Texas Metro News 8-25-22 by Cheryl Smith

• 15 percent would pay it but cut spending in other areas 10 percent would borrow it from friends 4 percent would take out a personal Accordingloanto the Pew Re search Center, fewer than half of Black Americans said they

Purpose, professional development, and the pursuit of entrepreneurship were all takeaways from the 5th Annual Women’s Leadership Sum mit hosted by Helen Giddings, businesswoman and former State Representative.

Runnels

By Sylvia Dunnavant Hines

DeMetris Sampson, Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Weston Broome and Helen Giddings

Brooks Photo and Story

WomenConferencePower-packedInspiresinLeadership WAG Hosts Benefit for Homeless Veterans Families Continue Rich HBCU Heritage Beyond Football Classic For some the State Fair Classic is a family tradition spanning several generations Happy 10th Anniversary Texas Metro News TrendsettertheSee 7-10Pages

Hattie Wayne , Cathy Conwrigh and Shelia Williams in (high chair). The Wayne family has been recognized locally and nationally for being published in the Guinness Book of World Records. This photo was taken after a taping of a segment for WFAA TV Channel 8 -Dallas.

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For years Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been looked at as having a principal mission of educating Black Americans.AstheState Fair Classic game approaches, two HBCUS – Prairie View A & M University and Grambling State University are showing that a rich Black family heritage of education is also enhanced by a deep connection to foot ball.“As a child in Dallas, every year my parents took us to the State Fair Classic Game in the Cotton Bowl,” said Kimberley Runnels, who has served with both the National and Dallas Alumni Associations for Prairie View. “This started from the earliest time that I can re member attending a football game. “It was from the early 70s with Bishop Col lege through the 80s with Grambling. This

Thomas Muhammad had been ill and dealing with health issues for several years but I was not one for prematurely writing hisAndobituary.Thomas wasn’t either as he worked right up to his last days, dying peacefully in his sleep on Monday, August 15, 2022.He left an indelible mark in so many places and with so many people and I will remember him and his works; as well as through his writings, his words. Which brings me to my truth! Thomas was an organizer, an activist and a student who was always learning and sharing knowledge.Heloved life and while he could be serious and focused, he loved to laugh. He was proud to be from Dal las, and he wanted folks to know that Dallas did have activists who would challenge the status quo and were fearless in advo cating for causes and people they believed in. Several years ago, I reached out to Thomas Muhammad to begin writing a column address ing issues of importance to our readers.Forthe past decade, he has been a contributing writer for I Messenger Media's Texas Met ro News, Garland Journal and I Messenger Through. his writings, Thomas found much joy, often laughing at his own "clever rants." In the future, we will share his last column.

The Runnels family makes supporting Prairie View at football games a family (left to right) Tony Runnels, Erin Kimberley Runnels,Tony Jr. and

TEXAS DELIVERING NEWS YOU NEED WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM• Vol. 11 • Aug. 25 - 31, 2022 MetroNews See MY TRUTH, page 6 See WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP, page 5 See HOMELESS WARRIORS, page 14 See EMERGENCY FUNDS, page 6See FAMILIES CONTINUE , page 5 That GoodbyeLast Emergency funds can be critical, especially for BlacksByTRUTHMYCherylPUBLISHERSmith

From

affair.

ByMoneyTalkRodneyA.

By Sylvia Dunnavant Hines Staff Reports

Runnels,

“Basically, we just wanted women to come to gether,” said Giddings, adding that it is easy to With Dallas the home of the largest homeless population of veterans in the country, more and more advocates are stepping up to ensure that those who served this Country at the very least have a place to rest at night. Warriors Advocate Group (WAG), through the Building Homes for Heroes program, is hosting

No matter how old you are, or which life stage you are in, you need an emergency fund. And you need it even before you start saving for your future. So, what exactly is an emer gency fund and why is it so crit ical? Consider it to be the buf fer that keeps you going when stuff happens without having to resort to high-interest cred it cards, payday lenders and friends.Tobe clear, I’m not talking about the three to six months of living expenses that financial advisors say you need in case you lose your job. In real life stuff happens. An emergency fund for most of us is cash you would need in a real emergency – your car breaks down; your HVAC stops oper ating during a heatwave, or you need a new hot water heater.

•expense.Only44 percent would be able to pay from savings 20 percent would pay using a credit card

Felecia Runnels.

The truth is that less than half of Americans would have enough savings to cover a $1,000 emergency expense. Bankrate, a consumer finance company, asked in a survey “How would you pay for a $1,000 unexpected

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Artist of Dallas King statue Walter Winn Jr. deserves our memory - Part I

THINKING...JUSTWASByNormaAdams-Wade

2 • Vol-11 • August 25 - 31, 2022 TEXASMetroNewsDELIVERINGNEWS YOU CAN USE WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM

NEXT WEEK: PART II We will further explore Winn’s background, why he was picked to create the statue, his struggles as he worked on it, some of his memorable quotes, his gigs as a jazz drummer, and his children. We also will consider how the public could pay homage to him. Stay tuned.

The late, unassuming Dallas artist and jazz drummer Walter Winn Jr. popped into my mind recently.Iwish his name were more re membered. It certainly deserves to Ibe.had many conversations with Walter while he lived and con sidered him a friend. I would like to think – but know better -- that everyone knows he created the 7-1/2-ft bronze stat ue of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that stands today in front of the Martin Luther King Jr. Commu nity Center at 2922 Martin Lu ther King Jr Blvd. in South Dallas. That is a mouth full of Dr. King Jr.’s name, isn’t it? I’m delighted, though, that we must use his name so much in that sentence. I was just thinking…, I wish there were a way to make Winn Jr.’s name so repeated and re membered.Yes.Heis most remembered for the Dr. King Jr. statue at the King Center. But sculpture was not Winn Jr.’s go-to art form. Af ter years of painting on canvas images of people he met, the King Jr. statue was, in fact, Winn Jr.’s first sculpture. For those who do not know about Winn Jr., let me take a walk down memory lane and pay trib ute to his person and his skill. My best memory of how I met Walter is as a reporter interviewing him about being chosen to create the King Jr. statue for the King Center in the late 1970s. He deserves our memory.Aftermany months of pains taking work and frustrating re search, the statue was unveiled and dedicated the day before July 4th, 1976 -- the Independence Day bicentennial that marked the nation’s 200th birthday. Dig nitaries – including then-Lt. Gov. Bill Hobby and Dallas Mayor Robert Folsom -- and an enthu siastic public audience, that in cluded me, gathering in front of the King Center. Center officials proclaimed the statue as the only full-standing figure of Dr. King Jr. in the MartinSouthwest.Luther King Sr., father of the assassinated civil rights leader, was the keynote speaker. While Winn Jr. worked on the statue, he met several times with the King family to ensure he was getting physical details correct. Winn Jr. was brilliantly talent ed and dirt poor. He was unpretentious, like able, easy-to-get-along-with, and had a pleasant, cheerful per sonality. He was not the moody, withdrawn person that you might imagine a Michelangelo or Vincent van Gogh to be. No. The Walter I remember loved to talk, always was describ ing some image in his mind that he wanted to capture on canvas. Winn Jr. died of a stroke in 1996, 20 years after the unveiling and about a month before his 67th birthday. Records about his fragmented life are so conflict ing that it’s hard to decide which dates to trust. One record said he died August 15 another Aug. 31. The scattered records about Winn’s process of creating the King Jr. statue -- and the conver sations he and I had -- record that Oscar M. Graves of Detroit, a more established African-American sculptor, was added to the project late in the game to quietly counsel Winn in his newest art form. Then Graves did final casting of the fig ure at a Dallas-area foundry. Everything artist Winn Jr. did was self-taught; that is to say, he recalled that his earliest memo ries of using his innate talent was going to school with an older sis ter when he was between ages 4 to 6. Once there, he would help teachers decorate their class rooms for projects by standing on a chair to draw art on the blackboard. He did not begin to take his visual art talent seriously until he was about age 30, Winn Jr. has said. In interviews in various publi cations, Winn Jr. talked about his very low grades in school, about not being tied to any particular job after he somehow managed to graduate, of trying boxing for a while, getting by as a drummer in New York, and finally arousing the natural talent that had been lying dormant inside him. He began painting portraits continuously of noted local and national musicians he either en countered or admired, such as Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gilles pie, David “Fathead” Newman, Miles Davis, and Roger Boykin. Some who knew Walter said he had a photographic memory of scenes he saw around town, particularly street scenes and street people who caught his eye. Friends said he would paint what he remembered that he saw.

