I Messenger 9-3-21 by Cheryl Smith

I MESSENGER VOL X NO 50 SEPTEMBER 3, 2021

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U.S. House of Representatives commended for passing H.R. 1

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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. September 3, 2021

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated commends the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the For the People Act (H.R. 1) earlier this year and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (H.R. 4) this week. These crucial bills will protect our democracy by ensuring fair elections and unfettered access to the ballot box, ending gerrymandering in redistricting processes, and giving our nation tools to address discriminatory election practices. With over 350,000 initiated members and over 1,000 chapters worldwide, Delta Sigma Theta stands with prominent human and civil rights organizations to call on the U.S. Senate to act on these two important bills. Delta Sigma Theta asks all members and allies to contact their U.S. Senators and demand passage of the For the People and John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Acts. Further, Deltas will call on Senate leadership to eliminate the filibuster, so these crucial bills have a chance at passage. An antiquated procedural tactic should not stand in the way of essential voting rights protections for all Americans. The time to act is now. We cannot wait any longer for Congress to ensure access to the ballot box for all citizens, restore the full protections of the Voting

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Beverly Smith, President, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

Rights Act of 1965 and stop insidious attempts to suppress the votes of citizens of color. Notably, the bill creates a new coverage formula that applies to all states, designed to address re-

peated voting rights violations which occurred in the preceding 25 years. The formula is designed to keep up with changing conditions and hinges on a finding of repeated voting rights violations.

You can find more information on each bill below: About H.R. 1: The For the People Act seeks to expand Americans’ access to the ballot box, reduce the influence of big money in politics, strengthen ethics rules for public servants, and implement other anti-corruption measures to fortify our democracy. With provisions like online voting, same-day voting, and automatic voter registration, the For The People Act gives communities of color and other disenfranchised citizens greater access to the vote, a fundamental and sacred right and responsibility of American citizenship. About H.R. 4: The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act seeks to restore the full protections of the original, bipartisan Voting Rights Act of 1965, which was last reauthorized by Congress in 2006 but gutted by the Supreme Court in 2013. • Following the Shelby County decision, several states passed sweeping voter suppression laws that disproportionately prevent people of color, the elderly, and the young from voting • The bill provides the tools to address these discriminatory practices and to protect all Americans’ right to vote. myimessenger.com

INSIDE

OUR VOICES

I WAS JUST THINKING...

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the Black card My Skyline High school teacher, Mrs. Lane, said that a formal education came for the people who raised you and your informal education came from the education system. If you knew grandmother, then you would be able to confirm Mrs. Lane’s wisdom.

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September 3, 2021

MY TRUTH by Cheryl Smith Publisher

Are you enjoying this “different world?” I know my parents love me, Stand behind me come what may. I know now that I’m ready, Because I finally heard them say It’s a different world than where you come from Here’s a chance to make it, If we focus on our goals. If you dish it we can take it, Just remember you’ve been told It’s a different world, It’s a different world, Than where you come from Than where you come from Theme from “A Different World”

If I had my druthers, every generation would be forced to watch the 1980s-1990s hit TV show, “A Different World,” where life, social issues, love and more were the themes focused on during “The Cosby Show” spinoff that highlighted experiences on an HBCU campus. Sure times change and yes, we are seeing the signs of changing times. Unfortunately some of those signs leave much to be desired and are in direct contradiction to some really sound social practices. Today it is definitely a different world. We should ask ourselves, is it better now; in terms of hometraining, common decency, respect, protocol and governing yourself accordingly? Some might say the aforementioned are attributes that are not too much to ask for in September 3, 2021

a so-called civilized society. It was actor Michael Moriarty, as Executive Assistant District Attorney Ben Stone in the popular TV series, “Law and Order,” who told a defendant, “And in polite society, Sir, you don’t call people by their first name unless they ask you to - I didn’t do that. You’re not a friend, and you’re certainly not a colleague.” Today some folks don’t have a problem with children who can barely pronounce their name, calling them by their first name or participating in conversations that should be way above their “pay grade.” Gone are the days when “children are seen and not heard and come when called.” Today, we’re all “equals,” until someone gets into trouble! While there are cultures

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that say that age is not a prerequisite for reverence and there are cultures that practice respect of elders; I would say that respect of ones self will figure significantly into how others are treated by you. In “A Different World,” I loved the cross-generational interactions. Young adults appeared to want to impress their “elders” and they revered and sometimes were afraid or intimidated by them. Best behavior was the order of the day. It was the only way! Growing up for me, discipline was real. I saw it in other families, as well. And yes, there were times when we heard about those disciplining in a manner that may not have been in accordance with what would be considered decent and appropriate, as well as humane. Therefore, balance is the

order of the day. Our young can not run amuck without any regard for consequences and repercussions and our children are not slaves (get my drift?) Folks in their 20s to late 30s have told me that they are into their “feelings.” So any checking or calling attention to inappropriateness now becomes “bullying,” “microagressions” or “shaming.” It’s definitely a live and let live world. Now that’s not to say that there haven’t been clashes for centuries and there will be forever; however it is imperative that we have some sense of decency — but who decides what is decent? Years ago, Psychologist Dr. Julia Hare said: “When they made our parents afraid of disciplining the children. Then what happened? We found out that the teachers was afraid of the principal, the principals were afraid of the superintendent, superintendent was scared of the school board, school board was scared of the parents, parents was scared of the children - and the children ain’t scared of nobody.” A lesson for my crew, when they tried to block me on social media: I’ll show you a different world! When your butt gets into trouble, call your friends, followers and fans! Then I quoted the late, great, comedian Bernie Mac for them!!! myimessenger.com

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September 3, 2021

All Falls Down FAITHFUL UTTERANCES BY DR. FROSWA BOOKER-DREW

We live in some interesting times. I find that I am often blown away by the actions of individuals. As much as we profess to care about others, I find that more people are concerned about how things impact them and how they are made to feel. I think for so long we’ve been conditioned to believe that it’s all about us. I remember as a young woman when there was so much discussion about the selfesteem of young people and the importance of validation. What began as a critical conversation resulted in giving everyone participation points or passing the entire class because we didn’t want to hurt the feelings of others. In a desire to promote healthy self-perception, I think it developed such a focus on self that we failed to find the balance in knowing the interrelated nature of self and community. We failed to make the correlation that our decisions can have either a direct or indirect impact on the lives of others. The Butterfly Effect is a concept used in meteorology, economics and other fields that describe a phenomenon. Mathematician Edward Lorenz noted that if a butterfly flaps its wings in one part of the world, it can create a tornado somewhere else. A very small, unanticipated September 3, 2021

change can create a very different outcome. The reality is that small or large occurrences happen and can create circumstances that we are not able to predict. We don’t live in the world in isolation. So many things in our world have become so political that we have failed to pay attention to the impact of our decisions on the lives of those around us. Whether to have the vaccine or not, to believe that global warming is real or not, or other issues that divide us, we have lost the ability to see things from the perspective of others. We have failed to understand caring for our neighbor and the interconnectivity we have with one another. A neighbor isn’t necessarily the person who lives next door to you. The Bible reminds us of the importance of our neighbors, of those who we share space within our communities, in our world and that their wellbeing is important. “No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.” (1 Corinthians 10:24) The Bible commands us to love one another: “Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:1-2) My mother always would tell me as a child this scripture. What would happen if we thought that everyone we encountered was an angel and God was watching our interaction? I

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bet it would not only change the way we saw others, but we would be more intentional in the way we interacted. It’s deeper than just loving our neighbor. It really boils down to how we see ourselves. We have a world of people that no matter how many participation points, awards for everyone on the team, and passing grades, whose selfworth is minimal. Their selfworth is found in stuff. In an article by researchers, Zheng

“No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.” 1 Corinthians 10:24 and Hawk (2019), “self-esteem is inversely correlated with people’s general materialistic values, purchasing expensive brands, or valuing of material possessions. Those who emphasize low interdependence enhance and maintain self-esteem through personal success, fulfillment of personal desires, and the validation of their abilities and unique inner attributes. In contrast, the bases of self-esteem for highly interdependent individuals are group harmony and associations with others.” In other words, when we don’t find importance in others, we find it in stuff which makes it easy to disregard others and that what we do impacts them. The Bible states, “For

the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:14) If we don’t love ourselves, it is going to be so hard to love our neighbors. It should be no surprise to us what we are witnessing: “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5) I believe God is speaking to us so loudly, but our arrogance and self-centeredness are barriers. We can’t hear God and we definitely aren’t listening to or loving one another. In the words of Kanye West, “…It seems we living the American dream, but the people highest up got the lowest self-esteem…the prettiest people do the ugliest things.”

