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• Vol. 9 • April 1 - 7, 2021
MY TRUTH By Cheryl Smith
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From Staff Reports
“Nine minutes and 29 seconds!”
See MY TRUTH, page 5
Jacobs family at book P-9 signing
A Street Named BO
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First we have to get it straight. George Floyd is NOT on trial! On day one of the trial of Derek Chauvin, opening statements were presented as prosecutors cited intent and reminded citizens of what they saw on May 25, 2020, leading to second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter charges. I told someone that on top of everything we have been facing and continue to face, the trial was tough to sit through. Which brings me to my truth. Jurors got to hear George Floyd pleading for his life, crying and asking for mercy, calling for his mother and apologizing. On the video, of which several have garnered millions of views, bystanders are asking the officer to take his knee off Mr. Floyd’s neck and a first responder attempted to approach to render assistance only to be stopped by another officer on the scene. “The world witnessed yet another video, this time of the slow killing of George Floyd. Tens of thousands took to the streets demanding change, not only in Minneapolis but in nearly every major U.S. city and in cities around the world,” said Rep. Karen Bass, D-Calif. Following opening statements, a 911 dispatcher, and two eyewitnesses shared their accounts of the events that took place on that fateful day and ended with the death of Mr. Floyd. Compelling to many commenting on social media was the description and detailed analysis by witness, Donald
Leaving your pain on the pew
Ceremony speakers lock arms with Botham Jean Family and Attorney Benjamin Crump in chant to “Do Mo to Be Like Bo”.
JAGUARS RULE!
The family of slain USVI businessman Botham Shem Jean returned to Texas once since Botham Shem Jean again his murder on September 6, 2018, at the hands of an off-duty police officer. This time they shared the stage with Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, civil rights Atty. Ben Crump, clergy members, community activists and others at the intersection of Belleview Street and the 1400 Block of
See STREET, page 9
Black Press Week Shows Power of African American Newspapers By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia
It was a first! The inaugural HBCU Lone Star Diamond Classic at the beautiful Rough Southern 11 Riders Field in Frisco, TX with two powerhouses in the Southwestern Athletic Conference 15 battling for bragging rights. Southern University came with a broom, sweeping the 7 University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions in the three-game series. Credit: CSLmedia
South Lamar Street as the City of Dallas commemorated the renaming of the stretch of South Lamar Street between Interstate 30 and South-Central Expressway to Botham Jean Boulevard. At the program on Saturday, it was an emotional occasion as just like at the trial for Amber Guyger, stories about what a wonderful person “Bo,” as he was called by many, was. In addition to Mayor Johnson who has already proclaimed the day of Mr. Jean’s birthday, Sept. 29, as #BeLikeBo Day in honor of the Harding University graduate, on Monday, Rep. Carl O.
UAPB 7 8 5
The National Newspaper Publishers Association Fund (NNPAF) first virtual Black Press Week presentation proved an excellent elixir for those seeking valuable information as the coronavirus pandemic continues. “We will have informative workshops,” promised Pluria
Marshall Jr., the NNPAF Chair and CEO of Marshall Broadcasting Group. Marshall and his colleagues delivered. In the opening workshop titled, “Business, Politics and Public Policy: Implications for Black-owned Businesses and the Black Press,” House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) and Congressman Dwight Evans (D-Penn.) declared the value of small businesses and members See BLACK PRESS, page 2
Open letter to GOP Legislators Continued food distribution in North Texas Urged and Governor Brian Kemp We see through you, Georgia voters and the entire country of a GOP and Governor Brian Kemp. free and fair election. Most of the nation does, too. We There was no widespread votare angered by your miser fraud in the November representation of your 2020 General Election or motive for changing electhe January 2021 Runoff tion rules. in Georgia. This fact is evWe see your actions for idenced over and over by what they are: a despermultiple recounts, failed ate power grab and blind lawsuits, and your own allegiance to the “Big Lie” A. Nancy Flake party’s Secretary of State Johnson propagated by the former and Homeland Security president who was caught on standing by the legitimate and tape attempting to rob Georgia See LETTER, page 3
By Valerie Fields Hill Texas Metro News
Administrators of a Dallas County organization that distributes fresh food boxes and COVID-proChris Howell tection products predict that local families will continue needing such items through at least 2022. Dominique Bryant-Howell
Foundation calls for extension of program scheduled to end in April and her husband Chris Howell, founders of Dallas-based Chris Howell Foundation, said the COVID-19 pandemic has gutted thousands of families’ household incomes; they will need more than a year to financially recover, See HOWELL, page 6
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Driven to Succeed, LLC certified by Women’s Business Enterprise National Council
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Driven to Succeed LLC, a business specializing in market research and brand strategy consulting for Fortune 500 companies and leading brands, recently received national certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Ohio River Valley, a regional certifying partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). “We are proud to be among the 13 million women-owned businesses, and 2.7 million Black women-owned businesses in the U.S.,” said Kristin Harper, Driven to Succeed’s Founder and CEO. “As a WBENC-Certified Women’s Business Enterprise, we are excited to partner with more corporations and government agencies who wish to purchase services and solutions from diverse suppliers. Certification further authenticates a business and helps entrepreneurs establish a firmer foundation as they continue to build their companies. “We’ve built an agile team whose 75+ years of Market Research, Marketing, and P&L Management experience across dozens of Fortune 500 clients and diverse B2B and B2C industries help us translate insights into the ‘so what’ and ‘now what,’ leading to faster, more impactful results,” added Ms. Harper. WBENC is the nation’s most widely recognized certifier of businesses owned and operated by women. By including women-owned businesses and minority business enterprises among their suppliers, corporations and government agencies demonstrate their commitment to fostering diversity and the continued development of their supplier diversity programs. To learn more about Driven to Succeed, visit www. DriventoSucceedLLC.com. Driven to Succeed, LLC is a woman-owned minority business enterprise certified by the Women’s Business National Enterprise and National Minority Supplier Development Council. Our services include qualitative
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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.
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of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). “Small businesses, particularly Black-owned, are the backbone of the economy,” Evans declared. “The American Rescue Plan recognizes that and makes grants and loans available to small businesses, including the
Kristin Harper
market research, quantitative research and analysis, brainstorming, innovation, and brand equity development. Established in 2018, CEO Kristin Harper is an award-winning businesswoman and former corporate executive with General Management, Brand Management, and Marketing experience leading global iconic brands at Procter & Gamble, The Hershey Company, and Cardinal Health. Author of The Heart of a Leader: 52 Emotional Intelligence Insights to Advance Your Career, Kristin provides periodic keynote speaking and training on leadership, emotional intelligence, and personal branding. Founded in 1997, WBENC is the nation’s leader in women’s business development and the leading third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women, with more than 17,000 certified Women’s Business Enterprises, 14 national Regional Partner Organizations, and more than 350 Corporate Members. More than 1,000 corporations representing America’s most prestigious brands as well as many states, cities, and other entities accept WBENC Certification. For more information, visit www.wbenc.org.
Black Press, and that is a major step. President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have shown the kind of leadership and understanding the needs of getting this economy back – if not better.” Clyburn admonished viewers about the value of COVID vaccines in the African American community. “Protect your children and your grandchildren, protect those who you come in contact with,” he stated in discussion with Real Times Media President and CEO Hiram Jackson. He noted that some would experience side effects of some sort, but each of the three vaccines offers a 95 percent rate of effectiveness. “If you have a 95 percent chance – I would play the lottery every day if I had a 95 percent chance of winning,” exclaimed Clyburn, who received the NNPAF’s Newsmaker of the Year Award. The family of George Floyd also appeared to accept a special
Jarvis Christian College ranks 3rd Best HBCU in Texas Hawkins, TX – Early this month, Jarvis Christian College was recognized as part of the 2021 PLEXUSS Global Rankings in 3rd Best Historically Black College or University in Texas. PLEXUSS rankings have been years in the making and are based on student’s demand and preferences. Throughout its history, Jarvis Christian College has been committed to providing a high-quality education to its students. That commitment has produced thousands of alumni in various careers. JCC has made countless strides at educating the Head, Heart, and Hand of its students. It is this commitment that has allowed JCC to shine and be recognized by the over seven million students who rely on PLEXUSS as they plan for college and careers. “Being recognized as the 3rd best HBCU in Texas is truly an honor,” shared Dr. Lester C. Newman, President of Jarvis Christian College. “I am proud of the faculty and staff who worked diligently to provide our students with an education that is affordable, challenging and guaranteed. That is the Jarvis Promise. We will continue to provide our students with the tools to succeed.” Torry L. Edwards, Chairman of the Board of Trustees said, “Jarvis Christian College top ranking in Texas affirms the institutions success in preparing Christian leaders in business, education, and government.” The PLEXUSS Global Rankings were developed with one group in mind – students. As students and parents become savvier about college selection, PLEXUSS believes that the Global Rankings are a powerful tool for students to evaluate all their postsecondary options.