Winn’s 1982 Urban Ghetto Street Scene. Photo: www.worthpoint.com

Winn’s 1968 untitled oil portrait, perhaps of an urban dweller. Photo: www.auctionspear.com

Winn’s 1976 MLK Jr. statue at MLK Jr. Center. Photo: Mary Clark Traveler blog I

Norma Adams-Wade, is a proud Dallas native, University of Texas at Austin journalism graduate and retired Dallas Morning News senior staff writer. She is a founder of the National Association of Black Journalists and was its first southwest regional director. She became The News’ first Black full-time reporter in norma_adams_wade@yahoo.com1974.

DeSoto ISD DeSoto High School DeSoto West MS McCowan KATHERINEMSJOHNSON TMA RUBY YOUNG PSA THE MEADOWS ES FRANK WOODRIDGE*COCKRELLMOATESHILL* 85828285829279767683 BBBBBACCCB The overall ratings by campus are as follows: *WRE and CHE ratings are based on each campus’ intermediate feeder campus ratings. View TEA’s published 2021-2022 accountability reports here. Campus NUMERICAL RATING LETTER RATING It was a fabulous (NABJ) National Association of Black Journalists #NABJNAHJ22 #OpeningCere mony! Captain Minnie and I are so #Proud that #NABJRegionIII was victorious in University of North Texas #NABJ #UNTNABJ being named NABJ Student Chapter of the Year!!! #ThreeTheHardWay Message from NABJ Region III Director Eva

By NNPA Newswire/BlackPressUSA

with

After taking part in the academy, graduates have gone on to become doctors, nurses, engineers, pilots, journalists and more, and some have transitioned into mentors to the Disney Dreamers who followed them.

UNT! NABJ Regional

DeSoto ISD Superintendent Lone Finalist Dr. Usamah Rodgers D. Coleman Congrats Caucus Region III Eva Coleman LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. Teens from around the country are trying to put their best foot forward in hopes of being among the 100 students selected for the 2023 Disney Dreamers Academy. Ap plications are now underway for the in spiring and transformational mentorship program at Walt Disney World Resort for Black teens and students from underrep resented communities.

For more information, visit Disney DreamersAcademy.com, or follow on social media at dreamersacademy/.ersAcademyDreamersAcademy,Facebook.com/DisneyTwitter.com/DreamandInstagram.com/disney

Director

The students also take part in career workshops covering a variety of disci plines aligned with the students’ dreams. These workshops introduce the Disney Dreamers to diverse career paths within business, entertainment and sciences, including career opportunities within The Walt Disney Company. After taking part in the academy, graduates have gone on to become doc tors, nurses, engineers, pilots, journalists and more, and some have transitioned into mentors to the Disney Dreamers who followed them.

High School Students Nationwide Now Applying For Popular Disney Dreamers Academy Mentorship Program

“We’re excited to find the next group of Disney Dreamers and welcome them to Walt Disney World Resort for an experi ence they won’t soon forget,” said Tracey D. Powell, Disney Signature Experiences vice president and Disney Dreamers Academy executive champion. “If there is a teen in your life who has a dream, I would highly encourage them to apply. Taking a first step towards your dream is a hugely powerful moment. And, for those who are selected, the experience can be life changing.” Since 2008, Disney Dreamers Acad emy has inspired more than 1,400 stu dents from across the country who were selected from thousands of applicants who submitted written essays about their personal stories and dreams for the fu ture.During the four-day event, the students interact with community and business leaders, Disney cast members, celebrities and other special guests while partici pating in sessions teaching valuable life tools such as leadership skills, effective communication techniques and network ing strategies. Past celebrity participants have included stars from the big screen and television, noted sports figures, pop ular musicians as well as personalities and cast members from across the Disney family, including “Good Morning Amer ica,’’ ESPN, Disney Channel and the TV series “black-ish” and “grown-ish.”

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a B-Line to

After reporting promising preliminary district STAAR results earlier this summer, this week, the Texas Educa tion Agency released state ac countability ratings for local education agencies and DeSo to ISD is pleased to announce that the district earned a “B” for the 2021-2022 academic year.The 2022 accountability rat ing is a demonstration of the district’s forward movement and progress--demonstrating significant improvement from the district’s 2018 and 2019 accountability ratings which respec tively landed at a “D” and “C.”

The DeSoto ISD had a goal of ensuring that all cam puses received a 70 or above on this year’s accountability ratings--a goal the district is proud to announce that it was able to accomplish. “We know that our school community has been watch ing and waiting with great expectation for our results to officially document the dis trict’s progress,” DeSoto ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Usamah Rodgers said. “The district began laying the foun dation for this achievement with the adoption of the Board goals and monitoring progress monthly during meetings. As the new su perintendent, I look forward to working with the team to continue the positive mo mentum and progress. I know that, with out a shadow of a doubt, our DeSoto ISD students and staff are capable of achieving greatness.”

STAAR Results Are In: DeSoto ISD Is Making Excellence

The application process for the 16th annual program, set for March 23-26, 2023, runs through October at Magicalspiration,Floridaguardianpense-paid100www.DisneyDreamersAcademy.com.http://Theteenparticipantsreceiveanall-extripalongwithoneparentortoWaltDisneyWorldResortintoexperienceacombinationofineducationandfunatTheMostPlaceonEarth.Theprogramisanimportantpart of Disney’s commitment to supporting diverse communities by encouraging the next generation of Black students to think big, so they can relentlessly pur sue their dreams and make a difference in the lives of others.

Application process for 2023 event now open for teens from across America; Mentorship program with all -expense-paid experience at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida aimed at fostering the dreams of Black students and teens fromcommunitiesunderrepresented

drfroswa.com.Dr.JohnE.Warren is publisher of The San Diego Voice and Viewpoint.

