Davis Davis & Harmon LLC. gives to Paul Quinn
VOL. 7 NO. 50 AUGUST 21, 2019
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MY TRUTH
DIRTY SOUTH
Mayor names anti-violence task force
BY CHELLE LUPER WILSON
By Cheryl Smith, Publisher
Did you know that more than 52% of new HIV diagnoses occur in the South? We have a problem that we need to address, because it’s getting worse. Recently during a conference call, an intense discussion about HIV and AIDS was held and advocates from the Southern AIDS Coalition, AIDSVu, and Gilead Sciences unveiled new tools and resources about the impact of HIV in the South and Ending the HIV Epidemic. The experts had a plan, an initiative, and the inaugural Southern HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (SHAAD) was held on August 20, 2019, bringing together advocates from across the country to “raise awareness, erase HIV-related stigma and discrimination, and advocate for crucial resources and solutions to end the HIV crisis in the South. This national day of recognition will provided a groundbreaking platform for advocates and activists to elevate a critical health crisis.” In sharing information about SHAAD, the experts discussed the impact of HIV, especially in impoverished areas in the South. It’s disturbing to know that the Southern United States has more women, youth, and people of color living with HIV than any other region in the country. “According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 52% of new HIV diagnoses occur in the South and an estimated 45% of all people living with HIV in the United States despite comprising only about one-third (38%) of the overall population,” reported experts. “Additionally, in 2017 alone, approximately 2,580 individuals died due to complications related to HIV/ See MY TRUTH, page 4
WORDZ OF WILSON
It’s Personal “There is really nothing more At a time when Dallas is constantly in the news for murders, Mayor Eric Johnson on Monday announced the creation of a new task force aimed at curbing violence in communities throughout the city.
According to Mayor Johnson, the Mayor's Task Force on Safe Communities will gather community input and build consensus around data-driven solutions that can significantly reduce and prevent
violent crime in Dallas without exclusive reliance on law enforcement action. “I believe in the Dallas Police Department,” Mayor Johnson said in See MAYOR, page 9
Guyger murder trial judge suggests a fair jury can be selected in Dallas State District Judge Tammy Kemp wants to let the judicial process play out. Written By NewsOne Staff
Prove me wrong. That was essentially the message a judge told defense lawyers who claim they need to move a murder trial
for a white former police officer who killed an unarmed Black man in his own home in order to secure an impartial jury. State District Judge Tammy Kemp, who is presiding over the trial that will decide the fate of Amber Guyger — the former Dallas cop who shot Botham Shem Jean after illegally entering his apartment last year — said the judicial process needs to play out instead of expecting her to
Amber Guyger
Botham Shem
make a hasty decision. Judge Kemp delayed ruling on a change of venue motion filed by the defense last month. See GUYGER, page 14
“Lip Gloss made with girls in mind, but I think Moms will like it too!”
Emerging nine-year-old Kidpreneur, Sydney Miller has launched LipSync, a line of Lip Gloss. Sydney’s Mother, Tisha Holman who is also an entrepreneur, is who she credits as her inspiration for wanting to venture out and start a business of her own.
Sydney watched how she created amazing things for her clients and wanted to do the same thing. Sydney is excited to introduce four varieties of her lip gloss: It’s Poppin’, Mint To Be, Candy Girl and Let’s Talk. When asked about her premier release of lip gloss options,
Sydney said, “I loved coming up with fun colors and flavors for my customers. I hope you love them as much as I do!” Look for big things coming from this wonderful little girl! LipSync products are available for purchase at www. wearlipsync.com
to say—except why. But since why is difficult to handle, one must take refuge in how.”
-Toni Morrison
Brandoniya Bennett, like most 9-year-olds this time of year, was home, perhaps thinking about the new friends or all the things she would learn this school year—after all, 4th grade is a big deal. Maybe, she was making an Instagram video showing off her newly done nails as she shared with the world the best things about the day or her dreams for the future. There are many things that Brandoniya had to look forward to; looking out for stray bullets should not have been one of those things. “Mommy, I’m smad. I’m so sad and mad at the same time.” That’s what Saige, my 10-year-old daughter said to me after watching the tearful lament of a grandmother robbed of the simple joy of waking Brandoniya, her beautiful granddaughter, every morning. See WORDZ, page 5