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• Vol-9 • Dec. 17 to Dec. 23, 2020

MY TRUTH

By Cheryl Smith PUBLISHER

How to be a good parent I can still remember cozying up to my mother and feeling her smooth arm pressed against my cheek.

I didn’t have a care in the world because Superwoman, Catwoman, the mean ole lady down the street who acted like she hated children, nor anybody else had anything on Earline.

Even my Daddy, Joseph, knew Dr. Martin how to walk Luther King, Jr. away to save Credit: Nobel Foundation the day.

Which brings me to my truth.

For the most part, I was clueless about the devastation caused by the riots right around the corner on the streets of Newark, NJ and the havoc that was wreaked by the walkout of thousands of teachers; both in the late 1960s.

See MY TRUTH, page 15

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Selecting a

Music great, Charley Pride remembered

NEW CHIEF

Efforts are underway to select a new Dallas police chief after Dallas’ first Black female police chief U. Renee Hall resigned earlier this year. Shown are the seven finalists: San Jose Police Chief Eddie Garcia; Albert

Martinez, director of security at the Dallas Catholic Diocese; Irving Police Chief Jeff Spivey; Assistant Police Chief Avery

Moore; Charlottesville Police Chief RaShall Brackney; Dallas Police Maj. Malik Aziz; and Deputy Chief Reuben Ramirez.

UT Southwestern Medical Center COVID-19 Study to Expand Participation for the DFW COVID-19 Prevalence Study is set to expand after a surge in COVID cases in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area.

The study, conducted by researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center and Texas Health, shows how wide COVID has spread and why

some communities are hit harder than others.

“Our study seeks critical answers we still don’t have- how many in the community have been infected with COVID and why some communities are being harder hit,” said Amit Singal, M.D., professor of internal medicine and population and

data sciences who is principal investigator for the study.

“The large data set from 30,000 community volunteers will allow us to improve the strategies for countering its spread as we continue to restore business and school operations.”

See COVID-19, page 15

McNeal steps down as president of Garland NAACP

Ricky C. McNeal

bons, former District 1 City CouncilBy Gwendolyn H. Daniels man, McNeal, referencing decades Correspondent Feeling an “obligation to dig deep- of volunteer service in Garland, exer and to support his city in a greater plained, “A group of community leaders encouraged and role,” Ricky C. McNeal Long-time civil rights stepped down from leader to assume seat on inspired me to submit my application.” his position as presGarland City Council McNeal was ident of the national among 11 applicants who interviewed award-winning NAACP Garland, Texas Unit to fill a vacated position on the for the position and went through all proper channels of notifying the Garland City Council.

See GARLAND, page 12 After the departure of David Gib-

Charley Pride

By Jirah Mickle Staffwriter

Talented designer, author and entertainer IMAJ was among the many who shared their thoughts upon hearing of the passing of Country and Western music icon Charley Pride.

For the young singer, Pride was someone who had an impact on her career and gave her support and encouragement as she ventured into a field where Blacks were scarcely represented.

Born Charley Frank Pride, March 18, 1934, in Sledge, MS; he went on to lead a distinguished career in a number of arenas, as an entertainer, entrepreneur and professional baseball player. He was home in Dallas, TX at the time of his death.

Interestingly Pride entered into two arenas that were predominantly all-white; namely Country and Western Music and major league baseball; even See CHARLEY PRIDE, page 11

By the time you read this...what? Ken Paxton’s magic act or a return to sanity?

I WAS JUST THINKING...

By Norma Adams-Wade Politics is a dirty game states a familiar expression.

That expression surely must

be racing through public minds as we watch aghast such blatant showmanship from Texas attorney general Ken Paxton.

The latest foray into political fantasy is the lawsuit our state’s top legal adviser filed December 7. Paxton’s suit asks the U. S. Supreme Court to overturn the election results in

four battleground states where voters picked Democrat Joe Biden as the nation’s PresidentElect. If granted, the ruling would throw out 10 million votes in Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

Several days will have passed by the time you read this report and the rapidly-changing political maneuvers likely will

Ken Paxton and President Donald Trump. Credit: The Dallas Morning News

be very different from this

startling moment. But I was just thinking..., right now, it’s stunning to watch how powerplayers pull rabbits out of hats and grapple, connive and scheme to stay in power.

Then low-and-behold more shock. The stakes were raised December 9 when 17 other Republican-led states –and See THINKING, page 6

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• Vol-9

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• Dec. 17 to Dec. 23, 2020

Senate Passes HBCU Bill

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

The Senate on Friday, December 11, passed the HBCU Propelling Agency Relationships Towards a New Era of Results for Students (PARTNERS) Act, introduced by U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.).

The bill, previously passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, is now headed to the president’s desk for a signature.

If signed into law, this legislation will strengthen partnerships between federal agencies and the country’s more than 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

The HBCU PARTNERS Act builds on President Donald Trump’s 2017 executive order on HBCUs, according to Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) and Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) noted in a news release.

It will require federal agencies with relevant grants and programs to undertake annual planning and coordinate their efforts to support and expand HBCU participation those programs.

The bill strengthens the rigor

and transparency requirements of existing law by requiring that agencies track their progress toward past goals and share their plans with Congress.

Additionally, the legislation codifies the President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs, ensuring an ongoing avenue for the institutions’ priorities and policy concerns to be raised.

“Our HBCUs have unlocked opportunities for generations of students, especially in underserved communities, and I am excited that this bipartisan bill is making its way to the President’s desk,” Sen. Scott added.

“The HBCU PARTNERS Act is a great step forward for these schools and their students. I look forward to this critical legislation being signed into law to help these institutions continue their legacies.”

Sen. Coons added that “HBCUs like Delaware State University play a critical role in helping to ensure that every American has access to higher education, and I’m so proud that our bipartisan bill to support the missions of HBCUs is one step closer to becoming law.

“We have much more work ahead to make college accessible and affordable for all Americans, and HBCUs are an important

part of that work.”

The HBCU PARTNERS Act was co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Doug Jones (D-AL), David Perdue (R-GA), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).

A companion bill was introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Mark Walker (NC06) and Alma Adams (NC-12).

“Creating a comprehensive federal partnership with America’s HBCUs is essential for Congress’ shared goal of directing unprecedented support for North Carolina’s HBCUs like North Carolina A&T, Winston-Salem State, Elizabeth City State, North Carolina Central, Bennett, Johnson, C. Smith, and Shaw – proud and historic institutions which I am privileged to support,” Walker said.

“With this bipartisan legislation passed through Congress and on its way to the president’s desk, the HBCU PARTNERS Act further cements our nation’s commitment to these vital educational institutions.”

Rep. Adams added: “Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are agents of access and equity in this country.”

The HBCU PARTNERS Act recognizes these contributions in the most important way possible: by affording these institutions the ongoing support and investment needed to deepen their transformational work,” Adams continued.

“This legislation will require every administration and the federal agencies it manages to plan and coordinate, on an annual basis, their efforts to strategically engage with and invest in HBCUs. “In addition, it codifies the President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs, ensuring an ongoing avenue for HBCU priorities and policy concerns to be raised and addressed.

“Advancing the mission of HBCUs and the success of the communities they serve must be on the minds of our country’s leaders, and more importantly, it must be part of their agendas.”