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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As COVID Threatens to Disrupt Yet Another Academic Year, Leaders Make Matters Worse By Playing Politics with Students’ Health and Education TO BE EQUAL MARC MORIAL

Across the country, students are embarking on what is certain to be a third consecutive academic year that is compromised or disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. While this is unfortunate for all students, it’s especially dire for students of color and low-income students, who experienced the steepest setbacks as a result of interrupted instruction. To make matters worse, students are being used as pawns by politicians more concerned with signifying partisan loyalty than with the health and education of public-school children. Twenty states have prohibited proof-of-vaccination requirements. At least eight states—Florida, Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma, Iowa, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah—have imposed bans on school districts requiring masks. Florida and Arizona have gone so far as to threaten to withhold funding from districts that impose mask mandates. As U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona has pointed out, these policies represent discrimination against students who cannot attend school because of the myimessenger.com

risk to their health. The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights is preparing to launch investigations in states block mask mandates – a move the National Urban League emphatically supports. It’s appropriate that Secretary Cardona recognizes pandemic-related educational disruption as a

have been stark. Research released last month showed students in majority Black or Hispanic schools ended the school year six months behind where they normally would have been in math, compared with four months for white students. Students in low-income schools were seven months behind. “Put simply, the students

“We cannot return to the classroom and do things the same as they have always been done and expect to see a different outcome. Instead, we must use this critical moment in education to radically rethink how programs, policies, and opportunities are designed and fiercely commit to prioritizing the communities most impacted by the pandemic and distributing resources accordingly.” – NWEA Center for School and Student Progress.

civil rights issue. As I testified earlier this year to the House Education and Labor Committee’s Subcommittee on Early Childhood Elementary and Secondary Education, Black children are more likely than their White counterparts to lack the internet access and the devices necessary to receive adequate remote instruction. This “homework gap” affects one in three Black, Latino, and American Indian Alaska Native students. The effects on inequality

who could least afford to lose ground relative to other students are those who were the most impacted,” wrote the authors of a similar report that reached the same conclusions. The educational research organization NWEA, which produced the report, offered several policy recommendations to support students’ health and well-being while at the same time expanding access to excellent educational opportunities. These include:

• Re-engage for all students, with a focus on historically underserved students. • Continue to support access to remote learning technology for students and families. • Attend to physical, social, and mental health needs of students and families. • Measure student progress, rethink assessment systems, and use data to support recovery. • Support and train teachers and leaders. • Move from restarting to reimagining accountability and school improvement. None of these goals are served by endangering the health and safety of students and their families with anti-mask and anti-vaccine policies, or by inviting even more learning interruption by withholding school funding. These misguided, politically-motivated and racially-discriminatory policies can only serve to widen the already-alarming racial achievement gaps. The National Urban League and our network of 91 affiliates across the country stand ready to work with states and school districts on policies that uplift all students and expand educational opportunities for everyone. Marc Morial is president/CEO of the National Urban League.

September 3, 2021

We will Survive OUR VOICES REP. YVONNE DAVIS

This has been an unusual legislative year to say the least – but I am confident Texas and Texans will survive and ultimately thrive. As you well know, the 87th Regular Legislative session ended with a bang, and it has continued through two special called sessions! The regular session ended with Democrats saying, “enough is enough” and leaving the House Chamber to stop a controversial voter suppression bill by running out the clock to end the session. There is no question that Democrats as well as all Texans want fair and secure

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elections! However, a voter suppression bill designed to make it more difficult for individuals to vote does not enhance security in our election process. It is my thought that every citizen’s participation is essential to having and maintaining a strong and representative government. However, the Governor called the first special session on July 8th to address the voters suppression bill as well as other measures, that failed during the regular session, including Article 10 funding for the legislative branch of government which he vetoed. After a 24-hour hearing on the controversial voting suppression legislation Democrats again, walked out after insults and humiliation during the process. The first special called session ended with no action taken due

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to a lack of a quorum in the House. Democrats traveled to the nation’s capital to visit with Congressional leaders regarding the need for federal legislation to protect voters and their voting rights without intimidation. This effort brought additional focus on the legislation and the need to protect all citizens from this form of intimidation and violation of their rights. Consequently, the Governor called a second special session, August 7th, which is currently ongoing. I believe we have too many critical issues facing our State to be bogged down with partisan politics. The State must redefine it’s priorities and focus on ways to protect and improve the quality of life for all Texans. As a Democrat who believes our state gov-

ernment can and should do better, I will continue to advocate for all citizens. Please know to break quorum is not an easy decision to make, in fact, it’s a very difficult action to take. Sometimes it is necessary to take bold action to get the attention of others who have no perspective and/or understanding of the long-lasting effects of such negative legislation. It is always my desire to have an environment where there is room to talk and discuss our differences. The House rules are designed to serve its members and so maintaining a quorum is required not only to ensure the integrity of the body, but to move measures forward. Consequently, denying a quorum is a strategic tool to put measures on hold when the action is not in best interest of the state. While I understand that there are many perspectives – we must all seek to create a Texas where every Texan is respected. Currently, the House of Representatives is meeting and should focus on issues like COVID-19, health care, a thirteen check for retired teachers, and true property tax relief. Finally, I appreciate the many calls and emails expressing concerns, support, and views during the quorum break. Your input is always welcome and appreciated. I look forward to continuing to work and govern in a manner that is respectful to and for all Texans to keep our State strong and safe! myimessenger.com

What is Real Freedom? WHAT’S ON MILES’ MIND

MILES JAYE Rick James said, “Cocaine’s a helluva drug!” While I can neither confirm nor deny, I can state with complete certainty and unwavering conviction that freedom too is a helluva drug-- it must be. Jonesing for freedom keeps me awake at night. “I wish I knew how it would feel to be free.” Freedom is a powerful drug. How else can we explain escape attempts through cold, dark, wet swamps, risking death in the name of freedom? How else can we justify decades of marches, protests, sit-ins, boycotts and riots in the name of freedom and justice? As with cocaine, the desire for freedom is strong, the need-- nagging and persistent, and the pursuit of both costing countless lives throughout many years. The difference is, cocaine induces an unnatural state in man… freedom is man’s natural state, a state far too often denied. When Patrick Henry said, “Give me liberty or give me death.” in 1775, it’s not likely he knew the American Revolution would begin a few weeks later. It’s even less likely

he could have known nearly 7,000 men would be killed in action. It’s estimated another 10,000 perished due to disease and infection as prisoners of war, all fighting for freedom. Henry’s words signaled a belief that a life without freedom was not a life worth living. What is this thing called freedom we feature in song titles, book plots, movie themes, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights? Freedom is a thing-- a concept that renders one untied and untethered, without restriction of thought, speech, movement, actions, or behavior. There is no obstruction to

In the land of the free, we are free to be gracious, and equally free to be dispassionate and unkind. In the land of the free, we’re free to be honest, and equally free to be villains, deceitful and corrupt. This, for me, explains the extreme political divides, xenophobia, homophobia, and every form of racism. In a so-called, Nation of Laws, we must acknowledge that with or without consequence, we are free to disobey them, just as we disobey the Ten Commandments. It’s really rather simple, in America, people have the right to be vile and ignorant.

“I know where I’m going, and I know the truth and I don’t have to be what you want me to be. I’m free to be what I want.” --Muhammad Ali

our will or choices. We are free to move about as we wish, free as a bird. The lyrics to the theme song “Born Free” simply say, “Born free, as free as the wind blows, as free as the grass grows, born free to follow your heart.” Americans proudly claim we are the land of the free and home of the brave and for some that may be true. In the land of the free, we are free to be brilliant, and equally free to be imbecilic or idiotic.

Herein, lies the arguments of the Mask v. No Mask, Vaccine v. No Vaccine campaigns. Do not impinge upon our freedoms. Nestled deep within the Big Lie is freedom of speech, the belief that you can’t tell me what to say, nor can you tell me what to believe-- whether I actually believe it or not. As much as freedom is a drug, it’s also a tool, and a deadly weapon in the hands of the unyielding. It can be swung like a hammer or

wielded like a double-edged sword-- freedom cuts both ways. We desperately seek freedom; however, freedom alone is not enough. The hammer is meaningless, worthless, without something to build. The sword has no real value without a worthy cause, and alone it does not embody valor or courage. The bearer of the weapon must be valiant, brave, fearless. Martin Luther King, Jr. likened freedom to a bell when he said, “Let freedom ring.” but we can get so caught up in the emotion of his words and King’s brilliant oratory that we miss his meaning. What exactly is meant by let freedom ring? Perhaps he asks us to let freedom ring in our hearts, no matter what evil befalls us, let freedom ring. “Nobody’s free until everybody’s free.” --Fannie Lou Hamer “I know where I’m going, and I know the truth and I don’t have to be what you want me to be. I’m free to be what I want.” --Muhammad Ali That’s what’s on my mind! Website: www.milesjaye.net Podcast: https://bit.ly/2zkhSRv Email: milesjaye360@gmail.com

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September 3, 2021

We Got Scars! QUIT PLAYIN’ VINCENT L. HALL In my opinion, Perry Mason was the grandfather of all crime/courtroom drama television and the penultimate. Long before someone coined “Black on Black crime,” we were having a ball watching White on White crime. Just like with any race, these murders were more about proximity than ethnicity. Anyway. Raymond Burr played the role of a criminal defense lawyer that never lost a case. Truth be told, my life’s ambition was to be an attorney, and he, along with a great uncle, Herman English, provided the motive. I was thoroughly impressed by the mental agility, the cunning wit, and the impromptu theatrics that make for a good trial lawyer. Although Perry was a bit portly, his bespoke suits, French cuffs, and unwavering hairline put him in a class by himself. He, along with his legal assistant and unofficial consigliere Della Street, was a formidable team. Paul Drake, equally dapper and well dressed as Perry, was the coolest private eye on earth. At least he was until John Shaft showed up in 1971. John Shaft was a bad mutha! (Shut yo mouth) The legal drama series ran from September 21, 1957, to May 22, 1966. The threesome churned out 271 52-minute episodes, which secured Emmy Awards for Burr and Barbara Hale. September 3, 2021

Los Angeles served as the backdrop for the weekly spellbinder, although several episodes landed Perry in courtrooms around the area. Wherever there was an underdog in danger of losing their freedom unjustly, Mason was on the case and many times pro bono. The scripts were well

The show always provided some nuggets of wisdom. You could leave every episode with a quotable line, a moral to the story, or some good sound counsel. In this particular episode, Perry fell into defending a client that did not seek him out. A young man returning from jail for vehicular

“Sometimes there’s a scar you can’t see.” — Perry Mason, circa 1961

Ms. Barbara Hale with Raymond Burr

written and loaded with legal jargon. Burr’s command of speech and theatrical placement was flawless. Every show was a nail-biter, and the entire plot was never revealed until the show’s end. Every viewer had the extraordinary task of trying to discern who the culprit was, and that was no easy feat. But what I love so much about Perry Mason eclipses the courtroom fisticuffs and the ill-fated criminal intent.

