I Messenger 10-14-22

UTTERANCES

The recent mock slave auction at a high school in Cal ifornia is more than egregious—it proves that when students are not taught the truth of American history—they find it humorous and lack empathy for the experiences of others.

TO BE EQUAL

“Recognition of the price paid in human life and liberty for economic advancement — and the costs of resources extracted as nature’s systems were exploited — must inform and guide us as we work to transform our cities and regions.

I WAS JUST THINKING...

Ever wondered why people centuries ago lived on top of mountains, behind fortresses with all kinds of barriers -- a narrow river running in front of the entrance, guards posted atop the stone fortress walls, maybe even a second wall inside the first wall?

The Texas’ Judiciary’s January 6th Insurrection

OUR VOICES

BY FREDERICK D. HAYNES, III Senior Pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas

January 6, 2021 changed the course of US histo ry. The insurrection at the Capitol sparked a move ment seeking to suppress our voices and our ballots. As President Biden recent ly stated, “equality and de mocracy are under assault.” Almost two years after the attack, a quiet, January 6th insurrection is taking place against the judiciary in Tex as.

Americans are all too familiar with Texas’ far-reaching repressive laws to restrict how and when voters of color cast ballots. However, the cam paign to undemocratically unseat judges hasn’t re

ceived any attention, even within the state. It’s not lost on my congregation and Texas’ Black communities that many of these elected judges are African Ameri can and from Democratic counties, where the major ity of Texans live.

Like the January 6th in surrectionists, Texas Re publicans are trying to un seat duly elected officials from our communities, quietly but in plain sight. Instead of violence, they are weaponizing instru ments of the state like the State Commission on Judi cial Conduct (SCJC), which are meant to protect the integrity of our institutions, and using other legal ma neuvers designed to further their undemocratic goals.

Texas Republicans are actively engaged in a war to reject the will of the peo

ple, using smear “investiga tions” organized by pow erful Republican attorneys and the Republican-major ity members of the SCJC to oust Black elected judges.

Of the 13 SCJC members, two attorneys were ap pointed by the State Bar of Texas, six judges were ap pointed by the Texas Su preme Court—only one be ing a Democrat—and five citizen members were ap pointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Enough said. Texas is home to some of the most diverse cities in the US, yet some in the state view an increasingly diverse bench as a threat.

For example, just 10 years ago only one female Black judge was serving in Dallas County’s criminal district courts. Currently, nearly half the criminal district court’s benches—8 of the

17—are occupied by Afri can American women.

We witnessed the bru tal opposition campaign launched by far-right QA non-inspired critics against Justice Ketanji Brown Jack son during her confirmation hearing, which accused her of supporting child abuse. We are now seeing the same smear tactics directed at Black judges in Texas.

Take the example of Judge Amber Givens in Dallas. Af ter reading Facebook com mentary by various crimi nal defense lawyers calling Black people “animals” and “savages,” she successfully advocated to add an an ti-discrimination policy to the Dallas District Court Plan which now disquali fies attorneys found using “inappropriate language and conduct that manifests

by Cheryl Smith Publisher

Can we get 10 million?

Well, if you were planning on vot ing and you haven’t checked to make sure all your paperwork is in order, you could find yourself stuck and out of luck, especially if you are among the many who have been stricken from lists across the country.

Should you be concerned?

Maybe. Should you care?

Heck yes!

But I understand. We don’t realize how painful a situation can be un til we stub our toe, or hit our funny bone.

Ain’t a darned thing funny then!

Well, millions of dollars are being spent to either get you to vote a cer tain way, or stay at home.

Instead of waiting in a line to vote, you can go fishing, to a party or go shopping.

You say you don’t want to have to choose between the “lesser of two evils.” Well, some might say that con sidering what is at stake, those who opt out of voting are the biggest evil.

Which brings me to my truth.

Too much is at stake.

This year’s midterm election is about more than one issue, one indi vidual or one community.

Every election is important and there are consequences and reper cussions for every action and inac tion.

You go out to the polls and cast a vote because of the way someone

looks, talks or because of their party affiliation.

And let’s not forget voting for someone because they played a sport.

Makes me think about those folks who walk along us today and are confronted by reminders of the rac ist acts of their ancestors.

What goes through their heads? Are they embarrassed, apologetic or do they try to silence the messen gers?

As we prepare to view the movie, Till, how do the descendants of Car olyn Bryant feel? How does she feel about the actions that led to the bru tal murder of young Emmett.

When I visited with Mamie Till Mobley during her three-day visit to Dallas in 1995, we talked extensive ly about her son and the events 40 years prior.

To her credit, this beautiful, smart, resourceful and focused woman was not filled with hate. Instead she had a spirit of love and compassion, and so did other family members I talked to then and later.

Will the families of vicious racists feel the same, once confronted with the evil acts of those whose blood flows through their veins?

Let’s come a little closer and think about your descendants.

Will you be trying to stop stories from being told in the classrooms

of your grands and great grands be cause you don’t want them to find out that your actions were just as detrimental, if not more than the Ku Klux Klan or others who savagely enacted their own laws or forms of justice to eventually find themselves in a position where the oppressed / downtrodden/disenfranchised be came their biggest allies in the bat tle?

In other words, you’ll have some explaining to do and just like every one didn’t march with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., everyone didn’t get up and exercise that basic right be cause they weren’t using the ballot or anything else.

Whatever the case, we have to salute the Transformative Justice Coalition, the National Newspaper Publishers Association and others who are working on Get Out the Vote campaigns.

We have come too far to Black down!

Next week, I will talk about Propo sition A.

There’s a lot of support. There’s also hope that with a positive vote and work beginning in Fair Park, which is in the heart of South Dallas; efforts will extend into other areas and piece by piece we will see the growth, devel opment and revitalization that we all have desired for so long!

Antipathy, disorder and disruption

WAKE UP AND STAY WOKE

DR. E. FAYE WILLIAMS, ESQ.

I have always loved and be lieved in the power of words. In my youth I was amazed at the emotional response to our (so-called) “Negro” lead ers. Orators like Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Jr., my friend Dick Gregory, and a myriad of others spoke mes sages of practical importance, in their day, which now serve to benefit us in the present with enduring relevance.

Words are powerful. I often call them the weapons of the literate. An orator’s under standing of words and the ability to communicate their true, in-depth meaning to the masses has been the origin of many historical events.

Some consider SCOTUS’s overturning Roe v. Wade as simply an attack on women. Others understand the deci sion as expressing antipathy for the privacy rights of all.

The often-heard term ‘slip pery slope’ clearly describes what this decision has placed

us on. We are well beyond an erosion of privacy rights and now face direct assaults upon them.

Economic refugees

The lack of clean water in Jackson, MS, clearly illus trates the antipathy which fuels the disparate funding resources for a majority-mi nority city.

For years, Jackson has suf fered under the specter of failing water infrastructure.

There is no justification for a state capital or a city as large as Jackson to operate under a “Boil Water” order since July.

Instead of addressing this problem which will only worsen with age, Jackson has been ignored while the interests of surrounding ‘white’ suburbs have been met with the use of available

financial resources.

An egregious demonstra tion of antipathy is illustrated by the actions of two south ern, Republican governors –Abbott of Texas and DeSantis of Florida.

Each has decided to un ceremoniously ship “unde sirable” economic refugees to northern jurisdictions in what has been described as a major political stunt.

Stunt or not, these actions have been taken with com plete disregard for the ulti mate welfare of the affected men, women and children.

I can only suggest that these two Bible-thumping gov ernors refresh their under standing of the admonition in Matthew 25:40.

Brand of corruption

Even more horrifying is

the fact that these two Re publican governors have expressed presidential as pirations. Like the last Re publican to hold the office, they each wish to bring and infect the nation with their own brand of duplicity, dis order, disruption, and an tipathy.

They have accepted the belief that political power and control can best be sus tained in a state or country in chaos. At least for the near future, we, the people, have the ability to resist.

For the remainder of our lives and for the future of our children we must reject the hatred which will, if al lowed, overwhelm us.

Dr. E. Faye Williams is national chair of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. Contact her via www.nationalcongressbw.org.

Words are powerful. I often call them the weapons of the literate. An orator’s understanding of words and the ability to communicate their true, in-depth meaning to the masses has been the origin of many historical events.

Our Destinies are intertwined

FAITHFUL UTTERANCES

BY DR. FROSWA BOOKER-DREW

The recent mock slave auction at a high school in California is more than egre gious—it proves that when students are not taught the truth of American history— they find it humorous and lack empathy for the experi ences of others. According to the Yuba City Unified School District’s Superintendent Do reen Osumi “Reenacting a slave sale as a prank tells us that we have a great deal of work to do with our students so they can distinguish be tween intent and impact, they may have thought this skit was funny, but it is not; it is unacceptable and requires us to look honestly and deeply at issues of systemic racism.”

