Texas Metro News

In memoriam Andre Emmett, Jr.

MY TRUTH

VOL.8 NO. 3 October 2, 2019

What BRAVE looks like Beard is Top Lady

By Cheryl Smith Publisher

THE VILLAGE

You’ve heard the story, hopefully, behind the Amber Guyger Murder Trial.

The former Dallas Police officer could face life in prison if convicted of murder for the shooting death of Botham Jean on September 6, 2018. The 12 jurors found Ms. Guyger guilty.

Mr. Jean was home in his apartment, watching television and eating ice cream when Ms. Guyger entered his apartment and shot him, right through the heart; before realizing that she had entered the wrong apartment.

Pastor Frederick S. Haynes III delivered prayer, then took a knee while Tommye Young-West sang the Star Spangled Banner at the State Fair Classic featuring Grambling State and Prairie View A&M Universities in the Cotton Bowl. Madelyn Brene (l) sang the Negro National Anthem. PV won 42-36 Photo: Eva D. Coleman

Guyger trial ends with GUILTY verdict

It was a packed ballroom for the inauguration of Sharon J. Beard as the 14th president of the Top Ladies of Distinction (TLOD) at the Dallas Hyatt Regency, last week.

TLOD advocates in an exemplary manner for several national projects, including; UNCF, NAACP, Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA), the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW).

With the motto of “Serving Youth and Adults,” TLOD was chartered in Texas on September 8, 1964 as a nonprofit educational, humanitarian organization.

A human resources exec., Ms. Beard is a graduate of NTSU

President Sharon J. Beard

(now UNT) and Amberton Univ.

She’s also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and NCNW.

Judges stress importance of Census 2020

By Jihad Hassan Muhammad

The Final Call Contributing Editor @jihadhmuhammad

Family and attorneys of Jean family with program emcee Ed Gray at fundraising gala in Dallas for the Botham Jean Foundation.

Photo: Terry Allen

According to Ms. Guyger, she thought she was entering her apartment on the 3rd floor in South Side Flats Apartments but instead she entered Mr. Jean’s apartment on the 4th floor.

On Saturday, after one “expert” witness, Judge Tammy Kemp sent the Jury home and court ended for the day. Talk about See MY TRUTH, page 4

Honorable Tammy Kemp 204th Judicial District Court Amber Guyger on witness stand

EDITOR’s NOTE: At press time, the jury came back with a guilty verdict. After a break, the punishment phase began with Mr. Jean’s mother talking about her son.

DALLAS—The murder trial of a White former police officer, Amber Guyger, caught the spotlight a little over a year after her bizarre killing of unarmed Black man, Botham Shem Jean, in his own home.

See GUYGER TRIAL, page 12

As part of their effort to increase African American awareness and involvement in the 2020 Census in Texas, local Dallas County judges gathered recently at the African American Museum to participate in the production of public service announcements about the importance of participating in the 2020 census.

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OCTOBER 2, 2019

INSIDE

In Memoriam

EDUCATION

pg. 3

OPINION

pg. 4

PERSPECTIVE

pg. 5

CALENDAR

pg. 12

HBCU

pg. 14

MAILING ADDRESS 320 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway Suite 220 Dallas, TX 75203 WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM 214-941-0110

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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.

Andre L Emmett Jr.

AUGUST 27, 1982 – SEPTEMBER 23, 2019 AndrÊ LeRond’d Emmett Jr. was born August 27, 1982, in Dallas, Texas to Regina Oliver and the late AndrÊ Emmett Sr. As a young man, AndrÊ accepted Andre was born August 27, 1982, in Dallas, Texas to Regina Oliver and the late AndrÊ Emmett Sr. As a young man, AndrÊ accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at St. Luke Community United Methodist Church. AndrÊ completed his formal education in the Dallas Independent School District, graduating from David W. Carter High School in 2000.

He later received a bachelor’s degree in business from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas in 2004.

During his tenure at Texas Tech University, AndrÊ’s basketball career excelled under the legendary coach Bobby Knight. AndrÊ’s accomplishments upon departing from Texas Tech included being a Consensus All-American selection (2004), two-time Big 12 leading scorer, the first three-time First Team All-Big 12 Conference (2002-2004) member, NCAA slam dunk champion (2004), and all-time points leader (2,256) with most career field goals made (882).

He was drafted in the second round of the National Basketball Association (NBA) draft as the 35th overall pick and played professionally with the Memphis Grizzlies and New Jersey Nets.

He then played in the NBA’s Developmental League where he earned the league’s All-Star Game MVP award in 2015 before enjoying a long and successful career playing basketball overseas in Europe and Asia.

In 2018, AndrĂŠ joined the BIG3 League, a 3-on-3 basketball organization founded by hip hop musician and actor Ice Cube and entertainment industry executive Jeff Kwatinetz.

He was selected as the second overall pick.

For the past two seasons, he played for 3’s Company and racked up a number of awards, including multiple “player of the week� awards, and emerged as a leading MVP candidate.

AndrĂŠ was also inducted into the Hall of Fame (2018) at Texas Tech and was one of its inaugural inductees into the Basketball Ring of Honor (2019) with his name now permanently etched inside United Supermarkets Arena.

Off the court, AndrĂŠ always had a love for children and he established a non-profit foundation called Dreams Really Exist (DRE) in April 2019 to help empower them to maximize their potential.

His mission was to impact the youth of communities across the country by providing underprivileged children with resources needed to thrive and succeed in today’s society by way of academics and/or athletics.

AndrĂŠ is preceded in death by his father, AndrĂŠ

LeRond’d Emmett Sr., his maternal and paternal grandparents and his paternal grandmother. He leaves to cherish his memories, two beautiful daughters, Kennedy Grace Emmett and Zara Sloan Emmett; mother, Regina D. Oliver; sisters, Darra N. Oliver, Rafiki Carter, Tiffanie Carter, Sasha Emmett (Jorge), Si Mon’ Emmett, and Raleighla Clewis; aunts, Karen Y. OliverThomas (Tony), Eura Oliver, and Geri Evans; nieces, nephews and a host of cousins.

3

OCTOBER 2, 2019

Attention Jobseekers: It’s time for the D23 Goes 2 Work Job Fair

Sen. Royce West

those two together Thursday at D23 Goes 2 Work!"

Through the assistance of Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas, more than 80 employers have signed up to participate in this year's hiring fair, on pace to match or exceed the 2018 total. Commitments include the City of Dallas, Children's Health, Cedar

Ed Bell Construction Company An Equal Opportunity Employer

Ed Bell Construction is a Dallas based heavy highway contractor doing business in the North Texas market since 1963. With clients such as TxDOT, Dallas County Public Works, and the Cities of Dallas, Fort Worth, Richardson and Mansfield (plus many others), we have a strong backlog of work in the highway market locally.

We are currently hiring for the following positions: • Paving Machine Operator • CDL Drivers (Water Truck) • Dozer Operator (Earthwork) • Roller Operator (Earthwork) • Finishers (Structures, Paving) • Loader Operator (Earthwork) • Form Setters (Structures, Paving) • Motor Grader Operator (Earthwork) • Laborers (Structures, Underground, Paving) • Excavator Operator (Underground, Earthwork) • Work Zone Barricade Servicer – Must have DL and be bilingual with clear English Available: multiple openings Rate: Negotiable Must have own transportation Years of Experience required will vary, from 6 months to 2 years (depending on position) Physical and Drug Screen Required Must have a Clear Background Must be at least 18 years old (CDL Driver, 21 yrs) Must APPLY IN PERSON at 10605 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75220 from 7am-11am Mon-Fri. Please visit our website: www.edbellconstruction.com/careers Or email your resume to: careers@edbellconstruction.com

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Valley College, Albertson's, Tom Thumb, Omni Mandalay Hotels, Costco, DART, New York Life, and the US Census. At the 2018 event, more than 620 jobseekers were in attendance, far surpassing 2017 figures.

