I Messenger by Cheryl Smith

I MESSENGER VOL X NO 11

NOVEMBER 20, 2020

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November 20, 2020

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INSIDE

Our Voices

Quit Playin’

I Was Just Thinking

I learned and tethered two lessons over the years from my grandmother and my dad. You may find them helpful. Grandmother Hall assured me that “niggers” come in all colors. The word “nigger” in her rendition of Webster’s Dictionary was a lazy, shiftless, or ignorant person.

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November 20, 2020

MY TRUTH by Cheryl Smith, Publisher

Now is the time We can all agree that 2020 has been challenging and, for some, overwhelming. This has also been a time when while I have seen some bad, I have witnessed some good and some wonderful, noble acts from so many. We need to salute those who are giving: of themselves, their resources and their time. I remember taking a typing class in high school and the first sentence we typed was: “Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country.” Which brings me to my truth. At Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center in Dallas, there is quite a bit of activity. I am so excited for the many families that will be treated to an exquisite meal prepared by Chef Joslyn of Sankofa Kitchen and the Bearded Chef. Fortunately, I know firsthand the wonderful talents of the two chefs. Chef Joslyn is a phenomenal woman with a passion for her work, a creative mind and the no how to make the perfect dish every time. She even has her own salad dressing! At Sankofa Kitchen, you can enjoy appetizing smoothies, vegan dishes and, prior to COVID-19, one of the best buffets in town. The family-owned establishment is clean, appealing, and beautifully decorated. You’re going to be greeted with a smile, and if you come at the right time, the woman who keeps Sankofa thriving, The November 20, 2020

lieve him. Or just take it from me, because he will deliver and also provide “healthy, wholesome, Weekly Meal Preparation for those who lack the time during the week to prepare their meals, and want a healthier option.” Sounds like a dream come

Matriarch, Damond and chef Joslyn’s mom, Elaine Fields, will be there to greet you with a smile. My favorite dishes: Vegan Nachos, Fish Po’Boy and a Shrimp Basket with a large Smoothie! Wish list: All youcan-eat-buffet! Beginning in South Dallas, for over 20 years the owner, Damond Fields, has been responsible for providing good food and entertainment. Then there’s Jared “The Bearded Chef” Chenevert and real Cajun Cuisine. Now, admittedly everyone I know from Louisiana professes to be an excellent cook but The Bearded Chef can put his hand on the Bible when he makes that claim. On his site, he also says, “Here at The Bearded Chef, we don’t consider our food just a meal, we consider it an EXPERIENCE!” And you have to be-

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true! My favorite dishes: Shrimp Etoufee, Shrimp Creole and Blackened Po’Boy. Wish list: Seafood Quiche. It is exciting to see both chefs participating in such a wonderful event as the Center Table Fall Harvest series.

Just last month hundreds of families lined up and received food boxes and another event is planned for December. Now is the time. So much is going on at the Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center, a multipurpose facility for neighborhood youth and families providing sports and leadership programs, where the CEO is Trina Terrell-Andrews. During the COVID-19 crisis, the Center has expanded its services to address critical needs arising during the pandemic related to food insecurity, including the distribution of after school snacks, meals and food boxes to neighborhood families. Now is the time. So, in addition to the 400 families that will be fed, free meal packs for homeless high school and college students will be delivered to schools or available for pick up. Now is the time. And the giving continues as the free chef-prepared meals for four will be delivered to senior citizens and grandparents in the Center’s surrounding neighborhoods in advance of Thanksgiving week (Nov. 2123). Now is the time. Thanks to the generosity and commitment of The Dirk Nowitzki Foundation, The Mark Cuban Foundation, The Heroes Foundation and North Texas Food Bank; all showing that now is really the time to come to the aid of our country. myimessenger.com

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November 20, 2020

Dear Parents FAITHFUL UTTERANCES BY DR. FROSWA BOOKER-DREW

It is hard being a parent. It can be so challenging and trying to balance your life, work, relationships, and children. Sometimes as parents, we do not realize the implications of our decisions and the consequences that may have long term impact on our children. We not only teach them by our actions, but we teach them by what we do not say or do. I remember as a kid, things adults said to me that still sting to this day. What happens when a parent says something painful or fails to address an issue that festers affecting a child’s ability to connect to others, to forgive, or even take responsibility? Quite often what we dislike in our children can reflect who we are and our unwillingness to address our own issues first. In the Bible, Tamar was King David’s daughter. David’s son, Amnon, fell in love with his sister. The Bible states, “Amnon became so obsessed with his sister Tamar that he made himself ill. She was a virgin, and it seemed impossible for him to do anything to her.” Amnon had an advisor that encouraged him to pretend he was ill so that he could lure his sister to bed with him. Amnon did not listen to her pleas and raped her. He then kicked her out and his love for her turned to hate. “19 Tamar put ashes on her head and tore the ornate robe she was November 20, 2020

wearing. She put her hands on her head and went away, weeping aloud as she went. 20 Her brother Absalom said to her, “Has that Amnon, your brother, been with you? Be quiet for now, my sister; he is your brother. Don’t take this thing to heart.” And Tamar lived in her brother Absalom’s house, a desolate woman. 21 When King David heard all this, he was furious. 22 And Absalom never said a word to Amnon, either good or bad; he hated Amnon because he had disgraced his sister Tamar.” Two years lat-

• Although David was furious, he did nothing. He failed to address the pain of his daughter and deal with his son’s unacceptable behavior. His silence spoke volumes to Tamar and Absalom. It also validated Amnon’s actions. • David was upset with Amnon’s death but did not go to his son, Absalom, to confront him either. He allowed years to go by as if all of this resentment, pain and anger would go away on its own. It did not. As parents, we must be so

“If you always feel wrong, you fight to be right.” er, Absalom killed Amnon. For three years, Absalom was in hiding. “38 After Absalom fled and went to Geshur, he stayed there three years. 39 And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he was consoled concerning Amnon’s death.” (2 Samuel 1-38) There are so many things wrong here. • Amnon had no boundaries and his advisor didn’t have any either. We have to be so careful about who we allow in our space and if they do not exhibit character, we can get caught up in situations that are short-sighted and even deadly. • Absalom minimized the pain of Tamar. In his desire to help her, he did not acknowledge how her brother, Amnon violated her or the brokenness she experienced.

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careful with our words. How often do we minimize our children’s pain because we are tired and do not want to deal with something else? Instead of saying ‘stop crying’, maybe we need to ask our babies why they are hurting and offer them the support they need. For some reason in our community, we believe that crying is a sign of weakness, especially in our boys. When we do not show them affection and affirmation, we raise children who can easily detach from their feelings. They can hurt others without any remorse because no one seemed to care when they were in pain and they never learned tools to cope because they were shut down. When we allow issues to fester in our families without having safe and honest con-

versations, we create generations of individuals who do not communicate well and believe that getting your way must result in verbal, emotional or physical violence. I heard a quote on OWN TV, “If you always feel wrong, you fight to be right.” So many of us as adults are repeating this cycle with our children. We felt wronged and so we must always be right. Our children do the same thing. Some of us as parents feel that if we do not say something, we are not making a decision. The reality is that you are deciding. In doing this, you create space for misinformation and misinterpretation because you were not willing to be a part of the narrative building. Our silence can validate bad behavior or not provide the encouragement and love our children need. David’s lack of involvement created an enemy in Absalom against his father, furthering illustrating the lack of boundaries set in this family. David was a great king and leader. He was a poor father. Our world is currently a mirror of our homes. Mother Teresa sums it up well: “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.”

