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• Vol-9 • Dec. 10 to Dec. 16, 2020

By Cheryl Smith PUBLISHER

Be Smart -- Not Fake Recently I was privy to two calls where very critical information was shared.

One conversation involved information the world needed to hear regarding COVID-19; even though I had concerns about whether or not many would pay attention and take necessary precautions, regardless of who was speaking.

The other call was a ZOOM call hosted by the Hon. Helen Giddings and moderated by veteran journalist Melanie Lawson.

The webinar was hosted by the Western Area of Black Women Empowering Black Women and was titled, “Are you Really Ready to Run?” That session, according to the former Texas State Representative, was the second session of Campaign College, sharing very insightful information for women interested in seeking elective office.

Health and public service are two issues that are worthy of paying attention to.

Which brings me to my truth.

Top officials, who are focusing on science over conspiracy theorists and actors playing roles, are concerned about COVID-19.

We must continue to wash our hands, wear our masks and practice social distancing.

Sure doing so is uncomfortable and an inconvenience. If you wear glasses, they may fog up and if you have long hair the mask could become entangled and you might lose a few strands in the process of removing the mask.

Talk to someone who has survived the coronavirus and they’ll tell you that the minor details that you are complaining See BE SMART, page 6

In lieu of flowers or food, make donations in her honor to St Paul UMC Body and Soul Homeless Ministry.

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EVANS VICTORIOUS

MY TRUTH

Queen Mother Bonnie Ruth Waters Medlock

Pastor elected Mansfield Mayor

A Celebration of the Life of Janet Walton

while his opponent Brent Newsom earned 46.16 percent, according to unofficial election The Rev. Michael Evans, results provided to Texas a longtime civic leader and Metro News by Belinda Willis, educator, became the first African director of communications American mayor of Mansfield and marketing for the city of Tuesday, after he ran Mansfield. a campaign pledging Evans claimed the to refrain from dirty historic win after politics and to build building a multi-racial unity in the city. coalition of supporters “To God be the and campaigning for glory,” said Evans, nearly a year. who is pastor of “I’d attribute the win Bethlehem Baptist to the grassroots effort Church in Mansfield, of folks who came to Mayor-elect late Tuesday night Rev. Michael Evans work together,” he said after the election was after the polls closed declared for him.

Tuesday.” We refused to attack “We’re Mansfield strong,” he the other campaign. We handled said. our business.”

According to unofficial results, Evans, who previously served Evans earned 53.84 percent of several years on the Mansfield the ballots cast in Tarrant County See MAYOR EVANS, page 12

Janet (Jan) Walton was known for her tenacity, culinary skills, intellect and uncanny sense of humor. She was a mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Her decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease came to end on December 5, 2020 at the age of 77.

She was born to Jeff Dennis (JD) and Rosie Williams on March 2, 1943 in Junction City, Arkansas. Although her life took many twists and turns, she went back to school at the age of 40 and became a Certified Registered Nurse; devoting over 20 years of her life to serving others in the medical field.

Those who knew her best will never forget the taste of her mouthwatering rolls or her spectacular cakes. There is no length that Jan wouldn’t go to for those that she loved.

By Ashley M. Moss Staffwriter

Janet Walton 1943-2020 When her Aunt Annie Lou Lewis was battling breast cancer she would drive from Dallas, TX to Milwaukee, WI just to accompany her on doctor visits.

Jan was preceded in death by her mother, father and devoted brother, Robert Williams.

She leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her memories: her daughters, Sylvia Dunnavant (James) Hines; Kitti G. Sendontae; son, Joseph (Krystle) Walton IV; grandchildren, Jaysen See WALTON, page 15

Singing Hills Recreation Center is state-of-the-art Story and photos

By Ashley M. Moss It was an exciting day for District 8 as Singing Hills Recreation Center opened Friday on Patrol Way in Dallas.

The center, which is adjacent to the DART Line and close to UNT Dallas, took roughly $20 million to build and houses several unique amenities, including a full-size basketball gym, fitness center, multipurpose room and a separate senior citizen center.

The newly-built recreation center

Dallas City Councilman Tennell Atkins at Singing Hills Rec Center

also is home to a recording studio and a state of the art computer lab with 3D print capability.

District 8 Councilman Tennell Atkins said the recreation center will give members access to

vital programming and services while “setting the tone” for future growth in the community.

“The original plan was to spend $2 million to renovate the old center but we wanted to

do something new, a landmark that’s something you can be proud of,” said Atkins. “This is a dream come true. This will be an icon and the first of its class in the southern part of Dallas while providing the infrastructure to build more and bring more to this area.”

The new Singing Hills Recreation center officially opened to the public on Monday.

Due to COVID-19, residents can reserve time in advance to tour the new facility by calling 214670-7550.

Risk of teaching about slavery; explain or destroy monuments I WAS JUST THINKING...

By Norma Adams-Wade A recent news story lamented the catch-22 of attempting to teach modern day kids about historical slavery.

In the first scenario, the teacher – attempting to made the lesson clear – has the students to act out the characters of slave and master. But unintentionally, the teacher picks a vulnerable child to be the enslave African.

On the surface, the teacher appears to belittle the captive student, subtly suggest they are inferior, and ends up damaging the child’s ego.

Learning about the class project at home, an enraged parent demands the teacher’s head and considers suing school administrators. The teacher is fired for harming the child and discrediting the school. This case really happened.

In the second scenario, the teacher is aware that teaching about slavery is a touchy subject. So, they either

View of Stone Mountain from a distance.

Credit: goodfreephotos.com

gloss over the details or hurry See THINKING, page 6

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• Dec. 10 to Dec. 16, 2020

LL Cool J, Chuck D, founders talk Universal Hip Hop Museum

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrown Media

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Publisher : Cheryl Smith Editor: editor@myimessenger.com Address: 320 S.R.L. Thornton Freeway Suite 100 Dallas, Tx 75203 Website: www.texasmetronews.com Phone: 214-941-0110

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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In December, groundbreaking occurs on the historic Universal Hip Hop Museum.

Officials promise that patrons will receive thorough analysis and an untainted view of the culture’s past by using leading-edge virtual and augmented reality technologies for an immersive online and offline experience not found anywhere else.

Two of hip hop’s legends – and two legendary rap executives – joined Black Press USA on a livestream to discuss the forthcoming museum that celebrates and preserves the history of local and global hip hop music and culture.

The interview featured icons LL Cool J, Chuck D, former Def Jam President and Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees for the museum, Nana Carmen Ashhurst, entertainment manager Rocky Bucano, and Hip Hop Summit Chair and Na-

tional Newspaper Publishers Association CEO, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. Each discussed the fledgling 50,000-square-foot structure that will grace the Bronx, New York.

“I’m just happy to be supportive of this museum, and it’s definitely needed. Our culture needs it,” stated LL Cool J, arguably the greatest hip hop artist of all time who also stars in the hit television show NCIS and runs the Rock the Bells Radio Station on SiriusXM. “The reality is, this is something we need desperately; 200, 300, even 400 years from now,” continued LL Cool J, whose real name is James Todd Smith.

“We have to control our own narrative. This is not a popularity contest. It’s about people like Rocky and Carmen, who put in the work.

“They need to be recognized and need to get that respect.

Rock the Bells Radio serves the purpose that the Universal Hip Hop Museum serves. It serves our culture.

“I recently saw a cover of Rolling Stone that featured

LL Cool J

Paul McCartney and Taylor Swift together. I want to see Chuck D on the cover with Meg Thee Stallion.”

For Chuck D, who has traveled the world with Public Enemy and other artists and runs Enemy Radio, being a part of the Universal Hip Hop Museum is all about being attentive to the culture.

“I pay attention to and learn from people who lay the groundwork,” proclaimed Public Enemy’s front man, whose real name is Carlton Douglas Ridenhour.

“With Nana Carmen being president of Def Jam, and following her lead, that’s the way

of the future,” Chuck further explained.