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Records show nearly 750 interviews took place resulting in numerous placements. Senator West looks forward to an even larger turnout and thanks Workforce Solutions and REIMAGINE Red Bird for their support.

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Thursday, October 3, 2019, the annual D23 Goes 2 Work Job Fair will take place at REIMAGINE Redbird (Red Bird Mall), 3662 W. Camp Wisdom Rd. near US Hwy. 67 starting at 10:00 a.m. on the mall's lower level in the Atrium.

It is the sixth year for the job fair that is hosted by State Senator Royce West in partnership with Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas.

In years past, D23 Goes 2 Work has attracted as many as 80 or more private and public sector employers and hundreds of applicants have turned out, resumes in-hand, looking to reenter the workforce, upgrade their employment status or to make a career change.

"The Dallas Metro area is fortunate to have such a willing and capable partner in Workforce Solutions.

This is the fifth year D23 Goes 2 Work has been held at Red Bird, but Workforce Solutions signed on with us from day one," said Senator West. "While Texas and the country as a whole point proudly at unemployment levels that are below 5 percent, those statistics mean little to someone who is out of work. For them, the unemployment rate is 100 percent. But what we have found recently is that there are scores of area employers looking for qualified applicants. We hope we can bring

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OCTOBER 2, 2019

EDITORIAL

QUIT PLAYIN

By VINCENT L. HALL Vincent L. Hall is

an author, activist

and award-winning columnist

Abeni Jewell Haynes is a budding and promising young actress. This past Sunday morning church service wasn’t my first time hearing her recitation of Barbara Jordan’s famous 1974 speech to impeach Richard Millhouse Nixon. This was the second time in six months but this time was even more piercing than before.

Ukraine maybe?

In 1974, the eloquent, effusive, and intellectually inclined U.S. Representative from the State of Texas levied her charge for the rule and role of the Constitution. This is the 45th anniversary, but it sounds custommade for this 45th President. In fact, there was less evidence on “Tricky Dick” to support impeachment proceedings than we have at this moment. Here are the most salacious and treasonous acts that should earn this and any other sitting President a disastrous comeuppance.

Donald Trump has divulged

MY TRUTH Continued from pg 1 puzzled looks around the courtroom.

One person had just sold her ticket to the Grambling versus Prairie View A&M Game.

Other out of town journalists, who are in Dallas covering the trial, asked about things to do and places to go with their free time.

Someone made a very valid point to me that day. Botham Jean’s family is here. But where is the village?

Sure there are people offering love and support. Some are doing things you’ll never hear about. To them, I say thanks! But what are the masses doing?

I’d venture to guess that if you, or

Impeach the Maryland Farmer! classified information to foreigners, while publicly and consistently undermining the American intelligence community. He has fired members of his cabinet for being loyal to their oath, replacing them with minions whose only oath is to Trump.

This Maryland Farmer has eviscerated the emoluments clause and erected a mobile billboard encouraging foreign leaders, the military and his fan base to curry his favor by their patronage. Meanwhile, he spends 70% of his days watching television or visiting one of his resorts; even the one that allegedly has bedbugs…OMG! The “Ogre in the Oval Office” attacks women and especially women of color; calls countries inhabited

by Africans, shitholes; and operates concentration camps for brown families seeking relief and rest from terror and tyranny. Climate change, dictator dating, misuse of a selfnamed charity and sex with porn stars and their respective cover-ups using campaign funds, notwithstanding.

Congresswoman Jordan prosecuted Trump’s case in July of 1974.

“Today I am an inquisitor. anyone you know, including me, were in St. Lucia, dealing with anything remotely similar to what the Jean family is dealing with; there would be a groundswell of support. And they should expect no less from us!

You ask, “What can I do?”

Which brings me to my truth.

In 1985, there was a plane crash in Dallas. The mother of some of my Florida A&M University (FAMU) classmates was in the crash and lived about two weeks.

While Dr. Kathleen Cooper Wright (who was also my sorority sister) was in the hospital, I ran errands for family members, delivered food up to the hospital, and took her loved ones out to exhale from time to time. I didn’t ask for money and I didn’t have a lot, but I did what I could and guess what? They

An hyperbole would not be fictional and would not overstate the solemnness that I feel right now. My faith in the Constitution is whole; it is complete; it is total. And I am not going to sit here and be an idle spectator to the diminution, the subversion, the destruction, of the Constitution.

It is wrong, I suggest, it is a

Abeni Jewel Haynes

misreading of the Constitution for any member here to assert that for a member to vote for an article of impeachment means that that member must be convinced that the President

Botham Jean

were very, very appreciative. Then too, there were times I just sat with them and talked or prayed.

This is a tough time for the Jean Family and yes, it is a tough time for the Guyger family.

should be removed from office. The Constitution doesn’t say that. The powers relating to impeachment are an essential check in the hands of the body of the Legislature against and upon the encroachments of the Executive. The division between the two branches of the Legislature, the House and the Senate, assigning to the one the right to accuse and to the other, the right to judge, the Framers of this Constitution were very astute. They did not make the accusers and the judgers -- and the judges the same person.

We know the nature of impeachment. We’ve been talking about it awhile now. It is chiefly designed for the President and his high ministers to somehow be called into account. It is designed to ‘bridle’ the Executive if he engages in excesses. ‘It is designed as a method of national inquest into the conduct of public men.’² The Framers confided in the Congress the power if need be, to remove the President in order to strike a delicate balance between a President swollen with power and grown tyrannical, and preservation of the independence of the Executive.

If the impeachment provision in Some might not have thought about what they could do. How about lunch at the courthouse; dinner at the hotel or one of our wonderful restaurants; or tickets to a movie or show?

Am I asking too much?

Is the situation too political? Too controversial? Will we offend some people by showing love and support to those who are grieving?

Boy, I tell you, we really need to have some serious conversations about when and how we need to be addressing many of the ills confronting our people.

Why should others speak up, when they see that we are silent?

Interestingly funders are asking the same questions: “Why come to us asking us to support HBCUs when the alums don’t support?” “Why should we support Black businesses when Black

the Constitution of the United States will not reach the offenses charged here, then perhaps that 18th-century Constitution should be abandoned to a 20th-century paper shredder!

Has the President committed offenses, and planned, and directed, and acquiesced in a course of conduct, which the Constitution will not tolerate? That’s the question. We know that. We know the question.

We should now forthwith proceed to answer the question. It is reason, and not passion, which must guide our deliberations, guide our debate, and guide our decision.

I yield back the balance of my time, Mr. Chairman.”

I could never duplicate the resonant and regal tonality of the late Barbara Charline Jordan. I no longer possess the requisite synapses or nerve cells to memorize long diatribes like Abeni Jewel. This is the adult version of a nappy-headed little colored boy from the hood…Impeach the MF now; Maryland Farmer that is!

History has proved that being right on the issue “trumps” political expediency!

Impeach! #Pelosi #Democrats #QuitPlayin people make a million and one excuses for why they won’t?”

I could go on and on.

But I want to applaud those who do support. I want to applaud those who don’t wait until they are personally impacted before they act.

Now there are those who are helping and supporting, but guess what? There is so much more that could be done and should be done.

I am so proud of the wonderful people who give of themselves. It is so refreshing to know that there are people who do more than live life for themselves.

People like to ask, “What would Jesus do?”

I ask, “What would you want someone to do for you?”

5

OCTOBER 2, 2019

High student debt threatens our nation’s future THE LAST WORD DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX The student debt crisis in our country is worsening. If nothing is done, its size threatens our nation’s future.

