I Messenger

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I MESSENGER MAY 22, 2020

VOL IX NO 40

THE TALKER

VETERAN SPORTSCASTER ROGER B BROWN REMEMBERED


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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 22, 2020

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

TriceEdney – Everybody who has ever graduated from anything knows how special graduation is. If you made it to graduation, not only were you excited about doing something not only you considered important, but the fact that you made it, made a lot of people happy. Friends, relatives-- especially your parents -- bragged about your being a member of a graduating class. It didn’t matter if you were graduating from medical school, law school, undergraduate school, high school or even kindergarten, everybody treated you like royalty. Not only in your eyes, but in theirs, you had achieved a special milestone. Some gave you hugs. Others gave you presents. You really appreciated those who gave you money! I can remember graduating from law school, and one neighbor from the neighborhood in which I grew up sent me a couple of dishtowels! While I wasn’t known to be one who spent a lot of time in the kitchen, I cherished those dishtowels. It was the thought that she considered my graduation something special that made me happy to count them as presents! This year, we had a pretty gloomy Class of 2020 who couldn’t think of anything worse than not being able to walk across the stage in that cap and gown, have the college president or school principal shake their hand and celebrate their graduation. I’ve graduated many times--high school, college, law school, 3 times for doctoral degrees and once for an honorary doctoral degree—but none of that could top what 2020 graduates are getting! None other than President Barack Obama

is going to hold a virtual commencement ceremony for seniors who are graduating nationwide. You can’t beat that. This graduation will top all that we’ve ever seen. Even if we don’t have a family member or a friend graduating from any level, I can assure you more people will virtually attend this one than they have for any other speaker. The speaker must be thrilled! I know I’m going to be leaning in for every word whether it’s on Skype, Zoom, Face Book, C-Span, YouTube, any of my regularly watched channels or any new method of viewing that may be discovered before graduation! Just imagine how one person can make a difference. One young person conceived the idea of asking President Obama to do him a favor. Thousands of students agreed, and the best President ever responded with a confirmation. Does that prove that just having the audacity to ask can sometimes get you what you ask for? I was so excited when I heard B.O. was going to honor graduates with what I know will be a memorable message. You would think I was graduating from something! I have no doubt about his delivering a message that will last the graduates a lifetime. Not only will the graduates have B.O. but M.O. join the celebration for several events honoring the class of 2020 as part of a #GraduateTogether2020 special. Saturday, May 16, 2020, honored students at historically Black colleges and universities then there was a virtual commencement for high school seniors at 8 PM ET. As if that is not enough, another address to the class of 2020 will take place on June 6, 2020 at 3 PM ET! In typical Obama style no one will be left out! Our nation needs that special hope that both Michelle and Barack know how to give. Nobody can do it the way they do, and every day I hear someone say, “I sure do miss them.� Keep your ears open for details.

(Dr. E. Faye Williams is National President of the National Congress of Black Women and Host of “Wake Up and Stay Woke� on WPFW-FM 89.3.)

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INSIDE

MY TRUTH

LAST WORD

THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES

This is a special time. Well, it was supposed to be, for the class of 2020. COVID-19, however; has changed everything and there are some very unhappy and disappointed people.

Exactly 136 years to the day after Ida B. Wells was thrown off a Chesapeake and Ohio railroad train, she was awarded a Pulitzer Prize special citation for her “outstanding and courageous reporting on the horrific and vicious violence against African Americans in the era of lynchings.”

He was born May 19, 1925 in Omaha, NE and much like many young folk, then and even todaygrowing up too fast, he, too experienced some life-changing phases.

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

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

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

Items can be donated Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Parkland’s Logistics Building, 5223 Tex Oak Ave., Dallas, TX 75235. For additional information about donating PPE please email Pamela Bryant at pamela.bryant@phhs.org myimessenger.com

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MAY 22, 2020


MY TRUTH by Cheryl Smith, Publisher

This is a special time. Well, it was supposed to be, for the class of 2020. COVID-19, however; has changed everything and there are some very unhappy and disappointed people. Just imagine, all your young life you have heard about this wonderful time. I can remember being told, “your senior year is going to be the best year of your life.” I was also told that I was going to look back on that time and cherish the memories of prom, graduation, parties and saying goodbye to teachers, coaches and friends; some i’d probably never see again. Which brings me to my truth. I’ve heard a similar spiel about other key times in my life: Going away to college; pledging Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; obtaining the first, then the second college degree; purchasing my first car, then house; and, so on.

Your Walk Then too, we each handle situations differently. Recently a young man asked me if I had ever experienced anything like what we are going through now. Clearly I look older than I thought! I explained to him that while there have been some catastrophic times in my life; there has been nothing compared to 2020. I also told him

about times when I thought things were worse than they actually turned out to be, but I made it. I also listened to those with more knowledge. Class of 2020, I know it is tough. I wish you the best and it is my hope that everything you have had to deal with surrounding COVID-19 will be the biggest disappointment or pain you experience in your entire lives. Use that education you received. Do your own research. Check your sources. And just as it has been said, especially during times like these, tough times don’t last forever. In the meantime, let your “walk” be with grace, honesty, love, justice, compassion, wisdom, faith and integrity.

Yes, those were monumental times in my life and there have been many more. Everyone’s journey is different and just like grieving, we have to let everyone do it in their own way. We may not have all of the backstory of what went into getting to at point. MAY 22, 2020

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Malcolm X

was more than an Angry Foil! aboutbeing without her father. She said what she missed were moments like watching him smile broadly after dinner and how he loved eating his favorite big BY bowl of vanilla ice cream. Or when wife THOMAS Betty would come after the children with MUHAMMAD a belt they’d run and try and hide behind He was born May 19, 1925 in Omaha, Malcolm. She said Betty would give NE and much like many young folk, Malcolm that look and he’d get outta the then and even todaygrowing up too fast, way cause as angry as he was in public he, too experienced some life-changing he was scared of Betty! phases. But he was more than some Yeah and imagine Malcolm loving damn soundbite many need-to-grow, I of all things “vanilla ice cream,” not mean Negroes quote when whitey makes chocolate! Oh oops don’t fit your angry em mad! man scenario does it? lol!

THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES

The White man fires you! You’re ready to shout “by any means necessary,” or say, “Brother Malcolm said,” just throw in any quote that fits an angry man moment, it’ll do! Every time you get pissed off, right? But if that same white man gave you a raise you’d have no problem coming up with some comfortable name to call out and celebrate. Can’t use Malcolm for that cause he was angry all the time! Bul&@:/t! Or to be politically correct, BS!

By the way, this was before his pilgrimage to Mecca! I had to clarify this point because there are some confused folk who say he felt different about white people in America after that famous trip.

The recent lynching of Ahmaud Arbery in Brunswick, GA, a so-called paradise, reaffirms that that angry side of Malcolm is still needed, correct?

Nothing could farther from the truth! That never changed his philosophy on But please in honor of celebrating his the importance of Black Nationalism life don’t let that be the only side, cause or what he felt about white bigotry in there’s so much more about the man America. He continued to dedicate his that’s yet to be learned. life to fighting white supremacy, period! Let us decide today going forward that we will think of our dear brother when In fact he said that after worshiping in Mecca with people who if they had been things go well for us too. That would in America would have been considered be a true honor to his wonderful and white, because of this truth he would no powerful legacy!

