VOL XI NO 10 NOVEMBER 5, 2021
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Established 2011 CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back. November 5, 2021
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INSIDE
FAMU’s Homecoming This year’s homecoming for Florida A&M University (FAMU) was billed as “Epic” and for a number of reasons, the weeklong events met or exceeded expectations. There were celebrities galore. Everyone from Super Producer Will Packer ‘96, who came bearing a $500,000 donation; Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms....
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COUNT / COUNTERPOINT Vaccines and kids. Two words that when mixed together can cause mass hysteria. With COVID-19 cases on the rise, it is time to turn our attention to the younger citizens of our society. It is time to explain to teenagers why they should take the vaccine. The first, and by far most obvious reason for taking the vaccine, is to slow the spread of the virus.
Howard University A movement to address poor housing conditions in dorms at the elite historically Black Howard University in the nation’s Capitol has gained the following of a U.S. Congresswoman and longtime civil rights activist the Rev. Jesse Jackson. The Rev. Jackson and U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley, (D-Mass.), one of Massachusetts’ most high-profile politicians
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November 5, 2021
MY TRUTH by Cheryl Smith Publisher
Let’s talk about issues Public health continues to be a crisis among African Americans and efforts to educate about, find solutions for and eventually eradicate the disparities have to become top priorities for us all. Realizing that not only every month, but daily, attention has to focus on health; this month, one of the many ills wreaking havoc in our communities has to be the most common type of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease. Which brings me to my truth. Medical experts say this progressive disease usually begins with minor memory loss; however the long-term effects are devastating and eventually deadly. Alzheimer’s disease involves parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language. Also considered a brain disorder with attention that has focused mostly on ages 65 years or oldNovember 5, 2021
Realizing that not only every month, but daily, attention has to focus on health; this month, one of the many ills wreaking havoc in our communities has to be the most common type of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease. er; Alzheimers is the 6th leading cause of death, and in the older population it ranks third behind heart disease and cancer. Initially, I couldn’t comprehend what I was hearing; that Alzheimer’s Disease kills. When my loved one was diagnosed with dementia, I immediately thought of Alzheimers and I began researching the disease. It was then I found out that Alzheimers can possibly lead to an inability to respond to the environment. It also results in the shutting down of a sufferer’s body because the brain stops telling the body how and when to function. More and more cas-
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es are being reported of younger sufferers. And interestingly, I hear fewer people joking about memory loss, these days because it’s not funny. Then too, I guess it’s because more and more information is being shared about this debilitating disease. The National Institute on Aging releases great information about Dementia and Alzheimers. Check them out at https://www.nia.nih.gov/ health/11-myths-aboutalzheimers-disease. Florida author Dixie Ann Black is a caregiver for her mom, who is living with Alzheimers. If you get a chance, you should check out her interview from Tuesday, November
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2, 2021 on the National Newspaper Publishers Association’s Facebook page. She talks about the challenges and factors that contribute to Alzheimers and what we should be doing to combat the health crisis in our communities. We can start by eliminating SUGAR! We can also share information, talk about our journeys and issues. And, since November is also National Family Caregivers Month, it can be a springboard for us all to show more concern for caregivers. Whatever illness or situation our loved ones may be dealing with, it always helps to have a loving and compassionate caregiver who is focused on their well-being. And, it is equally important to remember that one day, should we live long enough, we may eventually need a caregiver! myimessenger.com
Local dreamers who became doers I WAS JUST THINKING... By Norma Adams-Wade
On June18, 2020, I began the Texas Metro News blog interviews. I conversed with mainly local African-Americans who are making or have made positive impressions in Dallas’ Black community and the city at-large. One thing that stands out about them is how they got an idea or thought that they felt would improve society, put that thought in motion, and actually carried it to a positive outcome. It’s called realizing a dream. Many of the world’s dreamers – whom I have not interviewed – have worthy thoughts and ideas, but those visions die on the vine. Those individuals are labeled procrastinators, pretenders, imposters – even failures. So, I was just thinking…what does it take to actually realize a dream? One of the individuals who actually realized his dream is a person I have interviewed often, including for The Texas Metro News blog. He is local theater icon Curtis King. I’ve told this story before, but I’ll tell it again. I have this frozen image in my memory of years ago passing a modestly-dressed young Curtis King on a downtown Dallas street, which I do not remember, as he was on his way somewhere. As a local news reporter at that time, I knew him slightly as a yet myimessenger.com
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unknown but promising theater hopeful who had some interesting plans. This son of a farmer and schoolteacher from Coldwater, Mississippi visualized creating a Blackowned theater production company that would produce local performances and bring noted national performers to town. Fast-forward to now and the rest is history. Who today doesn’t know the name Curtis King and The Black Academy of Arts and Letters Inc.? King and TBAAL have a stellar history of bringing notable national greats here to perform in TBAAL’s facility in a wing of the prestigious Dallas Convention Center in downtown Dallas. He also has done productions in the Black-culture-mecca Lincoln Theatre in Washington, D. C. No part of this journey was easy, and we witnessed in awe how King slayed many dragons along the way. Though King is exemplary, he
is one among many that I’ve interviewed for the blog who brought their dreams to life. Some came on the blog more than once, returning with different topics. Some still are taking first steps to jump-start their dream; but as Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” My point of wonderment is, what is that quality that gives some humans an expert follow-through and others only dreams? Here is the chronological roll call of my blog guests: Professor Clarence Glover Jr., Emma Rodgers, Travis Wortham, Dr. W. Marvin Dulaney, Isis Brantley, Sylvia Dunnavant Hines, Curtis King, Diane Ragsdale, Teresa Coleman Wash, Dale Long. Also, Sophia Johnson discussing the Census, Dr. George Keaton Jr., Dr. Linda Amerson, Gia McCloud beauty consultant, Vahnita Loud of Iota Phi Lamb-
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da Sorority, Rev. Dr. Sharon Patterson, Danette Anthony Reed of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Gwen Daniels of South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club, journalist Linda Jones, Rev. Dr. Ouida Lee, photographer Milton Hinnant, community advocate Verna Thomas Melton. Also, Linda Ragsdale Sanders, UT Southwestern professor Jasmin Tiro discussing COVID19 study, journalist/ author Judith Howard Ellis, educator Dr. LaTrese Adkins, Charles O’Neal, Joe Powell, Lewis Rhone, Roger Boykin, children’s author Sharon Jones Scaife, dentist Dr. Michelle Morgan, businessman Al Herron, community advocate Ken Smith, Rev. Gerald Britt, Dr. E. Faye Williams, Genesis Women’s Shelter CEO Jan Langbein, musical tribute to Marian Anderson, Isabell Cottrell -- with entrepreneurs Antoinette Titus, Kim Harris and Sha’Ron Poindexter -- NAACP advocate Arthur Fleming, and finally Werthing Foundation founder Gloria Werthing Reynold – with mentor Carmen Ross and mentee Tamia Thompson. They did it, and you can too. Put your dream in motion. Norma Adams-Wade, is a proud Dallas native, University of Texas at Austin journalism graduate and retired Dallas Morning News senior staff writer. She is a founder of the National Association of Black Journalists and was its first southwest regional director. She became The News’ first Black fulltime reporter in 1974. norma_ adams_wade@yahoo.com
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VOTE
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Calling attention to the missing In Philadelphia, an all-too-familiar plea circulates. The city’s police department said it needs the public’s help in finding 13-year-old Jada Blackwell, last seen on Sunday, October 10, along East Haines Street. Jada stands 5 feet two inches and weighs about 130 pounds. While authorities said they couldn’t describe her clothing, Jada has brown eyes and black hair. Anyone with information should immediately call 215686-3353 or 911. Of course – and unfortunately, Jada Blackwell isn’t an isolated case. On June 11, 17-year-old Janiah Cane went missing from her home in Chicago. Authorities said she has black hair and brown eyes and stands 5 feet 6 inches tall. Janiah reportedly weighs 140 pounds and frequently changes hairstyles. Anyone with information should immediately call 1-800-843-5678, 312-7466000, or 911. Additionally, it’s been nine
Creg Lyles went missing in January
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Janiah Cane was reported missing earlier this year
Jada Blackwell is missing and authorities and her family are seeking help in finding her
months since loved ones last saw Creg Lyles of Waterford, Michigan. The 33-year-old’s disappearance has stunned his distraught family, who said he’s always in contact with his loved ones. “He was actually the glue to his family,” his aunt Sharon Dillon told reporters. Authorities reported that they recovered boots near the apartment complex where Lyles lived that could belong to him. “If anybody knows anything, we want them to contact the Waterford Police Department immediately,” Dillon said. If anyone has information
about Creg Lyles, please call (248) 618-6041. The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) routinely keeps track of missing individuals of color and has endorsed the mission of the Black and Missing Foundation. Derrica and Natalie Wilson started the Black and Missing Foundation in 2008. The nonprofit has continued to raise awareness of missing persons of color and provide vital resources and tools to missing people’s families and friends. At least 40 percent of individuals missing in America are individuals of color. Last month when 22-yearold Gabby Petito, a white wom-
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an, vanished and was later discovered murdered, media outlets were called out for their dogged coverage of that case – they have a practice of lifting missing white people and overlooking individuals of color. “We find that when people of color, men and women, go missing, automatically it’s assumed that there’s some criminal activity involved or they’ve just run away. So they are stereotyped and not taken seriously,” Natalie Wilson has stated. When authorities classify a case as a runaway, there’s no Amber Alert, and the media tends to ignore the matter, she said. “Even if they are runaways, we have to find them within the first 48 hours because we need to understand why they ran away and realize that many are lured into sex trafficking,” Wilson said. For more information on the Black and Missing Foundation, visit www.blackandmissinginc.com. November 5, 2021
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Buy Black Everyday! QUIT PLAYIN’ BY VINCENT L. HALL Let me engage and urge toward joining a movement. Pastor Freddy Haynes and Friendship-West started a campaign called “100 Days of Buying Black.” You know Freddy. Haynes is that preacher who always be talkin’ that “Black stuff!” You know, the kind of stuff you don’t want your White friends, to know we think! Pastor Haynes always reminds us that “if you take a text out of context, you usually end up getting conned! So let me set this up for you. My daughters and I shared a standing joke. Whenever we went shopping, I posed the question; “Do you want to go to White World? They would usually say yes. White World was code for Northpark Mall. NP is my favorite mall in the world. My point was to expose NP as an example of White folks having a good time making each other rich. The 100 Days of Buying Black drive is not an attempt to discriminate. It’s a push to elevate. We need a significant increase in Black business creation, from food services to finance. Danielle Ayers and Abeni Haynes stated the mission. “Friendship-West is committed to economic justice in supporting Black-owned businesses, advocating for just lending practices, and working towards comprehensive sustainable community development. For five years, we’ve provided an opportunity for Black myimessenger.com
Did you spend any money with a Black business today? If you didn’t, who in the Hell do you think did? – Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price, TalkBack Liberation Radio – circa the 1990s
entrepreneurs to promote and sell their goods and services at West Wall Street. In 2021, we’ve commemorated the 100th year since the Tulsa Race Massacre through events and advocacy. We will close out the year by observing the last one hundred days of this centennial Sankofa moment by promoting 100 Days of Buying Black. We are seeking to encourage people across the nation to spend their dollars with Black-owned businesses for 100 days to increase the sales and growth of those businesses. Our goal is to continue the legacy of Black Wall Street by circulating our dollars within the Black community to strengthen our economic base.” I am on this train, and their Facebook Page shows that others are buying black too. I almost shouted Hallelujah when walking into a former co-worker’s business and no-
ticed that he collaborated with another former Southwestern Bell/AT&T employee. Once inside the doors of “Smokey D’Z BBQ,” I saw a refrigerator full of “Absolutely Edible” desserts. Derrick and Nikki J don’t know each other, but their stories are similar. Nikki J had a penchant for baking back in the1990’s. Her “Sweet Potato Thang” will make you “Slap Yo Mamma” and ask Patti Labelle to leave the building. Absolutely Edible has made pastries and specialty cakes for everyone from the city hall to the Governor’s Mansion. In addition, she networks with a diverse group of small businesses. Derrick was selling his BBQ from a pit on street corners. His smoke was so prodigious that people would hunt him down. They both had some real consternation about leaving “corporate America,” but
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they took a chance. 100 Days of Buying Black simply seconds their motion. If they are to be, it’s up to me (we). Derrick and I “dapped” it up. He is an incredible saxophonist and was giddy telling me about his club and bar additions to the Duncanville store. Whenever I run across Nikki J, she glows because she made a life in her calling, rather than just a living for someone else who calls the shots. Derrick asked me about my “Trap Golf” shirt, and I told him that my son-in-law Wayne Birch has his own brand. Cedric the Entertainer and Steph Curry wear it and do so with pride. We talked about our mutual stylist Anthony who has done hair for stars, pro ballers and became the attaché to Michael Baisden. While I was reveling in all of this, my phone rang. Reverend Sharon Harris, the owner of E’s Haven (Three Generation of Elizabeth’s) Academy, is brilliant at molding the minds of young boys. When my two daughters left her, they were far above the learning spectrum for their ages. So I hooked her up with Jamil Byrom, a world-renowned drummer, so he could provide lessons to her students. My publisher Cheryl Smith and others realize that we can’t make it without each other. We need 100 Years of buying in Black World because we have been shopping in White World for the past 400 years and it ain’t working! Let’s make “Black Friday,” “Black Friday” for real. Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and award-winning columnist.