America has a real issue in discussing the hard truth of race. In Dallas, Texas, Big D Reads is a citywide initiative to read The Accommodation: The Politics of Race in an American City by Jim Schul tze. More than 30,000 copies of the book have been printed and distributed. With many panels and discussion groups to review the content, the book is unearthing a history that many are unaware of or would like to forget.

Yet, without discussing the past, we do not understand the correlation to the chal lenges we face today. When schools and parents choose not to educate themselves about those issues that are uncomfortable, the discom fort results in more damage. I’m excited that Dallas is will

ing to take a deep look at its past. It’s an opportunity for other cities to do the same.

It’s an opportunity to remem ber, reflect, and rectify.

My deceased father’s bout with cancer taught me a lot about unresolved issues. The doctors treating him realized the seriousness of his illness, the quick spread and progres sion of the cancer. Despite numerous treatments, be cause it was not found early, the cancer spread. Racism is a cancer. Continual dialogues

whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not.” (Deuteronomy 8:2)

It’s strange that as Chris tians, we understand this and embrace it but for some rea son, believe it only applies to that era. Deuteronomy 32:7 states, “Remember the days of old; consider the years of many generations; ask your

cause we don’t want to take responsibility for the present. It allows the opportunity to shift responsibility to others and make them believe it’s their problem. The reality is that when we choose to ig nore the past, we are destined to repeat it. The issues of the past impact us all whether we choose to believe it or not. Eq uity doesn’t mean someone has to lose for someone else to win. If we only tell half of the story, we all lose just like that football team. The team

America has a real issue in discussing the hard truth of race. In Dallas, Texas, Big D Reads is a citywide initiative to read The Accommodation: The Politics of Race in an American City by Jim Schultze. More than 30,000 copies of the book have been printed and distributed. With many panels and discussion groups to review the content, the book is unearthing a history that many are unaware of or would like to forget.

are important but without addressing the wounds, we face not only more episodes of youth and adults behaving badly, but we are also placing a band-aid on something that requires deeper introspec tion, investment and longterm commitment beyond lip service.

The Bible reminds of the importance of knowing our history. We are called to re member. The word remem ber is found 240 times in the Old and New Testament. The Israelites were told repeat edly to remember their jour ney of captivity out of Egypt: “And you shall remember the

father, and he will show you, your elders, and they will tell you.” There are consequenc es when we choose to forget: “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lamp stand from its place, unless you repent.” (Revelation 2:5) Even the Lord’s Supper that most congregations conduct monthly are a reminder of the sacrifice Christ made for us. Remembering is not an option because forgetting is dangerous.

Maybe why many of us want to forget the past is be

forfeited the season, and the consequences are far reach ing beyond those directly involved. The impact goes beyond the immediate com munity and spreads—just like racism.

Our destinies are inter twined…whether you want to acknowledge it or not.

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.

National Pastor Appreciation Day in Dallas

Sunday, October 9, 2022 was National Pastor Appreciation Day and there was a big celebration in Oak Cliff, TX as the members of Ewing Street Church of the Living God honored their long-time spir itual leader, Bishop C.C. Berry, Jr., who has served for 63 years. They also paid tribute to First Lady Billie Berry. South Oak Cliff High School graduate and former WFAA-TV exec. Drew Berry, who is also the Executive Director of the Nation al Association of Black Journalists was in town with his wife and oth er members of the family for the special occasion. Overseer Aaron Henson brought a message based on the theme, "Reflecting on the Past While Looking to the Future."

-Cheryl Smith

Bishop C. C. Berry , Jr.

Use It…I Dare You!

QUIT

PLAYIN’

BY VINCENT L. HALL

Even when the polls are open to all, Negroes have shown themselves too slow to exercise their voting privileges. There must be a concerted effort on the part of Negro leaders to arouse their people from their apathetic indifference.... In the past, apathy was a moral failure. Today, it is a form of moral and political suicide.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

As we approach a telling and consequential voting cycle, it is crucial, especial ly as Black people, to revis it the wisdom of two civil rights leaders who made voting a priority.

Although Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King were presumed to be polar opposites in the civil rights debate early on, they were nearer to lockstep. Both men were adamant pro moters regarding the ur gent need for us to vote.

As Brother Malcolm stood at the podium and rendered his famous “Bal lot or the Bullet” speech, he may have sponsored the subtitle of Dr. King’s 1967 book, “Where do we go from here; Chaos or Com munity.”

“The question tonight, as I understand it, is “The Negro Revolt, and Where Do We Go From Here?” or What Next?” In my little humble way of understand

ing it, it points toward ei ther the ballot or the bullet.

If we don’t do something real soon, I think you’ll have to agree that we’re going to be forced either to use the ballot or the bullet. It’s one or the other in 1964. It isn’t that time is running out—time has run out! 1964 threatens to be the most explosive year America has ever witnessed.”

enough to get him killed. Don’t ever forget that.

Unknown to most is that King gave a speech called “Give us the Ballot” in 1954. He didn’t mention a bullet, but to White Segregation ists, it was equally violent in tone

“Give us the ballot, and we will place judges on the benches of the South who will do justly and love mer

will fill our legislative halls with men of good will. Give us the ballot and we will place judges on the bench es of the South who will do justly and love mercy.”

Dr. King’s ringing proc lamations are still timely, but we can add a few new demands.

Give us the ballot, and poor Texans can enjoy the billions of dollars in Medi care benefits Governor “Ab-Butt” denies them. Give us the ballot, and we can get funding for mental illness adequate to treat the tens of thousands of people we jail rather than treat.

Give us the ballot, and public education and teacher pay can be raised to meet the demands of our future. Give us the ballot, and books like Toni Mor rison’s “The Bluest Eye” and “Stamped,” a children’s anti-racism book can be saved.

The CRT war is a farce.

Black folks have never been ready for the bullet, and Malcolm knew it. But, in my sanctified imagina tion, I believe he knew he made Dr. King the lesser of two evils. Malcolm often assumed the role of “Bad cop.”

Malcolm allowed Martin to swim further out protest ing in America’s sea of rac ism. Despite all attempts to whitewash and canonize him as a noble, non-threat ening dreamer, Martin said

cy … Give us the ballot, and we will quietly and nonvi olently, without rancor or bitterness, implement the Supreme Court’s decision of May 17, 1954.

“Give us the ballot, and we will no longer have to worry the federal govern ment about our basic rights ...Give us the ballot and we will no longer plead to the federal government for passage of an anti-lynching law.

“Give us the ballot and we

Give us the ballot, and we will decriminalize marijua na and stop jailing the poor and minorities who statis tically smoke at the same rates as middle-class and White citizens. Give us the ballot, and we will make voting accessible and con venient for all who have a legal right.

Martin got you the ballot, and Malcolm taught us that it is a bullet. Early voting in Dallas County starts on Oc tober 24, 2022. I dare you to use it!

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

NUL’s Urban Civil Rights Museum to Bring Little -Examined Corners of History To Light

TO BE EQUAL

BY MARC MORIAL

“Recognition of the price paid in human life and liber ty for economic advancement — and the costs of resources extracted as nature’s systems were exploited — must inform and guide us as we work to transform our cities and re gions. We must forge a new path illuminated by justice, respect for the dignity of each and every human being, and determination to maintain and restore the web of life as the foundation for health and sustainability.”

— Carl Anthony

The history of African Americans in the North does not begin with the Great Mi grations of the early 20th cen tury, when millions of Black Southerners fled the white supremacist terrorism of Jim Crow. The institution of slav ery was as critical to the de velopment of the manufac turing economy of the North as it was to the agricultural development of the South.

The oldest and largest known excavated burial ground in North America for both free and enslaved Afri cans was unearthed in lower Manhattan less than a mile from the National Urban

League’s current headquar ters. Enslaved laborers even built the wall from which Wall Street gets its name.

“It would be misleading to present the history of the northern cities outside the context of the Atlantic Slave Trade and the institutional ized enslavement of African people and their descen dants,” said Jennifer Scott, the newly appointed executive director chief and curator for the Urban Civil Rights Muse um, New York City’s first mu seum dedicated to the Amer ican civil rights movement and one of the only museums in the nation to delve into to the movement in the North.

The museum will be housed

in National Urban League’s new Harlem headquarters, the Urban League Empower ment Center, currently under construction and slated to open in late 2024/early 2025.

Scott, most recently the Se nior Vice President of Exhi bitions and Programs at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit, brings decades of experience to her new role — including her many years as a public historian at Weeksville Heritage Center, a historic house museum in Brook lyn that memorializes a free Black, independent commu nity in the 19th century.

The Urban Civil Rights Mu seum will illuminate the his

tory of Weeksville and other similar communities across the North.

“What did it really mean to be a free Black New Yorker, pre-Civil War when states as nearby as New Jersey were still enslaving people, and how complicated was the idea of freedom at that time?” Scott said.

The history of the Nation al Urban League, which was born in Harlem in response to the Great Migrations, and its role in nurturing the Harlem Renaissance, will be interwo ven in the museum’s sweep ing narrative.