Malcolm was very happy in life and he lived a full one. But more important, he was human. And like most humans from longer “generalize a whole people” And So chill out and remember there will be the male class he was once a baby, a son, a by the way neither should you! plenty of times when the “chickens will teen, a young adult, a husband, a father; and if he hadn’t been gunned down and I too, made that holy trip in July of 1990 come home to roost,” okay! alive today, he’d be a grandfather! and witnessed the same things. It didn’t Until then the Struggle Continues... change my understanding of what and I remember listening to one of his how America feels about Black people. Thomas Muhammad is Chairman of the National daughters recall what she missed Black United Front (NBUF)-Dallas Texas Chapter. myimessenger.com

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MAY 22, 2020


Judge Moye’ Deserves Better! QUIT PLAYIN’ Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and award-winning columnist.

Dallas County Commissioner has proposed a resolution that probably won’t be adopted by the full Commissioner’s Court, but it will be widely accepted among those of us who know and respect Judge Eric V. Moye’. When asked if I would allow my opinion space to be used for this use, all I had was two words; “Quit Playin!’”

throughout the globe, face the threat of death, infirmities and economic depression by the COVID-19 virus, which has contaminated communities in more than 184 countries, and WHEREAS, Dallas County government has subrogated its rights and to some degree its responsibilities and has complied with the directives of the Governor of the State of Texas without regard

WHEREAS, Dallas County is one of 254 counties in the U.S. state of Texas, and its second most populous county, and the eighth most populous in the United States, based on the 2010 U.S. census, the population was 2,368,139; and by the 2020 census ending may exceed 3,000,000 citizens, and WHEREAS, Dallas County citizens, like so many others MAY 22, 2020

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WHEREAS, Dallas county has seen several politically motivated counteractions to these orders as an attempt to buoy the partisan pleasures of President Donald J. Trump and thereby his Republican acolytes who demand that we “Open up our country” without regard to those persons and communities that live with “pre existing conditions” and were vulnerable to any outbreak of disease before COVID-19, and WHEREAS, Dallas County has been posited as “posse and sheriff” of the Governor’s shoddy if not loosely written statutes regulating certain business closures and the administration of punishment to all who violate said order(s), and

DATE: May 19, 2020 BE IT REMEMBERED, at a regular meeting of Commissioners’ Court of Dallas County, Texas held on the 19th day of May, 2020, on a motion made by John Wiley Price, Commissioner District No.3, and seconded by, the following Resolution was adopted:

subsequent Executive Orders (922) at the time of this writing, and

President Obama and Judge Eric Moye to its strictures being suitable or in the best interests of the citizens we were duly elected to serve and protect, and WHEREAS, Dallas County has made public and sometimes confusing adjustments to alter its course to satisfy the everchanging orders from Greg Abbott’s office, most significantly to Executive Order 8 (Mitigating COVID -19 Spread) but including all

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WHEREAS, Dallas County did duly and proudly elect one Eric Moye’ to the bench of State District Court #14 and has thereby reelected him successively because of his unblemished reputation as a fair and impartial jurist who intimately knows the law by letter and by spirit, and WHEREAS, Dallas County residents suffer as the world gazes upon the travesty of justice caused when the Governor of the State of Texas and Dan Patrick, Lieutenant Governor (who appears to spend an excessive amount of time with myimessenger.com


his Conservative radio talk show) intervened in a ruling against a media manufactured cause celebre, a lawbreaker and owner of Salon à la Mode, located in Dallas County. Thanks Commissioner, and a special shout out to Channel 8’s Dale Hansen. (A Real Brother!)  WHEREAS, Dallas County had its reputation questioned and ridiculed as this staged circus, was reduced to issues of race and the superiority of Anglos over all other Americans, which was exhibited by the Governor and the Lt. Governor’s reintroduction of Dred Scott v. Sanford which briefed by any reasonable party reads; “a Black man (Moye’) has no rights that a White man

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declare that this government, both State and Federal has proven it has no regard for the “rule of law” that it wears as an aegis of its “virtues, “nor the spirit of patriotism for which it holds itself exclusive. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor issue an earnest apology to said judge, whose life is threatened and whose President Obama and professional record is impugned; Judge Eric Moye post haste, and that the hundreds (Trump, Abbott, Patrick) are of thousands of dollars collected in this firestorm of foolishness bound to respect!” be donated to worthy causes and THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED people who are genuinely in need that the Commissioners’ Court of this State’s intervention. of Dallas County do hereby and DONE IN OPEN COURT this with political consequences and incidental indemnities known, the 19th day of May, 2020.

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MAY 22, 2020


THE POWER OF MOTHERING with situations. I think we confuse

FAITHFUL UTTERANCES BY DR. FROSWA BOOKER-DREW

the introduction to my faith. In

forgiveness with allowing yourself teaching me about the love of God to be a doormat. At first, I couldn’t

and God’s forgiveness, it freed me

understand how she could forgive to do the same for others. I can’t people because I didn’t understand

say I have it down to a science but

what it really meant. What she was

what I can say is that I can point

Brother Gerald Davis, thank doing was releasing people from to so many experiences in my life you! I was pleasantly surprised keeping a hold on her. In some that my mother’s investment in that one of the chapters of my situations, forgiveness included my spiritual growth is evident. book was used as a Sunday School saying goodbye. Those lessons I am forever grateful that she’s Lesson at Cornerstone Baptist molded me into understanding given me a gift that continues to Church this morning. The chapter that forgiveness was bigger than give to others which started on was on forgiveness and explaining me and required something much decades ago. The times I didn’t the difficult relationship I had with my father. I still love my father even after all of these years that he’s been gone but some of his decisions impacted my life in ways that were not the best. Before he passed, he asked for my forgiveness. I forgave him and it was one of the

“ Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.” -Proverbs 31:30

most powerful things I’ve done in more exceptional to accomplish. want to go to church, or speak my life. I learned to let go so that My mother is a nurturer. She for special services, sing in the I could experience the freedom I is giving by nature and all of my choir, or participate in Sunday was missing.

life, I’ve seen her love even when School, she didn’t stop because

I must give credit to my mother others didn’t comprehend it or she knew what the outcome would because I watched this woman were not reciprocal. I am so much be. She forgave my moments of embody forgiveness. My mother like my mother. I am forever unhappiness because she knew has endured some very painful grateful for this lesson and so many there was something greater to and private traumas. I’ve learned a others my mother taught me. The come and when times were good lot watching her in how she’s dealt lesson I am most grateful for is the or bad, I had a foundation to MAY 22, 2020

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sustain me. She planted seeds that have sprouted and I am thankful that she never gave up. There are so many mothers who planted seeds that at the time, they were doing what they knew was best. It wasn’t always popular or accepted but they trusted God to water their gift of faithfulness. The same seeds my mother planted in me, I have instilled in my daughter. I am honored to have a mother who didn’t know the outcome but trusted God to give the increase. I am honored to be a mother of a daughter who even as a college student understands the power of God in her life. Thank God for mothers, for their unwavering faith, for the many lessons that have been taught and more importantly, for believing in the harvest even when they couldn’t see what was happening in the soil they were tilling. I am because of you. Friends: I want to thank you for sharing your thoughts on these weekly moments of positivity. (I know we need it--I do!) I’ve received several emails and I’m grateful that they are making a difference. For those of you that purchased the book, thank you! Let me know your thoughts on the book. It is my desire that this book is a blessing and impacts lives. It’s been wonderful to know that what was written for a young woman in college is having an impact on those of us who are more seasoned as well as men! If you’d like more information on the book, go to drfroswa.com for details. Have a great week and email me at info@ drfroswa.com with your feedback! Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is the Founder and CEO of Soulstice Consultancy, specializing as a Partnership Broker and Leadership Expert for companies and organizations to thrive with measurable and meaningful impact. She also is the VP of Community Affairs and Strategic Alliances for the State Fair of Texas.

