I Messenger by Cheryl Smith

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VOL X NO 10, NOVEMBER 13, 2020

BIDEN-HARRIS win is not only historical, but emotional

MARTIN makes strides with digital newscast

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November 13, 2020

By Congresswoman Eddie Bernie Johnson

On November 3, 2020, the American people turned out in record numbers across the country to participate in the democratic process. Texas was among the several states that shattered its previous turnout records. It is estimated that 66% of Texasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 17 million registered showed up at the polls â&#x20AC;&#x201C; nearly 7% higher than the 2016 general election and the highest total percentage since 1992. We owe a great debt of gratitude to those who worked tirelessly to protect the integrity, sanctity, and the safety of voters. The poll workers, election officials, and postal employees â&#x20AC;&#x201C; heroes of democracy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; risked their own health and safety to ensure a timely and accurate count. The coalition that elected the BidenHarris ticket is one of the broadest and most diverse that we have ever seen â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one filled with both democrats and

republicans, liberals and conservatives, and moderates and independents alike. On day one, it is clear that President Biden and Vice President Harris will take immediate action to restore a sense of leadership and decency to the White House. Their priorities will include regaining control of the pandemic, stimulating our struggling economy, passing racial and criminal justice reform, and addressing climate change. I am encouraged by this administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

outlook on uniting this divided and hurting Nation. I am an advocate of diversity and inclusion because I know firsthand the benefits of taking an equitable approach when making decisions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it increases creativity, productivity, and performance. It allows us all to make an impactful difference and promotes hope. It is time for our country to stand together, work together, and exist peacefully together. I am ready to live up to our Nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name - the United States of America.

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson is a Democrat who proudly represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives. First elected to Congress in November 1992, and is currently serving her 14th term in the United States House of Representatives.

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INSIDE

I Was Just Thinking

Rep. Marc Veasey

Rev. Michael Evans

Voters in Congressional District 33 sent Democrat Marc Veasey back to Washington for a fifth consecutive term with an easy victory over four other candidates. The victory reflects voters’ appreciation for the work Veasey is doing, his Communications Director Emily Druckman said Thursday.

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November 13, 2020

MY TRUTH by Cheryl Smith, Publisher

Gotta Love Black Women Black women are finally getting some of the recognition they deserve, but there’s still a long way to go. Political candidates and pundits are praising Black women, especially ones like former Georgia State Representative Stacey Abrams, who led the campaign to educate, register and encourage almost a million voters. Her influence and leadership is evident as Georgia voters head to the polls for a January 5, 2021 runoff election in two senatorial races. During Election 2020, as I watched and listened to conversations and reports about Black women and their influence, with folks also touting the leadership of Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, First Lady Michelle Obama and journalist Abby Phillip; I couldn’t help but think about the burden of the Black woman, especially in America and how great it was to hear positive words as we realize that a Black woman is the next vice president of the United States. Which brings me to my truth. If we go back in time, let’s say about 400 years ago, African women were held captive until the next ship came to steal November 13, 2020

them away. Many became pregnant and their children were taken from them and murdered before they left the shores of the Motherland. Then there were the ones who were tossed into the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Fast forward to the arrival of millions of women and girls on these shores. Their bodies did not belong to them. Actually their bodies belonged to everyone but those who inhabited them. The bodies that were revered in Africa were used and abused, time and time again. We were used for nursing children who weren’t ours and anything else that anyone felt a use for. We belonged to everyone. Black women are referred to as “strong,” “angry,” “mean,” “hot,” “overly sexual,” and other negative characterizations that allow others to feel as though they can say or do anything to us. It’s the same mentality that has men thinking it is okay to assault the daughters of their women, or think they can do anything to a female because she wants it. Sadly some men think it is okay to treat women any kind of way until they have daughters. And even sadder has to be the women who, because of a perverse indoctrination, also dehumanize, vilify and cast dispersions on the characters of young girls and other women. It’s like self-hatred. Just think about the times you have heard women telling their sons to “stay away from those hot heifers,” or something similar. Or surely you have seen the countless DNA shows where mothers come on television referring to other females as whores and female dogs. Maybe you’ve heard the saying, “Ma-

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ma’s baby, daddy’s maybe.” And many times the boy/man goes home with his mama; oftentimes letting the government take care of the child, while the baby goes home with the mother. Yes, that saying is so true as many children grow up never knowing their fathers. And while there are baby mamas and their mothers do harm, that’s not the topic of this discussion today. I want everyone to look at Black women, see the diversity, see the beauty. Yes, we have had to be strong because we had no choice. We’re also smart, loving, kind, compassionate, sexy, and funny. Sometimes we may seem angry when we’re just juggling millions of things around in our heads. And we hurt too. So to see people saluting Black women, to witness the works of the likes of Beverly Bond of Black Girls Rock or CaShawn Thompson of Black Girl Magic, Sen. Kamala Harris or these beautiful young sisters like Tamika Mallory, Marsai Martin, or Kiki Palmer; well I am excited about the future. Then seeing all the Black women coming together like they did when challenging presidential candidate Joe Biden to pick a Black woman as his running mate; well I have to salute those beautiful women whose shoulders we stand on, like Harriet Tubman, Ida B. Wells Barnett, Fannie Lou Hamer, Amelia Boynton Robinson — you get the message. We’ve always been beautiful and Black and we need to remember that, tell one another that, continue exhibiting and sharing the same message with the world. Additionally we must raise our children, boys and girls, to recognize and govern themselves accordingly. We will act like who we are -- we are Black and beautiful! myimessenger.com

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November 13, 2020

Every Breath You Take FAITHFUL UTTERANCES BY DR. FROSWA BOOKER-DREW

This week has been indescribable. As we witnessed the greatest turnout of voters, we sat in suspense waiting for the results. And we waited and we waited often feeling anxious and some were experiencing flashbacks from 2016. There was fear. Some of us were glued to our phones and televisions and others decided to take a break to step back and breathe. I was one of the individuals who decided to step back and breathe. I don’t think we realize the power of recognizing when we need to disconnect and when we need to be fully engaged. Without an understanding of how this should operate in our lives, we can mistake when one should be on the battlefield and when we should be behind the scenes using time to meditate, pray and fast. It’s also easy to confuse one as being active and the other as being passive. That is not true. Stepping back to catch your breath is powerful, active, and intentional. It is important so that we can fight when necessary. Do not get it twisted either—just because we are celebrating the victory of a new President does not November 13, 2020

mean the battle is over and that we can become complacent. We can take a breath, but we cannot stop breathing all together. Breath is obviously important to God and should be a reminder to us of the power of it in our lives. “Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. “(Genesis 2:7 ESV) On average, we all take about 20,000 breaths

face of the ground.” (Psalm 104:29-30) How are you making sure that you are stewarding the breath that God gives us daily? In those 20,000 breaths, are you stressed, depressed, and discombobulated? And if so, imagine how this is limiting your ability to fully enjoy your life? How will this impact you in the days ahead when we know there is more work to be done? Years ago, I was training to run in a half marathon. I

time to regroup, hold folks accountable, and plan strategically to address issues that plague our community. Take a break, catch your breath. Recognize the power of life within you and the closeness of God that exists in your every breath. Keep moving but please don’t stop and completely disconnect because you think the work is done. We just started. There is so much more to do, and we are all needed so rest and relax, if neces-

“When you hide your face, they are dismayed; when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. When you send forth your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground.” (Psalm 104:29-30) per day. Breathing impacts every function of our bodies. Oxygen impacts our immune system, muscle regulation, and energy. Using this to our advantage can be life saving or threatening. I think we take breathing for granted. Our very existence is tied to our breath. “When you hide your face, they are dismayed; when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. When you send forth your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the