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

Photo: nul.org

A Friend’s Perspective on Faith Johnson

By Kelli Macatee

I want to tell you about my friend, Faith Johnson. I can tell you things about her that she wouldn’t necessarily tell you. As her friend, I get to see sides of her behind the scenes that others don’t always get to see. When I first met her, I was struck by how strong, bold, and brilliant she is. But more than that, I was struck by her heart. You see, when someone is operating from the heart, there is a depth and a drive that can withstand the hottest of fires. I was struck by how much she’s always thinking of others, even when no one else will know or even see how she’s advocating for someone’s good behind the scenes.

I knew Faith has a lot of en ergy, but as I’ve now watched her through the grueling cam paign world, I’ve been in awe at how tireless, dedicated, and committed she is to the

work. I honestly don’t know when she sleeps and yet nev er seems tired! I’m exhausted just watching her!

I have been so struck by how passionate she is for true justice for the people of Dallas County. I have come to believe it’s who she is. You can’t “fake” who you are. It eventually comes out. I have watched her over and over again stand up and fight hard for the good of all people and that not only inspires me but it gives me hope.

Faith tells a story on the

campaign trail that I hope you get to hear directly from her. It’s one of my favorites that she tells. Faith is the baby of 13 kids and her parents lived long, full lives. The only thing that separated her parents was the death of her mother and her father lived to almost 101.

Growing up, especially with 13 kids, money was tight to say the least. When Faith graduated from high school, her mother was so proud and she worked hard to save up $25 so Faith could have a new dress. I love to hear Faith tell this story in her own voice, because as a mother, you know the sacrifices you make for your children and how proud of them you are when they persevere and accom plish something wonderful.

So when Faith’s mom asked her, “Baby girl, what do you want for graduation?” Faith said, “I want 100 friends.” A response to which Mom said, “No, baby girl, I saved up to get

Faith Johnson's parents

you just what you want. What do you want?” Faith replied, “Mama, I want 100 friends.” Mom said “What would you do with 100 friends?” Faith began to go on and on in de tail about what all she would do for her 100 friends. She was excited about the idea of helping 100 friends in all kinds of ways.

Fast-forward to today, and that same longing and desire to serve others is deeply in grained in Faith. I’ve seen it and experienced it first hand. She genuinely cares about the people of Dallas County. She cares about our families, our fortunes, and our futures. As I watch how hard she works behind the scenes on our be half, it brings a tear to my eye, knowing that so few out there would work so hard serving others at the level she does. But why does Faith do that? Because it’s who she is. It’s what she’s designed to do and we all benefit from that.

Please check out Faith’s ex tensive qualifications for the role at https://faithjohnson forda.com/faith-johnson.

Please join me in Voting for Faith Johnson on Tuesday, November 8th, 2022 and tell your friends! Dallas needs Faith Johnson! Let it be so!

Faith Johnson

‘Sad, Upsetting And Depressing’

Area residents describe their experience with Hurricane Ian

By Andreas Butler Daytona Times

As of Daytona Times’ Wednesday deadline, there were five Hurricane Ian -re lated deaths in Volusia Coun ty and more than 200 people being housed in a shelter at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach.

Daytona Beach residents tell their experiences with the storm, which dumped up to 16 inches of rain in the area.

Lashaundra Mays and her family, which includes four young boys, were evacuat ed by Volusia County sheriff ’s deputies in a rescue boat from their Caroline Village

apartment on Caroline Street.

“I woke up at 7 a.m. and the cars were under water.

There was no way to leave by car.” Mays told the Daytona Times about the storm com ing through on Sept. 29. “We stayed with family for three days. We lost both cars, our clothes and furniture. It’s tough emotionally. I really hope they do something to address this storm water.”

She further stated, “I ap plied for FEMA assistance but was denied. We’re taking a day at a time putting our lives back together.”

‘We shouldn’t be neglected’

Cora George and her Berk

shire Road neighborhood in the Derbyshire area got their power restored on Tuesday night.

George expressed, “It wasn’t that bad but for the ex tended period without power. This area shouldn’t be one the last to get power restored. We also pay taxes over here. This is not beachside but we shouldn’t be neglected.”

Brenda Stokes lives on Hudson Street in Palmetto Park. “The entire apartment was flooded. I need help. I am tired of this. They did new drains years ago, but it’s not working. My apartment has flooded during three hurri canes,” responded Stokes.

“All my stuff is damaged. I am devastated, frustrated and depressed. I will apply for FEMA assistance. They need to do fix the storm water drainage over here.” Jeanette Stokes lives on Pierce Avenue.

“I am upset. The area has no drains. When it rains heavy over by Kingston, Beach and Pierce streets, it floods. Roads were closed. My car was dam aged. I can’t lift heavy objects. I am disabled. I can use food and cleaning supplies. I will apply for FEMA,” Stokes said.

‘Lost a lot of belongings’

On Monday, Tasha Smith was sitting outside of her apartment at The Villages on

Heavy rain from Hurricane Ian flooded many dwellings in the area, including the Daytona Gardens Apartments.

Photo: LANCE ROTHWELL/SPECIAL

South Street. Like her neigh bors her belongings were piled up on the street.

She said, “It was a disaster. We lost power for days. We lost a lot of belongings. We couldn’t get out to get food because the street was under water. I will apply for FEMA. I hope they fix the flooding problem in the area.”

Hyfesa Moody lives in Day tona Garden Apartments, where there is a history of flooding even during regular heavy rains. Once again, the storm flooded the area.

“I left before the storm but returned to a flooded apart ment. I had no sandbags. It’s sad, upsetting and depress ing. I’ll apply for FEMA. I hope they do something to al leviate flooding in this area,” stated Moody.

Erica Bastien lives in Pine Haven Apartments, which dealt with the smell of sewage and garbage after the storm.

“It was terrible. We were without power for a few days. There was a powerline down on Keech and kids were play ing on the pole. The apart ment didn’t flood but water did leak in from the roof,” re

sponded Bastien.

“We had pockets of flood ing. We couldn’t shower for days because of sewage prob

home to a flooded house. I felt hurt especially for those that had it worst,” comment ed Johnson.

place was flooded. I came to a friend’s house to escape. I am homeless again. I applied for assistance. I hope they fix the infrastructure, especially the power grid and storm water drainage.”

Jamie Barrett got power late Tuesday evening on Madison Avenue.

Barrett noted, “It hit harder than we expected. We didn’t have flooding but a powerline was down. We had a genera tor so we were okay.”

Barrett’s daughter, Car ol Mattis, lives on Emmett Street. Mattis said, “It was flooding and a lot of trees down. Fortunately, the water didn’t get inside.”

lems. I applied for assistance. They need to address flood ing, sewage and the power grid.”

‘Many lost everything’ Michael Johnson’s home on Vernon Street sustained flooding.

“It was hard and tragic for many. I was at work but came

“I clean up my yard and the flood waters. I’ll check on flood insurance and FEMA assistance. I have been trying to help others clean up.”

Monica Curry is displaced after her apartment in Nova Wood was flooded; she is liv ing with friends.

She told the Times, “My place was flooded. My friend’s

Kaylo Hannah was out of town working during the storm. His Holly Hill resi dence was spared. He is con cerned about family in friends who live all across Daytona.

He emphasized, “Daytona got its worst flooding ever. We need to come together as a community and help each other. The south side really needs help. It’s no way this is happening in the Black com munity. Many lost everything they have worked hard for.”

Photos:

Women's Leadership Summit

Former State Representative Helen Giddings hosted a thank you celebration for influential women who participated in the 5th Annual Women's Leadership Summit.

Jessica Armstead, new host committee member and student at UNT Dallas and Cynthia Mickens Ross at the recent WLS appreciation reception. The two women are symbolic of the organization's desire to mentor young women with the expertise of seasoned women in leadership from the community.

Sophia Johnson, with Alpha Business Images and WLS Chair Helen Giddings

Photos: Sylvia Dunnavant Hines

Black Wombs Matter — See ‘Aftershock’

THE LAST WORD

BY DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX

Did you know that Black women are three or four times more likely to die from childbirth complica tions than white women?

Congresswoman Robin Kel ly (D-Ill.), who heads the Congressional Black Caucus Health Brain trust, says the data are direr depending on where a mother lives. In Il linois, Black women are six times as likely to die.

In New York, Black women are 10 times as likely to die. And it’s not just Black wom en. With a significant Indig enous population in Wash ington state, those women are eight times as likely to die as white women!

The issue of Black mater nal health care is tackled in the film “Aftershock,” which can be seen on Hulu. Pro duced by Tonya Lewis Lee and Paula Eiselt, the film features families directly and painfully affected by how Black women are treated as they deliver children.

The Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legisla tive Forum featured sever al brain trust meetings on health, including one titled “Creating Maternal Health Care Systems that Believe and Protect Black Women.” It featured clips from “After shock” and included panel

ists affected by the Black ma ternal health crisis.