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MAY 22, 2020


Part 1: Wig’d Out ABOUT YOUR HAIR BY DR. LINDA AMERSON

www.hairandscalpessentials.com

Most women love the versatility wigs provide. Wigs can bring out your alter ego. Seriously! Wigs are designed to look very natural. From short and sassy, long lengths to the floor, bright colors, blonde, brunette, high-lights, red heads, partials, lace frontal, and more.

of the sun. Elaborate wigs made of silver and gold have been found in Egyptian tombs. In the 17th and 18th centuries, men wore wigs as often as women. In fact, the most powerful men in society wore large powdered wigs. Today’s wigs are made from a variety of fibers: human and synthetic hair, mixtures of synthetic and human hair, yarn, fabric, as well as animal hair imported from many countries is the most popular.

Because there is no regulation currently in place for im-ported hair, there is an enormous demand for (any) hair for image boosting. Many consumers are unaware of the fact, they may be purchasing flowing or curly hair, made from sheep, horse Social embarrassment is a true hair, or camels, just to name a few. factor for wig wearers. Unfortunately, labels are not A LIL’ Wig History required to inform consumers about animal or synthetic hair blends. History reveals that in 16th century Europe practically everyone wore The price of synthetic hair may a wig. Wigs were equally popular range from $20-$300. Human hair with the Greeks and Romans. Did wigs may range from $500-$2000, or you know that in Rome there were more. statues with marble wigs, which were removable? This was possible Some of the top celebrity wig so wigs could be changed with shifts makers include: Kim Kimble, Stacy in fashion. Butterworth, Shon Hyungsun Ju, Isaac Davidson, Terrence Davidson, The laurel wreath crowning of Larry Sims, Troy Mitchell, Nabil great victors, king’s crowning on Harlow, Tokyo Stylez, and Akki male wigs, and the queen’s tiara, Shirakawa. were all symbolic of status on wigs. Women, teenagers, and some children wear wigs for various reasons — lazy hair day or to hide hair loss/hair thinning issues are the top two reasons.

Dr.

Linda

Amerson,

Board

In addition, it represented the Certified Trichologist, 817 265 8854 fertile powers of human hair and Hairandscalpessentials.com MAY 22, 2020

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MAY 22, 2020


Ida B’s Pulitzer — both too late and right on time THE LAST WORD DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX

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

Exactly 136 years to the day after Ida B. Wells was thrown off a Chesapeake and Ohio railroad train, she was awarded a Pulitzer Prize special citation for her “outstanding and courageous reporting on the horrific and vicious violence against African Americans in the era of lynchings.” The creator of the New York Times’ 1619 Project, Nicole HannahJones, received a Pulitzer on the same day and reminded us that the New York Times, in 1894, described Wells as a “slanderous and nastyminded mulatress.” The path between “nastyminded mulatress’ and Pulitzer Prize winner was not a smooth one. Ida B. Wells had many detractors, from all quarters, in her time. White folks could not stand her blunt description of their lynching behavior, which included her reporting that some Black men were lynched, not for rape, but because they’d had consensual sex with white women. White women in the suffrage movement decried her because she dared challenge them about race matters. Some Black men found her “prickly,” according to her biographer Paula Giddings. Although she was a founder of the NAACP, her voice was often sidelined MAY 22, 2020

in that organization. She maintained her activism, no matter what. As her greatgranddaughter, Michelle Duster, told the Chicago Tribune, “the only thing she really had was the truth.” Ida B. Wells chose to trumpet an uncomfortable truth to our nation. After three of her friends were lynched, primarily because of white economic envy, she traveled the South to document lynchings, going to lynching sites, interviewing witnesses, making clear that the trope that Black men were mostly lynched for “raping” white women was a falsehood. In one editorial, she wrote, “If Southern white men are not careful, they will overreach themselves and public sentiment will have a reaction, a conclusion will then be reached which will be very damaging to the moral reputation of their women.” That sentiment incited rabid whites, who trashed her press and threatened her life. She did not return to Memphis after the threats. The Pulitzer Prize was established in 1917 to uplift “excellence in journalism.” Wells’ pathbreaking journalism would not have been a Pulitzer candidate, as her most important work, including Southern Horrors

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(1892) and Red Record (1895) were published before the Pulitzer was established. Based on her investigations, she wrote that “ten thousand Negroes have been killed in cold blood (through lynching) without the formality of judicial trial and legal execution.” The Pulitzer Prizes were occasionally bestowed on journalists who exposed lynching, KKK operations, and other race matters,

Ida B. Wells

Black press is an oversight. Ida B. Wells would not have been a candidate for a Pulitzer citation without the ways the Black press embraced her. Perhaps the Pulitzers should consider the Black press, too often ignored, in their next citation. Contemporary events remind us of the enduring legacy of Ida B. Wells’ work. Ahmaud Arbery, a man who was executed weeks before his 26th birthday, encountered a rabid white father and son who shot him because he was in the wrong neighborhood at the wrong time. Arbery’s dad described his massacre as a lynching, and it resonates with Ida B. Wells’ Pulitzer award. Who will cover the Arbery massacre with the same vigor that Ida B. investigated lynching? It took more than two months for a white father and son to be arrested, as video footage illustrated their attack on Arbery. Why? Where is our Ida B Wells? Ida B’s legacy requires journalists to poke and provoke, to ask uncomfortable questions, to use their pens to seek social and economic justice. The Ida B. Legacy, as well as reminds us that in 2020, we grapple; with the same challenges that we did a century ago. Kudos to Nicole Hannah Jones for taking up the baton from Ida B. with the 1619 project. Ida B’s Pulitzer was decades late, and at the same time, right on time.

including integration clashes, race-related school closings in Virginia (1959), the John Birch Society, the Watts uprisings (they called them riots), Selma and more. Ebony Magazine’s Monetta Sleet won a Pulitzer for a photo of Coretta Scott King at Dr. King’s funeral. By and large, though, the Black press was peripheral in Pulitzer consideration. While the Pulitzers have had a progressive stance, awarding journalists who covered college clashes (Cornell, Kent State 1969), jail peonage (Florida 1924), exploitation in meatpacking Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an plants, their inability to author, economist, and social consider excellence in the commentator.

