial Balloon and Floral Ceremony for the 30 City and County leaders that assisted with our START and EXISTENCE of Verna’s H.E.L.P. Foundation “HELPING EVERYONE LIVE POSITIVE.” “THE THIRTY SHOULDERS WE STAND ON OF GIANTS” Honoring the Late Frank and Judy Lott, Honorable Elsie Faye Higgins, Mayor Annette Strauss, Gloria Hogg, Murdine Berry, Olga Mae Rabourn, Mr. J.B. Jackson, Honorable Albert and Lovie Lipscomb, Pastor George W. Pryor, Pastor S.M. Wright, William and Mozelle Blair, Comer J. Cottrell, Lawson Ridgeway, Attorney Louis A Bedford, M. T. “Buddy” Minyard, Judge John H. Wittington, Judge Cleo Steele, Fred Meyer, Norman Moorehead, John Stemmons, Peter and Betty May Stewart, Dr. Charles Mitchell, Mayor Jack Evans, Poncho Medrano, Mayor Starke Taylor, and Mayor Robert Folsom.

JULY 10 BAMM, Being a Melanin Mom, Inc. cordially invites you to Second Annual Black Owned Experience Summer Expo! 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM CDT Lofty Spaces 816 Montgomery Street Dallas, TX Send your calendar items to:

editor@texasmetronews.com

Martin Luther King Recreational Center, 2901 Pennsylvania Ave. Contact Antoine White 314-630-4465 for vendor information

23 The 34th Annual NAACP Grand Prairie Freedom Fund Scholarship Banquet to benefit local students with scholarships to advance their education will be held at 7pm at the Ruthe Jackson Center, 3113 S. Carrier Pkwy in Grand Prairie. The speaker is Matthew DeSarno, Dallas Special Agent in Charge, FBI. For more info, call 469-744-4696.

24 ELECTION DAY!!!

VOTE

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www.grandpasecret.com

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May 13, 2022

ARRESTED

HE IS A SERIAL RAPIST

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

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

Crimestoppers 877-373-8477 May 13, 2022

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