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learned so much about life from that experience. In preparing for this 13-mile trek, I had to be so aware of issues like running up hills, dressing for various climates and even paying attention to the shoes to wear. One of the most important things was pacing yourself in your breathing. Without that level of control and discipline, you could find yourself too worn out to continue. There is a lesson for us in this experience. We have run a great race. Now it is

sary and we’ll see you soon back on the battlefield ready to turn our communities into places that are respectful, kind, compassionate and committed to the greater good of all. 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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Black Girl Magic and the 2020 Election THE LAST WORD BY DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX

For the sixth year in a row, Essence Magazine and the Black Women’s Roundtable have surveyed Black women about the issues that concern them most. Melanie Campbell, Convener of the Black Women’s Roundtable and President and CEO of the National Coalition for Black Civic Participation, summarizes the top concerns: “survival, safety, and stability.” Black women are concerned about the rise in hate crimes and the persistence of structural racism. In light of the public lynching of George Floyd and the racist rhetoric of the incumbent President, these concerns are unsurprising. According to the Essence poll, 90 percent of Black women support the Biden/Harris ticket, and 80 percent give the incumbent President failing grades. Black women aren’t only concerned; they are also active and activist. It is heartening to see Black women raising their voices in many arenas, not only at the top of the ticket but also with support for Biden and Harris and further down-ballot with state and local races. For example, Yvonne Lewis Holley is running for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina. Nobody asked her to run, she said, she just myimessenger.com

stepped up. She is relying on Black folk all over the country to help her clear this hurdle – imagine a Black woman as second-in-command in a southern state! Some of her support is coming from the Divine Nine – the African American Greek-letter organizations. While all of the organizations are nonprofit and nonpolitical individual members can be supportive,

thing if these challengers had records of community service and involvement, but they are Republican props who have been encouraged to challenges these mighty women. The effort, of course, is to mute these strong community advocates and to marginalize Black women. Black girl magic isn’t having it. So it is exciting to see

and the members of her sorority (and mine) have her back. Political veterans like Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) and Marcia Fudge (D-In) faced well-financed challengers. They needed Black girl magic to counter opponents who have been emboldened by 45’s racist rhetoric to attack these women. It would be one

Black women raising money to support Black women. Star Jones leads a group that has raised six figured for the Biden/Harris ticket. The Collective PAC, founded by Stephanie Brown James and Quentin James, is building Black political power. During this election cycle, they’ve endorsed an exciting group of Black men and women running for office and set up

a mechanism where people can donate to these candidates. The PAC has been around since 2016 when it became clear that we must increase Black political power. Higher Heights PAC endorsed Kamala Harris for President and describes itself as “the only national organization providing Black women with a political home exclusively dedicated to harnessing their power to expand Black women’s elected representation and voting participation. Using the hashtag #Blackwomenvote, they are galvanizing Black women around this election, both at the top of the ticket and down-ballot. They are one of the relatively new, inspiring organizations raising both money and awareness for Black women. Voting is never the most we can do, but the least. These PACS, activists, and organizations remind us that we must not only vote but boost our civic participation. We have to vote like our lives depend on it because they do. But we can’t just vote; we can encourage others to do the same thing. We can ask our friends and family members if they’ve voted. And if we are well enough, we can volunteer to work the polls. Black women are magic; we are Black girl magic. Now is the time to work it. Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an author, economist, and social commentator.

November 13, 2020

Civics 101…Required! QUIT PLAYIN’ VINCENT L. HALL My personal pride level rose to enormous proportions on Election Day. Even before any of the results came in, I was winning. Driving my 16-year-old Hailee to her 13hour job as a poll-worker was sufficient for me. Presidential electoral results were secondary! This is my third child in the Dallas Independent School District to do well in academics and social growth. Superintendent Michael Hinojosa has supplied the basics and electives, but I teach Civics 101 at my dinner table. And the results speak for themselves. If there was a personal pet peeve to share with you, it’s that Americans are woefully and shamefully politically ignorant. I almost used “politically-challenged,” but that wasn’t strong enough. Fortunately, Donald Trump has forced our children to observe more about politics than 90% of their parents will ever glean. Don’t listen to that “streetcentric” bullshit about politics. We elect or appoint the people who sign every birth and death certificate. From the cradle to the grave. Civics 101 is not an elective. It’s required. Common Cause, a national, nonpartisan advocacy organization that works on voting rights and democracy issues, testified as much to Texas Legislators in 2018. November 13, 2020

“Here in Texas, one of the biggest problems we strive to remedy is the participation problem. “The 2018 Civic Health Index produced by the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life at The University of Texas included some alarming findings on this subject.”

improvement from the 2013 Texas Civic Health Index, where Texas was ranked last (51st) in voter turnout during a midterm election year. Texans do not regularly talk about politics. When asked how frequently they talk about politics with friends and family, only 23% say they do so often – ranking the state

Hailee Hall

Among their findings were some facts that you may want to consider. “Political participation remains extremely low. Based on figures from the 2016 general election, the state ranked 44th in voter registration and 47th in voter turnout among the 50 states and the District of Columbia. This ranking is a slight

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50th in the nation.” If we talked about politics like we talk about those GodAwful Dallas Cowboys, we might learn the difference between a sitting judge and a County Judge! Do you know? IJS “Donating and volunteering is not a priority for many Texans. Texas ranks in the bottom quarter of states

in supporting charitable organizations: 46% of Texans donate at least $25 to a charitable organization annually and 23% report doing volunteer work in their communities in the past year.” I was so glad when I found out that Hailee had been recruited into the NAACP Youth Council. (Shout out to Linda Lydia and her husband Bob, who still work the backroom where Civil Rights issues are won.) But my pride did not come from any form of narcissism. Former Dallas Councilwoman Diane Ragsdale and many Black leaders in Dallas since 1960 were groomed on that same training ground. Linda Lydia is doing today what Councilwoman Juanita Craft was doing 65 years ago. My elation stemmed from the knowledge that we need a new generation of Black women to replace the old guard. If not for Black women’s hard work and dedication at the polls and in local politics in Dallas, we would have nothing. Before graduating from Skyline High, we were required to take Civics 101. That class, along with my role in student government, made a lifelong difference. I went to the same school with Wes Wise Jr, the mayors’ son, and saw the value of political fortunes. Skyline and Civics 101 made a believer out of me. Hailee will learn it too, but it should be a statewide mandate. Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and award-winning columnist.

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November 13, 2020

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America searches for cure – for political anxiety I WAS JUST THINKING NORMA ADAMS-WADE

By the time you read these thoughts, President Donald Trump still may be complaining that votes cast in this month’s presidential election were mishandled, inaccurate, and should be thrown out. So goes the “democratic” process of letting the populous pick its leaders in these unprecedented times. No wonder we’re hearing and reading so much about anxiety across the land in this year’s elections. It seems so many of us Americans are grappling with how to move forward in these uncertain times, as civil unrest, hateful rhetoric, and racial conflicts rule the day. This national malaise -- as former President Jimmy Carter once called it -- has cast a shadow over positive anticipation for a new year of opportunities and a chance to bury the hatchet over past disputes with

friends and loved ones. The internet and social media are chock-full of recommendations from counselors and sociologists for how to deal with uncertainty that lies ahead and how to handle “it” when “it” arrives – whatever “it” is. I was just thinking of one cure, though – music. You know, music that soothes the savage beast. There is, indeed, comfort in the combination of instruments, meaningful lyrics and a convincing voice. (Close your eyes and imagine Aretha Franklin.) Yes, I know, a too-simple solution for a very complicated problem. I love the thought, though. I’m thinking of songs and lyrics, new and old -- many that I grew up hearing from friends and radio crooners – that could calm the roughest inner turmoil, if the hearer would allow the words to permeate their inner being. Some renditions are secular, some faith-based. Either way, the words can soothe when nerves raddle, the path blurs, and you cannot see what’s ahead.

