I Messenger 11-25-22

The War Within

By Eva D. Coleman Lifestyle & Culture Editor

Duncanville

School

The movie is based on true accounts from the life of Jesse LeRoy Brown who broke barriers as the first Black aviator in the United States Navy.

Brown is portrayed by Duncanville High School class of 2008 graduate Jonathan Majors. While seeing the artist with

High

graduate

Jonathan Majors stars as Jesse Brown

ties to north Texas on the big screen is thrilling, Majors’ acting prowess delivers chills of the re sidual pain endured from

hatred against Black peo ple, known all too well in the south.

The movie chronicles an epic battle of U.S. naval pilots in the Korean War. The aircraft are nostalgic. The colors throughout the film are dark, definitely invoking a mood. There’s preparation for battle that leads up to a serious time. The battle within is the bigger story.

The film looks at unes capable demons from the inside out as Brown ver bally manifests notes he’s written. It’s an interesting take on self motivation.

Devotion also provides a glimpse into Black love as Brown dotes on his wife Daisy, played by Christi

Jonathan Majors and Glen Powell who portray Jesse Brown and Tom Hudner in Devotion

Jonathan Majors plays first Black U.S. Naval aviator Jesse Brown

FAITHFUL UTTERANCES

I saw the video. It was difficult to watch Shanquella Robinson, 25, of Charlotte, beaten severely-- allegedly by one of her travel companions. Robinson traveled on Oct. 28 with six friends to the resort city of San José del Cabo. Initially, her mother was called...

The War Within

QUIT PLAYIN TO BE EQUAL

For I have learned to be content, whatever the circum stances may be. I know now how to live when things are difficult, and I know how to live when things are prosperous. In general, and in particular, I have learned the secret of facing either poverty or plenty.

Violent crime, which fell during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, has returned to a level last seen in 2016. A majority of the perpetrators of violent crime are white. And undocumented immigrants are far less likely than na tive-born Americans to commit violent crimes.

na Jackson, and daughter. It’s a definitive case that emo tions from military families torn apart are universal, no matter the race or ethnicity. The movie also displays the strength of a spouse who un derstands the harsh reality that their loved one might not return.

Fellow naval pilot-turnedfriend, Tom Hudner, is played by Glen Powell. The relation ship built between Brown and Hudner is one of risk and re spect.

Devotion has many themes that run throughout the

course of the film. Brown is put on display for his histor ic accomplishment and also admired by other Black men who express their apprecia tion. There are even moments where his charm and unsus pecting intelligence leads to an open door for his white peers.

Check out this film to expe rience a plethora of feelings from love to anger and shame.

Bringing Brown’s story to the forefront was well done with a great performance by Majors. Spoiler alert: It does not have a happy ending.

Even in death, although re warded, the pain of those left behind remains.

Long live the legacy of Jes se Brown as others soar in the

complicated path of streaks he made in the skies above. It’s a devotion to family, friendship and country with an undying desire to push through pain.

Devotion Movie

Jonathan Majors with onscreen wife Christina Jackson who plays Daisy Brown

by Cheryl Smith Publisher

Hard heads make…

As World AIDS Day De cember 1, approaches, I can’t help to think about how “hard heads make soft behinds.”

It just seems human nature for folks to defy directives.

Remember Eve?!

Well anyway.

It was about 40 years ago when many of us first heard about HIV/AIDS. We were initially told stories about the disease originating in Af rica and only impacting gay, white males.

Well, you know human na ture tells some of us to go on about our business because we are not going nor have we ever been to Africa and we’re not gay, white, or male.

Fast forward, others are getting infected and many are dying.

Folks are told to use con doms, along with other safe guards deemed appropriate for protecting yourself from contracting the disease. Us ing condoms, not reusing or sharing needles are just a few measures that were encour aged.

Did people listen?

Clearly some didn’t as cases increased significant ly and especially in certain communities where there were no pre warnings!

Actually, according to UNAIDS, 1.5 million [1.1 million–2.0 million] peo ple became newly infected

with HIV in 2021. 650,000 [510,000–860,000] people died from AIDS-related ill nesses in 2021.

And if you were lucky, those not practicing protec tive sex measures came away with a negative HIV diagno sis but instead, a baby, or two or three.

What a relief, you said! Fast forward to 2020.

unfortunately protesting against and refusing to wear a mask or get the vaccine.

Then in 2022, yet another disease and other variants of COVID 19 were shared. The dreaded Monkeypox had folks spreading the same alarm that was initially spread with HIV/AIDS.

What happens with these sometimes false narratives

boots on the ground and meeting people where they are with the correct and rel evant messaging.

He realizes that it is time out for assumptions and you can’t take anyone for grant ed.

You have to get your mes sage out and you have to make sure you have the right messengers delivering that message.

For decades Dr. Pamela Blackwell Johnson and oth ers, like Abounding Prosper ity, around the world have been educating us on HIV/ AIDS. Still we have new cas es!

I’m worried about what a democracy looks like when the folks don’t listen and re fuse to take heed to those im portant messages.

There’s another disease: COVID 19.

This time, to prevent the spread, folks were told to do something they shouldn’t have had to be told: wash your hands with soap! They were also told that masks help with the spreading of the contagious disease.

Some immediately be gan wearing masks and still do, almost three years later; while some went to the grave,

is that some communities begin preparing to protect themselves while others are late to the party and miss key opportunities to get ahead of the devastation.

Which brings me to my truth.

Folks like Imara Canady, and the AIDS Health Foun dation, are doing the work that the Democratic Party could learn from. Canady realizes the importance of

There’s going to be another pandemic and another and another because these soci etal ills seem to mutate a lot quicker than any other thing we have had to face.

If we want a better world, if we want to eradicate some of the ills that are threatening our very existence; we have to stop acting like children and begin listening and ad hering to these oh so import ant messages. We also have to do our own research, rely on science and follow edu cated directives.

If not, then it’s our behinds!

Fateful Frenemies

FAITHFUL UTTERANCES

BY DR. FROSWA BOOKER-DREW

I saw the video. It was dif ficult to watch Shanquella Robinson, 25, of Charlotte, beaten severely-- allegedly by one of her travel com panions. Robinson traveled on Oct. 28 with six friends to the resort city of San José del Cabo. Initially, her moth er was called by the friends and told that her death was the result of alcohol poison ing.

The death certificate in stead revealed that the cause was a “severe spinal cord injury and atlas lux ation,” an instability of the first two neck vertebrae, WSOC reported. Alcohol was not mentioned in the report on the death certifi cate, and lists the time be tween injury and death as about 15 minutes and notes that Shanquella was found unconscious in the living room.

The video circulating shows Shanquella was being hit repeatedly in her head. She was not fighting back. Someone can be heard on the video asking if she “could at least fight back.”

The mother said she recog nizes the people on the vid eo as the friends Shanquella traveled with to Mexico and believes the video was shot during the trip. It was dis turbing to see others in the

video do absolutely nothing to break it up.