Shawnee Benton Gibson’s daughter Shamony Makeba Gibson died from compli cations from childbirth only 13 days after she gave birth to her son. She complained of pain, shortness of breath and more, but health care providers told her these were “natural” childbirth symp toms. She was only rushed to the hospital to die once she could not move.

Later, it was shown that health care providers ig nored vital signs of her in creasingly poor health. She died from medical indiffer ence and incompetence.

Also featured in the film were Omari Maynard, Shamony’s partner who is now raising two children alone, and Bruce McIntyre III, whose partner Amber Rose Isaac died after an emergency C-section. He says her death is the result of “medical negligence” and has joined several oth ers in shining light on this pandemic of Black maternal health.

“Aftershock” lifts the im portance of doula (pregnan cy coaches and advocates) and midwives, an essential part of maternal health. It also looks at the criminaliza tion of midwives and those who eschew traditional birthing.

Some midwives have been criminally prosecuted for bringing healthy babies into the world.

The film also highlights the racist origins of the OB/GYN medical specialty. Devel oped by a sadist white physi cian, James Marion Sims, the specialty has its roots in ex periments on enslaved Black women.

Indeed, the lie that Black people can withstand enor mous pain is rooted in en slavement and the brutal way Black women were ex perimented on.

Because Sims believed Black women could stand all kinds of pain, he conducted painful experiments with out anesthesia. Really? Yet some medical professionals continue to laud his work, and until 2018 a statue cele brating him was part of New York’s Central Park.

His defenders say he was just a product of his times, but it is clear that he not only experimented on enslaved women that he owned but also purchased women to experiment on them.

I reject the notion that Sims was a product of his times. He was a sadistic brute who denied Black women’s very humanity.

Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.), the youngest member of the Congressional Black Caucus, has introduced the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, an essential step toward eliminating the treatment Black women experience as they give birth.

A 12-part comprehen sive piece of legislation,

the act includes expansion of mental health services for mothers, telehealth for new moms, increased data collection, and funding for community-based organiza tions working on maternal health issues.

Supported by more than 250 organizations, including the American Nurses Asso ciation, the Association of Black Women Physicians, the Center for American Progress, the Children’s De fense Fund, Families USA, the NAACP, and others, the legislation has more than 30 Congressional co-spon sors. The legislation has yet to pass the House of Repre sentatives, and it is unlikely to pass the parsimonious Senate. People can get in volved by reminding their legislative representatives of the importance of this Mom nibus Act.

Shawnee Benton Gibson, Shomany’s mom, said that if Black Lives Matter, then Black wombs must also mat ter. She has turned the pain of her daughter’s death into powerful advocacy for Black maternal health.

She is among the many, including Congresswomen Robin Kelly and Lauren Un derwood and many others, who must be applauded for addressing this issue. Black wombs matter. Watch “After shock”!

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

Live and let live. Is that asking too much?

I WAS JUST THINKING... NORMA ADAMSWADE

Ever wondered why people centuries ago lived on top of mountains, behind fortress es with all kinds of barriers -- a narrow river running in front of the entrance, guards posted atop the stone fortress walls, maybe even a second wall inside the first wall?

These fortresses, of course, made it difficult, often very difficult, for enemies to breach the security traps and get inside where the people lived.

I was just thinking, though… why was all this protection, security and padding necessary?

Why not just live in peace and leave each other alone?

And that is the universal question of humankind. Why not live and let live?

Even the Bible – with so much talk about love – is overrun with wars, murders, assassinations, pillage, plun der, deception, covetous

ness, greed, and so on, and so on…

Hip hop songsters will.i.am and the Black Eyed Peas group put the icing on the cake when – with a Herculean punch -- in 2003 they released

the video “Where is the Love.”

Not the 1972 broken-heart ed, lost-love tune by the same name yet different art ists: Roberta Flack and Don ny Hathaway.

Where is the love you said was mine all mine,

‘Til the end of time?

Was it just a lie?

Where is the love?

But a way deeper, soul-searching lament about the piss poor condition of the world -- full of racial violence, police brutality, politi cal upheaval in government, worldwide conflicts over re ligion, land and resources, and so on… will and the Peas said:

So again, Democrats, Republicans, liberals, conservatives, pro-lifers, pro-choicers, mask supporters and mask opponents, CRT advocates and CRT critics -- why not just live in peace and leave each other alone. Is that really too much to ask?

“I think the whole world’s addicted to drama

Only attracted to things that’ll bring you trauma.”

…It just ain’t the same, old ways have changed

New days are strange, is the world insane?”

After his brutal 1991 beat ing by LA cops that set off riots the following year, Rod ney King asked the world: “Can we all get along? Can we get along?”

Apparently not. Here we are 30 years later, and hatred, bigotry, murder and may hem still reign.

I’m trying not to mention Russian President Vladimir Putin because I do not want to smudge this paper with vileness. But unless we are missing some deeper meaning, the tyrannical despot saw Ukraine sitting peaceful ly next door and decided he wanted to possess its land, people, and resources. Thus began his inexplicable and evil reign of terror.

Live and let live? No.

Can we all get along? No.

Can we just leave each alone? No.

I want what is yours and I will take it by force.

The longstanding West Virginia-Kentucky Hatfield and McCoy feud lasted so long during and after the

Civil War that younger gen erations likely did not even know what sparked the con flict. The hatred between the two families over land, Civil War differences, and family betrayal was so palpable that it likely contaminated the air in the Appalachian moun tains.

Descendants devised a nationally-reported truce in 2003 – well over a century af ter the feud started. One de scendant said he wanted to send a national message that Americans can put their dif ferences aside.

“We’re not saying you don’t have to fight, because some times you do have to fight,” media quoted Hatfield de scendant Reo Hatfield as saying. “But you don’t have

to fight forever.” Media also quoted words from a proc lamation of peace truce that more than 60 members of the two families reportedly sign: “We ask by God’s grace and love that we be forever remembered as those that bound together the hearts of two families to form a family of freedom in America.”

So again, Democrats, Re publicans, liberals, conser vatives, pro-lifers, pro-choic ers, mask supporters and mask opponents, CRT advocates and CRT critics -- why not just live in peace and leave each other alone. Is that really too much to ask?

Norma Adams-Wade is a veteran, award-winning journalist, Graduate of UT- Austin and Dallas na tive. One of the founders of the National Associ ation of Black Journalists (NABJ), she was induct ed into the NABJ Hall of Fame

Ancient fortress/castle

Breast Cancer event continues to enlighten and inspire

Breast cancer survivor Ragina Ireland gives Marsha Smith Hill a sisterly hug. Marsha is also a 10-year breast cancer survivor and the sister of NFL Hall of Famer, Emmitt Smith. She kicked off the 21st Sister to Sister Fitness Festival.

From Staff Reports

It was a packed house with almost a thousand who turned out and turned it up at the 21st Annual Sister to Sis ter Fitness Festival at the Alan E. Sims Cedar Hill Recreation Center, recently.

The four-and-a-half-hour event which is hosted by the Celebrating Life Founda tion was filled with activities that included a 5k walk/run, mammography screenings, health screenings, and vari ous vendors.

“This was an amazing way to kick-off Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” said Kim McBrayer, president of the Celebrating Life Foundation.

The event was kicked off by Marsha Smith Hill, the sister of NFL Hall of Famer, Emmitt Smith, who shared her 10year breast cancer survivor

ship testimony and encour aged women to be screened for breast cancer.

Recent statistics show that Black women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer as compared to white wom en. Overall Black women have a more than 41 percent higher mortality rate from breast cancer than any other ethnic group.

Guests for the event were greeted by Girls Scout Unit 213 and received hot choc olate, coffee and croissants provided by La Madeleine.

KRNB 105.7’s Lynne Haze and WFAA-TV’s Tashara Parker, kept the crowd en ergized as they introduced acts from baton twirling Miss Teen Richardson to the senior dance sensation, Divas and Dudes.

“Each year this event gets

bigger and better. This was the largest event that we have had at the Alan E. Sims Cedar Hill Recreation Center.” said McBrayer, who awarded a scholarship training session to a senior of the DeSoto Vol leyball Team. “We’ve already started plans for next year.”

Proceeds from this event will help the Celebrating Life Foundation with their out reach efforts which include scholarships for those stu dents impacted by breast cancer, a Journey Fund, Chemo Day, the Pink Spoon Campaign and Hope for the Holidays.

Some of 67 breast can cer survivors in attendance received personalized gift bags that included skincare products from the signature collection of Antionette Al exander valued at $250. One survivor received a spa pack

age to the Grand Spa in North Dallas.

The highlight of the event was a drawing for two tickets from Spirit Airlines to travel anywhere they fly. The recip ient was an employee of the Alan E. Sims Cedar Hill Rec reation Center.

The Celebrating Life Foun dation is a non-profit orga nization devoted to making cancer powerless by educat ing, encouraging, and em powering those most impact ed by breast cancer.