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manslaughter faced a town full of folks who hated him. The unfortunate lad had been driving drunk and killed his female companion but survived the crash. The young lady was the daughter of the Chief of Police, and everyone was awaiting his return. The townsfolk had their own brand of vigilante justice in mind. The innkeeper who explained it all to Perry left one sentence, but the brainy

barrister answered in a few words that spoke volumes. “This idiot smashed his car that killed the young lady, and he never got a scratch.” Mason looked downward, took a deep breath, let out a sigh, and made a profound retort to the innkeeper’s brash summation. “Nothing is all black or all white. Sometimes there’s a scar you can’t see.” Now that will preach! Recently, I met with two of my mentees, Brotha Shaw and Byron. I call them mentees, but they always teach me more than I could possibly impart to them. I had come to the breakfast meeting poised to ask one question. My curiosity centered on understanding what undercurrent in our community that causes such wanton and senseless violence. We have kids on the street committing homicides and serious injuries that just do not seem logical. My thought was that it was connected to a couple of prominent “rap beefs” in our community. One of the brothers mentioned “Murder Rap,” a genre of the artform that glorifies and encourages killing other sects, gangs, and hoods. We never came up with an answer better than Perry’s. Unfortunately, there is a hidden scar in our community, and it will take an impartial and intergenerational jury to close the case. We got scars and innocent people are dying! Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and award-winning columnist.

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September 3, 2021

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September 3, 2021

Harllee-Phelps family:

Part II

Dallas Black dynasty of achievement I WAS JUST THINKING... NORMA ADAMS-WADE

In the previous part I column, we discussed the legendary Black Dallas educator Norman Washington Harllee (c.1847/1853-1927) for whom the historic local N. W. Harllee Elementary School was named in 1928, the year after Harllee died. That incredibly-beloved school operated for 84 years until it closed under district budget cuts in 2012 – despite strong community objection. The neighborhood institution reopened in 2015 and is now the N. W. Harllee Early Childhood Center, still at its original site 1216 E. Eighth St., across from the prominent Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center. In this part II, we highlight some of the other Harllee family members whose achievements helped make this Black Dallas family a proud and true dynasty. Florence Louise Harllee Phelps (4/18/1904 – 6/3/1999) was N. W. Harllee and wife Florence Belle Coleman Phelps’ daughter and one of their three children. She made her own illustrious history in Dallas. She graduated from Howard University and began teaching in Dallas in 1925 then earned three master’s degrees and completed other post-graduate studies. She became a social workSeptember 3, 2021

John C. Phelps.

Photo Credit The Black Academy of Arts & Letters

er in 1929 and was DISD’s first Black social worker. She helped establish the Graduate School of Social Work at University of Texas at Arlington and was the first Black professor at that graduate school. She established various state-level initiatives in social worker training and was a founder of Alpha Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in Dallas. She was a director at Wiley College Extension School at

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Dallas and helped carry out adoptions at Hope Cottage Children’s Bureau in Dallas. She died at age 95, less than a month after the death of Dallas civil rights leader John C. Phelps Jr., her devoted caregiver and husband of 72 years. John Clarence Phelps Jr. (Aug. 26, 1902 – May 16, 1999) was an exemplary husband and father, was front and center when many important Dallas Black community civic and business organizations were being formed. He was

an insurance agent, Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce founding member, vice-president of the historic Progressive Voters League, and campaign manager in 1940 when Maynard Jackson Sr. was the first Black to run for the Dallas school board. During World War II he chaired the Black community War Bond campaign, and in the late 1940s after WWII, he led the effort to get the first Black mailmen hired in Dallas. To cognize his many other myimessenger.com

Lucy Phelps Patterson, seated 2nd from Lt. with other Dallas City Council members in the early 1970s.

Florence Harllee-Phelps.

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Photo Credit: Alpha Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

civic and civil rights achievements in 1986, Magna Vista Park and Recreation Center in Oak Cliff were renamed John C. Phelps Park and Recreation Center and hiking Trail in his honor. One point of distinction is that Dallas basketball great Chris Bosh says he has fond memories of practicing basketball at Phelps as a youth. Phelps was age 96 when he died. Lucy Harllee Phelps Patterson (June 21, 1931 – June 15, 2000) -- daughter of John Phelps Jr. and Florence Harllee and granddaughter of N. W. Harllee – was born in Dallas and graduated from Booker T. Washington H. S. at age 14. In 1973, she became the first African-American woman elected to the Dallas City Council, followed in 1975 by the iconic Juanita Craft

Photo Credit: Pinterest.

who served with her on the council. Patterson, a Howard University and University of Denver graduate, followed her mother’s path into social work. She advanced to administration in several Dallas County and nonprofit agencies. She was an associate professor of sociology at North Texas State University and a professor at Bishop College. She was appointed by two U. S. Presidents to White House commissions and was the first She died at age 68. So, blood lines can produce powerful legacies that keep on giving. The Harllee-Phelps dynasty is certainly an example. Norma Adams-Wade is a veteran, award-winning journalist, Graduate of UT- Austin and Dallas native. One of the founders of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), she was inducted into the NABJ Hall of Fame

September 3, 2021

Superb Women

August 2021

TERRY WADE-OTTLEY Whether she’s in the board room or out in the community, Terry Wade-Ottley is putting her best foot forward for the betterment of all! Terry Wade-Ottley is the Community Affairs/Development Manager–Texas for Regions Bank. Terry has over 30 years in banking. She has spent 20 years of her banking career specializing in community development, economic

development, and community outreach working with non-profits. Terry has advertising and public relations experience in both private business and as a volunteer for non-profits. In August 2008, using her own funds, she began fostering nine horses and several cats and dogs that were neglected. This was the foundation of Gabby’s Sanctuary ARK (Acts of Real Kindness) (GSA). Much of her work involved young people and their families. Terry is a servant leader. She also is involved in assisting families affected by domestic violence, encouraging and promoting small businesses, women entrepreneurs and providing outlets, like working with horses, for children in low-to-moderate income families. Terry cares and she is impacting so many lives. JUDGE STACI WILLIAMS Judge Staci Williams is smart, committed and focused. Judge Staci Williams is a graduate of the Georgetown University Law Center, Smith College, and The Hockaday School. A two-term Judge of the 101st September 3, 2021

District Court in Dallas County, Texas; she has served on the Board for The Hockaday School; Dispute Mediation Service, Inc., S.A.A.V.E.D. and North Texas Volunteer Center; and, as Chair/ Co-Chair of various committees for the Dallas Bar Association and the J.L. Turner Legal Association. In September 2015, Judge Williams created the Citizens’ Civil Academy (CCA) to educate citizens about the civil court system. She has over 10 years judicial experience and 27 years of legal experience including: Trial Attorney and Administrative Judge with the EEOC; Arbitrator for NASD/ FINRA, U.S. Postal Service, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), and the Washington Metropolitan Airport Board; Counsel, U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee; and Dallas Municipal Court Judge. And guess, what? She’s also a twin, so there are two superb Williams women walking around town! HON. GYNA BIVENS Gyna Bivens is the Mayor Pro Tem of Fort Worth, TX Gyna M. Bivens is the Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Fort Worth. She also serves as president and executive director of North Texas Leaders and Executives Advocating Diversity (LEAD), a consortium of major employers in North Texas whose chief executive officers seek to increase diversity in their managerial ranks. Prior to accepting this role, The Fort Worth City Councilwoman, who recently was reelected to another term, was recruited in 1998 to become

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the first African American corporate spokesperson for one of the nation’s largest electric utility companies. Gyna spent part of her career as a television news reporter, giving her the opportunity to interview every U.S. president dating back to Jimmy Carter. Many became familiar with her voice on Soul 73 KKDA-M.She has volunteered with many organizations, and was twice elected Chairwoman

of the Board of Directors for the Fort Worth Transportation Authority. She has served on more than 30 boards and commissions and has been recognized, awarded and presented by several organizations.

III for the City of Dallas. Bernetta holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Oklahoma, where she was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. She previously served as District Director for U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee; Registrar and Manager of the Office of Vital Statistics for the City of Dallas; and worked in the corporate banking industry for 13 years at AmeriTrust, where she became the first African American female in the state of Texas to be promoted to trust officer. Bernetta is loyal, honest and a sincere member of Community Missionary Baptist Church of DeSoto. She is a Texas Registered Code Enforcement Officer and a National Safety Council Defensive Driving Instructor. DR. JENNIFER STIMPSON Dr. Jennifer Stimpson is the type of educator you want in the classroom!