Like this steadfast secular declaration: “Oh no, not I, I will survive ...I know I’ll stay alive I’ve got all my life to live And I’ve got all my love to give ...I will survive. I will survive.” (Performer Gloria Gaynor)

Granted, the following faithbased words work best if the hearer has a lofty point of reference. Such allows them to believe in a power above their own ability to cope, a power that takes over once their personal strength has worn away. Like, of instance, these lyrics: “But come what may, from day to day, my Heav’nly Father watches over me.” (Author William Martin)

How many of you remember this one? “Many, many things about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand, But I know who holds tomorrow And I know who holds my hand.” (Author Ira Stanphill)

Then there’s this expression: “I almost let go I felt like I couldn’t Take life anymore. My problems had me bound Depression weighed me down. But God held me close So I wouldn’t let go.” (Author Kurt Carr)

Aretha Franklin playing piano and singing.

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But beyond music, one can turn to just plain old audacity to fashion your own way in the face of political ridiculousness. A parting shot from Ellen Sweets, topnotch writer, ace

Ellen Sweets, topnotch writer and ace cook.

cook, and former cohort who lived in Dallas but now on the West Coast. She posted on social media last week her formula for cleaning up the political mess we’re in. “Y’all are safe for now,” Sweets wrote, “but when I rule the United States: All political parties will get the same amount of money to campaign; Two weeks before an election, only informational advertising will be allowed; There will be a penalty for not voting; The electoral College will go away; No one in Congress can own interest in any firm that designs/makes voting machines; and No one will stand in line, waiting to vote for more than 10 minutes. You’ve been forewarned.” To Sweets, I say: “Touché, my friend.” 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

November 13, 2020

BIDEN-HARRIS

Win is not only historical, but emotional By Valerie Fields Hill Texas Metro News

Joseph R. Biden, Jr., whom President Donald Trump mocked as “Sleepy Joe” during a contentious campaign for the White House, became the 46th president-elect of the United States Saturday, bringing with him the country’s first Black and first female vice presidentelect, Sen. Kamala Harris. Biden won 279 Electoral College votes – 50.5 percent of the popular ballots across the nation compared with President Trump’s 214 Electoral College votes, or 47.7 percent of ballots cast in last Tuesday’s general election, according to CNN, which was among many media outlets that called the race in favor of Biden Saturday afternoon. Felicia Caldwell, 60, Arlington, became emotional after viewing news coverage of Saturday’s Electoral College tally. “We have been living our worst nightmare,” Caldwell said of she and her African American friends and family. “I’m so glad it’s almost over.” She acknowledged there

Sen. Harris on campaign trail in Fort Worth

November 13, 2020

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris

still could be legal challenges to Biden’s and Harris’ election. Trump “isn’t going away,” she said, “but at least he will not control the levers of power. To God be the glory.” Biden and Harris accepted the apparent win Saturday night during nationally televised speeches from Wilmington, Del. In Dallas and across the Metroplex, the historic election of Harris, the daughter of a southeast Asian immigrant mother and a JamaicanAmerican father, brought many voters to tears and sparked small, impromptu, in-home gatherings amongst intimate friends. “I’m absolutely overjoyed about this and finally able to breathe a sigh of relief for our democracy,” said Kmeal Winters, 45, of Dallas who, like Sen. Harris, is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. “I had been watching the news nonstop all week, not wanting to miss the actual moment President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris were announced.” Leshawnda Larkin, 45, also of Dallas, planned to

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join a pair of virtual Zoom gatherings, Saturday evening, among friends to celebrate the election of Harris, a graduate of the historically Black Howard University in Washington, D.C. “I am ecstatic. I have experienced so many feelings today,” said Larkin, a Howard graduate and also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha. “This is truly a historic day,” she said. “To have the hope of a new regime for the U.S., to have someone who looks like me in the White House, to know that Black people, women, really helped to steer the course of this election, I have tears of joy.” Harris greeted and thanked historically Black college students and their alumni, Greek-letter organizations and women’s rights groups during her speech Saturday night. She acknowledged hers and Biden’s win was helped by the grassroots work of those often marginalized and overlooked groups whom she said had worked tirelessly to get voters to the polls. They had “made the difference,” she said, in the historic election, which

garnered more than 140 million votes, the most of any election in U.S. history. Along with thoughts of her mother, Harris said she was thinking of “the generations of women — Black women, Asian, white, Latina and Native American women throughout our nation’s history who have paved the way for this moment tonight.” Harris said women had “fought and sacrificed so much for equality, liberty, and justice for all, including the Black women who are too often overlooked, but so often prove that they are the backbone of our democracy.” During the months preceding Tuesday’s general election, scores of HBCU administrators, coaches, band directors and others on HBCU campuses across the South, worked successive weekends to register college students – and usher them to the polls on Election Day, Nov. 3. At Southern University and A&M, a 15,000-enrollment public institution in Baton Rouge, La., the campus head basketball coach registered 100 percent of his players – then distributed a video challenging other HBCU students and alumni to do the same. The effort was mirrored across the nation at other Black colleges, with graduate sorority and fraternity groups and alumni posting videos of their voter registration successes in social media online chat groups. Many were energized to see BIDEN-HARRIS on page 16

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BIDEN-HARRIS from page 12

register voters less because of Biden’s candidacy and more because they wanted to see Harris as the first Black woman vice president of the United States. Biden and Harris won heavily among African American voters in urban centers and in cities where Black colleges are located, such as Atlanta, home to Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse College; Houston, home to Texas Southern University, and Jackson, Miss., home to Jackson State University. On Saturday, it didn’t take long for HBCU alumni to gather in celebration. Oliva Wright, 24, and a graduate of North Carolina A&T University, and two fellow HBCU alumnae, met at Gloria’s Latin Cuisine in Southlake for a group hug. All had voted for different Democrats in the primary election, but each supported the Biden-Harris ticket in the general election. Wright, wearing her North Carolina A&T sweatshirt, met her girlfriends – all of whom also donned Afro-centric apparel. One wore a tee-shirt with an image of poet Maya Angelou and the other sported a tee with the slogan “Black Lives Matter.” The 2020 election rhetoric and its tense racial overtones had worn on them; the apparel united them in mutual understanding and support, Wright said. “It just felt like a relief, like it’s over,” Wright said of the election. After leaving dinner Saturday night with her friends, she felt better, Wright said, “We’re now on the right path.” myimessenger.com

Sen. Harris’ husband Doug Emhoff with Debra Peek-Haynes, during visit to Dallas

In the weeks before the election, Wright said she had become emotionally drained fielding questions from white clients regarding whether racism was “really that bad” and receiving weekly text messages from friends who cautioned her to avoid traveling certain routes to her home in Keller, in Northeast Tarrant County, because Trump supporters held frequent rallies where they flouted Confederate flags and slowed traffic. In Frisco, north of Dallas, immigrant Americans said Harris resonated with them in a similar way as she had done with HBCU alums and Black members of Greek-letter organizations. Peter Burns, whose parents brought him to the United States from Kingston, Jamaica when he was a child, said Harris victory was “huge.” “It’s a perfect example of America being America where you can come here from just about anywhere in the world and be an American, and start your family,” said Burns, a retired Army veteran. “Then your family can take advantage of what America has to offer and rise up to be just about anyone, all the way to being president of the United States.” Some North Texas families spent Saturday evening using