Although the investiga tion continues on this case, my heart aches for the fam ily. As a mother of an adult daughter, you hope that the people who are around your child, who profess to be their friends are actual ly people who will look out for your child. It’s sad that you must caution your chil dren about the people that they are around and that the world isn’t safe. Despite no matter how much you try

slanderous, without self-con trol, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of plea sure rather than lovers of God…” (2 Timothy 3:2-4)

As much as we’d like to believe in the good in every one, the reality is that every one doesn’t have the same moral code, ethics or integ rity. Shanquella must have trusted these individuals to travel out of the country with them. They obviously gained her trust only to be tray it.

Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the lead ing priests and elders of the people.” (Matthew 17:22 NLT)

Betrayal is devastating. It is not only a violation of trust but the consequences can impact our mental, emo tional, spiritual and in some instances, physical well-be ing. We don’t always know who will betray us. The Bi ble reminds us to be careful:

to protect your child from stranger danger, it’s often those who are the closest that can cause harm.

I don’t know exactly what happened in this young woman’s assault and death but I do know that we live in a world with those who cam ouflage who they are. The lyrics of the famous O’jays song states—“They smilin’ in your face, All the time, they want to take your place, The back stabbers.” The Bi ble affirms this: “For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unho ly, heartless, unappeasable,

We’ve all experienced be lieving that someone cared for us, had our best interests at heart only to discover oth erwise. Betrayal isn’t new. Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, Potiphar’s wife, and the Pharaoh’s chief cup holder (Genesis 37:23-24, 28, Genesis 39:16-18, Gen esis 40:23 NLT) King Saul rewarded David for taking Goliath down. Even after bringing David into Saul’s family and kingdom, Saul was determined to murder David. (1 Samuel 18-and 1 Samuel 19) Even Jesus ex perienced betrayal. Jesus was betrayed by someone close to him. “And even as

“Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.” (Mat thew 10:16)

I know that justice will be served for Shanquella Rob inson. “Don’t be misled— you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always har vest what you plant.” (Gala tians 6:7)

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.

I know that justice will be served for Shanquella Robinson. “Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.” (Galatians 6:7)

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A Thankful Thanksgiving

QUIT PLAYIN’

BY VINCENT L. HALL

“For I have learned to be content, whatever the cir cumstances may be. I know now how to live when things are difficult, and I know how to live when things are pros perous. In general, and in particular, I have learned the secret of facing either poverty or plenty. I am ready for any thing through the strength of the one who lives within me”.

- Philippians 4: 11-13

Whether you realize it or not, there is much to be thankful for. Even if all you can do is read this mean dering message, you should be grateful that you are not among the 14% or one in seven Americans who are termed functionally illiterate. I call them mis-educated.

This errant essay may come as you contemplate when and if you will find gainful employ ment. Or you may be working on a job far below what your resume dictates you are capa ble of doing. But if you’re still looking, you count it a credit that you can salvage your sus tenance with unemployment benefits that your Republican friends would rather see you live without.

So, you’re not a great ora tor and rhetorical giant like the late Reverend Martin Luther King or the keeper of Camelot, former President John Fitzgerald Kennedy. However, it is better to know your limitations and live within the confines than to

prove to the world that you are a bumbling, stumbling, grumbling idiot, like Injustice Clarence Thomas.

You may never care or crave to be a wannabee Gubernato rial candidate like that Geor gia Goober, Herschel Walker. But at least you respect the rights of women. At least you have enough self-respect to be proud of who you are. You have character, class, and cre ativity, which is worth a lot more than proving that Ne

with bullying and identity is sues. You’re broke, but you’re rich in a manner of thinking. My God, that’s a blessing and a reason to pray daily for chil dren in your home and world wide. Thank God for child advocates like Marian Wright Edelman, who set a standard.

It’s not always a pleasant privilege to be with family members who grates your nerves and try your patience on Thanksgiving Day and any other holidays that tradi

So please don’t waste it being angry and argumentative.

None of us have all the an swers. We all have good and bad days. It rains on the just and the unjust. But whenev er it gets terrible, remember the New Testament sage, the Apostle Paul. Find a way to be content. You’ll be thankful you did!

You may never have heard of William Devaughn. He turns 75 this year, and you know his work without real

groes can still be rented. At least you don’t sound like you graduated from a Herschel Walker “Speedreading Semi nar.”

Your house note ain’t paid, and you’re hiding your ride from the “Repo Man. “Your money is funny, your change is strange, and your credit won’t get it. But your children are now safe from predators, peddlers, and perverts! So, keep a close eye on your ba bies!

Thank God you aren’t looking for a civil attorney or watching your child struggle

tion suggests you spend with them. But think about those unfortunate souls who spend every day lonely and alone.

Every family is dysfunction al to some degree. But the Isley Brothers said it best; “You got ta love the one you’re with!”

Or maybe you’re mad at God, the world, the govern ment, and yourself. But being mad requires a considerable amount of cognitive and ce rebral activity. Thank the heavens that you haven’t lost your ever-loving mind. Sure ly, you’ve heard that a “mind is a terrible thing to waste.”

izing who he is. Let me leave you with a sample.

“Though you may not drive a great big Cadillac. Gangsta whitewalls with TV antennas in the back. You may not have a car at all. But remember, brothers and sisters, you can still stand tall. Just be thankful for what you’ve got!”

If Paul’s words don’t help you, I pray that DeVaughn’s will.

Be Thankful!

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

Gangsta whitewalls with TV antennas in the back.

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Sleep disorders and obesity: A vicious cycle

By Zaiba Jetpuri, D.O. and Safia Khan, M.D.

Sleeping troubles and obe sity are linked, so correcting conditions such as sleep ap nea could be an important step toward weight loss.

The health effects of sleep disturbances are well-docu mented, from recent news re ports stating that getting 7-8

hours of good sleep nightly may decrease cardiovascular risk by 75% to tragic reports of fatigued drivers falling asleep at the wheel. In June 2022, the American Heart Association added getting better sleep to its list of top heart-healthy be havioral factors.

The implications of chron ic obesity are also well-doc

umented, as the condition has been associated in many studies with an increased risk of disorders such as Type 2 di abetes, high blood pressure, nonalcoholic fatty liver dis ease, and depression.

What might surprise people is just how closely the health ep idemics of obesity and chronic sleep problems are linked.

Obesity can cause sleep dis turbances, which in turn in fluence weight gain through reduced energy levels and biological hardwiring that floods the body with stress hormones. But perhaps the most frustrating part of this vicious cycle is that poor sleep can be lifesaving in cer tain circumstances for people with obesity. When breathing is disrupted or when our legs unexpectedly twitch, the body releases stress hormones and quickens the heartbeat to wake us up. While this de fense mechanism keeps pa tients breathing, it prevents deeper, restorative sleep and floods the body with chemi cals that drive us to retain en ergy stores instead of burning them.

In the U.S., more than 40% of people have obesity and about 21% of people have a sleep disorder. Nationally, over 70% of patients with obstructive sleep apnea, a common and potentially fatal sleep and breathing disorder, also have obesity.

So, because sleep disorders and obesity are so common, where do we start in helping pa

tients improve their health?