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My Tribute to Ruth FergusonEditor, North Dallas Gazette (May 22, 1965 - May 18, 2020) It saddens me to write about the recent passing of a colleague and good friend of mine, Ruth Ferguson. I am still in disbelief that she is no longer here with us and y mind refuses to fully accept the thought. I was unsure of what I wanted to say or how to say it. There are no words that would even come close to express the grief I felt but I wanted to say something. I am hoping to provide some insight as to what a great person she was. Ruth’s friendship was such a profound influence on me. More than she would ever know. I first met Ruth many years ago as I was recruited to be part of North Dallas Gazette’s team, where she was the Editor. I remember being somewhat intimidated upon first meeting her because of her position as editor and her eminence of professionalism. I was more grateful to be working alongside a minority woman with that title. At the time, I hadn’t met any editors who were just that. As a novice to the works of a newspaper, I looked to Ruth for guidance. I remember I had so many questions and I relied on her expertise. So much so that at times I believe I was a headache to her but she never led on. Her demeanor was always a somber one. In all the time that I have known Ruth she has always worked for more than one organization. Not only for a newspaper outlet, but social media and web companies, to charities that offered services to indigent families and as a freelance writer. I admired her dedication and tenacity. As if that wasn’t enough, she was an advocate, active volunteer a mentor throughout the community. With the nature of her position, she was always abreast of events, festivals, job fairs, municipal ongoings, school myimessenger.com

activities and so on. She showed travels abroad. She shared the support by not only promoting and pictures of her adventures and providing beneficial information to explorations and she was meticulous locals but also by attending. about saving each picture and She would tell me of her volunteer assigning them to an album for each projects and how rewarding they venture, as those were her treasures. were. Many included feeding the In time, I found that we had a homeless, assisting with women’s commonality in food! As fellow and children’s programs to working at foodies, we would engage in recipes animal shelters. She was a selfless and local favorite restaurants. In person and always found ways to give Ruth’s association, we had the luxury back. of sampling food from With a love for many new restaurants, journalism, she made organizations and sure to reserve time to caterers. It was offer her services as a comical how we would mentor in education, try and hold back from to students and tasting until we had inspiring journalists. the perfect shot to It was important to post on social media. her to include articles To this day, I still take and stories in the picture of my food paper that reflected before eating whether RUTH FERGUSON some of the students I post or not. that she mentored In writing about as well as other local students and Ruth at this moment triggers many schools. I was a mentee also. memories. I can go on and on telling Despite her busy schedule, I about the many ongoings we shared at valued that she was readily available the office. There is so much more that and approachable. It didn’t matter I haven’t said about her that deserves whether it was a business-related to be known. She has been recognized issue or a personal matter, she was for many accomplishments, awards there to assist. and accolades as an editor as well. During our many conversations, But what comes first to me is the I learned of Ruth’s many passions warmth of her spirit as it has touched and hobbies; like her love for books, me and will continue to do so. traveling and food. Something that I wanted to She was an avid reader and mention about Ruth is that she was collected many books. I sometimes a spiritual person. In reading this, thought Half-Priced Books was her if there is just one thing you could second home! A great benefit of being take away from what I wrote, I hope an editor was that she had access to it would be that she always put God various books sent by authors and first in her life. She was thankful publishers in hopes of a review. If I every day for her many blessings and wanted a suggestion for a good read, she let that be known. Ruth always Ruth was my definite go-to. had a Bible verse ready to accompany As time allowed her, she would any subject if need be. I looked to her travel and go on cruises. Her face words of encouragement on many would light up as she spoke of her occasions and she seemed to always

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BY: NINA GARCIA say just what I needed to hear. She tried to always stay positive and motivate others as it was evident within her social media postings in which she regularly used the hashtag, #choosejoy. As I mentioned at the beginning, I was unsure of what or how to say what I felt. I just started writing. I am unsure as to how I should end this also. Ruth, I know you will be dearly missed as you have greatly impacted many people. So, what I will say for now is THANK YOU RUTH. Thank you for being my friend, coworker, advisor, and mentor. Your friendship and knowledge will be permanently be embedded in my soul. I love you much, my friend. Be it that your birthday is a couple of days away, I also want to say “Happy Heavenly Birthday to you!” I want to conclude my memoir of my dear friend, Ruth Ferguson, by sharing with you a post from her Instagram account she posted on January 16, 2020. “No matter what we are facing, giving thanks is always the answer. Remain #grateful because a #positivemindset makes a difference- not saying it is always easy to #choosejoy but we must try.” #gratitude #psalms #loveendures #repost #womenofchrist NOTE: A balloon release service will be held May 22, 2020 at 6p.m., Flag Pole Hill Park, 8015 Doran Circle, Dallas, 75201. Bring teal and purple balloons to be released in celebration of Ruth’s birthday, and books that will be donated in her name. MAY 22, 2020


Don’t Believe the Hype – Stay Sheltered, Stay Safe THE BLACK CARD BY TERRY ALLEN

It has been four weeks or more, since coronavirus aka COVID-19 has turned our interactions from personal and upfront to distant and nonexistent. We are blocked from hanging out with friends and family, reduced to shopping for essentials as necessary and prevented from any public social gatherings. Not since Xerox, Google and FedEx became action verbs have I seen so many new terms —contact tracing, flatten the curve, social distancing and new normal. I went to sleep in one world and dreamed all night, then I woke up to a real nightmare that presented a new reality that I did not like at all. No self-respecting extrovert would like to wake up in a world where isolating elders from young ones is a CARE ACT and an embrace and a kiss is now an assault charge and/or murder weapon. A walk in the park is a city ordinance violation and opening your barbershop/beauty shop is a death sentence for your patrons. Six Flags is no longer a great place to ride and no one wants to take a bite of the Big Apple let alone visit it.

We stayed at home and we did it. We begin to slow the spread of the illness and we found celebration in the isolation. We stayed home and our first responders, nurses and other medical personnel burdens were lighter. The hospital surge became less overwhelmed and the community began to support flattening the curve. Aww, but the devil came back! Just as we see the promise of prevention and intervention, the devil shows up. The devil shows up with a bad haircut and an overblown ego disguised as our leadership. Then the devil placed medical advice on the back-burner. The devil said it was a hoax! The devil delayed the process to help us weather the Corona Storm. The devil used public access to influence the minds of the weak and placed doubt in the midst. When do we go back to normal? When can we leave our homes and see friends again? The devil put on a dress and shouted we will open up and defy the law! We need to work! We need to feed our kids! The devil wore Prada and raised $500,000, manipulating the bias of the weak and ignorance of the privileged.