“I trusted Kamala Harris with my vote, not an 80-yearold president. I’m a floor general. You have to have that final narrative of what you do. When you understand art forms, having that conversation and the final word is what it’s all about.”

Chuck added that the Black Press, with Dr. Chavis taking the lead, counts as essential a role as any in telling the story of hip hop.

“I had a stack of things to do today,” Chuck remarked. “But they told me it was Stacy Brown and Dr. Chavis – I’ve got to get on the line with my people.”

Perhaps best remembered as the first and only women president in the history of Def Jam Records, Ashhurst helped grow the Russell Simmons-founded label from nine to more than 141 employees.

She also helped expand Def Jam to include offices in London, Los Angeles, and New York.

“It is important that the history and culture of hip-hop be told by those who created it, lived it, and continue to change the course of popular culture throughout the world,” Ashhurst remarked.

“At the Universal Hip Hop Museum, we are curating artifacts and stories to tell the full truth of hip-hop, ensuring that we, the hip-hop community tells the history.”

Bucano chimed in that he’s delighted to have Ashhurst as chairwoman.

“She is the best and most qualified to serve in this capacity. Her strong leadership skills and philanthropic experience are just what the museum needs as we prepare to break ground,” Bucano said, adding that he’s also grateful to hip hop legend Kurtis Blow, who serves as chair emeritus for the museum.

For more information about the Universal Hip Hop Museum, visit http://www.UHHM. org.

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• Vol-9

RS Deer Ranch Purchases Refuge Deer Herd Special to Texas Metro News Whitetail deer in the wild don’t migrate; they remain in an area about the size of seven square blocks all year. But, this year, some of the most prestigious of the species in the country are making a move south about 250 miles this December 2020.

The Refuge Herd—an old, established herd from which 90% of the Whitetail deer herds in Texas can claim a pedigree—will be transported by air-conditioned blackout trailers from Glenn Sodd’s “The Refuge” ranch in Corsicana to the RS Deer Ranch owned by Roy Douglas and Shirley Ann Malonson in Waller County, Texas as a result of a full sale of the herd.

These 380 deer that make up The Refuge Herd have been in development since the late 80’s. Glenn Sodd, a lawyer with a love for the outdoors and a piece of land near Corsicana along the Trinity River began breeding Whitetail deer when there were only a handful of breeders in Texas. He was interested in creating strong bucks with trophy antlers in order to attract hunters to his land in order to sustain it.

When he began consistently turning up bucks with over 200 inch scores in the early 2000’s, it became a true family-owned business, and his son-in-law Chris McSpadden took on the

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operation. Chris did everything from marketing and sales to feeding and caring for The Refuge Herd of Whitetails and has done so for the last 20 years. “It’s high maintenance, and it’s not a cheap business to be in. The deer need a lot of attention, and as much as we love and respect this herd, as our family changes, we needed to shift our business to fit those changes.”

So they put the word out to Derald McMaster and Greg Carswell at Big Time Whitetails and Exotics that they were looking for a buyer for the whole herd. “We thought of two or three of our very best clients and told them that this herd was going to be available for sale. The Malonsons were the ones who saw the true vision of what owning this herd meant to the industry and to their business.

We couldn’t be happier for all parties, including the herd itself,” says McMaster, who runs the marketing side of Big Time Whitetails and Exotics and will be handling all the marketing and sales for RS Deer Ranch going forward.

Though the change is bittersweet for Chris McSpadden and his family, they’re thrilled to have the Malonsons take over the herd they’ve created over these 30 years. “We don’t just have a financial value on these animals, we have a deep

• Dec. 10 to Dec. 16, 2020

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Roy and Shirley Malonson

respect for them. Sometimes, we lose one that we’ve raised, and, I tell you, it chokes you up.” You don’t always hear ranchers speak this way about their livestock, but Chris does.

What makes sense about this transfer of this herd from one family to another is that Roy Douglas and Shirley Ann speak very similarly about their own herd: “Our deer are easy to handle and deal with because we are out there with them every day. They love peanuts, and they are happy to see us coming because they know they’re about to get a treat.”

Shirley Ann’s love for their animals is evident in the way their herd responds to being handled for movement and breeding. Shirley Ann evaluates the fawns in the summer and watches them grow daily into majestic adults. is an asset as the Malonsons take on this new journey with The Refuge herd. That kind of daily care is a large part of the secret to The Refuge Herd’s success story.

“The Malonsons are everything we could have hoped for this herd. They’re honest, driven people who have a desire to make this herd even better than it already is. The world needs more people like them,” says Chris McSpadden when asked why he chose to sell this well-

known herd to the Malonsons when there are over 957 deer breeders in Texas.

Much has changed around the RS Deer Ranch since 2008.

They now have two thriving Whitetail herds certified by the Texas Animal Health Commission with one of those herd at the highest tier of certification as well as some of the best Fallow deer in Texas. 70 acres of their 251acre ranch in Waller County are dedicated to the deer in their care. RS Deer Ranch is permitted for 500 deer, and they have the seasoned facilities and know-how to make a home for the 380 in the Refuge Herd. “I plan to sell off most of my own herd but the very best because with a herd as special as The Refuge, there’s no need to mix them.

They’re pretty perfect as they are.”

The Malonsons maintain hunting lodge facilities as well as deer breeding operations for Whitetail and Fallow deer on their RS Deer Ranch, convenient to Houston by 50 miles and College Station by 35. With the accumulation of The Refuge Herd, Roy Douglas and Shirley Ann, are now set to become one of the leaders in this billion dollar industry in Texas.

For more information about the RS Deer Ranch: 979-9219908.

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• Dec. 10 to Dec. 16, 2020

DISTORTIONS, DISTRACTIONS AND DELUSIONS THE LAST WORD

By Dr. Julianne Malveaux The right Reverend Raphael Warnock, senior pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Dr. Martin Luther King’s church, is running for the U.S. Senate from Georgia. Warnock is a man of God, a humble man, with one of these both booming and melodious voices that pulls us up on our feet and inspires choruses of “Amen,” “Tell it, brother,” and “No, you didn’t.”

Warnock, who weaves his biblical reflections with a message of social justice, preaches in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Warnock also reminds me of Rev. William Barber, Rev. Freddy Haynes, and my own pastor, Rev. William Lamar of Metropolitan AME Church in DC. These men don’t think the Bible is a book we should put on a shelf and cherry-pick.

Instead, they claim the Bible as a guide to Christian living and Christian obligation.

Warnock and Jon Osoff are Democrats running in Georgia’s runoff election, and both are in tight races. The rhetoric that has bandied about is laden with untruths.

These two races are so important that the candidates are expected to spend $150 million on them. Why? Because the current Senate composition is 50 Republicans and 48 Democrats. If both Warnock and Osoff win their races, Democrats will control the Senate, with VP-elect Harris as the tie-breaker.

Kelly Loffler, a multimillionaire Barbie look-alike who uses her hair as punctuation, seems to have had her Republican operatives comb through several of Warnock’s sermons. Without evidence, she describes him as anti-police; anti-Israel; anti-Semitic (it is possible to be critical of Israel without being anti-Se-

mitic); anti-jobs (what Black pastor do you know who is anti-jobs); pro socialized medicine; pro-communist.

Indeed, her condemnations illustrate how out of step she is with many of the African Americans she hopes to represent and her insular reality and cultural disconnect. She partly owns Atlanta’s Women’s National Basketball Association team but has been openly critical when the players on that team wear Black Lives Matter t-shirts. She has said she

Reverend Raphael Warnock

thinks the Black Lives Matter movement has Marxist roots.

I don’t believe Loeffler knows a Marxist from a telephone pole.

Republicans bandy about terms they believe will alienate voters. To let them tell it, President-elect Joe Biden is a “socialist” (not), Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris is a “far-left liberal,” and Rev. Raphael is “pro-communist.”