Young people saddled with student debt often postpone adult decisions, like purchasing homes or getting married, hoping to start “real life” with a clean slate.

When these folks delay buying homes, they also postpone the purchase of everything that goes with home ownership – furniture, appliances, and more.

Millions boomerang home, living with their parents into their late twenties, or even longer.

Some default on their loans, ruining their credit, and impeding other purchasing.

How bad is it? Student debt in our country totals almost $1.6 trillion in 2018, $521 billion more than credit

card debt.

More than two-thirds of all students take out student loans, with an average debt of $29,800. A total of nearly 45 million Americans have student loan debt.

And if it is bad for the overall population, it’s worse for African American students, who recently graduated with $37,000 in debt, more than $7,000 more than the overall average.

According to Ashley Harrington, of the Center for Responsible Lending, 85 percent of all African American graduates carried student loan debt in 2016, compared to the 2016 overall average of 68 percent. “Black students take out more loans and often take longer to pay them back,” she said.

The result?

A decade after college graduation, African Americans who had student

loan debt owe twice as much as their white counterparts.

This is not at all surprising. African American median incomes are lower than white incomes. African American wealth is less a small fraction of white wealth. African American unemployment rates are higher than white rates, even for college graduates.

On average, African Americans are stuck at the economic periphery, with every indicator showing Black folks lagging others in our economy.

And while the student loan crisis hits the Black community hard, it so profoundly affects our national economy that Democratic Presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren are getting major traction from their plans to reduce or eliminate student loan debt. Indeed, Sanders gets more support among those in the 18-34 age group than any of his competitors (Biden gets little support from younger people, and Warren garners a healthy 25 percent from young people in recent polls), partly because he has been extraordinarily vocal in addressing student loan debt.

The presidential candidates have not been the only ones, who have

The Impeachment Inquiry FROM THE CAPITOL

BY CONGRESSWOMAN EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON Congresswoman Johnson represents the 30th congressional district of Texas in the US House of Representatives.

It is not without significance that the majority of members in the United States House of Representatives have taken the extraordinary stop of launching an impeachment inquiry into the presidency of Donald J. Trump, focusing on a phone conversation that he had this summer with the president of Ukraine, and the activities of those who were allegedly

acting on behalf of the administration to conceal the conversation.

I have joined others in asking the president turn over requested information concerning the phone call to the House Intelligence Committee where the inquiry will be held, and I am hopeful that the president and those around him will be forthcoming.

If the Intelligence Committee

determines that the President participated in impeachable offenses, it will then forward its report to the full House where a vote will be taken on whether or not to impeach Mr. Trump.

If a majority of the House members vote to impeach the matter will be sent to the U.S. Senate where a trial will be conducted.

A president can be removed only if two thirds of the Senate votes to oust him or her.

Only three presidents in our nation’s history have found themselves facing impeachment. It is a very serious matter. But it was placed in our Constitution by the nation’s founders

expressed concern about the heavy burden of student loan debt. Congress implemented the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program as part of the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007.

After paying a percentage of their income for 120 consecutive months, public servants like teachers and firefighters, and people who work for nonprofit organizations, could qualify to have the remainder of their loan forgiven. From the legislation, the first to receive loan forgiveness would get it in 2017. By March of 2019, however, fewer than one thousand people (of 55,000 that applied) were granted loan forgiveness.

This is mostly attributable to sloppy administration of the program by the current Department of Education.

Indeed, the current administration has proposed eliminating the forgiveness program.

Congressman Robert “Bobby” Scott, the Virginia Democrat who chairs the House Education and Labor Committee, held hearings on this matter. Witnesses cited conflicting information that they received, payments that were not credited so that the loan relief that they expected

has not been forthcoming.

The heavy student loan debt that Black students carry broadens an already wide wealth gap. Besides race, it also broadens the class inequities that exist in our society.

Access to affordable higher education is one of the ways to narrow gaps, but the keyword is affordability.

Both the federal and state governments have decreased their investments in higher education. The maximum Pell grant amount, at $6195, does not cover the cost of tuition at a four year college, not to mention the cost of attendance (tuition, room, and board).

While high student loan debt may be debilitating for the individuals who incur it, it is essential also to note that this debt has an impact on our nation’s economic futures.

If we think that education is critical, then we must take steps to make it more affordable. Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders get rousing cheers when they talk about forgiving student loan debt. It’s time to turn talk into action.

as a remedy to keep our nation and its government safe.

Specifically, the Intelligence Committee will attempt to determine whether or not during conversations with foreign leaders President Trump made promises or threats that undermined the security of the United States in return for personal gain.

A former official with the Central Intelligence Agency, who has sources in the White House, has alleged that during the phone conversation with the president of Ukraine President Trump used his authority to solicit information on political opponents that could be used against them in next year’s election.

If the official’s complaint is accurate, the president’s conduct was unlawful.

Also, the complaining official, known as a whistleblower, protected by a federal law, has stated that he was told that President Trump and his operatives sought to keep the conversation with the Ukrainian president private by having its contents placed on a separate server in the White House where it would not become public.

The whistleblower’s complaint was passed on to the acting director of national intelligence who described the report as “urgent and important.”

He said that the whistleblower had acted in good faith, and had followed the law.

This is a sad time for our nation and our government, but we must protect our democracy. Thus, we must move forward!

Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist. Her latest project MALVEAUX! On UDCTV is available on youtube.com. For booking, wholesale inquiries or for more info visit www.juliannemalveaux.com

6

OCTOBER 2, 2019

A Letter to President Barack Obama – We miss you #NNPA BLACKPRESS

By Reggie Fullwood

Dear President Obama, First, let me thank you for being a true statesman and such an exceptional role model. You have been an inspiration to so many people around the world.

Thank you for your passion, intelligence, commitment, aptitude and swagger. You are one the coolest brothers that I have ever seen – you, Samuel L. Jackson, John Shaft, Avon Barksdale (The Wire) and Ghost (Power). You are cool as the other side of the pillow.

Not only are you my favorite President of all time, you are my favorite light-skinned guy of all time. Forget Tom Joyner, Terrance Howard and Steph Curry, you have single handedly brought light skinned back. Us dark skinned brothers had taken over, but you Sir were like Luke Skywalker in “Return of the Jedi” – you brought balance to the Force.

So thank you Mr. Obama for being an awesome world leader, husband and father.

Thanks for leading us out of the Great Recession and helping our country and economy rebound. You were professional and committed despite some of the unprofessional politicians that you faced in Congress.

Cheers, Mr. Real President for not being a sexist, bigot or an egomaniac.

Thanks for showing us that you were both the ideal professional, but very human at the same time. Although your rendition of Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” sucked – you got cool points for trying and the effort being funny as hell.

And I just have to acknowledge the

fact that you and your administration used social media responsibly, versus just tweeting or posting nonsense anytime you got in a bad mood or were craving attention. Thank you Mr. Obama for never calling someone “a dog” via Twitter and debasing the office of the President of the United States.

I loved your comments last July in South Africa at a speech commemorating the 100th birthday of Nelson Mandela. Obama said, “People just make stuff up. They just make stuff up. We see it in the growth of state-sponsored propaganda. We see it in internet fabrications.” He added, “We see it in the blurring of lines between news and entertainment. We see the utter loss of shame among political leaders where they’re caught in a lie and they just double down and they lie some more.”

And thank you Barrack, if I can call you Barrack, for your passion for helping those Americans in great need. The My Brother’s Keeper initiative that you launched has made a difference and we thank you and Michelle for continuing to fight for youth around the country.