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• Vol-9

Judge Monica Purdy makes history with election to 95th State Civil District Court

Judge Monica Purdy

When Dallas County Associate Judge Monica Purdy was elected to the 95th State Civil District Court, the veteran judge, who was unanimously appointed in 2013 to her current position by the 13 then-presiding civil judges; overwhelmingly won the bench she was seeking with 64 percent of the vote.

Judge Purdy is the first African American elected to the 95th Civil District Court (the state’s highest

trial court) in the court’s 100-year history.

“I am humbled and honored that Dallas County voters put their trust in me to serve as the presiding judge of the 95th State Civil District Court,” said Judge Purdy. “I look forward to meting out justice with fairness and integrity in every case that comes before the court, and with 28 years of practicing law, including 18 years in civil litigation and the latter 10 years as a judge, I am ready to serve on day one.”

Election officials certified the 2020 General Election results on November 13, 2020 and the lifelong Democrat and native of Tampa, FL will be sworn in as the presiding judge, beginning her first term in office on January 1, 2021.

She’s a graduate of two historically Black colleges and universities — Spelman College in Atlanta,

Georgia, a highly selective, liberal arts college widely recognized as a global leader in the education of women of African descent, where she earned her undergraduate degree, and the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University in Houston, TX, where she earned a law degree.

While at Thurgood Marshall, she was a member of Law Review and began her legal career at the Houston office of a national law firm collecting various governmental receivables.

Judge Purdy is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a distinction she shares with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson.

For more information about Judge Purdy, visit www.judgemonicapurdy. com

Eva D. Coleman has been appointed to the Sam Houston State University (SHSU) Alumni Association Board of Directors for a three-year term that starts January 1, 2021!

A May 1994 graduate of SHSU, which is located in Huntsville,TX; Coleman received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Radio-TV-Film.

Coleman is a lifetime member of the SHSU Alumni Association and says she looks forward to serving.

“It’s also the campus of which I was initiated into the Theta Epsilon chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., said Coleman, who is the current Vice President of the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists and will also assume that presidency in January 2021. “The SHSU motto is, ‘The measure of a Life is its Service,’ and I hope to keep on living and keep on serving!”

from page 1

Malcolm X.

Credit: Library of Congress

President John F. Kennedy

Me State); we had students from Weequahic High School next door, who kept our minds occupied throughout the day.

While there are different definitions for a parent, according to Ron Taffel, Ph.D., therapist and author of The Second Family: How Adolescent Power Is Challenging the American Family, parents have to “strike a balance between offering our children support and empathy -- and simultaneously providing structure through clear expectations of how we would like them to behave. It is the constant, natural

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Sen. Bobby Kennedy

back and forth between love and limits that is the mark of a great parent.”

Talk about an awesome responsibility!

If there is ever a time when parenting is called for, it is now. Sadly many are not equipped or up for the challenges that are associated with parenting.

For me, adults must be protectors — not just from evil people, or physical harm. They must also protect children from “grown folks business.”

The interesting thing about

YOU’RE ALONE. not

• Dec. 17 to Dec. 23, 2020

3

Coleman on SHSU Alumni Board

My Truth There were times I did see tears flowing, however, and learned those tears were tied to the deaths of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy (November 22, 1963) at 46; El Hajj Malik El Shabazz (Malcolm X) (February 21, 1965) at 39; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., (April 4, 1968) at 39; and Sen. Robert Francis “Bobby” Kennedy (June 6, 1968) at 42.

Even today I recall the photos that not only appeared on the walls of our home, but also my friends.

Also I remember still going to Chancellor Avenue School but instead of Ms. Constantinople— wonder what happened to her — can’t locate her because she got married and I have been unable to find a Mrs. Instanbul (inside joke!), or Ms. Meisel (who constantly let us know she was from the Show

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Eva D. Coleman

A native of Fort Worth, Coleman is the lifestyle and culture editor for Texas Metro News. She teaches broadcast TV at Lebanon Trail High School in Frisco, where she launched the district’s first cable TV program. She was named the National Association of Black Journalists Educator of the Year in 2019 and the 2012-2013 Student Television Network Teacher of the Year.

“grown folks business” is that there should always be some things that should never be shared with children; no matter how old they get.

I was safe at home. I didn’t know, if there were any, that there were issues with paying bills, if the teachers were threatening to never ever return to school, or if the riots/uprisings would arrive on my doorstep.

Today we are facing COVID-19 and we have to share information with our children so that they can be safe.

It’s our responsibility and no one gets a pass.

We must protect those who can’t protect themselves, and at times we must protect them from themselves!

Maybe you’ve heard the phrase, “save the children.”

But first, we must begin with the person in the mirror as we adjust our face masks!

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• Dec. 17 to Dec. 23, 2020

Young voters showed up and showed out THE LAST WORD

By Dr. Julianne Malveaux Voters between 18 and 29 made history in the 2020 election. According to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning & Engagement, or CIRCLE (https://circle.tufts. edu/2020-election-center), at least 52 percent of them, and perhaps as many as 55 percent voted. That turnout is at least 10 percentage points higher than in 2016, and the highest voting level among that age group since the 26th Amendment granted those over 18 were granted the right to vote in 1971. Not only did young people vote in unprecedented numbers, but they also voted heavily in swing states like Georgia and Michigan.

Arguably, young people are responsible for the Biden victory. Virtually every population subgroup can claim part of the credit for the Biden victory. Black women voted for him by higher margins than any other group.

Latinx voters in Arizona put him over the top in that state.

Among young people, every group, except white men, voted for former Vice President Joe Biden.

The CIRCLE study of young voters offers lessons for upcoming elections. Young voters made up their minds about their electoral choice later than other votes.

Three-quarters of those over 29 had their minds made up from the beginning. CIRCLE also suggests that information about early voting, mailin ballots, and other procedures was not as available as it might have been.

Despite a massive attempt to get out the vote by African American activists, fewer African American youth voted in person, partly because many did not get enough in-

formation about voting mechanics. Some of this is due to voter suppression, and some may be due to insufficient outreach. Also, many who are students may have faced barriers in voting.

Those of us who are elders have often lamented that young folks don’t vote, but the CIRCLE study suggests we need to hold our powder.

Young voters did not vote as much as the rest of us (total voter participation hovers at 70 percent), but they voted more than they ever had, and they had more significant barriers than older voters did.

these concerns and how we emphasize the intersectionality of these concerns.

It’s not either/or with the economy, COVID, climate change, and racism; it’s all of the above. The Biden team will have to walk a tightrope to balance everyone’s needs and concerns.

I am excited about the 2020 youth coalition and look forward to how they may continue to come together for better health care, a more inclusive economy, planet-saving policies to slow climate change, and the dismantling of systemic racism. I’d be even more excited if young

And for those of us who lean left, we must acknowledge that this summer’s Black Lives Matter protest may have pulled young people to the polls. According to the CIRCLE studies, young people are concerned about COVID, climate change, racism, and the economy.

If federal, state, and local governments manage these issues and offer young people the opportunity for engagement, the 2020 coalition may stick together.

The 2020 youth coalition is, in some ways, our hope for the future. Young people mostly voted for Biden along race and gender lines, but the young white male holdout suggests that some of today’s race challenges may persist into the future.