The devil got the misinformed and the mentally-stressed excited about lifting social distancing restrictions to pimp the ignorance of the devil’s followers. COVID-19 spread like wildfire around the world because it is highly infectious and passes onto others within seconds. The virus had too many invisible and silent carriers. People transmitted the virus when they were asymptomatic. COVID-19 had us infected before we could mask up! The cases are surging as the devil says “open up.” We have proven the importance of social distancing and reducing the number of contacts in our household. So, when do we go back to normal? The answer is clear— test the entire population and develop a vaccine. Then and only then can we normalize our lives again. So when the devil comes knocking at your door enticing you to come out: DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE, and shut the door. Terry Allen is a multi-media journalist and board member of the National Association of Black Journalists

But we are resilient. We embraced slang nicknames and basic adjectives, turning them into services. Yes, we ZOOM our meetings and TIK TOK our workouts and QUARANTINED our clubs. MAY 22, 2020

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Temporary could be permanent Dear Alma, I’m friends with my next door neighbor. She’s not my BFF, but we hang from time to time. Her husband is in the military and she doesn’t have family in the area. She and I have a lot in common — we’re around the same age and like the same things. She has a son, and I have a daughter. The kids both go to the same high school. Yesterday my neighbor stopped by to tell me they are moving. Her husband has been transferred to another state. She asked me if I would let her 17-year-old son live with us while he finished his last year of school here in our town. She said they would pay room and board for him. I’m not married, and I’m not sure how it would be with a teen boy in my house. What do you think? Not ready to be a grandma Dear Not Ready, Good googaly woogaly, my Mama use to say. That’s a whole lot of turkey, greens, potatoes and gravy served up on your fine china. Hmmm, let’s ponder, should you try to eat all of it, fork-full by spoon-full or just push yourself away from the table without a bite? Listen to your stomach. Do you have an appetite for this? Yes, it’s a risky situation, we both would agree. I don’t know this young man, and since you didn’t speak of his personality or character, this leaves me to assume. I’m going with a posimyimessenger.com

tive approach, concluding he’s a pretty good kid. Here’s what I’d suggest, make a list. Yep, write down the pros and cons of this possible yearlong endeavor. Identify every thought that comes to mind — what you expect and what scares you the most. I’d say work on this for more than a couple of days. You need to be prayerfully on

ASK ALMA your knees for at least a week. You also have to consider your daughter. This would be life-changing for her as well. All three adults need to sit down at the table hashing out the good, bad and the ugly. Thoroughly examine what room and board will cover. Obviously rent and utilities, but what about food? Boys his age can eat you out of house and home. This I know for sure. Will he stay with you during the week and go home on the weekends? What about extracurricular activities?

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Are you responsible for getting him there, or does he have a car? Does he have a girlfriend? Are you friends with him, or does he see you as an authoritative adult? Like I said, we’re talking a full plate here. It could be a sacrifice and or a blessing to all involved. Taking in this teen doesn’t have to be a bad thing. It’s only temporary, and he has parents. Many teens who were taken in by outside adults have gone on to do great things. One example is Michael Oher, the professional football player whose story inspired the movie “The Blind Side.” Remember? He was cared for by a family so he could finish high school. If you like this young man and wouldn’t mind him living in your home, tell his parents you’re willing to give it a try for the first semester — that’s three months. If things seem to work out, commit to the next semester. That way, he knows he has to follow the rules and live up to your and his parents’ expectations. This is a huge responsibility, and the answer to the question of “will this work” is up to him. I salute you, single mama. You must be holding it down. Otherwise, his parents wouldn’t have asked. In the same vein, you are not obligated. If you don’t want to, don’t do it, and don’t feel bad about it. Tell his parents it just wouldn’t work. Best wishes and blessings to you while you pray on your decision, whatever you decide is the right thing to do. Alma MAY 22, 2020


www.grandpasecret.com

MAY 22, 2020

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Finally a blueprint for mothers Special to I Messenger Media

The creator of Motherhood: The Remix is equal parts physician, therapist, and friend, Dr. Leesha knows first-hand how tough parenting can be. As a mother to three energetic children and a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist, she has been there, done that, and is still doing it. She knows mothers struggle to fulfill the needs of their children and families and fail to meet society’s unrealistic parenting expectations. She also knows that moms make little time for themselves. Left unaddressed, they struggle under the weight of a never-ending to-do list, adopt unhealthy coping strategies, and experience mommy burnout which can lead to anxiety and depression. Born out of a sincere desire to encourage and uplift moms and help them cultivate a healthy “mommy mindset,” Dr. Leesha has launched several initiatives. She wrote the Am-

azon best-selling book, Ditch the Mommy Guilt: A Blueprint for the Modern Mommy. She formed a Facebook groupcalled Motherhood Unapologetically that engages almost 1300 moms daily and has an active presence on Instagram. She is launching her online parenting course called Motherhood in Bloom. Here is a link to the free sample: https:// dr-leesha.mykajabi.com/offers/KzqdkvGP/ checkout. Her signature event, Motherhood the Remix is an amazing conference where she pours into moms not only as a friend but as a parent, herself, and physician expert. Happy, healthy moms raise happy, healthy kids; and, with your help, the impact of this conference will continue to grow. Dr. Leesha is passionate about transforming the lives of moms who wish to parent intentionally and positively but without losing themselves or their sanity in the process

Dr. Leesha

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MAY 22, 2020


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MAY 22, 2020


VIRTUAL CALENDAR Virtual Community Calendar

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MAY 20, 2020

MAY 20, 2020 Ask Dr. Amerson ‘Suicide Awareness during the Pandemic’’ at 11am CST on DFWiRadio.com. Expert guest Brandon Demings will share his personal testimony, give statistics, and give resources for this worldwide topic, which is not talked about enough. #ScalpDoctor #39yrveteran #7yrhost A Message For You. with Marva Sneed comes to you From Marva with Love, bringing you COVID-19 information on how to get the help you need, News, Resources, Music, and Encouragement. 11 am-1 pm. CST. Facebook/@CherylSmith and BlogTalkRadio. com.646-200-0459.

May 21, 2020

A Message For You, hosted by Cheryl Smith publisher of Texas Metro News, Garland Journal and I Messenger, a veteran journalist and FAMU graduate, who currently serves as Secretary of the National Association of Black Journalists. On Facebook/@CherylSmith & BlogTalkRadio.com. at 11 am-1 pm. Questions ask Cheryl 646-200-0459. Valder Beebe Show That Celebrity Interview, daily shows on 411RadioNetwork.com & SoundCloud.com/valderbeebeshow; On-Demand (schedule) YouTube.com/valderbeebeshow. Goals Don’t Have Feelings Dr. Stacia Alexander. The Energy Behind the Sound: How Music Impacts Our Emotions Guest: David Whiteman of the David Whiteman Band at 7pm at Facebook/@GoalsDon’tHaveFeelings. Grown Folks Jazz, hosted by Sam Putney from the Skip Murphy Morning Show every Thursday on Facebook.com/ JimAustinOnline. At 7:30 pm. Guest: Fingerprints

May 22, 2020 From Marva with Love with Marva Sneed 11:15am Dr. Sharka’Kang Zoolo Kang, a Naturopathic Doctor and herbalist, sharing solutions and what we can do to be healthy. 11:45am Dr. Ester Davis of The Ester Davis T.V. Show. We will discuss why there is a need for an organization of just the Black Press and what else she’s working on. 12:15 pm. Shuckey Duckey, Renowned Comedian, sharing what’s going on and what it is like having entertainment in the virtual world.

May 23, 2020

May 28, 2020

Happy Birthday to I Messenger Media Intern and Morehouse Man-Anthony Council

A Message For You, hosted by Cheryl Smith publisher of Texas Metro News, Garland Journal and I Messenger. She is a veteran journalist and FAMU graduate, who currently serves as Secretary of the National Association of Black Journalists. Join in on Facebook/@CherylSmith and BlogTalkRadio.com at 11 am- 1pm. Questions ask Cheryl at 646-200-0459

A Message For You. I Messenger Media is continuing to provide our readers and listeners with thought-provoking, informative, enlightening and entertaining news and commentary. 1:00 pm on BlogTalkRadio.com and Facebook Live. Partnering with the Facebook Journalism Project.