The event was sponsored by Texas Metro News, KRNB, WFAA, La Madeleine, Charl ton Methodist Medical Cen ter, AARP-Texas, Alan E. Sims Cedar Hill Recreation Center, Herbal Goodness, Antoinette Alexander Signature Collec tion, State Fair Classic, DeSo to Park & Recreation Center and Spirit Airlines.

Tashara Parker, of WFAA presents two airline tickets from Spirit Airlines to Mark Clark at the 21st Sister to Sister Fitness Festival.

“Act Like You Want To Be Until You Are Who You Want To Be"

A Third Reconstruction Must Begin Now

THE BLACK CARD

BY TERRY ALLEN

Lucille “Big Mama” Allen’s les sons are always appropriate for the time.

When I first heard them, I ig nored them without the power I give them now. I hear “Big Mama” in other people all the time. This one Jury duty visit uncovered an other jewel from the Big Mama's Playbook. And the underlying wisdom call hit me hard while preparing to be a juror.

Here is what resonated with me:

“Too often the powerless are at a great disadvantage in the courts because they have not the influence nor the advocacy to re ceive justice. God hates it when the powerful treat the powerless unjustly, and he will not let them get away with it.

Proverbs 25:11

“Like apples of gold in settings of silver. Is it a literal gold apple set in silver framing, and orna ment, or is it the golden variety of apple on a silver plate?

While there is no way to know for sure, it is meant to be seen as something wonderfully made, You have shared with me and us all your journey and what I know

for sure, it is my personal testi mony that you're justice person ified, You are more than enough thanks, You are Faith over fear, You have the Footprints.

My biggest regret was that I had to hear her speak wisdom and I took IT lightly until this visit to the juror pool where Life repeated them to me again be

Maxine, Ann R. and Barbara J.

“Big Mama” wanted us to know that no matter what knocked us down, we could get back up and be. Her playbook recipe im plied we do not have the power to get others to change unless we must gather ourselves up and be around people who support our best evaluations and pathways to change.

Be mindful that Big Mama was a Black woman who lived in the 1900s. I saw what Big Mama ex perienced years after she had spent decades suffering from is sues where she had no power, yet she rose up.

She instilled in us to “Fake it till you make it.”

fore Lucille “Big Mama” Allen’s playbook resonated. Let me re mind you that we lived in a house built by my grandfather and grandmother. Born in 1906, “Big Mama” was right in the midst of the era of lynching, Jim Crow and segregation.

Right there in the middle of that, she knew what justice was. She was my Ida B. Wells Barnett. She had me look at the acts of Thur good. Today, she could be com pared to modern influencers like

Imposter syndrome is a feeling of unworthiness but it just speaks to our feelings not our deeds. which really means, act you like you want to be until you are who you want to be!

What I learned in that court room was we need you to vote.

Big Mama because of you, I will vote. I hope you will understand just how crucial it is to incubate empowering relationships.

Email me if you can make an impact at TerryAllenPr@gmail. com

Terry Allen is an NABJ award-winning Journalist, PR professional and founder of 1016 Media, the charity - City Men Cook and Dallas Chapter President of NBPRS-DFW

Imposter syndrome is a feeling of unworthiness but it just speaks to our feelings not our deeds. which really means, act you like you want to be until you are who you want to be!

Producer Drema Dream Presents hit Stage

Play “Cuttin’ Up At The Beauty Shop”

To describe playwright, director and producer Drema Dream as unforgettable, might be the un derstatement of the decade. From her rainbow curls to her signa ture ethereal star line tattoo un derneath her left eye, this triple threat leaves audiences on their feet and begging for more! In cele bration of the 10-year anniversary

of her hit stage play Cuttin' Up at the Beauty Shop, the femme phe nom is thrilled to announce the revival of the show that took the nation by storm!

The play is a hilarious dram edy about real people, with real issues, caught up in crazy situa tions; after all, anything can and will happen at the beauty shop

from excellent customer service to some low-down dirty shames.

The story centers around Sill, the salon owner with a heart of gold, who has it all together when it comes to taking care of her busi ness. However, in her personal life, she allows her emotions to take the lead.

Her very jealous and domineer ing boyfriend, Keith, only worsens once they are married, and his control over her threatens to de stroy everything she has worked hard for.

"I couldn't be more excited about returning to the stage with Cuttin' Up at the Beauty Shop," says Dream. "We had such a tre mendous experience ten years ago, and I can't wait to give the fans what they've been wanting. I'm also very excited about intro ducing the show to a new audi ence this time around. Get ready to be entertained because this a beauty shop visit, you will never forget!"

Dream developed her love of

Drema Dream Photo: Drema Dream Productions

theatrical writing and produc tion during her 20-year career as a professional hair stylist. Having worked as a platform artist and creative director for some of the biggest names in the hair care in dustry including Bonner Bros. and Nairobi Hair products, respective ly, Dream spent years participat ing in hair shows throughout the United States.

Always on the cutting edge of the latest product lines and styles, it wasn't long before the Loui siana native realized she need ed to stop participating in hair shows and start producing her own! As a clever way to bridge the gap between stylists, she began crafting skits to keep audiences entertained between competitor set-ups. They were a massive hit with audiences; so, she decided to hone her skills by enrolling in a screenwriting class at a local com munity college.

This endeavor would prove to be one of the greatest investments of the young playwright's life as it empowered her to embark upon a career that would change her life and the lives of theater goers from coast to coast!

Cuttin’ Up features a stellar cast of Dallas actors including Shalan da Robinson (SILL), Cory Ed wards (ZAY), Isreal J. Henry (MR. MAN), Tee Tee Williams (TEE TEE), Steve Turner (MR. PERCY), Burtaina Marcelin (PENNY), De qaulyn Davenport (KEITH) and singer, musician and composer Ivan Pickles (KHAKI).

“I couldn’t be happier with the amazing group of actors who will be taking the stage for this show. I’ve had the pleasure of working with them in the past and helping develop them as performers, and audiences are in for a real treat,” said Dream. “I wanted to bring Cuttin’ Up back to theatres be cause people need laughter now

more than ever. The world has seen so much loss and heartbreak the last two years. Bringing joy and laughter through my work is what I believe to be the gift I can share with audiences of all ages!”

Through her brand, IMOC (I'm My Own Competition), the de termined artist and entrepreneur has maintained a successful sa lon, Absolute Class Beauty Salon, developed and crafted a line of work aprons, IMOC Hardwear, for barbers and stylists and launched a production company proving she is much more than first ap pearances may suggest.

Dream explained, "People see my hair, they see my tattoos, and let's face it, they make judgements about me. But I don't mind being judged critically because as soon as I open my mouth and begin speaking, or you see my work, or observe my work ethic, all those

things speak for themselves. I am not who or what people perceive me to be at first glance. What's on the inside is what matters, and I love blowing people away with the woman I am!"

Dream is also currently work ing on her second play, Halfway House, an imaginative and spiri tual story about angels who have fallen short in executing their heavenly duties. With the reboot of Cuttin' Up at the Beauty Shop national tour just months away, and a new show on the horizon, Dream is sure to continue mak ing waves on and off the stage for years to come!

Cuttin’ Up at the Beauty Shop takes place on Saturday, October 29 at the Granville Arts Center Brownlee Theatre located at 300 N. 5th Street in Garland, Texas 75040 at 7 pm. Tickets are on sale now at Eventbrite.com.

Photo: Drema Dream Productions

Call issued to Support Black Businesses

Buy Black!

By Cheryl Smith Texas Metro News

quality ingredients to ensure the customers get the great taste they are famous for. They believe that you deserve the best. The Lancaster location is 133 Historic Town Square, 469-9145005, hours Monday closed, Tuesday – Friday 11 am to 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday closed. The new Cedar Hill location 531 Belt Line Rd. 469-575-0045, hours Sunday 11 am to 5 pm, Monday-Saturday 11 am to 8 pm. Order Online visit https:// www.casserolesoulcafe.com/

at 269 E Ovilla Rd. Suite #300 Red Oak ,Texas 75154 469-5526222. Visit the website: https://www.theivibeexperience.com/

THE DWELL SPA

“LOVE THE SKIN YOU DWELL IN.”

The Dwell Spa, owned by esthetician Tomorrow Leigh, a holistic spa located in Dallas.

BE BETTER HERE

Founder LaShundra Smith RN

Dr. Frederick D.Haynes III

When Dr. Fred erick D. Haynes III, of Friend ship-West Bap tist Church, an nounced 100 Days of Buying Black in acknowledging the 100th Commemoration of the Tulsa Race Massacre, we joined the move ment. December 31, 2021 marked 100 days of featuring Black Businesses. and we decided that the struggle continues and we must also. So enjoy reading about more Black-owned businesses and please support.

