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• Vol-9 • Dec. 24 to Dec. 30, 2020

MY TRUTH

By Cheryl Smith PUBLISHER

How about every day?

On a call recently we were celebrating birthdays and someone asked everyone to share their best Christmas memory and what they are grateful for today.

The stories were diverse.

Some were funny while others brought tears, revelations and even some apologies.

Many admitted that the past year changed their perspectives on a lot of things. Some are more loving, forgiving, compassionate and thoughtful.

All said they felt blessed!

Which brings me to my truth.

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TUNE IN TO PTOSHA, 12/24 CBS’ Young and the Restless gets some Dallas flavor

By Cheryl Smith What a Christmas gift!

The 2020 Christmas Eve gift comes in the form of one of the most successful and longest-running shows on television.

It was an excited Dallasnative Ptosha Storey who recently announced that she would be joining the cast of the popular CBS soap opera, “The Young and the Restless,” as part of the latest African American family arriving in fictional Genoa City.

“I‘m beyond grateful for the opportunity to be part of “The Young and the Restless” family in the role of Naya Benedict,” Storey told Texas Metro News, adding that the hit show was a “staple in our home” for many years when she was a child.

“To now be working on the show as an actress is a beautiful full circle moment. I’m looking forward to it!”

Her story is similar to so many others who have fond memories of

growing up with everyone from THE Katherine Chancellor; John, Ashley, Jack and Jill Abbott; Victor and Nikki Newman; The Winters; PI Paul Williams and generations of offsprings.

She also joins an impressive diverse alumni including: Shemar Moore (Malcolm Winters), Victoria Rowell (Drucilla Winters), the late Kristoff St. John (Neil Winters), Christel Khalil (Lily Winters), Bryton James (Devon Hamilton),

Ptosha Storey Darius McCrary, Eva Longoria and Jason Canela.

Upon hearing of Storey’s debut on the show, along with another African American, Leigh-Ann Rose (“Love Thy Neighbor” and “Scorpion”); many viewers shared stories of having to watch the show and recount the details to their working mothers

when they returned home or becoming “hooked” as college students.

Storey joins the show in its 46th season, debuting in 1973, with CBS Television touting its position as the number one daytime drama for 28 years.

A long-time member of Dallas’ Friendship-West Baptist Church, Storey See PTOSHA, page 10

Dallas entertainment legend cuts teeth in fine dining

Yes, it has been a tough year.

Actually it has been a “MAZE, featuring Frankie Beverly” type of year filled with JOY and PAIN. Just recalling some of the emotions is enough for me to not want anyone to experience the painful moments. While the joys, coming in the form of births, weddings, celebrations, etc. were so beautiful; the pain, in the form of deaths, illnesses, losses, injustices, accidents; racism, and so on, were sometimes so unbearable.

I only want others to feel joy.

I wouldn’t wish pain on anyone.

See MY TRUTH, page 10

Story and Photos

By Eva D. Coleman Lifestyle and Culture Editor Businessman James Price sat at the opposite end of the long table in the private dining room of his latest establishment; socially-distanced for this I Messenger Media one-on-one interview.

His name is synonymous with “social scene,” and his longevity in the entertainment industry in Dallas-Fort Worth is near top-of-mind for almost anyone who has

James and Deanna Price canvassed area nightclubs over the years.

Price recalled the opening of his first club.

“The name of the club was Savoy, S-A-V-O-Y, and the opening date was December 19, 1989,”

Price said.

The day was busy, however there was one goal in mind.

“Get open,” the Dallas native said. “Just all the things that went with it; scrambling around town getting liquor, food and just…last minute decorating and all that stuff, just frantic. That’s all.”

From opening Savoy over 30 years ago, to Vu Cu Rae Comedy Club and the original Park Avenue, Phenomenon, Truth, Vinetti’s, Jamie’s Rhythm and so many others in between; Price has witnessed and been

a major player in nightclub evolution.