BERNETTA JO YOUNG Bernetta Jo Young is a consummate professional who is well-prepared and focused. Bernetta Jo Young, a native of Dallas

County with more than 34 years of professional experience including 16 years with the City of Dallas; is currently serving as Interim Division Manager

Dr. Jennifer Stimpson makes learning science an exciting experience. A graduate of Dillard University with a BS Degree in Chemistry, she received a MA Degree in environmental chemistry from the University of Northern Iowa. Dr. Jennifer received her doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education. Prior to teaching fifth grade science at The Hockaday School, she taught chemistry in the Dallas Independent School District. Dr. Jennifer is the founder of JSTEMP Science, an education platform myimessenger.com

to inspire students to consider STEM. The recipient of numerous recognitions and honors, she received Texas Women’s Foundation Maura Leadership Award, Dillard University’s Alumnae Award for Professional Excellence, The “Hidden Figures in STEM” award from the National Society of Black Engineers and an Inspiration Award from the Michael Jordan Foundation. A finalist for Ebony Magazine People’s Choice Award, this member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was featured in O: The Oprah Magazine as a “Rock Star Scientist.” REP. RHETTA BOWERS Rep. Rhetta Andrews Bowers is a proud native Houstonian, wife and mother who has been honored by several organizations. Texas State Rep. Rhetta Bowers represents House District 113 and made history elected as the first

African American to represent this district that includes all or parts of Rowlett, Garland, Mesquite, Sunnyvale, Seagoville, Combine, Balch Springs, and Dallas. Rep. Bowers is an alumna of Spelman and Texas Southern University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications, with an emphasis in Broadcast Journalism. She began working in DC in public television at PBS headquarters and WETA-TV 26/Radio 90.9. She returned to Texas’ KCENTV 6 and was later promoted to news producer. She also was educational services coordinator for KERA TV 13/ Radio 90.1. A former educator and volunteer within Garland ISD, she is a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church and a life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Rep. Bowers is a co-founder and four-time Co-chair of the Dallas Women’s March. She is the myimessenger.com

recipient of the 2019 Bands of Hope “Trailblazer Award,” Afiya Center’s “Legislative Achievement Award,” TSU’s “Distinguished Alumna of the Year and Texas Legislative Black Caucus 2019 “Freshman of the Year.” SHERYL ADKINS-GREEN Sheryl Adkins-Green is brains, beauty, influence and grace!

Sheryl Adkins-Green is the Executive VP and Chief Marketing Officer at Mary Kay, Inc.; leading the global marketing strategy, brand positioning, new product development, advertising, digital marketing, social media, product education, and customer insights. She has worked as the Business Director at Kraft Foods, Regional President at Citibank, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Cadbury Schweppes/Snapple Beverage Group, and Vice President, General Manager at Alberto Culver. In 2020, Sheryl received the CMO Leadership Award, and in 2019, she was named to BLACK ENTERPRISE’s 2019 Most Powerful Women in Corporate America List. Sheryl earned a BS degree from the University of Wisconsin and received her MBA from Harvard Business School. A trustee of Texas Christian University, she serves on the boards of the AT&T Performing Arts Center and the Dallas Museum of Art and she also serves as a judge for the 2021 Miss Universe Pageant. DR. JACQUIE HOOD MARTIN Dr. Jacquie Hood Martin is a treasure. Always calm and focused; she is a joy to be around! Jacquie Hood Martin, PhD is an ordained minister, columnist, documentary creator, speaker handbook author.

Dr. Jacquie served for a decade as the first female staff pastor at The Church Without Walls in Houston, TX, and she served for two years as pastor at The Bridge International in Chicago, IL, a church she co-founded. Currently she serves as co-chair of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Sunday of Hope Advisory Council. Dr. Jacquie was also Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at City College of Chicago. She received a M.Ed. in Higher Education/Online Technology from Northcentral University and her PhD at Louisiana Baptist University and Theological Seminary. She is sincere and so helpful because she empowers attendees. A loving wife, Rev. Jacquie is a certified master coach, DiSC certified trainer, author, documentary creator, leader in strategic planning, professional development, education advancement and personal empowerment. Check her out at www.jhoodandassociates.org

the University of Kansas School of Law. She joined the Navarro County District Attorney’s Office in 2007 as the Chief Juvenile Prosecutor. She later became a felony assistant district attorney in Dallas County and from 2013 2014, she served as the Chief Felony Prosecutor of the Dallas County Gang Unit. In 2015, she was sworn in as the youngest sitting Criminal District Court Judge in Dallas County, for the 291st Judicial District Court. The judge is also an adjunct professor of criminal law, contracts law, and criminal procedure at Kaplan College. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Concord Church. Judge Huff has a received numerous awards, including: Felony and Misdemeanor Prosecutor of the Year and Dallas County Heavy Hitter Award. She is also one of four Dallas County Judges that created Pipeline to Possibilities Program (P2P), that partnered with DISD to educate young adults about the criminal justice system and making good decisions. CHEF CASSONDRA Chef Cassondra is a pro. She’s old school, new school and the future of healthy living, cooking and eating!

JUDGE STEPHANIE HUFF Judge Stephanie Mitchell Huff is conscientious, committed and highly respected because of her sincere approach to everything!

Judge Stephanie Mitchell Huff received a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a J.D. from

Cassondra Armstrong is the founder, CEO and President of Chef Cassondra Culinary Concepts. Many may remember her from The Dining Table, back in the day! She studied Food & Hospitality at El Centro College and received a BA Degree in Business Administration with emphasis in Management. A native Dallasite, she has a grocery store line, ”Good 2go tm”. She has also established her own non-profit organization, LUWI, Living Urban Working Institute, where she is teaching the basics of food prep to the unemployed, the newlySeptember 3, 2021

released, non-violent ex-offender, and at risk youth. Chef Cassondra has toured with The American Heart Association promoting “Take Wellness to Heart”, and presently serves as an Ambassador for “Power to End Stroke.” She’s been featured in Ebony Magazine and was also the Official Chef for “The National Conference of Black Mayors” Convention. Interested in living and eating healthy, call Chef Cassondra 972904-3600. LYNN PRIDE RICHARDSON We are PROUD to highlight Lynn PRIDE Richardson. She gives public defenders a good name!

Lynn Pride Richardson is the Chief Public Defender for Dallas County, where she is in charge of the largest and second oldest Public Defender’s Office in Texas. A native Floridian, she is a graduate of Spelman College and the University of Florida College of Law. It is important to note that her client-centered approach to criminal defense also inspired her to create a special conditional dismissal docket for mentally ill offenders and to pursue reformative justice initiatives. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Lynn has lived a life of public service. She exhibits a servant leadership heart through efforts like “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” for incarcerated women and the “Black Lives Matter to Public Defenders March.” Lynn cares and it helps for those, especially with little or NO money, who are seeking justice. It’s her leadership that is making the difference! TRENISHA FOREMAN For times such as these, we really need Trenisha Foreman as we deal with living during a pandemic! Trenisha Foreman hosts Tre’s September 3, 2021

Universe every Friday @7pm CT on dfwiradio.com, interviewing an eclectic group of guests on wide-ranging topics and subjects of interest. A graduate of Bowie High School, she received a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Oklahoma and has worked extensively as a mental health counselor and therapist. She is a fitness lover, who specifically loves weight training. Trenisha is the coauthor of “Soulful Prayers: The Power of International Communication with God”-By Cheryl Polote-Williamson and “Daughters of Promise: Global Women Devotional” - By Dr. Kimberly Ellison. She also graces the pages of fitness and health/beauty magazines. ATTY. YULISE WATERS Brains, consciousness, commitment, beauty and more, that’s Atty. Yulise Reaves Waters! Atty. Yulise Reaves Waters is Deputy Director of the Lone Star Justice Alliance (LSJA). Prior to joining LSJA,

Waters was an Assistant City Attorney and Community Courts Prosecutor for the City of Dallas. She also cofounded the Second Chance Community Improvement Program (SCCIP) for emerging adults (17-24) that identifies and addresses the unmet needs to reduce the likelihood of recidivism. Yulise serves on the board of POETIC

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Trauma Therapy Center and Creative Arts Studio, ARK (Adults Relating to Kids) Group, and Family Gateway. Many also know her as a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant. She has been named to the Dallas Business Journal’s “40 Under 40.” A native Dallasite, Yulise graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in English and Spanish and a B.B.A. in Organizational Behavior and Business Policy from Southern Methodist University. She also earned her JD from the Dedman School of Law at SMU. Pursuing an MBA in the Executive MBA Program, this wife and mother, is an eloquent speaker and born leader. DR. MARY E. BECK Dr. Mary E. Beck transitioned on August 5, 2021. She was on our list and we still want to recognize her superbness!

Dr. Mary E. Beck was a native of Shreveport, LA. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School and received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Wiley College, where she was initiated into the Theta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She received her M.A. Degree from SMU. She later attended North Texas State University (now UNT) and received a certification in Elementary Ed. Dr. Beck received a teaching certification for students with Intellectual Disabilities from Texas Woman’s University and a Master of Administration and Supervision from Prairie View A&M University. After her retirement in 2002, she attended Vision University and received a Doctorate in Ministry and a Doctorate in Philosophy and Leadership. Dr. Beck was a DISD “Teacher of the Year” finalist in 2000, and she received the ‘Educator of the Year’ Award from Paul Quinn College in 2001, NAACP Award for Education and

George H. Chandler Educator’s Award during the Beta Chapter’s Centennial of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. DEIDRE DAVIS Deidre Davis has lived a life of service--corporate and community!