Joe Biden is about as moderate as they come. He has not yet said that he supports “Medicare for All,” but he supports protections for those with pre-existing conditions, just like 70 percent of all Americans do.

VP-elect Harris has been so frequently mischaracterized that refuting baseless claims is futile. Here is what we know – she is a savvy attorney who has increasing responsibility in the Democratic Party. She brings enthusiasm and energy (not to mention diversity) to the ticket. The attempts to disparage her are at best mean-spirited and anti-black (attack her on the

issues, don’t call her a “monster”).

Warnock has described Loeffler’s attacks on him as “division and distraction.” I might add “delusional” to the alliteration. Extracting a passage from a sermon in which Warnock reminded us that God comes first, Loeffler attempted to spin his sermon into an attack on the military.

The Bible verse Warnock was quoting, Matthew 6:24, remind us that God comes first and should gain our allegiance above money or the military. This is basic Christian doctrine. Many of us believe in the omnipotence of God. Warnock did not attack the military; he asserted that our primary obligation is to God. But words like “socialist” and “left-wing radical” are inflammatory terms, even if those who use them don’t know quite what they mean.

If feeding the hungry is socialist, then so was Jesus. If clothing the naked is socialist, so is our Lord. If healing the ill is a socialist initiative, then, of course, Raphael Warnock seems like a socialist to the woman who is worth at least $520 million and has all the health care she can afford. Warnock advocates for expanding the Affordable Care Act, a move anathema to conservatives who want to maximize the profit they can extract from sick people.

Rev. Raphael Warnock, like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a Morehouse man. There is an adage – you can always tell a Morehouse man, but you can’t tell him much. Warnock would like us to tell him that we have his back in a pivotal race that may determine how effective President-elect Biden can be. Ignore the racist rhetoric and check out this powerful preacher and civic leader.

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.

“Real American or Blacker?”

QUIT PLAYIN’

By Vincent L. Hall Alison, my middle daughter, introduced me to this great young brother and a writer after my own heart. The book she bought is, “What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Blacker.” As a result, I follow him everywhere. Often in the New York Times, but recently online at “The Root.”

Damon Young took the time to identify 55 “Nickel slick” ways that White folks in the media infer “White people” without saying so.

For some, this list was well known, but it’s a useful tool for those of us who don’t always recognize code-switching. Or what I call “literary duplicity.”

According to the Hall Dictionary, “literary duplicity” has been fashioned over the few years to imply race and/or stature without directly calling it out. For example, urban tends to describe minorities, White Liberals, and chaos.

“Rurals” don’t mind driving to town or working elbow-to-elbow with “urban” to make a decent living. “City” paychecks can buy you a five-acre spread at the corner of Nowhere Lane and Nobody Avenue.

That’s where most of our urban police and fire professionals live.

Urban politicians make the mistake of offering millions in tax abatements to cash-rich companies when monetary incentives could create better communities. They would rather go half on a billiondollar stadium with Jerry Jones than fortify our neighborhoods’ public safety.

Much of this happens right under our noses. You listen to the news religiously but decipher the code words sporadically. Here are most of the terms Damon noted in his column. Remember, all of these stereotypically refer to Whites, whether minorities fall into the category or not.

“Americans, Real Americans, Middle America, Working-class Americans, Europeans Patriots, Southerners, Midwesterners, Christians, Evangelicals, Red-state voters, Rust Belt voters, Conservatives, Republicans, Families, Veterans and Law enforcement.

Soccer moms, Hardworking Americans, The middle class, Citizens, Taxpayers, Homeowners, The military, The Troops, Legal voters, Regular/simple/decent/ rural/normal Americans, Trump supporters, The silent majority, and Law-abiding citizens.

Small business owners, Bluecollar workers, White-collar workers, Essential workers, Gun owners, Bernie Bro(s) and Constitutional originalists.” This is a partial list.

Go back in your memory and consider how often Donald Trump and Fox News overuse these terms.

Go even further back and recall that the Republican Party is rooted in their use. The Civil Rights era ended blatant public displays of racism. So they went underground.

“55 Ways White People say “White People” without actually saying “White People” is a timely reminder. More and more Americans will become more conscious of current events and politics in the future. If Donald Trump did nothing else, he taught young people why elections have consequences.

However, none of us can digest news or social media-driven diatribes without understanding that literary duplicity is at work.

You can learn from TV, but you can’t always glean the whole truth on television. Listening is insufficient alone, Google ain’t the end-all, and the major networks are a cesspool of opinion and bias.

National Public Radio has managed to maintain its purity, but it teeters on financial ruin nationally and on the local level.

There was once a famous saying,” Words don’t mean…people mean!”

It was a caveat. It instructed you to listen past the words to get the messenger’s meaning. Damon Young pulled the covers on how white people refer to themselves without using white.

We won’t go into the code words they use for Black folks. But rest assured that Malcolm X was right. ““What do you call a Black man with a Ph.D.? You call him a ‘nigger’.”

Red-State Voters, Evangelicals, and Trumpsters continue to buoy Malcolm’s assertion. However, Damon was right, we just get Blacker!

Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and an award-winning columnist.

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E.G.O. - Edging God Out What Is Still Needed?

FAITHFUL UTTERANCES

By Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew Years ago, I remember encountering this lady who was so bitter. I had done nothing to her but say hello and her attitude toward me was demeaning. I asked a dear friend who was in the room witnessing the behavior to shed some light.

This woman’s husband left her and since that time, her pain turned into rage and ultimately, bitterness.

Life is not easy, but it is interesting to watch how all of us deal with situations that cause harm. We can choose to either allow those experiences to define us or we can decide to deal with it.

Many families and friendships are broken because of bitterness. Incidents that happened years ago still have a grip, impacting our freedom and minds. Bondage is real. As I reflect on the lady I encountered, she did not realize that her pain was keeping her confined from experiencing true happiness.

Her ex-husband had moved on to another relationship and was living his life. She on the other hand, was barely surviving.

She had every right to be hurt, angry, and even fearful. However, she allowed those emotions to become companions and occupy space that they did not deserve access.

Our minds and bodies are powerful tools that God gave us to accomplish our destiny. What happens when we allow those tools to become contaminated by poor thinking, bad decisions, and toxic relationships?

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were brought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” (Corinthians 6:19-20) For many of us, this scripture is only about our body, but it is also about our hearts.

I remember growing up hearing the expression, “garbage in, garbage out.”

When we allow ourselves to be contaminated with emotions, experiences or even excuses, we are diminishing the temple that God has given us to cherish and care for… we are

to be stewards of this gift. I, like many, have not always seen it this way.

When we recognize that God resides within us, our decision-making will look very different. We will begin to question the food we place in our bodies. Will this food help or cause problems? When we recognize that God resides within us, we will decide carefully about who we connect to emotionally, spiritually, and physically.

“Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never!”

(Corinthians 6:15) Most of us would respond that we are not engaging in activities like prostitution but fail to think about those areas in our lives that bring us down. When we make those choices, we are saying to God that this space is occupied and there is no room for God’s presence.

We are literally Edging God Out (EGO), and our egos create this false sense of security that we can do whatever we want. You can but in doing so, we abuse the temple and dismiss our value. We were purchased at a price.

The lady I referenced wore her anger and bitterness as a badge of protection. These companions had taken up residence, leaving little room for anything, even God, dominating space in her mind, spirit and body.

When you comprehend how valuable you are, your vision expands beyond your current condition to embracing the power of your future possibilities. What would happen if we knew our value and walked in that knowledge? It would totally transform our relationships, our health, and our well-being.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9).

You are worth more than you realize.

Begin to see yourself the way God sees you. Everyone and Everything does not deserve permanent access especially when it derails us from what God intended for our lives.

Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is the author of three books and the host of the podcast, The Tapestry. Listen to the stories of women who have overcome obstacles and odds at https:// www.spreaker.com/show/the-tapestry_1

secretary of defense came and poses an immediate and existential threat to naWAKE UP tional security! Then came a challenge to the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) AND before the Supreme Court, which could STAY WOKE remove health insurance coverage for over 20 million citizens and for over one

By Dr. E. Faye Williams million citizens with preexisting condiComments for the week must be tions! The nightmare continues! preceded by congratulations for PresIt’s a nightmare of negativity promulident-elect Joe Biden and Vice Presi- gated by maniacal, ego-driven psyche dent-elect Kamala Harris. Compared of insecurity. Like a petulant child, #45 with most elections I have experienced, has established handicaps that retard the wait for confirmation of their elec- the ability of Biden-Harris to engage toral victory seemed interminable. The in the transition process as established wait was at times painful, but the out- by law. Through an agent of discord, come exquisite! As expressed during General Services Administration Commany television interviews, when the missioner Emily Murphy, the Letter of Biden-Harris ticket was declared victo- Ascertainment that provides legal aurious, I felt that our long political night- thority for the Biden-Harris transition mare had ended. team hasn’t been issued.

Whether relief is realized or not, their With the post-election behavior victory portends a reawakening of a of #45 and his Republican supportmovement toward national unity. At ers, there’s nothing that gives reason noon on Jan. 20, 2021, to believe that they the fractious, divisivehave taken a more ness of the #45 adminreasoned or concilistration will come iatory approach to to an end. I am not governance. The remsuggesting that oneedy available to us reon-one hostilities will quires that we reject immediately end, but conditioning that I know that the bully allows us to believe pulpit of the presithat we only have a dency will no longer right to challenge ispromote cross-cultursues unique to our al animus. The nevspecific jurisdictions. er-ending expression Contemporary logic of grievance politics dictates that we unJoe Biden will come to an end derstand our broader and I hope we’ll then focus on what requirement for engagement. should be our commonalities.

If we endorse the Biden-Harris agenTrue to promise, the first act of the da, we must work to eliminate impediBiden-Harris administration is a pro- ments established by their opposition. gram to bring control to the Coronavi- Mitch McConnell and the majorirus Pandemic in the U.S. Nationally and ty-Republican Senate pose the greatest for inhabitants of the rest of the world, threat to a successful Biden-Harris adCOVID-19 has reshaped our respective ministration. Just as they frustrated the cultures, methods of social interac- efforts of the Obama/Biden administions, and economies. Through words tration and tried to make it a one-term (encouraging COVID-19 best practic- administration, it’s likely that they’ll do es), actions (exemplary wearing of face the same for Biden-Harris. masks), and a proposed national plan to The most logical way for us then is to control/end COVID-19, the Biden-Har- eliminate the Republican majority in ris administration has articulated an the Senate. We can do that by supportintelligent and viable approach to re- ing the Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon ducing the effect of or eliminating this Ossoff in their Georgia Senate run-off disease. elections. If we are not Georgia resiUnfortunately, my sense of relief last- dents, we can donate to their campaigns ed little more than 24 hours. I guess it and call every eligible voter we know was foolish for me to expect expres- in Georgia to encourage them to vote. sions of familiar norms or propriety Once more, we must vote as though our from #45’s campaign or the Republican lives depend on it — they do!

Party. No congratulations! No concesDr. E. Faye Williams is President of the sion! The presentation of contrived National Congress of Black Women and non-evidentiary, legal objections to host of “Wake Up and Stay Woke” on election outcomes came! Firing of the WPFW-89.3 FM.

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My Truth from page 1

about are nothing in comparison to what you could experience at varying stages of infection.

And while there are numerous testing sites, too many are operating at full capacity of staff with too few actually coming in to be tested. Some believe that what they don’t know won’t hurt them.

Fear can be almost as deadly because there are people walking around with the virus but without symptoms; giving them an opportunity to trans-

elected official. She’s optimistic about the future and the impact that women are having in the electoral arena.

For anyone contemplating seeking elective office, the “Are you Really Ready to Run?” call was very beneficial as the panelists talked about the challenges and responsibilities associated with public service.

Sadly, too often folks step into arenas that they are not adequately prepared for, and maybe that’s why so many operate in the impostor realm of life where they fake the funk. That is what happens when you become so caught up in what you perceive as success — headlines, social media likes and cameras.

Campaign College

mit the virus if they are not following safety protocols.

We’ve gone decades without finding cures for numerous ills and we’re looking at a coronavirus vaccine in less than 12 months.

There are optimists and skeptics.

In the meantime and the between-time, we must deal with the inconveniences of protocols that have been proven to be life-saving.

We have to follow the science, as the executive on that all-important Zoom call urged.

Then, we look at the political scene and the dominant role that women continue to play.

Say it with me, “Kamala!”

Rep. Giddings spent 26 years as an

Let’s face it.

Some people are successful because of the work they put in; while others fake being successful because social media drives everything they do.

Listening to veteran elected officials on the Zoom call, you couldn’t help but reassess your desire to be an elected office if you think the job is easy or glamorous.

Lesson to the wise and unwise who think they know everything: You have to do your homework, become a student of whatever you aspire to be, BEFORE, you venture out.

On those two calls, there was one message that defies foolishness: as long as you live, you can learn, because you don’t know everything.

Thinking from page 1

through the lesson to the point that the students learn nothing substantive about the subject.

There is still another dilemma that seems to have no clear solution.

What do you do with Confederate monuments, relics and buildings that honor Old South Civil War heroes?

All around the country in recent years, Confederate statues are being pulled down, buildings being renamed, and Old South relics either destroyed or prompting angry street protests. Almost like in the Civil War, people are taking sides and belligerently defending their stance.

I was just thinking... what do you do to calm the divide?

To me, the answer seems stunningly simple. I suggest to the world that remaining statues, monuments, maybe even building be used as teaching tools about the way things were -- but should not have been.

A strategically placed plaque, mural, wellillustrated sign board or even a video and recording booth could set the record straight, retain the old symbol, and remind the public that this was wrong and must not happen again. These booths where visitors could step up, view and listen could pack a wallop of information, explaining what was wrong about the old way and why it no longer exists.

Argue with me if you must.

But you will not convince me that this solution will not work. To me, this is the way to avoid the headache and expense of tearing down or destroying. and could foster teaching opportunities that otherwise would not be available.

In some cases, I can agree with relocating divisive statues and monuments to a museum. Advocates of those art pieces and the negative history they produce could visit at their will without disturbing the rest of us. As I see it, both sides could have their cake and eat it too.

Researchers tell us

Ku Klux Klan members for about 50 years beginning in the early 1900s. Members met regularly at the dome mountain of granite and quartz and burned crosses there as part of their meeting rituals. The sculpture replicates the giant images of Confederate heroes – Gen. Robert E. Lee, Confederate President Jefferson Davis, and Gen. Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson riding on horseback.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is noted for mentioning Stone Mountain in his “I Have A Dream” speech during the 1963 March on Washington.

Close up view of the Stone Mountain sculpture.

Credit: publicdomainpictures.net

about one controversial monument that has sparked recent protests. It would be physically dangerous and time-consuming to get rid of and would cost well over $1million. The massive Stone Mountain sculpture in Dekalb County, just outside Atlanta, Georgia, took almost 60 years to complete. It has been called a monument to white supremacy.

Stone Mountain was a long-time sacred site for

“Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia; let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee...From every mountain side, let freedom ring.”

So, whether its resolving conflicts about Confederate monuments or navigating the slippery slope of teaching about slavery, know that you cannot please everyone, but finding middle ground is useful.

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 1974. norma_adams_wade@yahoo.com

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AT THE MOVIES

By Hollywood Hernandez

DEAR SANTA Have you ever wondered what happens with the thousands of letters to Santa that are delivered to the post office each year? DEAR SANTA is a heart warming documentary about how the post office handles those letters each year with a program called Operation Santa.