Meanwhile, within the Democratic-leaning 2020 youth coalition, there are apparent tensions and differences around how we prioritize

Trump supporters dared to stand up to the man who lives in his own delusional world to tell him to concede this election.

Our nation, and the world, have been treated to the obscene image of a grotesque toddler throwing a tantrum on the international stage. If Republican elders don’t step up to stop the madness, perhaps young people, especially those who voted for 45, can talk some sense into him.

After all, when we say that young people will inherit this world, we don’t divide them by party.

Young people showed up and showed out in 2020. For the sake of our future, they need to keep it up.

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.

From Rush to Trump!

QUIT PLAYIN’

By Vincent L. Hall My grandmother Figures, rest her soul, was saintly in her attempts to bathe us in wisdom. She said, “Never speak ill of the dead.”

So while we both still live, let me posit my truest sentiments regarding Rush Limbaugh.

Grandmother was reciting an idiom that originated among Greek philosophers. “De mortius nihil nisi bonum” is Latin for, “for the dead say nothing but good.” Dead or alive, I have very little good to say about Rush.

The advent of Christ was foretold “by a voice crying in the wilderness.” The Old and New Testaments speak of John the Baptist as the forerunner who prepared the way for Jesus and his triumphant campaign. For me, Rush is John the Baptist Jr. If you scan history, you could conclude that Rush did for Donald John Trump what John the Baptist did for Jesus. Both were trailblazers for leaders who would split families disrupt the status quo.

For years, part of my job at AT&T included day trips to a small town in Texas. From as far back as 1992, I can remember being stuck listening to the Rush Limbaugh show for hours. These were the days when AM radio was sun-up to sundown and ruled small markets. FM radio stations were sparse, and we never imagined paying monthly for satellite radio.

Although he was nothing more than bluster to me, it became apparent that “El Rushbo, on assignment from God,” was creating an army of his own. Limbaugh enticed millions of urban Republicans and “ornery rurals” into his echo chamber. Rush waged war against the “Deep State” and resented the “Coastal elites.”

The “Maha Rushie” came to prominence by calling out Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, and other Black leaders in the news. He branded them “poverty pimps” and accused them of playing the “race or victimization card” as a means of beating up on poor working-class honkies.

For good measure, “America’s Anchorman”showcases a Negro producer, “Bo Snerdly.” Bo is from the “Moteesa tribe.” You know, “Mo Tea Suh?” (Google the movie Posse!) Bo Snerdly is akin to the Negroes in Trump’s carnival. Pseudo-Black caricatures like Dr. Ben Carson or the cast of “Sambos” featured on Fox News.

Snerdly defended himself in a way that fully exposes Limbaugh’s tactics. Bo is a self-described “African-American-in-good-standing-and-certified-black-enoughto-criticize-Obama guy.” Code for a spineless, shuffling, “Stepin Fetchit!”

John, the Baptist Jr., is also the master of marshaling the troops against undeclared enemies. Like Trump, he continually riffs on cultural ruses to infuriate and enlist the audience. The fearmongering is incessant. “They want to take away your guns or make “Merry Christmas” illegal!

Their banner lines, though, are a vile mixture of stereotypes and tribalism. They use “Patriots” to infer White purity and “Un-American” to exclude all others. They decry “Liberals” as a means to denigrate White people who disagree with their racism, American Exceptionalism, and the advancement of White Privilege.

Rush took the “Obama Birther movement” to the goal line and handed it to Trump for the touchdown. In reality, Trump is Pinocchio, the dummy. Rush is the woodcarver “Geppetto” who created him. Trump speaks, but Rush is the ventriloquist and voice behind the podium!

However, Rush’s real genius shows as he converts this ignorance and xenophobia into cold hard cash. Rush convinces his listeners that their “Whiteness” is sacred in his space. Then he sells his acolytes products and services that they neither need, want, nor trust.

Trump’s not far behind, though.

At last count, he has milked this same indoctrinated cult to the tune of $300,000,000. They send their last to help him win an election that he lost in the popular vote and the Electoral College.

Long live Rush Limbaugh. However, there is little good to say about him.

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

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Pruning 101

FAITHFUL UTTERANCES

By Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew I go through a pruning process ever so often. I think many of us find ourselves feeling as if God is taking things away from us. I have felt like that about people. There have been individuals in my life that at the time, seemed as if we would be together as friends forever. I would have never thought that our relationship would have changed or even ended. Just as flowers go through pruning, we, too, have moments in our lives when God is changing our landscape.

It isn’t always that people are even bad for you. It’s just that they can’t go where you are going. Just as this removal can be painful, it is necessary for growth. Pruning involves “the selective removal of certain parts of a plant, such as branches, buds, or roots. The practice entails targeted removal of diseased, damaged, dead, nonproductive, structurally unsound, or otherwise unwanted tissue from crop and landscape plants.”

(Wikipedia) People are in your life for a reason or a season is a catch phrase that most of us have heard at some point in our lives.

There is validity to this. There are some things in our lives that no longer serve the purpose that it initially did. For many of us, we see when God removes people or situations away from our lives as a punishment. I know I did. It was not until later that I fully understood this concept of gardening was relevant in my life. “Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit” (John 15:2) As you move into 2021, do not be surprised that as you are growing, God is moving you away from those things that may have mattered a lot to you. It served a purpose at the time, but it no longer does and if you keep it, it will impede your growth or even destroy you. My daughter is home from college, and I asked her to repot some of my plants. My Ivy plant was growing into a vine with beautiful leaves. Little did we know that the roots had wrapped around themselves because there was no more space to expand. They were limited because of their situation. In removing the plant to

a new environment, I am sure there was initial shock from the familiar. Yet, I know that any more time that my plant spent in that pot, it would have stopped growing and possibly died.

There are many tools used for pruning.

Pruning shears are handheld to cut branches and twigs. As we go through pruning, we are held in God’s hands closely. He is so close, like a gardener, paying attention to every detail to make sure that the task is being done with care and intention. The gardener knows what must go and so does God. Pruning is not fun and it shocking to our systems when we are moved or something important to us is removed from our lives.

Yet, it is in these moments that we must trust God to know that we are being prepared for something greater. You can not allow

yourself to get crammed into a space because it is familiar and comfortable.

Allow the Master to work within you to take off those things that may serve as stumbling blocks to your destiny. Do not lose your focus in this moment because it is so easy to grow disillusioned, fearful, and even angry because it doesn’t make sense. Just rest in knowing that God has something greater for you even when it is not clear and doesn’t feel good. You are preparing to blossom into something magnificent and beautiful. Trust the process!

Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is the author of three books and the host of the podcast, The Tapestry. To listen to the podcast, visit https://www.spreaker. com/show/the-tapestry_1 to hear powerful stories that can impact your journey. In addition, she serves as Vice President of Community Affairs at the State Fair of Texas. For more information, visit drfroswa.com.

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Carnac I’m Not WAKE UP AND STAY WOKE

By Dr. E. Faye Williams More chronologically advanced late-night television viewers are familiar with Johnny Carson and his character, “Carnac the Magnificent.”

Carnac’s claim to fame was his ability to prognosticate and “predict the future.”

Voting is the ultimate exercise of mimicking Carnac and his predictive abilities — we may not know, with accuracy, what the future holds, but we understand what we want and who/what we feel will serve our best interests. YES! I have expectations for what I would like to happen and who I would like to see “deliver the goods.”