4 • Vol-11 • August 25 - 31, 2022 TEXASMetroNewsDELIVERINGNEWS YOU CAN USE WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM

Beyonce actually helped promote her song even

more. If we are not careful, this can become a distraction from what’s really going on that’s much bigger than a song…. let’s pay attention to the cul ture that we have chosen to ig nore instead of using these sit uations as a teachable moment to instruct, offer wisdom and not condemnation, but pro vide a true alternative rooted in love, hope and faith. I learned as a parent that the more I said no to something, the more my child wanted it. I realized that when I explained the circumstances and taught her to think critically, she made the right decision. My fear is that we have be come fixated on soundbites and going viral than we are with really creating solutions to address the trauma and many wounds’ people have in the church and for some, because of the church. We might find the lyrics questionable but until we deal with what’s inside of each of us and our congregations, we will not impact the culture. Many of those that are being preached to on Sundays are the very ones in the club dropping it like it’s hot the night before. They don’t need condem nation. They need to be in the service seeing something dif ferent than what the world of fers. Sadly, it’s often hard to tell theIt'sdifference.timeforus to look in the mirror. The world is going to do what it does and yet, we are called to be different. Scripture reminds us "What comes out of a man is what makes him 'unclean.' For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual im morality, theft, murder, adul tery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arro gance, and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean.'" (Mark 7:2023) We tend to look outside of ourselves to believe that it is a problem in the world, but those same issues are in the church.Church girls, boys, men, and women all need a place of de liverance, healing, and resto ration. Beyonce’s song is a re minder of how we are missing theWemark.have a real opportuni ty beyond the 2-hour services on Sundays to really transform people’s lives if we choose to engage instead of remaining enraged and doing nothing.

We have a real opportunity beyond the 2-hour services on Sundays to really transform people’s lives if we choose to engage instead of remaining enraged and doing nothing.

UTTERANCESFAITHFULByDr.Froswa'Booker-Drew

All one has to do is look at the num ber of Trump supporters winning pri mary elections for a place on the No vember General Election ballots. Eight out of ten of the Republicans who voted to impeach former Presi dent Donald Trump have either lost their primaries or decided not to run again.Just this week, we saw Congress woman Elizabeth Cheney lose her pri mary race as a Wyoming Republican to a Trump supporter of the “Big Lie” that President Biden did not win the election.Letthere be no doubt that racism in the form of fear of the Black and Brown voting electorate is at the heart of the Trump movement of voter sup pression and planned efforts to decer tify future elections. Our vote is our most important weapon against this movement of racism cloaked in the “Make America Great Again” movement (MAGA). When we allow low voter turnout in the primary elections, we set the stage for the big November General Election Republican sweep that would not only give back control of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate, but also encourage the acceleration of Hate Crimes we are presently experi encing against people of color. If we want victories during and af ter the General Election of November 8th, 2022, we must get involved NOW. How? Check your Voter Registration. If you have moved since the last election, fill out a new voter registra tion form. We have them available at the Voice & Viewpoint office, or, go online.Itwas our votes that gave the state of Georgia two democratic Senators, shifting the balance of power in the U.S. Senate back to the Democrats. If Black Votes Matter (BVM), then we must vote because there are enough of us to make a difference in the general elections this November. If we plan to vote then we need to be sure we are registered and at the present address. If we don’t vote, then we can’t complain about rent increas es, gas prices, lack of daycare, and job opportunities.Wewillstay on this issue until we see some activities. We are less than 90 days from the election. What are youOurdoing?vote is our weapon because there are only three things that cor porate America fears: (1) lost profits, (2) bad publicity, and (3) a vote cast against corporate interest. Our vote has been our weapon since the Voting Rights Act of 1965 which the U.S. Supreme Court has sought to dismantle.Nowthat Trump has stacked the Court with his conservative right judg es, our vote for those who sit in the Congress and the Senate represents the only way to neutralize bad Court decisions like Roe vs. Wade. Again, are you preparing to vote or will you just leave it to others to fight for your rights? Smith

The real issue isn’t the lyrics of Beyonce’s song—it’s the lack of connection, understanding and real relationship we have with those in our congrega tions and communities to see the church as a relevant place of transparency, safety, and healing especially for young people.Although it probably wasn’t Beyonce’s intention to cause a religious dialogue, this song actually provides a glimpse into the multiple realities that many young people face—one of church that does not under stand the many dynamics they face so differently than each generation before. Young people witness the hypocrisy within the church that we are willing to call out sins in the world without tak ing a deep look at the cancer that has created a duality for a “church girl” to “drop it like a thotty” and still “wanna be centered in thy will” as stated in her Attackinglyrics.

ByVOICESOURDr.JohnE. Warren Beyonce’s song, Church Girl, has obviously caused a ruckus within some Christian circles. On one hand, it’s exciting that some of the Black church is waking up. On the other hand, as a body, we have been asleep. Sadly, the decision to speak out about the issues in the music industry are too little and too Insteadlate.of harping on the lyrics of this song, it’s a missed opportunity to really address a culture of young adults whose reality is either NOT the church or going to church as a formali ty due to Accordingtradition.toarecent report by The Survey Center on Amer ican Life of the American En terprise Institute, “Research has consistently shown that every generation of adults is somewhat less religious than the generation that preceded it. This pattern continues with Generation Z demonstrating less attachment to religion than the millennial genera tion did. In terms of identity, Generation Z is the least re ligious generation yet. More than one-third (34 percent) of Generation Z are religious ly unaffiliated, a significantly larger proportion than among millennials (29 percent) and Generation X (25 percent).”

The recent electoral primaries are giving us important insight into the future politics of our country.

Church Girls, Boys, Men and Women

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

Our Vote: Our Weapon Against Racism Publisher : Cheryl

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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Editor: CREDOPhone:Website:Address:editor@myimessenger.com320S.R.L.ThorntonFreewaySuite100Dallas,TX75203www.texasmetronews.com214-941-0110OFTHEBLACKPRESS

“Having our families involved makes it that more special for me. My father played football for Prairie View one season. Seeing his reaction when we go to the game makes it more exciting,” said Runnels. “My mom used to wave her pom poms at the games. Now I carry my own pom poms to the home games. These experiences have created some great memories. I think that it is important that we celebrate our high academics, and we cele brate our athletics.”

Power-packed Conference Inspires Women in Leadership cont. from page 1 build confidence at such gath erings. “In coming together, we share stories of other women’s accomplishments and how they have overcome challenges. She continued, “It is import ant for women to share success es. We realize that by working together, we can accomplish a great deal. When we do things that uplift women, we uplift families.”’’ said Giddings, who D Magazine listed as one of the Top Power Brokers in 1980. A trailblazer in her own right, Giddings brings to the confer ence her experience of being a human resource executive with Sears, Roebuck & Com pany, with responsibility for 11 states. She is also the former board chairman for the Dallas Chamber of Commerce and the founder of Multiplex, Inc., a specialty concessions compa ny.“I came up with this idea for the original conference because I wanted to help empower women. I wanted to do it inten tionally,” she said, explaining how she sat down and drew up a one-page plan. “I invited 14 women to come and have dinner with me. I shared the one-page idea with them. They all agreed that it was crucial for African American women to come together and to be able to have transparent discussions.”

