I Messenger

VOL IX NO 52

SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

I MESSENGER CHADWICK BOSEMAN 1976-2020

RACISM

MARCH ON WASHINGTON

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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 4, 2020

WAKE UP AND STAY WOKE DR. E. FAYE WILLIAMS, ESQ.

I can’t always tell if they acknowledge my recognition of them, but I feel good knowing I have acknowledged them.

This coronavirus that has us sheltering in place has taken some through many different emotions.

Some have experienced fear, concern, stress and many negative feelings.

There are some who have used this time to do positive things that carry with them hope and good feelings about what they’ve been able to do for themselves and for others.

I find there is always something out there that makes me smile.

Even though I have on my mask and gloves, I bow my head each time I come near anyone just to let them know I see them, and I acknowledge their humanity.

STAY ACTIVE There are so many things one can do so as not to sit around and bemoan the fact that this virus may have changed our lives forever. It’s so important to be physically and mentally active.

In my case I walk between four and five miles per day. One day during the past week, I walked 5.2 miles. Imagine how excited I was about that extra .2 miles!

That may not sound like such a big deal, but I knew how long it had taken me to get there! I put that in my success column.

You don’t have to do all the big things immediately. Try a

gradual approach to whatever it is you set as a goal. In my case, I’m ready to set a new walking goal. That helps to keep my mind off negative things I might be thinking if I just sat around saying, “Poor me.�

DIVERT YOUR ATTENTION There’re so many great things you can do. In my case, along with Bishop Joe Simon, I’m soliciting unregistered voters.

Along with members of the National Congress of Black Women, we’re teaching people how to register online.

There’s another easy project you can do to help while taking your mind off your fears. Adopt a nursing home. Call the director and find out what products would be helpful for you to donate.

Ship the products without ever having to go to the nursing home. If you’re looking for answers, whatever you do, instead of sitting around in fear, think solutions by making a list of at least 10 things you’re capable of doing. Select from the list and do as many as you can. Don’t just sit around in fear.

Dr. E. Faye Williams is National President of the National Congress of Black Women and Host of “Wake Up and Stay Woke� on WPFW-FM 89.3.

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INSIDE

Back-to-School Safety appeared to be on everyone’s mind during the MAJIC 94.5 and 97.9 The Beat Back-to-School Virtual Town Hall Meeting, held Sunday and hosted by Jazze Radio Chica, the Community Affairs Director and on-air talent for Urban One Dallas.

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She will answer

Black Church Assault continues

I reached out to congratulate my friend Kamala Harris shortly after she accepted the nomination to become the Democratic Party’s candidate for Vice President of the United States of America.

A confederate flag was left hanging from a tree on the property of a Nashville company that publishes Sunday School materials for the nation’s Black churches, including many congregations in Dallas/Fort Worth and across the South.

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SEPTEMBER 5, 2020

MY TRUTH

by Cheryl Smith, Publisher

CHADWICK BOSEMAN

If Only You Knew I’ve always cared about others’ feelings.

Or at least that is what I thought.

As a child I remember playing the “dozens” where we talked about one another’s big head, lazy eyes, siblings, big ears, slew feet, pigeon toes; you get the picture.

But I also know that if SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

I ever got wind that I was hurting someone’s feelings, or if the laughter moved someone to tears, I immediately backed off.

For me I just didn’t find any pleasure in making people feel bad about the way they looked and as I grew older, I developed a practice of not talking about things folks have

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no control over. After all, “Bucky Beaver” got braces and his teeth are beautiful today, but Peanuthead’s dome never caught up with his body so 50 years later, he is still, “Peanut” and we know why.

We were kids and sometimes, actually most times, we were lacking in compassion. However, as adults

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we should have, and use, more common sense. We should be mature, but sadly, many will never get past that stage, “when I was a child…”

Which brings me to my truth.

Several months ago, in April a video was released by actor Chadwick Boseman on Instagram. From myimessenger.com

Whose Superhero Will You Be?

By EVA D. COLEMAN

that video emerged the mean girls, bullies, trolls, passive aggressive and totally unhappy folks who have nothing better to do than to tear another person down. Sure there were those who expressed concern about his health while still others surmised that he was losing weight to prepare for another role.

Since Mr. Boseman’s death from stage IV colon cancer on August 28, 2020, there has been an outpouring of love for the Howard University graduate. Some have expressed regret that they were so callous. One person posted, “Little did we all know he’d die 4 months later.”

That’s right. You just nevmyimessenger.com

er know and that is why compassion is so important and necessary, especially during these times. Actually sometimes people need to just keep their mouths closed.

Wishful thinking, you say?

While I will remember Mr Boseman for his outstanding roles as an actor, I am even more proud of him for encouraging youth to find purpose in their lives, not just a job; how he lost an acting job because he spoke out about racial stereotypes; and how his last social media message was so critically important as he showed his support for vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris and stressed voting.

Among Mr. Boseman’s many roles, he played the Hon. Thurgood Marshall, baseball great Jackie Robinson, Black Panther, and my fave, the Godfather of Soul James Brown. But it was his work off camera that is just as, if not more admirable.

That’s right, I will remember the man who played roles, but was also a true role model, with something we could all have a little more of; compassion!

Oh, how he entertained us!

Little did we know Our superhero was dying slow.

On the 57th anniversary of The March on Washington, With “Get Your Knee Off Our Necks“ As the 2020 theme, He met his fate.

While so many in the world are Trying to push a warped narrative Of how to “Make America Great” His character was the force behind A fictional world that gave us pride.

A shield of defense against hate.

And unite, even if momentarily, we did.

He fought a four-year battle alone.

Yet, it ended with so much clarity.

Reminding us that cancer Doesn’t give a f**k about celebrity.

Wakanda forever.

It’s real to me.

Chadwick Boseman, You are free.

Whose superhero will you be?

Eva D Coleman is the Lifestyle Editor for I Messenger Media and Vice President of the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists.

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SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

The Responsibility Belongs to Us FAITHFUL UTTERANCES

BY DR. FROSWA BOOKER-DREW

Right now, we are faced with a monumental decision. As voters, we are in the position of deciding the next President of the United States. None of the candidates are perfect and yet, we must decide what we are willing to tolerate knowing that the impact can have implications in so many ways.

Having a successful life involves making the right decisions as well. I tell my college-aged daughter that every person you see is the sum total of their decisions.

We make decisions every single day in every aspect of our lives.

I often advise young women when they are dating to immediately decide their non-negotiables in a mate.

There are things that may be bothersome or irritating.

There are other behaviors that are unacceptable and harmful.

Those are personal decisions that each of us must make at some point in our lives. What often happens is that because we do not like some things about an individual, we completely dismiss them. Even worse, some of us leave the decision up to others.

In our unwillingness to decide, we have completely given our power away to someone else. We cannot afford to do this with such a monumental decision as SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

the next President of the United States. So often, we allow the decisions of others to push us into actions that are not in our best interests.

Some people in this election season will not vote because they do not like their options and in doing so, they are allowing others to make a decision that will impact them for years to come.

seek God. We do not pour into ourselves content that will help grow our faith hoping that we can receive a passing word from someone else that can help us.

We often find other things to take the place of our relationship with God and we get so sidetracked with the idols that we have made our gods. Or, we wait until things get completely out of control to recognize our

The same thing happens in our personal and professional lives. We allow bad decisions of others to push us into actions that do not support our dreams and future. For many, we give up and shut down. Others expect those around them to do the work while they benefit.