Although some consider the Constitution as an imperfect document and history has shown many of its more glaring faults, as a source of law and guidance, it is greatly preferable to the whims and mood swings of a would be dictator (#45).

In its origins, it was written to protect the interests of “white men,” but, with the aging of the nation and the resulting cultural evolution, the application of hypocrisies in the law have become increasingly intolerable.

“To establish a more perfect union” is testament to the founders’ understanding that improvements could be made (I’m sure that most of them would be rolling in their graves with the changes thus far realized) and that responsibility for improvement was left to the inspired judgment of elected officials.

For most of the current federal leadership (executive, legislative and judicial), I see financial self-interest and partisanship informing the so-called inspired judgment.

I don’t predict but hope that the 2020 election has provided us with electees who more closely adhere to the principles of true democracy.

COVID-19 has given us reason to believe the empirical data provided by the scientific community. The more than a quarter-million U.S. deaths (so far) informs us that a politically motivated response to a disease is never a substitute for scientific research and study.

I don’t predict but hope that the 2020 election provides us with electees who have genuine concern for the health and welfare of ALL citizens.

The history of humankind is replete with the lessons of truth vs. lies in national leadership.

Fact-checkers estimate that as of July 9, #45 has told about 25,000 lies. Forbes magazine estimates his lie output at 23.5 per day. Lies from leadership have never been predictors of successful government. Our own three-plus years’ experience suggests the same.

I don’t predict but hope that the 2020 election provides us with electees who will be truthful, at least more truthful than #45.

Carnac

One of my greatest hopes is that the 2020 election has provided a president who rejects the politics of hate and who is dedicated to the goal of national unification. That goal is considered by many as impractical. Our original sin of racism and our intolerance of gender, gender identity, religion and ethnicity are deeply woven into the fabric of our culture — some believe too deeply to overcome. I don’t predict but hope that the 2020 election provides us with a president-elect who will lead us away from past efforts to exploit differences and toward the realization that we have more in common.

While “character” is a nebulous description, the 2020 election postscript I most desire is the election of leaders with character. Character has been described as “what you do when you think no one is looking.”

I reject a leader who has questionable loyalties and indebtedness to unknown sources. His decisions cannot be trusted.

I don’t predict but pray and believe that my 2020 vote served to support these hopes!

Dr. E. Faye Williams is President of the National Congress of Black Women and host of “Wake Up and Stay Woke” on WPFW-89.3 FM.

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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.

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Jirah Nicole’s 7 Favorite Things: 2020 Christmas Gifts List

By Jirah Nicole Staff Writer Ugg boots and sweaters And pots for my kitchen Cute winter clothing and Michael Kors Mittens FitBit Versa Smartwatch and Sandals for springs These are a few of my favorite things….

‘Tis the season of giving and we’re only a few weeks away from Christmas, but don’t worry, there’s still time to finish your holiday shopping. There’s plenty of amazing Christmas deals, sales, and discounts to help you save money on gifts this holiday season.

And the best part? They are all on Amazon.com Why I Choose Amazon for Holiday Shopping I love shopping for holiday gifts on Amazon because I can do all of my holiday shopping right from the comfort of my own home. Online shopping provides a safe alternative to buying gifts in stores at a time when a global pandemic threatens the health and safety of others. With that being, it’s important to stay at home and avoid the large holiday shopper’s crowd.

Amazon is the haven of shopping.

It has anything and everything you’re looking for. From home goods to clothing to workout equipment to the latest tech gifts and gadgets, Amazon has it all.

Want to impress your loved ones this holiday season with some great gifts? I’ve rounded up my 7 ‘2020 Favorite Things’, a gift list for each day of the week, of the best gifts for you to put under your Christmas tree this year.

1. UGG Women’s Classic Short II Boot, $170

The Ugg Women’s Classic Short II Boot is the perfect blend of cute and comfy. This fur boot comes in six different colors in-

cluding black, chocolate, chestnut, gray, navy, and sand and is fully lined with fur and has sheepskin insole. UGGS are made for both men and women and can be worn both indoors and outdoors (in the rain or snow) as UGG boots have a rubber sole and are pretreated to repel moisture and stains. To learn more about this product, click on the link under the picture.

Rating on Amazon: 4.7 out of 5 Stars 2. Gonex Portable Home Gym Workout Equipment with 10 Exercise Accessories, $218

This all-in-one home gym equipment system is the perfect gift for family and friends who are looking for a variation of workouts. Gonex home fitness equipment can help you exercise your full-body muscle groups and meet the different requirements of machines and equipment like barbells, dumbbells, and suspensions workout.

3. Fitbit Versa 3 Health & Fitness Smartwatch with GPS, 24/7 Heart Rate, Alexa Built-in, 6+ Days Battery, $229

This Fitbit Versa 3 Smartwatch is a musthave this Christmas as it’s loaded with tons of cool features. Want to check your pace and distance while you run, bike, or hike? The Fitbit Versa 3 can do it. Want to check the weather, set reminders, or control home appliances?

The Fitbit Versa 3 can do that too. Want to track your time in light, deep, and REM sleep and have a better understanding of your sleep quality each night?

Want to store and play music & podcasts on Deezer or Pandora, plus control Spotify-all from your wrist? The Fitbit Versa 3 can do it all! The Fitbit Versa 3 comes in 3 main colors: choose from midnight blue and gold, black and black, or pink and gold. To learn more about this product, click on the link under the picture.

Rating on Amazon: 4.4 out of 5 stars 4. Goodful Premium Non-Stick Cookware Set, Dishwasher Safe Pots and Pans, Diamond Reinforced Coating, Made Without PFOA, 12-Piece, Charcoal Gray, $99

This foldable and portable workout equipment includes: · Ab Roller Wheel · Elastic Resistance Bands · Push-Up Stand · 3-Section Bar · Post Landmine Sleeve · Push-Up Handlebar This home gym equipment system also comes with “Your Exclusive Fitness Coach,” which provides a professional fitness instruction manual and video that has 43 pages of full-body muscle workouts so that you can effectively train wherever you are and whenever you want. To learn more about this product, click on the link under the picture.

Rating on Amazon: 4.6 out of 5 stars

For the special cook in your life, this 12-piece Charcoal Gray Cookware Set has everything you need to whip up some of your favorite dishes. This quality cookware set includes an 8” fry pan, 10” fry pan, 2-quart saucepan with tempered glass lid, 5-quart Dutch oven with tempered glass lid, stainless steel steamer basket, 4-quart deep sauté pan with tempered glass lid, 10” square griddle pan, bamboo turner, and a bamboo spoon.

The best part about this pot and pan set is it features a durable non-stick coating that allows food to easily slide out of the pan and is manufactured without PFOA, so you can cook all of

your delicious meals PFOA-free without worrying about exposure to harmful chemicals.

Not to mention this cookware set is dishwasher safe and easy to clean for a fast and safer clean-up with comfortable grip handles that makes these pots and pans easy to hold and maneuver. This quality cookware set features aluminum pots and pans that guarantee optimum heat distribution which includes transparent, tempered glass lids that allow you to monitor your food as it cooks without requiring the removal of the lid. To learn more about this product, click the link under the picture.