May 24, 2020

May 29, 2020

Andrew’s World, host Andrew Whigham III on BlogTalkRadio.com from 8 am-10 am. Tune in for thought-provoking, informative, enlightening, and entertaining news and commentary. Join the conversation at 646200-0459 Andrew’s World.

From Marva with Love with Marva Sneed 11:15 am. Ebony Smith, Founder of Yoga N Da Hood Yoga N Da Hood makes wellness accessible to EVERYONE! 11:45 am Akwete Tyehimba, Owner of Pan African Connection Book Store and Art Gallery. 12:15 pm Denice Ford Perfect Health Holistic Institute, Denice is a Certified Herbal Health Coach.

A Message For You. I Messenger Media is continuing to provide our readers and listeners with thought-provoking, informative, enlightening and entertaining news and commentary. 1:00 pm on BlogTalkRadio.com and Facebook Live. Partnering with the Facebook Journalism Project.

May 25, 2020

May 30, 2020

A Message For You, hosted by Cheryl Smith publisher of Texas Metro News, Garland Journal and I Messenger. She is a veteran journalist and FAMU graduate, who currently serves as Secretary of the National Association of Black Journalists. Join in on Facebook/@ CherylSmith and BlogTalkRadio.com at 11 am- 1pm. Questions ask Cheryl at 646-200-0459

A Message For You. I Messenger Media is continuing to provide our readers and listeners with thought-provoking, informative, enlightening and entertaining news and commentary. 1:00 pm on BlogTalkRadio.com and Facebook Live. Partnering with the Facebook Journalism Project.

May 26, 2020 A Message For You, with Anthony Council Morehouse student and I Messenger Media intern. Anthony brings that perspective from those born in this century.

May 27, 2020 Ask Dr. Amerson ‘Animals with Alopecia’ at 11am CST on DfwiRadio.com Expert guest is Dr. Alison Diesel, Professor at Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine, share about animals who they see with alopecia and skin conditions. Tips on hair & scalp care, & alopecia. #ScalpDoctor #39yrveteran #7yrhost

I MESSENGER

May 31, 2020 Andrew’s World with host Andrew Whigham III on BlogTalkRadio.com 8 am.10 am. Tune in for thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news and commentary. Join the conversation at 646-200-0459 on Andrew’s World. A Message For You. I Messenger Media is continuing to provide thought-provoking, informative, enlightening and entertaining news, and commentary. 1 pm. on BlogTalkRadio.com.

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

MAY 22, 2020

Grown Folks Jazz, hosted by Sam Putney from the Skip Murphy Morning Show every Thursday on Facebook.com/ JimAustinOnline. At 7:30 pm. Guest: Taylor Pace

NBPRS Dallas and NABJ Media Related Task Force presents the “Virtual” Happy Hour with host Terry Allen every Sunday 5:30 pm CST. Register in advance for this meeting: https:// us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ vpIpcumvrD4jCjxEQOkkv1R6jaqJ1yhGw. Bring your best drink and enjoy online networking!

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

June 2, 2020 A Message For You, with Anthony Council Morehouse student and I Messenger Media intern. Anthony brings that perspective from those born in this century.

June 3, 2020 Ask Dr. Amerson ‘’Sexual Assault Awareness’ at 11am CST on DfwiRadio.com Expert guest is Author & Life Coach Maurita Brown shares valuable information about a topic which is often swept under the rug. Statistics given and resources. Tips on hair & scalp care, & alopecia, #ScalpDoctor #39yrveteran #7yrhost Hollywood Live! With Michael “Hollywood” Hernandez on Hollywoodlive.com from 2 pm-4 pm. Guests: Michelle Priest & Don Diego. A Message For You. with Marva Sneed comes to you From Marva with Love, bringing you COVID-19 information on how to get the help you need, News, Resources, Music, and Encouragement. 11 am-1 pm. CST. Facebook/@CherylSmith and BlogTalkRadio.com. 646-200-0459.

June 4, 2020 A Message For You, hosted by Cheryl Smith publisher of Texas Metro News, Garland Journal and I Messenger. She is a veteran journalist and FAMU graduate, who currently serves as Secretary of the National Association of Black Journalists. Join in on Facebook/@CherylSmith and BlogTalkRadio.com at 11 am- 1pm. Questions ask Cheryl at 646-200-0459

June 5, 2020 From Marva with Love 11:15 am Terry Allen CEO of City Men Cook and CEO 1016 Media, He hosts the biggest Sunday Dinner on Father’s Day. 12:15 pm. Joseph Abrahams CEO Invest in your Success. How has COVID-19, the Lockdown, and job loss effected how you can help those in need?

June 6, 2020 A Message For You. I Messenger Media is continuing to provide thought-provoking, informative, enlightening and entertaining news, and commentary. 1 pm. on BlogTalkRadio.com.

June 1, 2020 A Message For You, hosted by Cheryl Smith publisher of Texas Metro News, Garland Journal and I Messenger. She is a veteran journalist and FAMU graduate, who currently serves as Secretary of the National Association of Black Journalists. Join

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Nena’s Finds Boutique A Uniquely Stylish, Fashionable Boutique for women of all Sizes! Ranging from Pretti and Petite to Pretti and Plus! Nena likes to be a bit edgy, blingy ... But she keeps it Chic with Sophisticated Style!

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MAY 22, 2020


COVID-19 exposes our human vanity when the new wife begins to remove all her attached beauty boosters – fake hair, eyelashes, face cream, powder, eye liner, eye shadow, lipstick, By Norma pads in various places, and Adams-Wade enhancements to hold in unwanted extra pounds. The (2) ...vanity of vanities! ... All new husband discovered that is vanity. the woman who stood before (14) I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind. Ecclesiastes 1:2,14 (KJV)

I WAS JUST THINKING...

Sounds a bit downcast – depending on your perspective. This Biblical statement takes a deep look at life and concludes that all the hustle and bustle is pointless. Agree or disagree, the point provokes discussion. I was just thinking... Roland Martin discusses one of the first casualties his receding hairline of COVID-19 was our dependence on routines that him was not the image of the make us look better than our woman he thought he married. natural selves. These practices The underlying message is: give new meaning to enhanced who are we really? beauty vs “natural beauty.” For centuries different There’s an old joke about a newly-married couple. cultures have perpetuated The new husband is shocked torture practices that make no MAY 22, 2020

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sense – foot binding in China, corsets that hindered breathing in the 1700s, giant disks that stretched lips in some African regions, and even stiletto heels in America. On recent television talk and variety shows, newscasts, and nighttime entertainment programs, hosts reluctantly have been forced to show their true selves. Forced to shelter-inplace at home, hosts lost access to hair and makeup crews – shattering illusions of beauty. There used to be a saying: “Only her hairdresser knows.” Today, it’s intriguing to hear celebrities discuss their natural appearance sans the usual makeup and hair styles. Some classic comments have come from Wendy Williams (The Wendy Williams Show), Roland Martin (Roland Martin Unfiltered) and Meghan McCain (The View). Not to worry, though. Meghan’s The View co-host Whoopi Goldberg has remained as comfortably natural as greens from Gramma’s backyard garden. myimessenger.com


African woman with lip disk

Wendy talked about skin flaws on her face that makeup artists had been skilled at covering. Meghan -- with her hair uncharacteristically pulled back in a single pony tail, roots showing -- ‘fessed up that her family grays prematurely. She said she rapidly is losing the battle against unwanted grey strands that appear unannounced many mornings. The usually light-blondehaired host later said she has decided not to color her hair anymore and henceforth to rock her natural, much-darker color.