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The Blind Leading the Blind FAITHFUL UTTERANCES BY DR. FROSWA BOOKER-DREW
I love catching up with friends I grew up with. We’ve walked together through so many life moments—college, dating, career changes and opportunities, marriage, birth of children, divorce, death--for decades. Since the pandemic began, we haven’t had the opportunity to travel and visit in person even though we talk and text. Being in person was reminiscent of the times of the past and it was if we never skipped a beat. Catching up was a gift and our laughter turned to serious conversations of hurt, disappointment, and devastation. My friend shared details of a story that I knew in part but had no idea of the depth of the pain she experienced. Although the event happened some years ago, it was as if it just occurred yesterday. Like so many of us, we move on, never taking the time to heal from the hurt. It wasn’t
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a time to give advice. I was there to listen and be present. I wanted her to know I heard her deeply and without judgement. I wanted her to know she wasn’t alone. So often in our desire to help people, we end up doing more damage than good. Because of our unresolved pain and conflict, we tend to shun others from having spaces to really heal and become whole. The church was designed to be a place that was safe and supportive, and yet, this place and the people of the church aren’t always aware of the damage they cause. My friend elaborated on a situation that was caused by people she was close to, that were people of faith, and the way she was handled was not only inappropriate, but their words pierced her to the core. I am reminded of the story in Mark 10:46-52 of Blind Bartimaeus. “Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was
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Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” We often focus on the tenacity of Blind Bartimaeus and his persistence to be healed by Jesus. Yet, think about those who rebuked him and told him to be quiet as he asked for and needed help. As Black people, we have that bad by keeping secrets and saying what happens in our homes stays there. It keeps us in bondage. How often do we silence people because their pain reminds us of our own? How often do we tell people to get over it because we deceive ourselves in believing that we got over it and they should too? Pain isn’t quiet. If it silenced, it is destructive leaving a trail of tears, doubt, confusion, depression, and anxiety. What we are witnessing in our world is so much anger because we’ve rebuked people to push their pain aside, told them to shut up, de-
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manded that they ignore their trauma and move on. That anger has been bottled up and is now boiling over into airline stewardesses being punched, children retaliating from bullying killing classmates, and adults blowing up in restaurants and stores because they want to be heard, seen, and feel valued. What would have happened if folks stopped and listened to Blind Bartimaeus and instead, walked with him to find Jesus for his healing and their own? Blind Bartimaeus threw off his cloak, jumped up and ran to Jesus. We should do the same. Throw off those things that bind us, move in a direction for healing and allow Jesus to guide us to a place of hope and restoration.
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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WILL IT BE DÉJÀ VU FOR 2022? THE LAST WORD BY DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX
It was great to see President Barack Obama in Richmond, Virginia, campaigning with former governor and current gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe on October 23. He reminded me of a college pep rally cheerleader in some ways, encouraging people to get out and vote for McAuliffe and do it now since Virginia has early voting. The cheerleader description is not meant to be disparaging. Except for the gray hair he joked about, Obama appeared youthful and energized as he moved around the stage, voice booming. He also seemed wise as he talked about what is at stake in Virginia, nothing less than our democracy. Can Obama’s enthusiasm overcome Virginia’s historical pattern? Their odd-year elections usually yield a governor in the opposite party of the presidential winner, which means that McAuliffe’s opponent, an acolyte of the former President, is giving the former governor a run for his money. Virginia went blue in 2020, with President Biden carrying the state by 10 points. Since then, though, Biden’s approval ratings have plummeted. That, combined with the historical pattern, suggests that the race is a toss-up. If Democrats lose governor’s races in Virginia and New Jersey on November myimessenger.com
2, both of which pollsters describe as close, that may bode ill for 2022 congressional elections. Democrats already hold a very narrow margin in the House of Representatives. Historical patterns suggest that the President’s party is likely to lose seats in midterm elections. If Democrats lose more than xx seats, they lose control of the House. The 2022 electoral outcomes hinge on turnout, which is why redistricting is a matter of extreme concern and why the voter suppression measures Republicans are introducing in state after state may influence electoral outcomes. Voter turnout will make the difference between whether Democrats can maintain majorities in the House and Senate, but Democratic enthusiasm, over the top in 2020, maybe muted in 2022. President Biden made big promises during the 2020 campaign. Among other things, he told Black voters that he had our backs. What can activists tell Black voters in 2022? Will people who yearn for economic security, better jobs, and voting rights
be satisfied if all Biden and his team can say is that “we tried.” Republican intransigence and the rigidity of Democratic Senators Joe Manchin and (WV) and Krysten Sinema (AZ) have resulted in alterations to Biden’s ambitious Build Back Better legislation. The free community college proposal has already been withdrawn. Will voters be left with enough to motivate them to vote in 2022? President Obama came into office in 2009 with lots of legislative ideas. He pushed the Affordable Care act hard, and it passed, expanding health care opportunities for tens of millions of our citizens. But he advocated for that legislation during a recession when many were more eager for jobs than for health care (the two go together, but jobs are a priority in the middle of a recession). The result? Flawed Republican messaging combined with general electoral malaise turned a Democratic Congress into a Republican one. Obama spent the next two years fighting folks who promised to make him a one-term
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President. He got much less done than he might have, and Republicans set the stage, with their opposition, for the victory of the 45th President. That former President would love to make a comeback, and although Republicans know better, many are rallying around him. Will the 2022 elections set the stage for a recidivist comeback? Our nation seems hopelessly divided, Republicans are increasingly extremist, Democrats are both apathetic and estranged. Progressive Democrats have allowed the great to get in the way of the good, insisting on things that have no possibility of passing in the Senate, tanking legislation before it is even introduced. Progressives aren’t entirely wrong to insist on a higher minimum wage, expanded health care, child tax credits, and economic relief. Still, politics is the art of compromise. How do we compromise on our fundamental rights, like our voting rights? Bravo to Biden for backing off his embrace of the filibuster, but have his comments (not actions) been too little, too late. If the electorate is not motivated by these first months of the Biden administration, will they be inclined to vote in 2022? If they aren’t, we are dealing with 2010 déjà vu. And if that déjà vu returns the former grafter and morally bankrupt President to office, the entire nation will suffer. Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an author, economist, and social commentator.