KARLA MINGO HOME

Karla Mingo Home was founded in 2021 by breast cancer survivor Karla Mingo. After her diagnosis in 2017 and the many trials that followed, she begin her journey of sharing with others how to maintain Peace, Passion and Purpose in the midst of trials and setbacks. She’s an author “Peace, Pasion, and Purpose” published in 2018. Karla Mingo Home was created as an extension of her mission to help people create beautiful, inspiring spaces at home. Check out her Youtube Chanel @KarlaMingo and shop her products on the website: https://karlamingohome.com/ Email infr@karlamingohome. com, and Follow her on Facebook @karlamingohome, and Instagram @karlaamingohome.

CASSEROLE SOUL CAFÉ

Casserole Soul Café has two locations Lancaster and Cedar Hill. Their team is passionate about making your time with them as great as it can be. From the time you arrive until you finish. The invest in high

As we age, wrinkles, skin problems, and stubborn fat begin to develop in all the wrong places. The effects of aging can seem like a down hill battle. Bbetter offers solutions to prolong those effects so you can enjoy your natural beauty longer. LaShundra is a RN with 17+ years clinical experience in both surgical and post operative care. Her love for the beauty industry, spiritual journey, and desire to offer a better experience led to the birth of Bbetter Spa. LaShundra’ s desire is to help each person she encounters to leave better than they came. She does this by utilizing her extensive experience and innovative ideas to provide consistent results to each one of her clients. Bbetter Spa is located at 4770 Eldorado Pkwy. Suite #248, Frisco, TX. Hours Tuesday-Friday 9 am to 5:30 pm, Saturday 9 am to 1 pm. 469-922-3513. Visit the website for all of there services https://www.bbetterhere.com/about

THE IVIBE EXPERIENCE

Chassidi “CeCe” SillemonWilliams is a Dallas native and proud owner of IVIBE Incorporated. She is more than just a hair designer and color specialist; CeCe is well-known as “CeCe the Vibeologist.” She has turned from being the beauty industry phenomenon into a beauty wellness lifestyle. IVIBE Incorporated is a company founded and rooted in faith and perseverance through Jesus Christ, with the purpose of educating women on the art and science of healthy hair and skincare. IVIBE Incorporated grew from the dual vision of CeCe and her younger sister, Shelbi the Slayologist. Their vision and passion to educate clients on the art and science of beauty, hair and skincare was the catalyst in building their beauty and haircare brands known as: Vibeology and Slayology. Together they strived to create a name for themselves in the beauty industry until Shelbi’s tragic and untimely passing… In her sister’s honor, CeCe Sillemon pushes forward and has turned her tragedy into God’s divine plan, and The IVIBE Experience was born. The IVIBE Experience is Located

Tomorrow is Committed to skincare excellence, energetic healing, and overall rejuvenation, She aims to give you an experience that not only promotes the health of your skin, but also your entire well-being. Tomorrow has over 20+ years in the skincare industry, her focus is on treatments that deliver effective results without compromising the skin’s barrier, health, or integrity. Her philosophy is to aid every customer to cultivate the healing and self-care of their skin. Book your appointment at https://www.thedwellspa.com/. The Dwell Spa is located in Village Salons, 7331 Gaston Ave. Suite #109, East Dallas. 469-530-0497

THE TIGER HOUSE HAT SHOP

The Tiger House Hat Show owned by Virginia Montgomery sells Designer Hats & Fashionable Accessories at an Affordable Price. Virginia says her desire is to grow into a hat shop of all occasions, at an affordable price. She’s located in DeSoto. During the pandemic she started a delivery service for her customers. Hats are designer, and fashionable for men and women for all seasons. Location 324 E Beltline Rd, Grow DeSoto Market #600 DeSoto, TX 75115 (972) 922-7018. Make your appointment for your designer hat. Visit the website: www.tigerhousehatshop.com, email: virginiamontgomery@tigerhousehatshop.com

BOLD ADDICTIONS

Bold Addictions creates smiles, conversations, and compliments with statement jewelry. Offering women’s clothes, shoes, jewelry & other accessories, Candy Bee took her boutique on the road doing home shows hauling things all across Illinois and Indiana. The one thing that stood out most was the jewelry; women would get styled by Candy and emphasis was placed on statement pieces. Helping women uplift their confidence. Check out website: https:// boldaddictions.com/

DFW/ABJ salutes Area

DART Hiring Event

a bias or prejudice” from receiving county court appointments to repre sent accused indigent individuals.

No good deed goes unpunished. The Dallas Criminal Defense Law yers Association’s (DC DLA) board, then led by a Republican, quickly re taliated and filed various grievances to the SCJC, subjectively accusing Givens of “mistreating” attorneys who come be fore her. These attorneys also have filled over 100 motions for recusal of cases in her court based on claims that Givens is “biased,” and accused her clerk of impersonat ing her.

But don’t take my word for it. DCDLA’s disturb ing goals for their smear campaign, evidenced in their own internal emails and a sworn deposition in a public discovery fil ing, states: “What I took from our [DCDLA] meet ing was a short-term goal of getting her [Judge Amber Givens] charged (or at least investigated) with a crime, with the long-term goal being damaging her election prospects.”

Judge Darrell Jordan of Harris County is but one more example. This judge was accused of unlawfully arresting and detaining the aggressive opposition researcher Wayne Dolcefino in June 2020 after he questioned

Judge Jordan in his own court about criminal complaints. After Jor dan warned Dolcefino to stop and leave, Dolcefi no was held in contempt after refusing.

But it was Jordan who was later arrested, taken into custody, indicted for a misdemeanor charge of official oppression, and suspended without pay. The case was dis missed this past July but those aiming to put a Black judge in his place succeeded by generating negative media.

When it comes to Black judges in Texas, you will hear a lot of false accu sations and tropes like they “run an inefficient courtroom [read incom petent],” they “speak disrespectfully to [read white] lawyers,” and they are “not working hard enough [read lazy].”

President Biden re cently condemned Trump-led extremism, casting the midterm elections as a “battle for the soul of the nation.” However, what good is it to vote when insur rectionists employ oth er means to unseat our elected officials? Our communities need to understand what is hap pening and publicly call out these dark forces, because while national Democrats talk about battles, in Texas, the ex tremists are strategically fighting a protracted war.

DART Bus Operators

With DART's redesigned bus network providing longer ser vice hours, as well as better access to jobs, DART is hiring passionate and motivated bus student operators. In addition to a starting pay of $21.13/hour, DART offers a competitive ben efits package including paid training, medical coverage af ter 30 days, pension plan and 401(k) contributions after 180 days, and opportunities for ad vancement.

Bus operator applicants with an active Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and passenger endorsement will be eligible to receive a $3,500 bonus.

• $1,000 awarded after success ful completion of training

• $1,000 awarded after suc cessfully completing a six (6) month probationary period

• $1,500 awarded after twelve months after probation ends (18 months)

Bus operator applicants with out a CDL, but with an active Commercial Learner Permit (CLP), will be eligible to receive a $1,800 bonus.

• $400 awarded after successful completion of training

• $400 awarded after success fully completing a six (6) month probationary period

• $1,000 awarded twelve months after probation ends (18 months)

New Bus Operators who live outside of the Dallas/Fort Worth region (more than 150 miles) will be eligible for a relocation

stipend of $1,500, which will be paid after their first pay period.

DART Police and Fare Enforcement Officers

Employing a community ori ented policing approach that emphasizes service, courtesy, assistance and conflict reso lution, DART Police and Fare Enforcement Officers are re sponsible for the security and safety of customers and em ployees across DART's 13 city, 700 square mile service area.

The DART Police Department is offering a signing bonus of $5,000 for new DART Police Of ficers, and $2,000 for new DART Fare Enforcement Officers. Signing bonuses will be paid in two installments, with the first paid on the first paycheck upon being hired, and the second installment paid upon comple tion of field training.

DART Police Officers are li censed peace officers of the State of Texas who have all the rights, privileges, obligations, and duties of any other peace officer in the state of Texas while on the property under the control of DART or in the actual course and scope of their em ployment.

DART is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Em ployer, supporting diversity in the workplace. Job descriptions and online applications can be found at DART.org/jobs. An overview of the DART benefits programs can be found on the DART website.

Texas Longhorns vs Oklahoma Sooners 49-0

Texas

First United Bank Honored With National Marketing Award

Durant, OK – Each year, the American Bankers Association (ABA) recognizes the nation’s best bank marketing initiatives at the ABA Bank Marketing Conference. The 2022 Brand Slam awards hon ored elite bank marketing strat egies that stood out among hun dreds of nationwide entries from banks of all sizes.

First United is excited to an nounce that they have been rec ognized as the ABA’s 2022 Brand Slam award winner in the Integrat ed Marketing Campaign category for its First United Bank: United Acts of Kindness campaign. This category recognizes a bank that has launched a product, promot ed a service, or set out to market a particular line of business using multichannel tactics. A panel of over 50 financial marketing ex perts reviewed the applications and judged them based on con cept, strategy, creativity, execu tion, and impact.