While there is no single chicken-or-egg scenario, we observe in our Family Medi cine and Sleep and Breathing Disorders clinics that by the time a patient starts having sleep problems, they have al ready started to become over weight or developed obesity. Troubled sleeping is often what brings them to the doc tor – on their own or at the re quest of a bed partner who is

Safia Khan, M.D.

fed up with loud snoring. Also often, correcting sleep issues is the quickest win for patients, and that is where we start. But the key to long-term health is to help the patient understand what caused their sleep disturbance and weight management concerns in the first place – and to equip them with information to reduce hormonal, chemical, and car diovascular risks associated with these dual epidemics.

Sleep and obesity are intertwined in a vicious cycle. Obesity can cause sleep disturbances, and sleep disturbances can influence weight gain through the release of stress hormones.

Tell the Supreme Court: We Still Need Affirmative Action

OUR VOICES

BY BEN JEALOUS

One of the great joys of my life is teaching.

I’m fortunate to teach class es on social justice at the Uni versity of Pennsylvania, one of the most respected schools in the country. Penn has a longstanding commitment to affirmative action, and I have seen first-hand how diversity in the classroom benefits all my students.

There’s just no question that diversity is a core piece of a vibrant academic com munity and a critical part of the learning experience – for all of us. Bringing together students with different lived experiences forces students to think critically about their assumptions, which is an es sential goal of a university ed ucation.

That’s why I, like so many of us, am deeply concerned about two affirmative action cases argued at the Supreme Court just a few days ago. Op ponents of affirmative action have been trying to destroy it for years. And now it looks like they just might get their chance.

Two universities, Harvard and the University of North Carolina (UNC), are defend ing their admissions pro grams against opponents who want them declared uncon stitutional. (The university where I teach, Penn, and the organization I lead, People for the American Way, have

both joined briefs supporting the universities’ positions.)

Considering race as one of many factors in admissions has been upheld by the Su preme Court for decades. The Court has said repeatedly that diversity in higher education is a “compelling interest.”

But today’s Supreme Court is different. It’s dominated by far-right justices who have made it clear they don’t share this view. Chief Justice John Roberts’s famous quote, “The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis

Nationally, there’s a big gap between the percentage of white and Black students who earn a bachelor’s degree. And that perpetuates all kinds of harm and inequities in in come, health, family wealth, and more. We still have a long way to go in building a fair so ciety in which all our children can thrive.

And here’s an important point that often gets lost. All students—no matter their race or color or creed—bene fit from affirmative action.

Having diverse classmates promotes a stimulating ex

olinian student whose family members had attended the school for generations, and a Black North Carolinian whose family had historically been shut out.

The white applicant might make the case that attending UNC is deeply meaningful to her because it is a family tra dition. The Black applicant might make the case that it is deeply meaningful because her family was so long denied.

Jackson’s question made it clear what would happen if the Court adopts the Far Right’s position: the white student’s appeal to family his tory would be allowed to help their chance of acceptance, while the Black student’s would not. It would further institutionalize discrimi nation and the harm it has caused generations of Black Americans.

of race,” sums it up: conser vatives believe affirmative action is at best unnecessary and at worst just another type of discrimination. Some con servatives would like to retire affirmative action because they claim it’s accomplished everything it set out to do. But it hasn’t. Not even close.

In Texas and Michigan, ap plications and enrollments of Black and Latino students plunged after state politicians banned the consideration of race in admission to their public universities.

That’s a huge red flag.

change of ideas and view points. It prepares all stu dents for living and working in our increasingly diverse so ciety. The Supreme Court as a whole used to understand that. Today, I worry that only a minority of the justices do.

One of those justices is Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman on the Court and a person of profound in sight and wisdom. Her ques tions in oral arguments got to the heart of the matter. Imag ine two qualified students ap plying to UNC, Justice Jackson suggested: a white North Car

I am so grateful for Justice Jackson’s voice on the Court. I also know that the six rightwing justices expressed skep ticism of affirmative action at oral arguments.

Many reporters are already writing its obituary.

I hope for the sake of our education system and our next generation, that they will be wrong. The “compelling interest” that led the Court to uphold affirmative action in the past still exists – in fact, it may be stronger than ever.

Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way and Professor of Practice in the Africana Studies Department at the University of Pennsylvania, where he teaches leadership.

I hope for the sake of our education system and our next generation, that they will be wrong. The “compelling interest” that led the Court to uphold affirmative action in the past still exists – in fact, it may be stronger than ever.

Call issued to Support Black Businesses

Buy Black!

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Congresswoman Johnson Photo a First in Science Committee Room

By Cheryl Smith

The clock is winding down as U.S. Congresswoman Eddie Ber nice Johnson (D-TX) prepares to close out another chapter in American History.

It was an emotional day as she awaited the unveiling of her por trait that will hang in the Science Committee Room, along with pre

vious chairmen of the Committee on Science Space and Technology.

Words like “great, courageous, powerful, honest and insightful” were used to describe the Gentle woman from Texas. She was called a “treasure,” and “hard working”… “results-oriented, while very stra tegic.”

One speaker said Johnson didn’t have to wave her hands in the air

or shout from the rafters to be ef fective.

It was even joked that her often quiet demeanor was in contrast from what you expected from Tex ans who could be considered to be somewhat loud and boastful.

Thursday’s tribute was one of many occurring since Waco’s proud “shining star” announced that she would not be seeking an

Family Members join Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson for Unveiling of Portrait.

Photo: C. Smith/TMN

other term in the United States Congress.

Her office, which is right down the hall from the Committee Room, had a revolving door as people came from across the country to witness the unveiling and express their thoughts and feelings about the senior stateswoman.

Bearing gifts and memories; dig nitaries, family, friends, sorority sisters and colleagues shared their “EBJ”stories.

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson; Workforce Dallas Czar Lynn Mc Bee, who is President/CEO of Young Women’s Prep Network; Marketing exec Shawn Williams of Allyn Media; businessman Ross Perot Jr.; Atty. DeMetris Samp son and NAACP State President Gary Bledsoe joined elected of ficials past and present in the filled-to-capacity Science Com mittee Room as they also wel comed her successor, Texas State Rep. Jasmine Crockett.

The Congresswoman’s decision to retire stunned many who had become familiar with her over the years. January 2023 marks 30 years since she first took her seat, the first registered nurse to ever serve in Congress. For the 20 years prior she served in the Texas House and Senate, where she also was the first registered nurse to serve.

She’s received numerous calls including one from former pres ident Bill Clinton and during the program letters were read from President Joe Biden andVice Pres ident Kamala Harris.

Luci Baines Johnson talked about the relationship her fami ly had with the congresswoman; most notably with her father, Pres ident Lyndon B. Johnson.

Congresswoman Johnson joined by Congresswoman Nikema Williams (who succeeded the Hon. John Lewis) and CBC Chair Joyce Beatty with Congresswoman-elect Jasmine Crockett.

Photos: C. Smith/TMN

Congresswoman Johnson shares a moment with portrait artist Ying-He Liu.

In a private moment in the Con gresswoman’s office, the former “First Daughter,” who was also a nurse, in passing on gifts to the congresswoman, said, “You have always done the right thing by all of us.”