Stiletto heels in America

her swimming cap in a pool and hair dye streamed down her wet face and dripped on her shoulders. She has sported natural gray ever since.

Nighttime hosts Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel look disheveled, hair askew, as they host their shows from their homes. Their small children running through the camera shots or climbing all over their shoulders. Even Lady Gaga in one nighttime interview from her home wore big glasses, hair pulled back, and looked like the friendly average neighbor next-door about to run out to That reminded me of a buy groceries. magazine article I read years The kicker may be Roland ago about how Camille Cosby on Facebook, standing in what vowed to stop coloring her appeared to be his bathroom hair to conceal her gray. She or at his bedroom dresser. kept that vow after she lost He gives an impassioned, myimessenger.com

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trademark Roland lecture ordering men to stop hassling him to shave his thinning hair to bald. As usual, Roland was having none of it. He stressed that he is comfortable with the convenience of not having to shave a bald head regularly and will proudly retain his receding hair line. “Y’all think your hair is attached to your manhood. It’s not!” the popular broadcaster exclaimed. “Stop being so selfconscious!” So, whenever the pandemic goes away, will the world return to glamour and glitz as usual? Or will it become stylist to be our authentic selves? Time will tell. Norma Adams-Wade is a veteran, award-winning journalist, graduate of UT-Austin and Dallas native. One of the founders of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) she was inducted into the NABJ Hall of Fame.

MAY 22, 2020


Friends and former media colleagues react to death of beloved sports journalist Roger B. Brown By Dorothy J. Gentry Sports Editor As news hit Monday afternoon that legendary DFW sports journalist Roger B. Brown passed away days after his 61st birthday, many of his friends and former media colleagues took to social media to express their feelings about the beloved “Roger B.” “Damn. My world just got rocked 30 minutes ago when Alicia Young, the sister of sports journalist, Roger B. Brown, called to tell me that he died today,” Roland S. Martin wrote in an Instagram post. Martin and Roger B. worked together at both KKDA Soul 73 AM and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Martin’s Instagram post continued: “Roger suffered a stroke last week. He was in rehab today, was showing improvement, went to his room and never woke up. Roger B. Brown wasn’t just a colleague of mine at the Fort Worth StarTelegram and KKDA-AM, he was also my Alpha Phi Alpha brother. We were close friends. We hung out at the house, had many long, wild conversations, and we were ALWAYS there for each other. Roger B and I played phone tag on Thursday and Friday, which was his 61st birthday. I’ve listened to that voicemail twice. Damn, my friend, my frat, my colleague is gone. I’m gonna miss that Mississippi boy. RIP, Roger B.” In a second Instagram post minutes later, Martin wrote: “Prayers for his sister, Alicia Young, and all his fans in the D/ FW area and all across the country. He was a dedicated sports journalist and a proud Alpha Phi Alpha man. He was truly my friend, something I don’t say about a lot of people. #RIProgerB” Roger B.’s sports show – “Talking Sports With Roger B. Brown” – served the African-American community in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex for decades. It was heard weekdays from 6-7pm, and on Sundays from 6-8pm. MAY 22, 2020

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He also talked sports, as sports director, during “The Willis Johnson Morning Show.” Roger B.’s show was one of the few sports talk shows at that time hosted by a Black broadcaster. In late May 2012, KKDA laid off much of its staff, including Roger B. Brown and replaced them with an automated service. The station was later sold. Another former colleague, longtime Star-Telegram Cowboys beat writer Clarence Hill Jr., wrote a Facebook post accompanied by a picture of Roger B. and a post from his sister breaking the news of his death.

com writer posted on Twitter. “Roger B. and I were co-workers at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. I also was one of his cohosts on a sports radio show at KKDA. Roger B had this unique way of keeping you laughing at all times. Please keep his family lifted in prayer.” Spud Webb, former NBA player, Dallas native and current Texas Legends President of Basketball Operations, posted in the comments under Hill’s Facebook post: “Sorry to hear the news, had listened to him for a long time, always promoted things we were doing in the neighborhood, will be truly missed.” ESPN analyst Kevin Blackistone, a

Roger B. Brown

“Prayers to the family of the legendary Roger B. Brown, former Star-Telegram columnist-NBA writer, former longtime talk show host on Soul 73 KKDA. Roger B. Brown is gone,” Hill’s post read. “He will be missed. I have known Roger B since college. He was my media lifeline when I joined the Star-Telegram in 1995. He was a huge figure in DFW sports for the last 30 years. Not a week goes by without someone asking me about Roger B.” Other fellow journalists responded to the news: “So sad to hear about Roger B. Brown, who died today,” Dwaine Price, Mavs.

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former reporter at The Dallas Morning News, also commented: “Man. One o f a kind. Used to call me The Fake B! And we’d laugh, then get real about somethin’ in the news.” Kevin Lyons, a former Star-Telegram staffer posted on Facebook: “This is awful news. When I first started at the Star-Telegram, Roger B. was one of the first big names who was nice to me. He used to have me over to his house all the time sharing stories or giving out advice. RIP.” The I Messenger Media family mourns Roger B’s death and celebrates his life. myimessenger.com


STOP THE SPREAD OF GERMS Help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

(469) 899-7927

Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

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cdc.gov/COVID19 314915-A March 16, 2020 1:02 PM

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MAY 22, 2020


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MAY 22, 2020

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Dr. Amerson adapts to Temporary Business Closure Dr. Linda Amerson, Board Certified Trichologist, has adapted to the temporary closure of LA's Hair and Scalp Clinic. We continue to offer our award-winning products to consumers. Our exclusive products are manufactured by a facility in Garland, TX. Premium quality natural ingredients are used to assist with dry, oily, itchy, flaky, inflammed scalps, as well as hair breakage, hair thinning and regrowth. Everyone may order from our website, and we will ship your product order to you. http://www.hairandscalpessentials.com We need your support. In addition, we offer Video Consultations globally! We will schedule an appointment, give a diagnosis, them make a recommendation. We are available to serve you in the comfort of your home. Call us today - 817.265.8854 http://www.hairandscalpessentials.com We need your support.