And how can we not thank you for actually hiring well-qualified competent people to help you run the country. You know like actually hiring a Secretary of Education that has a college degree or has actually been inside of a public school.

I have to give you major props for being a good human being and not stereotyping people from difference races and backgrounds. You didn’t target Mexicans and Muslims, but

you attempted to create policies that dealt promoted inclusion versus exclusion.

By the way, the last I checked we haven’t had any Mexican or Muslim mass murders in a while, but we certainly have had numerous white extremist or supremist (however you want to classify them) that have killed dozens of unsuspecting people.

And Mr. Obama you are way too smart to ever think that we could make Mexico or anyone else pay for a wall. It’s hard enough to make us Americans pay for anything extra.

How can I not thank you for being you without acknowledging your lovely bride. You married the best first lady ever and if she’s not the best she is at least in the top three. And I am not just saying this because of my 10year crush on Michelle. I am saying it because she’s been transformative.

We have never seen a first lady draw the types of crowds Mrs. Obama attracts for speaking engagements and book signing events?

I am not sure if my grandmother will ever admit it, but I think that you have replaced me as her favorite grandson. No you may not know it, but you are Ms. Ernestine’s favorite.

That might be the only issue I have with you. In fact, she’s still waiting on you to come and pick up that sweet potato pie that she baked for you last Thanksgiving.

Finally Mr. President, I must end my man crush letter by again thanking you for the sacrifice and exceptional service. You and Michelle deserve to finally have some fun and actually relax. By the way, don’t forget to invite me to housing warming for that new gigantic house you are buying.

Signing off from Martha’s Vineyards hanging with the Obamas (not really), Reggie Fullwood

From Marva with

By Marva Sneed

On From Marva with Love I had the pleasure of interviewing Joseph Abrams. Joseph is from Brooklyn, N.Y. by way of New Brunswick, New Jersey.

He is a graduate of the prestigious Florida A&M University MBA program. He is the founder of Invested In Your Success (INYS), a business and career consulting firm that partner’s high school and college students with entrepreneurs to give the students a realistic opportunity at an early age.

While developing INYS, Joseph created a non-profit organization B.L.A.K. talks now called Entrepreneurs Magnet for entrepreneurs to provide marketing exposure on their business. Also for being a part of the audience you are empowered and inspired to compete in a $1000.00 big pitch competition.

He has an innovative approach of connecting people together to reach their goals and objectives.

MS: Joseph can you tell us what Invested In Your Success is?

JA: Yes, Invested In Your Success is a college and career readiness platform where we provide high schools to network with entrepreneurs.

I created the company because after graduating from college, there is stigma that most college students don’t have experience after graduating from college. Students aren’t prepared for the work force. So I created a system where high school students can now get experience in their own careers or where they want to go in the future.

It’s a four week program I developed.

MS: Where do you find the students for the program?

JA: Right now we are working with high school students. This is where we are gathering our students. Last year we started with a Pilot program and we had only seven students and now we have 35 in total as of next week.

MS: How do you help those students that have graduated and are not prepared?

JA: I give them several scenarios on how to be a critical thinker.

We also give them a Career Assessment. This shows them who they are. I even help adults with this.

Helping them to know who they are as a person and what their passion and purpose is. This is what our Career and Personality Assessment does. We teach them how to be critical thinkers and help them with a business plan.

We show them how to code switch.

Who they are personally is separate from who they are in business. We teach them every element they need to be successful.

There was so much more to this interview with Joseph. The next Entrepreneurs Magnet will be November 20, 2109. The kickoff for the “Project MLK” event on 11-2-19.

If you’re Business or Non-profit would like to be a part of the “Project MLK” register at Eventbrite.com or email him at INYS@investedinyoursuccess.org.

Joseph Abrams has a heart for community involvement and development in the culture. Joseph says, “it starts with a Change of the Mindset.”

Tune in to From Marva with Love on BlogTalkRadio.com.

Fridays 11am-1pm

7

OCTOBER 2, 2019

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Amber Pickens chats with Fosse/Verdon Emmy Award Winner Alex Lacamoire!

(New York, NY) – Amber Pickens releases her exclusive chat with Fosse/Verdon Emmy Award-winning music creator Alex Lacamoire for her online talk show, Kickback & Chat with Amber Pickens.

In the chat Lacamoire discusses how his Cuban roots have played an integral part in his musical creations and led him to award-winning collaborations with Lin-Manuel Miranda for shows In The Heights and Hamilton. A recipient

of multiple Tony and Grammy Awards for his works, Lacamoire delves into the uniqueness of creating and directing for Broadway stage versus a television series.

Watch the Chat Now! YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=eDe7XmzWL-M&feature=youtu.be Kickback & Chat with Amber Pickens: https:// www.kickbackchat.com/ About Kickback Chat with Amber Pickens Kickback & Chat with Amber Pickens is a digital talk show hosted by Juilliard grad/dancer/actor Amber Pickens.

She created the show upon graduating from The Juilliard School as a platform to share the journey of successful and emerging artists and entertainment professionals with aspiring talent.

Alex Lacamoire with Amber Pickens

8

OCTOBER 2, 2019

HBCU Homecomings 2019

Savannah State University Visitor: Albany State University Theodore A. Wright Stadium, Savannah, GA Date: Oct. 26, 2019 | 3 PM

Alabama A&M University Visitor: Texas Southern University Louis Crews Stadium, Huntsville, AL Date: Oct. 5, 2019 | 2 PM Alabama State University Visitor: Prairie View A&M University ASU Stadium, Montgomery, AL Date: Nov. 28, 2019 | 2 PM

Shaw University Visitor: Livingstone College Durham County Stadium, Durham, NC Date: Oct. 19, 2019 | 12 PM

Albany State University Visitor: Lane College Albany State University Coliseum, Albany, GA Date: Oct. 12, 2019 | 2 PM

South Carolina State University Visitor: Morgan State University Oliver C. Dawson Stadium, Orangeburg, SC Date: Oct. 19, 2019 | 1:30 PM

Alcorn State University Visitor: Savannah State University Spinks-Casem Stadium, Lorman, MS Date: Oct. 12, 2019 | 2 PM

Southern University and A&M College Visitor: Alabama A&M University A.W. Mumford Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA Date: Nov. 2, 2019 | 4 PM

Benedict College Visitor: Miles College Charlie W. Johnson Stadium, Columbia, SC Date: Oct. 12, 2019 | 2 PM

Tennessee State University Visitor: Austin Peay State University Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN Date: Oct. 19, 2019 | 4:30 PM

Bethune-Cookman University Visitor: South Carolina State University Municipal Stadium, Daytona Beach, FL Date: Oct. 26, 2019 | 4 PM Bowie State University Visitor: Chowan University Bulldog Football Stadium, Bowie, MD Date: Oct. 12, 2019 | 1 PM Central State University Visitor: Fort Valley State University McPherson Stadium, Wilberforce, OH Date: Oct 12, 2019 | 1 PM Clark Atlanta University Visitor: Savannah State University CAU Panther Stadium, Atlanta, GA Date: Oct. 19, 2019 | 2 PM Delaware State University Visitor: South Carolina State University Alumni Stadium, Dover, DE Date: Oct. 10, 2019 | 1:30 PM Edward Waters College Visitor: Allen University Edward Waters College, Jacksonville, FL Date: Oct. 12, 2019 | 3 PM Elizabeth City State University Visitor: Lincoln University (Pennsylvania) Roebuck Stadium, Elizabeth City, NC Date: Oct. 19, 2019 | 1:30 PM Fayetteville State University Visitor: Livingstone College Luther Nick Jerald’s Stadium, Fayetteville, NC Date: Oct. 5, 2019 | 2:00 PM Florida A&M University Visitor: North Carolina Central University Bragg Memorial Stadium, Tallahassee, FL Date: Oct. 5, 2019 | 2 PM