NNPAF award. “I want to thank the NNPAF and all the publishers of the Black Press for helping people across the nation and the world to keep the spirit and legacy of George Floyd alive,” said Philonise Floyd, who was flanked by a younger brother, Rodney, and nephew Brandon Williams. Black Press Week partners included General Motors, Pfizer Rare Disease, RAI Services Company, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Sponsors included Wells Fargo, AARP, the American Petroleum Institute, Zillow, the U.S. Census, and the Facebook Journalism Project. A Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation-sponsored education forum included John B. King, the former U.S. Education Secretary, and current president and CEO of the Education Trust. “The education gap has widened during the pandemic, which already disproportionately has affected communities of
color,” King uttered during a conversation about education equity with NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. “Education saves lives. If not for the phenomenal New York City school teachers who gave me hope and purpose, I would be dead or in jail,” King declared. Darrell Green, the SVP of Southeast Small Business Development for Wells Fargo Bank, provided insights that could help businesses overcome challenges during and after the pandemic. Atlanta Voice publisher Janis Ware hosted an “Alternative Funding for Black Press Publishers” forum with Lea Trusty, Lasharah S. Bunting, and Vincent Stehl. The NNPAF also paid tribute to one of the legends of the Black Press – celebrating the legacy of and inducting the late Carter Walter Wesley into the Black Press Archives and Gallery of Distinguished Black Publishers. See BLACK PRESS, page 5
Letter from page 1 accurate execution and counts for the elections of 2020 and 2021. Your voter suppression bill makes it even more urgent for a renewed national Voting Rights Act to save democracy for us all. More urgent for businesses big and small to join the outcry against your actions. There will be economic and other consequences. And we will work even harder to ensure that every eligible voter can vote! Senate Bill 202 hampers democracy and makes it more difficult for people to exercise their constitutional rights to vote for the candidates they choose. You call it “election reform” when what the bill does is indeed everything Republicans purport to stand against – the removal of local control and undermining the will of the people. While there are many issues with the bill, below are some of the most egregious attacks against our participatory democracy: 1. The takeover of the State Election Board, kneecapping the duly elected secretary of state. 2. The takeover of the secretary of state’s office, allowing the state legislature to direct control over the SOS’s employees. 3. The takeover of local county
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elections offices, robbing county leaders and county elections boards of a say in their own processes. 4. Curtailing access to voting by absentee ballot by 40 percent, which impacts every Georgia voter. 5. Blocking corporations, athletes, nonprofit organizations and others from a public-private-partnership with county elections offices to increase early voting sites, provide snacks for voters waiting in long lines and other pro-democracy efforts to ensure equitable, convenient access to the ballot box.
otherwise. Most disturbing are the legislative changes that vest power in the majority party – currently the GOP – to overturn and change the outcome of future elections. You have weighted your bill with partisanship by removing the elected Secretary of State as chair of the elections process and handing the power to GOP legislators to dismiss civil servant election officials and replace them with your appointees. These provisions represent a direct path to corruption
the Confederacy and all it stood for still holds sway? Will Georgia be governed by a few white men who in 2021 decided to ignore democracy, roll back civil rights, and cheat the public so they alone could dictate how many eligible voters have access to the ballot box or not? Men who witnessed the signing of a voter suppression bill in the governor’s ceremonial office while a Black woman legislator was denied entry, arrested, and charged with felony crimes for knocking on the door? As Gov. Nathan Deal said in 2016 in vetoing a “religious freedom” bill that would have sanctioned discrimination against gay people: “This is about the character of our State and the character of its people.” That bill had been widely criticized by Big Business and the entertainment industry, and it set off alarm bells that such legislation would harm our state’s economy. We call now for the same kind of outcry. This bill not only harms Georgia voters but also could have a similar economic impact as the religious freedom bill would have had. Big and small businesses are at risk of carrying the brunt of economic responses including cancellation of conventions, entertainment and sporting
Coalition of Black Leaders calls for widespread condemnation of Georgia’s new Voter Suppression Law
These laws hurt every Georgia voter but they especially target the voting power of Black and Brown people and working-class voters who made the difference in the 2020 General Election and 2021 Runoff. Those who were given a provisional ballot at 6 p.m. and were able to “cure” their vote by the deadline. Those who were able to use a secure drop box located outside their place of employment. Those who were able to vote outside their senior center, saving them the trouble of waiting for a paratransit ride. Those in lower-income communities who lack “common” forms of ID but had proved themselves eligible T:5"
and manipulation of elections. Today, we call on businesses, citizens, major event planners, and individuals across the nation who champion democracy and inclusion to exercise their right to think carefully about where to make economic investments. Whether Georgia promotes voting rights or assaults them makes news. We should all care about our state’s reputation. Are we going to be a place where people of all colors, religions, and backgrounds are welcomed to live, visit, do business, and where eligible residents can vote? Or are we to be a backwater state where
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• April 1 - 7, 2021
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events, family reunions and more by people incensed by the attempt to suppress fair access to the ballot box. Condemnation of your voter suppression bill will be loud and profound from every corner of our state and from those contemplating coming here. Throughout our nation’s history, Black, Brown, and Indigenous people, white women, and allies have had to fight against white men to enjoy rights granted to all citizens under the Constitution. Fight against a class of men who have acted as if these rights are theirs alone. Who treat “rights” as a “privilege” doled out in dribs and drabs only to be snatched back when the tent begins to expand. Free and fair access to the ballot box leaves the choice up to all of us. Our state and our nation grow stronger when it is easy for every eligible voter to freely engage in the political process. You should join us in standing on the side of democracy, freedom, fairness, and inclusion. We call on you to put forth an agenda that serves all the people – regardless of race, income or party affiliation. Earn votes in the manner required by the Constitution. As history has shown through the bravery and determination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Congressman John Lewis, and other civil rights heroes, voter suppression is not a winning strategy.
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President Biden, please ignore the former president THE LAST WORD By Dr. Julianne Malveaux The previous President, also known as 45, or the Orange Man, or the Nutty Narcissist; kept our nation with his insanity for more than four years. President Biden is best advised to ignore his predecessor and should not even stoop to mention his name. Why not? The nation, even his rabid supporters, knows the former was out of line, out of order, and out of control. He is also desperate for the attention that even his Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC) sycophants could not offer. Reality can be grating, especially when someone accustomed to adulation finds the applause tepid, the plane out of order, the taxes under review, and more. President Biden gave the former too much air in even mentioning his name at his March 25 press conference. The press behaved as badly as President Biden. They focused on immigration, a Republican talking point that invokes the former, instead of concentrating on COVID and vaccinations, about which most Americans care. Not one question about COVID? Who are these press members, and what is wrong with them? If you polled people, the pandemic would rank much higher on a priority scale than immigration. But like sharks smelling blood in the water, or a possible Biden weakness, they surrounded and pounced (or whatever sharks do). Meanwhile, several topics got short shrift in the hourlong press conference. The President likened the filibuster to Jim Crow law, but he shillyshallied around what
he will do about it. President Biden, you have condemned racism, discrimination, and Jim Crow in the past. Why can’t you come out more forcefully against the filibuster? You’ve had strong words about the new voter-suppressing Georgia laws. Why won’t you commit to federal action to ensure that we all have the right to vote? Are you expecting a message in a bottle? Georgia Republicans seem to think that voting activists can send them. Otherwise, why would they make it illegal for peop-
President Joe Biden
le to offer a simple, humane gesture to people who have been standing in line for hours, a bottle of water? What could be more benign than handing someone standing in line for hours a bottle of water and a bag of chips or an apple? If President Biden got a message from a bottle I handed him, it would say, be firm, be firm. This racist attack on our democracy must not be tolerated. We must consider President Biden’s point about timing. He knows the Senate better most, knows his former colleagues well enough to know their sensibilities. But he must also understand the nature of racist intransigence. Many Senate Republicans have chosen partisanship and obstruction over integrity and decency. Few of them are willing to retreat from their line in the sand. President Biden must understand, though, that he
would not be our nation’s elected leader if the laws that Georgia just passed existed in November 2020 or January 2021. There would be no Senators Warnock and Ossoff, no Georgia electoral votes, no democracy. Instead, there would have been the continuation of anarchy with the former resting on his laurels, spewing more lies. President Biden inherited a mess, no question. Still, he should never refer to the former and the mess he left again. If he were me, he might respond with any questions about the former with a dismissive, “the former is irrelevant.” The former needs to be treated as such. Whether it is immigration, COVID, the economy, or more, it’s President Biden’s ball of wax now. Continuing to mention the former gives him light he does not deserve. President Biden, and the rest of us, should keep that name in the dark. He can probably show up on Faux News whenever he wants to, but his rants look more like empty barks when nobody calls his name. So, President Biden, you’ve been doing rather well in your first two-plus months as President. You’ve got checks in the bank, shots in arms, and shelter for children at the border. You have infrastructure plans but must stand more firmly against efforts to erode our democracy. And it would be best if you did not refer to your predecessor as anything but “the former.” Nor should the rest of us ever utter the former’s name. We must move forward and leave the devil in the dark. Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, media contributor and educator. Her latest project MALVEAUX! On UDCTV is available on youtube. com. For booking, wholesale inquiries or for more info visit www.juliannemalveaux.com.