Sharing just how close the two Johnson families were, she said her father was fond of Rep. John son, who first took office in 1973, making her the first woman in Dallas County elected to public office.

There were several high points during the program, including words from Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, who earlier in the day announced that she would not be continuing in her role, although

she would remain a member of Congress, Calling the congress woman a great pioneer, who was also dazzling and patriotic; Pelosi lauded her for her works and de votion to the sciences.

Speaking of science when the popular movie, Hidden Figures, aired, the real story of pioneering women in the sciences and work ing at NASA introduced many to unknown or unshared history of the role of Black women in science and technology.

It was a special treat for the con gresswoman to have one of the remaining living subjects of the movie, mathematician and NASA aeronautical engineer, Dr. Chris tine Darden, in attendance.

There was also her dear friend, Ambassador Swanee Hunt, who although she had a speaking en gagement at Howard University, made it in time for the unveiling.

Undoubtedly having her “be loved members” of the Congres sional Black Caucus in attendance, was significant, as Congresswom an Johnson once chaired the group of mostly African American members of the U.S. Congress and Senate.

She beamed with pride as Con gressman Hakeem S. Jeffries (DNY) came to the microphone. Earlier in the day, she talked about how proud she was of him and how she would love to see him as sume leadership.

Dallas Police Officer Arthur Busby checks out pictures in Congresswoman Johnson's DC office.

“It will cap my career, if he ascends to leadership, “ she said. “He is definitely ready and he will make us all proud.”

As he spoke, Jeffries called her a “living legend” and told of how she served as a mentor to him.

During her remarks at the unveiling, Cong, Johnson called on everyone there who had a vote to use that vote in support of Jeffries to succeed Speaker Pelosi.

Her next remarks were received with a robust round of applause, as she praised past leadership but proclaimed, “It is time for some color!”

In addition to the portrait, which was the work of artist Ying-He Liu, the program for Stem women has been named in Congresswoman Johnson’s honor.

Clearly leaving her mark in the Capitol, back in Tex as and internationally, Johnson could have served another term. Instead, she told Texas Metro News, “I know I am leaving at the right time.”

However, she said, there’s still work to do, especial ly within the Democratic Party.

So, if anyone thinks she’s returning to Dallas to sit and twiddle her thumbs, perish the thought. No one who truly serves anywhere for 50 years, disappears into oblivion, especially when “democracy” is in jeopardy!

Congresswoman Johnson with her great grandchildren.

Atty. and UNT Dallas College of Law Professor Cheryl Wattley visits with Congresswoman Johnson.

Elon Musk’s Twitter Takeover Has Unleashed Worst Of Human Nature

TO BE EQUAL

BY MARC MORIAL

“It is possible that users assumed that language use that could potentially cause a ban or suspension on the platform in the past was no longer a concern. Addi tionally, anticipation of an unmoderated platform was potentially a source of ex citement for certain Twitter users. By sharing epithets, it suggests that certain us ers were celebrating a re duction in perceived speech constraints on the platform. Regardless, the data con clusively shows that there is correlation between Musk’s arrival and a broader per ceived acceptability to post ed hostile content on Twit ter.”

-- Montclair State Uni versity Center for Strate gic Communication study, “From the Tweets to Hate Speech: Increases in Twitter Racist Content After Elon Musk’s Acquisition”

In the 12 hours after Elon Musk purchased Twitter, the use of the n-word spiked by 500%.

ADL’s Center on Extrem ism identified a coordinated campaign to spread antise metic content, launched by users of the largely un moderated 4chan message board, that resulted in more than 1,200 antisemetic

tweets and retweets in the 24 hours after Musk’s take over.

Musk himself posted a conspiracy theory about the attempted murder of Paul Pelosi; the tweet was shared and liked tens of thousands of times before he deleted it.

This painful and shocking increase in hate prompt ed me, along with NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson, and National Ac tion Network President and Founder Rev. Al Sharpton, to request a meeting with Musk to address our con cerns and to understand his plan to protect our commu nities from abuse by those who seek not simply to ex press controversial views, but to harm us and under mine democracy.

In our letter to Musk, we wrote, “In flippantly declar ing that, ‘the bird is freed,’ you might have unwittingly freed people to unleash the worst of human nature with communities of color and religious minorities bearing the greatest burden.”

We share Musk’s pro fessed belief in the impor tance of free speech, but the fact remains that online hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation, posted by users intent on sowing social and political chaos, have grave consequences for democracy, civil rights, and public safety.

The white supremacist who murdered 10 people in a Buffalo supermarket in

May was inspired by con spiracy theories posted on 4chan. Content on white supremacist websites fueled the massacre of nine Black worshippers at Charleston’s Mother Emanuel Church in 2015. The accused attacker of Paul Pelosi, the subject of Musk’s own false tweet, had posted “a mix of bloody images and hateful screeds aimed at a variety of target ed groups including Jewish, Black and trans people, as well as Democrats,” accord ing to The Washington Post. “Whether you realize it or not, as the new leader of Twitter, you have new re sponsibilities, and one of those responsibilities is to ensure your platform is not used to harm people and the nation as a whole,” we wrote to Musk. “Another re sponsibility is to ensure your own words and behavior do not cause harm, especially to the communities of col or and other underserved communities who have been long time users and who have made the compa ny what it is today. You have not shown a willingness to meet these responsibilities thus far, but we have hope and are willing to work with you do so in the future.”

Twitter needs strong con tent moderation standards to foster a safe and healthy online environment. Yet Musk plans to fire fully half of the platform’s workforce, according to Bloomberg.

“We strongly urge you to

maintain content modera tion teams that are tasked with creating and imple menting policies that pro vide a baseline for prohib iting content designed to threaten and harass people of color and religious mi norities and suppress votes,” we wrote. “Indeed, we en courage you to strengthen these policies as there has been a rise in dangerous rhetoric and violent acts that threaten our communi ties’ ability to vote and oth erwise fully participate in our society without fear for our safety.”

Lapses in content mod eration are especially con cerning with the midterm elections just days away. National security officials fear misinformation cam paigns could ignite violence at the polls on Election Day. Disinformation campaigns waged on Twitter and Face book in 2016 and 2020 sought to depress Black vot er turnout and sow social and political discord.

We wrote, “We implore you to show immediate leadership by directly ad dressing the spike in hate speech that occurred over the weekend and to discour age vigorously and clearly those who would be influ enced by your voice from using such speech in the future and from engaging in violence against anyone.”

Marc Morial is president/CEO of the National Urban League.

Rainbow Push Auto Scorecard Shows Vast Improvement in Diversity Efforts

By Stacy M. Brown

National Newspaper Publishers As sociation’s (NNPA) longtime partner General Motors joined Toyota in helping automakers set new ethnic diversity and inclusion standards in the United States.

Both automakers reflected best prac tices for ethnic diversity in five of six categories, according to the Rainbow PUSH/Citizenship Education Fund Au tomotive Project’s annual Automotive Diversity Scorecard.