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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A Huge Victory and More Work to Do OUR VOICE BY BENJAMIN JEALOUS

After four exhausting years of President Donald Trump and four excruciating days of vote counting, the election was called for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on Saturday. Hallelujah! Those days of counting felt agonizingly slow to many of us, but the momentum was always on our side: Democratic voters—mostly Black voters—in and around Philadelphia, Detroit, Milwaukee and Atlanta delivered the battleground state votes needed to deny Trump a second term. In Nevada and Arizona, Latino and Native American voters provided crucial votes. News that Pennsylvania put Biden over the top sparked dancing in the streets and tears of joy in many households. So did the sight of Kamala Harris making her historic appearance as our next vice president—the first woman, first Black woman, first South Asian woman, to be elected to the White House. In his speech Saturday night, Joe Biden made it clear that he understands how much he owes to Black folks. “The African American community stood up again for me,” he said. “They always have my back, and I’ll have yours.” We will all need to help Biden make good on that commitment with policies myimessenger.com

that address our communities’ needs. There’s a lot to do. We need a more effective response to COVID-19 pandemic and its particularly hard impact on the health and economic well-being of people of color. We need a vision and a plan for an economy that does not leave Black communities behind, an economy where opportunity is widely available and prosperity is widely shared—not one that strips wealth out of middle-class and lower-income families

right judges they have spent four years packing into our federal courts, which we can no longer count on to uphold our constitutional and civil rights. All those jobs will be made so much harder if Republicans maintain control of the Senate. The unprincipled obstructionist Republican leader Mitch McConnell has turned that half of Congress into a graveyard for legislation the American people need to advance the vision of a more just society for which we just voted.

to her own unjust defeat in Georgia’s race for governor in 2018 by leading a coalition that registered hundreds of thousands of new voters and turned the state blue this year. She believes Democrats can absolutely win the Senate runoffs, and that the outcome of those races will help determine whether we have access to health care and access to justice in the U.S. The excellent Democratic candidates, Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, need and deserve all the support we can give them.

We need a vision and a plan for an economy that does not leave Black communities behind, an economy where opportunity is widely available and prosperity is widely shared—not one that strips wealth out of middle-class and lower-income families and funnels it to the richest people in the world. and funnels it to the richest people in the world. We need to eliminate voter suppression strategies— and resist ongoing efforts by Trump and his allies to delegitimize and overturn his decisive defeat. We need to confront the systemic racism that leads to police killings of Black men, women, and children—killings for which justice far too often is delayed and denied. We need to address the corruption of our federal court system by Trump and Senate Republicans and the hard-

So, we have work to do, right now, in Georgia, where two U.S. Senate races are headed for runoffs in early January. Both races feature corrupt, Trump-enabling Republicans who represent the worst kind of politician. Both are being challenged by smart, progressive Democrats who will help Biden and Harris achieve good things for the American people. Those victories in Georgia are achievable, largely in part to the brilliant organizing work of my dear friend Stacey Abrams. She responded

Defeating Trump and electing Joe Biden and Kamala Harris was a huge victory. Let’s celebrate, get a good night’s sleep or a long nap, and get back to work.

Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way and People For the American Way Foundation. In 2008, he was chosen as the youngest-ever president and CEO of the NAACP. He is a graduate of Columbia University and Oxford, where he was a Rhodes Scholar.

November 20, 2020

All the bad ones… QUIT PLAYIN’ VINCENT L. HALL I learned and tethered two lessons over the years from my grandmother and my dad. You may find them helpful. Grandmother Hall assured me that “niggers” come in all colors. The word “nigger” in her rendition of Webster’s Dictionary was a lazy, shiftless, or ignorant person. America custom colorized the word for Black people, but Grandmother said there are a proportionate number of White niggers too. Daddy’s lesson was more street-level. “Son, the only bad niggers are either dead or in jail.” His point was that plenty of people make threats and talk trash, but bad or evil people follow-through and either get killed or incarcerated. Both lessons resurfaced as “Black Twitter,” and “Negronet. com” exploded with warnings. On election night, it generally read, you need to get off the streets. The FBI recorded credible threats across the nation that the “Proud Boys” or some other race-centered, self-styled militia may attack if Trump lost. Let me admit that some of this talk was concerning. My fear was not so much for urban minorities and their liberal Whites. Texas cities like Dallas, Houston, and the major metropolitan areas are safer. My fear was for minorities and Democrats that live in rural areas where they are vastly outnumbered by race or political persuasion. November 20, 2020

“With thousands of people already packed into stands and music blaring to warm up the crowd, Donald J. Trump’s campaign abruptly canceled his rally here on Friday night over security concerns as protesters clashed with his supporters inside an arena where he was to speak.

Texas has 254 counties, and when the smoke clears, the five largest voted majority Democrat. The other 249 counties are hubs where Trump and Republicans flourish. Some of those flagwaving zealots may be tempted to act on their patronage with the “Trump Army.” Jasper,

— in a city-run for decades by Democrats and populated by nearly equal thirds of Blacks; Latinos, and whites — had drawn some particularly incensed responses since it was announced days ago.” We have benefitted from the long pause in receiving the final tallies of this election.

Mable and Vern

Minutes after Mr. Trump was to have taken to a podium on the campus of a large, diverse public university just west of downtown, an announcer suddenly pronounced the event over before it had begun. Hundreds of protesters, who had promised to be a visible presence here and filled several sections of the arena, let out an elated, unstopping cheer. Mr. Trump’s supporters, many of whom had waited hours to see the Republican front-runner, seemed stunned and slowly filed out in anger. Around the country, protesters have interrupted virtually every Trump rally, but his planned appearance here

Texas, is infamous for the execution of James Byrd and for no other reason. Most of America had never heard of the small hamlets and towns where Trump held his clannish gatherings. Some of the hangars he flew into were in towns so small that few Americans ever knew they existed. Trump’s belligerent barnstorming thrived in suburbs where racial, cultural, and political diversity were nil. Trump learned early on that he could not stage his soirees in urban areas. The New York Times reported on March 11, 2016, that Trumpism didn’t fare too well in Chicago, Illinois, the night before.

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A poll on MSNBC said on November 10 that 73% of Americans believed that Joe Biden was the President-elect. Only three percent were still declaring that Trump is the winner. This cooling-off period has been good, and the threat level has subsided. My worries are minimal because daddy promised me that all that bad niggers are either buried or in jail. I pray daily that he was right.