Texas Southern University Visitor: Missouri S&T BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston, TX Date: Oct. 12, 2019 | 2 PM Fort Valley State University Visitor: Morehouse College Wildcat Stadium, Fort Valley, GA Date: Oct. 19, 2019 | 2 PM Grambling State University Visitor: Texas Southern University Robinson Stadium, Grambling, LA Date: Nov. 2, 2019 | 2 PM

Lane College Visitor: Kentucky State University Lane Field, Jackson, TN Date: Oct. 19, 2019 | 2 PM

Morehouse College Visitor: Benedict College B.T. Harvey Stadium, Atlanta, GA Date: Oct. 26 2019 | 2 PM

Langston University Visitor: Texas Wesleyan University W.E. Anderson Stadium, Langston, OK Date: Oct. 26, 2019 | 2 PM

Morgan State University Visitor: Delaware State University Hughes Stadium, Baltimore, MD Date: Oct. 12, 2019 | 2 PM

Hampton University Visitor: Virginia University of Lynchburg Armstrong Stadium, Hampton, VA Date: Oct. 26, 2019 | 2 PM

Lincoln University (Missouri) Visitor: Northeastern State University Dwight T. Reed Stadium, Jefferson City, MO Date: Oct. 19, 2019 | 2 PM

Howard University Visitor: Norfolk State University William H. Greene Stadium, Washington, DC Date: Oct. 12, 2019 | 1 PM

Lincoln University (Pennsylvania) Visitor: Virginia Union University LU Football Stadium, Lincoln University, PA Date: Oct. 12, 2019 | 1 PM

Jackson State University Visitor: Alabama State University Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, Jackson, MS Date: Oct. 12, 2019 | 2 PM

Livingstone College Visitor: Fayetteville State University Alumni Memorial Football Stadium, Salisbury, NC Date: Nov. 2, 2019 | 1:30 PM

Johnson C. Smith University Visitor: Shaw University Irwin Belk Complex, Charlotte, NC Date: Oct. 26, 2019 | 1 PM

Miles College Visitor: Clark Atlanta University Sloan-Alumni Stadium, Fairfield, AL Date: Oct. 5, 2019 | 4 PM

Kentucky State University Visitor: Clark Atlanta University Alumni Stadium, Frankfort, KY Date: Oct. 12, 2019 | 1 PM

Mississippi Valley State University Visitor: Virginia University of Lynchburg Rice–Totten Stadium, Itta Bena, MS Date: Oct. 5, 2019 | 2 PM

Norfolk State University Visitor: Morgan State University William “Dick” Price Stadium, Norfolk, VA Date: Nov. 2, 2019 | 2 PM North Carolina A&T State University Visitor: Howard University Aggie Stadium, Greensboro, NC Date: Oct. 26, 2019 | 1 PM North Carolina Central University Visitor: Norfolk State University O’Kelly–Riddick Stadium, Durham, NC Date: Nov. 9, 2019 | 2 PM Prairie View A&M University Visitor: Virginia University of Lynchburg Panther Stadium, Prairie View, TX Date: Oct. 19, 2019 | 2 PM Saint Augustine’s University Visitor: Johnson C. Smith University George Williams Athletic Complex, Raleigh, NC Date: Nov. 2, 2019 | 1 PM

Tuskegee University Visitor: Miles College Abbott Memorial Alumni Stadium, Tuskegee, AL Date: Nov. 9, 2019 | 1 PM University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Visitor: Lane College Golden Lion Stadium, Pine Bluff, AR Date: Oct. 5, 2019 | 3 PM Virginia State University Visitor: Bowie State University Rogers Stadium, Ettrick, VA Date: Oct. 19, 2019 | 2 PM Virginia Union University Visitor: Chowan University Location: Hovey Field, Richmond, VA Date: Oct. 19, 2019 | 1 PM West Virginia State University Visitor: West Liberty University Lakin Field at Dickerson Stadium, Institute, WV Date: Oct. 5, 2019 | 1 PM Winston Salem State University Visitor: Shaw University Bowman Gray Stadium, Winston-Salem, NC Date: Nov 2, 2019 | 1:30 PM

OCTOBER 2, 2019

AKA raises $1 million for HBCUs in one day, announces collaboration with Black Press

For her four-year tenure as president, Dr. Glenda Glover has implemented a five-point plan for AKA which includes the HBCU initiative.

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire @StacyBrownMedia

For the second year in a row, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the oldest Greekletter organization established

by African American collegeeducated women, raised $1 million in just 24 hours during this month’s HBCU Impact Day. The AKA Sorority, Inc. also has agreed to collaborate in the planning for the upcoming 80th-anniversary celebration of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) in 2020.

For her four-year tenure as president, Dr. Glenda Glover has implemented a five-point plan for AKA which includes the HBCU initiative.

For her four-year tenure as president, Dr. Glenda Glover has implemented a five-point plan for AKA which includes the HBCU initiative.

Dr. Glenda Glover, International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc., said the sorority would work with NNPA Chair Karen Carter Richards and NNPA President

and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., during the NNPA’s annual convention June 23-25, 2020 in New Orleans.

“When you need to know the positive stories – the real stories – about African Americans, then you understand our dependence on the Black Press for our news,” said Dr. Glover, the international president of AKA and president of the historically-Black Tennessee State University.

“It is my honor to be a part of this. Alpha Kappa Alpha has been a partner to the Black Press even right here in Nashville with the Tennessee Tribune,” she said.

While the first African American-owned newspaper was founded 192 years ago, the establishment of the NNPA took place in 1940 during a meeting in Chicago.

For her part, Dr. Glover and the AKAs have steadfastly continued to promote support of HBCUs across the nation.

Dr. Glover has led that challenge for contributions as part of a four-year $10 million fundraising goal to benefit HBCUs.

9

10

Hanging with Hollywood Hernandez

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11

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OCTOBER 2, 2019

Jury begins deliberations in Amber Guyger murder trial, cont. from page 1 She insists she mistook his apartment for her own. The onetime Dallas police officer had seemed unemotional, even apathetic during the trial. But defense attorneys said she was sorrowful for killing in self defense and in testimony Sept. 27, she cried.

Prosecutors said there was no basis for self defense since Ms. Guyger’s life was never in danger. She entered Mr. Jean’s apartment while he was watching television and eating ice cream the night of September 6, 2018.

The Black community and others wonder: Will the family of Mr. Jean receive justice, or will a onetime White law enforcement officer live free and unpunished after killing an unarmed and innocent Black person?

Judge Tammy Kemp, the Black woman who presides over the trial, has been firm in saying she wants the jury to decide the case free of influence caused by electronic devices, nodding of heads or gestures in her courtroom.

The sequestered jury consists of two Whites, one Asian, four Latinos, and five Blacks. Four jurors are men, and eight are women. There are also four alternates.

The first week was an emotional one for the Jean family, many who came from the island of St. Lucia for the trial. They began their time back in Dallas on Sept. 22 by attending services at Cedar Crest Church of Christ. His grandmother, Gloria Charles, told those present it was important to not let her son become demonized as has been the case with other Black men who died at the hands of police. “He was a good boy, a very loving child,” she said.

Jurors heard from Mr. Jean’s sister who spoke of how she still can’t believe he is gone. She shared the sense of great loss her family feels because of his death.

Perhaps the most emotional distress experienced by the family was a video showing emergency professionals trying with much vigor to save Mr. Jean, who was still breathing when they arrived. Some Jean family members sobbed leaving the courtroom as the

video played.

Cheryl Smith, a longtime National Association of Black Journalists board member, multi-platform journalist and newspaper owner of the Texas Metro News, Garland Journal and I Messenger Media online, was in the courtroom.