Rating on Amazon: 4.7 out of 5 Stars 5. The North Face Women’s ThermoBall Eco Insulated Vest

This high-quality vest is stylish, comfortable, and perfect for the winter season. The North Face eco-insulated vest comes in ten colors: Blue frost, Blue Wing Teal/TNF black, TNF Black, Marron Purple Matte, TNF Red Distorted Plaid Print/ TNF Black, Vintage White, Tin Grey, Blue Wing Teal Matte, or Deep Garnet Red Matte.

Made with recycled materials, this waterproof is 100% recycled polyester with durable water-repellent (DWR) finish is guaranteed to keep you dry and warm during the cold months of the winter season. Not only is this vest soft and comfy but can even be worn in different types of weather including the rain, sleet, and snow.

This quality vest is a slim fit for a close layer of warmth and has an adjustable hem cinch-cord to adjust to your liking. It features an internal, secure-zip chest pocket and covered zip hand pockets for you to store your phone, keys, and wallet. To learn more about this product, click the link under the picture.

Rating on Amazon: 4.6 out of 5 Stars 6. Michael Kors Women’s Quilted Leather Gloves Black/Gold

Keep hands and fingers warm and in style with these Michael Kors Women’s Quilted Leather Gloves that are black with the gold MK logo on them during the cold winter season. These leather clean gloves are polyester and are completely touchscreen compatible making it easy and convenient for you to send messages and make phone calls without having to take your gloves off. To learn more about this product, click the link under the picture.

Rating on Amazon: 4.5 out of 5 Stars 7. Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Noise-Cancelling, with Alexa voice control-Black

Looking for headphones that will cancel out any outside noise while you listen to your favorite podcast, song, or video?

The Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones provides you with the best listening experience and are an absolute must-have on your holiday list this year.

These high-quality headphones have three levels of world-class noise cancellation for a better listening experience in any environment and has a noise-rejecting dual-microphone system for clear sound and voice pick-up.

Other features include an Alexa-enabled voice control to access music and information as well as hassle-free Bluetooth pairing and a balanced audio performance at any volume.

Have a gift in mind that’s not on the list, let us know in the comments so we can add it to our list. Interested in more posts like this, check out I-Messenger’s holiday blog.

Jirah Nicole is a Texas Metro News staff writer. A graduate of Xavier University, in New Orleans, Jirah is a multi-media journalist who loves her family.

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Virtual and liVe Community Calendar

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

Reimagining A Safer Glendale Meeting #2. Host Changa Masomakali. Online Event: us02web.zoom.us 6 -7:30 pm CST. Register: https://bit.ly/3oDsDTc. A Night of Elegance A charitable event will support Toys for Tots. Host Next Generation Action Network. 111 Oak Lawn Ave. Dallas. 6 pm CST. Tickets are $15: https://bit.ly/2VV7HLu. Center Table Food Giveaway Mark Cuban Basketball Center; 1800 Bonnie View 9am – 12 pm. Free.

Sponsors: Mark Cuban, Dirk Nowitzki, Heroes Foundation. Register: https://bit.ly/3qIHFJo Regional Black Contractors Annual Toy Drive RCBA, 2627 MLK, Jr. Blvd 9am–4pm; The RCBA will be collecting toys on the 17th to be distributed to Vogel Alcove. Newborn-17. Toys only. Contact: Brenea, 214-565-8946.

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. and 4 pm.

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

Dallas Zoo Lights Presented by Reliant Hosted by Dallas Zoo. Dallas Zoo 650 S. R.L. Thornton Fwy. 6:30-9:30 pm. Tickets: zoolights.dallaszoo.com/guests.

The Bear Creek Food Distribution, Mon, Wed, & Fri. 11 am-3 pm. 2700 Finley Rd. Irving. Drive-Thru.

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 Disaste Relief Drive Through Food Pantry at 3314 Detonte St. Dallas. 10 am-12 pm. www.empoweringthemasses.org.

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

National Association of Black Journalists 45th Anniversary Celebration Feat: Jennifer Holiday via Zoom. Moderator: Kay Angrum. Honoring Founder, Dewayne Wickham Founders’ Appreciation Award Recipient. Free Tickets RSVP: https://bit.ly/3qqBWrJ Pre-event Reception 6:30 pm CST. Show starts at 7 pm. Post-event after party 9-10 pm. with DJ Andre Mack.

Daybreaker Live: ‘Tis the Season to Dance Presented by AARP Featuring Dionne Warwick & The O’Jays 10 am-12 pm CST. Free you must Reg: https://bit.ly/3oH0uLk St. Philip’s Annual Christmas Store Drive-Thru St Philip’s School, 1600 Pennsylvania, They are accepting gifts, donations, and signing-up volunteers you must register. To donate or volunteer, contact: LaSheryl Walker, 214-421-5221 x140.

Reg: https://bit.ly/3gCdVsZ The Hawkins Boys Christmas Giveaway Enter to win a Free Bike. Register to win a bike at: https://bit.ly/HawkinsBoys. Antioch Fellowship Church, 7550 S Hampton Rd, 10 am-12 pm.

Paul Quinn College COVID-19 Testing every Saturday 3837 Simpson Stuart Rd. Dallas 10 am-4 pm. If you have any questions contact: Ms. Lola Esmieu at pesmieu@pqc.edu.

Kimbell Art Museum Presents: Queen Nefertari’s Egypt.

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

Candy Cane Lane Drive-Thru Holiday Lights. American Airlines Center 2500 Victory Ave. 6 –9 pm. CST. Tickets: candycanelanedfw.com 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.

D.O.B. of Madam C.J. Walker first Black millionaire in 1869 Michael “Hollywood” Hernandez Live Podcast on Facebook @HollywoodHernandez, at 2 pm. Guests Walk-In Wednesdays Parkland’s Community Oriented Primary Care health centers offer flu vaccines from 9 am-12 pm and from 1 - 4 pm. Wednesday’s throughout the winter months. Locations, visit www.parklandhospital.com/locations Ask Dr. Amerson Show at 11am CST Alopecia Awareness. Dr. Linda discusses healthy hair and scalp talk, and alopecia talk, on FB Live and DfwiRadio. com.

Prairie Lights Drive-Thru Holiday Light Experience.

Lynn Creek Park at Joe Pool Lake 5610 Lake Ridge Pkwy, Grand Prairie 6-10 pm. Tickets; www.prairielights.org.

December 24

In 1959 Berry Gordy, Jr. establishes Motown Records

In 1989 New Orleans, Louisiana’s 1st Black Mayor Ernest Nathan “Dutch” Morial dies

Marvelous Marriage Mondays at Friendship-West Baptist Church Register for Virtual event, online at friendshipwest. zoom.us/.../upcpcOmhqz4rqNU 7-8 pm.

Dallas Zoo Lights Presented by Reliant Hosted by Dallas Zoo. Dallas Zoo 650 S. R.L. Thornton Fwy. 6:30-9:30 pm. Tickets: zoolights.dallaszoo.com/guests.

Safe Santa! Hosted by Hillside Village Hillside Village, 305 W. FM 1382, Cedar Hill. 10 am-9 pm. Tickets: https://www. shophillsidevillage.com Info: 214-548-0610.