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

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November 20, 2020

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Donald Trump: Damaged child equals damaged man? I WAS JUST THINKING NORMA ADAMS-WADE

I’m embarrassed to say publicly that my heart goes out to President Donald Trump. Yes, I feel sorry for him. Not in the sense of feeling sorry for a homeless person on the street. I feel sorry for who he could have been but did not become – or did not get the chance to be. When I look at our current president who soon will leave office (I promise), I see a damaged child who became a damaged man. I did not vote for Trump, nor do I support him in anyway. But I grieve for who he could have been. I do not even wish for him to serve prison time for his many discretions. If that is too Pollyanna, I confess it. If he does serve time, then justice has been served. But as for me, I just want him to go away – either quietly or with much fanfare – but go away, live a harmless life somewhere, and finally realize that he can be a better man, and work hard to be so. His behavior has deep roots. His family tree is riff with scheming and profiteering – beyond just seeking to succeed in business. My heart can’t help but look beyond his vile actions and hateful words – wondering what broken boy still hides inside. myimessenger.com

Donald Trump, son and U.S. 45th President

Frederick Christ Trump Sr., father

Friedrich Trump, grandfather who changed his name to Frederick.

His grandfather Friedrich Trump, born in Germany in 1869, later changed his name to Frederick Trump. Grandfather operated hotels, restaurants, barber shops and at least one biographer says brothels (though our President denies that) in various U. S. cities. His father, Frederick Christ Trump Sr., was born in New York City in 1905 and became a billionaire, described as an unscrupulous real estate developer who was racist in his housing practices and ruthless and fraudulent in his businesses. President Donald Trump -- born in 1946 in New York City -- was next up from the youngest of his parent’s five children. Researchers describe the President’s father as a hard taskmaster over his children. We don’t know what meanness, if any, Trump’s dad himself experienced as a child. Researchers say President Trump, who was sent away to military school at age 13,

became most like his father by deliberately emulating his dad’s cold-hearted lifestyle and business operations. Trump’s enigmatic Scottish-born mother, Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, seems perhaps bullied herself or maybe just uncaring. That’s a guess. President Trump became head of his father’s business empire after the elder died in 1999 at age 93. I was just thinking...., how much damage was done to President Trump’s psyche when he was a child? How much of the damage still lingers today and perhaps forever? I do believe the scientists who say we humans are born as a clean slate and others leave their imprints on that slate. Is President Trump still trying to please a bullying father by bullying others; by aiming never to fail; by constantly seeking the adoration that seemingly alluded him as a child? Did his certifiable delusions begin in the cradle? Are his late-night/early-morning tweets an at-

tempt to ward off sleep that threatens to bring nightmare memories or realization of his wrongdoings -- ranging from locking children in cages away from their parents to glorifying white supremacist acts of violence? I did not read the book Too Much and Never Enough, written by Trump’s niece Mary L. Trump. I understand the book delves deeply into troubling family history. I only see how his base of voters seem to worship him like a god, (small g) how his staff and cabinet walk on egg shells around him – having their own self-protective reasons for avoiding a Trump volcanic eruption. Regrets? We all have them. Mistakes? We all make them. Lessons learned? Unfortunate, some never do.

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 20, 2020

Election historic for Blacks, immigrants, HBCU alums

From the Texas Metro News Team

Across the country, people took to the streets celebrating the news that former vice president Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris would become the next occupants of the White House. When Biden was on the ballot with then Sen. Barack Obama in 2008, folks went to bed much earlier that night, after the race was called at about 10:01 CST. In 2020, it wasn’t until four days later. In this election that had the country in a holding pattern with more than 150 million votes cast, Black people in America, who voted at an overwhelming 80-90% for the Biden-Harris ticket, were literally dancing in the streets and smiling widely as Biden praised them for having his “back.” Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, in sharing a congratulatory message to the Biden-Harris team, said he was thrilled with the historic turnout in this election, locally and nationally. “Our city is better for our residents’ participation in our democracy,” he said, while encouraging Dallas voters to “become engaged on important city issues that affect their daily lives.” Discussions among African Americans in Dallas centered around key elements they felt helped lead Biden to victory, namely U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn’s (D-SC) endorsement in the primaries; Biden’s selection of Sen. Harris as a running mate; and former Georgia State Rep. Stacey Abrams’ registration November 20, 2020

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson

Sen. Kamala Harris

efforts with Fair Fight Action, where more than 800,000 were registered, since 2018. Those votes helped close the gap in Georgia, where Trump and Biden were neck in neck and senatorial candidates are in run-off elections for two seats, to be settled on January 5, 2021. Social media posts from Harris’ Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (AKA) members and HBCU graduates led by her alums of Howard University, saluted the first Black woman to be elected vice president. According to Mayor Johnson, support from her sorority and other fraternities and sororities, was a key factor in the election. “Without a doubt, having Kamala Harris, an AKA, on the Democratic ticket reinvigorated many African American voters who are members of Black Greek letter organizations,” he said. ”My fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi, is headquartered in Philadelphia. Atlanta is home to probably more Divine 9 members than any city in America. I have no doubt these college educated men and women helped turn

out the vote in these cities which clearly helped deliver the key battleground states of Pennsylvania and Georgia for President-Elect Biden.” And Black voters were not forgotten as both Harris and Biden made references throughout their first addresses, with Biden saying, they’ve always had his “back.” Meanwhile Faizan Anwar of India said he was optimistic throughout the process and predicted victory for Biden and Harris. As numbers came in slowly, on day two after election day, Anwar said, “Biden and Harris are going to win!” He joins other immigrants who are also feeling especially proud of the Biden-Harris ticket, with Harris, the daughter of Jamaican and South Asian immigrants, Donald Harris, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, becoming the first and thus set to become the highest ranking elected official of South Asian and Jamaican descent in the history of the United States. Then there are the HBCU alumni who share a kinship. Just think, said Professor Derrick Payne, who is also

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a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.,”I went to school with Kamala.” A journalism graduate of the Cathy Hughes School of Communications at Howard University, Payne, who teaches at Dallas College said he remembers a dynamic Kamala who was very impressive, especially on the debate team where he and others marveled at her skills. “Everyone knew of her because she was exceptional,” he added. “I’m not surprised at her success, but I am very proud and I have talked to so many other Howard alums who feel the same way.” Let Payne tell it, the future San Francisco District Attorney and California Attorney General was a force to be reckoned with and it’s no wonder many who walked the campus of Howard with her back in the day, may have felt a little intimidated by her. When her husband of six years describes her, you get an intimate look into Harris from the man who he says she affectionately calls, “Dougie.” Smiling widely as he urged support for his wife, Atty. Douglas Emhoff, met with the wives of area preachers during a visit to Friendship-West Baptist Church, while on the campaign trail. During the visit, he shared his thoughts about being married to a compassionate and committed person like Harris. What was equally telling was watching him listening intently as he received advice see ELECTION on page 13

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CHIEF,

from page 12... from church First Ladies who encouraged him to be a “good listener,” for Harris to come home to, someone she could take comfort in talking with, away from the cameras and scrutiny. For U.S. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), who said prior to COVID-19 and this year’s campaign she met regularly with the Senator for lunch, the 2020 election was very important and she supported the Biden-Harris ticket. The two are sorority sisters and Johnson’s support was evident when Biden, Harris or Emhoff came to town because she was always in attendance. International AKA President Glenda Glover, who also happens to be the president of HBCU Tennessee State University, sent a message on behalf of the oldest Black sorority that was echoed by other members of the Divine Nine, Black GreekLetter organizations,”We call her sister, and now the nation calls her Madam Vice President. Congratulations to America’s first female, first Black, and first South Asian Vice President - Elect Kamala Harris. You represent the new face of political power and continue to be a barrierbreaker.” Just check out the website of the organization, founded in 1908 and covering the full screen is a photo of Harris. Sorority members, that total over 300,000; have already sent a message that you can expect to see their salmon pink and apple green more prominently displayed, and especially on January 20, 2021 at the inauguration! myimessenger.com