Giddings said it is so essential to elevate women. “So often, we are disrespect ed and disregarded. We have to build our confidence to say I have a voice and a right. I have the right to hear, and my voice should be heard. We need to cre ate a culture where our grand daughters come of age and they realize they can have it all.

cont. from page 1

With Prairie View winning the last four consecutive games, this year’s State Fair Classic game gives added hope to Runnels and her relatives that will be at tending.“Weare excited about Coach Leonard “Bubba” McDowell,” she said. “He has NFL experi ence. He played for the Houston Oilers and the Carolina Pan thers. He has also been a PV as sistant coach. They felt that he was ready to be the head coach and we are behind him. We feel good about the game.”

“They might not have it all at once, but they can have it all. That is very important to me. I wonder to what height I might have climbed if I had been able to see her. In too many cas es, I was the first at what I did. I wonder what it would have been like if I had been able to start on somebody’s shoulders instead of on the ground floor,” Giddings concluded.

According to the Federal Re serve, Black women are the only racial or ethnic group with more business owners than their male peers. “We came up with topics that we thought that women were interested in and they could benefit from knowing more about. For instance, this year, we added a session on crypto currency. Even though Crypto currency is not doing very well now, many of us don’t know enough to make intelligent fi nancial decisions with it,” said Giddings.Shesaid she was very selective in topics to be covered during the two-day conference. Her team’s goal was to help level the playing field for women in all areas. Crypto has a higher par ticipation rate among younger adults than older adults: 15% of those 18 to 34 own cryptocur rencies, compared with 11% of those ages 35 to 64 and 4% of those 65 and older.

According to CNBC, only 4% of crypto investors are Black women.Kristin Rattler, a business owner who has also founded a non-profit organization, said she attended the conference to recharge her battery. “The inspiration and energy I received from the conference were irreplaceable. However, my biggest takeaway was from Judge Vanessa Gilmore, who reminded us that our care and concern for others measures success,” said Rattler. According to Forbes there is a pronounced gender dis crepancy in American men torship; 82% of men have had male mentors, while just 69% of women have had female men tors.

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Actually Runnels is very opti mistic about the outcome of the game.“Idon’t have any doubts that Prairie View will be the victor on October first,” predicts Runnels, who is also a Prairie View season ticketRunnelsholder.admits that her fami ly’s commitment to Prairie View extends beyond the upcoming rival game. They are dedicated to the financial support of the university as well. “In the same weekend as the game ,the Dallas Prairie View Alumni Chapter will host our annual scholarship gala. In fact, this is the 27th year for the gala. We started the gala to fund ath letic“Wescholarships.madeafour-year pledge of $200,000 to assist the Prairie View A & M Foundation in the building of the new stadium. In the history of our scholarship fund we have given Prairie View over a million dollars just from our little chapter,” said Runnels, who is chairperson for the gala which will be held at the Renais sance Hotel, the evening prior to the State Fair Classic game. The announcement of the construction of the new Panther Stadium at Blackshear Field was made in 2014. The 15,000-seat stadium holds 10 skyboxes/ suites and 500 premium seats, a field house featuring a large weight room, a dining area, aca demic support space, and other amenities. The total cost for the stadium was over 60 million dol lars.Hattie Wayne’s family will also be among the generations celebrating this year’s State Fair Classic game. “I went to a Grambling meet ing and some of the people were talking about all their fam ily members that had gone to Grambling. Of course, many of them were graduates. As they were talking, I realized that I had a lot more family members that had attended than the people who were talking. I also knew that over the years our family had a large number of cousins that were graduates of Gram bling. After the meeting, I came home and pulled up the Guin ness Book of World Records,” said Wayne, who worked to have her family’s historic accomplish ment recognized. In 2014 the Wayne family from Marion, LA was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Re cords for the most family mem bers to graduate from the same university Their family had 40 members who graduated from Grambling University between 1956 to 2010The Wayne Family has been recognized in the Senate and US House of Representatives for their significant achievement However, they are not resting on their laurels. They are paying it forward with a $100,000 endow ment pledge through the Wayne Family Hardship Scholarship Fund, which is allocated for graduate students of Grambling University that may need finan cial assistance while continuing their education

“We need to tell our story, be cause we have a lot to tell,” said Wayne, who desires to have a documentary to highlight their academic accomplishment She would also like to have a build ing named after her family in honor of their academic success at FamilyGramblingcommitments like those of the Runnels and the Wayne families are becoming crucial in these economically challenging times. Over the last few decades, there have been a number of HBCUs in the United States experiencing a decline in attendance and funding; howev er most recently, there has been a spike in attendance and more donations from philanthropists.

CottonPrairieGramblingStateWHAT:FairClassicWHO:StateandViewA&MUniversityWHEN:October1,2022WHERE:BowlinDallas,TX

Families Continue Rich HBCU Heritage Beyond Football Classic went on into the 90s, when I graduated from Prairie View, although at that time we never won a game, but I was still at tending every game and so were myForparents.Runnels who has been attending the State Fair Clas sic game for about 40 years, the game is more than just football. It is about continuing a legacy and supporting her alma mater. “To say that we are connected to the game is putting it mildly. The Runnels family bleeds pur ple and gold,” said Runnels.

Kimberley Runnels is following in her mother's footsteps by bringing pom poms to cheer Prairie View A & M University on at their home games.

For decades, Dallas native and former Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Di ane Ragsdale has been a champion for her community and while some grow up and move away, she is one who stayed and has been instru mental in the growth and develop ment of an area that oftentimes is overlooked.Sinceits founding in 1986 by Ragsdale, who serves as the execu tive director, the Innercity Develop ment Corporation (ICDC) has been all about transforming the South DallasICDCCommunity.hasfocused on building and revitalizing communities, with sev eral ongoing initiatives that include building more than 250 homes and an office complex for commercial and retail development; creating an incubator center and health care facility; and developing partnership with Dallas College to provide train ing.At a press conference that includ ed sponsors and board members, as well as members of the communi ty and Dallas City Councilmember Adam Bazaldua, it was announced that Green Mountain Energy Sun Club was donating more than $130,000 to assist ICDC in transi tioning to solar power. According to Ragsdale, ICDC wants to model the type of busi nesses we want built in District 7 and her council member agrees.“This is incredible for the southern sec tor,” said Bazaldua, as he referenced previous problems during power outages in the City of Dallas. “We don’t have to depend on a grid that has already failed us.”

“We are especially proud to be a leader in the South Dallas/Fair Park communities to confront environ mental racial injustice by switching to solar power. ICDC joins the fight to confront global warming and promote climate change.”

By Cheryl Smith Photos by Stewart Curet had an emergency fund and they have taken mul tiple steps to make ends meet. That survey also said that, unsurprisingly, Black Americans typically ex perience higher levels of economic insecurity than Americans overall. Re member the average net worth of a Black family is only 1/10 of a white family ($17,100 vs. $171,000).