Filibusters Ain’t Funny! QUIT PLAYIN’ By Vincent L. Hall President Barack Obama was primed, passionate, and personal as he delivered words of comfort and discomfort during a tribute to the late Rep. John Lewis. “O” minced no words. The U.S. Senate needed to retire the filibuster. It has been used as a tool to stifle civil rights’ forward progress at every significant turn. The filibuster question has become paramount afresh as this nation seated an equal number of Democrats and Republicans during the most politically-polarized period in our history. President Joe Biden needs to lean toward the filibuster’s demise if he is to have any real success. Gil Scott Heron, the original Black rapper, understood that you must challenge every rule and law to stage a revolution. Heron ridiculed the Negro leadership of his time by saying that they were not ready for “the revolution.” He reminded us that you don’t yield to stop signs or traffic signals during a revolution. Biden promised to pass turnkey legislation on immigration, expand voting rights, green initiatives, and infrastructure enhancements. He will need to run the Republican red light, known to us as the filibuster. A feistier, less congenial Obama laid it out in a July 30, 2020 article in Vox Magazine. “Obama called for legislation restoring the Voting Rights Act, much of which was gutted by the Supreme Court’s decisions in Shelby County v. Holder (2013) and Abbott v. Perez (2018). He also endorsed other democratic reforms, including an end to partisan gerrymandering, extending statehood to Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico, and making Election Day a national holiday. And then, he called upon the Senate to remove an obstacle that has consistently stood in the way of civil rights legislation throughout American history. ‘If all this takes eliminating the filibuster, another Jim Crow relic, to secure the God-given rights of every American, then that’s what we should do,’ said Obama. The filibuster typically allows a bloc of 41 senators to prevent legislation from passing, and Republican filibusters stymied much of Obama’s policy agenda during his presidency.”
If Joe Biden does not kill the filibuster, he too will see many of his initiatives and appointments die in the well of the Senate. Old school racists like Strom Thurmond, who made the process famous, have either gone to heaven or hell. However, the spirit of White privilege and resistance is alive, well, kicking ass and taking names. Thurmond’s historic filibustering of the Civil Rights Act of 1957 lasted from August 28, 1957, at 8:54 p.m. until 9:12 p.m. the following night. His preparation for the 24-hour assault on civil rights was as sinister and situated as the resolve that we see in the GOP today in Georgia and other red states. Strom took a steam bath earlier in the day to remove excess liquids and to avoid any “accidents.” He stationed one staffer in the cloakroom with a pail in case of an “emergency evacuation.” Strom, the father of a 32-year-old Black daughter at the time, went to the floor with cough
GA governor office
drops and malted milk tablets. He was thorough in planning the moment. His Republican comrades would offer short remarks intermittently so that he could scarf down a sandwich or get a second wind. To fill the space, he read each of the 48 states’ voting laws, the U.S. Criminal code, a Supreme Court decision, and various other laws; verbatim. Twenty-four hours is a long time, so he allowed Majority-Leader, Lyndon Baines Johnson to swear in a new Senator from Wisconsin, talked about jury trials, read the Declaration of Independence, and eventually offered his summation. “Mr. President, I urge every Member of this body to consider this bill most carefully. I hope the Senate will see fit to kill it. I expect to vote against the bill.” The Senate reportedly erupted in laughter. However, the point of privilege he seized against democracy was not funny at all. Thurmond’s and subsequent filibusters are a travesty of justice. Like him, I hope the “Senate will see fit to kill it.” Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and an award-winning columnist.
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Manifestation Begins in Our Mouth FAITHFUL UTTERANCES By Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew Thank God for quiet moments to reflect. I had the opportunity to stay in bed and catch up on watching some of my favorite folks on YouTube which included an interview with a well-known rapper who discussed his quest for personal growth and selfreflection. As I listened to him, I realized that what he was saying was not so unusual but something we often fail to do. We do not realize the power of our thoughts and words. Words are powerful. One of the comments that he made resonated with me. Instead of viewing tasks as something that has to be done, it is changing our view that we get to do them. It goes from being an obligation to taking our power back through the way we think, see the world and speak. Every single day that we wake up is a gift and it is a blessing to have a job, a place to stay, food to eat and the list goes on and on. We get to make decisions every day about what we choose to do or not do. So often, we give our power away to our jobs, family members, and situations as if they control us. Even if they do in some way, we ultimately make the choice on how we will respond. The Bible says, “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.” (Proverbs 18:21 MSG) I love affirmations because there is power connected to the words, ‘I am’. In Exodus 3:14 God says to Moses that “I am who I am” and He said, ‘Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you’”. The phrase ‘I am’ is powerful because it is in the present tense. It is not what I will be in the future or what I was in the past. The phrase ‘I am’ is even more impactful based on what it is connected to. If we add words like joyful, free, made in God’s image, kind, loving, it connects us to positive attributes. It also should
make us mindful of what we say especially when we say “I am” --We must pay attention to the fact of what are we connecting the God within us to our words, our thoughts, and actions. I think we would take our words more seriously if we realized the negative power we are placing over our lives when we say I am stupid, I am worthless, I am not as valuable. Even Jesus says multiple times “I am” when referencing his identity. He doesn’t talk about what he can do but who he is— “I am the bread of life” (John 6:2259), “I am the true vine” (John 15:1-6) and “I am the door/good shepherd” (John 10:1-18). Our words would probably change if we really understood the power of our identity, too. It is amazing that in Genesis 1:3, God spoke destiny into existence. Every single day, you, too, are speaking your destiny into existence. You are manifesting your life by the words you say over yourself, your children, your future. If you keep believing the worst about yourself and others, you will find yourself surround by it— the results you receive will affirm your belief. You also cannot allow the words of others to inform your destiny when they chose to speak negatively over you. It is ultimately your choice to decide what you will embrace or exclude from your vocabulary and your mind. Your words can build your world or destroy it. The Bible warns us well on the power in our mouth: “Watch your words and hold your tongue; you’ll save yourself a lot of grief.” (Proverbs 21:23) Are your words condemning you (or others) or are they demonstrating that God lives within you? “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12: 37) Manifestation of what we desire begins in our mouth. Change your mind, change your mouth. Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is the host of the Tapestry Podcast and the author of three books for women. She is also the Vice President of Community Affairs for the State Fair of Texas. To learn more, visit drfroswa.com.
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Celebration of Life Daisy Creighton Watts passed away peacefully on March 17, 2021, after a long journey with Alzheimer’s. Daisy was born October 24, 1932, in New Orleans. LA. to Arthur M. Creighton and Thelma Richards Creighton. After her graduation from Xavier University of Louisiana in 1952, Daisy taught in an elementary school before marrying her husband of 56 years, Nathaniel T. Watts, Jr., M.D. Daisy devoted her life to caring for her husband and seven children, her Catholic faith and her volunteer activities. Her generous, kind spirit was evident to all who met her, and she made people feel welcome in her home. Daisy was a gracious hostess, stylish lady and loyal friend. Her culinary skills were well known and there was always plenty of food for “unexpected guests.” Daisy willingly sacrificed her time, treasure and talent for others and her love for her family knew no bounds. When her sons attended St. Anthony Catholic School, she spent many hours baking “goodies” for bake sales
Black Press from page 2
The Archives and Gallery are housed at the Moreland Spingarn Research Center at Howard University. “We acknowledge and salute the historic contributions to the Black Press of America by Carter Walter Wesley,” Marshall, the NNPAF Chair, said during the virtual ceremony. “We will always hold dear in our hearts not only our memories of the outstanding contributions of Carter Walter
My Truth from page 1
Wynn Williams II., of actions by then-police officer Chauvin, who had his knee on Mr. Floyd’s neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds — which prosecutors say the entire ordeal lasted nine
and volunteering with school and church functions. Daisy was a 50-year, platinum member of the Dallas Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, a charter member and past president of the Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter of The National Smart Set, Inc., Associate member of the Dallas Chapter, Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and active in many other civic and community organizations. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years Dr. Nathaniel T. Watts, Jr., son, Stephen E. Watts II, and brothers, Arthur Creighton,
Calvin Creighton and Edwin Creighton. Daisy is survived by her daughter, Gwendolyn Satterthwaite (Aaron), her sons, Nathaniel T. Watts, III, Michael C. Watts (Maria), David C. Watts (Marilyn), Joseph F. Watts (Jenelle), and Paul G. Watts, her sisters, Gwendolyn Grass, Thelma Simpkins, her sisterin-law, Louise Taylor, and her brother-in-law, Stephen E. Watts, M.D. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Daisy Watts to Xavier University of Louisiana (xula. edu), the Alzheimer’s Association (act.alz.org/donate) or charity of your choice. Public viewing was held on Monday at Black and Clark Funeral Home. Due to the pandemic and associated health risks, a private family funeral service will be held at Calvary Hill Cemetery on March 30, 2021 Published in Dallas Morning News on Mar. 28, read in entirety at: https://obits. dallasnews.com/obituaries/ dallasmorningnews/obituary.aspx?n=daisy-c-watts&pid=198179976&fhid=2605
Wesley. We also know that today, it is important to remain vigilant and committed to his example of leadership and courage to be the trusted voice of Black America,” Marshall proclaimed. “We are honored to install Carter Walter Wesley into the Black Press Archives and Gallery of Distinguished Black Publishers.” Wesley, who pushed for voting rights and weighed a campaign against systemic racism, married Dorris Wooten, and the couple reared three children.