Cocoa Brown hosts show to benefit cancer survivors By Allana J. Barefield Are you ready for a good laugh? Comedian, actress and writer Cocoa Brown touched down in Texas for a good cause. Brown hosted a benefit comedy show at the Arlington Improv, “Awwww Hell The Queenz,” this week with profits from the show benefiting the charity, Bald Mama. Founded in 2008 by Maggie St. Miguel, Bald Mama is under the leadership of Steff Machelle and the local non-profit caters to people undergoing cancer treatment. Reporter Allana J. Barefield, sat down with Brown for a candid discussion about the benefit show and her career. Question: I’m excited for you to be in Dallas. Why was it so important for you to be involved with Bald Mama? Answer: First and foremost, I am a strong advocate for breast cancer and Lupus. I have my own nonprofit called Wings of Love that I created in memory of my girlfriend Vanessa who lost her battle with breast cancer for the third time. It had moved to her brain. She couldn’t beat it. I created “Wings of Love” for her because she couldn’t handle losing her hair and I have kind of become a wig guru. And I said I have all these wigs, let me donate them to people. When I received the call to be a part of Bald Mama, I said absolutely. It was not even a no brainer that

I would partner with her to bring laughter through healing. It is something near and dear to me if I could use my talent and my platform to help this cause and also bring laughter and a good feeling to these women then I’m all for it.

Cocoa Brown

Question: Why is diversity-particular female representation critical in comedy? Answer: I have had the pleasure performing for the most diverse crowds ever. I have performed in front of White, Black, rich, poor, Hispanic, Asian. I have been overseas and have performed for sheik and they have so much money in Dubai that I just want somebody to fall on the floor so about five grand could fall out of their pocket. I tend to take my pain and put it on stage. I’m going to let you know I walked in your shoes, I feel your pain. By having females, you’re seeing yourself, a reflection of yourself. Question: We see Beyoncé with her alter ego Sasha Fierce, how did you come

up with the name Cocoa Brown? Answer: It was given to me, I would like to say I was that creative, but it was given to me by a fellow comedian when I first started doing comedy in Washington, D.C. area about 20 years ago. A comedian named, James Bean, walked up to me and had that name in a napkin and he said this is your name. And that’s how Cocoa Brown was born. Question: I have watched you on my TV, from Tyler Perry’s shows to the hit show, 911. Did you ever think you were going to become this big? Answer: I mean no. I was a little Southern girl from Virginia. I was supposed to be somewhere with babies, a husband and going to my friend’s house every Sunday after church. I wasn’t supposed to be doing this. I never fathom in a million years that this was what I was going to do but I always knew that there was something greater destined on my life. And I feel like my destiny found me. When I was in that place, there is something bigger, something greater, there was much of a divine purpose for me. It found me. Fortunately, I heard it, I saw it, and I went with it. To check out the full interview, head over to our Facebook page. Link: https:// w w w . f a c e b o o k . com/400878579984755 /videos/300548831118303 November 20, 2020

Hallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Honey Fried Chicken

(214) 371- 3020

4845 S Lancaster Rd. Dallas, TX 75216

November 20, 2020

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“SHAME” WHAT’S ON MILES MIND

MILES JAYE If you’ve noticed a strange, queasy feeling in the pit of your stomach over the past 24 hours, don’t bother reaching for the Tums, Pepto Bismol or Alka Seltzer-- they won’t help. If you are, at the very least, a marginally decent human being, with an average upbringing and a basic grasp of right and wrong, what you’re experiencing is most likely shame. If you’re an American with an awareness of the eyes of the world on us, that feeling of shame is most likely exacerbated by a strong sense of humiliation and embarrassment. We’re America, after all! We set the example! We set the standard for the world’s Democracies. We monitor Third World elections, however, party affiliation notwithstanding, the winners and losers of this election cycle are regrettably overshadowed by the levels and depths to which we’ve sunk in order to dredge up every slick trick in the book and to lie, cheat and steal-- anything to win. The appetite and thirst for power and victory have corrupted American politics to the extent that when it’s all said and done, we’re all losers. It doesn’t matter who wins the White House. It doesn’t matter which party gains or loses seats in the Congress or Senate-- it’s irrelevant. No matter how the myimessenger.com

We’re America, after all! We set the example! We set the standard for the world’s Democracies. We monitor Third World elections, however, party affiliation notwithstanding, the winners and losers of this election cycle are regrettably overshadowed by the levels and depths to which we’ve sunk in order to dredge up every slick trick in the book and to lie, cheat and steal-- anything to win. Supreme Court is stacked, the game has changed, and we look like jackals. America is out of control! How we’ve dishonored the memories of nearly 250,000 Americans is horrific. How do we apologize to the families of every unnecessary, preventable death? We, as a nation, have never learned the art and grace of atonement for our sins-- so we go

Political gamesmanship has cost us dearly as a nation, but who pays? Who’s accountable? Who’s responsible? We all are! It’s not enough to blame Donald Trump or the Republican party. We knew what we were dealing with when Mitch McConnel waged war on President Obama. We knew… when the Trump gang took office and established Kleptocracy.

on, arrogant and with the attitude coined by President Trump; “I don’t feel any responsibility at all.”. Our inexcusably high Covid death toll is due as much to the denial of the severity of the Pandemic as to the politicization of the virus.

Well, it’s not enough to blame the monster. The townsmen must bear at least a portion of the blame. Weakness and cowardice are no excuse, nor do they absolve us of our civic duties. We must learn to face the monster, and if necessary-- burn the castle down.

Instead, we watched-- horrified, as the monster took over and burned down the town. I’m ashamed today! I’m embarrassed today! I didn’t want to write today, so I’ll keep this essay short. America has some explaining to do. Flaws and weaknesses in the Constitution and in our form of government have been exposed. Remedies for hate and corruption must be provided to prevent this from ever happening again. I’m sickened by what I’m witnessing and what I have witnessed for the past four years. We stood by and allowed a lawless, racist, indecent and ignorant man, his cronies and his comrades to drag us down and make us a punch line before the world-- allies and adversaries. I don’t care to hear the results of any of the 2020 elections and I certainly have no interest in another errant poll or misleading projection. I just wish there was a pill I could take to relieve me of this awful feeling of shame and disgust. Maybe I will try the Tums after all… That’s what’s on my mind! Website: www.milesjaye.net Podcast: https://bit.ly/2zkhSRv Email: milesjaye360@gmail.com