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Superb Women October 2021
MAHISHA DELLINGER
Mahisha Dellinger is chasing her dreams! Brilliant, beautiful and bold, Mahisha is making moves and she is an expert, in marketing, branding, pitching, presenting and more. Hailing from Sacramento, CA., Mahisha Dellinger is the Founder of CURLS Beauty Brands - a natural hair care brand founded in 2002. She is the author of Against All Odds: From the Projects to the Penthouse. Read the book and learn how Mahisha is resilient, astute and focused. She’s a winner! Mahisha is also a philanthropist and OWN TV (Mind Your Business with Mahisha) personality. A wife and mother, she has a BS degree in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing from California State University - Sacramento. She worked as a marketing manager at Intel before venturing into the world of entrepreneurship where she has excelled and mentors others. She has business coaching conferences,”Black Girls Making Millions”- helping other women business owners navigate the business landscape through mentoring and her vast network. Go to www. curls.biz and you’ll fall in love with Cashmere +Caviar! LINDA ANN ADAMS Linda Ann Adams loves Jackson State University! She is a loyal, supportive alum and she continues to make her November 5, 2021
alma mater proud with her service. Linda Ann Adams is the 5th of 6 girls born and raised in Canton, MS. A graduate of Velma Ware Jackson High, she received her B.S. in Computer Science from Jackson State University. Linda has been employed with DSC Communications Corporation Linda has served as Recording Secretary of the Dallas/Ft. Worth JSU Alumni Chapter, Southwest Regional Board Member of the JSU National Association, and Corresponding Secretary of the DMCBAA. Linda was selected as the 1997-98 JSU DFW Chapter’s Alumnus of the Year, has been included in the International Biographical Center’s “International Youth in Achievement”
directory, and was recognized by Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Dallas as the “Rookie Big Sister of the Year” for 1998. Linda is a member of New Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where she is a member of the Adult Usher Ministry, the Nurses Guild, and the Anniversary Committee; as well as Church secretary and pastor’s secretary. RUTH CHANEL “NELL” BROWN First Lady Ruth Chanel “Nell” Brown is an award-winning educator who sings, volunteers and serves. Ruth Chanel “Nell” Brown is a member of New Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Dallas, TX where she is a Sunday School Teacher, sings in the Women’s Chorus, and works in New
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Mount Zion Day Care Center. Nell graduated from Ennis High School in 1980. After finishing High School she continued her education by attending Navarro Jr. College where she graduated in 1982. Nell later attended UTA where her major was Education. She was employed in Arlington School District for 19 years. A wife and mother, Nell received her diploma in Biblical Studies from the Faith Bible Institute and is an Instructor for the National Baptist Sunday School and B.T.U. Congress. Nell is a 2015 graduate of Dallas Baptist University with a Bachelors Degree in Christian Ministries. Nell is a volunteer for North Texas Food Bank and has helped at battered women’s shelters, homeless shelters, and Viola’s House Dallas.
Cheryl Richards is the senior vice president, chief diversity & inclusion officer for Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau now Visit Dallas. A graduate of LBJ High School and a certified tourism ambassador, she received a B.A. in journalism from the University of North Texas. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,Inc., she is a member of several business community/ civic organizations including Texas Diversity Council, Downtown Dallas, Inc. Board of Governors, Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, University of North Texas Mayborn School of Journalism Board of Directors, NAACP and North Texas Business Leadership Network. A consummate professional, Cheryl has received humorous honors for leadership, distinguished service and community service. She loves old Westerns and classics, like the “I Love Lucy” show. KATRICE R. HARDY
CHERYL RICHARDS
Cheryl Richards is a leader in the industry and makes Dallas look better than GOOD as an executive with Visit Dallas.
Katrice Hardy is a “Louisiana native, diehard Saints and LSU fan who loves helping journalists tell great stories Katrice Hardy is the executive editor at The Dallas Morning News and previously worked at the USA Today Network, Indianapolis Star, The Greenville News and the Virginian-Pilot. She studied at LSU after graduating from University High Lab School -LSU. Hailing from Baton Rouge, actually Port Allen, she’s an myimessenger.com
award-winning journalist who has led several newsrooms as they achieved numerous accolades. A consummate professional with the highest ethical standards, Katrice is smart, intuitive and visionary. A wife and mother, Katrice is a past board member of the Associated Press Media Editors and a member of the National Association of Black Journalists, where she was a former president of the Hampton Roads, VA chapter. She served on the board of the South Carolina Press Association and was a graduate of Furman University’s Diversity Leadership Institute for senior leaders. Katrice is a history maker. She is Black History! She is OUR history!
she received the Angelo Henderson Community Service Award from the National Association of Black Journalists. A wife and mother, Chelle has raised thousands for scholarships and she mentors young girls and aspiring journalists, in addition to stressing the importance of STEM programming to high school students. LA’WONDA PEOPLES
CHELLE LUPER WILSON
Chelle Wilson is every woman! She’s beauty, brains and bodaciousness. Chelle Wilson received a BA degree in Broadcast Journalism from Langston University and studied Multicultural Women’s & Gender Studies (M.A.) at Texas Woman’s University. She is currently pursuing her doctorate degree. An accomplished writer with works appearing in Texas Metro News, Garland Journal and I Messenger; Chelle is a much sought after speaker and facilitator. Chelle has worked as a Marketing Brand Manager for Sally Beauty Company, District Sales Manager for Allstate, and in advertising for ProLine Corporation. She is a member of Business Owners Idea Café, Langston University Alumni Association, Marketing to Women Network, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (International Secretary), Links Inc. and Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists. Chelle is a former Ms Langston University and in 2019 myimessenger.com
LaWonda Peoples hails from the great city of Selma, AL but lives in Fort Worth. La’Wonda Peoples attended Alabama Lutheran Academy and College and is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University where she received a Bachelors degree in mass communications. She retired from American Airlines where she was a manager. A NCTRCA Certified Minority Vendor, this mother and grandmother is the President/CEO/Founder of Eventfully Yours Company. Absolutely a pro at event planning and utilizing the resources and expertise of a cadre of professionals in providing services and goods, LaWonda is the person you want to call to insure that your event is exquisite in every way. The former chair of the UNCF - Dallas area Advisory Council, La’Wonda is a member of several Chambers of Commerce and she also has an impressive clientele that depends on her because of her quality experience, presentation and delivery of services and goods. DANETTE ANTHONY REED Danette Anthony Reed is International First Vice President for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Danette Anthony Reed is a Life Member, initiated in the Gamma Chi
Chapter at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL., where she received her BS degree in Industrial Engineering. She also received an MBA from SMU. Danette is a Charter Member of Omicron Mu Omega Chapter in Dallas, TX. A retired corporate executive for PepsiCo, FritoLay Division, she was the first African American woman Plant Director for Frito-Lay and was awarded a PepsiCo Chairman’s Award, which recognizes and rewards distinguished and extraordinary leaders. Danette is a Charter member of the Greater Denton County Chapter of The Links, Incorporated; a member of Carrousels of Dallas and Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc.; a Board Member for the YMCA of Plano; a former Girl Scout Leader; and former member of the Parks and Recreation Board for the City of Carrollton, TX. EBON’NAE “FAITH” PIGGEE
Ebon’Nae “Faith” Piggee’s journey is wonderfully inspiring and motivating. When you consider the sacredness of her work, you have to realize she is a blessing! Ebon’Nae “Faith” Piggee is a Doula Mentor/Placenta Instructor at Royal La Mére Birth & Wellness. The Founder and Owner at Dallas Royal Doulas,
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she is a former Certified Childbirth Educator at Organic Birth Experiences/ DeSoto Birth Class. Ebon’Nae is a Certified Birth Boot Camp Educator - specializing in newborn care, breastfeeding, Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (Vbac) prep, and doula care. Hailing from Louisville, KY, where she graduated from Maple Heights High School and then studied at Paul Quinn College, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Communication. She was a member of NABJ, the Quinn Quill (campus newspaper) and also received presidential honors. Ebon’Nae is a former elementary school teacher. A wife and mother, Ebon’nae is grounded in her faith and commitment to providing the best birthing experience for the entire family. MARIA DOUGLAS REEVE
Maria Douglas Reeve is a selfproclaimed “news junkie.” Her love of journalism has catapulted her into a position few Black women in the world have held. Prior to assuming the position of Executive Editor of the Houston Chronicle, Maria Douglas Reeve held several positions at the Star Tribune and the St. Paul Pioneer Press. She began her career as a journalist at the Bradenton Herald. A graduate of Davidson College with a B.A. degree English, she received a Master’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Maryland. A very active member of the National Association of Black Journalists, Maria received Certified Change Agent credentials from Hearst. A wife and mother, Maria is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Smart, strategic and focused, Maria has a charming personality and is committed to journalistic excellence. November 5, 2021
MILDRED S. CARRETHERS
Mildred Square Carrethers has received the Chieftainship Title from the Village of Ogidi, Nigeria’s Yoruba Tribe. Mildred Square Carrethers was born in Scotlandville, LA, the eighth of 12 children. She was active in the family church and helped on the family farm. Upon graduating from high school, Mildred, on a full academic scholarship, received a BS degree with high honors, in accounting from Southern University. After graduation she worked as a financial analyst for Humble Oil Company’s (Exxon). She received an MBA in Finance and Economics from Loyola University and became a Certified Public Accountant. She spent a three-year assignment based in West Africa as a controller. From 2008-2015, Mildred was a partner in HBP Group (operating company of Louisiana IHOP Restaurants.) A member of The Links, Inc, The Girl Friends, Inc, and Carrousel, Inc.; she is a life member of the Scotland High School and Southern University Alumni Associations; NAACP; and founding member, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. JEANNIE M. COE FLOOD A true gem, Jeannie M. Coe Flood is a born leader and great team member! Jeannie M. Coe Flood, a native of Moss Point, MS, received her B.A. in Sociology from Tougaloo College. A past President of the Dallas Metroplex Council of Black Alumni Associations; a charter member of the Tougaloo College DFW Alumni Chapter; a charter member of the Creative Communicators Chapter of Toastmasters International; November 5, 2021
and a member of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Jeannie is committed to youth, education, and community service. She was a 2018 induction into the Tougaloo College National Alumni Association Hall of Fame. As a member of New Mt. Zion Baptist Church she served as a Girl Scout Leader. She was selected as an Outstanding Young Woman of America for 1988 in recognition of outstanding ability, accomplishments and service to the community. She has been employed with the federal government in asset management and resolution services.
senior year. Bennyfer continued her education at the University of Texas at Dallas where she received her Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. A Professional Registered Parliamentarian in 2019, she is a member of various organizations including the National Association of Parliamentarians; American Society for Quality; and Louisiana Association of Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board. A Sr. Software Quality Engineer at Raytheon, Bennyfer is a past president of the Omicron Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., she is also a certified graduate advisor. NENA SHREE TAYLOR
BENNYFER LYNETTE BRIDGEWATER
She’s a Summa Cum Laude graduate, a community servant, and yes, she’s a Jaguar. A native of Plaquemine, LA, Bennyfer L. Bridgewater was initiated into the Beta Psi chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., at Southern University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Her excellence in her field was recognized even more when she was named Electrical Engineering Student of the Year her
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Nena Shree Taylor, a Dallas, Texas native, community leader and servant always knew she wanted to be an Alpha Kappa Alpha Woman! Nena Shree Taylor received her Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Wiley College in May 1988. She began her career at Wyatt’s Cafeteria and was blessed to continue her career at her alma mater as the assistant director of admissions and recruitment from 19901997. Wiley College opened doors for her to move to Dallas as the director of admissions and recruitment at Paul Quinn College from 1997-2009. Ms. Taylor later landed a great opportunity, as a senior academic advisor with Dallas County Community College District-North Lake College; where she currently works in Student Services and Enrollment Management. A graduate of Conway Senior High School, she is a member of Friendship-West Baptist Church and is a dedicated and life member of her beloved alma mater, Wiley College.