Deidre Davis, PHR-CP is an experienced Human Resources Professional with a demonstrated history of working in television and digital media. She received a BA degree in Radio, Television and Film from the University of Louisiana at Monroe (Northeast Louisiana University) where she was initiated into the Lambda Rho Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Deidre also received a MS Degree in Human Relations and Business from Amberton University. Still, young and full of energy, Deidre retired as the Director of Human Resources for WFAATV after decades of committed service and currently she is a Human Resources Business Partner at Envy Gaming. HON. REMEKO EDWARDS Hailing from the great city of Selma, Alabama, Judge Edwards is widely respected and with good reason!

Remeko Tranisha Edwards is the Judge of County Criminal Court #7 in Dallas County. Prior to taking her myimessenger.com

seat on the bench, she was managing attorney for Law Office of Remeko T. Edwards, Former Probation Officer at Dallas County Juvenile Probation Department, Hailing from Selma, AL., the Lancaster High School graduate went on to receive a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Texas at El Paso and Bachelor of Liberal Arts from UTA. Then she graduated from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law. The judge is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and served as President of the Dallas Black Criminal Bar Association and Board Member of Woman Called Moses, We the Village, Christians in Public Service, Dallas Holmes Boyz, National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, and Ellis County African American Museum. Humble, gracious, sincere and committed, she is also a member of the Dallas Chapter of Mexican Bar Association (MABA), State Bar of Texas, Dallas Bar Association, Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program, and Antioch Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church. HON. SANDRA JACKSON Judge Sandra Jackson understands the importance of FAMILY! The Hon. Sandra Jackson is judge of the Texas 302nd District Court., a family court. Hailing from Lawton, OK, she graduated from

MacArthur High School and attended Oklahoma State University where she earned a B.S. in political science before going on to study law at Southern University Law Center. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Judge Sandra is a member of the Dallas NAACP, past president of the Dallas Association of Black Women Attorneys and Dean of myimessenger.com

the Potter’s House School of Ministry. She has sat on the boards of Habitat for Humanity, Legal Services of North Texas and the Transformation Ministry. Prior to her election, she served as an assistant district attorney in the Juvenile Division of the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. While she was also a caregiver for her mother, who lived with Alzheimers; the judge’s kind and giving spirits extends into the community. She believes in helping families! DR. STACIA’ ALEXANDER Mental health experts like Dr. Stacia Alexander are so important Dr. Stacia’ Alexander is a life coach, therapist, trainer, author, talk show host, consultant and sought-

after speaker. A success strategist, she focuses on mental health, human development and corporate wellness. For nearly a quarter of a century Dr. Stacia’ has been the director of Positive Influences, a privately held counseling agency with offices in Dallas and Ft. Worth. She is also the Mental Health Director of the on-campus counseling center providing services to the Paul Quinn College student body. A licensed professional counselor, certified by the Texas Board of Professional Counselors, she received a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology from Amberton University and a Doctor of Philosophy, Clinical Psychology from Walden University. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Dr. Stacia teaches anger management, parenting and more, gaining a 5 star rating. A wife and mother, she is also gorgeous and exudes a spirit of self actualization and authenticity. She’s engaging and concerned; devoting her many talents, which also include home improvement and graphic designing.

VEREE HAWKINS BROWN Family and finances are important to Veree Hawkins Brown, and should also be important to you!

Veree Hawkins Brown is a Financial Advisor with both broker/dealer and investment advisor certifications. She focuses on helping individuals achieve their long term financial goals. Her background includes leadership roles at Sabre Holdings in finance and marketing and as a Financial Advisor for Morgan Stanley and ISC Group, Inc. As the CEO of Veree Hawkins Brown LLC, an event management and luxury floral design, she worked with individuals, corporate and non-profit organizations. As the leader of an international airline account relationship team at Travelocity. com LLP, she oversaw contract negotiations for all airline clients and the implementation of online marketing campaigns. A graduate of Albuquerque Academy, she holds a BBA in English Literature from Dartmouth College and a MBA from Southern Methodist University. She serves Dartmouth College as a member of the Association of Alumni. NICOLE BARRETT Nicole Barrett was the total package!

At 15 Nicole Barrett was crowned

Ms. Junior Texas. A graduate of North Mesquite High, she received the Greer Carson Scholarship for Acting to the College of Santa Fe, NM, where she studied theatre/drama. She also was 1st Runner Up for Miss Santa Fe and would later win the title of Ms. Black Texas in 2002. Nicole had a strong social media and was named one of the 2013 Fresh Faces of Fashion, was featured in Modern Luxury Magazine and served on the board of the Dallas Theatre Guild. A former reporter for Elite News, she hosted “The Nicole Barrett Show,” a fresh, bold and entertaining program that ranked #5 in the D/FW marketing eventually propelled the show to higher heights when in 2014 the show made its television debut on KTXD-TV. Nicole’s most recent conquest was becoming the only Black woman in America to own a cigar company, Kinky Friedman’s Cigars. Vibrant and genuine, that was Nicole. DOROTHY TUCKER Dorothy Tucker has had a long career in radio and television and now begins her second term as NABJ President.

Dorothy Tucker knew she wanted to be a reporter since she was 16 years old when she was at Austin High School. Today she is an investigative reporter at WBBM-TV, where she has worked since 1984. She’s enjoyed stints at KWGN in Denver, WREG-TV in Memphis, KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh, and she began her career at WMBD-TV. On Friday, August 20, she was re-elected president of the National Association of Black Journalists; winning 83% of the vote. A native Chicagoan, Dorothy majored in radio, television and film at Northwestern, where she graduated with a B.S. degree with honors. Passionate and committed, this September 3, 2021

award-winning journalist also worked for WVON-Radio in Chicago. She is a former member of the Northwestern Alumni Association and serves as a member of the Northwestern University Leadership Circle. A long-time member and board member of the NABJ- Chicago Chapter, Dorothy is a wife and mother enjoying the empty nester life, but that means NABJ gets more of her attention! WHITNEY PEOPLES, PHD Fort Worth’s own Dr. Whitney Peoples is a scholar, author and educator.

Dr. Whitney Peoples is the inaugural director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan. Dr. Peoples previously served as a director in Educational Development and Assessment Services and coordinator of DEI Initiatives and Critical Race Pedagogies. A Fort Worth native, this author was a visiting assistant professor at Texas Woman’s University and Provost Post-Doctoral Fellow at UTA. Whitney earned a PhD in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Emory University, an MA in Women’s Studies from the University of Cincinnati, and a BA in Political Science from Agnes Scott College. Whitney is the co-founder of the Black Feminist Health Science Studies, which aims to highlight the necessity of incorporating social justice into medical science. ROSLYN THIBODEAUX GOODALL An advocate and a servant, Roslyn Thibodeaux Goodall is a joy and a blessing! Roslyn Thibodeaux Goodall is a consultant for Alzheimer’s & Caregivers Educational Events and she works September 3, 2021

tirelessly educating communities about the disease. She is a career Human Resources Professional with success in developing programs and processes. She has transferred HR skills to develop effective community health education events and she is able to draw on her extensive network to produce events that address health disparities. Roslyn is an event planner, public speaker, career counselor. A community health educator, she worked at UT Southwestern Medical Center as Associate Director, Community Recruitment Initiatives, training manager and manager of employee relations. Roslyn attended St. Vincent’s Academy where she participated in theater and the choir. She graduated from Paul Quinn College with a Bachelors’ degree in Business Education and from Texas A&M UniversityCommerce with an MBA in Marketing Research. Hailing from Shreveport, LA, Roslyn is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Links Inc and she served as a board member of the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Dallas Chapter. PASTOR JACQUELINE TOLBERT Pastor Jackie is a true servant and not just on Sundays. She gives and gives!

Pastor Jacqueline Minor Tolbert hails from Kilgore, Texas where

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she graduated from Sabine High School. She is currently the senior pastor of Vivian Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Longview, TX. Pastor Jackie graduated from Texas A&M University-Commerce and Dallas Theological Seminary. A wife, mother and grandmother, Pastor Tolbert loves children and she is a true community servant who spreads a positive message of faith, love, hope and charity wherever she goes. Also an educator, Pastor Jackie wakes up every day on a mission. Whether she is getting in her daily workout, delivering food or supplies to needy families throughout East Texas or checking on the sick and shut-in; Pastor Jackie is the epitome of all things noble. JONQUIL AHKIR Jonquil Ahkir is focused, supportive, talented and she brings so much joy into the lives of many with Tea Cake Kids!

Jonquil Akhir is the brains and talent behind the company she started more than 25 years ago. “Tea Cake Kids” is a clothing and accessories line featuring children of color and the kids are named after her relatives. It’s important to note that Jonquil adds her personal touch to her creations and she has put a lot of long hours into sewing and applying images to her carefully designed products. A Dallas native, she graduated from Skyline High School where she was in the Fashion Design Cluster. She then attended El Centro College where she received and Associates Degree in Fashion Design and Pattern Drafting. She also attended Texas Tech University. Jonquil, who left her job at the Post Office to become an entrepreneur, putting smiles on the faces of children and their parents, with Tea Cake Kids

also worked as a TSA Security Manager, for Homeland Security. Check out Tea Cake Kids at https://www.teacakekids. com SERITA JAKES First Lady Serita Jakes is an inspiration to so many as she shares her triumphs to help others as they face obstacles.