Wesley died in 1969 at the age of 87. “Thank you for honoring my father, the publisher of the Houston Informer and Dallas Express,” Kathy Wesley Ennix, Wesley’s daughter, said during her father’s virtual enshrinement ceremony on Friday, March 19. The ceremony included a touching video about Wesley’s inspiring life and career. My dad was a man of integrity and character. He fought for what he believed. Not only was he a businessman, but he was also a loving and caring dad.”
minutes and 29 seconds. Prior to the beginning of the trial, the Rev. Al Sharpton, Atty. Ben Crump, family, supporters and observers stood outside the courtroom and addressed the media before kneeling for eight minutes and 46 seconds. Prior to COVID folks kneeled outside Dallas City Hall for eight minutes and 46 second and both times I heard comments about
the discomfort. Two points here: Those of us who knelt can get up and continue living, and some of those who are silent had a whole lot to say about Colin Kaepernick kneeling! When descendants read or hear that I oftentimes seemed serious or mad; I hope they will understand why and also know that I did more than talk!
Daisy Creighton Watts
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LIFE AFTER THE VILLAGE
Tales from an Ex-Village People Cop WHAT’S ON MILES’ MIND By Miles Jaye Until you’ve reached the chapter called The End, there is always a next chapter to your life story. Many people get so caught up in the automation of their dayto-day existence as one thing or another, a schoolteacher, an accountant, a nurse, or physician, that they fail to consider what may come next. It’s as though that vocation, career, or profession you chose in your twenties may last forever. Nothing could be further from the truth. Only a debilitating illness, accident or death itself can preclude a next chapter in your life story. That is why retirement comes with such a devastating blow, for so many of us. This is a tale of the chapters following my years with a group known as the Village People. I was the “Cop” and lead singer from 1982-1984. To be clear and accurate, I was the third Village People “Cop” after Victor Willis, the original and composer of
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she said. “The need is so great,” Bryant-Howell said. “We have decided as a board to move forward with food distribution. People are going to need 12 to 18 months to pull themselves together.” Bryant-Howell made the statement Thursday, March 25, during a private gathering of Tarrant County and City of Fort Worth elected officials and business leaders. The foundation hosted the gathering at downtown Fort Worth’s The Capital Grille to address looming concerns over a marked rise in food insecurity in Arlington, Mansfield, Fort Worth and nearby communities. Tarrant County Commissioner
many of the group’s biggest hits, and Ray Simpson, Victor’s replacement and younger brother of hit singer/songwriter Valerie Simpson of Ashford and Simpson fame. I was a new kid on the block. It wasn’t long after a 5-year stint in the U.S. Air Force and a year or two of surfing the New York jazz club scene and Europe’s jazz festivals that a musician buddy of mine, Bashiri Johnson, Michael Jackson’s percussionist, turned me on to an audition for a group looking for a new lead singer. As much as I hated auditions… I was game. I had a wife, a young son, and a daughter on the way for motivation, so I went, not knowing it was for the Village People. I was the most unlikely candidate for the VP gig and, to this day, I don’t know if I would have even gone to the audition had I known what it was all about. I always thought of myself as a jazz guy. My father and brother were jazz men. They both played sax. I was a classically trained violinist, so I had a classical head, but a heart for jazz. I grew up listening to my brother’s Trane, Miles, Bird, and Monk albums. My sister’s love was R&B. She
actually took me to my very first concert at the Apollo in Harlem. The show headlined an R&B icon named Billy Stewart, singing hits like “Summertime” and “Sitting in the Park.” R&B touched my soul. Growing up in the church, I heard more than my share of gos-
pel music. To this day, it’s gospel music that speaks to my spirit. So, with a head for classical, a heart for jazz, R&B enriching my soul and gospel igniting my spirit, where did Village People music fit in? In short, it didn’t! Much like the John Phillip Sousa mili-
tary music I played for five years in the U.S. Air Force Band, it served its purpose as a means to an end. If I had to choose, I would venture to say I had a greater appreciation for the Air Force Band music than the VP music. First of all, the AF Band played a surprisingly wide variety of music from the typical military marches to classical concert band repertoire to the pop Top Ten list. I played flute and piccolo in the band. It’s when I was shipped out to the Philippines that I began my singing career, if you can call it that. What I will say about VP music is one-- it is very well arranged and produced, and two-- it was quite a challenge to a relatively new singer… me! More than sharing my personal experiences in that two year stretch with one of the most widely recognized names in music entertainment, singing some of the most popular songs of all times, including “YMCA,” “Macho Man,” and “In the Navy”, consider this-- I have no idea how I ended up there. I would never have guessed it, and I’m sure that I wouldn’t have chosen it, but there I was on stages all over the world, singing to sold out crowds, at break-neck speeds
in keys way too high for me, but somehow, I did it-- I survived it. So, I survived Brooklyn, the Air Force, and the Village People, what could possibly be next? Teddy Pendergrass of course. Okay, you can’t make this stuff up. The point I’m making is that life is filled with unforeseeable twists and turns. I’m writing a book called “Life After the Village People - Tales From An Ex-Village People Cop”. In it, I share some of the uglier, more painful, make you wanna give up twists and turns. In times of doubt and despair, having lost all reason to care, among other things, I remembered the famous Winston Churchill quote, “Never give in-- never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”. He also said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it’s the courage to continue that counts.”. Smart guy!
Roy Brooks; Jay Jackson, a representative from Commissioner Devan Allan’s office; Fort Worth City Councilwomen Gyna Bivens and Kelly Allen Gray; and Annette Robinson, a listing agent with James Walker Realty, were among community leaders who attended the luncheon event. The Howell Foundation has distributed more than 2400 USDA fresh food boxes – about 1 million pounds of food - to North Texas families since last June. Since the onset of the pandemic, the North Texas Food Bank saw demand for food double between March 20, 2020 and February 28, 2021, the agency recently reported. Further 40 percent of the people served by the Food Bank’s partners during this time were new clients. To meet an ongoing demand for fresh food, the Howell Foundation plans to expand its dis-
tribution operations – and other social services - into Tarrant County in late 2021, Chris Howell said. Previously, the foundation distributed food boxes and personal protection equipment at Dallas’s Skyline Ranch & Event Center, at Dallas College Mountain View Campus and at Tarrant County College Southeast Campus, among other sites. At last week’s gathering, Howell sought support from elected leaders for a needed 20,000-square foot warehouse to increase distribution of the federal USDA Farmers to Families food boxes and to expand the foundation’s offerings to include job training, computer skills and other services to help families re-enter the career market after the pandemic. The federal Farmers to Families Food Box Program is part of
the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Trump Administration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal program supplies area food pantries and local agencies with boxes containing up to 35 pounds of fresh fruit, potatoes, rice, pasta, frozen meat, butter, cheese and eggs to distribute to parents and children living in the nation’s fresh food deserts and to those affected by job losses caused by the pandemic. Food boxes were regularly distributed at sites across North Texas during the final months of President Trump’s administration. However, the program’s contracts with agencies who deliver food boxes expires at the end of April. “We want to…continue to serve our community. The need
is not going to go away,” Chris Howell told the city and county leaders. “We can’t do that now because we don’t have the space to do it. We don’t have a facility in Fort Worth.” Brooks, one of Tarrant County’s senior elected officials, acknowledged a rise in food insecurity across North Texas, but said the county is limited in how it might assist the foundation with its expansion. “I support it personally,” he said of the effort. “We need to give it some creative thought. Sometimes, you can slide into a gray area if you’re creative enough.” The Howells are the first North Texas non-profit leaders to call publicly for a continuation of the federal food box program – and to suggest that it might be needed for far longer than the next 12 months.
That’s what’s on my mind. Website: www.milesjaye.net Podcast: https://bit.ly/2zkhSRv Email: milesjaye360@gmail.com
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Virtual and liVe Community Calendar National Financial Literacy Month April 1 April Fool’s Day
Caribbean Saturday’s Pop Up DFW at 3409 Main St. Suite B Dallas. No Cover B4 11:00 pm. with RSVP: Eventbrite.com.