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KMEAL ONA WINTERS
Kmeal Ona Winters is a native of Kansas City, MO, and graduate of Westport High and in her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with friends, traveling, cooking, bike riding, skiing, and any thrill-seeking adventure. Kmeal Ona Winters received a BS degree in Business Administration and Accounting from University of Kansas and a MBA degree with a concentration in financial consulting and accounting from Southern Methodist University. Kmeal has decades of asset management and client reporting experience in the commercial real estate industry. She is currently employed as a vice president in asset management at Spirit Realty Capital. Kmeal is a member of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW), Urban Land Institute, National Black MBA Association and certified commercial investment member of the CCIM Institute. She has previously served on the board of Credit Union of Texas, CREW Dallas, CREW in the Community, DFW Chapter of the National Black MBA Association, and the Energy Corridor Managed District in Houston, Texas. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, she has also volunteered for Girls, Inc., Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and many others. CARMEN MURRY BRANCH Carmen Murry Branch is a go-to person for corporate communications. Carmen Murry Branch hails from Great Bend, KS and graduated from Great Bend High School. She studied Journalism Business Communications at the University of Kansas, where she received her Bachelors Degree. Carmen is the vice president of Corporate Communications-External myimessenger.com
Communications at Comerica Bank. A former regional director of Marketing & Communications - South Central Region for the March of Dimes; Assistant Director of Communications and Media Relations for the Big 12 Conference, Student Assistant for University of Kansas Athletics. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America - Dallas Chapter and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. - Collin County Alumnae Chapter. Carmen has worked locally and regionally with Delta Sigma Theta because she is committed to community and public service. She is passionate about arts and culture, children, education, and health; with a special interest in financial literacy, especially for underserved and communities. LUMBIE MLAMBO
Lumbie Mlambo is a publisher, a game changer, and an international voice for the voiceless. Lumbie Mlambo is the CEO/Founder of JB Dondolo, Inc., a nonprofit organization that helps underserved and impoverished communities struggling with the lack of clean water. She is a Global Goodwill Ambassador(GGA), UN Global Leader, UNA-USA Global Goals Ambassador, UNA Women Member, member of ForbesWomen Forum and myimessenger.com
Global Citizen Forum. Lumbie is a work/ life balance expert, a humanitarian, a voice for the voiceless, and an awardwinning motivational speaker. A wife and mother, Lumbie was born in Zimbabwe is also the publisher of Equanimity Magazine. She is a graduate of Indiana University South Bend and Texas Woman’s University. She received the Mavericks Community Shining Star Award (recognizing her organization’s work internationally) by the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). Lumbie serves as the advisor for The Global Futurist Initiative which accelerates youth action through the power of expression. Also, she is a member of ForbesWomen and Global Citizen Forums.
MS in Counseling and Guidance and a Doctorate Degree of Education in Counseling and Guidance from Texas A&M -Commerce. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR). TRAMEIKA VAXTER
DR. PAMELA JOHNSON
Dr. Pamela Johnson is a skilled and licensed professional with more than 20 years of experience as a practitioner, educator, and corporate consultant. Dr. Pamela Johnson has successfully facilitated individual counseling and coaching, career guidance, group training and staff development. She has had a private practice working with individuals impacted by relationship/ family issues, substance abuse, HIV/ AIDS, and gender/cultural diversity issues. She consults organizational leaders in Cultural Diversity, Sexual Harassment, Leadership, and Performance Solutions. Dr. Pam is the author of “AIDS and African Americans”, and “Everyone is Multicultural: Bridging Cultural Influences with Leadership Success.” Dr. Johnson received a BA in Communications from the University of Houston where she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; an MA in Business and Human Development from Amberton University; and, a
A graduate of Long Beach Polytechnic High School, Trameika Vaxter, approaching her 25th anniversary, is a wife and mother; as well as a seasoned PR Pro! Trameika Vaxter is the President of PeRfect Plan Public Relations, LLC., providing strategic planning, media relations, brand management and event PR; management services; social media strategies and plans; and more. Trameika attended California State UniversityFullerton and an MBA in Marketing from University of Phoenix and received a BA in Communications with an emphasis on Public Relations. She received her certification in Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace from Essec Business School and is a member of the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce Leadership and Fort Worth Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Greater Fort Worth Chapter. She previously served as Executive Vice President of Ware & Associates, Inc.; Public Relations Senior Account Executive at Cooksey Communications; Public Relations Account Executive at LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS Aviation, American Airlines, and Harley-Davidson accounts. GWENDOLYN JONES Gwendolyn Jones has walked the path of recovery from victim to survivor to an overcomer; and knows that healing is possible.
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Gwendolyn Jones is the founder/ executive director at ARISE! International, Inc., which is devoted to helping survivors heal emotionally and spiritually from the impact of sexual violence. Out of her pain to heal ARISE! International, Inc (Adults in Recovery and Informed Against Sexual Exploitation) was established in 2007. Gwen’s work has been recognized by the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, DeSoto City Council, Lancaster Police Department, Domestic Violence Advisory Commission Advisory Commission (DVAC), Genesis Women Shelter & Support, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship and other community groups and organizations. She has completed certification for the Sexual Assault Training Program (SATP) from the Texas State Attorney General Offices administered by the Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center, Turning Point Rape Crisis Agency and Parkland Victim Intervention Program (VIP). Gwen has written onsexual abuse and her outreach has significantly benefited others. Born in Monroe, LA., Gwen came to Dallas when she was 12. A former manager of methods and procedures at AT&T, she graduated from Lincoln High School. CANDACE E. WICKS
Candace E. Wicks definitely has a November 5, 2021
testimony worth hearing. She is smart and visionary; resilient and focused. Candace is a survivor Candace E. Wicks was named Dallas ISD Teacher of the Year in 2007 when she taught at Erasmo Seguin Community Learning Center in Oak Cliff, and she had a big celebration when she eventually retired from the District after a long and impressive career as an Early Childhood Educator. Candice attended Bishop Dunne Catholic School. She studied government and sociology at Huston– Tillotson University and political science at Bishop College. She also served as an elected delegate to the 2014 Texas State Democratic Convention. Also a graduate of Texas Woman’s University, she has served as a City of Dallas Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center Advisory Board Member. As a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, she served as a representative of the Dallas PanHellenic Council, and also as the South West Regional Director of the National Pan Hellenic Council. She’s Division 1 Parliamentarian for the American Legion Auxiliary and a long-time member of New Hope Baptist Church. KATRYNA LISTER WARREN
Katryna Lister Warren is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and has had an impressive career and a legacy of service. Katryna Lister Warren, a native of Dallas, Texas, is the youngest child of Odell and Lillie Lister. Ms. Warren graduated from Bishop Dunne High School and has served on the board of directors. Following high school she attended the University of Oklahoma where she graduated with a BS degree in Chemistry and was initiated into the Kappa Psi chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha November 5, 2021
Sorority Inc. Since graduation, she worked for more than 30 years in the medical device industry. Katryna is a member of Concord Missionary Baptist Church, where she serves as a deaconess and is active in Thrive, the Marriage Ministry. Her other interests and hobbies include needle work, word puzzles, movies, and traveling. Ms. Warren loves to collect Christmas tree ornaments for every travel adventure. A wife and mother, Katryna is the director of Regulatory Affairs Vision Care for Alcon Laboratories. LUERETHA JONES-SLACK
Lueretha Jones-Slack is a community servant who loves her community and her alma mater, Morgan State University. Lueretha Jones-Slack graduated from Lowndes County High School and is a proud graduate of Morgan State University where there is the Lueretha Jones-Slack Endowment for a Business Administration major who is in financial need. She has also served as president of the Dallas/Ft. Worth Alumni Chapter of Morgan State University Alumni Association. Lueretha is a community servant who has had an impressive career in banking at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage as an Emerging Markets Manager and lastly as Vice President- Corporate Public Affairs, Community Reinvestment and North Texas CRA market manager at Comerica Bank A world- traveller, Lueretha has served on the board of The Jeffries Street Learning Center, Cedar Hill Public Improvement District and Turner 12 Inc.