Serita A. Jakes is executive director of women’s and children’s affairs at The Potter’s House. Born in Beckley, West Virginia, she was injured in an accident and was told she’d never walk again, but if you know Mrs. Jakes, she’s resilient and she has overcome so many obstacles. A gifted writer, Mrs. Jakes’ first book, The Princess Within, followed by Beside Every Good Man: Loving Myself While Standing By Him; and, The Crossing, which tackles such issues as domestic violence, trauma and post traumatic stress syndrome. A drama major in college, Mrs. Jakes was the co-executive producer of the stage plays Woman, Thou Art Loosed and Behind Closed Doors. In addition, she assisted in the production of the film, Jumping the Broom. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and launched Serita Jakes Home, a thoughtfully-designed collection of candles and home décor accent pieces.. A loving wife of almost 40 years, mother and grandmother, Mrs. Jakes is a dynamic speaker and motivator. DIANNE GIBSON Dubbed ‘Miss Community,’ dianne gibson is the gift that keeps on giving! Longtime Dallas resident and community advocate dianne gibson is affectionately known as “Miss Community.” The Georgia Peach myimessenger.com

joined the Dallas City Attorney’s Office in 2004 and currently serves as the Manager of the Community Courts. Dianne has more than 30 years of experience in working with the community to provide the general public with social services and housing. Many know her voice and familiar “Hey Family” greeting heard on several local radio stations, sharing information to empower listeners and their communities. dianne, who began using lower case letters for her name, attended the University of South Florida. She has been the recipient of numerous awards recognizing her volunteerism and community service including the Women Who Make a Difference

Award; the NCNW Inc. Volunteerism Award; the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. Commission on Civil Rights, Education and Legislative Affairs Award; the Molina Healthcare Award for Community Service and, the Greater Dallas Urban League Whitney M. Young Jr. Humanitarian Award. A longtime member of Concord Church, dianne has served on the South Dallas Fair Park Trust Fund Board and the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center Advisory Board. KASANDRA DAVIS Kasandra Smith-Davis is a First Lady, entrepreneur and requested speaker Evangelist-Missionary Kasandra Smith Davis is the owner of See Yourself Accessories Boutique.As an independent consultant at Paparazzi Accessories, she’s up early in the morning sharing words of wisdom and showcasing attractive, affordable jewelry under the banner of Jewels in the Word. Kasandra hails from Florida and she attended Kathleen High School myimessenger.com

in Lakeland, FL where she played on the girls basketball team. A graduate of the University of South Florida, where she was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, she is also a member of the Church of God in Christ and is the First Lady at Powerhouse Ministries COGIC. A wife, mother and grandmother, Kasandra has held several positions in housing and property management, including as executive admin coordinator at Housing Authority of the City of Lakeland Florida. Possessing a kind and gentle spirit; Kasandra is loving and supportive. Check her out at http://www.paparazziaccessories.com/ ksdavis DR. LEVATTA L. LEVELS A Skyline HIgh School grad, Dr. Levatta L. Levels is the CEO of Higher Levels Educational Group and an adjunct professor, author, and advocate. Dr. Levatta L. Levels is a 30year veteran educator serving as an elementary teacher, assistant principal, principal, bilingual specialist,

director, assistant superintendent and superintendent. Dr. Levels has served many professional and civic organizations, including as delegate to the Texas Democratic Convention representing Senate Dist. 23, DeSoto Chamber of Commerce Board,

Leadership Southwest Board, Big Brothers Big Sisters Southern Region Board, UNT Exes Board, and the UNT Advisory Council. She is active with the Texas Association of School Administrators, National Council of Negro Women, PTA, UNT Trailblazers, Texas Counseling Association, Texas Association of Black School Educators, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and the Zeta Eta Alumnae Association. She earned an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M UniversityCommerce and BS and M.Ed with a focus on Education Administration from UNT; also completing the Superintendent Certification program at the University of Houston-Victoria. She is a mother of two, a grandmother to one and a mentor for many.

(Ohio) Gazette and Fort Collins (Colo.) Coloradoan and received the Gannett Media Company President’s Ring for Excellence as a publisher three times. A member of NABJ, she has served on a variety of industry boards including the Newspaper Association of America Foundation. A person of impeccable character and work ethic, anyone should be honored to have her as a mentor or colleague. DR. SHEILA BAILEY Dr. Sheila M. Bailey lights up a room when she enters.

DR. DOROTHY M. BLAND Dr. Dorothy Bland is a student’s ideal professor; someone who cares about their growth and development inside and outside of the classroom.

Highly respected and the recipient of numerous awards, Dr. Dorothy Bland is more of an asset in the classroom primarily because in addition to her academic credentials, she also has worked in newsrooms and brings her practical experience into the classroom. She received a B.S. degree in journalism from Arkansas State University, MBA from George Washington University and Ph.D. from Florida State University. Since 2013 she has been at the University of North Texas; spending five years as Mayborn School of Journalism dean. Previously she served as the journalism division director at Florida A&M University. Dr. Bland served in news reporting and editing roles at USA Today. She served as president and publisher of both the Chillicothe

Dr. Sheila M. Bailey is fondly referred to as “Sheila B.” Hailing from Stamford, CT; this international bible teacher, engager of people, conference speaker and ministry builder for women serves as the Founder and President of Sheila B. Ministries. A member of Concord Church, this mother and grandmother received a B.A. in Christian Education from Bishop College and an Honorary Doctor of Humanities from Dallas Baptist University. A recipient of numerous awards including the Dallas Baptist University’s Women’s Auxiliary Board 2016 Ruth Award and Movement Day Global Cities 2016 Honoree by the NYC Leadership Center for her impact on Christian leaders for the Kingdom; Dr. Bailey is the author of Makeovers with Leftovers and coauthored The Inheritance, a New 40 day Devotional. She is also a contributing writer for Fulfilled: The NIV Devotional Bible for Single Women. Dr. Sheila is nationally recognized as a mentor and an advocate for women in ministry. An honorary council member of the Fellowship of Professional Women, she is a fan of Mickey Mouse and “enjoys traveling the world, writing and ministering to God’s people.” September 3, 2021

September 3, 2021

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Time for Democracy to Work OUR VOICES BY REV. JESSE L. JACKSON,JR.

The right to vote is fundamental to a democracy. Today in America, however, that right is under partisan attack across the country. If it is to be defended, nonpartisan reforms must pass across a partisan divide. The question now is whether Democrats will join together to protect the right to vote from the assault it faces from Republicans at every level of government. That assault is clear and unrelenting. Right-wing justices on the Supreme Court — appointed by Republican presidents — have systematically undermined the right to vote — gutting the Voting Rights Act, opening the door to unlimited and secret money from corporations and the super-rich, and enabling partisan gerrymandering free of judicial review. At the state level, Republican operatives and politicians have echoed Donald Trump’s Big

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Lie about the 2020 election — a lie refuted by Trump’s own attorney general, by Trump-appointed judges and by Republican election officials. They have all used fictitious delusions about fraud as an excuse to pass a bevy of laws to make voting harder in states that they control. Thus far, 18 Republican-controlled states have passed laws to limit access to the ballot box, or, even more dangerously, to undercut an independent, nonpartisan counting of the ballots cast. And at the national level, Republicans in the Senate have joined at the hip to block efforts to reform election laws to protect free and fair elections. They have used the filibuster to block the ability of the majority to act. The reality is indisputable. One party — the party supported by a minority of the American people — is seeking to make it harder to vote. One party supported by a growing majority is seeking to make voting easier. That isn’t new. After the Civil War, the 14th and 15th Amendments, which guaranteed

freed slaves the right to vote and to equal protection under the laws, were only passed over the bitter partisan opposition of Southern Democrats. Modern-day Republicans are now following in the footsteps of the plantation Democrats of the Old South, who enacted the Jim Crow laws that suppressed the Black vote for decades. Are today’s Democrats prepared to protect the right to vote against their efforts? On August 16, the population data from the recent census will be released to the states. This will trigger a flurry of redistricting with Republicans intent on partisan gerrymandering that could give them enough rigged seats to win the House. Two Democratic senators — West Virginia’s Joe Manchin and Arizona’s Kyrsten Sinema — argue that they will oppose suspending or repealing the filibuster to pass voter reforms because they should be passed on a bipartisan basis. “The right to vote is fundamental to our American democracy and protecting that right should not be about party or politics,” wrote Man-

chin, adding that “protecting this right … should never be done in a partisan manner.” Surely, it would be preferable to pass reforms with the support of both parties, but it is impossible when one party is all in on voter suppression. The Democratic leadership plans to give Manchin the chance to enlist Republican support for the modest election reforms that Manchin backs. There is no sign that he can gain anything close to the 10 Republican votes needed to overcome a filibuster. Delay is a loser’s game. It is time for Democrats to act, and for Manchin and Sinema to face reality. Congress must pass reforms to outlaw partisan gerrymandering and protect access to the ballot box before it is too late. That will require suspending or repealing the filibuster and ending the ability of the minority to frustrate the will of the majority. It’s time for our democracy to work — this time to protect itself. The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. is president and CEO of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition.