My Truth cont. from page 1 Thomas Muhammad, with his trademark fist in the air, and Cheryl Smith (l-r)Johnny Richardson, Manager with Green Mountain Energy (they awarded ICDC with the nearly $130k grant), Adam Bazaldua, District 7 Dallas City Councilman, Diane Ragsdale, ICDC Founder /Director and Billy Lane, ICDC Asst Executive Director

6 • Vol-11 • August 25 - 31, 2022 TEXASMetroNewsDELIVERINGNEWS YOU CAN USE WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM

FLIP The Switch ICDC is Going Green in Sunny South Dallas

Are you prepared to pay for the unexpected without having to resort to costly payday loans or high-in terest credit cards? The av erage credit card interest was 19.13 percent for new offers and 15.13 percent for existing accounts in the second quarter of 2022 ac cording to WalletHub. Things are worse since the pandemic. Inflation is rampant, there are short ages everywhere and pric es of everything are still rising. A set of new tires can cost you $600, or more, though costs will vary with the model and use. Plumb ers can cost $45 to $150 an hour with minimum ser viceHowrates.much you need in that emergency fund de pends on your personal situation. But you need to have some savings to get you through those tough crises.Here’s how you can build an emergency fund.

1. Start by creating a bud get. See how your income and expenses match up, and where you can save.

5. Cut out one restaurant meal a month or one weekly visit to Starbucks and instead put that money into emergency fund savings.

“We believe in solutions that not only benefit the planet but bene fit the people in the communities we serve,” he said, adding that the project could lead to generational wealth.Stability is just what Kierra was looking for. On hand to tell her story about graduating from the program and moving on to a career in solar construction, she talked about her transition af ter exiting the military. The former marine said the move was some what bumpy and she had to deal with housing issues. Fortunately she found out about a tiny homes project and solar training. Today, she’s just happy to work on projects like the one with ICDC. This project, said Ragsdale, “Un veils another tool in our arsenal to fight economic and social injustice.”

The energy savings will allow ICDC to build more energy efficient affordable housing in the community and pro vide workforce training for green construction, homeown ership counseling, and a business incubation program for communi ty members. The total saved from the new solar array will allow more than 360 individuals to receive free financial counseling.

Adding that the ICDC is able to continue its mission of building lives and revitalizing communities, Rags dale said they are providing viable careers with gainful employment in the green construction industry.

The partnership between ICDC and Green Mountain Energy will offset 78% of the building energy needs, according to Johnny Richard son, program manager for Green Mountain Energy Sun Club. “We were able to supply a sustainabil ity grant of $130,000 to ICDC. The grant will significantly reduce the organization’s electricity costs/en ergy needs while also increasing IC DC’s resilience.

2. Set a reasonable finan cial goal for your individ ual emergency fund.

The beauty of Thomas was that what ever he supported, even if he was stand ing alone, all by himself, that is exactly what he would do, STAND! He also liked to host events where he celebrated people in the community who he felt were deserving. He definitely believed in giving flowers when the recipients could enjoy them. I was the beneficiary of at least two suchOne“honors.”timehe gathered folks in the com munity as he called attention to my ef forts as a “forever” mother to my sister’s fourAschildren.someone from the village who had to put in his time babysitting or trans porting the Three Live Crew Plus 1, he was well aware of many of the challenges I faced.Then in 1999 he held a community event to celebrate my victory as I was elected to the board of the National As sociation of Black Journalists. There were some special people who assembled to show me love; like the late, great Hon. Kathlyn Gilliam and journalist extraordi naire Lawrence E. Young. Yes, Thomas provided memories for so many and I am so glad that we will get the opportunity to do the same for his loved ones as we come together in the future to celebrate his life, triumphs, contributions and sacrifices.

3. Set aside $20 a week, when you have it, or $10 when you don’t. Don’t carry it around, put it in a book or in a sock draw er. When you get it up to a couple of hundred, put it in a bank savings account. You won’t earn much on the money, but you want it in cash.

Stay tuned for more information as plans are underway to give friends, fam ily and colleagues as well as anyone who feels he touched their lives in a positive or productive way will have an opportu nity to celebrate his life with like minds. Hopefully if someone didn’t with Thomas, they will realize the importance in the future of sharing the love, or what ever feelings in that moment because we usually don’t know when that moment will be the last one.

“This jump to solar is not just to reduce our dependence upon the utility grids,” she explained. “Flipping this switch benefits the entire community that we serve by using less fossil fuel and reducing pollutants in green house gas emis sions that come from ndon green construction.”Inliterature touting the program and encouraging applicants to take advantage of opportunities, infor mation was presented that exhibit ed how through ICDC’s partnership with Dallas College, trainees in the workforce program earn industry recognized certifications that lead to living wage jobs. Additionally, through a partnership with Green Careers Dallas, a nonprofit provid ing solar installation training as a pathway to living wage work in a lasting career, solar installation ap prentices will have an onramp to clean energy careers.

Emergency Funds cont. from page 1

With ICDC leading by example, the event will also highlight ICDC homeowners who have installed solar panels and are sustainably preserving generational wealth through decreased energy costs.

4. Set aside your tax refund or pay raise instead of paying bills.

6. Get a temporary side hustle or part-time job. Save until you have The$1,000.reason you want to be gin an emergency fund be fore you begin saving/invest ing: You don’t want to pull money out of a mutual fund or retirement fund to pay for an unexpected emergency. Not only will you be messing with your investment return, but you also may also face taxYouconsequences.mustconsider that emergency fund to be sep arate, and only your first step towards and investing for your future and your re tirement.

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By Angelina Liu

Twitter: Instagram:@TrendsetterTMN@thetrendsettertmnTikTok:@thetrendsettertmn Facebook:Pinterest:@TheTrendsetterTMN@thetrendsettertmnSnapchat:@trendsettertmn Follow us to keep up with the trend! See SENIORS, page 10 Photo 247 Sports Photo 247 Sports Photo 247 Sports Photo 247 Sports Photo 247 Sports Photo 247 Sports Photo 247 Sports Photo 247 Sports See TOP FOOTBALL PLAYERS, page 10

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Attention all seniors: this is a year you will never forget. If there is something that you have always wanted to do, it’s your last year so go for it because if you don't, you will regret it. Go to all the games and school dances, because it is your last chance to do so. Dear Class of 2023, We have almost made it, May 2023 will be here before we know it. Our freshman year was cut short, by what we thought was going to be a two week break. Instead it turned into a global pandemic. Staying at home gave us the opportunity to learn more about ourselves and grow. Most if not everyone came back to school the following year their true authentic selves.Ifyou still have not figured out what exactly your true authentic self is, it’s okay. My freshman year I knew there was room to grow, but I did not realize how much.

Hailing from Martin High School in Arlington, Texas is four-star cornerback Javien Toviano. Toviano is the fourth best cornerback in Texas and he is uncommitted.