Magnet and Florida A&M University alum. Tiffinni A. Young hails from Dallas, TX.. notably Pleasant Grove! A graduate of Lincoln Humanities and Communications Magnet, Tiffinni went on to graduate from Florida A&M University (political science) and spent the first two years of law school at the University of Arkansas and then spent one year as a visiting student at Texas Wesleyan School of Law. She has been a member of the Golden Gate Missionary Baptist Church since she was a child. She was appointed to the inaugural City of Dallas Youth Commission in 1994 and later appointed to the Park & Recreation Board. She also represented District 7 on the Dallas City Council. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, she also serves on the Maurine F. Bailey Cultural Foundation and BaylorScott&White Health & Wellness Center Board. Tiffinni is the CEO of TAY Strategies and host of the TAY Strategies Live podcast, offering: • Community Engagement • Media Relations/ Training • Non-Profit Management • Political Campaign Management • Public/Government Affairs • Public Speaking Coaching
TIFFINNI A. YOUNG The Honorable Tiffinni A. Young, Former Dallas City Councilwoman, is a proud native of Texas and Lincoln Humanities and Communications
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VEE JORDAN
Vee M. Jordan is considered to have high ethical standards, in addition to being hardworking, compassionate, creative and supportive. Vee M. Jordan is an award winning publisher and was recently honored as the Psi Chapter (Iota Phi Lambda Sorority) Outstanding Soror of the Year. Currently, she serves as chapter journalist and chair of the public relations committee and she has also represented the sorority on the local, regional and national levels. Vee, who retired from Dallas County Community College District (now Dallas College) after more than 40 years as a computer specialist, was lauded for her commitment, quality work and work ethic. She is highly revered and celebrated. Vee attended South Oak Cliff High School, where she played in the band and was Captain of the majorettes for the Golden Bears Marching Band. The Dallas Cowboy fan went on to attend the University of Houston. An only child, she is also the proud mother of a son. CARRINGTON WHIGHAM
Carrington Whigham is a born leader, but also a great team player. Engaging, organized and prepared, she is serving with distinction at FAMU! Carrington Whigham is making Dallas proud as the President for Florida A&M University Student Government Association. A fourth year Broadcast Journalism major and Theater minor Carrington graduated from Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Since the age of eight, Carrington has performed at The Black Academy of Arts and Letters. She has performed Hamilton “My Shot” with Broadway’s Miguel Cervantes, and has been cast myimessenger.com
in several professional shows. A proud member of the Original Beta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc, where she serves as the Connections chair, Carrington continues to excel academically and has served as one of Texas Sen. Royce West interns, through the Dr. Emmett J. Conrad Leadership Program; working at UT Southwestern Academic Medical Center, in the office of Communications, Marketing, and Public Affairs, for two summers. Last year she was Vice President of FAMU’s Student Government Association! VALERIE BALLARD
We have a problem with housing for veterans and Valerie Ballard is working to eradicate that issue. She is committed and works tirelessly for veterans, addressing homelessness and employment. Valerie Ballard is the executive director of Operation Tiny House. A Dallas native and former newspaper publisher, she has extensive experience in Business Management/Administration and Nonprofit Development, Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations. Valerie is also the founder of a nonprofit organization that provides transitional and permanent housing, job training and employment opportunities for Veterans experiencing homelessness, North Texas Capacity Builders. She attended El Centro College, studying Small Business Administration/Management. Grounded in faith, Valerie is committed to and passionate about the work she does for veterans. A graduate of David W. Carter High School, she actually has grown up knowing and caring about veterans and continues her work to ensure affordable, safe, clean and functional housing for those who have served their country. myimessenger.com
DENITA LACKING -QUINN
Denita Lacking-Quinn has a smile that is so radiant. She is hard-working, eager to learn, a joy to be around; and she’s raising her children to be servant leaders just like their mom! Originally from Milwaukee, WI, DeNita Lacking-Quinn works for the City of Dallas as a Senior Outreach Specialist. Previously she was a community engagement coordinator for the City of Glenn Heights. She is also the founder of DFW Black Bloggers and enjoyed stints as the President and CEO of Achieve PR and as a producer at Tribune Media. DeNita has also worked at DART, DFW Elite News and Fidelity Mortgage. She studied at Dallas College, the University of Phoenix (BBA in Business Administration Dartmouth. Denita serves as Vice Chairman - Board of Directors for Native American Business Association - NABA and she is on the board of Arts Mission Oak Cliff, Southern Dallas Progress Community Development Corporation, and Board member of Friends of Fair Park. A member of the Psi Chapter - Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, she is also a past board member of the Press Club of Dallas. VANNA COLLINS World Traveller Vanna Collins is a Braid Stylist, certified yoga instructor and reiki practitioner, philanthropist, media personality and “full-on lover of life!” A Dallas native and graduate of Lincoln Humanities and Communications Magnet High School, Vanna Collins says her “ultimate mission is to share the correlation of the Mind, Body & Spirit and how to successfully combine the three for a
total body and life experience.” The former VP of Community Affairs at Southern Dallas County Business & Living Magazine, studied at Texas Woman’s University and owns Demure Model Management. She created TuffBaby’s Organic Essentials, an organic product line that boasts hair growth products, herbs, household sprays, essentials oil blends, apparel and more. Check her out at www. vannacollins.com. Braids By Vanna 4041 W. Wheatland Rd. | Suite 112 Dallas, Texas 75237.The Vanna Collins Show. For guest inquiries and interviews: info@vannacollins.com GLORIA WERTHING REYNOLDS
Gloria Werthing Reynolds is a passionate woman who is committed and a true community servant who has a legacy service. Gloria Werthing Reynolds is a non-profit executive, DEI strategist, and professional development leader with passion for mentoring. The cofounder and CEO of the Werthing Foundation, Gloria is managing director of Werthing Pathways to Success & Girl Power Academy and also world as University Recruiting Lead for
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Korn Ferry and Program Manager/ Recruiter for INROADS. Hailing from Jackson, TN, she received a BBA Degree from Tennessee State University, and an MBA from the University of Dallas. A wife and mother, she is a proud and active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Links Inc. She is an experienced executive who is skilled in strategic and event management, team building and fundraising. Gloria is full of energy and brings joy into any room she enters. Her commitment of excellence and service speaks volumes about why she is superb! CHANNING HILL
There’s a new CHILL in town and this one you definitely shouldn’t underestimate! Channing Hill has a warrior spirit, fighting to put an end to injustices.. She is Black History in the making! Channing Hill is a junior at Howard University, studying Legal Communications. Active with the NAACP, serving as president of the Chapter on campus, and also active in Texas; Channing is part of The Live Movement campus organization that co-organized the sit-in at the Blackburn Center. A graduate of Trinity High School in Texas, Channing has interned in State Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s office and she has also participated in Sen. Royce West’s Dr. Emmett J. Conrad Leadership Program. Passionate about fighting injustices,Channing excels on the debate team at Howard and she uses her skills to articulate the issues and feel solutions. Channing is fiery, focused and committed. The recipient of numerous scholarships, Channing is about service, scholarship and seeking justice. November 5, 2021
EPIC
FAMU’s Homecoming is Black History
By Cheryl Smith This year’s homecoming for Florida A&M University (FAMU) was billed as “Epic” and for a number of reasons, the weeklong events met or exceeded expectations. There were celebrities galore. Everyone from Super Producer Will Packer ‘96, who came bearing a $500,000 donation; Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms ’91; Comedians Roy Wood Jr . 01’ and Kevin Hart, Rappers Lil Baby and Moneybagg Yo, ABC President Kim Godwin ‘84, Director Rob Hardy ‘96, journalist Stephen A. Smith, R&B singer Anthony Hamilton, Coach Rudy Hubbard; The President of Funk George Clinton; Atty. Ben Crump; and other FAMU alums former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, former Dallas City Councilwoman Tiffinni A. Young: Judge Zebedee Wright; Westside Gazette Publisher Bobby Henry Sr., and Television show host/actress Rashan Ali. There was the homecoming convocation, concerts, fashion show, and of course, tailgating! And, more than 31,800 crowded into Bragg Stadium with probably three times as many crowding the streets and areas outside the stadium; which included hundreds of opponent Grambling State University (GSU) supporters, alumni and fans. For the coaches, it was the first matchup for FAMU Coach Willie Simmons and GSU’s Broderick Fobbs since they November 5, 2021
Delta Ms. FAMUs over the years
FAMU receiver JAH'MARAE SHEREAD breaks in for a touchdown and led FAMU to a 26-3 win over Grambling State University
South Florida legendary Coach Billy Rolle now an Associate Head Coach at FAMU
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Jersey Girls - TMN Publisher Cheryl Smith and FAMU Law student
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FAMU SGA Presidents Carrington Whigham ‘21 and father, Andrew Whigham ‘86.
Mr. and Miss FAMU 2021
faced one another in the 2017 State Fair Classic when Simmons was at Prairie View A&M University. The “Epic” nature of the homecoming continued with the contest on the gridiron, where FAMU and GSU haven’t faced off since they prepared for the game that was canceled in 2001. On Saturday FAMU was victorious 263. For Andrew Whigham, who is a regular at his alma mater’s annual events; this was a special homecoming as he and his wife, Deardra made plans to travel from Dallas, Tex to Tallahassee and their son was joining them from Miami, where he attends grad school. Just as he did in 1986, Andrew’s daughter, Carrington, presided over homecoming activities in 2021 as Student Government Association President. “Words can not express how I feel right now, I’m full,” said Mr. Whigham. “I am so proud of her and I just wish my parents were here to share this moment with us. You know we are third generation Rattlers.” Andrew’s SGA term was considered Photos Credit: Tiffinni A. Young
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Rashan Ali and Tiffinni A. Young
Omega Men Stew d' Que and Styly
Rattler Cheerleaders enjoy the Marching 100 at Halftime
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“Epic” also as he served when FAMU celebrated its Centennial and he was dubbed the “Centennial SGA President,” managing a $500,000 budget. In 2020, Carrington was elected SGA Vice President and in the Spring of 2021 she was elected president; overseeing a seven-figure budget. The graduate of Dallas’ historic Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, who also is a participant in Sen. Royce West’s Dr. Emmett J. Conrad Leadership Program, Carrington is a broadcast journalism major with a minor in theater. She laughs when recalling how emotional her father gets “choked” up about her accomplishments, acknowledging that he still loves to give her advice. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, like her mother, Carrington enjoyed the “Epic” homecoming and under her leadership, many say you can count on it being an “Epic” year.
Sheread had four catches for 51 yards and one touchdown
Beta Alpha Deltas (BADST) give over $100,000 to FAMU
Will Packer
Tiffinni Young with former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick
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The Johnson Ms. FAMUs with comedian Roy Wood Jr. '01
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Rapper Trick Daddy enjoying the HC game
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Yvette Council Waters and Dr. Lillie Burke Granger return to Homecoming in style
GSU's Atty Darryl Washington and FAMU's Tiffinni A. Young
The Drum Majors
The Johnsons and Whighams of Dallas
Photos Credit: Tiffinni A. Young
SGA Presidents Andrew and Carrington Whigham
Atty. Ben Crump, Stewart Curet and another Chi Theta brother
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Former Rattler Hoops star Paul Grady returned to the hill to enjoy HC
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Photos Credit: Richard Moore
November 5, 2021
November 5, 2021
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Join us for a FREE EVENT! Saturday, November 6, 2021 10:00 AM-2:00 PM Juanita J. Craft Recreation Center 4500 Spring Avenue Dallas, Texas 75210 Join the fight against chronic diseases in North Texas. Enjoy a harvest of fall wellness activities. Register now!
2021harvestfestival.eventbrite.com
Health and Wellness Expo Free health screenings Fitness challenges Cooking demonstrations Free flu shots Free COVID-19 vaccines
Giveaways
Farm Stand Free food & samples
* Social distancing and masks required.
Sponsorships For sponsor opportunities contact: Andrea Hayes Sr. Marketing PR Consultant Andrea.Hayes@bswhealth.org Photography may include models or actors and may not represent actual patients. Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2021 Baylor Scott & White Health
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November 5, 2021
Black Man: It’s Time to Talk about Homosexuality OUR VOICES By Thomas Muhammad You Damn skippy homosexuality is a very dangerous lifestyle and a selfish one because at the end of the day it comes down to an individual’s selfish need to satisfy their sexual gratification period!
Nothing comes from it, no true happiness, no children, no normal life, no nothing; and that’s completely t-totally wrong for our civilization as Black people! I mean what happens to our kind if a majority of us take your selfish position? Those of us from the ‘old school’ were already set for black genocide, which the late popular singer Curtis Mayfield predicted in his awesome late
60’s tune “We People Who Are Darker Than Blue!” He goes on…”know If we have great respect for our sisters and mothers it’s even better yet, but there’s that joker in the streets loving one brother and killing the other so when the time comes and we are really free there’ll be no brothers left you see?” Therefore we don’t have the brothers left to sacrifice nor the time for your selfish genocidal sex escapades!