September 3, 2021

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September 3, 2021

BIG MAMA SAID:

Drop Your Negro at the Door Everybody goes on this journey

THE BLACK CARD BY TERRY ALLEN

My Skyline High school teacher, Mrs. Lane, said that a formal education came for the people who raised you and your informal education came from the education system. If you knew grandmother, then you would be able to confirm Mrs. Lane’s wisdom. If you had the gift of visiting with her, then you knew what a formal education was. Mrs. Lane’s advisory was on point. My grandmother, Lucille “Big Mama” Allen made everyday living her classroom. She benefited her three sons and three daughters, 16 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, 38 great-great grandchildren, seven great-great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and bonus family mem-

bers with everyday logic all throughout our lives. One of her greatest lessons taught became a universal rule in the family. Whenever one of us felt we deserved more than another or whenever we tried belittling another family, her universal rule came out very loud. “Chile, you better check your negro at the door!” She steadfastly believed that no one in her household would ever start thinking they were better off than another. Big Mama would stop you dead in your place to remind whose shoulders you stood on. If one of us starts “feeling our cheerios”, she would stop us all, and we had to gather around to get that formal education. Big Mama would share the struggles our uncles, aunts and “cousins” had just to be able to live. I did not know at the time, but she was teaching us things. When Miss Lucille shared, she taught us about how the enslaved ancestors

were set up to destroy each other for crumbs and throwaways. It was a formal lesson in self-hatred. The other lesson she taught us, we would not take down each other because it pleased the oppressor, not God. That was her formal lesson in being obedient to a high unseen power. She gave us scripture: “Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” She then told me about that “James boy” and his fight to be equal. Upon arrival at SMU, her formal education led me to find, read and report on James Baldwin. Thanks to Director Raoul Peck, Baldwin’s work came to life. I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO is a searing indictment of America’s failure to rectify its shameful history of racial inequality. Baldwin’s personal account of the civil rights movement and its trio of outspo-

ken icons on the vulnerable vanguard remind us that there is still much work to be done. Baldwin spoke in Big Mama terms when he said, “It is not a racial problem. It is a problem of whether or not you’re willing to look at your life and be responsible for it, and then begin to change it.” -James Baldwin, I Am Not Your Negro. Big Mama’s formal education taught me to embrace Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka as the media and mainstream America poured out negative attacks on their choice to self-care. Big Mama’s lesson taught us to check our Negro at the door, and I recall this quote from Baldwin, “History is not the past. It is the present. We carry our history with us. We are our history. “Talk to me about your Negro, email me at terryallenpr@gmail.com. Terry Allen is a multi-media journalist and board member of the National Association of Black Journalists.

Congresswoman Mary Bono and NFL’s Darren Waller THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW BY VALDER BEEBE

Live from Palm Springs, California, into the Valder Beebe Show studios’, the Honorable Mary Bono, who September 3, 2021

was an 8-term California congresswoman after in 1998, she won the Republican nomination for the special election to succeed her late husband in what was then California’s 44th congressional district. In March 1986, Mary married actor/singer Sonny Bono of the famed Sonny & Cher duo.

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The Bonos moved to Palm Springs, where they owned and operated a restaurant. Sonny Bono served as Mayor of Palm Springs from 1988 to 1992 before being elected to Congress in 1994. Mary Bono has been a longtime advocate for raising awareness of opioid abuse,

see CONGRESSWOMAN, page 38

Hon. Mary Bono

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September 3, 2021

Dr. Amerson adapts to Temporary Business Closure Dr. Linda Amerson, Board Certified Trichologist, has adapted to the temporary closure of LA's Hair and Scalp Clinic. We continue to offer our award-winning products to consumers. Our exclusive products are manufactured by a facility in Garland, TX. Premium quality natural ingredients are used to assist with dry, oily, itchy, flaky, inflammed scalps, as well as hair breakage, hair thinning and regrowth. Everyone may order from our website, and we will ship your product order to you. http://www.hairandscalpessentials.com We need your support. In addition, we offer Video Consultations globally! We will schedule an appointment, give a diagnosis, them make a recommendation. We are available to serve you in the comfort of your home. Call us today - 817.265.8854 http://www.hairandscalpessentials.com We need your support.

September 3, 2021

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Nena’s Finds Boutique A Uniquely Stylish, Fashionable Boutique for women of all Sizes! Ranging from Pretti and Petite to Pretti and Plus! Nena likes to be a bit edgy, blingy ... But she keeps it Chic with Sophisticated Style!

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

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September 3, 2021

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September 3, 2021

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AT THE MOVIES BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ

CANDYMAN

Since 1992 one word has struck fear in us like no other word, Candyman (said five times). Well, Candyman is back and he’s just as scary as ever. Candyman, played by Tony Todd, is supposedly an urban legend, but when people in the community start being brutally killed, we discover that Candyman is much more than just a made-up ghost. The movie stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Anthony, an artist who’s recently moved into the old Cabrini Green neighborhood with his female partner. When he meets an old man in the neighborhood (Coleman Domingo) he learns the story of Candyman and becomes obsessed with him. He researches the man and discovers that he was a real-life person who lived in the projects of Cabrini Green and was killed by police. His obsession becomes capturing the spirit of the killer through his paintings. However, things take a horrible turn when he unwittingly brings the spirit to life. In the newly gentrified neighborhood, there are plenty of people who don’t believe the legend and also plenty of people who end up dead. The movie is produced by Oscar winner (for Get Out) Jordan Peele and directed by up-and-coming female director Nia DaCosta. They also co-wrote the movie. The two filmmakers do a brilliant job of mixing a horror/thriller film with a movie that makes a social statement. The issues of gentrification, buying up all of the property in a neighborhood and driving out the minority community who can no longer afford to live there, police brutality, and the injustice received by the black community are all addressed within this bloody horror film. Director Nia DaCosta does a very creative job of shooting the scenes of murder and violence. With only a few exceptions most of the killings take place in darkness with the grisly killings only showing the effects of the violence done in the scene. Peele and DaCosta have made a slasher film into a thought-provoking movie with a social conscience. I’ve never seen a movie like this. However, make no mistake, this is a scary movie. I had a hard time looking in a mirror after watching Candyman. The movie is rated R for grisly violence and runs right at 2 hours. On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate Candyman a JUMBO. myimessenger.com

September 3, 2021

Virtual and liVe Community Calendar

Black College Day Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Hispanic Heritage Month

Dallas Mimosa Walk: Labor Day Holiday Weekend at Deep Ellum Outdoor Market 101-199 N. Crowdus St. Dallas 12-3:30 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3DaJGnV .

Happy Birthday to Dr. Felicia Shepherd

Irving-Las Colinas Jazz Concert & Art Exhibition. Feat: Althea Rene at Toyota Music Factory-Texas Lottery Plaza, 340 W. Las Colinas Blvd. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3sBRcU2 7-11 pm.

Day Trippin-Labor Day Weekend 97.9 DJ Kayotik & DJ Reese at Seven Lounge, 3017 W. 7th St. #500, Ft. Worth. 3-8 pm. Tickets/ https://daytrippin2021. eventbrite.com.

SEPTEMBER 5

Dallas District 1 Artists Meet & Greet Mayor Pro Tem, Chad West at The Turner House, 401 North Rosemont Ave. 5:30-7 pm. https:// bit.ly/2UJqIDy. 4TH Riverfront Jazz Festival Kick Off Doing it New Orleans Style at AT&T Arts District, 208 S. Akard St. Downtown. 7 pm.

The World According to Drew, host Andrew Whigham, III on BlogTalkRadio.com 8-10 am. It’s thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news commentary. Join the call at 646-200-0459.

4TH Riverfront Jazz Festival, Host TBAAL at Dallas Convention Center, 1309 Canton St. Tickets: www.tbaalriverfrontjazzfestival.org

SEPTEMBER 3 First Fridays at Main Station, 100 South Main Street, Duncanville. 7-11 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3sIPG2d.

Irving-Las Colinas Jazz Concert & Art Exhibition. Feat: Najee at The Marriott Dallas Las Colinas, 223 W. Las Colinas Blvd. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3sBRcU2. 7-11 pm.

Water2Wine Comedy Show! Hosted By Comedian Angelia Walker at Hyena’s Comedy Night Club, 5321 E. Mockingbird Ln. Dallas. 8 pm. Eventbrite.com.

SoulJazz Thursdays Feat: Natural Change Band at Sandaga 813, 813 Exposition Ave. 8 pm-12 am. www.sandaga813.com. The Connection with Debra Brown-Sturns. OnFacebook. com/TexasMetroNews & BlogTalkRadio.com. 7-8 pm. 646200-0459.

SEPTEMBER 10 From Marva with Love, with Marva Sneed. 11 am -1 pm. CST, Fridays on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, and BlogTalkRadio.com. Join the conversation at 646-200-0459. Free Up Fridays The Friday Night Escape at Heroes Lounge, 3094 N. Stemmons Fwy.10 pm Tickets: https://bit.ly/3gOBYpX.

SEPTEMBER 6 Labor Day Dallas County Democrats Labor Day Picnic at Ernie Roberts Park, E. Pleasant Run Rd. DeSoto. 11 am. Reg: https://bit. ly/3mNFDIA

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The Interview with: The Black Press USA. Host Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Streaming live at 11:30 CST on www.facebook.com/blackpressusa/live.

Let’s Get Connected A Fort Worth Metro Black Chamber Event. Reg. in advance: https://bit.ly/3D9dvVZ 7-9 pm CDT

I Love the 90’s R&B / Hip Hop {Mega Day Party & Pool Party} Labor Day, at Aloft Dallas Love Field, 2333 West Mockingbird Ln. Dallas. 4-9 pm. Eventbrite.com.