November 20, 2020

Mayor Johnson calls for end to Violent Crimes While the world is dealing with a health pandemic, Dallas’ crime rates are heading to epidemic proportions and a frustrated Mayor Eric Johnson is demanding that something be done, immediately. “This is about ending the needless and senseless taking of lives in this city,” he said. “Dallas can and should be the safest big city in the United States.” With more than 200 deaths resulting from violent crimes in 2020, the city has seen its highest number of homicides since 2004. “The violent crime in this city is out of hand. I’m tired of it. I’m sick of it,” said Mayor Johnson. “This is not a joke. This is not agame. This is not about being on television.” Earlier this month, the Dallas Police Department saw its deadliest weekend of

violent crimes with a total of safety the top priority of the 11 murders over a three- day city,” he explained. period. With only one month left One victim was South Dallas until the end of this year, Dallas rapper Mo3, who is known to has already surpassed the total his family and friends, as Melvin number of homicides in 2019 Noble. The 28-year-old rapper and the mayor said, “we are was shot and killed on the R.L. long overdue for this approach Thornton Freeway, to violent crime in our in Oak Cliff, while city.” running away from Johnson expressed his gunman, who has frustration in seeing not been identified. the Dallas community In an effort to hit hard by a weekend combat violent crime of violent crimes, “At and to track progress this pace, we can end in its reduction, up with a murder total Dallas Mayor Johnson announced that we haven’t seen Eric Johnson he is ordering monthly in this city since 2004.” reports and will be monitoring Urging state and local the results. leadership to do their part to “For as long as I’ve been reduce and report any crime in mayor, I have been asking for the area, Johnson emphasized our city public safety leadership the importance of seeing to engage in active pursuit of results and warned that Dallas criminals, the enforcement of is headed in a terrible direction our laws, and to make public if something is not done.

“The last time that Dallas had murders at this level was in 2005, where the FBI named Dallas ‘The Most Dangerous Large City’ in the United States,” he said. “That’s the path we’re on, and we need to stop it so I’m imploring everyone to do their part in helping.” In his comments, Johnson also called on Dallas residents to do their part in helping reduce COVID-19 cases in Dallas County. Stressing the importance of wearing masks and practicing social distancing, he also said in spite of the approaching holiday celebrations, social gatherings should be limited. To hear the full news conference from Mayor Johnson and to learn more about how to help reduce crime and the number of COVID-19 cases, visit our website at www. texasmetronews.com.

www.grandpasecret.com November 20, 2020

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Veterans saluted in Oak Cliff Parade and Program Story and Photos By Andrew Whigham, III Texas Metro News With the country at a standstill, Covid-19 cases increasing, and the election process hanging like a CHAD as of Wednesday, November 11, 2020; Americans throughout the country displayed their appreciation for the veterans of our Armed Forces. On Veteran’s Day, we honor our men and women who serve this country from the air, ground and sea because they took that oath to protect, support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic. This Veterans’ Day was no exception with the leadership of Dallas Councilwoman Carolyn King Arnold District 4, Dallas Police Department Chief Renee Hall, Southwest Division Captain and officers from both the South Central and Southwest precincts joined forces to honor the Veterans of Dallas/Oak Cliff with a parade and program. The parade started at the South Central Station on Camp Wisdom Road, turned north on Lancaster Road, cross Ledbetter Road, turned west at the main entrance of the VA North Texas Healthcare System and parked in an unoccupied lot across from the Hospital. This event, hosted by King Arnold, whose district includes the VA Hospital, opened with the playing of the National Anthem followed by Bishop Harold Edwards, who provided the prayer. Another added feature was a few Veterans got an opportunity to speak to the crowd. Lonnie Hunter, Michael Dotson and Rosemarie Murphy shared myimessenger.com

Councilwoman Carolyn King Arnold

Rosemarie Murphy

Lonnie Hunter

Michael Dotson

Wingfields

Officers from SW and SC

Bishop Harold Edwards

Rob Holbert

their experiences and talked about how proud they were to serve in the Military. The collected group honored all Veterans past, present and those who were across the street at the VA Hospital. Councilwoman Arnold excited the crowd, asking everyone to sa-

lute those Veterans that were hospitalized. The Veterans and guests assembled were treated with a fly over by the Dallas Police Department, showing their honor. At the close of the event Mr. Holbert played Taps for the fallen Veterans.

To top off the event, Wingfield’s Breakfast and Burgers provided lunch for attendees. Again, with all the things that are going on this country, it was good to see a silver lining as we honor those men and women who serve and defend our country. November 20, 2020

Diagnostic Center’s grand opening comes in time for surge in COVID cases By Cheryl Smith Texas Metro News Colleen Payne Nabors had a vision and little did she know that when she founded MCI Diagnostic Center, the world would be facing a pandemic that has to date killed 1.34 million worldwide and 248,000 in the United States. On Thursday, November 19, 2020 at noon the long-time health professional held the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for the $20 million laboratory that is capable of a 24-to-48 hour turnaround on testing, MCI Diagnostic Center, 9728 Greenville Ave. Dallas, TX 75243. “We have the right equipment to do the testing,” said Payne Nabors, as she talked about the ServiceDisabled, Veteran Owned small business that she is the chief operating officer of. With headquarters in Tulsa

Oklahoma, MCI Diagnostic offers national laboratory testing and diagnostics and is expanding to Dallas and Payne said the expansion could potentially provide hundreds of jobs. MCI Diagnostic’s opening comes at a time when COVID-19 numbers continue to increase, according to information shared with Dallas City Councilman Casey Thomas, during his Black COVID-19 Task Force meetings, but also when there are increased efforts to get citizens to take the test and also participate in a COVID-19 study conducted by UT Southwestern. “We have to get this information out,” said Thomas, during a recent meeting where focus was on reaching certain zip codes, like 75216. Payne Nabors knows that with the continued

MCI Diagnostic Center Ribbon Cutting (L to R): MCI Diagnostic Center Founder and CEO Colleen Payne-Nabors, MCI Diagnostic Center COO Donnie Nabors, Dallas City Council District 10 Representative Adam McGough, Dr. Chitra Chhabra Kohli, MCI Diagnostic Center Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Vinay Kohli

increase in COVID-19 cases, unfortunately many are distrusting of anything remotely related to testing. MCI Diagnostic Center, Dallas

For her, in addition to practicing safety guidelines, testing is important for those with the virus, as well as those they come into contact with. “COVID has made a lot of us distrusting,” she explained. “We have to help them understand that there’s no harm coming to us by getting tested.” That’s why she decided to do ground deployment and provide mobile testing, with the ability to go into communities that won’t come to be tested. “We want to help,”she said, adding that the company is operating across the country. “We have been on the frontlines with the intent of helping the underserved see OPENING on page 19

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OPENING, from page 18...

communities. “We also offer free testing. We must save us, support us and serve us. Payne said the location is part of the largest African American-owned diagnostic Center in the country providing a number of services including ultrasound testing, toxicology and pain

MCI Diagnostic Center Dallas

management; providing testing for several major clients, including the city of Dallas and Job Corp. Pointing out that the expansion into Texas,

specifically D/FW, Sherman, and San Antonio, was facilitated by the awarding of government contracts that continues their efforts that include presence in major cities in Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North and South Carolina, Florida, in her home state of Oklahoma, and Houston. Those expected at the ribbon-cutting include Dallas Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Adam McGough, National Football League (NFL) Alumni Association Dallas Chapter President Liffort Hobley and NFL Players Association DFW Chapter President Larry Mallory. The founder of seven successful businesses, Payne Nabors is the author of “I Did it My Way and it Worked!, Redefining the Art of Entrepreneurship.” The University of Texas Medical Branch grad brings over 35 years of experience in the medical field, in everything from nuclear medicine, manufacturing, sales and working in a hospital. Anyone planning to attend the ribbon cutting is asked

Diagnostic Room inside the MCI Diagnostic Center, Dallas

to RSVP because of space limitation due to social distancing guidelines. For additional information call 918-902-6440. Face Covering is Required. https:// www.eventbrite.com/o/mcidiagnostics-31796960503. MCI Diagnostic Center has several certifications, including College of

American Pathologists (CAP), Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), Commission on Office Laboratory Accreditation (COLA), The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), and the Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

MCI Diagnostic Center Staff in Dallas

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November 20, 2020

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!