“We have seen many automakers take big steps forward with their diversity pro grams as they have come to see the value of diversity and inclusion programs tru ly,” said the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr., the founder and president of Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

The scorecard provides a snapshot of each automaker’s success at building and sustaining ethnic diversity and in clusion, primarily focusing on people of color.

Jackson developed the scorecard in 2012.

The six areas under consideration are employment, advertising, marketing, procurement, dealers, and philanthropy.

The automakers earn red, yellow, or green grades, depending upon how well each performed in the six categories above.

A company earns a green grade when they’ve met the best practices for ethnic diversity.

Yellow grades signal some indication of diversity goals, initiatives, and ac countability.

A red grade is essentially a failure, meaning an automaker’s diversity “ini tiatives and investments were non-ex istent, not disclosed, or did not provide enough relevant information for scor ing.”

For the first time during the decade the scorecard’s been issued, no automakers

received a red grade.

“We’ve made some progress over the last 12 months,” said NNPA President and CEO Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. “But one of the things we learn from our history is that when you make progress, you must continue, or else you will slide back. So we join this coalition and the Global Automotive Summit in saying to all the auto industry that we want to make more progress.”

son said. “The automotive industry and the communities it serves would benefit from having more Blacks in the C-suites and as owners of dealerships. In addi tion, our advertising agencies need larg er budgets, and, of course, we need to make sure minorities play a meaningful role in the emerging electric vehicle sup ply chain.”

Chavis noted a connection between the auto industry, its success, and the Af

GM and Toyota received green grades in five areas and a single yellow grade in the sixth. GM earned its yellow grade in employment efforts, while Toyota’s was in the dealer network.

However, GM and Toyota scored the highest among the 12 automakers sur veyed this year.

BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswa gen scored the lowest, with yellow grades across the board. Between the high and low marks, Ford, Stellantis, Honda, Nis san, Hyundai, Subaru, and Kia earned between four and one green grade.

“We cannot afford to be complacent — our work is far from being done,” Jack

rican American community and young people.

“We present not just the past but the present and the future,” Chavis said.

Telva McGruder, GM’s chief diversi ty equity and inclusion officer, said the company stands proud because of its progress.

“We recognize that we are in the heart of our journey and continue to drive robust DEI connection through our business actions,” McGruder said. “GM’s commitment to diverse-owned businesses and communities at large re mains central to our overall strategy and ongoing investments.”

The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.

Photo: Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA

Black Census Project 2022

For far too long, Black communities have been left out of the conversation – often spoken about, and rarely listened to. But, that ends now with the launch of Black Futures Lab’s Black Census Project.

What is the Black Census Project?

P A follow-up to the inaugural Black Census Project conducted in 2018, the Black Census Project 2022 is the largest survey of Black people in America in 157 years

P Through a combination of digital outreach and onthe-ground organizing in states across the U.S., we will speak with 200,000 Black people across the country

Why this project matters:

P For our communities to be powerful in politics, we need to make sure all of our voices are heard – the Black Census Project helps to shine a light on what our communities experience every day and what we want to see done about it

P The Black Census Project collects recent and relevant data about who we are, what we go through, and what we want to see done about it. Right now, there’s not enough information about our communities and our needs – the Black Census Project aims to change that

Our goals:

P 200,000 responses to the Black Census Project by July 31, 2022

P 200 organizers focused in CA, WI, NC, GA, LA, and online responses from all 50 states

About Black Futures Lab

about their experiences, opinions, and dreams for the future

P The information gathered from the Black Census Project is anonymous and will be used to identify priority issues for our communities, inform public policy, motivate and activate people to vote, and shape an agenda created for us, by us

P Because we’re not all the same, there are a lot of voices that are getting left out – and that means we’re getting left behind in politics and policy too. The Black Census Project aims to reach people in all of our communities – rural and urban, immigrant and US-born, LGBTQ and straight, incarcerated and formerly incarcerated, and more

P Responses that reflect the breadth and depth of our communities and will be used to build Black political power, transform our communities, and make sure that Black people in this country have everything they need to thrive

The Black Futures Lab (501c3) transforms Black communities into constituencies that change the way power operates - locally, statewide, and nationally. The problems facing our communities are complex - the solutions require experimentation innovation and political power. We work to make Black people powerful in politics so that we can be powerful in every aspect of our lives.

Take the Black Census today at www.blackcensus.org

MICHELLE BROWDER’S $5.5M PROJECT WILL TURN

THE BUILDING THAT WAS USED TO

EXPERIMENT ON ENSLAVED BLACK WOMEN INTO A CLINIC

Because Of Them We Can https://www.becauseofthemwecan.com/

By BOTWC Staff

Michelle Browder is best known for her powerful artwork and civil rights tour company, More Than Tours. Her stops include Montgomery’s former slave mar ket and the old Greyhound bus station where 21 young Freedom Riders fought a vicious battle against an angry mob in 1961. When Browder was 18 years old, she discovered a 1952 painting of white men in suits studying a young Black girl on an exam table. Although it never sat right with her, it inspired her to learn more about The Mothers of Gyne cology: Anarcha, Lucy and Betsey. These were the women who suf fered under the alleged father of gynecology, J. Marion Sims, who performed a number of horren dous experiments on the enslaved Black women. On Browder’s civ il rights tours, she’d pass a statue across the lawn of the Alabama State House, which always gave her chills because it honored Sims.

“Having to recount the history is bad enough. But having to see the ico nography is triggering for someone like me who knows the truth about what hap pened,” Browder explained. She took ini tiative by creating a counter-monument

An Alabama artist and activist is transforming a site once used for medical experiments on enslaved people.

called “The Mothers of Gynecology” that immortalizes the three women who suf fered, located a mile from the Sims statue on the edge of downtown Montgomery.

“When I’d see that statue of Sims, I was infuriated,” Browder said in an interview. “How can this one person be elevated and amplified and honored as the father of modern gynecology but there’s no mention of these enslaved women, girls that were raped and trafficked? I said,

the Mothers of Gynecology Monument, which was unveiled in Alabama on Sep tember 24, 2021. Now, with the help of her nonprofit’s fundraising, she’s been able to purchase the two-story building where Sims practiced. She plans to turn it into The Mothers of Gynecology Health and Wellness Clinic. This $5.5 million dollar project will transform the space into a training center for doulas and mid wives and provide reproductive health care to Black women.

“It’s a museum that teaches the history of gynecology but also has a primary care unit upstairs where medical students from around this country can come. If there are some uninsured women that need support, we’re going to be able to give them that,” Browder explained.

‘I’m going to change that. I’m going to erect a monument,’” she continued.

She made sure to maximize her plat form by working with San Francis co-based artist Dana Albany to create

The museum/clinic will be lo cated at 33 S. Perry St. in down town Montgomery, Alabama, and the center is projected to break ground Mother’s Day 2023.

We stand with you, Michelle!

Photo: Andi Rice for The Washington Post via Getty Images/ Tamika Moore

Michelle Browder is best known for her powerful artwork

Briefs

Club Presents Documentary on Child Sex-Trafficking

By Godfrey Lee

“California’s Forgotten Children” is an award-winning, feature-length doc umentary directed by Melody C. Miller, and, according to the documentary’s website, exposes the commercial sexu al exploitation of children in California.