In either scenario, we give up our power.

This even happens in our walk with God. We allow others to pray for us because we are too busy to

need for God. In Exodus 32, Moses leaves to talk with God. “When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, “Come, make us gods[a] who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.”

(Exodus 32:1 NIV) We all know this story does not end well. Instead of using the time to seek

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God and praise Him, they decided to make a decision that was not in their best interest. They allowed something that had little value to interfere with the priceless—their relationship with God. They also depended upon Moses instead of recognizing their own responsibility and power.

“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt. They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them and have made themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said, ‘These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.’”

(Exodus 32:7-8) In this moment, you cannot afford to depend upon others for decisions that will impact your trajectory. You are ultimately responsible for your actions. Remove all the obstacles that keep you from fulfilling your purpose and the plan God has for your life. In doing so, you will not suffer consequences for generations like the Israelites.

And by the way, don’t forget to vote.

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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SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

Teach them to Read!

Back2Skool Series QUIT PLAYIN’ VINCENT L. HALL A capacity, and taste, for reading, gives access to whatever has already been discovered by others. —Abraham Lincoln When I was young and thought I knew it all, mama had a verbal antidote for my bad case of arrogance. “Son, there’s enough you don’t know to start a whole new world and not miss much.”

Say what? Yo’ mama said that too? That’s Black mothers for ya.

If you can read any of the words that preceded this paragraph, you will understand how rich part three of this Back2Skool series is. After you teach your children the five-finger prayer and teach them to count, you must teach your child to read.

Reading does not come from mere socialization or osmosis, children must be taught to read. If a child calls you mama or daddy, that’s your job. Scientists these days say that you should start the process while your spawn is still in the womb.

To my knowledge, no one can remember what was read to them when their mother was eight months pregnant, but I remember when reading became vital to me. At some age, my mother began to read “The Night Before Christmas” as a ritual during the yuletide season. She had to read it to me every night.

There was something about

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her inflection, emotions, and the connectivity with the pictures that gave me a burning desire to read. “And Ma in her kerchief and I in my cap, had just settled down. To a long winter’s nap - When out on the lawn. There arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to …”

Your children will give up television if you engage their hearts and mind in a manuscript. Your child should learn to read, read aloud, and eventually convincingly.

One paragraph on greatschools.org paralleled my experience as a father, cowork-

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er, and teacher.

“But in many schools, in all kinds of neighborhoods, there is a shockingly large chunk of kids — about one in three — who don’t master the skills they need to learn to read in a sophisticated way. Their road is difficult: although many will try to use their intelligence to cover the holes in their skill set, as the work gets harder and the reading grows more complex, these children will find they are unable to keep up.”

This caught me because I have learned that the smartest people in the world don’t

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lead it. Often those that sound or appear most intelligent get more credit than they deserve. Knowledge and communication skills don’t come in pairs or sets.

The CEO of any major corporation is usually the socialized one and rarely the smartest one. To survive in this culture, your child must master reading. Comprehension pays the bills; communication skills buy the Bentleys.

There is a wealth of ideas and concepts about when and how to teach your child to read. You can start or restart the mission at any age, but the younger, the better.

The world that has been discovered by others is vast and extraordinary. The knowledge of the ages is available to your child. Your job is to build the capacity and taste for reading.

Abraham Lincoln gets credit for freeing slaves from their masters. But the most incredible freedom slaves were ever given is the freedom to read. Reading was illegal to our people for a reason.

Quit Playin’!

“Fearing that black literacy would prove a threat to the slave system -- which relied on slaves’ dependence on masters -- whites in many colonies instituted laws forbidding slaves to learn to read or write and making it a crime for others to teach them.”- William Goodell, Activist and Abolitionist

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

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Let’s Get Everyone Counted before the Census Deadline September 30 Dallas, we have to move our Census response rates from better to best.

More money and more power are at stake with the Census and the time to ensure Dallas County gets what it deserves is running out. The deadline to complete the Census is September 30th. With 61% of surveys completed in Dallas County, we have a lot of ground to cover; at stake is nothing less than hundreds of millions of dollars of federal funding and additional congressional seats that accurately represent our explosive growth.

For Dallas County, a 1% undercount would mean $31mm annually subtracted from schools, nutrition programs, hospitals and road construction. An accurate count of Texas’ growth could earn us three additional seats in Congress.

Our county is ranked Top 10 in the nation for population growth, and 50% of that growth comes from immigrants. It’s imperative we make sure every single resident is counted.

Let me start with a pat on the back.

Dallas County, we are closing the gap.

In 2010 we lagged the nation’s Census

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self-response rate by 9.4%. It was a deficit that had to be closed and we are doing it.

We have cut the gap in half to 4.3%. This was no small feat considering our challenges.

Leading up to the Census the Federal Government attempted unsuccessfully to add a citizenship question to the decennial survey. The Census has never counted citizens. It counts “persons in each state.” But the months of headline news produced a climate of fear for undocumented residents and their U.S.born relatives.

Adding to the uphill climb was the move to change the Census to an Internet survey for the first month. Most households got a letter inviting them to go my2020census.gov to fill out the Census. That does not work when 42.3% of Dallas households do not have fixed internet access. The Internet-first Census hasn’t just hurt Dallas County. The nation’s count is down 10.8% from 2010.

Texas is down 6.2%. Despite this, Dallas is moving at a clip that demonstrates we will not be deterred by structures de-

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signed to suppress certain groups of residents.

So how do we move from better to best leading up to the September 30th deadline? Dallas County Counts is investing heavily in face time and phone time. Our efforts will be supported by mailers, social media ads and partner organizations leveraging their communication channels.

But, nothing beats one-on-one contact. What we could not do in the last four months because of COVID-19, visit with neighbors on their doorsteps, we are doing now. Thankfully people are so hungry for human contact that they are actually happy to see a friendly Dallas County Census educator in a powder blue polo shirt.

We are finding our why neighbors have not filled out the Census. They forgot they eventually got a paper survey. Others need reassurance that they are not going to be reported to ICE. A surprising number say they are waiting for U.S. Census enumerators to help them fill it out like they have in the past.

Dallas, we do not have time for that.

There are not enough enumerators to visit every house in six weeks!

We have to get on our computers, mail back the paper copy or call the Census number at 844-330-2020 (English) or 877-468-2020 (Spanish) to respond over the phone, If you are a business leader or a non-profit, go to dallascensus.com/ tool-kit and download an email to send to your team or your customers. If you’ve already filled out the Census, text your family and friends and remind them to do the same. Post it on your social media channels.

With everything we have experienced in 2020, Dallas County needs all the money and power we can get. Filling out the Census does not cost us a thing.

It takes 10 minutes. Not filling it out will cost us dearly for the next ten years.

SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

2020 Scholarship Winner:

My Hair has taught me this We are so excited to announce our 2020 Scholarship winner, Chloe Walker! This fall, she is attending Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA, majoring in dance and choreography. A graduate of Booker T. Washington School of Performing Arts, Dallas, TX. This is our 7th year of giving a monetary donation to a youth 16-19, a high school graduate and pursing a college education.

ABOUT YOUR HAIR

BY DR. LINDA AMERSON

Essay Growing up I’ve never truly loved my hair. It’s always felt like a burden bearing down on my confidence. As a young black woman it’s even more pressure for it to look presentable, having

best suits you.