Vitruvian Lights Hosted by Vitruvian Park. Vitruvian Park 3966 Vitruvian Way, Addison. 5-11 pm. FREE PARKING & ENTRY

December 22 D.O.B. of Arthur Mitchell First Black elected to Congress

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.

December 23

December 21

Prairie Lights Drive-Thru Holiday Light Experience. Lynn Creek Park at Joe Pool Lake 5610 Lake Ridge Pkwy, Grand Prairie 6-10 pm. Tickets; https://prairielights.org/tickets/

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

Safe Santa! Hosted by Hillside Village Hillside Village, 305 W. FM 1382, Cedar Hill. 10 am-9 pm. Tickets: www.shophillsidevillage.com.

Reliant Lights Your Holidays Hosted by AT&T Performing Arts Center. AT&T Performing Arts Center, 2403 Flora St. 5:30-10 pm.

Tickets: bit.ly/32lP017.

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.

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Charley Pride from page 1

becoming a partial owner of the Texas Rangers.

One of 11 children born to sharecroppers; Pride was one of the eight boys who also took to the fields picking cotton, long before he used those same fingers to pick a guitar.

Pride has been married to Rozene Cohran Pride since 1956. On December 28, 2020; the two would have celebrated their 64th anniversary.

This loss, yet another one to COVID-19, hit IMAJ hard.

She, like Pride, has graced many a stage singing country and western hits and usually before largely all-white audiences.

Pride, the first Black inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame, spent time with IMAJ, encouraging her as she pursued the music she desperately loved.

“He walked so people like myself could run,” said IMAJ. “He was an authentic human being, a beautiful person. He took the time to sit with me and pass on his wisdom.

“I’m grateful to him. He told me to ‘not let anyone change who you are, stay true to your heart and your spirit.’”

During his last performance at Nashville’s Music City Cen-

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ter, at the CMA awards show in November, he sang a duet with another young, rising African American star, Jimmie Allen, thrilling the audience of millions with one of his No. 1 hits, “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin.”

Although that song is high on IMAJ’s list she said her favorite

of the Year award in 1971. In 2000, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1993.

His groundbreaking career would also earn him three Grammy awards, Male Vocalist of the year in 1973 and 1974,

IMAJ

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson

song from Pride is actually his cover of Hank Williams’ ‘Kawliga.’

“Nobody sang that song like Charley Pride,” she said.

Pride, who rose to fame in the late 1960s, was known for several hits, including “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone,” with 27 other singles reaching No.1 on the U.S. country singles chart.

For 20 years, from 1967 to 1987, Pride dominated country music becoming RCA Record’s top selling country music artist, scoring 52 Top 10 country hits, chartering 67 singles, as well as earning CMA’s Entertainer

and a Lifetime Achievement award. With more than 70 million albums sold including 31 gold and four platinum albums, Pride has sold more records than anyone for RCA since the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley.

A trailblazer in country music, Pride was known for his rich baritone voice and classic blues style.

Pride leaves behind his wife, Rozene, three children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Several others weighed in on social media about Pride’s pass-

$50 Million Gift awarded to Prairie View A&M University Writer and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has awarded a $50 million gift to Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) to be used at the discretion of the President to support the needs of the University. “This is a historic gift for Prairie View, coming at a time when the University had already decided and begun to invest heavily in key areas

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to strengthen its academic programs and improve student success,” said Dr. Ruth J. Simmons, President of (PVAMU) “The timing of this gift could, therefore, not be better.”

University administrators will designate $10 million of the total to create the Panther Success Grant Program which will assist juniors and seniors

with financial challenges related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Those funds will be disbursed to students over the next several years, and will supplement other forms of financial aid.

With this substantial gift, the University’s $95 million endowment will increase nearly 40 percent to almost $130 million, making it one of the largest endowments at a Historically Black College or University. The University plans to allocate remaining funds to support high priority

ing: CMA great Dolly Parton, who earlier this year pledged $1 million to coronavirus vaccine research, wrote on social media: “I’m so heartbroken that one of my dearest and oldest friends, Charley Pride, has passed away.

It’s even worse to know that he passed away from Covid-19.

What a horrible, horrible virus.

Charley, we will always love you. Rest In Peace. My love and thoughts go out to his family and all of his fans.

Billy Ray Cyrus shared his expressions also. “The last time I spoke to my good friend and legend Charley Pride. We met in ‘92 playing shows together in Australia. His beloved sweetheart Rosie by his side. A gentleman... legend and true trail blazer. With much respect #RIP” Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson wrote, “Charley Pride’s death is another blow in an unrelenting year. He was an icon who excelled in many fields — and a kind man. He once even let Nikki wear some of his jewelry.

We’re feeling this one today.

May he Rest In Peace.”

And frustration over the lack of social distancing and other precautions last month at the CMA awards didn’t sit well with many.

Singer Maren Morris wrote, “I don’t want to jump to conclusions because no family state-

academic needs, including endowed faculty positions, faculty recruitment and faculty development, improvements in academic areas, undergraduate scholarships, and graduate fellowships.

PVAMU has had a number of high profile gifts in recent

• Dec. 17 to Dec. 23, 2020

11

ment has been made, but if this was a result of the CMAs being indoors, we should all be outraged. Rest in power, Charley.”

The CMA released a statement on Saturday: “Everyone affiliated with the CMA Awards followed strict testing protocols outlined by the city health department and unions. Charley was tested prior to traveling to Nashville. He was tested upon landing in Nashville, and again on show day, with all tests coming back negative. After returning to Texas following the CMA Awards, Charley again tested negative multiple times. All of us in the Country Music community are heartbroken by Charley’s passing. Out of respect for his family during their grieving period, we will not be commenting on this further.”

In lieu of flowers, Pride’s family is asking for fans to donate to the Pride Scholarship at Jesuit College Preparatory School, St. Philip’s School and Community Center, the North Texas Food Bank, or other charities of your choice.

Pride Scholarship at Jesuit College Preparatory School https://www.jesuitdallas.org/make-a-gift St. Philip’s School & Community Center https://www.stphilips1600.org/getinvolved/donate.cfmTexas Metro News Publishereditor Cheryl Smith contributed to this report.

months, including: $1 million for the Center for Race and Justice from HEB Chairman Charles Butt; $1.5 million from the Mellon Foundation for AfroAmerican Studies and faculty development; $1.5 million from Houston Endowment for the College of Education; $1 million from Bank of America for career services; $850,000 from Vistra, Inc., to improve educational opportunities for students; and $2 million from community leader Shari Griswold for scholarships.

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Garland from page 1

NAACP Texas State Conference who contacted the NAACP national office on his behalf. The only task left was notifying the faithful NAACP volunteers whom he served as president and whom he “so dearly admires.”

On December 8, 2020, McNeal held a called meeting with members of the Garland NAACP Exec-

utive Committee, announced his appointment to the Garland City Council and resigned his position as president, for now!

The saving grace to the NAACP is President McNeal will only serve on the City Council through May 1, 2021, when Garland will hold its general election and fill the District 1 seat with an elected councilperson. It is stipulated in the Garland City Charter that a resident serving temporarily is ineligible to run for the Council seat in the very next election.

New Clinic Offers Follow-Up Care for COVID-19 Survivors Many COVID-19 survivors are plagued with symptoms of the disease long after they have recovered.