Survivors shown in the documentary share their individual stories and help the viewer gain insight into this hidden world. Available online, the film can be shared with children who may also be facing such issues themselves wherever they live.

The resilient survivors featured in the film overcame the commercial sexual exploitation that they experienced as children. They are now changing the world by ensuring that no child is forgotten.

Stories from movement leaders like orator Withelma “T” Ortiz Walk er Pettigrew, attorney Carissa Phelps, academic scholar Minh Dang, activist Leah Jonet Albright-Byrd, therapist Ni kolaos Al-Khadra, and educator Rachel

Thomas, M. Ed., were featured in the documentary.

Current statistics and perspectives on sexual exploitation from profession als in social services, law enforcement, advocates and child welfare were also shown in the film.

Through their honest, personal sto ries, viewers can see the real world of sex trafficking by uncovering every aspect of commercial sexual exploita tion. The film presents a better under standing of this crime, and encourages people to act against the injustice, vio lence, and slavery, and keep children safe from behind-doors rape.

Viewers also develop empathy for the children being unjustly arrested for prostitution and learn about how to help empower survivors on their path to freedom.

If you suspect human trafficking or recruitment and grooming in progress, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or the new San Francisco Human Trafficking Ho tline at 1-415-907-9911.

The Matriarchs of the Holidays Can Worry Less this Year

By Paula Penebaker and Josephine McNeal

This is the time of year for grand family gatherings. Thanksgiving is just around the corner and when the aromas of the big turkey dinner have faded, mothers and families will begin preparations for the grand Christmas celebration.

Black moms account for many roles, sometimes therapists, motivators of males in the household, natural textured hair stylists, teach ers, and more. When it comes to the holidays, they also become profes sional chefs, family gatherers and entertainers.

No one, especially moms and grandmoms, the great matriarchs of Black families far and wide, wants the gaiety of the holiday season to be overshadowed by COVID-19. We’ve learned so much over the last year and fortunately, more Black people have had vaccine(s). And while it would be even greater if more had gotten them, now is not the time for nagging.

People have grown weary of hear ing about the virus. The incessant warnings, the issue of whether to wear/not wear masks, when to iso late, and even the hospitalizations and deaths have taken their toll. The good news this season is some

young people may come home for Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks ready to be protectors instead of spreaders.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have joined forces with the We Can Do This Cam paign’s Stay Well Community Health Fairs on campuses like Grambling State and Texas Southern. An event is planned Dec. 3 at the SWAC Cham pionship located at Jackson State University. As a result of the events many young people will leave for home to enjoy the holidays having had at least one vaccination. They will be protectors of their moms, grandmas, aunties and all the other

Black women that hold half the sky. Dads and granddads will appreciate the protection too!

Every person in the country age 6 months or older—in every commu nity, in every corner of America—is eligible to get vaccinated.

If you think you’d like to be vaccinated before the holidays and enter the New Year having protected yourself and your loved ones from serious illness, visit vaccines.gov.

Josephine McNeal is a public relations specialist at CMRignite, and Paula Penebaker is a writer at CMRignite, a strategic marketing agency and a partner of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services We Can Do This COVID-19 Public Education Campaign.

Briefs

23rd Annual Destiny Award Luncheon: - A Conversation with Sterling K. Brown

St. Philip’s School and Community Center will host its 23rd Annual Parrish Family Destiny Award Luncheon fea turing a conversation with Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Sterling K. Brown, Wednesday, March 3, 11:30 pm at the Hilton Anatole. The Student Show case is from 10:30-11:15 am.

Best known for his role in NBC’s criti cally acclaimed drama series THIS IS US, Brown also appeared in the blockbuster movie, Black Panther. A graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Drama from Stanford University, before receiving his master’s degree in Fine Arts from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, he currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife and two children.

In the last two decades Brown has

K. Brown

been featured in over 15 films, 40 television shows, and six theater perfor mances.

His dedication to the craft is repre sented in the nominations and awards

won from the Golden Globe Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, American Black Film Festival, BET Awards, NAACP Image Awards, Critic’s Choice Television Awards, and the list continues.

In 2018, Brown created Indian Meadows Productions under a pact with 20th Century Fox Television. The com pany’s chief mandate is to champion diversity through the development and production of entertaining, educational and inclusive projects across multiple forms of media, including film, broad cast, cable and streaming.

Luncheon Co-Chairs: Kacy and Carter Tolleson

Honorary Chairs: Diana & Todd Maclin Mona and David Munson

Humanitarian Award Recipient:

Ellen and John McStay

The Destiny Awards is an annual lun cheon benefiting St. Philip’s School and Community Center. The luncheon fea tures incredible scholars, athletes, and celebrities as keynote speakers and in moderated conversations. The Humani tarian Award is granted to a local indi vidual or couple who has demonstrated exceptional work bridging relationships between diverse communities.

All funds raised will directly benefit services promoting Christian education, senior services, hunger, student engage ment, and athletics.

Sponsorships are now available

For more details click here https:// www.stphilips1600.org/destiny/

US Department Of Labor Announces Nationwide Effort To Prepare Students For Registered Apprenticeship Programs

As the nation marks National Appren ticeship Week, the U.S. Department of Labor today announced an initiative to expand its pre-apprenticeship opportu nities for Job Corps students and connect them to Registered Apprenticeship pro grams.

The effort will allow Job Corps cam puses throughout the nation to empha size pre-apprenticeship programs in green energy, health care, information technology and other high-growth indus try sectors.

“Pre-apprenticeship programs pre pare students with a set of skills and strategies needed to enter and succeed in a Registered Apprenticeship program or industry-relevant job,” explained Job Corps National Director Rachel Tor res. “Through this initiative, Job Corps

students will spend approximately one year in a pre-apprenticeship program. With the general education, enhanced social skills and hands-on job training they receive, these stu dents will have more career pathways from which to choose.”

Currently, Job Corps offers more than 300 pre-apprenticeship pro grams in the construc tion, advanced manu facturing, renewable resources and energy, transportation, and automotive and machine repair industries.

The initiative announced today aligns with the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to expand Registered

Apprenticeship to build equitable path ways to the middle class and connect a diverse workforce to family-supporting, living-wage jobs.

There are four Job Corps campuses in Tex as: David L. Carrasco (in El Paso), Gary (in San Marcos), Laredo and North Texas (in McKin ney). They offer pre-ap prenticeship training in Building Construction Technology, Bricklay ing, Carpentry, Cement Masonry, HVAC, Painting, Plastering and Plumbing. Oth er career skills training areas include programs in advanced manufacturing, automotive and machine repair, finance and business, health care, homeland

security, hospitality, and transportation.

Founded in 1964, Job Corps is the na tion’s largest job training and education program. It provides students from 16 to 24 years of age with vocational training and academic experiences to increase opportunities toward gainful employ ment and career pathways. A mostly residential program in urban and rural areas, Job Corps centers include dormi tories and a campus environment simi lar to small colleges. Job Corps provides programs and services to students free of charge.