Nena’s Finds is your one stop shop for an Eccentric flare!

214.623.7314

nenafinds17@gmail.com Schedule your Sip n Shop, Trunk Show, Girls Nite Out or Wardrobe Revamp with Nena’s Finds today!

November 20, 2020

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November 20, 2020

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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

Slow the spread of COVID-19 The best way to protect yourself and others is to stay at home.

Safer at home

2860 E. LEDBETTER DR. (Inside Valero) DALLAS, Tx.75216 myimessenger.com

11am-10pm Monday-Saturday 12-8 Sunday

Wash with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.

Keep your mouth and nose covered while out in public.

Visit dallascityhall.com/COVID19 for a list of resources and up-to-date information about COVID-19.

November 20, 2020

214-421-5387

Two Podners Bar-B-Que & Seafood 1441 Robert B Cullum Blvd. Dallas, Texas 75210 November 20, 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.

(469) 899-7927

140 S Clark Rd Cedar Hill, TX 75104

3309 S Malcolm X Blvd

Call orders in (214)-859-3472

Dallas, TX 75215

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We run specials Monday-Thursday

November 20, 2020

EAT ZONE Best Food in Town The Hidden Secret of OakCliff 2 Burgers for $5 2 Pc Grilled/Fried Ă&#x17E;sh

3917 W. Camp Wisdom Rd. Suite 103 Dallas Texas 75237.

469-399-0096

Open Tuesday-Saturday 11am-8p. 3003 E. Illinois Ave,75216

214-376-9663

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.

6090 Bonnie View Rd Dallas, TX 75241 Hours of services may differ

Phone: (214) 372-6321

November 20, 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 20, 2020

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November 20, 2020

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JINGLE JANGLE: A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY AT THE MOVIES BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ

JINGLE JANGLE: A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY is a NETFLIX Christmas fantasy directed by David E. Talbert (ALMOST CHRISTMAS). The movie took Talbert 20 years to complete. His original vision was to make a stage play musical but he soon realized he wasn’t the target audience for the project, so he put his project up on the shelf. He credits his wife, Lynn, and the birth of his son for helping him create the Christmas fantasy that is the movie. He says she is the brains of the project, “I’m the sizzle and she’s the steak.” The movie stars Forest Whitaker as Jeronicus Jangle, an inventor who loses everything he loves in his life and with it his belief in the magical wonders of inventing. His

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apprentice leaves, taking with him Jeronicus’ little book of inventions. Jeronicus also loses his wife and convinces his daughter she’d be better off living elsewhere. It’s the love of his granddaughter Journey, played by Madelan Mills, who inherited his inventing abilities, that makes him believe in magic again. She comes for a visit at Christmas and has to thaw out the nasty disposition of her grandfather. When she finds one of Jeronicus’ forgotten inventions, a magic flying robot called Buddy 3000, he’s back in the game with a successful invention that can save his store. The movie has an all-star cast including Phylicia Rashad as Grandmother Journey Jingle. The stellar cast also includes Anika Nono Rose, Keegan-Michael Key, and Ricky Martin as a puppet-sized doll that Jeronicus invented (but his assistant Gustafson stole). The movie also has plenty of wonderful music and dance choreography. The movie is a real joy that the entire family can enjoy with a message of family forgiveness as an overall theme to the movie, which is rated PG with a run time of two hours and two minutes. It’s the perfect movie for this holiday season. On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate JINGLE JANGLE: A CHRISTM A S JOURNEY a JUMBO!

We’re open and ready to serve you!

Elaine’s

Jamaican Kitchen

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

November 20, 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 20, 2020

7/9/20 3:24 PM

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Family Place addresses high rate of domestic violence homicides Special to Texas Metro News Supporters of The Family Place were decked out in purple for a drive by event at the Loving Fellowship Baptist Church in DeSoto recently and The Family Place and its new African American Domestic Violence Council (AADVC) hosted the event to address the high rate of domestic violence homicides in Dallas County, where 65% of fatalities are African Americans. “The Family Place has always served victims of family violence in Southern Dallas and has had an office in the community since 1997, but we began to see an increased need for services,” said The Family Place CEO Paige Flink. “The Family Place is still the only family violence agency with an office here, and we are thrilled to have opened a new facility over the summer to expand services to a population that has traditionally been underserved. This safe, drive by event was a reminder that we need to listen to the voices of families impacted by domestic violence to help guide our work.” Each car received a prepackaged resource bag and made stops at informative signs to learn more about domestic violence in a Q&A format. AADVC members, The Family Place staff and volunteers were stationed at each sign. The AADVC has four main objectives: to increase collaboration within the myimessenger.com

African American community, to create advanced focus training to address victimcentered advocacy, to develop public awareness campaigns to address domestic violence in the African American community, and to launch a male mentor program that will demonstrate healthy masculinity and healthy relationships. Points of focus are Faith, Men & Boys, Children & Youth and Victims. Participants in the AADVC include Lt. Pollyanna Ashford, Dr. Samone Brown, Bishop

The Family Place staff liaisons are Tiffany McDaniel, Theresa Little and Debra Mitchell-Ibe with support of The Family Place Board of Directors member Belinda Griffin. The Family Place Community Outreach Advocate Theresa Little said the AADVC is focusing special attention on 20 to 29 year olds because they have the highest rate of fatalities. African American women are more likely to experience domestic violence than women of other races/

Davida Cox Allen and Roy Allen

Ray Campbell, Nikki Carroll, Torrey Carroll, Maggie Cathcart, the Rev. Patricia Clay-Chapman, Shanika Davis, Dora Giles, Darlene Greene-Barree, Verna Jones, Felicia Kerney, David Lane, Barbara Pettis, Phil Pyle, Caesar Rentie, Dr. Iman Ros, Dr. Michael Sneed, Deborah Sutton, Maria Thomas-Jones, Genai Walker-Macklin, Sharon Whitaker, Shondale Wilhite and Denise Wolford.

ethnicities and are twice as likely to lose their lives to domestic violence than white women. The AADVC specifically focuses on ZIP code 75237, which was chosen because of its high rate of domestic violence homicides. There were 13 domestic violence murders in Dallas in recent months. “To help reach that group, we’re working with the Sorority Sisters

Pat Chapman-Executive Director and Founder of Sorority Sisters Standing Against Domestic Violence

Standing Against Domestic Violence and the Divine Nine providing training and information about our services and other resources in the community so that sorority and fraternity chapters can become safe havens for victims in that high-need age group,” Little said. The Divine Nine, includes four historically Black sororities—Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta and Sigma Gamma Rho—and five historically Black fraternities—Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma and Iota Phi Theta. Little says the AADVC will host events and activities including an initiative with African American authors who are agents of change. Also, Voices and Words United to Inspire Change will feature an author monthly on IGTV to spark discussion and inspire positive change in relationships. November 20, 2020