Apex Startup Program has a Free Masterclass: How to Start a Trucking Company at: my.demio.com. 11-12 pm. CDT.
New Mount Zion Baptist Church presents Story of the Resurrection Easter Celebration at New Mount Zion Baptist Church, 9550 Shepherd Rd. Dallas. 1-3 pm. Social Distancing.
April 7
April 4
Charles R. Drew dies in 1950 Linny Nance Network. Hosted by The Free Man, 2626 Commerce St. 7-10 pm. Grandscape Texas, Grand Opening Live Performers. Explore, Experience, Enjoy Grandscape Texas, 5752 Grandscape Blvd., The Colony. 4-9 pm. CDT. Justice for Greenwood Virtual Town Hall. Hosted by Justice for Greenwood Foundation. Watch at 6:30 pm. CDT. Online https://www.facebook.com/justiceforgreenwood/live.
April 2-4 Easter at One Community Church at One Community Church, 2400 State Hwy., Plano. For times each Church Campus Location, RSVP: https://www.visitonecc.com.
April 2 Willie “Bill” Pickett dies in 1932 From Marva with Love, with Marva Sneed. 11 am -1 pm. CDT, Fridays on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, and BlogTalkRadio.com. Join the conversation at 646-200-0459. TBAAL presents Promising Young Artists, Feat: Jada Arnell. Muse Cafe Theatre, 1309 Canton St. Tickets: Tickemaster.com. 9 pm. Project COVID Virtual Job Fair / Career Expo Event in Dallas. Times and dates vary. Reg: projectcovid.org/we/jobfair. Flexible Hires Virtual Job Fair / Career Expo Event. Hosted by Officejobs.org. First Friday of every month Times vary. Reg: https.//flexibalhires.com/jobexpo. South Dallas Concert Choir presents Seven Last Words of Christ: A Spiritual Journey. Online: southdallasconcertchoir.org. 12 pm. Donate at: SouthDallasConcertChoir.org.
April 3 Carter G. Woodson dies in 1950 Fruit of Calvary Worship Night. Event hosted by Chris Liverman. Online on Facebook.com/Chris Liverman. 6 pm. CST. “Black Laughs Matter” Virtual Comedy Show. Feat: Ajaye Mae & Marcus Williams. Online. Tickets: Eventbrite.10 pm CDT.
Easter Sunday Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee The World According to Drew, host Andrew Whigham, III on BlogTalkRadio. com 8-10 am. on Sundays. Tune in for thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news and commentary. Call in at 646-200-0459. Ubuntu Market, for Small Business. Hosted by Pan African Connection, 4466 Marsalis, Dallas. 12-5 pm. For vendor Info: Email: adjwoahogue@yahoo.com. The National Civil Rights Museum presents Remembering MLK: The Man. The Movement. The Moment. Online: april4th.org 5-6:30 pm. CDT.
April 5 Collin L. Powell born in 1937 Dallas Examiner presents Monday Night Politics May 1st City Council Election Forums. Panel includes District 8 candidates (South Oak Cliff). Contact: Mbelt@Dallasexaminer.com. Register: http://bit.ly/3cVOBN8 6 pm. lota Lambda Zeta presents Mental Health Mondays Segments Part II. Live on Facebook/Iota Lambda Zeta 6-8 pm. CST Reg: http://www.iotalambdazeta.webs.com.
April 6
1909 Matthew A. Henson reaches the North Pole THE DOC SHEP SPEAKS SHOW! From 11 am. CST on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, @ fnsconsulting, and You Tube @docshepspeaks The Jirah Nicole Show with Jirah Nicole. From 11 am-1 pm. CST Tuesday’s on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio.com. Call in and join the conversation at 646-200-0459. BE Creative Arts Center hosts Soul Line Dance Tuesdays– LIVE Virtual Dance Sessions. Streamed Via: Facebook.com/@ becreativeartscenter 7-8 pm CDT.
Billie Holiday born in 1915 I Was Just Thinking with Norma Adams-Wade. From 11 am -1 pm. CST On Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio.com. Join the conversation at 646-200-0459. Neighborhood Credit Union presents a Virtual Financial Literacy: Credit Scores & Reports Workshop. Online: myncu. com. 11:30-12:30 pm. Journey Woman Publisher Carolyn Ray presents Solo Travel Safety for Women: Tips from a Self-Defense Expert, Lorna Selig. Reg: https://bit.ly/3m0L18C. 3 pm. CDT. Ask Dr. Amerson with Dr. Linda Amerson. 12 pm. CST @DFWiRadio.com, and Live on Facebook @DrLindaAmerson.
April 8 1974 Henry Aaron hits his 715th home run Ready, Set, Go - Design Your 2021 Action Plan! Session II. Online at: AARP Michigan. Reg: https://aarp.cvent.com/ Ready48 10-11 am. CST. Delta Sigma Theta Arlington Alumnae presents Financially Free with DST. Reg: http://bit.ly/390FYzI. 6:308:30 pm. CST. AARP presents African American Family Research, Dallas. Feat: Pamela Bailey of Big Family Search. Online event, register at: bit.ly/3mlrapS. 6-8 pm. CDT. Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce presents Let’s Get Connected. Hosts: Darry Brewer and author, Stae Hall and owner of iSALT. Reg: https://bit.ly/2PFJqsC. 7-9 pm. CDT. Eventbrite.
April 9 Paul Robeson born in 1898 From Marva with Love, with Marva Sneed. 11 am -1 pm. CST, Fridays on Facebook Live/@ TexasMetroNews, and BlogTalkRadio.com. Join the conversation at 646-200-0459. Dr Stacia Alexander LPC-S presents a Power Peace Prosperity Masterclass. Reg: www. PowerPeaceProsperity.com 7 pm. CDT
April 10-11 Traders Village presents Big Mamou Cajun Fest at Traders Village, 2602 Mayfield Rd. Grand Prairie. 11 am-5 pm.
April 10 1975 Lee Elder was the first Black to play in a Masters Championship Howard County Unit of National Association of Parliamentarians presents Parliamentary Law Day. Online Tickets: hcu.pld.eventbrite.com. 8 pm. CDT. “Black Laughs Matter” Virtual Comedy Show. Host Terry Dorsey. Features: Dawn B. Online event. Eventbrite.com 10 pm CDT. GLOW # 12 | DJ PLAYBOY B-day Bash | feat PLATINUM KIDS from NYC at Heroes Lounge, 3094 N. Stemmons Fwy. 4 pm-3 am. Tickets: Eventbrite.com. Chris Howell Foundation, Winter Relief Drive. Tarrant County College-South, 5301 Campus Dr. Fort Worth. Free at Eventbrite.com. 9 am-1 pm.
April 11 1881 Spelman College in Atlanta GA Opens The World According to Drew, host Andrew Whigham, III on BlogTalkRadio.com 8-10 am. on Sundays. Tune in for thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news and commentary. Join the call at 646-200-0459. An African American and Latinx History of the United States. Event by Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History. Online: tinyurl.com 2 pm CDT. Neo Soul Sundays feat: Melodie Nicole at Lava Cantina, 5805 Grandscape Blvd. 4-10 pm. Tickets: maturepartycrowd.com.
BLACK LIVES MATTER
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American Airlines announces additional flights to USVI
Scenes from USVI Dallas Luncheon on March 26, 2021 at The Westin Galleria Dallas. Commissioner Joseph Boschulte of the USVI Department of Tourism gave updates on how the territory is bouncing back, transforming from past reliance on the cruise industry, current COVID-19 protocols and more with a new theme of “Reconnect with Paradise.” Photos Credit: Eva D. Coleman
St. Thomas gains more Dallas flights while seats to St. Croix are up by almost 20 percent this summer. Following a meeting with American Airlines in Dallas, TX on Friday, U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte announced that the nation’s largest carrier will expand its service to the Territory to meet increased demand for summertime travel. That news received a positive response from Allison Jean, who was in town with family members for the naming of a Dallas street in honor of her son, accountant Botham Jean, who was murdered by an off-duty police officer who claimed she mistakenly entered his apartment and shot who she thought was an intruder. In addition to traveling from their home in the Virgin Islands
for the trial, Jean family members have made several trips to the Metroplex, especially since “Bo’s” death on September 6, 2018. According to Mrs. Jean, more flights will definitely be a welcomed addition and beginning on June 3, 2021, passengers in Dallas or connecting from Western and Midwestern cities will have not one but two daily flights from which to choose when traveling to St. Thomas, while Charlotte, North Carolina-based travelers will benefit from three flights per day, up from twice a day. The airline will also increase daily flights from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas. Up to four daily departures will be available in April and May from the key
south Florida airport before the schedule is adjusted to three daily flights in June, July and August. Daily service to St. Thomas from the New York tri-state area, out of John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), which continues to be an exceptionally strong market for the Territory, as well as from Philadelphia to St. Thomas, will meet the travel needs of visitors and members of the large U.S. Virgin Islands diaspora who reside in the Northeast and midAtlantic regions of the country. “The Department of Tourism is extremely pleased by the increase of summer airlift into the Territory,” said U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte, who expressed confidence that demand for experiences in the USVI will continue to grow as mainlandbased travelers, including the increasing number of those who have been vaccinated, regain confidence in travel. American will serve St. Croix’s Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) from Miami with at least two daily flights, and summer travelers from Charlotte will continue to enjoy daily flights to the “Big Island.” Overall, St. Croix has experienced an increase of
19 percent in weekly seats yearover-year from 2020 to 2021. “We are grateful to our partners at American Airlines for supporting our lifeblood industry by enhancing service to our islands with these additional flights, as they represent critical opportunities to help stimulate the economy of the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Commissioner Boschulte, who addressed meeting planners, travel agents and media representatives at a
travel industry luncheon. This summer the Territory also will welcome new flights (four days a week) from the New York tri-state area when JetBlue Airways begins service between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and St. Thomas. The new service is a result of a new codeshare Northeast Alliance with American Airlines, which will see JetBlue add more than a dozen new markets in greater New York City.