Administered by the department’s Employment and Training Administra tion, the Job Corps network currently has 121 centers in all 50 states, the Dis trict of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Learn more about Job Corps.

Sterling

$11 million plan to help preserve three historic Black Dallas neighborhoods could expand

By Everton Bailey Jr.

Dallas may expand a pro gram to fund home repairs and sewer and water infrastructure improvements in three historic Black neighborhoods to other parts of the city.

The program, approved by the City Council last December, is funded with more than $11.2 million in federal COVID relief money as part of the city’s Amer ican Rescue Plan Act Neighbor hood Revitalization Program. It’s meant to fund work in the historic Tenth Street, Joppa and Five Mile neighborhoods. The city’s housing department as of Thursday lists five homes where repairs are underway.

But now there’s interest from residents and council members to expand the boundaries of the areas where low- and moder ate-income homeowners could be eligible for home repairs, said Thor Erickson, area redevel opment manager for the city’s housing and neighborhood revi talization office.

The program was designed to preserve Dallas historic homes and areas founded as freedmen’s towns. In September 2021, when funding for the program was proposed by council members as a budget amendment, some questioned why other areas in the city founded as freedmen’s towns, like Elm Thicket-North park near Dallas Love Field and Hamilton Park in Lake High lands, weren’t also included.

The areas in the current plan — located in the southern half of the city with predominant ly Black and Hispanic residents — have long been underserved. Some parts of these neighbor hoods lack basic infrastructure, like sidewalks, and have aging

water or sewer systems.

Several of the homes have been owned by the same family for decades.

The program offers up to $100,000 in grants for owners of single-family homes built no earlier than 1959. Eligible house holds must earn no more than 80% of the area’s median in come. In the Dallas area this year, that means a single person can’t

The City Council approved changes to an ARPA -funded program that could mean home repair and infrastructure improvements could go beyond Tenth Street, Joppa and Five Mile.

of amendments to the program, adding the option of extending it to other areas of the city in Qualified Census Tracts. These are areas designated by the U.S.

earn more than $54,560 a year; a family of two can earn no more than $62,400; a family of three can earn no more than $70,160; and a family of four can earn no more than $77,920 to be eligible for assistance.

The program’s budget calls for $6 million for home repairs, $4.7 million for infrastructure improvements and $550,000 for program administration costs. The ARPA money has to be al located by the end of December 2024.

But the City Council on Wednesday approved a series

Department of Housing and Urban Development where the poverty rate is at least 25% or at least half the households earn less than 60% of the area median gross income.

The changes would also allow households outside of Qualified Census Tracts that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and receive federal benefits like Section 8 vouchers, supplemental security income and supplemental nutrition as sistance program benefits into the program. And sidewalks were added as part of the eligible

infrastructure improvements. But widening the net would require more federal relief mon ey, Erickson said. Council mem bers could use $1 million they each control in ARPA discretion ary money to pay for the expan sion, he said, and the city could also divert unused ARPA money from other projects.

“There is no widespread ex pansion of the program until one of those two things happen,” Er ickson said. “As of right now, it’s a what-if scenario.”

That could mean up to $10 million more in reallocated ARPA money through December 2023.

The city has approved more than 50 applications from resi dents in the three neighborhoods

An abandoned home, left, and the Greater El Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, far-right in the distance, at the Tenth Street Historic District of Dallas, in 2021.

Photo: Ben Torres / Special Contributor

$11 Million Plan

that already qualify for the program, according to Erickson. The city set a goal of aiding 60 households — 20 in each neighborhood — with a plan to allocate $2 million in repairs for each neighborhood. Any qualified applications above that will be put on a wait list.

Five homes, three in Tenth Street and two in Five Mile, are listed by the housing department as of Thursday as undergo ing repair work.

The council decision Wednesday also expands the eligibil ity area in the Tenth Street Historic District to include The Bottom neighborhood nearby.

“Some applications for homes that met the criteria for repairs weren’t accepted because they were just outside of Tenth Street,” Erickson said.

The city already has a program to repair homes in Tenth Street, which is a city historic district. That program is fund ed through money from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

But the program is underutilized. The housing department in October reported to council members that the program had a goal of making repairs to 14 homes between October 2021 and September 2022. Only three homes were approved for the program, but no homes were repaired.

More information about the American Rescue Plan Act Neighborhood Revitalization Program and how to apply can be found on the city’s website.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! November 2022

Mr. James and Mrs. Sharon Jones 20 years

Bobby and Tracey Artis 25 years

Haran and Tonya Mayberry Davis 5 years

Mr. Kevin and Tanielle Julien-Ferrier 11 years

Bishop Gregory and First Lady Irvin - 44 years

Prince Harry and Meghan 4 years

Dawrence and Petre Pleasants-White 29 years

Mike and Traci Long 30 years

Mr. Lafayette and Gwendolyn Woods 44 years

Mr. Frank and Mrs. Katrina Williams 36 years

Wayne C. and Connie Cooper 42 years

Larry and Renee Coleman 43 years

Metro Community Calendar

NOVEMBER

American Diabetes Month 25

Poetry Night at Black & Bitter Coffee, 100 S. Main St. Duncanville. From 8 to 11 pm. https://blackandbitter.com/

9th Annual Coats & Cocktails 2022 by Coats and Cocktails DFW. This signa ture event to raise awareness for those in need. At Virgin Hotels Dallas, 1445 Turtle Creek Blvd. From 8 pm to 1 am. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3WJr2xb

27

Brunch on the West End. The hottest DJ in Dallas, drink specials, new brunch items, Sunday Funday 11 am at 3 Eleven Kitchen and Cocktails, 311 North Market Street #100 Dallas. https://bit.ly/3UD 9CjY

28

Black History Game Night: A Real Black Friday. Experience Black History Game Night with an online community as we learn and have fun testing our knowledge of Black History. From 7 to 8:30 pm CST. Reg: http://bit.ly/3OjjGwq

25 & 26

Black FRIDAY and SATURDAY EXPO a 2-day Shopping event. Largest shopping weekend of the year. 9 am to 3 pm Fri. and Sat. Small Business Expo - Popup Store (behind Navy Federal Credit Union) 1515 N Town E Blvd. #129 Mesquite. https://bit. ly/3UXswlZ

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AHYONZ @ Ella B’s Restaurant 1004 N. Collins St. Arlington. 8 to 10 pm. Reserva tions: https://www.ellabsrestaurant.com/ or call: 214-288-0186 ***

The History of Historically Black Colleges & Universities Lunch & Learn Sponsored by Mutual of Omaha. Online event from 12 to 1 pm. CST. Register: https://bit. ly/3NXVSy7

powered by

or artist. While jamming to all your 90s era favs. From 7 pm to 10 pm. at the Ur ban Arts Center, 807 Hutchins Rd. Dallas. https://bit.ly/3Tr0TAd

***

How to Have the Difficult Conversation between Parent and Child about Planning Documents by North Central Texas Aging and Disability Resource Center. FREE webinar for family members and profes sionals. From 10 to 11:30 am Reg: http:// bit.ly/3XeH2aL

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JAZZisLIT | LIVE JAZZ / R&B / SOUL 7 pm at Lit Kitchen & Lounge, 609 North Harwood Street, Dallas. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3fYi4uU

The Viola’s House presents “Pathways to Redemption” Inaugural Black Tie Gala featuring Adrienne Ban field-Norris “Gammy” at 7:00pm in the Statler Hotel Grand Ballroom, Dallas. 5

SAVE THE DATE for the upcoming informa tional sponsor happy hour and mixer for the Dr. Emmett J. Conrad Leadership Program. This information session will provide you with an opportunity to learn about our internship program, ask questions, meet past sponsors, and speak with alumni regarding their experience with the program. 5 - 7 p.m.