Ever since I was 5 years old I’ve been taking dance classes as an extracurricular. In class we’re required to wear leotards and tights pulling our hair back into a neat bun. Over time this repetition slowly started to wear down on my hair. I already had to flat iron my hair every two weeks just to make it manageable, pulling it back tight only add-

a tighter curl pattern doesn’t make it any easier. What I’ve learned from my hair journey is that you have to be patient to find the style that

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ed to the flames. Seeing that my hair curled up when I sweat, the edges of my hair soon became one of the main issues of my hair. Completely laying the front of part of my hair was difficult with my hair texture. I began to rely on wearing headbands to hide the problem. Slowly, the edges of my hair were wearing thin because of the repetitive combination of pulling my hair back, sweating it out, and covering it with a headband.

As the front of my hair thinned out further, it became harder to not wear a headband seeing that I only became more frustrated and embarrassed of my hair.

As I grew older I found other styles that

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helped maintain the quality of my hair. Flat twist crowns, and two braids became my goto style. Still, it didn’t help the underlying issue. I simply didn’t like my hair. No matter the style it was in, there was always something that nagged me about it. Brushing with it , messing with it, or styling it only frustrated me more. I didn’t want to deal with it any more. Cutting it off and starting over with a big chop was the only thing I wanted to do.

Once I was finally old enough to do so, I began to fall in love with my hair again. No more attempts to style it every morning, and pulling it back for dance was no longer an option for me.

I can look in the mirror and smile, knowing that no one can pull a short fro like me.

Chloe Walker Dr. Linda Amerson, Board Certified Trichologist, 817 265 8854. #39yr Veteran Hairandscalpessentials.com

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Marching in 2020

On August 28, 2020, Kimberly King (center) from Louisville, Ky raises her fist in support of the Commitment March in Washington, D.C. King holds sign “say her name� with face cover of Breonna Taylor, a women who was killed in Louisville by police. King, a Louisville resident knew Breonna Taylor because she attended high school with one of her children. The march celebrates the 57th anniversary of 1963 March on Washington led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In the background is the Washington Memorial.

On August 28, 2020, several thousands attended the Commitment March in Washington, D.C. The march celebrated the 57th anniversary of 1963 March on Washington, led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Credit Photographs by----Milbert O. Brown, Jr. Email: oeditorbrown@gmail.com

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BACK-TO-SCHOOL Urban One Back to School Virtual Town Hall focuses on COVID -19

By LEXI WESLEY @iamlexiarielle Special to Texas Metro News

Safety appeared to be on everyone’s mind during the MAJIC 94.5 and 97.9 The Beat Back-to-School Virtual Town Hall Meeting, held Sunday and hosted by Jazze Radio Chica, the Community Affairs Director and on-air talent for Urban One Dallas.

The meeting kicked off with a special back to school message from artists A$AP Ferg, Mulatto, and H.E.R. followed by a discussion featuring State Senator Royce West (D-Dallas); NABSE president and Crowley ISD superintendent Dr. Michael McFarland; VP of Desoto School Board Trustee DeAndrea Fleming; Big Thought CEO Byron Sanders; and DISD Board Trustee Justin Henry.

The community leaders talked about reopening schools during a pandemic and when it comes to parents deciding between virtual learning or sending their child back to a physical campus, Trustee Fleming, who urged parents to trust their guts, advised them to also “ask questions on what provisions myimessenger.com

Sen. Royce West

Jazze

DJ Eddie F

are being implemented for students returning to school.”

With a school year that will look different because of numerous adjustments, Sanders said everyone is “moving into the school year with an operative word of grace while facing a tremendous amount of stress and uncertainty.”

Teachers and students safety was a major point of discussion, as panelists addressed various precautions and protocols that are being implemented.

McFarland said, Crowley ISD would ensure masks are worn, temperatures checked at the beginning

of each day, a response room set up for students with elevated temperatures, and dividing tables with plexiglass in each classroom.

He also shared that the district was taking this time, “to redefine and reimage what they provide for their kids.”

One thing in particular, would be collaborating with local churches to create more satellite centers for students who may need additional help.

When it comes to virtual learning, Sen. West said, “We are doing everything in our power to make sure that the digital divide is

bridged and children who have to work virtually will have the equipment necessary in order to be as successful as possible during these times.”

This meeting was sponsored by Simply Soap and Water, a Black-owned business that provides personal hand washing kits.

The Senator, in conjunction with DISD, 97.9 The Beat, and MAJIC 94.5, will host a radiothon on Sept.

3, from 9 a.m to 2 p.m.

(MAJIC 94.5) and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (97.9 The Beat), to ensure students are provided with hotspots and computers.

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SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

www.grandpasecret.com

Please wear your mask and wash your hands!

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SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

“VOTE?” WHAT’S ON MILES MIND

MILES JAYE It’s that time again! It’s time for us to elect a new President- Biden or re-elect the one we have- Trump. We will either elect a 46th president or give the 45th a second term-- it’s that simple! So… “Let’s get ready to rumble!”

Incumbents always have a distinct election advantage.

However, Republicans are off to a slow start this year.

Two RNC convention events, North Carolina and Florida, were cancelled, presumably due to Covid-19 concerns. To offset the slow start, a robust voter suppression campaign has been waged, including attempts to shut down the Post Office-- that’s right, the U.S. Post Office. The DNC convention is in full swing, in… in… well, in your home. Unlike any other political convention in history, this year’s convention delegates and speakers were telecast from across all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and all territories including sites as remote as Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Guam, Alaska and American Samoa.

This is an amazing time, and in spite of my issues with the process, and to some extent, the candidates, I know this, along with ’08 and 2012, is one of three of the most important elections of my life. I will vote!

In her keynote address at the 2020 DNC convention, Michele Obama said, “Vote like your life depends on it.”

The late Congressman John SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

Lewis said, “The vote is precious, it’s almost sacred.” Sacred? Clearly, unlike other Americans, Black folks associate the act of voting with struggle and bloodshed. To us suppression and oppression are synonymous. Exercise your right to vote, has been pressed and stressed as though voting was the most important act a human being could perform in a democracy. There are two words in that five-word phrase that make the statement, exercise your right to vote, inherently problematic-- they are exercise and right. The intent and purpose of exercise is to strengthen, but this process, this exercise has failed to make us stronger-- it makes us weaker. Besides, how is it possible to exercise when someone is holding down the very bar and weight I’m trying to lift?

As for my right to vote, our rights have always been at issue in America-- always.

They’ve always been tampered with or outright denied.

I realize freedom is not free, however, a right, or birthright, is an inheritance, and is ours by virtue of our citizenship. To suppress, violate, or deny our rights should constitute a crime. To juxtapose the phrases voters’ rights and voter suppression as though it is fair game and a function of political jousting is just wrong. Voter suppression in any form should be considered unlawful-- conspiracy against the government, and arrests should be made. That would put an end to it, but as Dick Gregory often told me, “It’s all a game!”

The problem with America

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is broken promises! And, in spite of America’s history of broken promises, each election cycle we vote for what… more promises? Writer Denis Waitley, author of “The Psychology of Winning” wrote, “Losers make promises they often break. Winners make commitments they always keep.”

Which of the two are we?

Which does America want to be? That’s the question.

Have you ever broken a promise to your child? Regardless of reason or circumstances, you forgot, you didn’t have the funds, you fell ill, you had to work, didn’t it make you feel bad? Didn’t you want to make up for it sooner, rather than later? If you have broken a promise to a child, a family member, a friend, and it didn’t wear on your conscience, maybe you don’t have one.