To assist survivors Parkland Health & Hospital System started a COVID Follow-up Clinic, that has to date helped 200 patients with ongoing medical issues.

Those coming for face-to-face followup care are separated from other populations to prevent the spread. The clinic has facilitated more than 400 patient visits with specialists ranging from wound care and oncology nurses to OB/ GYNs and advanced practice providers.

“We are finding that the long-term health impacts of COVID-19 are very real.

We need to take this disease very seriously. There is a lot unknown and much to learn,” said Monal Shah, MD, Senior Vice President, Chief Physician Advisor and medical director of the COVID Follow-up Clinic at Parkland.

Parkland officials expect the COVID Follow-up Clinic

A native of Jonesboro, LA, McNeal holds a BS degree in Business Administration from Louisiana Tech in Ruston. He moved to Dallas in 1987 and met his bride while interning as a new hire at Electronic Data Systems (EDS).

In 1994, he and his wife, Najeda Flowers McNeal relocated to Garland, became homeowners, and now, after 30 years of marriage, they have three adult daughters and two sons-in-law: Hillary (Tyler), Hannah (Justin), and their baby girl, Haylea; who

land City Council.

As a result of Councilman McNeal’s new position, the NAACP Garland Unit made several temporary appointments that will remain through April 30, 2021.

The Honorable Annie Dickson (former Councilwoman in District 2 and NAACP vice president) moved up to the position of president and Dr. Chonda Williams will serve as vice president and secretary. Larry D. Daniels remains in his elected position as Unit treasurer.

Dallas Public Library expands hotspot lending program to meet stay-at-home needs Dallas residents without home broadband will now have 2,000 more ways to access the internet thanks to Dallas Public Library’s expanded hotspot lending program. As of December 15, every Dallas Public Library location (except for Bookmarks at NorthPark Center) will have at least 85 hotspots available for athome internet use.

“The additional hotspots are an important part of providing the library’s core service of computer access,” said Library Director

to serve 25 or more patients daily. Future plans include research on the long-term effects of COVID-19 and formation of support groups for patients with ongoing physical and mental health issues resulting from the disease.

“Our goal with the clinic is to help our COVID-19 patients bridge the transition from illness through recovery to a healthy life,” she added. “We need to follow these patients very closely to prevent relapse because we know they can decompensate very quickly while still struggling with acute symptoms.”

To learn more about Parkland services, visit www. parklandhospital.com.

is a junior at Midwestern State University.

The McNeals are devoted members of Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church where Councilman McNeal serves as a deacon and the superintendent of Sunday School.

Once Governor Greg Abbott approves this new Garland appointment, Councilman McNeal will be officially sworn in to represent District 1. In the meantime, he is serving as an ex officio member of the Gar-

Giudice. “To that end, library locations serving populations with a greater digital divide will have more hotspots available at the launch to ensure the people who need it most have equitable access.”

The Dallas Public Library remains closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but is offering curbside pick-up of materials and virtual programming. Hotspots can be requested online at www. dallaslibrary.org, by phone at 214-670-7809, or by contacting a

local branch. The wi-fi hotspots can be checked out for 30 days with the option to renew if there are no outstanding requests.

Cardholders are encouraged to get on the waitlist now in order to have a hotspot as soon as they are available.

Free and secure outdoor public WiFi hotspots are available to use between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. every day in the parking lots of four locations: Prairie Creek, Paul Laurence Dunbar Lancaster-Kiest, Highland Hills and Dallas West.

DHS Choir Director named Grammy Finalist DeSoto High School Choir Director Pamela Dawson has been named one of the 10 finalists for the 2021 Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum’s Music Educator Award; established to recognize current educators who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education and who demonstrate a commitment to maintaining music education in the schools.

Chosen from nearly 2,000 initial nominations for the annual award presented by the Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum, Dawson also received a $1,000 honorarium.

“I am so honored to have been

nominated for this prestigious programs around the country. In award,” Dawson said. “God has addition to her work at DeSoto given me the gift of music and has High School, Ms. Dawson has called me to teach. I continually served on and chaired the DeSoto challenge my students Arts Commission, to attain success not establishing the now only musically but in signature program every aspect of their DeSoto Arts LIVE lives.” event celebrating Pamela Dawson has all arts genres with served as the head featured entertainers choral director for like Midnight Star and the award winning Ruben Studdard. program at DeSoto The 2021 Grammy Pamela Dawson High since 2007, Music Educator award growing the program winner will receive a to 200 students. Graduates from $10,000 honorarium, be flown her DHS choir programs have to Los Angeles and presented experienced success in various during the Grammy awards college and professional music ceremonies in January.

dON MIGUEL RUIZ THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

By Valder Beebe I was introduced to Mr. Ruiz through his bestselling book The Four Agreements. The questions from the book have stayed a part of my life from The Four Agreements: 1. Be impeccable with your word.

2. Don’t take anything personally.

3. Don’t make assumptions.

4. Always do your best.

5. Be impeccable with your word.

6. Speak with integrity.

7. Say only what you mean.

dON Miguel Ruiz

I invited New York Times bestselling author for over a decade don Miguel Ruiz into the Valder Beebe Show Studios as he reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. don Miguel Ruiz, is a Mexican author of Toltec spiritualist and neoshamanistic texts. Ruiz is listed as one of the Watkins 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People in 2018.

“If you are interested in mastering the art of life, remember three important lessons: • You are acting all the time. • You believe the roles you play. • You believe the roles that others play.”

Dramatic Art represents the first course in a series of Mystery School books by don Miguel Ruiz and Barbara Emrys. Using a

classroom setting, this fascinating course explores human behavior from the point of view of the artist. Artists reflect life.

Artists mirror the human condition, and they share their vision with the world. There are many kinds of artists, but this course is about acting and actors.

Acting is our first learned skill even before language, and even before we stand up to walk. We begin our lives as mimics. We watch, we listen, and we imitate.

We are natural performers, and we spend our lives perfecting the craft.

Dramatic Art explores the human drama as well as the role each of us plays in it. Performance art is a way of life for each of us, and it has shaped our common dream. We choose the roles we play in different situations and for different people. We can also step away from those roles. We can reclaim our authenticity.- Mr. Ruiz’ publicist provided text in conjunction with the Valder Beebe Show VBS: Let’s highlight Day 4, The Actor.

DMR: Life is teaching every single moment. We all are actors, life is giving to us every single mystery, even if you do not know you are acting.

VBS: You quote for Day 4, Shakespeare “All the world is a stage, and all the men and women are merely player.”

DMR: Yes that is true, and one of the biggest fears of the Actor is the critic. We are acting to be what everyone wants us to be. The most important critic is………

Don Miguel Ruiz 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 I MESSENGER, Texas Metro News, and Garland Journal News.

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Large challenges require big strategies, Big Mama said, Is it more than a notion…Watch us grow BLACK CARD

By Terry Allen When any of us failed to complete a chore or task completely, my grandmother, Lucille “Big Mama” Allen taught us a lesson. She would place her hands on her hips and look at us as she spoke the words, “this was more than a notion.”

We all knew what that meant. More than a notion had a powerful impact in our house. Clearly defined it means to all of her children - a notion is like a thought.

So more than a notion is like not something you just think about, it should actually be an action you execute.