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Leaving your Pain on the Pew
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson wipes eyes and Allison Jean cries during Botham Jean Tribute Video Credit: Eva D. Coleman
Sherman (D-109), joined by legislators, and a diverse group of supporters, held a press conference at the State Capitol to bring light to his proposed legislation, Bo’s Law, which he said is meant to “codify and strengthen existing criminal justice laws and address the use of excessive and deadly force by those who are sworn to protect and serve all Americans.” Jean, a native of Saint Lucia, moved to Dallas for a job after graduation and outside of his studies and work, the young professional dedicated himself to community service, often through his church. He was working as an accountant at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) at the time of his death. “Botham Jean’s death was an unfathomable calamity, but his life embodied a spirit of service and kindness,” Mayor Johnson said. “By giving back to his community, he set an example that all Dallasites can live by. I encourage everyone to Be Like Bo on his birthday this year and let the legacy of his short, bright life transcend the tragedy of his death.” Mr. Jean’s pastor, Minister
Attorney Benjamin Crump comforts Botham Jean’s sister Allissa CharlesFindley Credit: Eva D. Coleman
Sammie L. Berry of Dallas West Church of Christ, echoed the mayor’s call. “Botham’s voice was silenced too soon, but the day of service is a way for us to remember what he stood for: love, service, sharing, and giving,” Berry said. “Any act of service, large or small, is a way of honoring his life.” Guyger, whose name made headlines following the shooting, trial and subsequent guilty verdict, has been serving a 10year sentence and will be arguing before an appellate court the end of April. Botham Jean Family enjoyed dinner at Black Jack Pizza, with owner Mrs. Dorothy Jones, in Sunny South Dallas on Tuesday evening. Credit: Cheryl Smith
Syndicated radio personality Dareia Jacobs signed books as she introduced her first book, “Leaving Your Pain on the Pew, before a packed house in Dallas, Tx.
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GENIUS ARETHA AT THE MOVIES By Hollywood Hernandez GENIUS is a series on Net-Geo that features the lives of some of history’s greatest minds. Previous episodes have told the life story of Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein. The current GENIUS miniseries features the life of Aretha Franklin and it is showing now on Hulu. Viewers will learn a lot about The Queen of Soul that wasn’t really well known since Aretha was very private about her personal life over the years. I was shocked to learn that “Little Re” had a baby at age 12. The father was a school classmate. She also had another child at age 14; leaving her with two sons by the age of 15. The children were taken care of by her grandmother as she went out to make her mark on the world of music. Aretha is played by Cynthia Erivo, who played Harriett Tubman in the movie, HARRIET. She’s incredible in her role and also sang the music in the movie. Although no one could match The Queen, Erivo does an excellent job in her vocal performance as Aretha. The story shows Aretha’s life from a small child until her death in 2018. The young Aretha, known as “Little Re”, is played by Shaian Jordan. She’s a talented young actress who captures both the joys and the sorrows in Aretha Franklin’s younger life. The story deals with Aretha’s meteoric rise to stardom, her involvement with the civil rights movement, her interactions with her two sisters, who were backup singers who tried their best to get out of Aretha’s shadow, and her dealings with men. It seems like every man who met Aretha fell madly in love with her. The story also focuses on her terrible choices in men and a womanizing father who abused Aretha’s mother. Her first husband, Ted White, played by Malcolm Barrett, was also a womanizer and abusive to her. He was also jealous of her interaction with men in her professional life and the movie shows a scene
where she sits in front of a makeup mirror and reveals a black eye as she removes her makeup on the same night she was crowned as The Queen of Soul. Courtney B. Vance plays her father, the Reverend C.L. Franklin, an influential minister and radio host in Detroit. Reverend Franklin took Aretha out of school at 12 so she could perform in his traveling Gospel Caravans as they traveled around the country. He also hosted parties with the influential R&B stars of the day and “Little Re” was mentored by Dinah Washington and others who came over for dinner parties in The Franklin home.
GENIUS ARETHA captures the era of the 1960s civil rights movement and the strides, which she was a part of, to make this country better for African Americans. Ironically, Aretha’s public persona of women’s empowerment was far different from her personal life where men dominated her life and her career. The mini-series has received a great deal of criticism for the way Aretha is portrayed and her own family has said they don’t endorse the film. But the movie, with executive producer Clive Davis, who signed Aretha to Arista Records; and who oversaw her return to chart dominance, is very entertaining even if it’s not completely truthful. We’ll never know. GENIUS. ARETHA is rated TV14 with each episode running under 1 hour. On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate the movie a JUMBO.
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Can’t Let Go of My Ex ASK ALMA By Alma Gill Dear Alma, I can’t seem to let go of my ex and it’s coming up on 10 years. I thought he and I were the perfect couple. I am a college graduate, a professional and I own my own home and car. I consider myself beautiful and I know I’ve got it going on. I have dates and we hang for a few weeks, but nothing ever evolves into a serious relationship. When I’m in between finding Mr. Right, I will call my ex and see how he’s doing. It seems so right when we talk. I can tell he wants to be with me by the sweet things that he says, but I know he’s intimidated by me. He compliments me and tells me what a wonderful woman I am, so I don’t understand why we aren’t together. I have not had a serious relationship since we broke up. How can I finally let go of my ex and move on with my life? J.M. Dear J.M., Hmmm, let me think. How about you – let go of your ex and move on with your life. He isn’t interested in having a relationship with you. You can’t seem to understand that because you would have a relationship with you, wouldn’t you? Don’t get it twisted. When you’re starving for affection and come up with
A Civilized DFWConversation with ShySpeaks
that never ending bright idea to give him a call, of course he spoon feeds you a sweet line to two, but that shouldn’t trigger a reserved seat at the “take-meback” café. It is what it is, a line, a simple conversation. If you really want to move on, stop calling him. You say you haven’t been able to have a long term relationship. Ok, let’s do some reevaluating. At some point you need to realize, it’s not about him and take a look within. Really, with all the respect I can toss in your awesome sauce, the question is: What’s your issue? Sometimes when searching for Mr. Right, we’ve focused on his list of requirements so firmly, that we fail at our own authentic list of who we truly are and what we have to offer. Nobody, including you, has everything going on. If you can handle it, do some soul searching and ask a true friend and family member for some constructive criticism. Ask them to tell you one thing they’d change about you. Listen and consider what they say. There’s value and wisdom to be gained when we look to improve ourselves, not by a magazine’s standards, but whole heartedly from the inside out. Alma Alma Gill’s newsroom experience spans more than 25 years, including various roles at USA Today, Newsday and the Washington Post. Email questions to: alwaysaskalma@gmail. com. Follow her on Facebook at “Ask Alma” and twitter @almaaskalma.