So take time to seriously think about our people’s survival and Stop This crap! After all, you don’t even really matter in the whole grand scheme of the advancement of that predominantly White folks behavior! Check out how easily Pete Buttigieg sailed thru the US Senate for confirmation to become transportation secretary on a vote of 100-0 meaning even the Democrats supposed evil Senate Republicans voted for him after which they held up all of Biden’s picks who were Black, brown, Asian, Native American, and even women picks were held back by the Republican Senators before finally making the cut! Now understand that I’m not calling on anyone to do you physical harm, but what I’m saying is that, yes you have the right to do with your body what you want! What I’m calling on you to do is be like King, Malcolm, Garvey, Harriet and yes even Baldwin who himself was a practicing homosexual! But Baldwin. Never put his fight for his sexual life before his fight for Black Lives! So think young brothers, this is a warning to follow what brother Spike Lee says in his awesome historic film, “Do The Right Thing!” Until then the Struggle continues… Thomas Muhammad is Chairman of the National Black United FrontNBUF-Dallas he can be reached at nbufdallas@gmail.com
November 5, 2021
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Build Back Better Framework is a Down Payment on The American Dream TO BE EQUAL By Marc Morial For decades, American families have struggled to achieve the American dream of economic prosperity, homeownership, and financial freedom due to years of neglect and failure of investment from Congress and the Trump administration. The United States ranked 22nd in U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 “Best Countries for Raising Kids” rankings, and 34th of 35 in Asher & Lyric’s “Raising a Family Index.” Among 31 countries rated by UNICEF for family-friendly policies, the United States fell at the very bottom. The World Economic Forum’s Global Social Mobility Report ranked the United States 27th. We have the worst income inequality among the G7 nations. The Social Progress Index, which measures the extent to which countries provide for the social and environmental needs of their citizens, ranks the United States 27th. By almost every conceivable metric, the United States has fallen behind. This week, President Biden reassured the American people that their dreams have not been forgotten. While the framework for the Build Back Better Agenda and Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill President Biden announced on Thursday does not include all of the National Urban League’s myimessenger.com
President Biden
“We need to build America from the bottom up and the middle out, not from top down with the trickle-down economics that’s always failed us. I can’t think of a single time when the middle class has done well but the wealthy haven’t done very well. I can think of many times, including now, when the wealthy and the super-wealthy do very well, and the middle class don’t do well. These are not about left versus right, or moderate versus progressive, or anything else that pits Americans against one another. This is about competitiveness versus complacency. It’s about expanding opportunity, not opportunity denied. It’s about leading the world or letting the world pass us by.” – President Biden priorities, it is a substantial down payment on a historic investment in a prosperous future. The framework is heavily based on the Main Street Marshall Plan, the National Urban League’s comprehensive plan
to lift urban communities out of poverty and stimulate their economic growth. It will facilitate the creation of millions of family-sustaining jobs, enable more Americans to join and remain in the work-
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force, and expand the American economy to allow equal opportunity for growth. Elements of the Main Street Marshall plan include: • Universal and free preschool for all 3- and 4-year-olds, making high-quality education available to more than 6 million children. • Extension of the American Rescue Plan’s expanded Child Tax Credit, which reduced child poverty by 25 percent after only one payment, and could slash child poverty by more than 40 percent in a typical year. • Extension of the American Rescue Plan’s tripled Earned Income Tax Credit for more than 17 million low-wage workers • Closing the Medicaid Coverage Gap, extending insurance coverage to 4 million Americans who are currently uninsured • Investment in the construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of more than 1 million affordable homes. • Down payment assistance that will allow hundreds of thousands of first-generation homebuyers to purchase a home and build wealth. The Build Back Better Agenda and Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill is an investment in a nation that is inclusive, equitable, and most of all, attainable. It is time for the House and Senate to pass it and send to the President’s desk so we can put the American people first. Marc Morial is president/CEO of the National Urban League.
November 5, 2021
Count Why Teenagers Should Get Vaccinated
By Jennifer Igbonoba Vaccines and kids. Two words that when mixed together can cause mass hysteria. With COVID-19 cases on the rise, it is time to turn our attention to the younger citizens of our society. It is time to explain to teenagers why they should take the vaccine. The first, and by far most obvious reason for taking the vaccine, is to slow the spread of the virus. Before vaccines were widely available to the American public, masks were used as a way to slow the spread due to COVID-19 being an airborne virus. Now, with mask requirements being more lenient in Texas, vaccines serve as the tool to slow the spread of the virus and its more contagious variants; the most common one right now being the B.1.617.2 (Delta). Historically speaking, the widespread use of vaccinations for a particular disease can significantly lower its transmission and, in the case of smallpox, eradicate it, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The second reason teens should get vaccinated is to protect those who are unvaccinated. At this stage in the pandemic and vaccine November 5, 2021
Jennifer Igbonoba
layout, it is easy to dismiss those who are unvaccinated as anti-vaxxing conspiracy theorists. However, that is not always the case. Currently in Texas, children under the age of 12 are not authorized to get the COVID-19 vaccine, which places them more at risk to contract the Delta variant. Also, while not unauthorized to get the vaccine, people with less common underlying conditions like those allergic to certain ingredients in the mRNA vaccines may not be able to take the vaccine because the side effects could worsen their condition. In order to protect those who are medically not able to get vaccinated, widespread vaccination among those who can is important. Finally, you must protect yourself. When I talk to my peers, most tell me that because
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they have a lower chance of dying from the virus, they should not worry about or get the vaccine. Despite that belief having a factual basis, according to reports from the CDC it does not put into context the long term effects of the virus. While young teens are less likely to die from the virus compared to older adults, they are also just as likely to be asymptomatic and unaware they have the viral particles in their immune system. The strain the virus puts on the immune system distracts it from defending the body against other minor illnesses which can cause those small illnesses to have a greater effect on the body than they usually do.
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Throughout this pandemic, we have all missed out on typical American milestone events; like proms, graduations, birthday parties, and all the events we’ve been looking forward to prepandemic. Now, we finally have a chance to return to a somewhat normal life by being safe and protecting those around us. Together, we can all slowly limit the spread and potentially eradicate the virus, by simply getting vaccinated. Jennifer Igbonoba is a senior at Rockwall High School in Rockwall, Texas and she is a Scripps Howard Foundation Emerging Journalists Intern with Texas Metro News.
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Counterpoint Just Say No to the VACCINE By Camarion Johnson COVID-19 is the latest impending crisis that the entire world is experiencing. Everything from gyms, restaurants and many other inside establishments are now reopening, however, they are requesting citizens be vaccinated in order to go inside. Nonetheless, people that have already received the COVID vaccine are still catching the Delta variants. By the end of each week, there are at least 137,783 COVID cases, and according to the CDC by the end of this year there will be 49,050,748 active cases of the variants across the United States. This brings to question: Are we supposed to feel safe when the President of the United States says he will require “every living American” to be vaccinated? Are we supposed to [blindly] follow mandated guidelines while millions are still getting COVID; just hoping for the vaccine to work or for the opportunity to return to work? According to the President, COVID-19 vaccinations help protect people from getting sick
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Camarion Johnson
or severely ill with the virus. It is also said to help protect people around us, however, people who are fully vaccinated can still get sick because no vaccine is 100% effective. Personally as a young adult, I believe we shouldn’t push ourselves or get our hopes up just to get them crushed because there are still people catching COVID. Nonetheless, people’s loved ones still believe that the vaccine should be able to protect citizens from catching or causing someone else to catch the Delta variant. In a recently released report by the CDC on the impact of COVID, more than 600,000 people in the United States have died from this national
health crisis that has left more than enough damage. If we don’t get the vaccine, the Texas Travel Health Notice (THN) level can possibly become a level 4 of COVID-19 according to the CDC. We can all agree that this virus is very unpredictable; causing the whole world to be on lockdown and panic in fear about what will come in the future. COVID-19 in general is a lethal situation in billions of people’s lives, but many feel that the vaccine could be just as lethal. While teens like myself want to become adults and provide for ourselves, we don’t believe we should have to get a shot or vaccine to get a job because it violates our free will and
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freedom of choice. Many citizens around the world already feel like they are losing important time with loved ones that they can’t be made back up due to current COVID-19 guidelines. These restrictions are keeping people six feet apart from their goals, aspirations, families, and resources that could get many teens out of harsh environments and conditions. A vaccine mandate and COVID-19 restrictions will only make it harder for teens like myself to be successful. Camarion Johnson is a senior at Duncanville High School in Duncanville, Texas and he is a Scripps Howard Foundation Emerging Journalists Intern with Texas Metro News.
November 5, 2021
DFW Area Student Leading Protest
Howard University Issues Gain National Attention By Valerie Fields Hill
News Editor, Texas Metro News
A movement to address poor housing conditions in dorms at the elite historically Black Howard University in the nation’s Capitol has gained the following of a U.S. Congresswoman and longtime civil rights activist the Rev. Jesse Jackson. The Rev. Jackson and U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley, (D-Mass.), one of Massachusetts’ most high-profile politicians, became the latest public figures to express concerns over a two-week long impasse between Howard students and the university’s academic leaders. “We’re interested in the plight of our children at Howard,” said Jackson during a media conference hosted by Howard University NAACP on Friday to update news outlets on the status of negotiations between Howard’s leadership and student protesters. Howard is a 150-year-old private Historically Black University in Washington, D.C., It’s teaching hospital and other professional schools graduate a noticeable percentage of the nation’s African American physicians, lawyers, journalists, and actors. Vice President Kamala Harris is a notable graduate. Interest in the well-being of Howard and its students is broad among politicians, health science leaders, tech companies and big business because the college is among the few historically November 5, 2021
Rev. Jesse Jackson
Rep. Ayanna Pressley
black “R2 Doctoral Research” institutions in the U.S. and, as such, produces considerable research in areas addressing the social justice and the political and health conditions of Black people. Friday, Jackson said the Howard protesters “represent a voice that must be heard, whether it’s at Howard or Mississippi Valley or Tougaloo…or Hampton.” He said the protesters had raised issues about housing infrastructure that went beyond Howard, but were part of a history of Congressional underfunding at HBCUs and colleges in general. “It’s Howard, but it’s not just Howard,” he said. “It’s Congress. We’re building new jails, while not investing in the nation’s schools. Jackson, who has Parkinson’s, was released just last month from a Chicago-area rehabilitation facility after he and his wife contracted the COVID-19 virus. The civil rights activist said he supported addressing the
students’ grievances and would tour buildings on the Howard campus in person on Saturday, Oct. 30, to better understand how widespread students’ complaints of mold, water leaks and rodents are on the 150-year-old revered private college campus. Jackson also said he had spoken Wednesday with the Howard University President Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick regarding, among other things, plans to discipline protesting students, who have staged a two-week sit-in at one of the university’s administration buildings. “I made it very clear I’m concerned that students… should not be punished,” he said. Howard administrators could not be reached immediately by phone for comment. In an open message sent to parents via email earlier this week, Dr. Frederick said “The occupation of the Blackburn Center must end.”