Harris’ win as a teachable moment for their children. Amenze Enobakhare Jones, an African American mother of three who lives in Mansfield, said her young children had become intimately invested in this year’s presidential election after their suburban, private school classmates had continuously taunted them with support for Trump’s immigration and other policies. In the days after Tuesday’s balloting, Jones said her 10-year-old daughter Sydney and nine-year-old son William had become anxious awaiting a decision, she said. Not wanting them to be disappointed in the election results, Jones took a practical approach to explaining the election’s potential outcome. “I sat down with the kids and said, ‘Listen, you win some. You lose some. But in all, you walk out with dignity’,” she said Saturday night. “All of this is a lesson.” When William Jones texted his mother with the most recent numbers placing Biden and Harris ahead of the requisite 270 Electoral College votes needed to seal the election, Jones said she was relieved, both for herself and for her children. Dallas residents said the four-day wait for a

President-elect Joe and Dr. Jill Biden

determination regarding who would become the country’s 46th president was challenging. Julie Paramo of Dallas said she had election anxiety for most of the week. Paramo had worked to register and encourage LatinX voters to go to the polls. After Saturday, she said, organizers should restore themselves. “For me, I think it is important for us to rest, celebrate and recollect ourselves and acknowledge how the work we have done has contributed to this victory,” said Paramo, 23. “But the work does not end here. We are ready to keep going and take it to the local election coming up in six months,” she said. “We are still going to be out doing food distributions, tending to our community gardens and community fridges and fighting for the sense of unity in the people that the community here in Dallas should have.” Alexandra Martinez, 25, who lives in Dallas County near Southern Methodist University was thrilled to hear see BIDEN-HARRIS on page 16

November 13, 2020

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November 13, 2020

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November 13, 2020

www.grandpasecret.com BIDEN-HARRIS from page 13

Please wear your mask and wash your hands! November 13, 2020

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the news. “Just knowing that we have a new president coming in that doesn’t accept violence, is not a racist, supports the LGBTQ community and dreamers, makes me excited about the future,” Martinez said. She celebrated with her boyfriend by going to downtown Dallas and holding up BidenHarris signs, “Adios,” or “goodbye” in Spanish, on the back. Her boyfriend, Alan Melendez, 26, said he can now “breathe again” and looks forward to a calmer social and political environment. “It’s a relief, and it’s a big weight off my shoulders,” he said. “It’s been a long four years.” When Melendez heard of the Biden-Harris win, he played the song FDT by YG and Nipsey Hussle. The hip hop song criticizes President Trump for his strained

relationships with Muslims and accused the president of being racist. “I played it really loud, maybe my neighbors heard,” Melendez said. “It was exciting more than anything,” he said, laughing. Vicki Flynn, held up her Biden sign outside of her pickup Saturday and honked as cars drove by her home near Mockingbird Lane in Dallas. She was scheduled to drop in to work Saturday at her job at a suburban independent school district. She decided to honor Biden’s victory by calling in. “Oh my gosh, I felt like I lost a hundred pounds, maybe even a thousand,” said Flynn, 61. “I just have pure tears of joy,” said Flynn. “We’re going to make America kind again. I feel like I had a president who didn’t want to represent me for four years.”

TMN Staffers Ashley Moss, Allana J. Barefield, Marva Sneed, and Eva D. Coleman contributed to this report.

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Martin makes strides with digital newscast By Valerie Fields Hill Texas Metro News Digital media and television journalist Roland S. Martin has much to celebrate: He turns 52 this week and his popular digital newscast recently celebrated its second anniversary. And there’s more. Martin’s daily podcast, #RolandMartinUnfiltered, recently reached 675,000 YouTube subscribers - a significant milestone for both the veteran journalist and for the varied online platforms on which the show is streamed. Martin’s podcast is streamed live five days a week on FaceBook and YouTube with multiple rebroadcasts. It also can be viewed on the iHeartPodcast Network and other digital networks. Over the last 30 days, the #RolandMar tinUnfiltered podcast has been viewed 9.2 million times, a 10 percent increase over the prior 30-day period, according to SocialBlade.com, an industry outlet which tabulates viewership of programs on YouTube, Twitter, FaceBook and Twitch. SocialBlade.com projects that Martin’s podcast will reach 110 million views by the end of the year, according to data the outlet published Friday on its Web site. Meanwhile, as of Nov. 6, subscription sales to #RolandMartinUnfiltered were up a whopping 44 percent for the last 30 days, SocialBlade.com published. Some industry watchers said rising interest in Martin’s podcast is no surprise: Viewers increasingly are choosing to get their information from digital sources - not from television. “More and more people are myimessenger.com

Roland S. Martin

depending on YouTube for their news,” said Hanaa’ Tameez, a staff writer at Nieman Journalism Lab, a Harvard University-based research laboratory which studies new ways to deliver news and information to viewers, readers and listeners. “For the most part, a lot of people are equally dependent on cable news as they are on YouTube,” said Tameez, 25. Black viewers, she said, increasingly are less interested in network television broadcasts because producers fail to consistently include diverse guests or offer content of interest to minority viewers. As a result, African American consumers have shifted to watching online digital content, said Tameez, who worked at the Star-Telegram in Fort Worth as a diversity writer covering social equity issues in 2018 and 2019. “For communities of color and marginalized people, there is a distrust with legacy media or traditional news outlets,” she said. “They have poorly covered or ignored communities all together or have gotten stories wrong or

only go into their communities for crime or violence.” Tameez said increases in paid viewer subscriptions to shows such as #RolandMartinUnfiltered also can be attributed to relatability: Black viewers relate to reporters who don’t perpetuate racial stereotypes. Recent research supports her point of view. According to a recent study, the State of Consumer Engagement, 74 percent of Black viewers watch ethnic media occasionally and 44 percent watch frequently. The findings, released Aug. 12, were conducted by New York-based Horowitz Research. Adriana Waterston, Horowitz’s senior vice president of Insights and Strategies, said in a news release announcing the results of the study that the country’s social environment contributes to the increasing popularity of multicultural podcasts like #RolandMartinUnfiltered. “With the sociopolitical climate so charged - from Black Lives Matter to COVID-19’s disproportionate impact on diverse communities...targeted multicultural media provides coverage and perspective that more directly reflects the needs of the communities they serve,” she said. “On the entertainment side, while representation and relevancy are always improving in mainstream media, there’s still a long way to go. Targeted media offers an authentic voice.” While traditional television networks may have left a void for Black viewers, Martin was the ideal journalist to fill it: an author and popular lecturer, Martin has built a career delivering historical and social per-

spectives that reflect the myriad and nuanced opinions of African American audiences. On the show Martin assembles a panel of experts, Black experts, on any and every topic. Scholars, economists, scientists, college presidents, elected officials, activists; you name it and they show up to answer the tough questions and provide perspectives missing from the so-called “mainstream.” “Everyone knows Roland Martin,” said Faith Jessie, 28, a reporter at New York’s Newsday. “He was one of the few Black faces to be able to reach a national audience. He’s one of Black journalism’s legends.” Jessie said she and her Generation Z peers consume much of their content from digital sources, such as #RolandMartinUnfiltered. None of them watch television or cable, she said. “I haven’t had a cable bill since high school,” Jessie said, laughing. “The internet gives us access to millions of eyeballs.” Martin is happy to appeal to Jessie’s generation - and her African American demographic. His podcast is decidedly aimed at Black viewers. “We are 23 years away from America being the nation of a majority of people of color and the world can’t be shown through a White prism,” Martin said in his interview with Texas Metro News. “It can’t be done that way.” Martin began the Unfiltered podcast in 2018. Prior to doing so, he was host for four years of TV One’s News One Now, a cable television news program that featured political stories of see MARTIN on page 18