Top Football Players in North Texas Class of 2023

Enow Etta Hailing from Covenant Christian Academy in Colleyville, TX is four-star defensive lineman Enow Etta. Etta is the 17 best wide receiver in Texas and is committed to play at the University of Michigan. Malik Muhammad Hailing from South Oak Cliff High School in Dallas, TX is four-star cornerback Malik Muhammad. Malik is the sixth best cornerback in Texas and is committed to play at the University of Texas at Austin. Peyton Bowen Hailing from Guyer High School in Denton, TX is four-star safety Peyton Bowen. Bowen is the fifth best safety in Texas and is committed to play at Notre Dame University.

Jackson Arnold Hailing from Guyer High School in Denton, Texas, Jackson Arnold is a five-star quarterback; ranked as the fifth best quarterback in the Lone Star State. He is committed to play for the University of Oklahoma. Anthony Hill Hailing from Ryan High School in Denton, TX is No. 1 linebacker and No. 2 Lone Star State recruit Anthony Hill; who is a five star recruit committed to play at Texas A&M. Johntay Cook II Hailing from DeSoto High School in DeSoto, TX is four star wide receiver Johntay Cook II. Cook is the fifth best wide receiver in Texas and is committed to play at the University of Texas at Austin. Markis Deal Hailing from Naaman Forest High School in Garland, TX is four-star defensive lineman Markis Deal. Deal is the 14 best defensive lineman in Texas and is uncommitted.

By Kendall Gayle Editor-in-ChiefWashington

Javien Toviano

8 • Vol-11 • August 25 - 31, 2022 TEXASMetroNewsDELIVERINGNEWS YOU CAN USE WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM 4 • Vol-10 • July 7 - 13, 2022 TEXASMetroNews WWW.TEXAS METRO NEWS.COM

Editorial Page Editor Graphic by

Extracurricular activities are important in any young adult’s development; everything we do in these formative years matter. An easy way to stay active and stay well rounded is joining a sport. Many join a sport with the intention to have fun and, in essence, is what it should be— a fun way to help your body. However, it has become the opposite as time has goneAllby.high schools have a variety of sports teams, from basketball to tennis. The athletic department has become so important that schools have begun to increase their attention and resources. According to Busted Coverage, American schools spend an average of $100 billion on sports events as well as three times as much compared to education. With this, there’s an ever mounting pressure on student athletes. The current culture is one of constant competition and stress. Students wake up early and get home late with their free time taken up by their sport. Games are scheduled weekly, at minimum, while practice is usually held daily. The underlying issue is that of inherent expectations. All of the pressure is put onto the student’s shoulders to win and perform perfectly. The intent of sports falls away to the pressure of being the best of the best. This situation causes detrimental effects in students. According to North Eastern University, recent statistics show that 95% of male and 85% female athletes experience higher stress levels compared to the 52% for non athlete students. The demand sports have on young adults takes away their ability to take care of their mental and social needs. Students have less time for studying, but also basic necessities such as eating and sleeping. Neglecting needs is just one factor of the rise of mental health problems in student athletics. Because of this culture of the constant need to prove oneself, most young athletes are not happy with where, and who, they are. There is nothing that one individual can do to fix the system as a whole. But, you can change something arguably more important: your own life. To be the best in your sport, you have to stop focusing on being the best. Though this may seem contradictory, you need to start prioritizing your needs over your desire to become perfect. You need to commit to a balanced routine that involves work and play. Once you get your mind stimulated, you will have more of a headspace to devote to your athletic responsibilities. Allowing yourself to breathe means that you are allowing yourself to heal; just like your body, your mind needs to be taken care of.

By Maya Palavali Maya Palavali

How to help student athletes' mental health

It’s time to experience a whole new Methodist Charlton Medical Center. Today you’ll find nearly 300 physicians in 58 specialties on the medical staff, comprehensive robotic surgery options, nationally recognized cardiac care, advanced cancer treatment and, opening early 2023, an entirely new emergency department. And that’s just the beginning. Providing the care you need in your neighborhood for nearly 50 years. That’s community, and why so many people Trust Methodist. Visit us at ChooseCharlton.org or call 877-637-4297

Advances,

Kendall Gayle

Hailing from South Oak Cliff High School in Dallas, TX is four-star cornerback Jayvon Thomas. Thomas is the seventh best cornerback in Texas and is committed to play at Texas A&M University.

upgrades, and recognizednationallycare.

The Trendsetter Texas Metro

Top Football Players in North Texas Class of 2023 cont. from page 7

Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medicine. The physicians on the Methodist Health System medical staff are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Methodist Charlton Medical Center, Methodist Health System, or any of its affiliated hospitals. Methodist Health System complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

Entertainment Editor: Angelina Liu Layout and Design Editor: Iniya

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News youth section, focused solely on the ideals, interests, occurrences and opinions of our youth. Here you will find the latest, hottest, jaw-dropping stories, appealing to those ranging from 13-25. Prepare to be informed and entertained!

The Trendsetter

Editorial Page Editor: Maya Palavali

Photo 247 Sports Jayvon Thomas

Isaiah Robinson

is the

Hailing from Lamar High School in Arlington, TX is fourstar wide offensive tackle Isaiah Robinson. Robinson is the 23 best offensive tackle in Texas and is committed to play at Baylor University.

Editor-in-Chief: Washington Nathan

10 • Vol-11 • August 25 - 31, 2022 TEXASMetroNewsDELIVERINGNEWS YOU CAN USE WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM 6 • Vol-10 • July 7 - 13, 2022 TEXASMetroNews WWW.TEXAS METRO NEWS.COM Seniors,wearealmostthere! cont. from page 7 Positive Affirmations

4.Across:Someone who is really passionate about their school has school ______. 5. Leaders at school that promote school spirit.

Football,ANSWERS:Down:1.2.DrillTeam,3.DrumMajorAcross:4.Spirit,5.Cheerleaders

SPORTS Crossword

I am so proud of the person I am today. When I look back at old pictures, I am reminded of the roadblocks I faced. While it makes me sad, I then come to realize how it made me stronger and I persevered.Therehave been times throughout our high school careers when we almost gave up, but we kept pushing. High School, is only the beginning but it gets better. The world is waiting for us and we are ready. We will face challenges but high school prepared us. It is not graduation yet, so there are many things we will learn in due time. When you ever begin to doubt yourself remember, we were all 8th-graders that turned into mature young men and women.

1.Down:Asports team that plays on a field with a brown ball. 2. The school dance team that performs at football games. The leader of the marching band.

Apparel worn by some of this country’s legendary figures will be unveiled as a prelude to the kick-off of TBAAL’s 5th annual Riverfront Jazz Festival at 5:30 pm.

Tickets may be purchased on Eventbrite night-scholarship-fundraiser-730-pm-sep-16th-2022-https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-jaguat:ar-tickets-339007680097?aff=ebdssbeac23FREEGrantWriting&Business-Workshopwithco-hostGSA-AlbertGarzaandSBA-NancyAlvarezwhichwillbeonSeptember23andthelastLegalClinicwillbeOctober22.