“First, two officers and then paramedics worked diligently on Mr. Jean. They encouraged him as they performed CPR. You could hear the passion in their voice as they said, ‘come on chief, come on big man,’ while they tried to save his life. It was like they were praying for him to breathe,” Ms. Smith said.

Several veteran Dallas police personnel told The Final Call that Ms. Guyger’s protocol as a police officer required that she wait and call for back up if she perceived someone was in her apartment committing a burglary. She should not have entered the dwelling by herself to take on any possible intruder, they said. Additionally, she should have been found administering CPR, to try to prevent a fatality, until paramedics arrived.

According to the defense, she did administer CPR. Video captures her pacing back and forth in the hall of the Southside Flats apartments on the phone minutes after shooting Mr. Jean. Immediately after shooting him, phone records show Ms. Guyger texted her patrol partner, Sr. Corporal Martin Rivera, saying, “I f----d up!”

Prosecutors wondered how sorrowful she could be without even an attempt to save the life of Botham Shem Jean.

Ms. Guyger’s defense attorneys described her as being on mental autopilot due to a grueling schedule that left her too tired to know she was at the wrong apartment, on the wrong floor with a red doormat. Text messages the defense wanted concealed from the jury, but were allowed by Judge Kemp, showed something else. It was revealed that Ms. Guyger, who was fired by the department after the shooting, and partner Rivera, a married man, were involved in a sexual relationship. Ms. Guyger wanted to see Sr. Corporal

Rivera later that night, texting him about such desires shortly before arriving at Mr. Jean’s apartment.

The defense paints the picture of Ms. Guyger fearing for her life as she entered the apartment belonging to Mr. Jean. They contend she mistook him for an armed burglar and fired her weapon.

“Apparently, they were having some issues with the door, it’s supposed to make a whirring sound to let you know, but a red light came on the door with no sound,” said Ms. Smith. “They are saying the door was not closed. She came in and the defense would have you to believe that something took place.”

“But the trajectory of the bullet shows that her at 5’3 and him at 6’1 or so that the bullet was shot down.

He could have conceivably been sitting down eating that bowl of ice cream as shown in the evidence when he was shot,” said Ms. Smith, adding that both the defense and prosecutors agreed there was no prior relationship between the two.

Ms. Guyger testified that she wanted to be assigned in the Southeast section of Dallas, which is predominantly a Black community, because that’s where she would get the most training because of high crime.

The defense attorney made a point to ask her about the neighborhood surrounding the Southside Flats, which she said was riddled with homeless people who jumped gates to sleep on patios and she did not fully feel safe when she walked her dog. “I was scared that someone was in my apartment and was going to kill me,” she said through tears. “This is not about hate I was scared.”

In her testimony Ms. Guyger said how the Dallas Police Department drilled her during training to always see a suspect’s hands, calling out, “Let me see your hands!”

Prosecutors said Ms. Guyger gave no such commands to Mr. Jean. When prosecutors asked Ms. Guyger did she feel sympathy for Mr. Jean the night she killed him, the sympathy displayed

during her testimony? Her response was yes. Moments later they showed her not crying as Mr. Jean’s dead body passed her as she sat in a squad car.

She was seen on video cam appearing unemotional, looking at her phone.

During cross examination, the prosecution told the jury Ms. Guyger never said Mr. Jean put her in fear or was armed and coming at her, to her fellow officers or a 911 dispatcher.

Ms. Guyger said she performed basic life support. When asked she said, “I performed a little CPR.” There was no blood on her uniform to indicate she did.

Prosecutors argued several times that Ms. Guyger put her needs and wants over a dying Mr. Jean—texting and not giving the dying man her undivided attention and walking away more than twice instead of administering life support while her first aid bag was inches away.

During her testimony it was also revealed that she did not rely on her training. Ms. Guyger admitted she had not taken a position of cover and concealment or dispatch a radio call for assistance with police help two minutes away. Her general orders were left unattended and void while Mr. Jean lay dying.

Ms. Guyger appeared to be caught in several lies during cross examination. She said she was tired yet was planning to go back to the gym.

She said her morals stopped her from continuing a sexual relationship with her married partner yet was sexting for a meeting with her lover the night of Mr. Jean’s killing. Even her supposed fear of the surrounding community was found untrue. Prosecutors showed a text message she sent a fellow officer about how much she loved her new apartment and neighborhood.

“The intent to kill, which is one of the elements of murder, was satisfied

by Amber Guyger in her shooting of Jean. She did not have to kill him, she could have called for backup, but instead she decided to kill him,” said Atty. Jeryl Christmas, who has dealt with police shooting cases and is based

in St. Louis.

Atty. Christmassaid the self defense argument should not stand. Mr. Christmas along with his colleague, Atty. Pamela Muhammad of Houston, Texas, helped residents of Ferguson fight charges in the aftermath of protests following the 2014 killing of Mike Brown Jr. “Guyger’s defense is so ridiculous. It goes back to the old White supremacist theory that Black people don’t have rights that they are bound to even respect. The notion that this could even be presented by Guyger is totally absurd,” declared Atty. Muhammad.

“Her theory is based on the idea that White people are entitled to more protection than Black people.”

“The fact that she can even say that she did not have the requisite intent to kill Botham just because she shot, because she had all these things going in her head, this poor innocent and defenseless White female, etc.

That defense is purely illogical for a trained police officer and full of bias that we see all the time,” added Atty.

Muhammad, and Atty. Christmas agreed.

Gwen L. Hodrick, Licensed Professional Counselor, LCDC, bestselling author said a mental state tied to White supremacy in America is alive, well, and present in the Amber Guyger case. “The history of this country has Africans being brought here to work as slaves, and in doing so being painted as animals, and as a threat who needed to be handled and shackled in order to keep us subservient to them. That still permeates with us today.”

Alshaheed Muhammad, student minister of the Nation of Islam mosque in Dallas, added, “It’s the old European paradigm. In slavery the White women would accuse the Black man of raping her while she was engaging in something unethical or unchristian like, yet the White dominant male justice structure would do whatever they wanted to the Black man and call it justice. Amber Guyger’s defense theory is no different.”

Ms. Smith was not optimistic even

13

OCTOBER 2, 2019

Judy A REVIEW BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ

Renée Zellweger gives one of the best performances of the year in the biopic about the last few years in Judy Garland’s life in the new movie called Judy. She transforms herself into the drug-addicted performer so convincingly you almost feel it’s Judy Garland on stage living through the pain and the joy that made up the faded stars life.

The movie is based on the stage play, “End of the Rainbow”, and reveals things about the iconic star that most of us only thought we knew.

During her fifteen years as a contract actor with MGM Studios, she was abused, forced to take drugs and was body shamed and told she was ugly by studio head Louis B. Mayer. (The studio denies she was mistreated in any way.)

She was assigned a chaperone who gave her drugs for everything from suppressing her appetite to pills to make her fall asleep and wake up. The fifteenyear-old wasn’t even allowed one bite of a hamburger. The studio feared the Garland, who was only 4ft 11in tall would look fat on camera.

So, Mayer deprived her of food and controlled her with prescription pills.

After finally not being able to keep up with the demands of the studio, she was fired and, because of bad management and the poor financial advice of her handlers, she was left broke.

Unable to provide for her two children she gave up custody to her ex-husband (she was married four times).

She set off for Europe,

THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

Ilfenesh Hadera Epix Network

By VALDER BEEBE

where she was still wildly popular, and attempted a comeback on stage in London.

She had her ups and downs on stage but her severe drug addiction kept popping up whenever she was having brief periods of success.