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Roland Martin on the set of Roland Martin Unfiltered

MARTIN

from page 17 interest to African Americans. The show folded on Dec. 21, 2017. When that door closed, Martin opened another in 2018: #RolandMartinUnfiltered. As creator of his own show, Martin is the sole on-air anchor- and the undisputed star. He is an outsized personality: Martin delivers immediate coverage on each day’s socially-sensitive topics, from politics to race, from gender to religion. His sources and guests hail from the White House to state houses, and from Washington, D.C. to Hollywood. Martin doesn’t bite his tongue: His commentary often November 13, 2020

is loud, cutting and delivered with street-style, brutal honesty. The show’s programming engages African American viewers, who type in their own observations on guests’ commentary - as if they themselves are part of a given broadcast. According to SocialBlade. com, an average of nearly 314,000 viewers tuned in daily over the last 30 days via their cell phones, laptops, tablets or other devices to watch the Unfiltered live streams. “I just love the show,” said Robert James, 57, of Farmerville, La. “Some of the racial issues that he brings up during the show resonate with me.” James, a husband and father of two adult daughters, who works as an automobile salesman, said he tunes in to #Ro-

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landMartinUnfiltered about three times per week. The show is “not like everybody else’s” and “it speaks to our Blackness.” Martin’s show appeal’s broadly to African Americans who live in rural towns as well as those who live in the nation’s urban centers. Martin, himself, is a favorite of many Black news sources, political figures and entertainers. National Urban League President Marc Morial has described Martin as “one the most important voices in Black America today.” “His insight and no-nonsense approach to bringing news and opinion to, for, and about Black America is a welcome alternative to the sameness of many other journalists,” Morial told Black Enterprise in

an article on Martin last year. “His voice is respected, vital, and essential,” Morial said. Martin grew up in Houston, the great-grandson of Haitians who moved to Louisiana. His mother’s family later moved West to Texas. A 1987 graduate of Jack Yates High School-Magnet School of Communications, Martin attended Texas A&M University, where he pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in journalism. He also earned a Master’s degree in Christian communication at Louisiana Baptist University and Seminary. Martin worked stints as a reporter at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and the Austin American-Statesman. He see MARTIN on page 19

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MARTIN

from page 18 moved into newsroom management at Black-owned publications, including as editor at the Dallas Weekly and Houston Defender; publisher of Dallas-Fort Worth Heritage, a Christian-focused monthly newspaper, and editor of the historic, long-running Chicago Defender; once considered the most important voice in the country reporting news about and to African Americans. Along the way, the avid golfer has been recognized four times with an NAACP Image Award. Fellow communicators celebrate Martin for his awareness of and sensitivity to issues affecting Black Americans. They also applaud him for leading new pathways along the uncharted digital frontier. Dorothy Tucker, president of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), an industry group of nearly 4,000 professional communicators, recalled that when Martin worked for the Chicago Defender, he pleaded with its leadership and other Blackowned newspaper executives to produce digital content, podcasts and user-friendly websites. Tucker was sympathetic that the publications, at the time, often were understaffed. Martin understood, she said, but responded that limited resources simply meant the publications must pivot. They still needed to get the job done. “He told them they weren’t using the resources already at their fingertips,” recalled Tucker, who has been a reporter for CBS 2 Chicago since 1984. Tucker said Martin set high standards for colleagues - the reporters, editors, photogramyimessenger.com

phers and graphic artists who worked at peer news outlets - whom he associated, mentored or worked with. “He talked about journalists having an entrepreneurial mindset and owning their content,” she said. The two served together as NABJ leaders between 1989 and 1991, when he was the student rep. “His daily digital show, now two years old, is a testament to that.” Martin joined the Black journalists group as a student and later became a city chapter and a national leader. He’s been a vocal advocate for newsrooms to hire, promote and retain Black communicators who are committed to diverse community coverage. In the mid-’90s, Martin was among the leaders of the Dallas-Fort Worth affiliate of the NABJ, the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Communicators (now Journalists). He, Dallas Morning News editor and chapter president John Yearwood, and Dallas Weekly Executive Editor and chapter vice president Cheryl Smith approached Dallas’ CBS affiliate, KTVT-Channel 11, which, at that time, had been slow to hire Black reporters in its newsroom. The station’s managers complained that they were unable to recruit talented African Americans to the station. Martin characteristically lugged a backpack with him at all times. He pulled out a demo tape showcasing Steve Pickett, a Black reporter who was working at a station in Portland, Oregon. Martin challenged station executives to interview Pickett. They did. And they hired him. “Twenty five years later, I’m still here,” Pickett said recently. “Mr. Martin was a central figure in making it all happen.” Pickett said he respects Martin’s boldness and willingness

to display his personality while the cameras roll. “I call him the Audacious Agitator,” Pickett said. “He shakes things up, unapologetically. His heart is in the right place, he holds people accountable, including himself.” In recent months, Martin has been encouraging emerging journalists to join him on the digital front lines. Jessie, the Newsday reporter, is among those heeding the call. Jessie launched Newsday’s digital news show just prior to last week’s Presidential election, streaming on Roku, Apple TV and Newsday.com. Martin inspired her, she said, to make the leap from print media content development to digital content development. Named NABJ’s 2013 Journalist of the Year, Martin said

he wants emerging journalists to keep chasing their dreams and to dismantle any fears of the digital landscape. The opportunities, he said, are endless. He’s one half of a power couple, married to Rev. Jacquie Hood Martin and they are raising their nieces. What’s on the horizon for him? Martin wants to morph his show into a network and bring additional personalities into its fold. “People are just looking for a shot,” he said. “They are looking for an opportunity and I think you have to create the space for them to have an opportunity. “That’s what’s it all about,” Martin said, “that I’m able to build something that’s sustainable, and then for it to grow and flourish.”

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Dallas COVID-19 Resources

MO’ BETTAH WINGS

COVID-19 Call the hotline The bestHotline way to 24-7 protect yourself and others is to 214-670-INFO (4636) to get information regarding: stay at home. •Current COVID-19 Regulations & Testing Locations •Employment Assistance •Federal Relief Payment Information •Volunteer/Assistance Opportunities •Rental/Mortgage, and Eviction Assistance •Small Business Assistance •Social Services (food pantry, childcare assistance, senior assistance, unsheltered resident assistance and mental health resources) •Utility Payment Assistance

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Two Podners Bar-B-Que & Seafood 1441 Robert B Cullum Blvd. Dallas, Texas 75210 November 13, 2020

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are open for carryout. We care about our customers and our community and we thank you for your business during this difficult time.â&#x20AC;?

Hours of business: Monday-Thursday 11:30 am-9:00 pm. Friday 11:30 am-10:00 pm. Saturday 12:00 pm-10:00 pm.

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During this pandemic we are still open for call-in and pick up orders. We have specials Tuesdays $5 burger baskets with fries and Wednesdays $5 chicken strip baskets with fries. Our menu is filled with so many delicious items. We have Bar-B-Q plates, Crab boils and so much more. We would love to serve you.

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November 13, 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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November 13, 2020

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November 13, 2020

Veasey coasts to victory in congressional race By Ashley M. Moss Texas Metro News

He faced Dallas County Rep. Marc Veasey

independents Carlos Quintanilla, who earned

he would continue his fight for “commonsense gun violence prevention, affordable and accessible care and relief for working families” affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. “We cannot stop the progress we have already made,” he said in a statement to Texas Metro News. During the 2019-2020 Congressional term, Veasey was appointed to the Committees on Energy and Commerce and on Small Business.

the Democratic Party, and the Congressional Black Caucus Task Force on Foreign Affairs and National Security. “He already has a record of fighting for things like expanding affordable health care for all Texans, strengthening economic opportunity and ensuring everyone has the right to voice their opinion at the ballot box,” Druckman said. In his next term, Veasey said he will focus on “kitchen table” issues that are important to North Texas families and workers. “The 33rd D i s t r i c t will have a representative that will keep fighting for the people,” he said. Veasey was elected to the seat for the fifth time in eight years with nearly an identical margin of victory as in previous years. In 2016, Veasey won approximately 77% of the vote against M. Mark Mitchell in the consistently Republican-voting Tarrant County.