Someone Like Me, is a panel with eight queer femme and non-binary artist sworking across mediums and cultures. It will be at the Latino Cultural Center, 2600 Live Oak Street, Tx 75404 through August 20, 2022. **** Sweet Tooth Hotel is presenting their newest exhib it Rewind through August 31. Located at Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm, 970 Garden Park Dr. Allen, TX 75013. Ticket prices range from $15-$35. ****

Starting July 9-September 5, world-renowned conservationist and ethologist Dr. Jane Goodall – who has famously studied chimpanzees in the wild for more than 60 years – will be celebrated in this special exhibition, produced in partnership with the National Geographic Society and the Jane Goodall Institute.

that raise the most funds. .\\ Donations may be written off as a tax https://hbcufortheculture.eventbrite.comdeduction.***It’stheOldSchool70’sPartyoftheYear! Join the “Old School Jam Day-Party” with DJ Jimmy Porch, DJ TDK and I as we take old-schooling to another level. Even if you don’t plan on attending any other party this year, this is the “one” you don’t want to miss! Click for school-jam-day-party-on-sept-24th-tickets-389629681867https://www.eventbrite.com/e/youre-invited-to-the-old-ticketsGrabyourticket(s)ortabletodaybeforeitstoolate! 30 Each Tuesday at 1pm, Chef Isabel presents a delicious cooking demo featuring the weekly samples at the Tasting Pavilion at the Dallas Arboretum. Prairie View A&M UniversityAlumni-Dallas 25th 816OCRenaissanceandScholarshipAnniversaryGalaSilentAuctionDallasHotel-MardiGrasTheme6:30pmTOBER23SoulFoodMontgomerySt.,Dallas Lifestyle Metro Calendar powered by Send your calendar items editor@texasmetronews.comto McKinney Oktoberfest SEP 23 AT 12 PM –SEP 25 AT 7 pm Historic Downtown McKinney 111 N. Tennessee St., McKinney

The Perot Museum of Nature and Science, located at 2201 N. Field St. Dallas, TX 75202, celebrates its 10th Anniversary with the new exhibit, “Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall.”

The 9th Annual HBCU Scholarship Fundraiser, 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm CST, at 4Thirteen Kitchen and Sports Lounge located at 755 TX HWY 121 Lewisville, TX 75067. During this HBCU Scholarship Fundraiser, up.to four scholarships will be awarded to the university(ties)

• Vol-11 • August 25 - 31, 2022 TEXASMetroNews

Building Homes for the Heroes fundraiser event at the Redefined Coffee House, 200 W. Northwest Highway, Grapevine, TX 76051

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National202210UNCFWalk for Education – North TX 7:00 am - 11:00 am LAKE CLIFF PARK 300 E. COLORADO BLVD.DALLAS, TX 75201 10-11 Hispanic Heritage Celebration on September 10 & 11 featur ing our Quinceañera Fashion Show! Save the date for the fifth annual Dallas Arboretum Hispanic Heritage Celebration on September 10-11, 2022 featuring our Quinceañera Fashion Show and Cultural Celebration! Visit the garden for a celebration you won’t want to miss. Food, vendors, live music, a cooking demonstration and of course, the much anticipated Quinceañera Fashion Show. Free with garden13-14admission.

The Dallas Opera will be performing at the Dallas Arboretum for two special nights of music as you watch the sunset over White Rock Lake! Bring your friends and family to enjoy a picnic and night of beautiful music! 7-9pm 16 The Southern University Alumni Federation - Fort Worth Chapter will host “Jaguar Takeover Night,” an annual scholarship dinner party and fundraiser, at 7:30 p.m. at Crowne Plaza Suites, 700 Avenue H, in Grand Prairie. The scholarship event is one of several activities held on the same weekend that SWAC com petitors Southern University of Baton Rouge, La. and Texas Southern University of Houston meet for the His torically Black College classic, the Arlington Football Showdown. Single tickets to the fundraiser are $50. A table for 8 guests at the scholarship event is $400.

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“I like how they do have a limit on people because it just gets too crowded otherwise,” voice actress Dani Chambers said. What sets apart Dream Con from other conventions is its com fortable atmosphere and active effort to uplift minority voices, especially the Black community. The event was tailored to the cele bration of all cultures, rather than just a select few.

The exhibition hall buzzed with excited chatter as people in de tailed costumes of all shapes and sizes walked through rows of stalls while events for attendees to meet their favorite content cre ators happen simultaneously.

Dream Con uplifts POC anime community

Collaboration Addresses Texas Labor Shortage Provides Hands-on Training, Livable Wages After Training, Graduates to Make $20-25 Hourly

By Stewart Curet Collaborators Gather at CitySquare for Announcement for aspiring HVAC Technicians.

• Vol-11 • August 25 - 31, 2022 TEXASMetroNews

Despite the thunderstorms and flooding early this week, UpSmith CEO and Founder, Wyatt Smith called Monday an exciting day as UpSmith, Inc. and American Resi dential Services (ARS/Rescue-Root er) announced a partnership cre ating “high-purpose, high-pay, high-dignity career opportunities” across Texas for aspiring HVAC technicians.“Ourmission is to combat the U.S. skill crisis,” said Smith, adding that they have a big challenge with over one million job openings in Texas. “To take on those roles and expand, we need a new way of working.”

“Workforce Dallas is committed to helping up to 10,000 residents a year upskill for jobs of the future. UpSmith’s tech platform provides a needed link to employers,” she said.

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“It's nice to see that it's run by the Black community, and that anime is reached by all cultures,” vendor Vivian Wong said. In its ability to create a bright environment to bond over shared interests, the convention became exponentially important to POC communities over the past few years.“It's Black excellence all around,” voice actor Gabe Kunda said. “It's really important to have something where you can come see people that look like you and geek out on the same things.”

Photo: Maya Palavali Cassie Small, creator of themed terrarium shop Random Smash, poses behind a booth on Saturday at Anime & Gaming Convention in Central Texas.

For McBee, solutions include up ward mobility, providing the skills and investing in participants reach ing their fullest potential. To underscore the value of their community partnership, CitySquare Chief Programs Officer Nadia Salibi said: “At CitySquare, our programs address inequality in access to hous ing, food, healthcare, legal services, and employment opportunities. As we strive to remove obstacles for so many of our neighbors, we are ex cited to partner with UpSmith and empower our neighbors through training that can secure better pay and a rewarding, sustainable ca reer.”She added that partnering, as well as employment training are critical to CitySquare and their team will be “walking alongside” workers to help them achieve their goals.

Earlier this year, when Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson named Lynn McBee as his Workforce Czar, he said that boosting upskilling efforts in the City was a “top mayoral pri ority.”

Darren Green wholeheartedly agrees and he was on hand to share hisTheexperiences.formerMarine said he went through an identity crisis and need ed to find a niche to direct his drive and sense of purpose. Because he enjoyed working with his hands, and he saw an op portunity for growth, he signed up, graduated from HVAC school and is gainfully employed, doing some thing that is providing him so many opportunities.Andthoseopportunities are com ing fast, according to Smith, who says candidates interested in ca reers as HVAC technicians should visit UpSmith.com to learn more, and apply. He said the process is simple and after creating a video, passing checks that include back ground and drug testing; they will be hiring in the next two and a half weeks.“You’ll be a technician by the middle of the Fall,” Smith added.

Marva J. Sneed contributed to this re port.

Dream Con attendees pose in signature character stances with themed costumes.