UNT Dallas Student Center, Reading Room, 4th Floor

7350 University Hills Blvd. Dallas, TX

Black Author: Connect. Black authors need a space a big one! One where we can share our stories, showcase our work, vent, get solutions and be inspired. Host Black Author Brand. 7 to 8:30 CST Re serve a spot: http://bit.ly/3tGedq8

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90s Paint N Chill DFW Guests will paint a pic of a scene from a 90s tv show, movie,

How We Built This: Journalists Share Ways They’re Using a Fresh Funding Model to Meet a Community Need 6:30 p.m. (room opens 6:15) Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom. us/j/89197420012

Join Fort Worth SPJ for a discussion with jour nalists who successfully transitioned to a new business model that emphasizes the commu nity need for local news. Students just starting out and midcareer professionals will learn what it takes to make a nontraditional format work in Fort Worth. Panelists include:

• Anjie and Shevoyd Hamilton with The Metro Re port, which they started in 2019. Shevoyd worked for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, and both worked for the Fort Worth Business Press. They have three decades of combined news gathering and publishing experience.

• Chris Cobler, publisher/CEO of Fort Worth Report, the only not-for-profit news outlet in Fort Worth.

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/@TexasMet roNews, @fnsconsulting, and You Tube Live @docshepspeaks.

Send your calendar items to editor@texasmetronews.com or call 214-941-0110

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

COOL YULE

T Garcia’s

I Was Just Thinking with Nor ma 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.

Society of Profes sional Journalists

Joe

Lifestyle Metro Calendar powered by

NOVEMBER National Hip HopMonthHistory

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Dallas Comedy Club Presents: FONZO CROW- See Fonzo Crow LIVE at Dal las Comedy Club, Dallas native Fon zo Crow is on FIRE! Located at- 3036 Elm Street, Dallas,75226,US.. Tickets $20 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM CST ***

9th Annual Coats & Cocktails 2022 at Virgin Hotels, 1445 Turtle Creek Blvd. Coats & Cocktails is a coat drive to collect outerwear for women, men & especially children during the holiday season. We invite you to bring new or gently used coats & outerwear for donation to Dallas Life Foundation, Dallas Independent School District & Austin Street Shel ter through Soup for the Soul Event.

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A TASTE OF LOGISTICS

SO YOU HAVE A NEW JOB Let’s talk about communication skills, leadership, and conflict resolution. South Dallas Training Center, 4915 Brashear Avenue

ZOOM: Meeting ID: 857 3474 8062 Passcode: 658479 5-7pm

DECEMBER 1

WORLD AIDS DAY

UTA FAFSA NIGHT

High school students and their families are invited to receive free assistance with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Completing FAFSA is a requirement for receiving federal financial

assistance to attend college. Assistance will be offered during FAFSA Night from 5 - 7 p.m. on the UTA campus.

2

Black Family Business Networking Event Have you been searching for the right online community for you?

1st Black Family Business Network ing Event with Alicia Beatrice. From 6 to 7 pm CST. Online. Reg: http:// bit.ly/3UIu6Ix 3

Dallas Holiday Parade in the Down town Historic District at Main Street Gardens for the 6th Annual Family First Dallas Holiday Festival! 7:00am-3:00pm

1527 N. Galloway Ave. Mesquite. Tickets: www.shadesofbrownt heatre.ticketleap.com/How-Ma ny_Frogs 6

A TASTE OF LOGISTICS

WOMEN MOVING THE WORLD

Listen to the knowledge and experiences of the women who found success in this field.

South Dallas Training Center, 4915 Brashear Avenue

ZOOM: Meeting ID: 857 3474 8062 Passcode: 658479 5-7pm 8

A TASTE OF LOGISTICS

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Learn the dos and don’ts of starting a business, banking, credit and more South Dallas Training Center, 4915 Brashear Avenue

ZOOM: Meeting ID: 857 3474 8062 Passcode: 658479 5-7pm 10

Christmas Musical by DeSoto Parks and Recreation Dept. from 8 to 10 pm. at DeSoto Corner Theater 211 E. Pleasant Run Rd. DeSoto. Tickets: http://bit.ly/3EM8GEE

10-12

BICA Legacy Weekend - Skyline Ranch 13

A TASTE OF LOGISTICS

TECH MOVING THE WORLD

Technology makes the logistics industry more efficient. In this session, find out what that entails.

South Dallas Training Center, 4915 Brashear Avenue

ZOOM: Meeting ID: 857 3474 8062 Pass code: 658479 5-7pm

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Washington-Lincoln Alumni Asso ciation, JINGLE AND MINGLE Christ mas Luncheon, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm at the Hilton Garden Inn, 800 North Main St, Duncanville at $35 Contact Veronica Mosley (214)415-7503

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Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists presents

READ & BLACK

A Journalist’s Holiday Ella B’s , 1004 N. Collins, Arling ton. 6-9 pm Partner: NBC5’s Black Employee Network and Just CHILL Sports Admission - Bring a book suitable for 2-18 years old, to benefit homeless youth at The Promise House

JANUARY

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2023

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The MLK Comedy Kick-Off Corey Holcomb & Friends hosted by Tony Roberts at the Majestic Theatre

14

105.7 Smooth Winter VII featuring Fantasia and Joe, with Special Guest RC Gritz at Texas Trust Theater at Grand Prairie

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The R&B Kick Back featuring TYRESE, Anthony Hamilton and Donell Jones at Texas Trust Theater at Grand Prairie 18

Holiday Scholarship Benefit Perfor mance with Rick Bernard James and Robert Holbert Group at 5:30 pm host

South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc. Purchase Tickets: PayPal: southdallasbpwc.org or Zelle to: southdallas1954@yahoo.com

Ultimate Holi-Day/Night Party Toy Drive by DFW Social 40. Toy Drive

benefiting: Awayoutproject.org. from 3-8 pm at Michael’s Las Coli nas, 925 W John Carpenter Freeway #100, Irving. Tickets: www.dfwso cial40.com 4

Family and Friends Day at New Birth Baptist Church, 444 W. Ledbetter

Christy Dean’s How Many Frogs Do I Have to F#@K to Get a Prince at 5 pm at the Mesquite Arts Center,

DBDT Presents The Espresso Nutcracker In person, On Demand, and Streaming 7 pm. at the Majestic Theatre, 1925 Elm St. Dallas. Tickets: www. dbdt.com