First United’s United Acts of

Kindness campaign objective was to measurably increase the amount of kindness in the communities it serves by activating and tracking a goal of 100,000 acts of kindness in 24 hours during the National Day of Kindness. The campaign used multiple integrated traditional and non-traditional marketing chan nels, including human, retail, digi tal, and broadcast, and eclipsed its goal thrice with over 300,000 acts of kindness logged during the Feb ruary 17, 2022 event.

“I am so proud of our marketing team. Their campaign work sup porting United Acts of Kindness is officially the best in the country, beating out some really big banks like Key Bank and Synovus,” said Jade Metcalf, SVP and Director of Marketing at First United. “This is an excellent example of how unique our brand is in the market place and what can happen when we prioritize serving our commu nities. Special thanks to our com munity banks for fully engaging

with UAK – it really helped bring the award application to life.”

First United’s purpose is to in spire and empower others to Spend Life Wisely, which includes a holistic approach to life that en compasses financial well-being, faith, health and wellness, and personal growth.

Established in 1900, First United has over 95 bank, mortgage, and insurance locations throughout Oklahoma and Texas. It is one of the largest, well-capitalized bank ing organizations in the Southwest, with assets of more than $13.5 bil lion. It is among the largest pri vately held community banking organizations in the United States. First United provides a full range of financial services, including bank ing, mortgage, insurance, and in vestment products and services, and is dedicated to inspiring and empowering others to Spend Life Wisely®. Learn more at FirstUnit edBank.com. Member FDIC

Park Place Dealerships Offers $100,000 To Non-Profits In North Texas

Applications Due October 23 for 2nd Annual Season of Giving

Park Place Dealerships

is giving away a total of $100,000 before the end of the year to deserving non-profits who are serv ing the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area. The 2ND An nual SEASON OF GIVING campaign kicks off October 3 with the opportunity to apply for a grant between $2,500 to $15,000.

While the company sup ports more than 250 organi zations throughout the year, non-profits always could use a boost as they head into the holidays. Under the umbrel la of Park Place Cares, the company’s philanthropic arm, Park Place’s SEASON OF GIVING campaign of fers local non-profits who have not received financial

support from Park Place this year the chance to apply for a one-time, end of year grant.

and that is to make our com munity better,” said Kara Connor, Park Place Deal ership’s Experiential Mar

give them an opportunity to receive support. We had a huge response and immedi ately knew we wanted to do this again in 2022.”

Non-profit organizations must fit the following crite ria:

• Organization must be a 501(c)(3) non-profit orga nization.

• The charity must support one of Park Place Cares’ Pillars of Giving, which in clude: Education; Medical Research; Children’s Ad vocacy; or the Arts.

“For the past 36 years, Park Place Dealerships has supported hundreds of local organizations with one goal

keting Manager. “Last year, our team wanted to con nect with non-profits that we hadn’t worked with and

• The charity must serve in at least one of the follow ing counties: Dallas, Tar rant, Collin, Denton, Ellis, Rockwall, Kaufman, Hunt, Wise or Johnson.

FRIENDS

JOURNEY

DREAM

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Marcel and Angela McClendon Johnson - 17 years

Mr. and Mrs. Washington Just Married

Derrick and Robin Sibert Meredith Anniversary

Mr. Donald and Mrs. Cindy Francis Just Married

Mr. and Mrs. Murry 45 years Rashad Duncan and Journay Wright Just Married

Richard and Alice Riggins Stevenson 10 years

Walter and Robin Tucker Anniversary Jimmy and Vicki Winnier-Porch Anniversary

Kevin A. and Danyell Lanier Anniversary

Courtney and Charline

Non-Pharmacological Management For Diabetes Mellitus

There are over 463 million individuals who have dia betes worldwide, and in the United States, diabetes has a prevalence of over 10%. Diabetes mellitus is widely considered one of the most common diseases. Numer ous risk factors can result in this condition. While some are irreversible like age or ge netics, there are also variable lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, and stress. In our article ‘What Is Predi abetes?’, we explain that you can determine if you have di abetes by knowing your blood sugar numbers. After all, rec ognition is important in treat ing this disease.

Diabetes treatment usual ly involves insulin injections, oral medications, and even surgery depending on how severe your condition is. Of course, the condition neces sitates you to reflect on your lifestyle as well, along with the choices you make every day. For instance, have you considered swapping out sugary sodas for fresh green juices? It might not seem like much, but adjusting these daily habits so they’re health ier can have positive effects on diabetics.

We’ve listed down three non-pharmacological op tions to manage diabetes:

Diet and weight control

Highly processed food can worsen a diabetic’s condition because they increase insulin levels and promote inflam mation. Fortunately, reduc ing elevated blood sugar lev els can be achieved through proper diet and weight con

trol. While a low-calorie diet could work for diabetics, WeightWatchers demon strates how a weight loss plan for diabetics should also look at big-picture nutritional data. For instance, calories from a cookie differ from those in grilled chicken. Though they may share the same amount of calories, it’s their nutrition al values that deem which one is healthier to eat. For di abetics, avoid foods that are high in added sugars and are packed with carbs. Instead, make it a habit to reach for fi ber-rich fruits and vegetables to foster glycemic control. Similarly, plant-based pro teins like beans also regulate blood sugar.

Exercise

Losing weight is essential in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Regular exercise can improve insulin sensitiv ity in diabetics, and there are

a variety of physical activities you can choose from. Aerobic exercises, for instance, can improve glycemia (which is the concentration of glucose in the blood). Cycling, run ning, and swimming are high ly enjoyable forms of aerobic exercise. These are also ideal if you want to sustain a regu lar workout routine. For those who want to increase their muscle mass too, we recom mend resistance training ei ther through lifting weights or calisthenics.

Stress management

Stress stimulates hormone release that can lead to el evated blood sugar levels. In particular, an excess of cortisol can impede insulin production. The role of insu lin varies in the two types of diabetes; in type 2, however, an increased need for insu lin is more common to keep glucose levels within the de

sired range. Ultimately, stress can aggravate pre-diabetes symptoms. Even worse, stress doesn’t simply contribute to the onset of diabetes, it can also influence the outcomes of current diabetics. In a study on the intersection of stress and diabetes, Diletta Ingrosso explains that daily self-management and treat ment regimens can cause pa tients to feel diabetes-specific stress. To lessen the mental and emotional strain from ongoing treatments, diabetics should have coping strategies in place. For instance, consid er doing breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga to pro mote relaxation and practice a positive mindset.

Diabetes management shouldn’t feel insurmount able. Adopting the above options to your lifestyle can provide you with sustainable ways to help lessen the bur den of the condition.

Photo: https://www.pexels.com/

Park Place Dealerships Offers $100,000

•

The charity cannot have already received dona tions or in-kind support from Park Place in 2022.

• Charities must apply by midnight October 23, 2022.

Charities can apply at ParkPlaceCares.com. Recip ients will be announced No vember 7, 2022.

More than 350 charities applied in 2021 with 24 re ceiving a grant, including Denton County’s Friends of the Family, who used the funds to send kids to camp. Fort Worth’s Don’t Forget to Feed Me Pet Food Bank was able to purchase a new bat tery for their electric pallet stacker to move heavy pal lets of pet food.

The Cara Mia Theatre in Dallas had just begun their field trips for Title One schools in January 2022 when a surge in COVID-19

forced the theatre to can cel all live performances of LUCHADORA! The organi zation used the funds from

Park Place to film the pro duction for a virtual distri bution, allowing more than 3,000 students to see the performance.

Texas Winds used their Park Place grant to provide live, professional musical performances to isolated seniors with 15 concerts reaching 435 people. And in Lewisville, Journey to Dream used their grant to outfit the teenage bedrooms with new comforters, pil lows and storage for their personal belongings.

“The process of selecting grant recipients last year was extremely challenging because there were so many worthy organizations,” said Tony Carimi, managing di rector of Park Place Deal erships. “Our Members are the drivers of the Park Place Cares program. They believe in making a positive impact, one person at a time, and they take great pride in be ing a part of Park Place Cares

through their volunteerism and resources. Park Place Members loved this initia tive so much they wanted to see Season of Giving return this year.”

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 and has been engaged in the com munity through its support of the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and ed ucation. Park Place employs more than 1,400 members and operates eight full-ser vice dealerships represent ing luxury brands includ ing Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, and Land Rover. Park Place BodyWerks Collision Cen ters in Fort Worth and Dal las, and the Park Place Auto Auction, round out the com pany’s offerings. Park Place was acquired in 2020 by Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., a Fortune 500 compa ny headquartered in Duluth, GA. For more information, visit parkplace.com.

Don’t

Pet Food Bank.

Cara Mia Theatre.

Metro

October 13

The Press Club of Dallas

10th Legends of North Texas Journalism at Texas Theatre. LEGENDS: Ed Bark, Karen Blair (posthu mous), Karen Blumenthal (posthumous), Cheryl Hall, Molly Ivins (posthumous), Verne Lundquist, Murphy Martin (posthumous), Scott McCartney, Laura Miller, Liz Oliphant, Bob Schieffer and Brett Shipp.