What is the state of America’s conscience?

Judging by our current President, we have no conscience.

There is no honor, no empathy, no truth. Remember, he promised his base a wall, but all they got were red baseball caps? There is no justice and there is no peace. He asked Black people, what do you have to lose? Now we know!

So, we vote, but rather than voting for truth, justice, and uplifting policy change, we vote for gender and race. We vote for personalities, charisma, and appearance. No one insists we study the issues… just vote. No one demands that we make demands… just vote. No one requires that we do our due diligence and wrestle with the history and design of complicated, but essential, pieces to the puzzle

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like the Electoral College… just vote.

FYI: The Electoral College represents 538 votes: 435 for state representatives, 100 for state senators, and 3 for U.S. territories. These people (yes, they are people) represent your representatives to make sure everyone is represented-- got that? No, it doesn’t make sense. The whole thing stinks in a way old food smells in the fridge and for the same reason, it needs to be thrown out. The Electoral College is responsible for Trump’s victory in spite of Clinton’s scoring nearly 3 million more popular votes. We have to know what is meant by Key Swing States and Battle Ground states. It’s important to the process. Did you know 700 attempts have been made over the past 200 years to eradicate the Electoral College? They know it stinks but can’t figure out a viable replacement, so, we keep working on the kitchen sink when it’s the toilet that keeps backing up.

Government was established to provide law, commerce and representation.

My representative sits at the table so I don’t have to leave my farm unattended for extended periods of time to lobby my concerns.

The DNC convention proved that if you’re in Guam, Hawaii or Puerto Rico, you don’t have to leave the island to participate in government.

I don’t have to leave the farm, just boot up the laptop and log in.

It’s my hope that one day, we’ll vote for issues and policies rather than personalsee VOTE, page 28

myimessenger.com

BRIEFS

Housing developments in southern Dallas upsets citizens

Congratulations Graduate Jasmine Meredith graduated from the University of North Texas in the Fall of 2017 and will be attending graduate school at the University of Mississippi this Fall (IMC Program).

Jasmine received her B.A. from the nationally accredited Mayborn School of Journalism in Public Relations. She graduated magna cum laude and was awarded the University of Mississippi Graduate Recruiting Fellowship and Scholarship in the Excellence in Inclusivity category. Jasmine’s ultimate career goal is to be a sports & entertainment publicist.

By ALLANA J. BAREFIELD Sports Editor The city of Dallas Housing Finance Corporation held a board of directors meeting Tuesday to discuss proposals for large apartment complexes be built in southern Dallas areas. Many locals want to see North Dallas and suburbs with the same amount of low-income housing.

the negative and positive… especially in the southern half of the city.”

Joe Acuna, who is the CEO of a finance company agrees with Mr. Baker that building more affordable housing in other areas will help workers financially in the long run, with transportation.

In the past, Mr. Acuna said he hasn’t really beenan advocate in his community but he thought it was important to speak

Currently before the board was a proposal for 206 units of local-income apartments to be built on 3900 W. Redbird Lane at Westmoreland. US Commercial Real Estate Services (CBRE), a worldwide real estate brokerage firm lists the property for $18 million. The board passed a motion to go with CBRE for this project.

Citizens on the virtual call were visibly upset about the projects.

Darryl Baker said he is concerned that residents are losing homeownership because of all these rentals surfacing in this area.

“For the last 30 years there’s been an over-concentration on these types of projects funded in part with public funds,” Mr. Baker said. “We would like to see more of these projects built-in high opportunity areas, most notably North Dallas, because that’s closer to the job centers.”

He said he also wants to see a community report card on how these projects being built over the years has affected these neighborhoods. “We want to see

up about this project. “I’m in the Redbird area and the LGD proposed property… is what perked up my ears and my community,” he said. “About 11 neighbors and 90 home divisions received a letter, we found it rather sneaky about how they sent the letters out.”

Redbird is going through a revitalization and some are excited about these changes, he said.

“We are surrounded by apartment complexes and low-income housing,” he said. “Our fear is that we have the lowest crime rate and surrounded by the highest crime rates in the nation compared to where we’re at in our zip code.”

Mel Blazer, who is on the Dallas Executive Airport Board, said he was promised there would be better quality homes to increase property value.

“This is going in reverse… and I would like Dallas to live up to their promise,” he said. “I would like to know how we as citizens can have more of an input and especially more influence.”

Jasmine Meredith

Madam Vice President Verna Mitchell was installed as the 1st Vice President of District 10 (22 Units) of the Texas Retired Teachers Association.

Verna Mitchell

City of Dallas Launches New Text Message Alert System

By ASHLEY MOSS Staff Writer The city of Dallas is launching a new text message alert system to help area residents receive news updates and make information more accessible.

This new system was created to make City of Dallas news more accessible to the community.

“By providing residents updates via text, the City of Dallas is helping to close the digital divide and more equitably serving as a trusted primary source of timely information in English and Spanish,” said Catherine Cuellar, City of Dallas Director of Communications.

The system will be used for myimessenger.com

non-emergency situations and will allow the City to provide important information about things like event cancellations and building closures, as well as information about the City’s response to COVID-19.

Residents can text DALLAS NEWS ENG (or (or DALLAS NOTICIAS for Spanish speakers) to 468311 for information. Although the service is free, standard messaging and data rates may apply. For information about emergency communication, residents should opt into the Dallas Alerts System.

Link for Dallas Alerts System: https://dallascityhall.com/departments/officeemergencymanagement/ Pages/Dallas-Alert.aspx

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SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

Words on bathroom walls AT THE MOVIES BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ

After seeing Words on Bathroom Walls, I took a long time trying to understand the meaning of the title. The best I could come up with is Words on Bathroom Walls is about wanting to be accepted and feeling normal. David, played

by Charlie Plummer, suffers from schizophrenia. Early in the movie, he sees the graffiti on the wall while standing at a bathroom stall and it makes him laugh; feel normal. That’s something that David desperately desires.

In the movie, David, after being expelled from his previous school, enrolls in a Catholic high school where everyone at the school agrees it would be best if David kept his mental illness a secret. So David attends classes while trying to act normal.

He hears voices, has hallucinations that look like they are straight out of a horror movie, and sees imaginary friends: a hippy chick, a perverted guy, and a huge dude who acts as David’s bodyguard. I loved the way we were shown things from his point of view.

Even with all of that is going on in his head, with the help of medication, David is still pretty laid back and pensive about the issues he’s facing. He recalls a great story in the movie about how mental illness is not accepted by the public.

He relates a story about a girl in school who had terminal cancer. She was given a wish by an organization that grants wishes for sick kids. It made him wonder why diseases like SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

cancer were supported while mental illness is not.

He has support from his mother, Molly Parker, and a smart young honor student Mya (Taylor Russell). She’s hiding a secret as well. Her father is unemployed and her family lives in a shack on the bad side of town. When David takes Mya to the prom and stops taking his medicine he ends up in the hospital from a mental breakdown and his family and girlfriend show up to give him support.

The parish priest, played

I MESSENGER

by Andy Garcia, didn’t know about David’s condition until the episode at the senior prom and David ended up in a mental hospital. Garcia gives an excellent portrayal in his role, making the young man understand before he can be accepted by others, he must first learn to accept himself. David reveals his diagnosis of schizophrenia to the entire school at his graduation and things get a little better. His stepfather, who previously hid all the knives in the house because he was afraid of being harmed

22

by one of David’s outbreaks, eventually comes around to accept David’s mental illness.