The film takes us to post offices all over the US and shows how volunteers look through the letters and fulfill the wishes of the kids who write them by actually delivering them their special Christmas wish. It’s a real labor of love making sure the kids, most of them underprivileged, get a gift at Christmas time.

The kids request all kinds of things from a bunny rabbit to a puppy and volunteers from all over the United States do their best to make their dreams come true. Most of the volunteers are regulars who hold fundraisers and hit up fellow employees for donations for the kids.

The best part of the film is the wonder of the kids when the US Post Office delivers their presents. The requests are wide and varied. In one kid’s letter he didn’t ask for anything; he just wanted to be loved as a gay child.

Another child, who lived in New York City, wanted a limousine ride for him and his family on Christmas day. (He got his wish.)

During this time of so many negative things happening in our world DEAR SANTA is a shining example of what people can do if we work together. The only drawback of the film is it gets a bit monotonous. For me it took too long to get the payoff; which is the kids getting their toys. The movie is available on Prime Video. The movie has not been rated and it has a run time of 1 hour and 24 minutes. On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate DEAR SANTA a MEDIUM.

Bright Spots, Bright Smiles

Luminova Holidays lights up North Texas Photos and story

By Eva D. Coleman Lifestyle and Culture Editor It’s beginning to look a lot like… Well, a way to illuminate your life for the holidays with safety in mind! Luminova Holidays at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas lit up the sky and field on Thursday, November 19, 2020 with a media preview night.

The outdoor/indoor attraction is a wonderland of elaborate light displays that provide fun and great family photo opportunities. During the continuous season of COVID-19, organizers wanted to provide a break from what has turned into the norm.

“The goal is to safely get people out of the house and out of the cars,” Luminova co-producer Dixie Baker said to the crowd gathered around the 65-foot, blue and white tree near the entrance of Globe Life Field.

Baker also shared that they are allowing a limited number of tickets per hour to experience the 270,000 square feet of space that includes a large, outdoor ice skating rink, masked carolers, indoor train rides, a brightly lit holiday tunnel and more.

Hand sanitizer and washing stations are located throughout the space as well.

Attendees enjoying the illuminated mecca were masked up and adhered to social distance

protocols with the help of sixfeet markers on the floor. Custodial staff were heavily present and observed continuously cleaning multiple surfaces, including escalator handrails, soon after crowd use.

The newness of Globe Life Field intrigued many, as attending Luminova Holidays, the first non-sporting event to be held at the new home of the Texas Rangers, was also their first visit to the ballpark. This sentiment was not lost on one attendee in particular as a newly-elected member of the Arlington City Council.

“I just got elected to Arlington City Council, District 6 At Large on November 3rd,” councilwoman Ruby Faye Woolridge proudly said with a bright smile.

“This is my first event, Luminova, and you need to come out to Luminova, it is awesome.”

The Xi Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated member was also excited to experience a holiday staple up close.

“They have authentic reindeer; I just got through playing with one,” Councilwoman Woolridge said. “You’ve got to come out and enjoy this experience. The families will love it!”

Luminova Holidays will shine bright until January 3, 2021. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit luminovaholidays.com.

Luminova co-producer Dixie Baker (center) with Arlington dignitaries

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The Most Important Factor in Your Family’s Education is

YOU Give your family the best chance for success by supporting their education at home and at school.

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, sticking to a schedule, partnering with teachers and administrators, utilizing culturally sensitive best practices, and tapping into local resources are just a few of the ways that you can support distance learning at home and keep your family on track for educational success.

LEARN MORE AT WWW.NNPA.ORG/EDUCATION © 2020 NATIONAL NEWSPAPER PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION

An Important Message from Medicare

Getting your flu shot is more important than ever.

Flu shots are covered by Medicare.

The flu can have serious complications, especially for people with diabetes, heart disease, and other medical conditions. Getting your shot can help you stay healthy, protect others, and stop the spread.

GET YOUR SHOT NOW. IT’S NOT TOO LATE. See your doctor, pharmacy, or other local providers.

Paid for by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

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Virtual and liVe Community Calendar

Human Rights Month December 10 1950 Political Scientist Dr. Ralph Bunche was the 1st Black awarded a Noble Peace Prize North Texas Food Bank and My Possibilities present Drive-In Movies on Mapleshade. 7 pm. It’s A Wonderful Life. Tickets: ntfb.org/ moviesonmapleshade!

Balch Springs Chamber of Commerce and Carstar Toy Giveaway!! At Civic Center Parking Lot at 12400 Elam Rd. Balch Springs. 11 am. Info: 972-557-0988.

Important Town Hall Black Health Schools & Organizations hosted by BlackDoctor.org. Streaming Event: Facebook.com/ BlackDoctor.org. 5 pm CT Am I OK? Hosted by Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority A real life discussion on Mental Health and the Law. 6:30 pm. Via Zoom. Register: www.dallaalumnae.org

Dec 11-13 Klyde Warren Park Tree Lighting Celebration presented by the Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District. Individual Tree Lighting. A holiday tradition in a safe and socially distanced way. Free. Time: 6 pm. Each night.

December 11 1964 Dr. Martian Luther King, Jr. was Awarded a Noble Peace Prize The Bear Creek Food Distribution Mon, Wed, & Fri. 11 am-3 pm. 2700 Finley Rd. Irving. Drive-Thru.

Kimbell Art Museum Presents: Queen Nefertari’s Egypt.

The One for Whom the Sun Shines. Beautiful Companion. First Royal Spouse. Tickets: https://www.kimbellart.org/content.

Parkland Free flu shots drive-thru flu and COVID-19 testing Monday – Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ellis Davis Field House, 9191 South Polk St., Dallas.

December 12 Birth of Henry Armstrong prize fighter holder of three titles at one time, born in 1912 Dallas Black Dance Theater presents Virtual Espresso Nutcracker. 7 pm.

CST/8 pm. EST. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.

Empowering The Masses Disaster Relief Drive Through Food Pantry at 3314 Detonte St. Dallas. 10 am-12 pm. www. empoweringthemasses.org.

Mountain View Church of Christ Distribution of Free Groceries, 7979 E. R.L. Thornton Fwy. 9 am-12 pm. Drive-Thru.

The Monologue Project Performance & Workshop with Stacy Rose. Host, Bishop Arts Theatre. For info: 214-9480716. Register: https://bit.ly/34rHJnW. National Association of Black Journalists 45th Anniversary Celebration Via Zoom.

Moderated by: Kay Angrum. Honoring Founder, Dewayne Wickham Founders’ Appreciation Award Recipient. RSVP: https:// Bit.ly/NABJ45 7:30 pm EST.

December 13 D.O.B. Caesar A. W. Clark Renowned clergymen in 1914 Soul Talk Hosted by Denton Black Film Festival, Variety of Music, Art, Poetry, and Film. Online event, Info: Eventbrite.com .com

December 14 D.O.B. Congressman and President of Howard University Jon Mercer Langston in 1829 Marvelous Marriage Mondays at Friendship-West Baptist Church Register for Virtual event, online at friendshipwest.zoom. us/.../upcpcOmhqz4rqNU 7-8 pm.

December 15 In 1960 Etta James records her hit song “At Last” Work Smart Workshop hosted by American Association of University Women with support from the Coca Cola Foundation, invites HBCU Alumni, faculty, and students. 6–7 pm EST. Zoom Reg: https://bit.ly/35t0Wow. Help! The Lullaby House Collect for Toy Drive. at 1022 Ruth St, Cedar Hill, 400 S. Montreal Ave, Dallas, and 7441 Marvin D. Love Fwy, Dallas. Contact Lullaby@Lullabyhouses.org.

December 16 In 1961 The Albany Movement coalition of CORE, SNCC, SCLC and NAACP was organized in GA. Walk-In Wednesdays Parkland’s Community Oriented Primary Care health centers where Dallas County residents. 9 am-12 pm. and from 1 - 4 pm. throughout the winter months.