SKIN IN THE GAME “When I got into the business, man, you had to put skin in the game,” he said. “You had to empty the bank account.

Now people are able to lightly dabble in the business of entertainment, but back then, it was pretty much go-forbroke.”

“You know, everything brings about a change,” he added. “That doesn’t mean people are less See FINE DINING, page 11

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• Vol-9

BRIEFS

• Dec. 24 to Dec. 30, 2020

Jordan Hora

So, About That… the podcast!

T E X A S

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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.

WASH HANDS WEAR MASK

Looking for something new and refreshing, public relations executive Jordan Hora says she has just the answer with her new podcast, “So, About That,” where carefully curated conversations “sidestep the predictable and tap into themes lying dormant underneath the surface of what always gets discussed.”

Hosted by the self-described popculture anthropologist and noted communications expert, “So, About That” features interesting people making headlines and will give listeners the “long-awaited permission to celebrate, obsess and bring full circle that one topic or conversation you never found a

home for.”

Hora asks if you ever just wanted everyone in your vicinity to stop and obsess with you about that movie everyone loves, or have you ever needed a space to analyze why your neighbor insists on sharing with you his special recipe that will finally win you over to the “Pineapple belongs on pizza” debate.

“If you’ve ever pondered about that or even more serious issues dealing with race, faith and the ongoing culture wars… or globalization, ‘So, About That’ is here for you,” said the native Texas and alum of Oklahoma State University.

A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the National Association of Black Journalists, Hora said daily updates, fun behindthe-scenes and other content will be shared on the official social media channels Instagram and Twitter at @SoAboutThatpod

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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

Lincoln alum named Teacher of the Year Benjamin Younger V, a teacher at Twin Creeks Middle School, in the Spring Independent School District, a suburb of Houston, TX, was recently awarded “TEACHER OF THE YEAR” by the Lake Houston Chamber of Commerce.

The “Double Tiger,” who graduated from Lincoln Humanities and Communications Magnet High

countering its spread as we continue to restore business and school operations.”

Now open to anyone who lives in 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 School in 1993 and Grambling State University in 2000, teaches Theater Arts.

Younger is married to Erreshea Younger, also a teacher in the Spring Independent School District, and they are the proud parents of four children and three grandchildren.

Benjamin Younger Younger is a football and basketball coach, who also produces an annual theater performance by his students.

NEW TOWNHOMES 2231 Dorian Place MLS #14379965

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• Vol-9

Coalition of 100 Black Women focuses on underserved Black Women and Girls The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Dallas Metropolitan Chapter (NC100BW Dallas Metro) recently launched its Signature Economic Empowerment program - Sister-Nomic$, in partnership with The Coca-Cola Company to build the financial knowledge and skills of underserved Black women and girls; and help Black-owned small businesses impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to accelerate their recovery in communities.

The Sister-Nomic$ program framework is based on selfpreservation in all financial decision and focuses on financial literacy, family wealth building and entrepreneurship and the partnership with The Coca-Cola Company will be implemented at the local chapter level with broad geographical diversity.

According to members of NC100BW, the program will promote increased financial literacy, encourage retirement

Virginia W. Harris

planning and wealth-building strategies regardless of the life cycle stage each woman currently finds herself in, and professional development opportunities.

“The support of The Coca-Cola Company represents an investment in our shared values – elevating under-served Black women and girls to greater heights, from poverty to prosperity, because we know that knowledge is power and the lack of financial literacy leads to the lack of both, sustained financial well-being and generational wealth,” said NCBW National President Virginia W. Harris.

DELIVERING NEWS YOU CAN USE

Dallas College has selected Marisol Romany as its inaugural Chief Social Responsibility Officer and Dr. Kenneth Chapman, Jr. as Senior Director of Equity and Inclusion. These new positions reflect the College’s longstanding commitment to promoting a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees and students.