“He already has a record of fighting for things like expanding affordable health care for all Texans, strengthening economic opportunity and ensuring everyone has the right to voice their opinion at the ballot box,” Druckman said. on critical issues that are important to North Texas workers and families is what gave him the advantage over the other candidates,” she said. Veasey won nearly 71% of the vote in the race that saw him draw two independent opponents and two from other parties. November 13, 2020

nearly three percent of the vote and Rene Welton, who garnered a little more than one percent. Two other candidates, Republican Fabian Cordova Vasquez, won 23 percent and Libertarian Jason Reeves gained about two percent. Veasey said Thursday

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He is founder of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus, an organization which addresses voter suppression issues. Veasey co-chairs two other groups, the Blue Collar Caucus which connects working Americans to

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HIS HOUSE AT THE MOVIES BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ

HIS HOUSE is a NETFLIX film about a family of refugees who escape the atrocities of the Sudan and seek asylum in England. The couple is played by Sope Dirusu, who plays husband, Bol Majur and Wunmi Masiku, who plays his wife Rial.

ded motor boat when they crossed the Mediterranean. The beasts live in the walls of the house, which is where they escape to every night when Bol tries to confront them. However, the couple suffer through the haunting because of the strict rules given to them by the British government to remain at the same address or be deported back to the wartorn country of Sudan. The movie seemingly starts out with a lot of missing information to the story, but all

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After living for three months in a ramshackle dorm the couple get probationary asylum and are moved to a house on the outskirts of London. The house is filthy with peeling walls and dirty furniture but the couple do the best they can to make it livable. On their first night in the home Bol discovers that they’ve been followed to their new home by demons from the Sudan, including their daughter who drowned in an overcrowmyimessenger.com

Blvd, Dallas, TX 75215

that occurred to the family is revealed in the last third of the film and there’s some scary stuff going on that is a thrill a minute in this very enjoyable horror spectacle. In the end everything makes sense and the story is very gratifying. HIS HOUSE is rated TV-14 and has a run time of 1 hour and 33 minutes. On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate HIS HOUSE a LARGE.

November 13, 2020

Employment Opportunity

Funeral Director/Embalmer Black and Clark Funeral Home

Send resume to: Administration Black and Clark Funeral Home 2517 E. Illinois Dallas, Texas 75216 bcfh@blackandclark.com

You have a unique opportunity to be a part of something new at UNT Dallas College of Law. Our law school - which admitted its first students in 2014 - is not bound by the restraints of traditional legal education. UNT Dallas College of Law is initiating change. Our curriculum stretches far beyond traditional classroom learning. We provide our students with hands on experiences and meaningful opportunities to engage with members of the community, lawyers and legal scholars. Our mission at UNT Dallas College of Law is to promote justice and advance human potential through the enterprise of legal education.

OUR MISSION HAS FIVE GOALS: ACCESS Expand access to legal education for those who are capable of becoming legal professionals but have lacked realistic access to legal education.

PREPARATION Our students benefit from the insights of legal educators as well as the input from legal practitioners.

VALUE We create opportunity for students by keeping tuition and debt low while consistently delivering an excellent legal education.

INNOVATION We are a national leader in the advancement of best legal education practices and of the evolving business of practicing law.

COMMUNITY We are valuable partners with legal professionals in the area and the Dallas-Fort Worth community as well.

November 13, 2020

7/9/20 3:24 PM

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BIG MAMA KNEW BEST: KEEP YOUR FRIENDS CLOSE and YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER THE BLACK CARD BY TERRY ALLEN

Big Mama said, “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” Raise your hand if you have heard of “Big Mama-ism!” I have said this before in my youth and it was hard to embrace because my rites of passage had not progressed enough for that to make sense. It did make sense to keep your enemies close, so you did not have to go very far to take them down! My grandmother grew up in a time when cultural self-hatred saturated her community at a very high level. She had a reason to

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practice this wisdom. I finally learned that Big Mama did not want me to use that lesson as an act of payback but as an act of prevention. I came to discover that she meant something altogether different. It is standard practice for everyone to be aware of what their friends are up to but almost everybody tends to ignore what their enemies are doing. This wisdom is an advisory for people, especially who have different views: stay alert of the views of those who oppose them to ensure that they are not doing anything to stop your path. This practice helps everyone overcome any strategy (weapon) planned (formed) against them. You get this now?

This never rang truer than in this election. Three years back, Leadership and loyalists on Pennsylvania Avenue initiated unethical very well-planned counter measures to fan the flame of hate with fear mongering and a deluge of falsehoods to disrupt the long-standing voting process. So, it is good that the media, the other public and other leadership kept the flames of democracy in play to prevent the enemy’s endgame. It is good to see a broad leadership come out and say, “Count every vote, address any irregularities; investigate and resolve any concerns but end the enemy’s useless tactics.” The 2020 election aftermath will give us great lessons from what will become one of this

year’s worst experiences. In closing, Big Mama’s use of this wisdom was more altruistic than combative. I know now that she meant we exhibit our strongest resolve from our worst experiences. Your enemies can come in the form of friends and family, yet they will teach you who to trust and who not trust. If we don’t come together in the aftermath, we will truly have to keep each other close. Amen! Email me at Terrryallenpr@ gmail.com and tell me what you have learned from your frenemies. I know my chocolate cake story is coming. Terry Allen is a multi-media journalist and board member of the National Association of Black Journalists.

November 13, 2020

CALLING ALL PAUL QUINN ALUMNI ! “PQCDAC” Paul Quinn College Dallas Alumni Chapter “Working Toward Greatness…One Step At A Time” can participate. You may call or text President James Ingram 214536-2203, VP Eula Jones 214-6776678, or Committee Chair-Ruby Baker 972-467-1013. Also, you may mail donations to: Paul Quinn Alumni, P.O. Box 41248, Dallas, 75241 A Proofof-Giving form will be provided

for TAX purposes. Contact by 10/30/2020. The Dallas Chapter THANKS YOU for your contribution and willing-spirit to help us reach our goal in advance. For questions, contact any of the above or Ruby Baker via email: rubyhbaker@aol. com.

Paul Quinn College is a private, faith-based four-year historical liberal arts institution founded in 1872. It is the first of its kind west of the Mississippi River. The college seeks students who excel both academically and in servant leadership. Paul Quinn will celebrate virtually 149 years of existence, and Quinn alumni will present a substantially large donation to the college. ALL ALUMNI are asked to help raise funds for this donation. Please ask family, friends, church, co-workers, and business owners to contribute to this fundraiser. Any amount or assistance that you can provide toward this fundraising endeavor will be greatly appreciated. ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT PAUL QUINN, AND ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTABLE If you attended PQC, Contact one of the Dallas Chapter representatives to see how you November 13, 2020

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Virtual and liVe Community Calendar

National Gratitude Month Lung Cancer Awareness Month November 12-15 The 16th Annual National Black Pre-Law Conference and Law Fair 2020 Virtual. Sponsored by the Law School Admission Council. 3-9:30 pm. Reg: Eventbrite.com. https://nationalprelawdiversity.org/

November 12 Undesign the Redline Virtual Tour. Hosted by City of Dallas City Hall. Virtual event Tickets: bit.ly/3coKRD4. 11 am-1:30 pm. American Association of University Women with support from the Coca Cola Foundation, invites HBCU Alumni, faculty, and students. Know Your Value and Get Paid. 5–6:00 pm EST. Zoom Reg: https://bit.ly/3kuKsCp.