REVITALIZE SOUTH DALLAS November 18, 2020 – November 27, 2020

Verify details w/sponsors. RSDC does not sponsor/endorse these events Workforce Development Webinar Friday, November 20th; 11am – 12:30pm; Via Zoom. “Shaping Talent for Industry Through Collaboration” is the theme. Panelists: State Rep, Yvonne Davis; Dr. Joe May, Dallas College; and Fred Perpall, CEO, The Beck Group. Moderator: John Wiley Price. Sponsor: Regional Black Contractors. Contact: 214-565-8946; Bproctor@blackcontractors. org. Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/ register/tZ0sde-qrz4uHNTytV99qnGHJ8WOPCR dqOi7 Deck the Plaza: City Hall Lights Drive-Thru Saturday, November 21, 2020; 5:30pm – 8:30pm; City Hall Plaza; 1500 Marilla, 75201. Free. This is a drive-thru Holiday event. Attendees must stay in their vehicles. No walk-ups allowed. Tune-in to WRR Radio, 101.1FM to enjoy holiday music and messages from dignitaries. Co-sponsors: Spectra, Visit Dallas, City of Dallas. DISD Thanksgiving Break Student Meals Monday, November 23, 2020; 11am – 4:30pm. DISD continues to distribute curbside meals for virtual students and any child ages 1 – 18 during Thanksgiving week. The meals include 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 3 snacks, and 3 suppers. Locations include: South Oak Cliff High School, Skyline, Molina. All 11 locations can be found at: www.Dallasisd.org/FCNS Medicare Benefits Counseling Program Open enrollment for Medicare ends December 7th. All sign-ups or changes to existing plans go into effect January 1, 2021. Dallas Area Agency on Aging offers a free Benefits Counseling Program. You may get assistance via telephone, In-Person, or via Zoom. Compare plans, get help with Medicare Advantage and Medigap enrollment and with prescription plans. Contact: 1-800-252-9240 from 8:30am – 5pm, Monday thru Friday. November 20, 2020

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Dallas Police Chief Survey Ends: December 1st. The City has hired a recruitment firm to identify candidates for Dallas’ next chief. The surveys will help guide the selection process. What leadership qualities, departmental priorities, and qualifications do you want in a new chief? Phone Survey: 214-671-5190. Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Dallas Community Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/dpdjefe Exhibit: “Images that Change the Narrative–Stories Behind the Faces” Thursday – Sundays thru November 29th; 3pm – 6pm; Golden Gate Church, 1128 Reverend CBT Smith Street, 75203. Free. This outdoor exhibit shows the faces and tells the stories of known and unknown black Americans who suffered unspeakable, systemic violence and death through the middle passage, Jim Crow segregation, lynchings, bombings, police shootings, etc. Contact: Ms Lee, 214-943-5010 or 214-505-9211 cell. Community PostPartum Doula Program If you live in South Dallas, have a flexible schedule, and have a heart for serving birthing moms, think about becoming a Doula, a person who supports the physical and emotional needs of expectant or new mothers. Abide Women’s Health wants to hire, train, and equip 2 - 4 South Dallas residents for these paid positions. Contact: Cessilye Smith, 972-474-6311 or 972-8840821. Website: www.abidewomen.org Choose Dallas ISD: Choice Schools Options November – January 2021. DISD has a variety of school models like Magnets, Montessori, single gender, collegiate academies, and traditional neighborhood schools? DISD can help you choose the best fit for your children. ChooseDallasISD is the district’s annual specialty school application program, now offered virtually, via phone banks, and online. Contact: 972925-5560; https://www.dallasisd.org/choosedallasisd

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Virtual and liVe community calendar

National Gratitude Month Lung Cancer Awareness Month

North Texas Food Bank Mobile Pantry,distribution at Parkview Church of God, 712 Parkview Av e. Dallas 10 am-12 pm. Info: info@ ntfb.org.

#CAP -ACT/SAT Prep - HBCU Spotlight: Florida A&M University. Host Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Chi Zeta Omega Chapter. 10:30 am1:30 pm. Reg: Eventbrite.com

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

Together We Test Community COVID-19 Testing at FriendNovember 18 ship-West Baptist Church, 2020 W. Wheatland Rd. 9 am-1 pm. 2020 D-Town Food Fest Hosted by D-Town Food Fest. In Dallas, Tickets: www.DTownFoodFest.com2 CST–10 pm CST. Tri-Cities NAACP Monthly Meeting. Meeting will take place Success By DesignSilke Endress 25 Influential Women of using the Zoom Conference System. 7 pm. Register: Zoom 2020. Online Event at 5:50-8:50 pm, Registration Required: Emerging Women Virtual Conference. Hosted by Chosen Meeting ID: 828 5414 3872 Passcode: 6277B Eventbrite.com. Zoom info upon reg. Women’s Ministry. Online event reg. Eventbrite.com. 9 am CST. 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 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

AARP Facebook Live: Navigating the Health Insurance North Texas Food Bank Mobile Pantry, distribution at Anna Marketplace. Online with Facebook Live. 6-6:30 pm. CT regis- Middle School, 1201 N. Powell Pkwy. Anna. 9-11 am. Info: ter here: https://bit.ly/2I6LmGW. Go to page on the day of our info@ntfb.org. event https://www.facebook.com/AARPPrograms Empowering The Masses Disaster Relief Drive Through Food Pantry at 3314 November 20 Detonte St. Dallas. 10 am-12 pm.www. empoweringthemasses.org

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.

Deck the Plaza - Drive-Thru Celebration at City of Dallas City Hall 1500 Marilla St. 5:30-8:30 pm.

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

Happy Birthday to Rosalind Vaughn

Valder Beebe Show KKVIDFW. COM FM 89.9 12 pm. Dr. Karl Kern, American Heart Association releases new guidelines for CPR and emergency cardiovascular care

DeSoto Plans A Virtual Celebration To Honor The Life Of Mayor Curtistene S. McCowan. 11 am. The broadcast live on City of DeSoto’s website https://www.desototexas. gov/desototownhall Facebook Live www.facebook.com/desototx.

“Pitch Me with Your Best Shot. Moderated by Media RelatNorth Texas Food Bank Mobile Pantry, distribution at ed Task Force Chair, Terry Allen, & CEO of 1016 media at the 2020 CityLab Summit, keynote address at CityLab High UNT-Dallas, 7300 University Hills Blvd. 9 am-12 pm. Info: info@ 2020ONE Conference NABJ. Panelists, Barbara Ciara, anchor School Summit Bringing the City to the River: Dallas’ Harold ntfb.org. at WTKR, and former NABJ president; Nyree Knox, morning Simmons Park. Info:https://pheedloop.com/citylabsummit/ producer at NBC Connecticut; and Don Hudson, Sr. Assist. Mansite/ or Marilyn Rutner: mrutner@citylabhsfoundation.org. Together We Test Community COVID-19 Testing at Glendale aging Editor at Newsday in N.Y. Shopping Center, 4420 S. Marsalis Ave. 9 am-1 pm.