Marisol Romany

As a leading provider of higher education in Dallas County, Dallas College recognizes its responsibility to attract, develop and retain highquality talent that reflects the communities it serves.

Early during its transition to a unified structure, Dallas College identified the need to expand awareness and appreciation for the cultural, ethnic and social aspects that make its community unique.

Recent events across our country have revealed an increased need for the inclusion of all voices and perspectives.

Furthermore, Dallas College is uniquely positioned to provide access to opportunities for lifelong learning – teaching our students the concepts of sustainability as a pillar of social justice.

Chief Social Responsibility Officer As Chief Social Responsibility Officer, Romany will develop Dallas College’s social responsibility strategy with goals and targets that directly align with the College’s overall vision for equity, the economy and the environment.

She will lead the development of social responsibility training

YOU’RE ALONE. WE ARE HERE TO HELP IN THIS UNCERTAIN TIME. CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE SESSION WITH A TRUSTED THERAPIST.

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Two selected to strengthen Dallas College’s commitment to diversity

NCBW’s economic development and empowerment programs include comprehensive workshops and seminars that promote economic self-sufficiency. With 61 chapters and 2,800 members nationally, NCBW Chapters are comprised of Black women who understand the power of collaboration and the need for a commitment to service in order to make a real difference in the communities they serve. NCBW is committed to financial literacy and strengthening Black women and girls.

“We are excited to provide financial literacy programming with the support of The Coca-Cola Company that speaks directly to the concerns of Black women and girls in the local Dallas area,” said Dallas Metro Chapter President Sonya Irby. “Our desire is to not only educate but encourage financial well-being and financial freedom to make the choices that allow for the enjoyment of life.”

not

• Dec. 24 to Dec. 30, 2020

programs for employees and advocate for parity and economic inclusion within minority and underserved communities.

Prior to assuming the role of Chief Social Responsibility Officer, Romany served as director of diversity and minority business at Orlando Health. She holds a bachelor’s degree in management from Florida International University and dual master’s degrees in leadership and education from Framingham State University in Massachusetts.

Senior Director of Equity and Inclusion Serving on Romany’s team as Senior Director of Equity and Inclusion, Dr. Chapman will build and sustain an equitable organization roadmap that embraces each unique student, employee and stakeholder. He will also develop and oversee programs, services and initiatives to enhance the recruitment and retention of Dallas College faculty, staff and students from diverse and under-represented population groups.

Dr. Kenneth Chapman, Jr.

Dr. Chapman previously served as executive dean of liberal arts at Dallas College - North Lake Campus. Prior to that, he was founding director of diversity, equity and inclusion at the University of Oklahoma.

Dr. Chapman holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations and mass communications from the University of Central Oklahoma and a master’s degree in education and doctorate in philosophy from the University of Oklahoma.

CALL US: 214.467.6770 WEBSITE: harmonycdc.org EMAIL: harmonycounseling@harmonycdc.org

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• Dec. 24 to Dec. 30, 2020

Where have the jobs gone?

THE LAST WORD

By Dr. Julianne Malveaux Have you ever seen a pig dance a jig? I don’t mean to be rude, but the one-minute press conference that the current President called to celebrate the stock market clearing the 30,000 mark was the equivalent of a pig dancing a gig.

He had been under seclusion for the three weeks since he lost the election to President-elect Joe Biden, playing more golf than President Obama ever did.

If he works his frustrations out on the golf course, pity the caddy.

In any case, when the Dow Jones Industrial average cleared the 30,000 mark, the “economic recovery” President could not resist a camera turn. He also refused to reply to any questions.

But what could we expect from a President who had sequestered himself for three weeks,

bunkering down inside his tax-supported home, venturing to play golf with tax-supported security?

While 45 was celebrating and golfing, too many other Americans got upsetting news. Weekly, at least 700,000 are filing unemployment claims. Fewer than March, but too many to claim “economic recovery.”