There are some tearjerking scenes in the movie where the melancholy singing of Zellweger brings down the house, but ultimately the steady cocktail of drugs that the movie company forced on her caused her demise at the age of 47.

Judy is rated PG-13 and has a run-time of 1 hour and 58 minutes. There is a quote that appears on the screen right after the movie.

“The heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others.” Judy Garland was loved by many.

On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate Judy a JUMBO.

Academy Award®- winner Forest Whitaker, Godfather of Harlem focuses on crime boss Bumpy Johnson who, after a long prison stint, returns to find the old neighborhood controlled by the Italian mob and forms an alliance with rising political leader Malcolm X to help take it back.

In the Valder Beebe Show studio actress Ilfenesh Hadera (Billions, She's Gotta Have It, to discuss her role in the new crime drama, Godfather of Harlem. Godfather of Harlem premiered, Sunday, September 29th on EPIX. Viewers can binge watch on EPIX –Text provided by Ilfenesh Hadera’s publicist The 10 installment series reimagines the story of infamous crime boss Bumpy Johnson (Forest Whitaker), who in the early 1960s returned from a decade in prison to find the neighborhood he once ruled in shambles. You may remember American Gangster premiered in New York on October 20, 2007, starring Denzel which intersects with the life of Bumpy Johnson. In 1968, Frank Lucas is the right-hand man of Harlem gangster Ellsworth "Bumpy" Johnson and takes over his territory when Johnson dies of a heart attack.

Harlem Godfather fills in the life of Bumpy Johnson before his death.

VBS: Ilfenesh Hadera welcome to the Valder Beebe Show for the first time. I’m excite to speak with you as your upcoming series Godfather of Harlem premiers on EPIX. I was reading your bio and it’s so fresh and clean IH: Well thank you. That is the first time I have heard my bio reference fresh and clean.

VBS: Yes, you have acted in high profile movies Billions, She's Gotta Have It, Deception, yet when researching I did not see the amount of celebrity gossip about you or your career. Tell us about being paired

with the Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker. In Godfather of Harlem, you portray his wife.

IH: We see Bumpy Johnson at the end of his life in American Gangster starring Denzel Washington. Here we Bumpy Johnson life after being released from prison after 10 years.

VBS: How is playing this period piece. It was not that long ago but it is a part of past.

IH: My hats off to the costume designer, he got it right. I grew up in Harlem’s and Bumpy’s wife is just like the women I grew up around, just different versions.

VBS: As the viewer what do you as the actor want us to get out of the Godfather of Harlem because there is a lot of violence and Bumpy Johnson was a hardened criminal.

IH: You are right yet he also was an avid reader and a savvy business man. Maybe if he was born today he would be a successful entrepreneur.

ASK ALMA

By Alma Gill

I’m ready to get married Dear Alma: I’m divorcing my husband of 24 years. (The ink is just about dry) We have been apart for the last 3 years. I’m new to dating again. I’ve been with my new guy for 2 years.

We met on eHarmony. He’s amazing inside & out and I love him. I’m 47. My guy is 46. He is divorced. He has been divorced for 2.5 years.

He was apart from his ex for 3 years before the divorce was final. So he’s been single for 5.5 years.

I believe in marriage and I do want to get married again.

How long should I date him?

What’s enough time to give a man to pop the question?

– Elizabeth Hi Elizabeth – You’re not quite free! Until the ink dries you’re still legally married, pretty woman.

TBT you have yet to join the squad of single sisterhood and trust me when I say, there are huge differences between each stage of marriage, separation and divorce. All three phases has its own umbrella of uncertainties.

Like me, you married young.

You’ve spent a large part of your life with one fella, exercising the commonality of compromise. This explains your comfort in cohabitation, longing for togetherness, and an extended view for two.

Ain’t nothing wrong with that – but wait, for goodness

sake and let’s pull up for a minute to reevaluate.

What if you take more time to center and focus on you? Figure out your likes and dislikes independently, without the consideration of another. Have you taken a vacation alone? Sign up for a class you’ve always wanted to try or learn a new language.

Use this time to be good to yourself. Your first marriage ended in divorce, that doesn’t mean you’re lacking, unlovable or incomplete.

Okay, you’ve met a new guy, that’s cool. Allow him to come to the conclusion of marriage on his own, not meet a demand or ultimatum. I understand it’s been two years, but there’s no set limit to how long a great relationship should last before marriage, that’s a personal choice. You and I both know that marriage doesn’t make a relationship better nor does it complete who you are as a woman. You’ve had 25 years of practicing to be a good wife, live and love yourself unmarried for a few more years to come. You said dating’s still new to you, and if that’s the case, this isn’t the time to remarry. If and or when that time rolls around, you won’t need to Ask Alma, you and he will know, that you know that you know. And oh what a joy it will be!

Alma

Alma Gill’s newsroom experience spans over 25 years, including various roles at USA Today, Newsday and the Washington Post. Email questions to: alwaysaskalma@yahoo.com. Follow her on Facebook at “Ask Alma” and twitter @almaaskalma.

OCTOBER 2, 2019

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

DBDT Presents: DanceAfrica, Moody Performance Hall, 2520 Flora St. 7:30p. Tickets: attpac.org. 10-4-5-19.

Hispanic Heritage Month

October 4

Minority Business Month Breast Cancer Awareness Month Recurring Events Feeding The Needy, Host: Michael “Hollywood” Hernandez, 1641 Corsicana St, Dallas. 3-5p., Sundays.

The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection, A. A. M. 3536 Grand Ave. 9-21-19 - 3-1-20.

Domestic Violence Fundraiser, Club Odyssey, 7439 W. Westmoreland Rd. 6-8p. Info: awayoutproject.org.

Wu-Tang Clan: 36 Chambers 25th Anniversary Celebration Tour, The Bomb Factory, 2713 Canton St. Tickets: www.ticketfly.com.

A Makeup Blow Out Sale Event, Hilton Garden Inn, 2325 N. 35 Fwy. 10a-5p. Fri., Sat. & Sun. Tickets: www.themakeupblowoutsale.com.

October 5

Soul Rep Theatre 13th Season: SHINE PLAY FESTIVAL. South Dallas Cultural Center, 3400 S. Fitzhugh Ave.

18 Annual Sister to Sister 2019 5k Walk & Run, Alan E. Sims Recreation Center Parkerville Rd. Cedar Hill. 8a-12p.

Casa De Chocolate at the Women’s Museum, Mundo Latino, State Fair of Texas, 3800 Parry Ave. 10a-7p.

Tickets: bigtex.com. 9-27-10-20-19.

Christians Night Out, Turning Point Church, 1020 E. Pleasant Run Rd. DeSoto. 7-10p. Tickets: squareup.com.

Sliver Stories Storytelling Circle, Bishop Arts Theatre 215 S. Tyler St.10-11a. Free Interactive Workshops.

Contact Tiffany Jackson: 214-948-0716 ext.307. Tuesday’s.

4th Annual Mental Health Symposium, St. Luke Community United Methodist Church, 5710 E. R.L. Thornton Fwy. 8a-3:30p. Eventbrite.com.

October 2

A Better You with Ernestine Shepherd, City of DeSoto Corner Theatre, 211 Pleasant Run Rd. 10:30a & 3p.

Sessions. Register: Eventbrite.com.

2019 National Pan-Hellenic Council of Dallas Meeting, A. A. M. 3536 Grand Ave. 6:30-8p.

A Night of Healing – Awareness of Domestic Violence, Chocolate Secrets, 3926 Oak Lawn Ave. 7-9p. Eventbrite.

Tasting LVE Wine

by John Legend, Network Bar, 331 Singleton Blvd. 5:30-7:30p.

Tickets: Eventbrite.com.