and spirituality and some urban culture through the Arts and FROM just the power of my MARVA voice. I call myself WITH LOVE an”Artivist.” MS: We do have a By Marva J. Sneed voice, and some of On a previous From us have not realized Marva with Love, Shy this, so I’m glad that Amos, Dallas lyricist you realized you have a and award-winning voice for your listening American hip hop/ audience. spoken word artist, AKA SA: Yes. So I like what ShySpeaks, stopped by you were saying too, to talk about the event about everybody has that was held on March a voice. The shirt that 6, Civilized DFW, at I have on says “speak” place at Gilley’s on and that’s what I’m all Lamar. about, speaking and encouraging everybody else to do the same, because we all have a voice. We have to find it, realize it, in and utilize it while we can. Yes, the Civilized DriveIn Concert & Conversation for Change … ShySpeaks Shy Amos entertained and informed It was a drive-in all in one event. A lot concert and panel of times you have to conversation focused go to a town hall if you on change in the want to hear about community and how to be a civilized ShySpeaks joined citizen, and hear from forces with Big different leaders. Then Thought, an impact go somewhere else for nonprofit that closes entertainment. We put the opportunity gap for it all together in one youth in marginalized place. communities. To hear the full interview with MS: Welcome to the Shy Amos go to show Shy. Tell us about BlogTalkRadio.com : yourself. https://bit.ly/2YZWLxn SA: I am artistically and the live video on known as ShySpeaks. I Facebook.com/Texas am a lyricist hip hop/ Metro News. Follow Shy spoken word artist. Amos on FB and Twitter I got my start when I @ShySpeaks, and IG was a little girl., but in @shykoamos and on 2011 is when I actually her website: www. launched out and ShySpeaks.com. created my own brand. Tune into “From Marva So I have been working with Love” Fridays from 11 am-1 pm. on BlogTalkRadio. since 2011 and I believe com and Texas Metro News that I say my mission is Facebook page. marvasneed@ myimessenger.com to re-infuse positivity
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ARE YOU REDEEMABLE? VACCINE OR NOT, HOW DO YOU SHOW UP? BLACK CARD By Terry Allen I stopped to observe Lucille “Big Mama’s” question as she stated in one of the last conversations with me before she made her transition. All of the church sisters had heard her say, “Are you redeemable” and that always made the church meeting quiet. This particular “Big Mama ism” was so strong, it resonated with me days after she died. I sat with her the hospital room for
moments after she passed! My thoughts of redemption rang inside my head as she left this world for the heavenly other. Are you redeemable? Are you worthy? Here is what I do know. Big Mama always answered, “If Jesus redeemed his sinners and made them saints who at this table is redeemable or not redeemable?” She always said this to her accusers and allies. She issued those exact words during her talks with the women’s groups, her own family of sisters and her church family. Simply, are you redeemable? I listened and understood that she was making a “Diplomatic and Democratic” to diffuse any opposition to a great outcome.
What I learned from here was 5 easy rules. Here goes: 1. Jesus Christ was a redeemer, and so will we be one! 2. Everyone makes mistakes so everyone must atone for them as we embrace and redeem them. 3. Redemption is an act of believing things unseen an ultimate act of faith 4. Redemption removes judgment of the past aggressions we have over each other 5. Redemption allows us to have a Do over and address the elephant in the room fairly Let me apply that to the COVID 19 pandemic! The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic is changing the way our day-to-day interacti-
ons. There is much we still don’t know about how this situation will play out. But the virus has a vaccine and a vaccine protocol in place that has not won over Africans Americans. African Americans have not shown up in droves to get the vaccine. In the Black Community, whites are showing up in numbers extremely higher than African Americans in most major cities. The deaths in the Black community are overwhelming. There are several reasons why this is happening because on both sides of the aisle there is blame. I want to address one reason on the Black side today! Blacks have stated and shared some historical
medical fearsin our dark American history that resonate with those opposing taking the virus. The mistrust in the system and the vaccine myths are deeper than imagined. Get the vaccine! Please have a talk with the medical experts in your network to make the lifesaving decision to get the vaccine. To those African Americans who have not stood in the gap and who have not gotten the vaccine, I want to close and ask two questions. Why have you not gotten the vaccine? And are you not redeemable?
Terry Allen is an award-winning multi-media journalist and owner of 1016 Media.
UNT awarded $300,000 by Scripps Howard Foundation to support diversity in journalism CINCINNATI – As part of its commitment to advance equity, diversity and inclusion within the journalism industry, the Scripps Howard Foundation has selected the University of North Texas and Elon University as the recipients of grants from its new program for emerging journalists. The Foundation, the philanthropic organization of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP), has awarded a total of $600,000 to the two institutions to enhance or create programs that will inspire high school students to embark on journalism careers. “We are partnering with these esteemed institutions to create real-world opportunities for youth that foster an interest in journalism and open pathways to higher education,” said Scripps Howard Foundation President and CEO Liz Carter. “We believe these programs will play an im-
portant role in building a future industry that better reflects the makeup of our diverse communities.” Last summer, the Foundation hosted a competitive application process to select the two universities, which will each receive $100,000 a year over three years. The programs are funded through a generous gift from Eli and Jaclynn Scripps and Jonathan and Brooke Scripps. “By supporting the Scripps Howard Emerging Journalists program, we aim to build equitable opportunities for young people from underrepresented communities to be heard, seen and understood,” Eli Scripps said on behalf of the Scripps family. “We believe the more inclusive we can make newsrooms, the greater the benefit to society.” The Mayborn School of Journalism, based in Denton, Texas, will use the grant to help estab-
lish the Scripps Howard Emerging Journalists Program at the University of North Texas, serving high school students and teachers of diverse socio-economic, racial and ethnic backgrounds. During each year of the threeyear program, selected students will be connected with professional mentors and will be given opportunities to participate in workshops and career boot camps. The program will select 60 students, 20 each year, for paid internships at a news organization in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to tell multimedia and immersive stories focused on health and medical disparities among racial and ethnic minorities. “This opportunity aligns perfectly with our vital mission of helping to pave the way to a more diverse and inclusive world of journalism and communication in the years ahead,” Mayborn Dean Dr. Andrea Miller said. “As
a majority-minority and Hispanic Serving Institution, we’re excited to partner with the Scripps Howard Foundation to provide a real pathway forward.” Elon University in North Carolina will use the grant to fund the Scripps Howard Emerging Journalists Program at Elon. Between 2021-2023, the program will engage at least 115 high school juniors and seniors from North Carolina and surrounding areas. The program consists of three parts, with a focus on providing hands-on journalism experience: Exposure through virtual education opportunities, immersion through experiential learning workshops, and mentoring and production via a network of professional journalists. “We are excited to partner with The LAGRANT Foundation, North Carolina Local News Workshop and Elon Academy to prepare high school students
with journalism skills that will help them tell truthful, factbased stories that meet the needs of diverse audiences and help to support democratic values,” said Rochelle Ford, dean of Elon’s School of Communications. “The power of journalism is telling stories that need to be told, shared and understood. Through the Scripps Howard Emerging Journalists Program at Elon, we plan to educate aspiring journalists on how to wield that power.” “My interest in journalism was sparked long ago by a program very similar to this, so I know the impact it can have in terms of empowering young people by giving them a voice through hands-on exposure to the craft,” said Battinto Batts, director of journalism strategies for the Scripps Howard Foundation “It is especially rewarding to play a role in bringing a similar opportunity to up and coming journalists.”