The first Friday employment situation report was disappointing. The report said the rate “edged down” to 6.7 percent. That means it moved only slightly and that the 245,000 jobs created fell far short of the 450,000 that economists had expected.

It’ means that the so-called recovery is not recovering right now and that the news of pandemic flare-ups will make it worse.

As soon as the market cleared 30,000, though, folks were selling grotesque celebratory t-shirts on Amazon. They are owning the victory that gave them a 30,000 stock market and food lines snaking around city blocks.

They are celebrating their

jig-dancing President while ignoring the folks who are crying out for relief. Why are so many so indifferent to the human suffering resulting from job loss and the pandemic?

The 6.7 percent unemployment rate is bad enough. More than 100,000 government employees lost their jobs last month. Some of these are census workers, but some have lost jobs when their cities and states have cut back.

Teachers, nurses, police officers, and firefighters have jobs on the line. And the Senate is fiddling while America starves.

Congress has offered legislation since May, compromising along the way, but the Senate has held the line in punishing hungry and unemployed people to fulfill their political gains.

Beyond the overall unemployment rate, there are ugly realities. Nearly 3.9 million people have been unemployed for at least half a year. Many of them have lost their unemployment benefits.

Fourteen million people say they are either not working or

‘Twas the Night 2020!

QUIT PLAYIN’

By Vincent L. Hall “Twas the night before Xmas, round the White House was Noise Donald Trump hadn’t conceded, still stirring the Proud Boys.

The Filthy Rich were hovering, wondering what Biden might dare, In hopes that Trump’s tax break would always be theirs.

Poor children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of old school chums danced in their heads.

Mamma in her weave, and Dad in a wave cap, ‘Bout tired of this COVID…Forty weeks of this crap!

When on the White House

lawn, there arose such a clatter, Melania sprang from bed, to make sense of the matter.

Away to the window, she flew like a flash, Walked around Secret Service, and pulled back the sash.

You should finally admit this has all been a ruse!

To the Climate Deniers, To the top of Trump’s Wall, You must dash away! Dash away! Dash away y’all!”

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, Gave the luster of MAGA hats circling below.

When, what to her wondering eyes should appear, But Mitch McConnell, the Speaker, with his troll-like veneer!

Mitch boasts of his Judgeships, so lively and quick, But Biden/Harris 2020 will fix that trick.

More rapid than eagles her coursers they came, The Electors called out Biden and each State by name!

“Now McConnell, now Graham, now, Rubio and Cruz!

Just as dry leaves flew briskly before Hurricane Laura, The COVID-19 unemployed, were afraid of tomorrow.

From the Hill to the White House no one seemed to care, The people need relief, but McConnell just stares!

Just then in a twinkling, there

working less because of corona.

Nearly half a million have left the labor force just last month.

People are suffering, and it seems as if our legislators don’t care.

So there are those who are celebrating stock gains and others who have seen absolutely no gain. Some are celebrating economic success, while too many others are scrambling for their next meal.

Those who are working are facing more challenging conditions than before the pandemic. Because of a lack of funds, many cities are cutting public transportation, increasing waiting times, and crowding. The cut in transportation services is understandable, as is the reduction in other services.

Where does that leave us, though, when there are fewer busses, less garbage collection, and fewer other public services?

The House of Representatives and Senate are squabbling about how much relief is needed but seem close to an agreement that will provide

much-needed, and insufficient aid. President Obama told Rev. Al Sharpton, “any recovery is going to require government to spend even more than it already has.”

As it now stands, the government is more interested in making political points than in helping citizens. For some, it boils down to the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA).

For others, it is a matter of the unemployment rate and its reverberations.

This is what we know for sure – corona is taking a tremendous toll on our society and economy every single day.

Christmas is coming, and too many folks will find empty stockings. On both sides of the aisle, our legislators deserve nothing more than a lump of coal.

Bah, humbug!

was a herd on the roof, You could hear the excitement in each little hoof.