*** PASTORS LUNCHEON

The Pastors Luncheon will be 11:00 a.m. Typically hosted during the State Fair of Texas, this event was designed to create an environment to celebrate congregations and invites clergy leaders from the community to fellowship.

am – 12:00 pm for the “Parenting Under High Stress: Resources for Relief” Summit at 1932 S. Hampton Road, Glenn Heights, TX. The Parenting Under HighStress Summit offers resources for parents and teens. You will receive advice and encourage ment from mental health experts and school counselors. And, you can participate in a meditative writing session or a yoga session. Free of charge. Register NOW: https://forms.office. com/r/K9D8ADPDsX

5th Annual Dallas Black College Expo at Paul Quinn College -10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Meet with colleges, communities colleges, uni versities, trade schools. Get incredible information on Financial Aid, 411 for the Student Athlete, Booming Careers, Internships, How to Start a Business and more!

Anna’s House 10th Annual Domestic Violence Gala 2022 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, 7p.m. The keynote speaker is Judge Kim Brown with special guest speaker: His Royal High ness Prince Gharios EL Chemor Royal House of Ghassan www.awayoutproject.org or annas housegala@gmail.com

EARLY VOTING BEGINS

Dallas- Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists (DFW/ABJ) honors NABJ award winners at Soiree Coffee Bar, 320 Singleton Blvd Suite 190, Dallas, TX 75212

15

Join Councilwoman Shaunte L. Allen from 9:00

Celebration of Life for Thomas Ali Muhammad

The Black Academy of Arts and Letters

The Kappa Zeta Chapter’ celebration reception honoring the newly appointed Southern Regional Director, Rhetta Washington McCoy

American Museum of Dallas

NOVEMBER

ELECTION DAY

ets-381336366337?aff=erellivmlt

invitational highlights HBCU Women’s Basketball programs over two days! Look forward to action-packed college basketball supporting the women’s sport and culture!

dynamic HBCU women’s basketball teams will go head to head during at Paul Quinn College in historic gymnasium.

December 3

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

WWW.TEXAS METRONEWS.

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

I Was Just Thinking with Nor ma Adams-Wade “History Class is in Session” Join in on Facebook/@TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio.com at 11 am -1 pm. CST. Wednesdays. Join the conversation call 646-200-0459.

Lifestyle

Curtis Derall Ferguson One Man Art Exhibition at Umbrella Gallery, 2803 Taylor St. Dallas, TX

Dallas- Fort Worth Association of Black Journallists (DFW/ABJ)

NABJ award winners at Soiree Coffee Bar, 320 Singleton Blvd Suite 190, Dallas, TX 75212

Join journalism professionals, students, advisers and educators at MediaFest22 in Washington, D.C., Oct. 27-30! Registration is now open!

Director, Rhetta Washington McCoy

American Museum of Dallas

Grand Ave

TX

Candidate Debate for TX Congressional District 30 at Disciple Central Community Church at 901 N. Polk St., DeSoto, TX from 10:30 am to 12 noon.

Mesquite NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet, Founders Classical Academy of Mesquite, 790 Windbell Circle, 6-7 :30 pm, featuring key note speaker, Sarah Collins Rudolph, The 5th Little Girl,” Survivor of the 1963 KKK Church bombing that killed her sister and three other girls. Hosted by Veda Loca. Theme: Forward Together, Not one Step Back. www.mffb.org

Homecoming Game

of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, in Tallahassee

5th Annual Dallas Black College Expo 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM CDT

Quinn College 3837 Simpson Stuart Road Dallas, TX 75241 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/5th-an nual-dallas-black-college-expo-tick ets-389743923567?aff=erellivmlt

Tie Honors Scholarship Gala

County Colege - Trinity River Campus

Trinity Campus Circle, Fort Worth

View A&M

Bethune Cookman University

Annual

The Kappa Zeta Chapter’

the newly appointed Southern Region

Briefs

AFLAC TO GRANT $200,000 TO TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND UNVEIL COMMEMORATIVE PARK BENCH AT TSU’s CAMPUS

advance health equity for diseases that dispro portionately impact underrepresented commu nities and will be split between community sup port/education and health-related research.

• Virgil Miller, Deputy President, Aflac U.S.

• Dr. Veronica Ajewole, Director, Community Engagement Core, Center for Biomedical and Minority Health Research, Texas South ern University

• Dr. Michelle Penn-Marshall, Vice President, Division for Research and Innovation, Texas Southern University

• Dr. Huan Xie, PI, Center for Biomedical and Minority Health Research, Texas Southern University, Texas Southern University

• Dr. Omonike Olaleye, Interim Associate

Provost and Associate Vice President for Re search, Texas Southern University

WHERE: Texas Southern University – 3100 Cleburne St, Houston, TX 77004

WHEN: Wednesday, October 12, 10 a.m. CDT

Aflac and Texas Southern University’s Center for Biomedical and Minority Health Research will hold an event to announce the awarding of a $200,000 grant. The grant will help to

WHY: Aflac’s CareGrants program supports Aflac’s commitment to supporting organiza tions that are helping close the gap for indi viduals and communities currently suffering from or highly exposed to medical debt. The program is informed by the Aflac Care Index, a nationwide study examining Americans’ awareness of and exposure to debt resulting from medical bills not covered by insurance. The Aflac Care Index identified 11 U.S. states that over-index for vulnerability to medical debt due to lack of savings; Texas was among the 11 states identified as having the most medical debt exposure.

FAMU Names New Vice President And Athletic Director

Florida A&M University announces the hiring of Tiffani Dawn Sykes as its new Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. Sykes is currently the Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director for Varsity Sports and Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hamp shire.

FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., said, “We are happy to welcome Ms. Tiffani Dawn Sykes into the FAMUly. Her credentials are impeccable and her demonstrated commitment to excellence are what we need to move our program forward.” I am excited about this hire and look forward to working with her to take FAMU to the next level. I must also extend a special thank you to In terim VP/AD Michael Smith for his exemplary service during his tenure,” Robinson added.

“I’m honored to have been chosen to lead one of the nation’s most historic athletic programs,” said Sykes. With this being the 50th anniversary of Title IX, I recognize the signif

Tiffany Dawn Sykes

icance of my joining the FAMU family in this role. I look forward to working with all of the Rattlers in continuing the outstanding legacy that resides on the “Highest of Seven Hills, Sykes added.”

Sykes began her career in 2002 at Saint Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, Virginia, in sports information and took on the role of the Senior Woman Administrator during her four years there. She was the Sports Information Director and SWA at Virginia Union University, and served two stints as the interim Sports Information Director and Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance at Grambling State University, where she earned her master’s degree in sport admin istration. Additionally, she was the Sports Management Specialist in the Central Inter collegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) confer ence office.

“I want to thank the student-athletes, staff, and coaches for all of your work, service, and support during this process and for helping Ms. Sykes become successful as she joins the FAMUly,” said Robinson.

Sykes will be introduced to the FAMU community at 10:00 a.m., October 12 in Lee Hall Auditorium.

The Aflac CareGrant supports Aflac’s commitment to award organizations who are helping close the gap around medical debt

Briefs

‘A FAMILY MATTERS CHRISTMAS’ IS COMING THIS NOVEMBER

By Ezekiel J. Walker

A Family Matters Christmas will be available on all major streaming and cable platforms in the U.S. and Canada on November 8. Directed by LaVern Whitt, the story will center around three feuding sib lings in a newly blended household who are visited by Alternis, the “forgotten Christmas spirit.” In a seasonal version of Freaky Friday, the siblings swap bodies, but must race against the clock to get back to themselves.

While JoMarie Payton (Harriet) played Kellie Sha nygne Williams’ (Laura) onscreen mother throughout the 90s classic series, her real life mother, Peg gy Williams wrote the “A Family Matters Christmas” script.

Peggy Williams adds, “When I was writing the story, I realized that the story mirrored my life, and through those life experiences, I’ve learned love, understanding, and forgiveness always win.”

The film not only reunites Williams and Payton, but original cast members of the 80’s & 90’s hit sitcom will also be featured. The role of “Hailey” is portrayed by Kellie’s real-life daughter, Hannah Belle Jackson, and her nephew Julius Terry is “Jaxx.” Williams’ parents, Peggy and Ervin Wil liams, are also the principals behind the film’s pro duction company Dream Merchant Media.

Family Matters premiered on September 22, 1989 on ABC, then moved to CBS for its final season which ended on July 17, 1998. A total of 215 epi sodes were produced over nine seasons before the show ended due to poor ratings near the approach ing millennium.

Family Matters was one of ABC’s most iconic Black family sitcoms to date, airing alongside Full House and Perfect Strangers as part of the network’s leg endary TGIF lineup.

Check out what all the members of the 90s hit show have been up to here and catch the movie trailer here.

A Family Matters Christmas Family Holiday Comedy Movie Poster

ARRESTED