COVID-19 Prevalence Study & Survey. UT Southwestern & Texas Health Resources. A survey to help researchers better understand how common COVID-19 is in Dallas County. Survey: https://utswmed.org/covidstudy/

2020 Small Business Survey The City and the Federal Reserve want to reach small businesses with a 10-minute survey. Reg: https://bit.ly/3jOXZU4 Valder Beebe Show KKVIDFW.COM FM 89.9 12 pm. Joy Bauer healthy expert for NBC’s TODAY show returns to the Valder Beebe Show to share recipes, smart choices for Fall favorites.

November 14 Positive Reflections Ministry Blessings For All Thanksgiving Basket. Register: www.prmpointofcontact.org at Pleasant Zion Missionary Baptist Church 1910 N. St Augustine Rd. Dallas from 9 am to 1 pm. Call 214-208-5536.

National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum Present Virtual Goos Doo Dads and Nicknacks with House of Dasha AccesTelethon Wrangle at The Ware- sories Pop Up Shop at 1204 Griffin St. W. Dallas. 12-4 pm. Info: house, 1125 E. Berry St. Ft Worth. Eventbrite.com. 7-10 pm. Tickets: Eventbrite.com Founded on Faith Awards. Award COVID in Black, Episode 4: Faith & COVID-19 - A Pathway Recipient Pastor Kyev Tatum. Forward. Hosted by Covid-19 Prevention Network. Reg: Awards 12-2 pm. Live stream Concert https://bit.ly/34JA9EZ. 6 pm. CST. with Mary Griffin Tickets: Eventbrite. com/Founded-on-Faith-Awards. Anti-Racism: A Public Professional Learning The Monologue Project Performance & Workshop with Pia Community Webinar Wilson. Host, Bishop Arts Theatre. Info: 214-948-0716. RegisSeries. Ethnic Studies and ter: https://bit.ly/34rHJnW Anti-Racist Pedagogies 6-8 pm CST. Please RSVP/register: Eventbrite.com. Dallas Black Dance Theatre Presents Harmony Community Development Corporation Serving all zip codes, food give away just drive-thru. Harmony Food Store, 6969 Pastor Bailey Dr. (Concord Church) Hrs. Mon-2-6 pm, Tue-4-6 pm, Thu-10-am-2 pm. Info: info@harmonycdc.org. Virtual Small Business Expo. Free to attend Online Virtual Show. Register on Facebook @Small Business Expo. 10 am-7:30 pm. Contact: (212)404-2345.

November 13

Happy Birthday to Courtney Roden

Directors Choice 2020 Virtual 7 pm CST 8 pm EST. Tickets: https://dbdt.com/donations/directors-choice-2020-buy-ticket

The FREE COVID-19 Testing Site at Paul Quinn College 3837 Simpson Stuart Rd.10 am-4 pm. Food box giveaway from 10AM - 12PM https://bit.ly/31anTfq HBCU for Life Panel: Destination HBCU! Host Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Psi Lota Omega Chapter. Get the inside scoop on college life. 12-2 pm. CST Reg: Eventbrite.com. Live Music Feat: David Whiteman Band Live and Virtual. Tickets: Eventbrite.com Doors open 7:30 pm. Show 8 pm. at the Warehouse Lounge, 1125 E. Berry St, Ft Worth.

November 15

Ubuntu Market (Small Business MarTV ONE’S Virtual Town Halls. Hosted by Karen Finney Ep. 3 ketplace) Host Pan African Connection - Post-Election: Where Do We Go From Here? At 12 pm/9CST. 4466 S. Marsalis Ave. 12-5 pm. Small Streaming on TV One and CLEO TV’s Facebook channels. Sat. Businesses. Info: Panafric@airmail.net 11-14 at 12 pm/11CST.

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November 16

3rd. Annual Dallas Pizza Fest Hosted by 2020 Dallas Pizza Fest Live at The Yard 3017 Morton St. 12:00 pm-9:00 pm. Tickets: www.prekindle.com.

November 17 Attention future #Quinnites, we are providing Virtual Information Sessions for all prospective students and families. Every Tuesday at 7 pm. Visit Paul Quinn’s website and Sign up https://pqc-edu.squarespace.com/

November 18 Tri-Cities NAACP Monthly Meeting. Meeting will take place using the Zoom Conference System. 7 pm. Register: Zoom Meeting ID: 828 5414 3872 Passcode: 6277B American Association of University Women, with support from the Coca Cola Foundation, invites HBCU Alumni, faculty, and students to Work Smart salary negotiation workshop. 1–2 pm EST. Zoom Reg: https://bit.ly/3ooNn1R. Salute Her Soul Sessions: Conversations with Cheryl Polote Williamson presented by Music Shifts The Soul. Host, Cheryl Polte-Williamson. Special guest: Avery Sunshine & Contessah Irene. Online with Facebook Live, @cafemocharadio & #Salutehersoulsessions. 5–5:30 pm CST. Ask Dr. Amerson Show at 11am CST September is Alopecia Awareness Month. Dr. Linda discusses healthy hair and scalp talk, and alopecia talk, on FB Live and DfwiRadio.com.

Nov. 19-20 2020 CityLab Summit, keynote address at CityLab High School Summit Bringing the City to the River: Dallas’ Harold Simmons Park. Info:https://pheedloop.com/citylabsummit/ site/ or Marilyn Rutner: mrutner@citylabhsfoundation.org.

November 19 Awww HELL THE QUEENZ, host Steff Machelle Bald Mama Non Profit Org. M.C. Cocoa Brown. Raising money and spreading awareness at Arlington Improv, 309 Curtis Mathes Way #147. 8 pm. Tickets: bit.ly/Awwhellthequeenz.

BLACK LIVES MATTER Andrew’s World with host Andrew Whigham III on BlogTalkRadio.com 8 am.-10 am. CST. Sundays Tune in for thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news and commentary. Join the call at 646-200-0459 In The Middle with Ashley Moss. “Talking about topics that Matter” Join in in Facebook/@TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio. com at 11 am-1 pm. CST. Mondays. Join the conversation call 646-2000459. 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 & Blog Talk Radio.com Join the conversation 646-200-0459.

I Was Just Thinking with Norma Adams-Wade “History Class is in Session” Join in on Facebook/@TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio.com at 11 am -1 pm. CST. Wednesdays. Join the conversation call 646-200-0459. The Bare Truth with Allana J. Baredierld. “Always Audacious, Accurte and Authentic” On Facebiik/@TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio. at 11 am-1 pm. CST. Thursdays. Join the call at 646200-0459 From Marva with Love with Marva Sneed from11 am -1 pm. CST, Fridays on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, and BlogTalkRadio.com. Call in and join the conversation at 646-200-0459.