RDCWorld 1, a famous enter tainment platform, hosted the Dream Convention on July 15-17 at the Anime & Gaming Convention center in Arlington. Pairing with the AT&T Stadium, the event cel ebrated anime and gaming in the POCStandingcommunity.for “Real dreamers change the world,” Mark Phillips of RDCWorld 1 created the annual convention to celebrate art forms such as comics, cosplay and pop culture in a safe space alongside other social media creators. “It's very diverse in what they have; they have a little of every thing,” Dream Con volunteer Maleka Payne Teferi said. “They have content creators sharing their tricks of the trade.” Dream Con officially kicked off with a fun filled schedule from 2 p.m.-10 p.m. Activities included gaming tournaments, artist gal leries, cosplay contests and more. “I actually feel more comfort able here than the bigger ones,” Dream Con attendee Amber Byrd said. “It’s a little smaller and has a betterDreamvibe.”Con had many safety precautions to ensure the conven tion was COVID-19 free. The event had a limited registration and was quickly sold out in March, high lighting its popularity.

Photo: Maya Palavali

Because of the importance of this issue, this partnership, said Mc Bee, will help with one of her goals, which she stated when appointed, and that is workforce development.

Through UpSmith’s technology platform - UpSmith.com - which connects talent with employers seeking to identify, qualify, staff, and retain skilled tradespeople, ARS, the nation’s largest provider of residential heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) services, is sponsoring candidates o earn cre dentials as HVAC technicians via paid 8-week training boot camps. According to Smith, upon com pletion of the program, applicants will be offered $20-25 per hour and those rates will have a significant impact on not only the economy but communities, families and the country.“Texas is a proving ground for how to create fast, affordable path ways to jobs of the future,” he said. “Our platforms are open for busi ness!”“We are excited to announce our partnership with UpSmith in ad dressing the skilled worker short age across Dallas and Houston,” said ARS Chief Human Resource Officer, Chris Snow. “With their support, we will be able to provide enhanced services to our valued customers and communities. The ARS Net work is proud to pioneer these paid on-ramps to welcome new, hard-working talent into our in dustry. In addition to creating home services careers, we are inviting bright, ambitious young men and women to build fulfilling careers in a rapidly advancing market.”

“I am pleased UpSmith is launch ing its workforce training endeavor in North Texas to create pathways for Metroplex residents to gain high-demand credentials in the skilledCitingprofessions.”statistics that show 40 percent of Dallasites are in the low income bracket, McBee said she and Mayor Johnson are “hyper-focused” and working hard to change those statistics.“We’ve got to all be involved and working hard to move those people out of the low income situations and multiple job situations, and we know that technology is the way to scale, technology is the future in solving workforce issues.”

“In the fight to move our neigh bors out of poverty into the possi bilities, everyone deserves to have equal access to training, and build ing marketable skills is paramount.”

By Maya Palavali

Photo: Stewart Curet, Texas Metro News

14 • Vol-11 • August 25 - 31, 2022 TEXASMetroNewsDELIVERINGNEWS YOU CAN USE WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM

“Our country has a shortage of veteran housing and Warriors Advocacy Group wants to change that,” said WAG CEO Corneilous Thomas. “With the assistance of local government officials and community leaders we hope to heighten the awareness of issues facing Veterans.”

In addition to the WAG’s Homeless Veterans Project, there’s also the RedBox Project. With the help of the Department of Veterans Affairs, WAG has de veloped a program, Homeless Veterans Project, that will build new housing for homeless Vet erans starting in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The program is designed to offer job training and temporar ily house Veterans for up to two years until permanent housing is acquired.TheRed Box Project offers Vet erans the opportunity to become entrepreneurs by constructing custom shipping container ki osks, so Veterans can establish their own vendor-style compa nies.WAG is committed to advocacy and the advancement of Veterans across the country; with a par ticular emphasis of establishing headquarters in Dallas- Ft. Worth and the objective of expanding to other US regions. WAG is focused on providing Veterans with the resources and support needed to build a solid foundation for con tinued success. For more information on WAG and sponsorship opportunities visit https://warriorsrun.org

Homeless Veterans cont. from page 1 its inaugural charity event this weekend to support efforts to wards building a housing pro gram for homeless Veterans and aid transitioning military Vet erans by providing temporary housing assistance, job training, and entrepreneurial opportuni ties.The Building Homes for He roes fundraiser, on August 27, is a Black Tie Event at Redefined Coffeehouse, 200 W Northwest Highway, Grapevine, TX 76051. While educating possible do nors on the plight of Veterans, it will also allow WAG to pro vide Veterans in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with necessary sup port, especially during these try ing times, says organizers.

Friday night- Vinettis 14388 Midway, Addison, TX 5 PM until hosted by Mr. and Mrs. James Price 13 The Press Club of Dallas 10th Legends of North Texas Journalism at Texas Theatre.

Mountainview26Church of Christ 7979 E. R. L. Thornton Frwy, Dallas 27 New Jubilee Park Community Clinic open house at 820 Ann Ave., Dallas, 75223, offers primary care and dental services for people 9:30AM at the Downtown Dallas Public Library with light breakfast and refreshments served, plus celebratory appearances by the South Dallas Concert Choir, The Accommodation Author Jim Schutze, Joaquin Zihuatanejo, and Will Evans of Deep Vellum Bookstore and Publishing Co.

• Vol-11 • August 25 - 31, 2022 TEXASMetroNews WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM 15 AUGUST

The Southern University Alumni Federation - Fort Worth Chapter will host “Jaguar Take over Night,” an annual scholarship dinner party and fundraiser, at 7:30 p.m. at Crowne Plaza Suites, 700 Avenue H, in Grand Prairie. Tickets may be purchased on Eventbrite at:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-jaguar-night-scholarship-fundraiser-730-pm-sep-16th-2022-tickets-339007680097?aff=ebdssbeac1824

LEGENDS: Ed Bark, Karen Blair (posthu mous), Karen Blumenthal (posthumous), Cheryl Hall, Molly Ivins (posthumous), Verne Lundquist, Murphy Martin (posthumous), Scott McCartney, Laura Miller, Liz Oliphant, Bob Schieffer and Brett Shipp.

October7

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The World According to Andrew on BlogTalkRadio.com 8 am.-10 am. CST. Sundays Tune in for thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news and commentary. Join the call 646200-0459 on Andrew’s World. I Was Just Thinking with Nor ma Adams-Wade “History Class is in Session” Join in on Facebook/@TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio.com at 11 am -1 pm. CST. Wednesdays. Join the conversation call 646-200-0459. Send your calendar items editor@texasmetronews.comtoorcall214-941-0110 2022 DALLAS COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY JJ DINNER WITH KEYNOTE SPEAKERS BETO O'ROURKE, CECILE RICHARDS, FEATURING REP. COLIN ALLRED WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 AT 6:00 PM THE FAIRMONT HOTEL, 1717 N AKARD ST, DALLAS, TX 75201 VIP RECEPTION AT 5:30 PM DINNER AT 6:30 PM

16 • Vol-11 • August 25 - 31, 2022 TEXASMetroNewsDELIVERINGNEWS YOU CAN USE WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM