T E X A S
MetroNews
WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM
DELIVERING NEWS YOU CAN USE
• Vol-10
• April 21 - April 27, 2022
13
My Truth cont. from page 1
Welcome Safe, Nurturing Place for Mothers
People respect him as a man and his work as a journalist. Decades before the term “multi-media journalist” would become the latest craze in the industry; Bob Ray was a master communicator and used his talents working in radio, television and at a newspaper. He could have worked anywhere in the country but he wanted to use his talents at home working for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, KERA-TV and KLIF-Radio. A captivating speaker, thought-provoking moderator and engaging panelist; Bob Ray’s strong communication skills keeps him in demand today. The recipient of numerous awards, and 52 years since he accepted a job at the Star-Telegram, Bob Ray will be saluted Saturday, April 23 as part of the 52nd Annual USA Film Festival at the Angelika Film Center in Dallas. Which brings me to my truth. Bob Ray Sanders is an all-around great guy; loved and respected by many. He’s honorable and a joy to know and work with as much as he is a joy to watch at work. It is so fitting that he is being saluted and hopefully there will be a packed house to show this brother some love because he has definitely loved on so many for so long. I’m also looking forward to the excellent programming for the USA Film Festival, which makes me think of another person who, like Bob Ray, did so much good; Michael “Hollywood” Hernandez, who transitioned earlier this year. Hollywood would have definitely been in attendance, saluting Bob Ray and covering the various movies on display. While Hollywood is no longer with us, we are so glad that we can share this special time with Bob Ray. Just think, 50 years in the business. Bob Ray, thanks for more than memories! And you too, Peaches!!
Just shy of its Winter launch, Meet Akina announces new, ultramodern features on its app, as well as welcomes Actress and Singer Deborah Joy Winans as first celebrity brand ambassador
52nd Annual USA Film Festival April 20-24, 2022 Saluting Bob Ray Sanders on Saturday, April 23rd, 5:30pm Angelika Film Center Dallas I.M. Terrell View the full schedule online here: http://www.usafilmfestival.com/images/USAFF52Flyer.pdf Tickets are FREE but limited So don't wait to reserve yours! To reserve tickets, CALL the USA Film Festival at 214-821-6300. RESERVATION LINE OPENS after 10:30am. Mention D-FW Association of Black Journalists or Texas Metro News when you call. For additional information and to view the entire Festival program schedule visit http://www. usafilmfestival.com/images/USAFF52-Flyer.pdf
DALLAS, TX - Meet Akina -- a popular social platform (think Wakanda), for Black mothers, aunties, bonus moms and caregivers, announces its latest round of expansion, which includes the introduction of Co-Founder Stephanie Roberts, the release of app upgrades and advanced features, plus the reveal of its first celebrity brand ambassador, Actress and Singer Deborah Joy Winans. Founded by veteran communications specialist and mother of three Leigh Higginbotham Butler, the all-in-one Meet Akina platform is a safe, nurturing space where mothers can come and garner support and essential resources -- something Butler desperately needed, following her own set of tragic circumstances that came just shy after the birth of her youngest son. “As moms of Black children, we navigate a special set of circumstances. From doctors, to caregivers, to teachers, to principals, police, and other parents -- we have to advocate for our children in a unique way,” said Butler. “The truth is that it takes a village to raise a child -- and every woman deserves access to that type of community. This is where Meet Akina was born. Swahili for ‘strong family bond,’ Meet Akina is now that village realized.”
As the premiere hub for Black mothers and women, Meet Akina is migrating an international list of 30,000 women for beta participation, who are eagerly searching for community and connections via shared parenting experiences. Now adding entrepreneur and mother of
is more than I could have ever dreamed possible. I’m excited to bring the vision of Meet Akina to fruition through strategic partnerships and by developing unique opportunities that can further enhance the impact of the platform.” In addition to Roberts, Actress
Stephanie M. Roberts
Actress and Singer Deborah Joy Winans
three, Stephanie Roberts to the mix, Meet Akina will undoubtedly have the leverage it needs for next-level success. Both Roberts and Butler, as Hampton University grads and as friends, share a unique bond. As Butler was developing the Meet Akina platform, Roberts was right there from the beginning – lending her support, spreading the message, and recruiting moms in need. “As a Black married mother of three children, I know firsthand the importance of sharing helpful information and simplifying the journey from one mom to another mom,” Roberts said, in her new role as Co-Founder. “Doing that on such a large scale
(OWN TV’s “Greenleaf”) and Singer Deborah Joy Winans is the latest in influential advocates to give Akina the providential nod. “As a Black woman, I believe in the mission of Meet Akina. Too often, we are ignored; our needs, our challenges and our concerns are dismissed by those we entrust with our health, our education and our children,” Winans said. “Meet Akina is on a mission to empower Black moms and moms of Black children to advocate for themselves and their families. "We deserve to do all that we can to not only make sure we are living our best lives, but that
our children are thriving and becoming incredible, productive adults that will continue to shape this world and make it a better place.” Meet Akina offers several interactive elements throughout the platform that cater to the needs of Black mothers and the unique challenges they face. In addition to chat spaces, meeting rooms, live streams, and events, Meet Akina has now added a desktop version of the experience, an online marketplace, digital classes, on-demand content from yoga and fitness instructors, mental health resources such as meditations and expert weigh-ins, a Membership Program, and also Akina Circles – which allows users to interact in sub groups that further enhance their connections and overall networking capabilities. The current Meet Akina village continues to expand and includes support by Milk Space, LLC, National Black Child Development Institute, Black Supermamas, Village Moms, The Allignment Chapter and a wealth of other brands. For more information or to join the community, visit MeetAkina. com or follow @MeetAkina on social media. The Meet Akina app is available to download on devices globally via Apple and Google Play.