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The Courageous 12
• Vol-9
• April 1 - 7, 2021
By Ronda Burns
Special from Florida Courier
enforce the law that was equal to the White police officers in spite of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
Former St. Petersburg Police Officer Leon Jackson describes his first day of walking the beat of Zone 13, the Black community, the only area where Black police officers were allowed to police, as both exciting and disappointing. A Black man was in the area and had committed a crime. Jackson was there but was not allowed to make the arrest. was only allowed to apprehend and detain the assailant. His distinct responsibility was to call his White counterparts to make the arrest. If he had made the arrest, he would have been reprimanded, demoted, or perhaps arrested himself. He did not push the envelope. Jackson, 79, is the sole survivor of St. Petersburg’s Courageous 12. They were African American police officers who sued the City of St. Petersburg in 1965 seeking relief from the Plessy decision of 1896, which established separate but equal as the law of the land. They sued for the right to
CHRONICLING HISTORY Jackson has written a book that chronicles the events that occurred that led to the lawsuit and profiles the officers who put their jobs on the line. The book’s title, “Urban Buffalo Soldiers: The Story of St. Petersburg’s Courageous Twelve,’’ captures the essence of how the group of officers evolved through the law enforcement system and the lawsuit that gave them equal rights. His inspiration for writing the book was to let the public know what the Black officers did to make the police department fair and work practices equal for African Americans. “They drove hand-me down vehicles and showered in separate areas. The most insulting thing was being referred to as a half-cop,’’ Jackson said. The 12 could only police Pepper Town, the city’s oldest Black neighborhood; the Gas Plant Area, another Black section which is now home to the Tam-
The last surviving Black police officer who sued the St. Petersburg Police Department continues to share his story pa Bay Rays stadium; Methodist Town, labeled as the city’s worst slum by the newspaper; and 22nd Street, considered a main street that housed many Black businesses and professional offices. The Black officers could not make any arrests but only wait until a White officer showed up so that he could officially do the arrest. All the Black officers could do was detain the person who broke the law. They met with police brass to make changes, but nothing ever came out of the meetings, Jackson recounted. The 12 decided to sue. FILING SUIT James B. Sanderlin, a 31-yearold Boston University law graduate, was interested in taking the case since he had just gone to court the year before to end
school segregation in Pinellas County. Sanderlin warned them that the lawsuit could bring repercussions. Adam Baker stood up and said, “Use my name first on the suit. I don’t care what they do. They can go ahead and fire me.” The 1968 court decision in the lawsuit of the Courageous 12 – Adam Baker vs. The City of St. Petersburg – changed working conditions, and promotional and employment opportunities in the City of St. Petersburg, and Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, the state of Florida and the nation. Officers Baker, Freddie Lee Crawford, Raymond DeLoach, Charles Holland, Jackson, Robert Keys, Primus Killen, Jimmie King, Johnnie B. Lewis, Horace Nero, Jerry Styles and Nathaniel Wooten were coined the Courageous 12. They lost the case in 1966, and
Sanderlin contacted the NAACP, who agreed to file an appeal. In 1968, the Courageous 12 won the appeal. “We were like the African American soldiers serving the American Western campaigns. Buffalo Soldier was the name that Native Americans called them. Black officers working in urban communities of America are Buffalo Soldiers who owe a tremendous debt to the Courageous 12,’’ Jackson said. According to Jackson, Baker was a 1956 graduate of Gibbs High School. He played football at the all-Black high school. He was also named the best dressed male student. Baker was appointed to the police force in 1959. HUMBLE BEGINNINGS Jackson was one of six children. He was born in McIntosh, Florida, and moved to St. Peters-
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Leon Jackson
burg when he was 13 years old. He worked at the Driftwood Cafeteria although he was not allowed to sit and eat there. Jackson was at the Driftwood when he thought about a career in law enforcement. His friend, Jimmy King, also a member of the Courageous 12, suggested that law enforcement may be a good change for him. Jackson was recruited by African American police officers King and Freddie Lee Crawford. He says after much convincing, they talked him into applying and becoming a police officer. He almost did not make it. “One requirement was that you had to measure five feet eight inches tall and I measured a fraction less,’’ he recalled. The woman that measured him told him to come back the next morning. She said that people often measure taller in early
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hours of the day. He did just that and measured a full five feet eight inches the next day. He joined the force in October 1963. Jackson credits then Vice Mayor Northey Cox with eventually making sure that he was hired on the force. He also gives credit to Bill Lattimore, a dapper man about town who knew both Blacks and Whites. Lattimore was the person who called the police chief about Jackson’s application. It appears that they only wanted to hire local Black men. According to Jackson, if the applicant was from up North, he did not have a chance of being hired. POLICE STATION TRIBUTE Jackson now spends his days speaking to various groups and youth about the Courageous 12, especially during Black History Month. He was the grand mars-
hal for the 2020 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade in St. Petersburg. Last fall, the Courageous 12 were honored with a ceremony at the city’s new police headquarters. A plaque was unveiled honoring the 12. Artist Ya La Ford has been commissioned to design an iron monument that will be erected in front of the old police station. Nowadays, Jackson becomes frustrated when he hears about all of the Blacks who have died at the hands of police officers. “Police departments need to enforce the sensitivity training programs that are in place and explore other methods of making the police more accountable for their actions,’’ he remarked. Additionally, he laments, “You can’t train the attitude, therefore, there must be conse-
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quences such as prosecutions if the training is ignored.’’ SPREADING THE WORD Jackson hopes the impact of his book will enlighten future generations in St. Petersburg and all over the nation. “The lawsuit personally paved the way for African Americans to pursue and get jobs in law enforcement. Just like the Brown vs. Board of Education lawsuit paved the way for equal rights to education, Adam Baker et al vs. the City of St. Petersburg made a pathway for African Americans and police officers of color across the nation,’’ he added. The book, “Urban Buffalo Soldiers: The Story of St. Petersburg’s Courageous Twelve” by Leon Jackson can be purchased by contacting Jackson at Leonjackson591@gmail.com.
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On the Shoulders of A Giant: Zachary O’Niel Guthrie
By William McDonald, Jr.
It was the fall of 1972 and as Boulter Jr. High was charging toward a city football championship Zachary Guthrie stood out as a defensive end on the bright Tyler Rose Stadium football field as a man among boys. As the announcer called his name it was not to be the last time to hear this gentle Giant, standing 6’8’’ name over a gridiron loud speaker. The following year Big Z would become a sophomore starting member of the 1973 John Tyler High State Championship football team as a tackle for a band of brothers that would be recognized by many as one of the best football teams Texas and the nation ever produced. In my life, I am truly grateful that Zach Guthrie would become a life long friend, and brother who lived a life dedicated to helping
others as a Christian, mentor, and public servant manager in both the Cities of Austin and Dallas, Texas. On the campus of Texas College, Zach and I became close friends as members of Top Teen’s Inc. under the tutelage of Mrs. Annie LaCroix and the Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. Tyler Rose City Chapter. During the next 45 years, I was blessed to know him as a man whose shoulders many have been supported by as a faithful Man of God, husband, brother, executive manager, Aggie, leader and brilliant scholar who is a legend both on and off the gridiron. In 1985 he became one of the three John Tyler players on the 1973 team to be selected to the All East Texas team along with NFL greats Earl Campbell and Ronnie Lee. As a Captain of the Texas A&M
football team he was the blind side tackle for quarterbacks Mike Mosely, who later played in the NFL and NFL Coach and Player Gary Kubiak, along with Curtis Dickey NFL running back and an Aggie teammate with his own brother Keith Guthrie, NFL player and JT Coach. The two brothers both wore the number 74 while attending Texas A&M University. Zach was proud to have been selected to play in the Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL. As an NFL free agent before an injury limited options of a pro career, he received NFL Hall of Fame player and Coach Forest Gregg’s compliment , “For a lineman you have the fastest feet I have ever seen”. Zach was one of the few high school athletes selected as both All-American offense and defense along with being a shot put champion during his early years at John Tyler High now Tyler High school. His parents Dollie and Johnnie Guthrie, were proud to know that their son could have played for the legendary Coach Eddie Robinson of the Historic HBCU Grambling State University his dream school as a child, but he chose to complete his education along a path less traveled by many African Americans at Texas A&M and focused on Industrial Safety Engineering. As one of the few starting football players and Corp of Cadet members, Zach honored the traditions of integrity, loyalty, discipline, and service throughout his life. Zach grew up with fond memories of Miles Chapel C.M.E and mowing the yard of Dr. Young, Tyler African American distinguished pharmacist and carried this spiritual Zach Guthrie foundation and hard
work ethic with him throughout his life. His first job upon his 1980 college graduation was in New Mexico as a Safety Manager for a major oil company, before joining me in Austin as a Solid Waste and Street Sweeping District Manager and in Dallas as Solid Waste District Manager. He was responsible for multi-million dollar budgets and training many employees as a licensed CDL instructor. Zach was one of the early solid waste pioneering managers for new technology use in the State of Texas by helping employees transition to automated waste collection, poly-carts and recycling to help avoid career ending back injuries. As a humble man, Zach became one of the first college educated District managers in Dallas to fulfill the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King who died defending the rights for African American sanitation workers to be treated as Men with dignity and respect. I never will forget his first safety meeting in the City of Austin in the mid -1980s when he was introduced as a newcomer to a unionized work force familiar with in-house promotions by opening with a prayer setting the tone for his tenure as a man who cared for both the safety and souls of his workers. Zach served over 18 years in the City of Dallas before retiring. Zach Guthrie traveled our nation from coast to coast in later years, but never forgot his love for Tyler, and his family. He was married to Evangelist Alice Guthrie for more than 29 years, his sole surviving brother Keith, along with many other Aggies, friends and relatives pause to honor this brother who on March 2, 2021 at the age of 64 transitioned from this earthly world to immortality. I remember Zach’s love for others watching him and his brother Keith Guthrie host a youth football camp with fellow Aggie teammate Tank Marshall, and former Dallas Cowboy Harvey Martin, for a group of boys at the Balch Springs recreation center who would later become a part of a Mesquite High School State championship
Deacon Zachary Guthrie
football team or taking my grandson Austin fishing in his first tournament. His patience as the Uncle every boy deserves in teaching him how to cast and bait a hook reflected on his values that if you give a man a fish he will eat for a day teach him how to fish, he can eat for a life time. Others will remember him as a Deacon teaching at the New Millennium Bible Fellowship Praise Center with Pastor Jimmie Slater in the Dallas Pleasant Grove area or hosting a fall festival for youth, helping facilitate the Father’s day church lunch, plan the annual bus trip for youth from Dallas to attend the annual gospel youth explosion in Arkansas coordinated by his wife Alice and some played on a youth football team he coached. Zachary O’Niel Guthrie, lived a life dedicated to helping others and while we may mourn his passing I choose to remember the gifts of his living so that others will be inspired like him to do their best while it is day with the knowledge that he truly understood the meaning of Hebrews 13:1-2:” Let Brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” My brother Zach rests today with the Angels of heaven knowing that he defended Jesus here on earth and although we remember him as Number 74 in our programs, he will always be No. 1 in the service of God and in the memory of his family and friends on earth as a mighty man of valor whose greatness came from his Giant heart full of good deeds and love of Christ.
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Southern dominates at Diamond Classic
Photos Credit: Eva D. Coleman