Words on Bathroom Walls is a drama/comedy. There are some very melodramatic scenes with a few chuckles mixed in. This is an excellent tale about mental illness.

The movie lasts 1 hour and 51 minutes and is rated PG13. I loved this movie and on my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate Words on Bathroom Walls a JUMBO. myimessenger.com

CHEF JAMIE GWEN

Hall’s Honey Fried Chicken

THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

BY VALDER BEEBE

Chef Jamie Gwen, long-time returning guest to the Valder Beebe Show.

Chef Gwen always is sharing fun food advice with our audiences in audio, print and video. It’s not too hot— check out Chef Jamie’s cool summer outdoor

mer cookouts make you think standing over a hot grill all day, Chef Jamie will show some ways you can cool things down a bit.

Jamie Gwen is a Culinary Institute of America and a Le Cordon Bleu Graduate, a Celebrity Chef & Life-

(214) 371- 3020

4845 S Lancaster Rd. Dallas, TX 75216 Hall of Famer

Jamie Gwen

trends! Versatile food that’s fun and refreshing at the same time. I love to say Chef Jamie will have you eating out of her hand (or off her fingers)!

You’ve seen her as a judge on Master Chef, a competitor on Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay, and a guest on countless shows nationwide. Now Chef Jamie shares delicious recipes of your summer cookout/cook-in and will show you her kitchen essentials – if you have these on hand you can make just about anything! And if summyimessenger.com

style Expert, a Nationally Syndicated Radio Host, a Certified Sommelier and a 7-time Cookbook Author who can be seen stirring up something delicious on television, on the radio and in print from coast-to-coast.

She brings the best to radio with her weekly syndicated radio show, heard every weekend on 75 radio stations across the country and in Southern California.

VBS: Chef Jamie Gwen welcome back see CHEF GWEN, page 28

MO’ BETTAH WINGS

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11am-10pm Monday-Saturday 12-8 Sunday SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

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I MESSENGER

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We run specials Monday-Thursday

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SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

EAT ZONE Best Food in Town The Hidden Secret of OakCliff 2 Burgers for $5 2 Pc Grilled/Fried Ăžsh

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Open Tuesday-Saturday 11am-8p.

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During this pandemic we are still open for call-in and pick up orders. We have specials Tuesdays $5 burger baskets with fries and Wednesdays $5 chicken strip baskets with fries. Our menu is filled with so many delicious items. We have Bar-B-Q plates, Crab boils and so much more. We would love to serve you.

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

Phone: (214) 372-6321

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I MESSENGER

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Dr. Amerson adapts to Temporary Business Closure Dr. Linda Amerson, Board Certified Trichologist, has adapted to the temporary closure of LA's Hair and Scalp Clinic. We continue to offer our award-winning products to consumers. Our exclusive products are manufactured by a facility in Garland, TX. Premium quality natural ingredients are used to assist with dry, oily, itchy, flaky, inflammed scalps, as well as hair breakage, hair thinning and regrowth.

Everyone may order from our website, and we will ship your product order to you. http://www.hairandscalpessentials.com We need your support.

In addition, we offer Video Consultations globally! We will schedule an appointment, give a diagnosis, them make a recommendation. We are available to serve you in the comfort of your home. Call us today - 817.265.8854 http://www.hairandscalpessentials.com We need your support.

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SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

OP-ED: Black Riders Matter OUR VOICES

BY BENJAMIN F. CHAVIS, JR.

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) is the nation’s oldest and largest trade association of Black-owned newspapers and media companies. Our NNPA member publishers hire employees, but we also hire a large number of independent contractors across America to accomplish the work and success of the Black Press.

In the tradition of African American business development, many independent contractors in our communities subsequently become the proprietors of their own businesses.

The point here is that to-

day, across the state of California (and for seemingly counterproductive reasons), public policies, laws and regulations are being passed to prevent companies such as Lyft and Uber from having independent contractors drive and conduct related business across the state.

This is another glaring example of good intentions causing bad consequences, specifically for Black Americans, Latinx Americans and other people of color who are trying to work as independent contractors on a legitimate path to becoming sustainable and profitable entrepreneurs.

Systemic racism in America today has many varied and debilitating manifestations that keep a knee on the necks of people of color striving to achieve success, empowerment and lift

themselves out of poverty.

In my view, the proposed California law, Assembly Bill 5, is unconstitutional and racist. Other states should become aware and alarmed by these non-progressive and regressive regulations.

We have a fundamental right to participate in the emerging gig-economy.

Black independent contractors who drive as a means of entrepreneurship do matter.

In fact, all Black Riders Matter. There are hundreds of thousands of people of color riders who depend daily on Lyft, Uber and other ride share companies to provide transportation and other vital services in particular during the devastating COVID-19 pandemic.

A court in California just issued a temporary “stay” on restricting rideshare operations in the state over the in-

SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

second term any President who had been impeached, not removed, impeached.

We would make voter suppression a Federal Felony.

We would remove racist hate speech from the protection of the 1st Amendment, whether from a schoolteacher or a President. Finally, we would celebrate the long-awaited release of first offenders of non-violent crimes, knowing that upon release, they’ve been armed with nothing less than a hopeful future, and their right to vote.

That’s what’s on my mind!

to the Valder Beebe Show.

What do you have for summer fun?

CJG: I have some trendsetting news. Trending in the food world is the premixed cocktail or aka ready to serve.

Cocktails with reduced sugar are the rage. Are you ready for a few delicious dishes for firing up the Bar-B-Q? VBS: You know in Texas that we love Bar-B-Q! CJG: Valder you know me, I keep a well-stocked pantry and a well-stocked fridge.

I’ve got a great ham skew-

er for the summer. The ham comes pre-sliced, in various sizes and brown sugar is my favorite.

VBS: That’s cool and easy to prepare for summer staycation. There is still much for summer on the food front.

Where can we see more of you?

CJG: I would love for audience to head to DailyLounge. com for these recipes and many more fun summer inspirations……Complete video interview: YouTube.com/ valderbeebeshow

Valder Beebe hosts the Valder Beebe Show on FM and streaming TV: ValderBeebeShow.com, 411RadioNetwork.com; SoundCloud. com/valderbeebeshow FM Broadcast: KKVI FM 89.9, KRER FM 102.5; Streaming on ROKU & Amazon Fire: YouTube/ValderBeebeShow; VBS affiliate broadcasters; BMIA, PChatman Network [Roku TV].

Website: www.milesjaye.net Podcast: https://bit.ly/2zkhSRv Email:milesjaye360@gmail.com

I MESSENGER

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. is the President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and can be reached at dr.bchavis@nnpa.org

CHEF GWEN, from page 23...

VOTE, from page 20... ities who promise to represent our issues and interests.

It could take up to 3 hours waiting in line to vote and 3 minutes to cast your ballot.

That’s backwards! We should spend 3 minutes booting up our computers and the next 3 hours voting over Putin proof, secure lines for issues like healthcare, education, housing, banking, loans, interest rates, infrastructure, taxes, minimum wages, Policing Reform, Criminal Justice Reform, and term limits.

Rather than a two, or three, party system, I would encourage thousands of little voting parties in homes in every county, city, and state in America. At my party, we would make ineligible for a

dependent contractor issue.

The court ruling should be made permanent while civil rights and business leaders work together to undo the unjust and unfair rideshare regulations that may negatively impact millions of people throughout America.