Locations, visit www.parklandhospital.com/locations Heart of the Headwrap-Virtual Event Presented by Chesley Antoinette 4-5 pm. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.

Michael “Hollywood” Hernandez Live Podcast on Facebook @HollywoodHernandez, at 2 pm. Guests Ask Dr. Amerson Show at 11am CST September is Alopecia Awareness Month. Dr. Linda discusses healthy hair and scalp talk, and alopecia talk, on FB Live and DfwiRadio. com.

December 17 D.O.B. of Deborah Sampson Gannett, who fought in the Revolutionary War as a man.

Dec. 18-20 Klyde Warren Park Tree Lighting Celebration presented by the Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District. Individual Tree Lighting. A holiday tradition in a safe and socially distanced way. Free. Time: 18&19 at 6 pm. 20th , 7:30 am. & 4 pm.

December 18 In 1989 Robert Robinson Savannah City Alderman was killed by a mail bomb in his office.

Valder Beebe Show KKVIDFW.COM FM 89.9. 12 pm.

28th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS / KWANZAA CONCERT. Host The Black Academy of Arts & Letter Inc. Bruton Theater, 650 S. Griffith St. 10 am. Tickets via: Ticketmaster.com.

December 19 D.O.B. of Carter G. Woodson in 1875 Christmas Jazz Concert Feat: Tom Braxton & Tatiana Mayfield. Host Jim Austin Online, at The Warehouse 1125 E. Berry St. Fort Worth. 8 pm. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.

Empowering The Masses Disaster Relief Drive Through Food Pantry at 3314 Detonte St. Dallas. 10 am-12 pm. www. empoweringthemasses.org.

Mountain View Church of Christ Distribution of Groceries, 7979 E. R.L. Thornton Fwy. 9 am-12 pm. Drive-Thru Only.

National Association of Black Journalists 45th Anniversary Celebration Virtual Awards Feat: Jennifer Holiday via Zoom. ree Tickets RSVP: https://nabj.digitalvirtualspaces.com/ register. Pre-event Reception 6:30 pm CST. Show starts at 7 pm. Post-event after party 9-10 pm. with DJ Andre Mack live afterparty host.

Andrew’s World with host Andrew Whigham III on BlogTalkRadio.com 8 am.-10 am. CST. Sundays Tune in for thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news and commentary.

Join the call 646-200-0459. on In The Middle with Ashley Moss.

“Talking about topics that Matter” Join in on Facebook/@TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio. com at 11 am-1 pm. CST. Mondays.

Join the conversation call 646-2000459.

DFW News & Tings 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.

Doc Shep Speaks Show! A fresh perspective, but still entertaining!

Welcome to The Doc Shep Speaks Show!!!. Tuesdays at 11 am. CST Live on Facebook/@TexasMetroNews, @ fnsconsulting, and YouTube Live @ docshepspeaks.

I Was Just Thinking with Norma 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.

From Marva with Love with Marva Sneed from11 am -1 pm. CST, Fridays on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, and BlogTalkRadio.com. Call in and join the conversation at 646-2000459.

BLACK LIVES MATTER

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FAMU Partners with Williams

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Black Ambition Initiative to launch Black and Latinx entrepreneurs developing start-ups

By Andrew Skeritt Special to Texas Metro News Florida A&M University (FAMU) President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., joined Pharrell Williams to announce the launch of the Grammy Award winning artist’s Black Ambition, a non-profit initiative to provide a launching pad to success for Black and Latinx entrepreneurs developing startups in technology, design, health care and consumer product services.

The centerpiece of the initiative are two prize competitions, The Black Ambition HBCU Prize and the Black Ambition Prize, which culminate in one major national event.

“Recent events and tragedies have illustrated the always existent stark divisions in the American experience, and while entrepreneurship has long been a tenet of the American dream, marginalized people have faced long-standing barriers to success,” said Williams, a producer, songwriter, entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist. “With Black Ambition, the goal is to help strengthen the pipeline of talented entrepreneurs and close the opportunity and wealth gaps derived from limited access to capital and resources.”

In partnership with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), the Black Ambition HBCU Prize will offer prizes and mentorship for current and former HBCU students as they develop or seed early-stage ideas and launch companies in technology, design, health care and consum-

President Larry Robinson

Pharrell Williams

er products and services. The grand prize winner will receive up to $250,000 and at least nine additional teams will receive smaller prizes.

Teams must include at least one current HBCU undergraduate or graduate student (fulltime or part-time), one recent alum within two years of grad-

from this project.

President Larry Robinson said, “the more successful our students become, the more likely they will be willing to give back to their alma maters to support future HBCU students.“ “We are ready for this initiative. We have a long history of

well, they pay it back to their families and communities, ” Robinson said. “And the more successful our students become, the more likely they will be willing to give back to their alma maters to support future HBCU students.”

The Black Ambition Prize will find, support, and seed early-stage companies in tech, design, healthcare, and consumer products and services.

Ventures must have at least one founder or co-founder who identifies as Black/African/African American and/or Hispanic/Latino/a/Latinx.

The grand prize winner will receive up to a $1 million prize and at least nine additional teams will receive smaller prizes. For both prizes, a member of the founding team is defined

“The more successful our students become, the more likely they will be willing to give back to their alma maters to support future HBCU students.” uation, or one former student within two years of attending the institution who is a member of the founding team. This HBCU-affiliated individual must identify as Black/African/African American and/or Hispanic/Latino/a/Latinx.

The goal is to address the Black and Latinx wealth gap by creating entrepreneurship opportunities for HBCU students and former students. It will also provide mentorship, which Williams called the “strategic scaffolding,” that enables talented entrepreneurs to succeed.

President Robinson said FAMU students and alumni are perfectly positioned to benefit

entrepreneurship at Florida A&M University. This is the right place,” said Robinson, who joined Williams, Norfolk State University President Javaune Adams-Gaston, Ph.D., along with fellow panelists Willa Seldon, senior adviser for Black Ambition and partner at Bridgespan, and Darla Vaughn, head of Brand Marketing at I am OTHER during the virtual press conference Tuesday to announce the initiative.

Black Ambition offers potential benefits beyond minting successful entrepreneurs, Robinson said.

“Our students don’t just have a passion to make a difference for themselves. Once they do

as having a senior role, such as VP or C-level role.

The prize will launch with a nationwide call for applications from eligible founder teams. Independent application reviewers will score eligible applications on the strength of their idea, with the strongest applications advancing to the major national event.

In July 2021, the two competitions will culminate in teams vying for these prizes by presenting to judges and investors. In addition to financial awards, the entrepreneurs will receive mentorship and feedback as well as access to peer networks and expert connections.

All screened applicants will receive access to online resources, information about business resources, and high-level feedback. Semifinalists will also receive cohort-based mentorship. Finalists will receive personal mentorship, opportunities for media exposure, and introductions to venture capitalists, angel investors, and accelerator partners.

Black Ambition’s long-term vision is for inclusive entrepreneurship to be the new normal. The start-up non-profit initiative will be led by an all-star advisory team that includes Williams, with support from The Bridgespan Group, a global nonprofit organization that advises mission-driven organizations, nonprofits, philanthropists and impact investors. Virgil Abloh, the artist, designer, and philanthropist, is actively involved with the initiative and contributed the Black Ambition logo and identity concept design.

Black Ambition is supported by funding from Adidas, Chanel, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, The Rockefeller Foundation, Tony’s Chocolonely and the Visa Foundation. Individual donors include Ron Conway and SV Angel and Jonah Peretti.

For more information on Black Ambition, competition eligibility, and how to apply, visit www.blackambitionprize. com and follow them on Facebook (@blackambitionprize), Twitter (@blackambitionpz) and Instagram (@blackambitionprize). Black Ambition is a fiscal sponsorship project of PolicyLink.