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“Protest has been a perennial part of our institutional culture,” Dr. Frederick wrote in the letter to parents, which has circulated among others, including the media. “Past and present Bison, motivated by concern for others, have used their platforms as student leaders, to call for change from institutional leadership.” However, Dr. Frederick wrote “Howard University’s proud tradition of student protest has never been – and can never be – invoked as a justification for tactics that harm our students. “The current occupation of the Armour J. Blackburn Center is a departure from past norms. There is a distinct difference between peaceful protest and freedom of expression and the occupation of a university building that impedes operations and access to essential services and creates health and safety risks.” Meanwhile, Howard student protesters welcomed the support from Jackson and Pressley. Channing Hill, a junior from Bedford, Tex. and president of the Howard NAACP branch, said Jackson’s alliance with the students was “a morale booster.” She said Pressley had visited earlier in the week with student protesters. “You can’t expel a Congresswoman from our building,” said Hill, a Strategic Legal and Management Communications major and one of the leaders of the protest. myimessenger.com
Channing Hill
“You can’t retaliate against Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley.” The student protests began on Oct. 12. At that time, about 50 Howard students began a rotation of sitting on the second floor inside the Armour J. Blackburn University Center. Within days, allies of the students – alumni, local restaurant owners and student-serving business owners – had joined the protesters and pitched tents outside of the Blackburn building. The allies are providing sleeping bags, food, water and personal supplies to the protesters. The students staged the sitin to call attention to mold, rodent infestation, leaky water pipes and other issues inside Howard’s dorms. They said Howard’s leadership had not acted urgently enough to address the issues this semester before some students fell sick. Further, they said, administrators had failed to act with urgency on a long-standing problem of insufficient university housing for juniors and seniors: Upper level students were being forced to find their own housing within the uber-expensive District of Columbia, myimessenger.com
Maryland and Virginia areas, they said. Among the protesters other concerns are: Restoral of affiliate seats for students, alumni and faculty on Howard’s board of trustees. Howard eliminated the positions earlier this summer saying, among other things, the board’s size was too large. Immunity, or amnesty, from disciplinary action for protesters An in-person town hall with Dr. Frederick This week, tensions escalated between protesters and administrators. An attorney representing the protestors said communications with administrators had broken down after he asked Howard’s leadership to sign an “amnesty agreement” guaranteeing the Howard students would not face suspension or expulsion. “The objective of the amnesty agreement is to ensure that they are not suspended, expelled and their scholarships taken away,” said Donald Temple, attorney for the students who also is a Howard alumnus. Temple said Howard leaders, including President Frederick, declined to sign the agreement and insisted they would not speak with the protesters until they left the Blackburn building and discontinued speaking with news media. “They’ve gone from not negotiating to not communicating,” said Temple, who also represented a group of Howard students who staged a similar protest in 2018. Temple said the university leadership’s decision was disappointing because the protest leaders, all students between the ages of 19 and 21 years old, were “incredi-
ble young women” with reasonable demands to address housing needs far into the future. “They’re not asking for themselves,” he said, adding that protestors hope the administration would “put in place (a housing plan) for future students.” Hill, a junior honor student who graduated from Euless’ Trinity High School, said administrators’ emphasis on retaliation against individual protesters and their seeming disinterest in negotiating a long-range student housing agreement was disheartening. She said the Howard NAACP on Friday had issued a “vote of no-confidence” in the administration of Dr. Frederick, whom she said had refused three times this week to meet with her and other student leaders. “The pressure is increasing on the students,” said Hill, a 20-year-old strategic legal and management communication major. “They said ‘We will look at …an amnesty agreement if you stop talking to the press’,” but, she said, “the only protection we have is our voices and our bodies in this building.” Instead, Hill said, university administrators indicated to their attorney Donald Temple, himself a Howard alumnus, that they would suspend or expel the protesters unless the undergraduates abandoned their two-week long occupation of the Blackburn Center. Hill said the students would not be leaving the building without an amnesty agreement. “A signature will get us out of the building,” she said. Hill said the situation on
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President Wayne A. I. Frederick
the college campus is a serious health risk. In September, Howard students began circulating now viral images on their social media platforms showing mold growing in vents and walls in their campus dormitories. One image is water puddling in a dorm hallway. Another shows water leaks from dorm pipes. The images have led to the now viral #BlackburnTakeover. Since Oct. 12, protesting students have refused to leave the Blackburn Center, and other community stakeholders have joined their protest, pitched tents and are living in them just outside of the Blackburn Center. The graphic images of students living in tents on the concrete grounds of the campus have garnered the attention of Martin Luther King III, celebrity rapper Gucci Mane, students on other historically Black college campuses and a growing number of media outlets including Black Star Network, NNPA, NBC Today. com, CNN, BET and #RolandMartinUnfiltered. Friday, Jackson indicated that he, too, had been told by Dr. Frederick that protesting students must face disciplinary actions. November 5, 2021
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November 5, 2021
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HOMECOMINGS BY SCHOOL
Wear the masks, wash your hands and show love! myimessenger.com
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ALABAMA A&M vs. Jackson State ALABAMA STATE vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff ALBANY STATE vs. Edward Waters ALCORN STATE vs. Grambling State ALLEN vs. Columbus State ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF vs. Southern BENEDICT vs. Morehouse BETHUNE-COOKMAN vs. Miss. Valley State BOWIE STATE vs. Johnson C. Smith CENTRAL STATE vs. Allen CHOWAN vs. Lincoln (PA) CLARK ATLANTA vs. Allen DELAWARE STATE vs. SC State EDWARD WATERS vs. Central State ELIZABETH CITY STATE vs. Chowan FAYETTEVILLE STATE vs. Johnson C. Smith FLORIDA A&M vs. Grambling State FLORIDA MEMORIAL vs. Webber International FORT VALLEY STATE vs. Clark Atlanta GRAMBLING STATE vs. Texas Southern HAMPTON vs. Kennesaw State HOWARD vs. Norfolk State JACKSON STATE vs. Alabama State JOHNSON C. SMITH vs. Saint Augustine’s KENTUCKY STATE vs. Lane LANE vs. Texas College LANGSTON vs. Texas Wesleyan LINCOLN (MO) vs. Missouri Southern LINCOLN (PA) vs. Elizabeth City State LIVINGSTONE vs. Saint Augustine’s MILES vs. Benedict MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE vs. NC Central MOREHOUSE vs. Fort Valley State MORGAN STATE vs. North Carolina Central NC A&T vs. Monmouth NC CENTRAL vs. Norfolk State NORFOLK STATE vs. Virginia-Lynchburg PRAIRIE VIEW A&M vs. Alabama State SAINT AUGUSTINE’S vs. Chowan SAVANNAH STATE vs. Clark Atlanta SC STATE vs. Morgan State SHAW vs. Johnson C. Smith SOUTHERN vs. Prairie View A&M TENNESSEE STATE vs. Murray State TEXAS SOUTHERN vs. North American TUSKEGEE vs. Lane VIRGINIA STATE vs. Lincoln (PA) VIRGINIA UNION vs. Lincoln (PA) VA. UNIV. OF LYNCHBURG vs. Univ. of Ft. Lauderdale WEST VIRGINIA STATE vs. UNC Pembroke WINSTON-SALEM STATE vs. Livingstone
Oct. 9, 2:00 p.m. CT Oct. 9, 2:00 p.m. CT Oct. 9, 2:00 p.m. ET Oct. 9, 1:00 p.m. CT Oct. 30, 2:00 p.m. ET Oct. 16, 2:00 p.m. CT Oct. 23, 2:00 p.m. ET Oct. 9, 1:00 p.m. ET Oct. 2, 2:00 p.m. ET Oct. 2, 1:00 p.m. ET Oct. 23, 1:30 p.m. ET Oct. 9, 2:00 p.m. ET Oct. 23, 2:00 p.m. ET Oct. 23, 2:00 p.m. ET Oct. 23, 1:30 p.m. ET Oct. 16, 2:00 p.m. ET Oct. 30, 4:00 p.m. ET Nov. 6, 1:30 p.m. ET Oct. 23, TBD Oct. 16, 2:00 p.m. CT Oct. 9, 2:00 p.m. ET Oct. 23, 1:00 p.m. ET Oct. 16, 2:00 p.m. CT Oct. 30, 1:00 p.m. ET Oct. 9, 1:00 p.m. CT Oct. 2, 2:00 p.m. ET Oct. 16, 2:00 p.m. CT Oct. 9, 2:00 p.m. CT Oct. 16, 1:00 p.m. ET Oct. 9, 1:30 p.m. ET Oct. 9, 4:00 p.m. CT Oct. 2, 1:00 p.m. CT Oct. 16, 2:00 p.m. ET Oct. 23, 1:00 p.m. ET
Oct. 30, 1:00 p.m. ET Nov. 6, 2:00 p.m. ET Oct. 16, 2:00 p.m. ET Nov. 6, 2:00 p.m. CT Sept. 25, 1:00 p.m. ET Oct. 16, 3:00 p.m. ET Oct. 16, 1:30 p.m. ET Oct. 23, 1:00 p.m. ET Oct. 23, 6:00 p.m. CT Oct. 30, 5:00 p.m. ET Oct. 2, 2:00 p.m. CT Oct. 23, 1:00 p.m. CT Oct. 23, 2:00 p.m. ET Oct. 9, 1:00 p.m. ET Oct. 30, TBD Oct. 16, 1:30 p.m. ET Oct. 23, 1:00 p.m. ET November 5, 2021
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Virtual and liVe Community Calendar
Native American Indian Heritage Month Diabetes Awareness Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
NOVEMBER 6
Happy Birthday to Dareia Jacobs DFW/ABJ and NBCDFW Black Employee Network for Purpose at Park , Klyde Warren Park, 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy. 12-3 pm.
RECURRING 2021 Fall Exhibitions Line Up Sepia: Past. Pride. Power, Ruth Mae McCrane,The History of the Prairie View Interscholastic League at the African American Museum, 3536 Grand Ave. 10 am-5 pm. Info & tickets: aamdallas.org.
NOVEMBER 4 Links Help: HIV Let’s Talk Instagram Live Young Adults @ FaithCompasswfu. 7 pm CST. Free and no registration.