The quality of life needs and aspirations of Black Americans and others should not be relegated to the political or exclusive whims of those who do not really care about the empowerment of our families and communities in California and across the nation.

This is a growing national issue and I cannot and will not remain silent.

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myimessenger.com

What:

Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame Royce West Celebrity Golf Classic

When:

Friday, September 18, 2020 at 9:00 a.m.

Where:

Golf Club of Dallas, 2200 W. Red Bird Ln., Dallas, TX 75232

Why:

Benefitting the TBSHOF at African American Museum, Dallas.

Cost:

$600 Team $150 Individual

Contact:

African American Museum, P.O. Box 150157, Dallas, TX 75315-0157 Abron Young 214-908-7269, cell; email, abronyoung@sbcglobal.net

myimessenger.com

29

SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

KAMALA WATCH She will answer

By AMELIA ASHLEY-WARD Publisher, San Francisco Sun Reporter Newspaper I reached out to congratulate my friend Kamala Harris shortly after she accepted the nomination to become the Democratic Party’s candidate for Vice President of the United States of America. She is, in fact, the first African American woman to be selected to be Vice President by any major political party. I had planned on simply leaving a message for her because it’s been our habit for some 20 years to have each other’s back and to celebrate milestones.

I didn’t expect her to answer. After all, she had just given the speech of her life.

It was searing, well-reasoned and at times emotional. She had just ascended magnificently into history, standing on the shoulders of Shirley Chisholm, Mary McLeod Bethune, Fannie Lou Hamer, Harriet Tubman and other Sheroes. She must have been nostalgic.

CNN and other major networks were busy analyzing her speech. They were comparing her to the politically iconic Kennedys.

One analyst even suggested that Harris is the Democratic party’s new leader.

They talked of her defining speech, its’ content, and the praise she heaped upon her late Mother, Dr. Shyamala Gopalan Harris, her inspiration.

I was still crying and celSEPTEMBER 4, 2020

Amelia Ashley-Ward with Sen. Kamala Harris

ebrating, while talking with my right hand, Rosalyn Gillis. I could hardly see through my tears, when a few minutes later Kamala Devi Harris, my freedom fighting friend, answered me back. I was blown away.

I just thought that since you’re about to finally kick in that glass ceiling – and we know it had to be you – that you didn’t have time to answer. But you did.

I was thinking to myself: Hey Madame Vice-President, what’s up with you?

Why are you taking a pause from celebrating to answer me with such a kind and

I MESSENGER

loving message?

My thoughts about my friend Kamala continued to flow. This is your night, your time, and your turn.

Enjoy it and get every ounce of pleasure out of it.

You are now finally reaping what you have sowed.

You weren’t given any free passes, you never asked for favors, handouts, or hand me downs. You earned all that you have achieved and climbed every stair to get there. You answered the bell for every round, and you refuse to ever back down.

I should not have been surprised by your answer-

30

ing the call. You have always made yourself available and answered the call to service. And I am so proud of you for answering the call to serve with President Joe Biden to help turn this country around. That’s simply your way and how you operate.

Our future VP is who she is and where she is because she is driven in her quest for freedom, justice and equality and she is loyal.

Senator Harris at times will stop what’s she’s doing to answer a call. I have known California’s first African American woman District Attorney and first African American Attorney General Harris to be this way for her 18-year political career.

To make it plain: She is “Kamala Harris For the People.”

Kamala listens and she’s an independent thinker.

And she’ll do the same as VP. Kamala has been characterized as being too ambitious.

What a great compliment and aren’t we glad. Someone lacking ambition would never have run for such valuable political offices to perfect social change and, in doing so, made the cover of Time Magazine. And, she certainly would not be the talk of the world as an exemplary woman who has marched into the history books again and again and again. Well done!

Thank you, Kamala, for always answering and being there for all of us.

Let’s Go Biden and Harris! myimessenger.com

Chadwick Boseman and Sen. Kamala Harris

#WhenWeAllVote Actor Chadwick Boseman’s last social media post prior to his death on Friday, encouraged voting and expressed his support of Democratic vice-presidential nominee Kamala Harris.

He wrote: “YES @KamalaHarris! #WhenWeAllVote #Vote2020.”

We’re open and ready to serve you!

Following his death, Sen. Harris wrote on Twitter: “My friend and fellow Bison Chadwick Boseman was brilliant, kind, learned, and humble. He left too early but his life made a difference.

Sending my sincere con dolences to his family.”

Elaine’s

Jamaican Kitchen

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

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31

SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

Black Church assaults continue Tennessee latest city to witness what some are calling intimidation tactics

By Ashley Moss Texas Metro News A confederate flag was left hanging from a tree on the property of a Nashville company that publishes Sunday School materials for the nation’s Black churches, including many congregations in Dallas/Fort Worth and across the South.

Neighbors discovered the homemade flag – made from a square cardboard box and colored on all sides with red, white and blue paper-mâché to look like a Confederate flag with brown rope tied around it and hanging from a tree at R.H. Boyd Publishing Company in Nashville late Wednesday.

R.H. Boyd, since 1896, has published Sunday School books, church hymnals, Vacation Bible School marketing materials and study guides for the nation’s 8.5 million African American Baptists. Boyd Publishing is one of two independently Black-owned publishing companies that produces and prints Christian inspirational resources for African American churches and communities across the country.

“Clearly someone is trying to send a message,” said LaDonna Boyd, president and chief executive officer at R.H. Boyd. “We will certainly make sure we get to the bottom of whoever did this. We will press charges and bring (the perpetrator) to full justice.”

Thursday, Metropolitan Nashville Police’s Specialized SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

Investigation Division combed the Nashville neighborhood that is home to Boyd Publishing and the nearby historically Black Meharry Medical College, one of the nation’s oldest medical schools training African American doctors, searching for evidence in the case.

“Obviously, this is a great concern, which is why we involved our division,” said Kris Mumford, public informa-

I MESSENGER

tion officer for the Metropolitan Nashville Police. When it comes to something like this in a neighborhood, with a box, with a Confederate flag hanging from a tree, we obviously want to investigate what’s going on.”

In the Dallas area news of the latest assault was widely discussed.

The Rev. William Dwight McKissic expressed concern

32

about race relations in America.

“Something has happened to the fabric and framework of our country. We are beginning to border on what we saw in the 50s and 60s. I remember it. I was there to witness it,” said McKissic, pastor of megachurch Cornerstone Baptist Church in South Arlington, which is aligned with the National Baptist Convention of myimessenger.com

LaDonna Boyd

Dr. Freddie Haynes

Bishop William L. Sheals

McKissic Dwight

America.

The incident is the latest in a string of events across the nation involving African American churches and incidents perceived to be racist.

In late July, the FBI launched an investigation after someone wrote “KKK” and racial slurs on an air conditioning unit at a Black church in North Highlands in the San Francisco Bay area.

In 2019, the federal bureau began investigating a series of fires at Black churches in Louisiana, calling them suspicious and saying they likely are hate-related.

In Dallas, last month, the Rev. Frederick D. Haynes III said a group of nearly 1,000 Blue Lives Matter protestors had parked without proper permission on his church’s parking lot, under a massive multi-story banner reading “Black Lives Matter.”

Haynes said that he is not surprised about this latest occurrence.

“I think we can expect more of this,” he said. “There has been an environment set by the White House to express hatred.”

Across the country African American pastors said they were concerned. The Rev. William Sheals said the country is experiencing an “ugly spirit in this year in 2020.”

“We have got to defeat it in prayer, but we have also got to defeat it in marching to the polls,” he said. “We must disobey this law. We must follow a

higher calling. This is spiritual warfare…from high places.

Sheals pastors one of metro-Atlanta’s largest Black congregations, Hopewell Baptist Church of Norcross, GA. Mumford said Metropolitan Nashville Police Department responded to a call from Boyd at about 5 p.m. of a device hanging from a tree on a lot adjacent to and owned by Boyd Publishing.

Alarmed that the box might contain an incendiary device, police flew helicopters over the property and officers swarmed the area. Seven police cars circled the property, Boyd said.

By late Wednesday evening, a police bomb squad unit had accessed the box, determined no bomb materials were inside and had it perched in the backseat of one of the police cars. It is now classified as a suspicious package.

Mumford declined Thursday to reveal any more of the box’s contents saying the case was an ongoing investigation.

Meanwhile, detectives spent Thursday seeking video from nearby Meharry and other homes and businesses, Mumford said, in the hopes of identifying a suspect. She said the culprit could face several charges for intimidation, trespassing and possibly a hate crime.

“Someone did get a picture of the perpetrator’s car and apparently they came at night and hung it up,” said Ms. Boyd.

“Hopefully we will be able to

find out who did this.”

Boyd plans to press charges and said that in 2020, incidents like this need to be taken seriously, and are a reminder of the need to be aware of one’s surroundings.

“There’s all kind of foolishness going on, all around the country, and obviously this was very intentional because of the place that they put it, in a predominantly Black neighborhood, right next to Citizens Bank, Meharry Medical College, Fisk University, and right down the street from Tennessee State University,” she said.

The property, which stands at the intersection of Jefferson Street and 21st Avenue in Nashville, is home to R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation, one of the oldest Black-owned businesses in the country.

Founded in 1896 by the Rev. Dr. Richard Henry Boyd, the long standing organization provides Christian and inspirational resources for African-American churches and communities across the country.

The company generated more than $3 million dollars in revenue for the fiscal year ending in December 2018. Right across the street from R.H. Boyd is Citizens Savings Bank & Trust Company, founded in 1904 and considered the oldest, continuously operating, minority-owned bank in the United States.

Ms. Boyd, who is just the organization’s fifth President and

CEO, sprang into action and immediately called the police, also getting the word out on social media.

At the federal level, hate crimes are defined as crimes committed on the basis of the victim’s perceived or actual race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability. In most states hate crime laws include crimes committed on the basis of race, color, and religion; many also include crimes committed on the basis of sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and disability.

Experts with the U.S. Department of Justice estimated that an average of 250,000 hate crimes were committed each year between 2004 and 2015 in the United States. The Department reports incidents each week on its website but says the majority of cases are not reported to law enforcement.

“I do not play about my family’s businesses, our heritage , our safety, the safety of our staff and the entire team, certainly the safety of the community,” Boyd said. “We are hopeful that these perpetrators will be caught and we want to make sure that they get the due penalty for all of these crimes that they committed and we will certainly be on the lookout for any other things that may pop up.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.

myimessenger.com

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SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

Remembering Wallace Edgar Faggett AUG. 15, 1952 - AUG. 24, 2020

Services were held for Wallace Edgar Faggett on Tuesday, September 1, 2020.

Born August 15, 1952 to Edison and Eula Mae Faggett in Marshall, Texas, Wallace was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Willie and Bervin Faggett, sister Phyllis Holmes, and son Oba Najja Faggett.

Wallace married Edna Lee of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. To this union Oba Najja, Nneka, and Nicholas were born.

Wallace and Edna made the priorities for their children to train them in a Christian manner, as well as encourage them to get an education and be concerned about their family.

SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

As a child, Wallace was a member of the Catholic Church in Marshall, Texas.

There he served as an altar boy. Upon his family’s move to Dallas at an early age, Wallace and his family joined Ervay Cedar Baptist Church.

They later moved their membership to Greater Mount Sinai Baptist Church. As an adult and upon his marriage to Edna, Wallace, Edna and the children joined St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church, where he served in various leadership roles to include President of the Sunrise Usher Board, Food CO-OP, and Church Photographer. He was one of the historians of the infa-

I MESSENGER

mous stained glass windows of St. Luke, a greeter prior to the establishment of the Greeters Ministry, a member of the United Methodist Men, and a graduate of the Disciple Bible Study.

A 1970 graduate of South Oak Cliff High School, Wallace attended Dallas public schools from elementary through high school. He attended East Texas State University, currently Texas A&M University-Commerce.

During his attendance at East Texas State University, Wallace served in the United States Navy. Upon returning to the university from the Navy, Wallace served as President of Theta Theta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and received his Bachelor of Business Administration. Wallace became a 32nd degree Master Mason with Scottish Rite Lord.

After graduation, Wallace worked in the field of education as Dean of Men at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas. In his spare time, Wallace was the disc jockey of the Quiet Hour, a gospel program, at KBWC 91.1 FM radio station, sponsored by Wiley College in Marshall, Texas.

Wallace was later employed at Wilmer Hutchins Independent School District where he served as Business Manager, and the Director of Transportation and Maintenance.

Upon his retirement, Wal-

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lace pursued his passion for photography full time. He captured noteworthy Black History Moments throughout his community and beyond. He sincerely believed that, “a picture was worth a thousand words,” as evidenced by unforgettable photos from weddings, funerals, graduations, church services, and Panhellenic occasions.

He covered Bloody Sunday, The Million Man March, March on Washington and took photographs of National Football League’s Hall of Fame recipients, to name a few. He was a man who never met a stranger and was willing to help anyone at a moment’s notice. Outside of helping others, most commonly known as the “Picture Man,” he always had his camera with him. Wallace brought joy to others through his gift of photography. He shared that gift unselfishly.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Edna Lee-Faggett; daughter, Nneka Hobbs (Terance); sons, Nicholas Faggett and Patiri (Terry) Berkley; Aunt, Earnestine Green (Dallas, Texas ); brothers, Edison Faggett Jr (San Diego, CA), Phillip Faggett (Carrollton, Texas); sisters, Patricia, Evelyn, Erica Faggett (Carrollton, Texas); granddaughters, Nylah, Lailah, Trinity Hobbs; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. myimessenger.com

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MAY 20, 2020

September 2 Happy Birthday to Felicia Shepherd

Ask Dr. Amerson Show, at 11 am CST. September is Alopecia Awareness Month, guests: Entrepreneur/ Legislation Advocate for Licensed Beauty Professionals Sharla Wooten, and the 2020 scholarship winner Chloe Walker and mother Judith Weaver.

On FB Live and DfwiRadio.com.

Women of Distinction 2020 Awards, host, Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber. The RGV Hispanic Chamber recognizes talented and giving women for their accomplishments. 6–8 pm. info: rgvhcc.org or call 956-928-0060.

27th Genesis Annual Luncheon, Feat. Nicole Kidman.

Going Virtual 10:30 am-1 pm. Tickets: www.genesisshelter.org/luncheon.

Info: Caitlin Akan at cakan@genesisshelter.org.

Texas Women’s Foundation Leadership Forum Virtual Series with Young Leader Award recipient, Karla Garcia 10-11 am. Tickets: https://www.txwf.org/ events/leadershipreception.

September 3 SoulJazz Thursdays Under The Stars, feat. Natural Change at 813 Sandaga, 813 Exposition Ave. 8 pm-12 am. Enjoy a Food Truck, BBQ, Hookahs, and Cigars. Info: email info@ sandaga813.com.

Together We Lead – The Art of Entrepreneurship, host, National Black MBA Association-DFW Chapter.

Special Guest: Rock-T of the Rickey Smiley Morning Show.

6:30-8 pm. an online event tickets: Eventbrite.com.

Conversation with Dallas Black Dance Theatre Encore Dancers.

3-4 pm. A virtual conversation. RSVP via Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/meeting/ register/tJEsd-2orTwrGtLxrqZJV4ruC1YnlozdBSWh.

September 4-8

Virtual and liVe Community Calendar

Zoom: See the link. https:// zoom.us/j/8567036848? Enter the Access Code: 856 703 6848.

in a special Legislative Coffee session. 8:30-9:30 am. Register: https://irvinghcctx.chambermaster.com/

Erykah Badu LIVE! Concert.

Hosted by Ticket Monster Live. City of Dallas - City Hall 1500 Marilla St. 6:30–9:30 pm. Live Stream 100% Free. Link: https://pastelink.net/

Billy Dade Middle School: School Supplies Drive.

The school is planning a virtual Back to School event; however, school supplies are also needed. Contact: Ellyn Favors, Community Liaison, at elfavors@dallasisd.org.

September 5

WE3: Women’s Division of IHCC, September Seminar Session. Inspiring Women on “Leaning IN & Standing OUT” for women only. 11:30 am-1pm CDT. Register: https://business.irvinghcc.com/

First Saturday Harvest Project Food Rescue, Free Fruits and Veggies, at Pan African Connection 4466 S. Marsalis Ave. 10 am-3 pm. Free Fruits and Veggies until their gone. Call 214943-8262.

New Life DFW Church Back To School. Host, New Life DFW Church at Creekstone Apartments 11110 Woodmeadow Pkwy. 10 am-1 pm. No preregistration is required, CHILD MUST BE PRESENT to receive backpack filled with suplies!

Comedy Social’ly Distant Club Presents: Midnite & amp: Lamar Jones. Host Comedy Social Club. A drive-in movie style comedy event. 7-11pm. Tickets: www.

Eventbrite.com.

Free Clothes (All Sizes) Host, Soul Winners for Christ Outreach of Deliverance Church. 9 am-1pm. Soul Winners for Christ Outreach of Deliverance, 4303 Aztec Dr., Dallas.

September 6 Rhythm and ReVERB Pull-Up Edition at Heroes Lounge, 3094 N. Stemmons Fwy. 4-6 pm. You will be able to enjoy the drumming and music from your car. Event will stream live on Instagram and Facebook. @VerbKulture on Instagram and Verb Kulture Ent. on Facebook.

Carrollton Farmers Market. 10 am-1 pm. 2722 N. Josey Ln. Carrollton. Every Sunday.

September 7

Ask Dr. Amerson Show at 11am CST Sept. is Alopecia Awareness Month. Dr. Linda discusses healthy hair, scalp talk, and alopecia talk, on FB Live and DfwiRadio.com.

September 10 The Entrepreneurial Club Presents: Virtual Networking Power Hour. Host, Omicron Sigma Chapter - Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. 7-9 pm. Webinar RSVP: Eventbrite. com.

Drive-Thru Job Fair, Host, Job Center Staffing (Mid-Cities) 11am-3 pm. at The Job Center Staffing, 3338 Harwood Rd. Bedford. What to bring: Work-ready ID’s, and Mask.

September 11-12 4th Annual Expunction Expo (Clear Criminal Record) If you have a criminal record, under certain circumstances, you may have your record expunged (cleared).

Contact Dallas County at 214-653-2905. or go to: www.

Dallascounty.org/expunction. Complete the form. By September 4th, you will be notified to attend the Virtual Pre-Qualification Clinic.

September 11 7th Annual Fundraiser Golf Classic hosted by Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Irving Golf Club 2000 E. Shady Grove Rd. 11:30 am-12:30 pm registration, 1 pm tee time.

RSVP: https://irvinghcctx.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/ Deep Ellum Arts Festival 2020 FREE 11 am-11 pm. In Deep Ellum for more info: Eventbrite.com.

Marvelous Marriage Mondays at Friendship-West Baptist Church 2020 W. Wheatland Rd. 7-8 pm. Helping Marriages be More Marvelous! Register online at https:// friendshipwest.zoom.us/meeting/ register/upcpcOmhqz

September 12

The Free Man’s Labor Day Weekend Extravaganza. Host, The Free Man. Times vary. 2626 Commerce St. A great collection of local bands and lots of fun.

Makin’ Money Mondays Hosts Wealth Architect and Kirsten Elise Dunn. For some financial wisdom you’re covered.

Hosts Kirsten Elise Dunn, social entrepreneur and real estate investor, and Jack Waldron, Executive VP at Five Rings Financial. on FACEBOOK LIVE @WealthArchitect. 11:15–11:45 am.

September 4

September 8

Friendship-West Presents Spiritual Care. Hosted

by Be Made Whole Counseling Center. Fridays at 1 pm CST via

Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Legislative Coffee Session. Meet your Legislator’s in Irving

myimessenger.com

September 9

Historically Black Colleges & Universities, Virtual Summit Series 2020. , Energized, and Empowered. 1 pm. Series Three: How Will You Pay for Your HBCU Education?

Free. Info: efreemam@sjbcfamily.com. Streaming: @sjbcfamily.com and Facebook @sjbcfamily.

BLACK LIVES MATTER In The Middle with Ashley Moss.

“Talking about topics that Matter” Join in in Facebook/@TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio. com at 11 am-1 pm. Mondays.

Join the conversation call 646200-0459.

Doc Shep Speaks Show! A fresh perspective, but still entertaining!

Welcome to The Doc Shep Speaks Show!!!. Tuesdays at 11 am Live on Facebook/@TexasMetroNews & Blog Talk Radio.com Join the conversation 646-200-0459.

Andrew’s World with host Andrew Whigham III on BlogTalkRadio.com 8 am.-10 am. Sundays Tune in for thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news and commentary. Join the call at 646-200-0459 I Was Just Thinking with Norma Adams-Wade “History Class is in Session” Join in on Facebook/@TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio.com at 11 am -1 pm Wednesdays. Join the conversation call 646-200-0459.

The Bare Truth with Allana J. Barefield. “Always Audacious, Accurate and Authentic” On Facebook/@TexasMetroNews & BlogTalkRadio. at 11 am-1 pm.

Thursdays. Join the call at 646200-0459.

From Marva with Love with Marva Sneed from11 am -1 pm. CST, Fridays on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, and BlogTalkRadio.com.

Call in and join the conversation at 646-200-0459.

October 5 November General Elections Voter Registration Deadline Mon., Oct. 5, 2020, is the deadline to register to vote in the November 2020 Presidential and General Election.

To register, find your precinct, change your name or address, etc. go to: https://www.dallascountyvotes.org/

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SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

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FEBRUARY 8, 2019

I Messenger

Do you know this man?

POLICE have not apprehended “Pookie” the serial rapist.

We know he has attacked members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and there is a $5,000 reward offered by Crime Stoppers.

HE IS A SERIAL RAPIST

He targeted members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. but this is more than about a sorority. We’re talking about a community.

Come on PEOPLE! Don’t you CARE? Will it matter when it is your sister, mother, aunt or grandmother or maybe YOU?

877-373-8477 SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

I MESSENGER

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myimessenger.com