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Mayor Evans from page 1

school board, won more than 4,700 votes to Newsom’s roughly 4,000 votes. About 8,800 Mansfield residents cast ballots in Tuesday’s runoff election.

Evans’ supporters gathered at a parking lot late Tuesday night after the polls closed. Drivers stayed in their cars and honked their horns as they listened to singers, church members and others speak about Evans’ leadership and pray for him.

One church member thanked God for Tuesday’s victory during the event which was broadcast by Evans’ campaign on Facebook.

“Thank you now for the man of God who you have placed for such a time as this,” said a man who identified himself only as a church member during his prayer. “God continue to move on his heart. God continue to give him clarity not only on how to lead your people at Bethlehem, but to lead the city of Mansfield.”

While the majority of Mansfield lies in Tarrant County, portions of the city spills into both Ellis and Johnson counties.

In Ellis County, Evans won seven votes while Newsom won a total of five as of 11 p.m. Tuesday, according to Ellis County’s official election website. Election results were not immediately available in Johnson County, but ballot numbers were included in the total votes released by Mansfield city officials.

Newsom, who is a Mansfield City Council member and the son of former Mansfield school superintendent Vernon Newsom, could not be reached late Tuesday for comment. He did not return phone calls left at his campaign office Tuesday night. A message left for him on his personal Facebook page was not immediately responded to.

Evans called Newsom “a fine human being” Tuesday despite being forced to address raciallytinged rumors, apparently from Newsom’s supporters, suggesting that Evans would reduce police funding and support “low-income” housing.

Newsome, who is white, was endorsed by an unnamed law enforcement group, according to his campaign’s website.

Evans posted a video Tuesday hours before the polls closed to

Rev. Michael Evans with Mansfield voter Courtney Hester, 20, on Tuesday

his campaign’s Facebook page.

He asked voters to ignore the“dog whistling” which he attributed to law enforcement who supported Newsom. Evans said in his post he has worked 27 years for law enforcement.

“Come on guys. Let’s stop the dog whistling,” he said in the video. “Y’all know better than some of the stuff we’re saying.

Cut that mess out.”

“Let’s not tell lies. We ain’t doing that - defund the police and low income housing,” he said. “That’s stereotyping. That’s kind of tacky.”

Earlier Tuesday, while campaigning at the Tarrant County Sub-Courthouse on East Broad Street, Newsom denied that race played any factor in Tuesday’s runoff.

“Elections shouldn’t be about race. They should be about Mansfield,” he said. “Whether white, Black, Asian, Hispanic, I’ve not had those conversations (about race).”

Instead, he said, rising taxes are a more pressing concern for Mansfield homeowners.

“My concern is growth and making sure that we manage the property taxes appropriately,” Newsom said Tuesday afternoon.

“In our data and research, that’s what everybody says - property taxes.”

Still, some voters said Tuesday’s runoff offered a chance to diversify Mansfield’s all-white city council.

“I’ve lived in Mansfield for 27 years and and I’ve never seen (ethnic) representation,” said Marisela Aramino, 39, a Latina and former teacher in the Mansfield school district. “That’s

something that’s important for me and my kids to experience.”

Another voter said she cast her ballot for Evans, an educator who has been among the first African Americans to serve in a number of civic and religious roles across the state, to bring a different voice to city government.

Courtney Hester, 20, a Tarrant County College student who is white, said her vote for Evans was a reflection of her commitment to the Black Lives Matter movement.

“I’ve lived here since I was eight years old,” she said before casting her ballot at the Tarrant County SubCourthouse.

“I’ve been following the work of Black Lives Matter, but I realized if I’m going to preach BLM, that I need to actually get out and be committed to helping and actually supporting Black people.”

Evans and Newsom advanced to the December runoff election after beating a crowded field of candidates during the Nov. 3 primary election.

Evans compiled 11,000 votes—or nearly 40 percent of the ballots cast— while Newsom won 8,300 votes - or 30 percent - of ballots cast.

Two other candidates, George Fassett and Terry Moore, rounded out the field.

Evans succeeds David Cook, who stepped down from the position last December to run for Texas House of Representatives District 96 seat.

Evans is president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, the state’s largest organization of Baptist churches. He is one of the first African Americans to serve as president of the predominantly and historically white group of Baptists.

He said in a message three weeks ago to Texas Baptists that Jesus had called his followers to love others.

“I believe we are called to unity in the spirit of love,” Evans said to fellow Baptists during his presidential message delivered virtually to the group. It was reported in an article in the group’s newspaper, The Baptist Standard.

A former U.S. Navy officer, Evans and his congregation built a 135,000 square-foot independent living complex for senior adults in the city.

Evans said he would continue

to focus on public safety and lowering property taxes by implementing “smart growth” strategies in the city and region, including inviting affordable housing and master-planned housing developments.

“The answer to the tax problem is embedded in fiscal responsibility and smart economic development that helps to lessen the tax burden on the citizenry.” he said. “A smart growth strategy will drive the economic development plan along with spending priorities that are to be determined after the basic needs of safety, infrastructure upkeep and growth are met.”

He said he would work with all sectors of the citizenry to accomplish those goals.

“We are folks in this city who are coming together because we want the same thing, that’s who we are,” he added. “We have more in common than we do otherwise.”

Texas Metro News editor Valerie Fields Hill contributed to this report.

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A Reckoning with Monuments THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

By Valder Beebe In trying to make sense of today’s hateful events in America, I’ve begun researching what I believe to be the unresolved root of many conditions.

I started with 1691, the Civil War, Reconstruction Era, Daughters of the Confederacy, and 40 acres and a mule. In my research I’ve learned about Nathan Bedford Forrest, a slave trader

Connor Towne O’Neill

who was by some accounts one of the richest men in the south before the Civil War, a confederate military general, and the first Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan, post-Civil War, I wanted to know more. Then arrived; Along With That Devil’s Bones.

When the author Towne O’Neill first moved to Alabama, as a white Northerner, he felt somewhat removed from the racism Confederate monuments represented. Then one day in Selma, he stumbled across a group of citizens protecting a monument to Confederate general Nathan Bedford Forrest, a slave trader and officer who became the first Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. O’Neill sets off to visit other disputed memorials to Forrest across the South, talking with men and women who

believe they are protecting their heritage, and those who have a different view of General Forrest’s poisonous history.

O’Neill’s deeply personal analysis makes it clear that white supremacy is not a regional affliction but is in fact coded into the DNA of the entire country. Down Along with That Devil’s Bones presents an important and eye-opening account of how we got from Appomattox to Charlottesville, and where, if we can truly understand and transcend our past, we could be headed next.

VBS: Connor, can you tell my audience why you wrote Down Along with That Devil’s Bones?

CTO: I had this strange chance encounter a few years ago on the 50th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama. I was there as a journalist to report on this gathering. It’s 50 years later and President Obama was there to mark the occasion with a speech, along with 40,000 other Americans. While there I met a group called the Friends of Forrest. This group told me of a decade long battle of the statue of Nathan Bedford Forrest (remember who he was).

VBS: What a dichotomy; you on the historic Edmund Pettus Bridge which symbolizes Civil Rights, the American dream and believers in Nathan Bedford Forrest’s hateful words …….

Connor Towne O’Neill complete interview……

SoundCloud.com/valderbeebeshow: Broadcasting to a national & global audience: ValdeBeebeShow.com ; YouTube.com/valderbeebeshow; KKVI FM Radio, KRER FM, Streaming TV, Social Media, Print Publications IMESSENGER, Texas Metro News, and Garland Journal News.

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• Dec. 10 to Dec. 16, 2020

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Maskne: Tips to The Mother Ghost avoid skin outbreaks know what I’ll do without ABOUT THE HAIR

By Dr. Linda Amerson The COVID-19 Pandemic has contributed to many changes. One requirement is the wearing of face coverings and face masks. The creativity of designers and seamstresses have been unleashed.