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 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 22

Chris Howell Foundation and City of Lancaster Drive-Thru Food and PPE Bank at the Senior Life Center, 240 Veterans White Fragility, Beyond The White Echo Chamber: “Black Memorial Pkwy, Lancaster. 1-6 pm. Info: 972-218-1300. Voting History” 2-3:30 pm. CST. www.NanetteDMassey.com RSVP: Eventbrite.com

November 21

Live Jazz under the Stars Feat: Kirk Whalum, Alex Bugnon, Vivian Green, Marion Meadows, Social Distancing Drive-In Concert. Tickets: Ticketmaster.com 6:30 pm Lone Star Parking Lot. A Live Music Event of The Year while social distancing from your own lawn chair or car.

November 23 I“Thanks” Goodness for Therapists, 3620 W Camp Wisdom Rd, Dallas, 3:30 CST– 5:30 pm CST. Host Positive Influences, Dr Stacia Alexander LPC-S and Stacia Henderson Alexander. Tickets:sites.google.com/view/ thanksgoodnessfortherapists/home.

Dallas Black Dance Academy Behind the Scenes Performance Virtual performance Visit www. DBDT.com for details. 1 pm CST. It’s Free. You must RSVP.

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.

2020 Thanksgiving Food Box Giveaway at Redbird Mall, Marvelous Marriage Mondays at Friendship-West Baptist 3662 W Camp Wisdom Rd (Near Old Sears Building) Dallas. Church Register for Virtual event, online at friendshipwest. Women’s Small Business Summit. Hosted by Facebook for 10 am-12 pm.Pre-Register: Eventbrite.com. Please have your zoom.us/.../upcpcOmhqz4rqNU 7-8 pm. Business. Online event. Sign Up at fb.com/WomensBizSummit Eventbrite email ticket or QR code available for scanning. 8 am CST. Parkland also offers drive-through flu shots and COVID-19 The FREE COVID-19 Testing Site at Paul Quinn College 3837 testing Monday – Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Center Table Fall Harvest at Mark Cuban Hero’s Basketball Simpson Stuart Rd. 10 am-4 pm. Food box giveaway from Ellis Davis Field House, 9191 South Polk St., Dallas and at the Center, 1800 Bonnie View Rd. 9 am-12 pm. www.markcuban- 10AM - 12PM or while supplies last. https://bit.ly/31anTfq Eastfield College Campus, 3737 Motley Drive, Mesquite. heroscenter.org. Free to all.

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November 20, 2020

DESOTO plans November 21 virtual celebration to honor life of Mayor Curtistene S. McCowan One of the announcements made at the DeSoto City Council’s Friday night Special Meeting was that the City of DeSoto and numerous leaders from within the community and DFW region will join forces in-person and on tape for a November 21 virtual celebration honoring the life of Mayor Curtistene S. McCowan, who passed away unexpectedly on October 28th at age 72. “The Curtistene McCowan that we all remember was bigger than life, confident, and caring. And while her sudden passing leaves a tangible void that will be very hard to fill, we can start by looking out for the well-being of those around us and by working together to move our City forward,” said DeSoto Mayor Pro Tem Kenzie Moore who has been handling Mayor McCowan’s duties on behalf of the City since she first became incapacitated. “Not only would she want us to celebrate her life but she would want all of us to continue to make a difference on her behalf in the daily life of DeSoto.” The November 21st virtual celebration will feature a combination of pre-taped content and live participation from a limited number of invited guests due to COVID-19 precautions. “Mayor McCowan was November 20, 2020

such an important pillar in our DeSoto community and in the entire Best Southwest area, we wanted to capture that spirit and find ways to honor her that were fitting of such a figure.” observed DeSoto City Councilmember

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Candice Quarles who is Chair of the Memorial Service Ad Hoc Committee. The virtual celebration set for November 21 at 11 am will be broadcast live on City of DeSoto’s website http:// www.desototexas.gov/

desototownhall Facebook Live https://www.facebook. com/desototx and on cable tv in DeSoto via City TV programming, depending upon the provider, on either Spectrum (Channel 16), or AT&T Uverse (Channel 99).

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November 20, 2020

Q&A by Allana J. Barefield

Q&A: Chris McSwain Chris McSwain, Director of Community Engagement on the North Texas Giving Day Team, knows the importance of giving and shared an important message and insight with host Allana J. Barefield, recently on “The Bare Truth.” Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day is an 18hour online giving event designed to empower every person to give back to their community by supporting local nonprofits and causes they care about in one easy-to-use platform. The event helps build awareness and support for nonprofits like nothing else. In 2020, $58.8 million was raised through 106,000 donors benefiting over 3,200 local nonprofits, bringing the 11-year total to over $374 million for our community. North Texas Giving Day is the largest community-wide giving event in the nation. Question: Why is it important to give back? Answer: I can answer that in a number of ways. I think part of the way, we express our passion and our convictions and what we stand for whether that is a specific cause or that’s for organizations that we align with. I think giving back is power, right. There’s November 20, 2020

power in the dollar, we know that. We know what it influences, so I think when a person allows themselves to be generous in that way it expresses what they care about. Question: We’re in a pandemic right now and a lot of these organizations are not receiving the amount of money they have in the past. How hard is it for these nonprofits to receive grants and to raise money? Answer: Yeah, that’s a great question. So, no matter what you do, no matter what cause your organization represents, there’s a need. For some organizations that are on the frontlines, there’s an incredible influx of need. So, think about organizations that have to do with hunger, making sure people eat or making sure people are housed, or organizations that care about healthcare, or making sure people have access. There’s so much need because obviously the pandemic is affecting people. Some of the less obvious ways, that nonprofits are struggling or challenged rather, think about arts organizations whose primary focus or goal is to put out shows or artwork. They can’t bring people

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Melanie Nash outside her classroom

together, so they lose that opportunity to engage the community. Artists lose that opportunity to do their work. No matter where you fall in the nonprofit sector, you are affected because fundraising events can’t happen. There’s a real need to make sure the dollars are coming through the door. Question: Why was it important to have organizations that focus on the Black community involved? Answer: Be responsive, and responsible, to the moment we’re in right now.

A lot of what we wanted to do in terms of engagement was in the community. Nonprofits shine a light on these organizations that may, for whatever reason not have that light before. Our goal is to be inclusive and unified. If you would like to check out the full interview, please head over to Blog Talk Radio’s Cheryl’s World or our Texas Metro News Facebook page. Link: https://www. facebook.com/watch /?v=1793451140812537 myimessenger.com

Local producer graces red carpet for “WASHED” By Ashley M. Moss Texas Metro News

Local producer Jerod Couch had a red carpet screening of WASHED Season 2 in Dallas on Saturday, November at The Mockingbird Angelika Theater. WASHED, shot in Dallas and starring all Dallas actors, is a series about a group of 30-something year old friends who are chasing their dreams while only experiencing limited success. The title ‘WASHED” comes from most of the characters thinking their lives are “washed up.” The series is a very impressive local project with quality filming of a lot of Dallas landmarks and a quality story

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with very talented actors. Producer/ director Jerod Couch is a two-time regional Emmy award winner. He said he’s been living his dream with the series, which is available on Amazon. The University of Texas graduate has a background in media that includes a five-year stint at ESPN and a position as the lead creative person for MLB’s Texas Rangers. Couch is currently the head of a video production agency, The Creative Couch. He says he’s been in meetings with major distributors to get more coverage for WASHED and for the other projects which he currently has in development. It looks like the sky’s the limit for this Dallas producer and director.

November 20, 2020

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 November 20, 2020

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