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MAY 22, 2020


Royal’s Fried Chicken and Seafood From Marva with By Marva Sneed

On “From Marva with Love,” we heard from Wesley Catholic, the owner of Royal’s Fried Chicken and Seafood in Cedar Hill, TX. Black-owned, it is one of the busiest fried chicken restaurants in southern Dallas County. He has a special seasoning. Call ahead so the wait won’t be long. Mr. Wesley said,”We are open for carryout. We care about our customers, first responders, and our community and we thank you for your business during this difficult time.” MS: Royal’s Fried Chicken has the best taste and great value. How long have you been in Cedar Hill? Mr.W: I moved here in 1995 and started the business back in 2013 and

it has been a great experience. The chicken business is really tough just like any other business. MS: Is this your only restaurant? Mr.W: No, about 12 months ago I opened up another location at 4311W. Pipeline, Euless. It’s doing really well. I’m proud of my employees that work for me. I’m excited and I’m even thinking about opening a third one. If you’re in the Euless area or Cedar Hill you can call 214-859-3472 and we will get you fixed right up. MS: You are responding to the front line workers, how are you assisting them? Mr.W: First and foremost I want to tell them that they are special and in most cases, we do feed the police de-

partment and fire department and always I believe in giving a discount because these guys have worked hard whether it’s nurses or doctors and the politicians are doing the best they can, but they are fighting a disease that nobody can see. I do the best that I can do I let the first responders know that they can come by and get 50% off of their meal. Royal’s Fried Chicken gives back to the community. His weekly specials are great Mon-Thur. He says he runs out of chicken and he really appreciates his customers. The catfish steaks are the best, seasoned to perfection. Go by both locations 140 S. Clark Rd, Cedar Hill, Texas, and 4311 W. Pipeline Euless, Texas, the number to call is 214-859-3472. There was so much more to the interview. Go to BlogTalkRadio.com/Cheryl’s World to From Marva with Love- https:// bit.ly/3cCwhHc, to hear the full interview. So stay tuned to Texas Metro News, Garland Journal, and I Messenger to read what Sports Editor Dorothy Gentry is sharing. To hear the full interview go to link: https://bit. ly/3aCmWyA BlogTalkRadio.com/Cheryl’s World to From Marva with Love.

MAY 22, 2020

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I MISS YOU I refuse to allow this sadness to destroy my heart. Love is not banished by death. Bruised, yes. Tattered, yes. Displaced, oh, yes. But, never destroyed. No matter how dark your sorrow, love will grow forth..

myimessenger.com

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MAY 22, 2020


THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

NETFLIX: GO! GO! CORY CARSON By VALDER BEEBE

I’m delighted, as Wall*e and Finding Dory are a must view on my watch list, and to invite animators Woo & Moore into the Valder Beebe Show satellite studios, makes my day. Go! Go! Cory Carson is Netflix’s hit preschool series that follows Cory a little kid car with an engine that runs on fun. His eager playful spirit can often get him into challenging

with the Valder Beebe Show VEB: Guys, thanks for joining me here in Dallas. I want you both to know I am smitten by the animation work you produce. Alex tell me about Go! Go! Corey Carson. AW: I’m glad you really like the show. We wanted to create a show that captured what it was like to be a kid. SM: I am a parent and we just really believe everyone deserves a good story. VEB: You guys come from animation royalty. Tell me about being a part of my two favorite films, Wall*e and Finding Dory. AW: It was always my dream as a high school and college student to work a Pixar. It was amazing to work there with many talented artist. Working on Finding Dorey, that was a three year project. VEB: Give my parents listening, Alex Woo and Stanley Moore inspiration for their talented kids. SM: All artists out there, keep and entertaining forks in the road. selection VR short, The Rose and drawing. Always ask questions, Cory and his family live in the town I. what if…..what if dragons are of Bumperton Hills, where there is Stanley Moore is an award-winning real. Stay inquisitive, allow your always someone interesting to talk filmmaker with a deep, nerdy love imagination to soar. to and another adventure is just for animation and an intrinsic taste Valder Beebe Show THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW down the road. for marketable creative content. On-Demand video: ValderBeebeShow.com, Show runners Alex Woo and Stanley was one of the top Story 411RadioNetwork.com, Youtube.com/valderbeebeshow; Stanley Moore are Pixar alumni Artists at Pixar Animation Studios. PODCAST audio: Soundcloud.com/valderbeebeshow, who have since started their own His credits list include Finding Soundcloud.com/kkvidfw; Broadcast:KYBS FM Y99.9, studio, “Kuku Studios” based in Dory, Monsters University, and the KRER FM 102.5, Streaming TV PChatman Network and VBS Berkeley, CA which created the Oscar-winning short The Fantastic affiliate broadcasters; On-Demand 411 RadioNetwork. show. Alex Woo is an award- Flying Books of Mr. Morris com,. – Now available on 411RadioNetwork APP . Valder winning director with strong Lessmore-Text provided by Woo Beebe Show is a Power of 3 Women media influencer artistic vision and a natural & Moore publicists in conjunction consortium partner. MAY 22, 2020

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instinct for storytelling. Alex was a Story Lead at Pixar Animation Studios, a director in development at LucasFilm Animation, and a Student Academy Award-winning filmmaker. His credits list include Ratatouille, Wall•e, The Good Dinosaur, Finding Dory, the Student Academy Award-winning short Rex Steele: Nazi Smasher, and the Sundance New Frontier

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Hanging with Hollywood

SCOOB!

MOVIE REVIEW BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ SCOOB!, now showing on Pay Per View for $19.99, was originally set for theatrical release so it’s filled with big name voice talents like Will Forte (Shaggy), Mark Wahlberg (Blue Falcon) Zac Efron as Fred and Tracy Morgan as a character named Captain Caveman. It also stars Frank Welker, the original voice of Scooby Doo. The characters are great and the animation is even better. The film is shot in a combination of 2D and 3D animation which gives the movie a modern style with an old style feel.

kids for spoiling his plans and meanwhile, after solving their first mystery, The Mystery Crew is born. The film jumps forward to present day and the crew finds themselves in their biggest mystery yet, Shaggy and Scooby have to try to save the world from Dick Dastardly’s evil plot to take over the world while the mystery crew try to find their friends and come to their aid. The crew split up after Simon Cowell, voiced by the real Simon Cowell becomes the group’s agent and wants the slacking, and obsessed

We’re open and ready to serve you!

Elaine’s

The movie starts with Scooby and Shaggy as younger versions of themselves. Shaggy is less of a stoner and more of a slacker in the movie and in the opening scene Scooby is on the run from the cops after stealing some Scooby Snacks (a big roll of salami) from a grocery store. Shaggy manages to convince the cop that Scooby is his dog and the two become fast friends over some shared salami sandwiches. The two later hook up with Fred, Daphne and Velma on Halloween night and capture Dick Dastardly who tries to use a fake haunted house to store a bunch of stolen electronics. Dastardly vows revenge on the myimessenger.com

Jamaican Kitchen

with snacking, Shaggy and Scooby out of the group. SCOOB! is a great film for the entire family and is is the first movie in a new HannaBarbera cinemanatic Universe. The movie has a great message for kids about friendship and about the importance of never giving up. The film is rated PG for a few adult situations and has a run time of just over 90 minutes. My entire family really enjoyed it and on my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate SCOOB! a JUMBO. Also don’t get off the couch until after the movie’s credits. There are some bonus scenes at the very end of the movie.

(214) 565-1008 2717 Martin L. King Jr Blvd, Dallas, TX 75215

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MAY 22, 2020


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FEBRUARY 8, 2019

I Messenger

Do you know this man?

POLICE have not apprehended “Pookie” the serial rapist. We know he has attacked members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and there is a $5,000 reward offered by Crime Stoppers.

HE IS A SERIAL RAPIST

He targeted members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. but this is more than about a sorority. We’re talking about a community. Come on PEOPLE! Don’t you CARE? Will it matter when it is your sister, mother, aunt or grandmother or maybe YOU?

877-373-8477 MAY 22, 2020

I MESSENGER

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