The world has seen a wide variety of creative designs, ranging from logo for business, fundraisers for non-profits, donated masks for 1st responders, personalized masks, to cute superhero designs for kids. Bottom line, money is being made from mask/ face coverings.

Consumers wear face coverings/masks from a few hours to many, therefore affecting facial skin.

Esthetician Tomorrow Leigh shares about acne mechanica.

The dreaded combination of wearing a PPE mask causing skin irritation and break out.

Believe it or not there is actually a medical term for this, acne mechanica.

Simply put prolonged wear of facial protective equipment can impose heat causing friction, occlusion and dehydration to the skin.

Combine that with a moist environment from talking, breathing or sweating and a perfect recipe for breakouts can occur.

To help aide with treating Maskne; be sure to wash your face daily with gentle cleansers, this will help to prevent dirt and oil from being trapped on the skin’s surface. Also gargle with mouthwash to help kill germs in your mouth so the hot air that sits on your skin beneath the mask can

be neutralized. Try not to over stimulate your skin with a plethora of topical acne products. Over use of too many acids, glycolics, benzoyl peroxides and retinols can cause itching, redness, irritation and over processed skin.

Commit to maintaining a daily skincare regimen that works for you and use only one of the abovementioned products to help aid with breakout (preferably during your night time cleanse).

Dr. Hauschka

Follow with a toner, moisturizer (sunscreen if outdoors) and then with a large brush apply a light amount of Dr. Hauschka’s Silk Body Powder to your face before putting on your mask to create a protective barrier for your skin.

This powder is antibacterial and helps assist with the oil, dryness, irritation and a host of other conditions that occur when wearing a protective mask. If you wear a cloth mask wash after each wear with a gentle detergent and throw away your disposable masks daily.

Remember to be kind and gentle with your skin and; love the skin you dwell in.

Dr. Amerson is open to more road trip collaborations with beauty/ barbers industry professionals, as well as women’s church groups, conferences, expos and seminars.

Help is Available!

817 265 8854 www. hairandscalpessentials.com #ScalpDoctor #40yrVeteran

ASK ALMA

By Alma Gill Dear Alma, I have a friend and we’ve known each other most of our lives. We’ve spent many years together going on family vacations, dealing with marriages and divorce. We had children around the same time and we’ve always been there for each other. We are now at the stage where you take care of your parents. I’m not taking care of my mom, she’s in a nursing home, but my friend decided to take care of her mom at home. Her mother recently died, but before she died, she told my friend that she would come back and visit her. My friend believes that her mother is back in the house. She told me the lights are blinking on and off in one room and she also said there’s one step that squeaks now that never did before. I think that’s crazy and she thinks it’s her mother. What’s the best way to explain to her, her mother cannot come back from the grave?

Name withheld Hold up, wait – it could happen…shaking my head, naaawwww, LOL, I don’t think so.

If you’ve followed Ask Alma for half a minute, you’d know I’ve lost my mother, father and one and only big sister Kim, so when it comes to grieving, I’m at the head of the line.

I never thought my sister was gonna die, even when she was in a coma. I would talk to her and say, “You can open your eyes now, it’s just me in the room.” After she died, I had to pretend she was in the Bahamas, unreachable for the first six years. I remember telling my father, I don’t

you. He lovingly answered, “Yes you will, you’ll know.”

When it came to my mama, don’t you dare speak the words. I could not even entertain the thought.

My heart broke, I was broken. Some might call it irrational, but you’ll never know until it happens to you.

As far as your friend is concerned, like my mother used to say, if you go looking for it honey, you’ll find it. Well, actually she said, if you keep stirring sh*t, you’ll start to smell it, but we’re a PG publication here, so let’s just keep it moving, LOL. Humans, unlike our furry K-9 friends, don’t go looking for something for the sake of looking. We always have an agenda, an inkling, something that doesn’t sit right in our belly. You know what I’m saying. She’s looking, so just let her look. Yea, she’s stretching, but that’s her broken rubber band to bend.

I’m not sure why her mom would tell her something like that, although we’ve all got our “Why did my mama say that?” stories to tell. If she believes her mom can operate her lights from heaven, it’s nothing you or I can say or do to change that. And why should we?

When I see a beautiful red bird, I say hello to my grandmother, she loved birds. I don’t think the red bird is my grandmother, just like if the lights are flickering in my house, my first thought is to change the bulb.

This, my friend, is not a dilemma you should elect yourself to correct. Let her look for her mama in every twinkling star and tri-color rainbow she can find.

As long as she’s paying her electric bill and ain’t breaking any laws, l say, let her grieve her mama as she pleeze.

Alma

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Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the above classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it is illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. Toll free numbers may or may not reach Canada.

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Olympic Champion, humanitarian Rafer Johnson dies at 86

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

Rafer Johnson, the first Black captain of a United States Olympic team, has died.

He was 86.

Johnson, a renown athlete, and humanitarian carried the American flag into Rome’s Olympic Stadium in 1960.

He went on to win gold in the decathlon and became a close associate of the Kennedy family.

In 1968, Johnson, NFL star Rosey Grier and journalist George Plimpton, apprehended Sirhan Sirhan immediately after Robert F. Kennedy was shot and killed.

Walton from page 1

Scott, Shelby Walton, Julian Walton, Journee Walton, Jordan Walton, Uriel Gozlan, Gabby Gozlan and Nathaniel Gozlan; brothers, Giovanni Wilyama, Clarence Williams, James Williams, Billy (Diane) Williams, Jimmy (Camille)

“America lost a sports icon with the passing of Rafer Johnson,” ESPN’s Michael Eaves tweeted. “At one point, he was viewed as the best athlete in the world after winning the silver decathlon at the 1956 Olympics followed by the gold in 1960.”

UCLA’s sports department also posted a tweet memorializing Johnson.

“Today, we mourn the loss of legendary Bruin and humanitarian Rafer Johnson,” the school posted along with a photo of Johnson taken during one of his 1960s competitions.

“Words cannot sufficiently express what Rafer means to this athletic department,” the statement continued.

IN MEMORIAM Born August 18, 1934, in Hillsboro, Texas, Johnson and his family moved to California in 1945. Johnson’s brother, Jim, became an NFL star, eventually earning induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Rafter Johnson became an Olympic star, winning the decathlon at the 1948 and 1952 Olympics. He also proved a standout athlete, excelling in football, basketball, baseball, and track and field.

Ultimately, Johnson earned consideration as being among the world’s greatest athletes

Williams; sister, Dorothy (Dennis) Byas; great grandchildren, Jayda Scott, Jaliyah Scott and Dylan Walton, cousins, nieces, nephews, and a host of other relative and friends.

In her later years, she was affectionately referred to as simply Miss Jan. She will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

Her celebration of life is scheduled for 2:00 PM (CST), Decem-

from 1955 through his Olympic triumph in 1960, winning a national decathlon championship in 1956, and a silver medal at the Melbourne Olympics that same year.

He set world records in the decathlon three different times.

In 1984, Johnson was selected to light the torch at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to open the Games.

On June 5, 1968, Johnson was working on Kennedy’s presidential campaign when Sirhan Sirhan shot the Democratic candidate at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles.

“It was one of the most devastating moments in my life,” Johnson later recalled.

ber 13, 2020 in the “Peggy Jo Mayse” Chapel of Evergreen Funeral Home at 6449 University Hills Blvd, Dallas, TX 75241. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Celebrating Life Foundation, www.celebratinglife. org or mail donations to 10455 N. Central EXPY, Ste 109-124, Dallas, Texas 75231.

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• Dec. 10 to Dec. 16, 2020

15

Rafer Johnson

After retiring from Olympic competition, Johnson began an acting career that included a starring role in the 1989 James Bond movie, “License to Kill.”

He also took up many charitable causes, including working with the Peace Corps, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and the American Red Cross.

Johnson is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Betsy, his children Jenny Johnson Jordan, Josh Johnson, his son-in-law Kevin Jordan, and four grandchildren.

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