Big Mama reminded me that we had an opportunity to do a great job and we did not.

Big Mama knew that more than a notion implies that something is more difficult to do than just thinking about it. She was trying to impact our growth in an awesome way.

Like Big Mama’s more than a notion, the state of our community is in an intense series of actions and discussions about race ignited by recent events, including the de-

ath of George Floyd, the Ahmaud Arbery shooting and the disparate impact of the pandemic.

We know it is more than a notion as we see all of the global impacts of the state of the world we are in as well as the social awakening while we have focused on the lives of countless Black Americans.

Texas Metro News/ Garland Journal is on a journey to strive for growth and tell our stories and yes it is more than a notion!

I have witnessed my voices amplified to be the storyteller of all the news that should be printed, so readers we need you as well. Recently I received over 7,000 likes of my post on LinkedIn and the same response in my e-blast this week so keep up the good work.

Readers please continue to take action and move the needle.

I ask this of you: continue to build on the growth and make this a more than a notion. Keep reading and responding to the stories we tell.

If we are to build, invest and grow, we need you. Thank you and thanks to our publisher Cheryl Smith.

Terry Allen is an awardwinning multi-media journalist and owner of 1016 Media.

• Dec. 17 to Dec. 23, 2020

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Exclusive: Hip Hop Icon Kurtis Blow recovering from Heart Surgery

Kurtis Blow

By STACY M. BROWN NNPA Newswire @StacyBrownMedia Hip-Hop Icon Kurtis Blow underwent heart transplant surgery in Los Angeles on Sunday, December 6, his wife of four decades, Shirley Walker, told Black Press USA. “We give all glory to God for the perfect heart and transplant,” she said.

On Monday, December 7, she texted, “He is out of surgery. Keep the prayers and praises up. God does all things well.”

The rap star, whose real name is Kurtis Walker, has a history of heart ailments.

After recovering in 2019 from surgery to repair an aortic artery, the music pioneer was rushed back onto the operating table for a second procedure.

Shirley Walker said she believed the surgery went well, as she remained at the hospital with her husband.

A true legend, Kurtis Blow was just 20 when he became the first rap star signed by a major label. Mercury released “Christmas Rappin,” and it sold more than 400,000 copies and became an annual classic.

Its gold follow up “The Breaks” helped ignite a still spreading international “Rap Attack.”

He released 10 Albums over 11 years, including the self-titled “Kurtis Blow,” “Party Time,” “8 Million Stories,” “AJ,” and “Basketball.”

Blow was honored for video innovation with an MTV Monitor Award in 1985 for his hit, “America,” an album that included the huge single, “If I Ruled the World.”

A short time later, Blow, and Dexter Scott King, were selected to coordinate the song, “King Holiday,” to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday.

The Mercury/Polygram single co produced by Kurtis Blow included Whitney Houston, New Edition, Stephanie Mills, El Debarge, James “JT” Taylor of Kool & the Gang, The Fat Boys, and Run DMC. It also has become an annual Holiday Classic.

The icon is also responsible for rap hits

by The Fat Boys and Run DMC, whose lead star, Run, began his career as “The son of Kurtis Blow.”

Recently, Blow has worked to help Rocky Bucano, former Def Jam President Carmen Ashhurst, and others with work on the Universal Hip Hop Museum, which breaks ground this month in New York. “Prayers work,” Shirley Walker said, noting that she’s optimistic for her husband.

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• Dec. 17 to Dec. 23, 2020

Do you know this man?

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Thinking from page 1

President Donald Trump -asked to join Paxton’s suit, a bid to get their man Trump back in office for another four years.

All this was posturing to block proceedings of the Electoral College scheduled, under the U. S. Constitution, to meet December 14 to certify election results. Law requires a winning presidential candidate to receive a minimum of 270 electoral votes.

Biden received 306 to Trump’s 232, a Biden lead of 74 electoral votes. In popular votes, Biden amassed 81,282,896 to Trump’s 74,222,484 – a Biden lead of more than 7 million popular votes. The two contenders received the first and second

highest vote counts of any candidates in U. S. history.

The vote results shenanigans of Paxton, Trump and their loyalist followers certainly boosters Frederick Douglass’ memorable statement that “Power concedes nothing without a demand...The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress.” So, if 10 million voters in four battleground states stand quietly by and allow their Constitutional voting rights to be trampled under-foot, the world truly is upside down.

The political ramifications of the Paxton delusion are plentiful and include his own heavy legal problems. For five years he has been under a state securities fraud indictment that has not come to trial.

The FBI also is investigating allegations that Paxton abused his power in office to benefit a

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top campaign donor.

Many political analysts surmise that by filing his suit, the Texas attorney general is seeking favor from President Trump. The president possibly could pardon Paxton as he leaves the Oval Office. Analysts say Paxton apparently knows he must act fast before the lame duck commander-inchief is forced to make way for the new Biden administration that includes vice-president Kamala Harris -- the nation’s first female and first Black second-in-command.

All the legal hysterics to preserve the Trump presidency, including Paxton’s suit filed with the U. S. Supreme Court, is reminiscent of the 2000 election between Republican George W. Bush and Democrat Al Gore. Dispute centered around the vote count in Florida. The U. S. Supreme

Court had to declare a winner by technicality in that longdrawn-out contest because the twists and turns and back-andforth arguments threatened to push the process past the legal deadline for a final decision.

Gore won the popular vote but Bush was declared the winner.

Bush is one of five presidents who lost the popular vote but became president: John Adams (1824), Rutherford Hayes (1876), Benjamin Harrison (1888), George W. Bush (2000), and Donald Trump (2016).

Politics indeed is a dirty game.

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

• Dec. 17 to Dec. 23, 2020

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COVID-19 from page 1

Now open to anyone who lives in the Dallas or Tarrant county who would like to participate, participants will be asked to answer surveys online or via phone and may be selected for additional tests to determine whether they have or have ever had COVID. Since launching the study, we’ve had ongoing requests beyond those directly invited to participate, so we’ve expanded the parameters to provide an avenue for anyone living in Dallas and Tarrant counties to participate,” Singal said.

Volunteers can register online and learn more at: https://utswmed.org/covidstudy

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The all-new Hyundai ELANTRA. Tech-savvy, sleek and seriously dripping.

Designed for the young at heart, this sleek compact sedan offers a fully integrated tech experience with flavor you can savor right at your fingertips. Imagine a Digital Key that locks, unlocks, and starts your ride along with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. Mix in Dynamic Voice Recognition that allows you to roll down your windows, pop your trunk, and control the temperature with your voice. Suddenly you have an intuitive, tech-savvy car designed for better living without breaking the bank. Now that’s dripping.

Preproduction model shown with optional features. Near Field Communication (NFC) digital smartphone key requires a compatible Android smartphone and an appropriately equipped 2021 Elantra. Not all Android devices are compatible. The Elantra must be equipped with smart key with push button start, wireless device charging, and Audio Video Navigation System 5.0 (or newer) or Display Audio 2.0. Lock/unlock functionality works on driver’s door only. See your Owner’s Manual for details and limitations. Dynamic Voice Recognition varies by unit. Speak in a normal voice and minimize background noise for best results. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations. Hyundai is a registered trademark of Hyundai Motor Company. All rights reserved. ©2020 Hyundai Motor America.