Market at Park Lane - Fall Series at The Sops atPark Lane, 8080 Park Ln. 11 am-4 pm. Holiday Kickoff: by Grandscape Texas, 5752 Grandscape Blvd. The Colony. 5- 9 pm. http:// www.grandscape.com. Go Oak Cliff presents: 12th Annual Blues, Bandits, & BBQ at Kids Spring Park, 1003 Cedar Hill Ave. 12-6 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3nmc2Va.
A New Day 1: Supporting Successful Reentry in Texas at Concord Church, 6808 Pastor Bailey Dr. 7-8:30 pm. Reg: https://bit.ly/3jCv6NU . Healers Holistic Mixer at MoeTivate Your Womb, 324 E. Belt Line Rd. DeSoto. 7-9 pm. RSVP: www. moetivateyourwomb.com.
NOVEMBER 5-6
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dallas Alumnae Chapter Impact Day Walk a Mile with a Delta at 8 am. Smoothies with Sisters from 9-11 am at; G-Town Nutrition, 606 Main St. Garland, Push Through Wellness Shop, 3911 S. Lancaster Rd. #101 Dallas, Fortitude Wellness Center, 241 E. FM 1382 #310 Cedar Hill, The Healthy Spot, 621 N. Hampton Rd.#114 DeSoto. Black Reconstruction In America Revisited Workshop: Teach Reconstruction. Reg: https://bit. ly/3EyL1oA 11 am12:30 pm CST.
DBDT Presents Director’s Choice –In-person at Dee & Charles Wyly Theatre, 2400 Flora St. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3AJhciv or via Live Stream. https://bit.ly/3j3hJWQ.
NOVEMBER 7
“BLACK GIRL” - Starring Tiana Shaunte Alexander Clarence Muse Cafe Theater, 1309 Canton St. Fri. 8:15 pm. Sat. 3 pm. and 8:15 pm.
Top Ranking Sundays - Karaoke and Open Mic at Heroes Lounge, 3094 N. Stemmons Fwy. 4 pm-3 am. http://www.heroesdallas.com/
NOVEMBER 5
Fall Petting Zoo at Frisco Fresh Market! Frisco Fresh Market, 9215 John W. Elliot Dr. 12-3 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3nvC9J9
Artgasmic Dallas Across the Street from the Dallas Farmer’s Market, 2100 Marilla St. 7-11 pm. bit.ly/3ChLXg2 . Rooftop Friday Night Vibes feat: DJ MO DAVE at Lava Cantina, 5805 Grandscape Blvd.10:30 pm. Hattie B’s Texas Tease Pt. 1 at Peticolas Brewing Company, 1301 Peace St. Dallas 5-9 pm. CHERYL’S WORLD Tune in to Cheryl’s World on BlogTalkRadio.com, FaceBook Live and Streamyard for thought-provoking, enlightening, informative and entertaining news and commentary. Call 646-200-0459 to join in.
2021 Ubuntu Market at The Pan African Connection, 4466 S. Marsalis Ave. 12-5 pm. African Art Exhibit at Pop Up DFW - Deep Ellum, 3409 Main St, 7-10 pm. Tickets: bit.ly/3BfMcqS.
Sundays “The World According to Drew” with Andrew Whigham, III 8-10 am CDT.
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Tuesdays “DOC SHEP SPEAKS SHOW” with Dr. Felicia Shepherd, 11 am CDT,
NOVEMBER 8
NOVEMBER 12-13
Job Training: BankWorks Free Training by Dallas College At Mountain View College. Contact: Elishima Myles; 214-860-8550; bankworks@ dcccd.edu. Apply: https://bit.ly/3xJ5NP2.
River and Blues Festival at Panther Island Pavilion, 395 Purcey St. Fort Worth. Fri. 3 pm and Sat. 11am. Tickets: bit. ly/3nNH5cC.
Who Will You Call? An Online Safety Course for Allen Families presented by Allen Fire Department. 6 pm CST Reg: https://bit.ly/3nKIalv.
NOVEMBER 12 Sigma Gamma Rho Founders Day
NOVEMBER 9 Oak Cliff Thrives with Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce. 6-7:30 pm. Tickets: oakcliffchamber.org/ oak-cliff-thrives.
Uptown Night Market at McKinney & Olive, 2021 McKinney Ave. 6 pm. https://www.mckinneyandolive.com/
Book Signing For Mr. Mike Guinn at Create Arlington, 306 West Main St. 7:30-9 pm. Reg: bit. ly/3Gizuvj Soul Line Dance Live! Virtual, host BE Creative Arts Center. 7 pm CST Reg: www.becreativeartscenter.com. Love Doesn’t Hurt presented by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Phi Psi Zeta Chapter 7 pm. CST. Reg: https://tinyurl.com/LoveDoesntHurt Via Zoom.
Women’s Leadership Conference Summit, Chair Helen Giddings. “Who’s Leading Texas Newsrooms” Feat: Mollie Belt and Cheryl Smith. Reg: www.wlsummit.org.12 pm CST Texas Live presents Jamming For The Troops. Rangers Parking Lot A,1650 E Randol Mill Rd, Arlington. 4-9 pm. Tamela Mann Live In Concert with Comedian Notkarlton Banks at Northwood Church, 1870 Rufe Snow Dr. www.ddentertainment.net 7 pm.
NOVEMBER 10
NOVEMBER 13
A Real Conversation With Dr. Janet Taylor Facebook Live @ AARPBlackCommunity 2 pm CST.
Four Girls and a Guy at Cedar Hill Farmers Market, 300 Houston St. Cedar Hill. 9am-1 pm.
Dallas Live Career Fair at Crowne Plaza Market Center, 7050 N. 35 Fwy. 11 am. bit.ly/3pCRJWk
Diaper Day at Dr. Linda Amerson’s LA’s Hair and Scalp Clinic 2304 W. Pioneer Pkwy. Pantego. 1011:30 am. Info: 800-569-5897.
NOVEMBER 11 Veterans Day Happy Birthday to Virlinda Stanton Veteran’s Day Parade Dist. 4. Cedar Crest Cathedral, 1616 E. Illinois-Patrol Crossing, 4500 S. Lancaster Rd. 9:30 am. District4@dallascityhall.com. Facebook Live: Open Enrollment: What’s Changed in 2021 presented by ARRP Virginia. Facebook.com@ARRPVirginia 6-6:30 pm CST.
For the Love of Jazz & Poetry at Sway’s Room Inside The R Lounge, 1175 N. Watson Rd Arlington. 9 pm. Tickets: www.instantseats.com. Step Into Health with Orange County, Fl. Deltas. Via Zoom bit.ly/OCACSIH21 7 am CST. UNT Black Alumni Homecoming at House of Blues, 2200 North Lamar St. bit.ly/3jTGjtk 10 pm. Hat and Heels Women’s Empowerment Luncheon at Hilton Garden Inn 800 N. Main St. Duncanville. 12-3 pm Tickets: https://bit.ly/2ZBn94k
Thursdays
Wednesdays “I was just thinking...” with Norma Adams-Wade, 11 am- 1 pm. CDT.
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“The Connection” with Debra BrownSturns, 7 pm. CDT.
J3 Presents The Harlem Nights Dance Event at Forever Swing Dallas, 2021 N. Hampton Rd. j3-music-productions.square. site. 8 pm.
NOVEMBER 14 Elements of Styles Presents: “The Dream” at Unique Visions Upscale Events, 324 S. Hampton Rd. DeSoto. 6-11 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3pWB28m. NEO SOUL Sundays feat: N’Tense The Band at Lava Cantina, 5805 Grandscape Blvd. The Colony. 4 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3GG6X2U.
NOVEMBER 15 2021 Denton County Alumnae Chapter of DST Town Hall Meeting on COVID-19 Part II. 7-8 pm. Reg: https://tinyurl.com/DCACTOWNHALL.
NOVEMBER 16 Oak Cliff Thrives with Oak Cliff Chamber of Co merce.6-7:30 pm. Tickets: oakcliffchamber.org/ oak-cliff-thrives. Links Help: HIV Ladies Only Webinar. 7 pm CST Free Reg: https://tinyurl.com/4ktak3th. Disrupt Aging and Ageism, Part III with Dr. Geneva Williams by AARP Michigan. Via Facebook.com @aarp. michigan 10 am CST.
NOVEMBER 17 Omega Psi Phi Founders Day DJ’s Steak House Wine Down Wednesdays at 14925 Midway Rd. #101 Addison 3-5 pm. For Reservations: 469-914-0094 after 4 pm. The Brightest Show South of the North Pole at Lone Star Park, 1000 Lone Star Pkwy. Grand Prairie. 12 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3pYF5kv. Quentin Moore Live @ CANVAS, 1325 S. Lamar St. Dallas. 7 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3GCckjB.
Fridays “From Marva with Love” with Marva Sneed, 11 am-1 pm CDT.
November 5, 2021
ANTLERS
AT THE MOVIES BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ In the movie ANTLERS, now showing exclusively in theaters, a second grade teacher played by Keri Russell, suspects something is wrong with one of her students. He’s withdrawn and is constantly drawing demonic images in his notebook. When the teacher follows young Lucas home she discovers some really strange behavior by the second year old who takes care of his younger brother who is home schooled. In fact the younger brother is locked up in the attic with his crazy father who is strung out on crystal meth. The movie is produced by Guillermo Del Toro who won four Oscars for THE SHAPE OF WATER in 2007. ANTLERS is set in a small town in Oregon with a big Native American population who believe in ancient tales that have been told over decades that most locals consider myths; but not this one.
The man in the attic is a flesh-eating monster who changes his form to become a creature with antlers, and he ain’t no reindeer. Young Lucas is caught in the middle of it all and his teacher, who lives with her brother the sheriff takes him in to try and
protect her young student. ANTLERS is by far the most graphic and bloody movie of this Halloween Season.. If you’re taking a date to this movie looking for a few yucks, forget it. This is non-stop graphic violence like you’ve never seen
before on the big screen. ANTLERS is rated R with a run time of 1 hour and 39 minutes. The movie is not for the faint of heart. It is hardcore. On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” ANTLERS rates a LARGE.
www.grandpasecret.com November 5, 2021
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November 5, 2021
ARRESTED
HE IS A SERIAL RAPIST
He targeted members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. but this is more than about a sorority. We’re talking about a community.
Come on PEOPLE! Don’t you CARE? Will it matter when it is your sister, mother, aunt or grandmother or maybe YOU?
Crimestoppers 877-373-8477 November 5, 2021
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