State Fair of Texas Fall 2019 SAT Math Prep, Cornerstone Baptist Church,1819 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. 9a.-12:30p. Contact: ucrossroads16@gmail.com.

DanceAfrica Festival & Market Place, Annette Strauss Square, 2389 Flora St. 10a.-3p. Free to Public.

Fluffy-N-Fitness: Confidence Walk, Fitness Connection, 2550 W. Red Bird Ln. 8a.-12p. Tickets: fluffynfitness.ticketleap.com.

Miles Davis: Birth of Cool Documentary, Angelika Film Center & Café, 5321 E. Mockingbird Ln. #230.

Times vary. Tickets: www.angelikafilmcenter.com

October 3 Fundraiser for Daniel Davis Clayton, The Pipkin Law Firm, 3500 Maple Ave. #1250.

Breast Health Education, Mammogram Screening, Singing Hill Baptist Church, 6550 University Hills Blvd. 8a1p. Contact: Vickie Henry 214-266-4398.

October 6-10

Fire Prevention Evening, Zula B. Wylie Library, 225 Cedar St. Cedar Hill. 4-7p.

64th Annual Homecoming Gospel Meeting, Speaker: Randall Tucker Eastside Church of Christ, 2000 E. 1st St. Garland. Sun. 9am. Mon.-Wed. 7-8:30pm.

October 11-13

October 6 A Day of Inspiration & Gospel Feat: Tye Tribbett and more, State Fair of Texas, 3p. & 6p.

Reggae Sunday Brunch, Hero’s Lounge 3094 N. 35 Fwy. Dallas. 11a-3p. Sun: Caribbean Breakfast & Lunch.

October 7 Big Thought 30 Years Talent Recruitment, Big Thought 1409 S. Lamar St. #1015. 9-10:30a. RSVP to kiara. dismuke@bigthought.org.

25th Pastoral Anniversary: Bishop Kevin & Pastor Sonjia Dickerson, Hilton DFW Lakes Hotel, 1800 Hwy 26 E, Grapevine. Tickets: 972-399-7729.

October 8 IHCC Café con Nosotros, IHCC 135 S. Jefferson St. Irving. 8:30-9:30a. Info: www.irvingHCC.com.

In The Mix Construction Networking Event, Turney W. Leonard Governance & Training Center, 5151 Samuel Blvd. 4p. Reg: www.dallasisdinthemix.eventbrite.com.

Line Dance Class, G-Town Soul Line Dancers-Ingrid’s Line Dance Class, 1146 Castle Dr. Garland. 7p.

Route 2 Book Release & Book Signing, Pan African Connection, 4466 S. Marsalis Ave. 7-9p. Free registration: here: grindinginreallife.com/events Happy Hour with Don Diego, Chocolate Lounge Exclusive 4222 W. Camp Wisdom Rd. 6pm-8pm.

In Her Shoes: Experimental Training, CASA, 2757 Swiss Ave. 9-11a. RSVP: Eventbrite.com.

Up Town Happy Hour Friday’s, Tate’s, 2723 McKinney Ave. 4.-10p. Evenbrite.com.

October 12-20 The Oak Cliff Flamenco Festival, Oak Cliff. 5-9p.

See list of Events: www.FlamencolFever.org & Tickets: www.prekindle.com.

October 12 4th Annual Equanimity Awards, Valder Beebe, Ester Davis & Linda Amerson, Grapevine Rec. Center 1175 Municipal Way. 6-10p. Info: www.eqtmag.com.

Dallas ISD Superintendent’s Scholarship Golf Classic, Cowboys Golf Club, 1600 Fairway Dr. Grapevine.

8a. Info: 972-925-3448.

Walk and Run Cancer Awareness 2019, Les Zeiger Park 400 Eagle Dr., DeSoto. 7:30a. Tickets: Evenbrite.

Wednesday Wine & Jazz, Box Garden in Legacy Hall, 7800 Windrose Ave. Plano. 6-11p. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.

Elite News Presents: WOW Women Of Wisdom 6th Annual Gala, Emcee Cheryl Smith, A.H. Belo Mansion, 2101 Ross Ave. 12p. Info: Call 214-775-9955.

Let’s Get Spooky for Fall Festive, Lakewood Brewing Company, 2302 Executive Dr. Garland. 7-9p. Tickets: www.yaymaker.com.

October 10-11 F D H Ministries Speaking Truth to Power 2019, Friendship-West Baptist Church, 2020 Wheatland Rd. speakingpower.net.

Come Laugh With Me 1st Thursdays. Brick House Lounge, 2021 N. Hampton Rd., DeSoto. 8:30p-1:30a. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.

Dominique Cares Gala, Emcee: LeTitia Owens Delta Hotels by Marriott, 777 Watters Creek Blvd., Allen.

6-11:30p. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.

The Stormproof Way To Build Your Brand Host: Tresa Chambers, Microsoft Store 8687 N. 75 Fwy. #1612, 7-9p. Register: meetup.com/entrepreneur-brandstorming.

DeSoto Dining and Dialogue Dinner Event, Corner theatre 211 E. Pleasant Run. Rd. 6:30-8:30pm. Tickets: www.desotodd.org.

Congresswoman Johnson’s 27th Annual Community Appreciation Day, Lancaster Recreation Center, 1700 Veterans Memorial Pkwy.

10a-1p.

Unmasked: Book Launch Party, Omni Hotel Dallas 555 S. Lamar St. 7-10pm. Tickets: www.poeticheart.org.

2nd Annual Plano Food Wine Festival, Shops at Willow Bend, 6121 W. Park Blvd. Plano. 2-7p.

Arthritis Day

Dr. Kang’s Vegan Potluck, Regal Row 1720 Regal Row #210. Bring A VEGAN Dish or Donation of $10 & up.

Rep. Collin Allred: Richardson Area Conversation, Yale Elementary, 1900 E. Collins Blvd. Richardson.

11:30a-1:30p. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.

10 Annual Tarrant County Harambee Festival, Historic Evans Ave. Plaza, 1050 Evans Ave. Ft. Worth. Fri. 6p. & Sat. 9a. Free.

October 11

October 9

Business Basics 101, Zula B. Wylie Library, 225 Cedar St. Cedar Hill. 6-8p. Tickets: Eventbrite.

October 4-5

South Street Art Festival, 300 South St. Arlington.

4-8p. Info: http://www.southstreetartfest.com.

October 10

Saeed Jones Book Signing A Fight for our Lives, Barnes & Noble, 7700 Northwest Hwy. 300. 7-8:30p.

FREE Eye Health Screening, “World Sight Day” State Fair of Texas, Fair Park Nimitz Terrace. 9a-7p.

Stop The Silence Stop the Violence Celebrity Masquerade Gala Domestic Violence Fundraiser, Doubletree Hotel, 1981 N. 75 Exp, Richardson. 6p. Tickets: 214:650-7065.

Smooth R&B Black Out Affair, Feat: Keith Sweat, The Theatre at Grand Prairie, 1001 Performance Pl. 8p. Tickets: axs.com.

Inland Port Masters, Country View Golf Course, 240 W. Beltline Rd., Lancaster. Info: lancasterchambertx.org.

Believe In You International Gospel Competition, Sheraton Hotel, 4801 LBJ Fwy. 12-7p. Registration: www.justifiedrecordsllc.com Grant Writing Training Workshop 2019, Trinity Christian Church, 3300 Gus Thomasson Rd. Mesquite. 8a5p. Tickets: www.gaapgrants.org Make – Up, An Ideal Production, The Back Academy of Arts & Letters, 1309 Canton St. 6p. Tickets: Ticketmaster.com.

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OCTOBER 2, 2019

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16

OCTOBER 2, 2019