Labor Day Splash Pool Party at Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown, an IHG Hotel 1015 Elm St. Dallas. 3-9 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/38GnzI9

Ask Dr. Amerson with Dr. Linda Amerson.12 pm. CST @DFWiRadio.com, and Live on Facebook @DrLindaAmerson

SEPTEMBER 9

70 Years Church Anniversary Outdoor Park and Praise, 5707 Bonnie View Rd, Special music Guest: Myron Butler. 9 am.

From Marva with Love, with Marva Sneed. 11 am -1 pm. CST, Fridays on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, and BlogTalkRadio. com. Join the conversation at 646-200-0459.

I Was Just Thinking with Norma Adams-Wade. 11 am -1 pm. CST On Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio. com. Join the conversation 646-200-0459.

Don Diego Live at The Attaché Cigar, 4099 Camp Wisdom Rd. #101. 7-10 pm. Info: http://www.theattacheclub.com/

Labor Day Weekend Morning Flow with Black Swan Yoga at The Pool Club, 1445 Turtle Creek Blvd. Dallas. 10-11 am. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3jgRCw9

SEPTEMBER 3-5

September 3, 2021

SEPTEMBER 8

MLK Produce Distribution 10 am-12 pm. Temporarily Relocated to Park South YMCA, 2500 Romine Ave. Info: 214-2382299.

SoulJazz Thursdays Feat: Natural Change Band. Hosted by Sandaga 813, 813 Exposition Ave. 8 pm-12 am. Visit www.sandaga813.com.

“Dallas Love Field’s Lead with Love” Live. Feat: Veletta Forsythe Lill, Benjamin Espino, Viola Delgado. Guest: Jason Roberts,12:30 pm CDT. On the Love Field’s, Facebook and YouTube. Soul Line Dance Tuesday-Live! Virtual, host BE Creative Arts Center. 7 pm CDT Reg: www.becreativeartscenter.com FREE.

5th Fair Park Blues & Jazz Festival Dedicated to Ms. Opal Lee at The African American Museum, 3536 Grand Ave. 4-9:30 pm. Tickets: www.fairpark.com.

The Connection with Debra BrownSturns. On Facebook.com/TexasMetroNews & BlogTalkRadio.com. 7-8 pm. 646-200-0459.

Irving-Las Colinas Jazz Concert & Art Exhibition. Feat: Kandace Springs at Westin Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, 400 W. Las Colinas Blvd. Bit.ly/3sBRcU2 7-11 pm.

THE DOC SHEP SPEAKS SHOW! From 11 am. CST on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, @ fnsconsulting, and You Tube @docshepspeaks.

AFROJams Africa ft. TOOFAN Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/afrotvchannel 7 pm CDT.

SEPTEMBER 2

SEPTEMBER 4

SEPTEMBER 7

Alter Ego Poetry Host Real Rare Poetry at The Attache Cigar, 4099 W. Camp Wisdom Rd. #101. 7 pm.

Every Friday Night Don Diego and The Razz Band at Club Odyssey, 7439 Westmoreland Rd. 6 pm. Face Mask Required.

2021 Dallas OMG Food Fest at Main Street Garden Park, 1950 Main St. 2-10 pm Tickets: https:// bit.ly/3BoKmnZ

Round Up Retreat! By Southwest Dallas County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Camp, 1701 Texas Plume Rd. Cedar Hill. Reg: https:// bit.ly/3DyQa08 10 am. Resurrection Body of Christ Church presents Marriage Resuscitation Seminar. Special Guest Apostle David Ransom. 10-3 pm. Info: www.resurrectionbodyofchristchurch.com Parkland Free flu shots available at Parkland’s Neighborhood Clinics Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. at: deHaro-Saldivar Health Center, 1400 N Westmoreland Rd. Dallas, and Garland Health Center, 802 Hopkins St., Garland. Frisco Rotary Farmers Market, 6048 Frisco Square Blvd. Farm fresh produce and more.8 am-12 pm.

SEPTEMBER 12 The World According to Drew, with Andrew Whigham, III on BlogTalkRadio.com 8-10 am. It’s thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news commentary. Join the call at 646-200-0459. 2021 Back to School Picnic presented by New Nation Youth and Family Development It’s Free at 3440 W Clarendon Dr, Dallas. 4-8 pm. Salute THEM Awards ‘My HBCU Joy’ hosted by Loni Love honoring Kym Whitley, David Banner. On Facebook.com/AARP Black Community. 6pm. CDT. The Oasis Smooth Jazz Fall Concert. Feat: Don Diego at Toyota Music Factory, 340 W. Las Colinas Blvd. Irving. 10-4 pm. Tickets: www.thevinoygroup.com DeSoto Small Business Expo at Grow DeSoto Market Place, 324 E Belt Line Rd. 12-5 pm.

BLACK LIVES MATTER

SEPTEMBER 11 L. Clifford Davis Legal Association 41st Annual Scholarship & Awards Banquet at Historic Hilton Hotel, 815 N. Main St. Ft. Worth. 6 pm. Tickets: Eventbrite. com/e/162483589791

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September 3, 2021

www.grandpasecret.com September 3, 2021

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September 3, 2021

Decision-making Time Dear Alma, I have been with this person for six years, and we’ve had our up and downs, like any relationship. We are living apart but he still wants us to keep our friendship. I don’t, because he needs to get himself together financially and mentally. Basically, I feel if someone truly loves you they will do whatever it takes to be with the person. He’s just not moving fast enough for me. I do love him and want to be with him, but I can’t wait any longer. Now my problem is trying to move on and forget him. What’s the best way to handle this? Anonymous Dear Anonymous, Six is the magic number. So you’ve been with him for six years. You guys don’t live together; you aren’t engaged, and he needs to get it together. He wants to continue a “friendship,” but you want more, and since he

ASK ALMA BY ALMA GILL

hasn’t obliged, you’re ready to move on. First, I applaud you for making the decision to break it off, redefine, redirect and find your joy. Some people stay in an unfulfilled relationship for the sake of being in a relationship, and that’s never a healthy decision. Truth be told, let’s give him credit: a friendship is all that he wants, and a friendship is all that he has to offer – to you. You, on the other hand, have decided that’s not enough, and that’s okay. You know you better than anyone else. By making the decision to break it off and move on in your mind, all you need now is for your heart to catch on. That ol’ heart always takes a little more time with this

sorta thing, doesn’t it? While working through the heartache, keep in mind – after a break-up, we think…and ponder…and reminisce…about how we wish it could have been. I call that the coulda, shoulda, woulda stage. Since you will be thinking about it, for a little while anyway, put yourself on the path of thinking about the real deal of what’s been happening for the past six years. Write it down. That way, you can recall and reread what really happened and how it made you feel. Now, the next step toward moving on – take the time to refuel. I’d suggest focusing on what brings you strength. If there’s a particular minister or motivational speaker you like, listen to them, every day. If you like to walk, run, dance, workout, swim, do that for yourself – every day – or as much as you can. Download your best pick-

me-up songs on your iPod, and listen to them. Hum along and take it all in. Let’s imagine you’re preparing to take a long road trip. Close your eyes, see yourself at a gas station; you’re filling up your tank – a red sports car, I hope, LOL. Do the same for your heart – refuel. Keep busy, find a new hobby. How about volunteering at church, with the elderly, a charity, or with kids? Take the focus off him and focus on you. Use this time to allow yourself to work on being the best person you can be who without a doubt is taking the time to live her life to the fullest. You can do it! Alma Alma Gill’s newsroom experience spans more than 25 years, including various roles at USA Today, Newsday and the Washington Post. Email questions to: alwaysaskalma@gmail.com. Follow her on Facebook at “Ask Alma” and twitter @almaaskalma.

Congresswoman Bono from page 2 and shared with the Valder Beebe Show what compelled her to get involved and make a difference beyond the statistics; the past three decades fatal drug overdoses have increased more than six-fold in the United States. This interview was special as we also welcomed NFL Tight End, Darren Waller, who himself struggles with addiction. Darren, described his journey with Opioids as “hitting rock bottom.” In 2017, September 3, 2021

Darren failed his second drug test and nearly overdosed on a pill that was possibly laced with Fentanyl. Since then, he has been at the forefront of the nationwide fight against the opioid epidemic. Bono & Walle rpublicists provided text in conjunction with the Valder Beebe Show VBS: Hello former Congresswoman Mary Bono and NFL Tight End Darren Waller. Darren, you have

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been a longtime advocate, raising awareness about opioid abuse, what impacted you to get involved? DW: I was hooked from the start, because I could soothe my anxieties and fears with opioids. Yet this ruined a lot of opportunities for me. Then, I overdosed right before my third season in the NFL. I was just suffering and spiraling out of control trying to get free by myself. CMB: I want parents and

children to know the signs. Get professional help when you suspect or know that your child(ren) are using opioids. The first signs …….. Complete video interview: SoundCloud.com/valderbeebeshow; more interviews: YouTube.com/valderbeebeshow; ValdeBeebeShow.com; SoundCloud.com/kkvidfw; broadcasting to a national audience on KKVI FM Radio, Streaming TV, Social Media, Print Publications; I MESSENGER, Texas Metro News, and Garland Journal News

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September 3, 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 September 3, 2021

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