Black Love Series for Singles. Hosted by Marilyn Pettigrew. We’re happy to bring back our Black Love Series that will be hosted each Thursday night via Zoom @ 7:30 pm CST. Register: Eventbrite.com

November 13, 2020

Mansfield pastor wins in primary, may become city’s first Black mayor

Rev. Michael Evans

A prominent pastor and former leader of Texas Baptists could become the first African American mayor of a suburban Fort Worth city, come December. The Rev. Michael Evans, longtime pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Mansfield, a suburban Tarrant County community southeast of Fort Worth, beat three other candidates in Tuesday’s primary election for a spot on that city’s December runoff ballot. Primary elections historically have been held in the spring in Mansfield, but the city moved the election to November after the breakout of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thursday, Evans said he had not fully comprehended the magnitude of Tuesday’s decisive victory. “Oh Lord, don’t make me cry,” Evans said, during a telephone interview with Texas Metro News (TMN). “People didn’t have the opportunity or the courage to get here.” November 13, 2020

Evans compiled 11,024 votes - or nearly 40 percent of the ballots cast - in Tuesday’s election, according to Mansfield City Secretary Susana Marin. He outpaced three other candidates by double digits. Opponent Brent Newsom won 8,376 votes, or 30 percent of ballots cast, while candidate George Fassett garnered 4,352, about 16 percent of the vote. Terry Moore earned 4,131 or about 15 percent of ballots cast. Voters in Mansfield will return to the polls on Dec. 8 to decide between Evans and Newsom. Early voting

who knew little about Evans before meeting the mayoral candidate at the polls and casting a favorable vote for him. Tyus has lived in Mansfield for nearly 19 years - long enough, she said, to see an increase in racial groups buying homes in the city. “I think it’s time. Mansfield is growing more and becoming more diverse,” said Tyus, a 52-year-old wife and mother of three. Other Tarrant County pastors celebrated Evan’s primary win. The Rev. Kyev Tatum, pastor of Fort Worth’s New Mount Rose Baptist

will be Nov. 23 through Dec. 4, Marin said. Thursday, some Mansfield and Tarrant County residents celebrated Evans’ primary win. “We need diversity here. We need someone who can represent the Browns and the Blacks,” said Thresa Tyus, a Mansfield resident

Church, has known Evans since he was an 18-year-old college student and the two attended the same church. “For any town in Tarrant County to elect a Black mayor is significant,” Tatum said. “We live in the most conservative, confederate, urban county in Texas.” Tatum said Evans

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understands issues that are of concern to Blacks in Mansfield and would be committed to addressing them and making appropriate changes. “It’s one thing to say it, but it’s another thing to do it,” Tatum said. Two months ago, Mansfield residents rallied against police brutality. Evans saw the crowd and joined them. “We were out there all saying together, that justice and equity are owed to all human beings,” he said. Evans formerly led the predominantly white Baptist General Convention of Texas and served as its first Black president. He has been active in Mansfield’s faith and civic communities for 31 years. Evans attributed his support to voters’ belief in his campaign platform of among other plans, to make the city more inclusive and to lower taxes. “Individuals believe as a city that we have a bright future that includes the young people as well as our seasoned amongst us,” he said in the TMN telephone interview. “They value safety and good economic opportunities that help us to lower our tax base.” Evans wants to see the community show up to the polls again to be a part of history. “It’s going to take all of us to make it happen,” he said. myimessenger.com

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November 13, 2020

BRIEFS

Fort Worth Native serves at U.S. Navy Training Support Center By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Ronnie Person, a native of Fort Worth, Texas, serves at Training Support Center Hampton Roads (TSCHR) Virginia Beach, Virginia. Person is a logistics specialist responsible for all hazmat and command financials. “We provide customer service to all Navy personnel and thats one thing that is diverse about my job,” Person said. “You don’t find that anywhere else in the world.” Person, a 2015 North Crowley High School graduate, joined the Navy five years ago to add to his grandfather’s legacy. “He was one of the first Black Marines back in the 1940s,” Person said. “The Montford Point Marines is what they were called. He sacrificed an immeasurable amount of his life to provide for his family and set an example. He retired USMC 1Sgt. Barnett Person, and I owe it to him to let him know that the foundation he placed upon us would not go to waste.” TSCHR is an echelon three shore activity located onboard Naval Air Station Oceana Dam Neck Annex, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. TSCHR provides centralized U.S. Navy and November 13, 2020

Petty Officer 2nd Class Ronnie Person

international student military training/management, facility support, information technology, security support, business resource/logistics support, and fleet liaison/quota control to NETC activities in the Hampton Roads area of responsibility. “I enjoy the daily mission of providing support through our government purchase card program,” Person said. I’m fairly new to the command but from what I hear, N82 department plays a vital role in helping the commands in training and preparing students for the fleet.” According to Person, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Fort Worth. “I learned that hard work doesn’t go unnoticed, if you always keep a good work

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ethic, there is little anybody can say about you,” Person said. “Respect is always one things I carry with me. You never know who is watching or even who you are talking to, it’s paramount to speak to others how you would like to be treated. There is no reason why a decent person cannot provide that same courtesy. I’ve learned to be patient and that there is a time and place for everything. If you continue to work hard and remain humble, everything will fall in place accordingly.” Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Person’s proudest accomplishment is earning his Plane Captain Qualification at his first command, VAW-123. “I was fortunate enough to have

orders to a squadron for my first tour and I will never forget the experience that I was provided with,” Person said. “Launching and recovering aircraft, at land or out to sea, is a difficult feat that only a few will ever be a part of, and I’m one of those selected few that can say they accomplished that.” As a member of the U.S. Navy, Person, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow. “Serving in the Navy means that I’m part of a special group of men and women who have put other lives in front of their own to protect and serve,” Person added. “At the end of our lives we all wish to be remembered for something that is worthwhile, and looking back, I have no regrets in serving my country and I hope I can continue to do so in the future.” Person’s mother, Kisha Sinegal, lives in Honolulu, Hawaii. His sister, Angela Person Jones, resides in Fort Worth, Texas, cousin, Donald Baker, in Suffolk, Virginia, and his cousin, Fred Jewett, lives in Waldorf, Maryland. myimessenger.com

BRIEFS

Teacher Melanie Nash celebrates 28 years understands it’s important for her students to have role models in their life to give them guidance. Education means a lot to Nash and the people she surrounds herself on a daily basis. “I love teaching my scholars, I come from a family of

educators,” Nash said. She said she thought it was her duty to return back to school even with COVID. “I decided to come back because I need to make a difference in the babies and my scholars’ lives,” she said. “They need me here.”

Melanie Nash outside her classroom

By Allana J. Barefield Staff Writer Melanie Nash is celebrating 28 years of working in the education world. A second grade teacher at Eddie Bernice Johnson Elementary School who teaches

all subjects, she is dedicated to her students and says she wants to see them improve and exceed in their academic goals. “It’s my goal, to make sure that I instill in all of my scholars that they can make a difference,” Nash said, adding that she

Melanie Nash outside Eddie Bernice Johnson Elementary School

Deep Ellum Art Company opens Black Lives Matter exhibit By Allana J. Barefield Staff Writer Deep Ellum Art Company members have an agenda of unity and equality. Artists have used plywood boards to share messages regarding Black Lives Matter which were sparked from George Floyd’s murder at the hands of police. The canvases are now at an outdoor exhibit called, “Beyond The Streets.” Anyone can see the work of art at the Deep Ellum Art Company until Oct.17 from 6p.m. to 10p.m. The project was a collaborative myimessenger.com

effort from local Dallas artists, Deep Ellum Art Company, Deep Ellum 100 and the Deep Ellum Foundation. The organizers thought Deep Ellum was the right location to have this exhibit. “We have a very rich history as it relates to the Black community,” said Stephanie Keller Hudiburg, executive director of the Deep Ellum Foundation. “It’s where African American businesses were able to start… patrons could come to try on clothes, use restrooms, things that they weren’t able to do in the rest of the city.”

If You GO: Where: Deep Ellum Art Company, 3200 Commerce Street

What: “Beyond The Streets” Exhibit When: Open until Oct.17 from 6p.m. to 10p.m November 13, 2020

FEBRUARY 8, 2019

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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 November 13, 2020

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