As Obama summoned Democrats and was making his rounds, Down the chimney “Sleepy Joe” came with a bound.

Joe was dressed all in Blue, from his head to his foot, But his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.

A bundle of Executive Orders was flung on his back, And he looked like an Old Settler, just emptying his pack.

ass, it was a helluva loss!

His eyes-how they twinkled! His demeanor was merry!

His cheeks tanned like roses, his foes looked so scary!

His droll little mouth was bereft of a smile, All the tears of FOUR LONG years, showed up in his eyes!

The stump of a Georgia mail ballot he held firm in his teeth, As the smoke from an electoral beating burned underneath.

He had the surest grin and the look of a Boss.

Fresh from whipping Trump’s

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.

The Democrats all gleamed for they finally knew That the dream of restored normalcy was about to come true They circled the talk shows with glee and pride They had more than a mandate, their day had arrived!

Pelosi spoke not a word, but went straight to her work, And filled all the stockings, over the objections of Republican jerks.

VP Harris was no better, and she didn’t mince words, “I’m Speaking Vice President Pence, and I will be heard!”

The President sprang to his sleigh, and gave the whole team a whistle, They had made the right cuts, we don’t need all those missiles!

This Nation was saved and the whole World was cool, A perfect example of what happens, when you fire a Fool!

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

Christmas is Forgiveness

FAITHFUL UTTERANCES

By Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew Our culture is quick to dismiss others.

Social media is filled with ‘cancel culture’.

If someone does something unacceptable, social media becomes enraged and the demands to end the individual’s career ensues.

This boycott includes shaming individuals, slamming their reputation, and negating anything they have ever done that may have been positive.

Even after a person apologizes, if the apology does not contain key elements to the satisfaction of the audience, the person is dragged continuously until the next person is identified for breaking the rules. There are behaviors that are reprehensible and deserve to be called out.

As Christians, we have a responsibility to speak out and address those societal ills that plague our communities, keeping people from living the abundant life God desires for each of us.

That is not the issue. The real challenge is when a person seeks to change, sees the fault or failing and decides to change and that we become judges in their return to restoration.

We deny them forgiveness and forget our own shortcomings, faults, and failures. In essence, we deny them the opportunity to receive love.

I am so glad that we serve a God who forgives us repeatedly. In Matthew 18:21-35, Christ answers Peter who asks, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?”

Jesus tells a parable about a man in a position of power who forgave his servant. Yet, when the servant was given the opportunity to do the same for someone else, he forgot how he had been forgiven previously.

Jesus answered Peter, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!”

Forgiveness is ongoing and is rooted in love.

It is accepting that we all fall short of the glory of God and that as long as we are on this earth, we will make mistakes.

In the Lord’s prayer, we ask God to forgive us as we have forgiven others. Luke 6:35 says, “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.

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Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.”

Forgiveness is love.

Forgiveness is about loving others even when they do not deserve it. Forgiveness is about loving ourselves enough to be freed from the chains of anger and hatred.

Forgiveness is about obedience to God and loving Him through our actions because He continues to give us another chance.

The ultimate love was demonstrated on the cross.

While Jesus hung on the cross, he said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) On the cross, out of love and obedience, he forgave us. Even in our sins, “…God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) The ultimate love was demonstrated in the birth of Jesus so that we would have the opportunity to have eternal life.

His birth not only demonstrates hope and possibilities but reminds us that God gave his only son so that we could be blessed with the Kingdom of God. Instead of allowing us to die in our sins, dismissing us for not getting it right the first time (or even the thirtieth time).

God loves us so much that He wanted a path for us to be reconciled with Him and that path was through the life and death of Jesus.

As we go through this season, I hope that we are extending the love, grace, and mercy that Christ has given to us to one another. If we are to show the world the love of Christ, it begins in how we love one another (John 13:35) and our willingness to forgive others as He has forgiven us.

Christmas is the gift of love through the forgiveness of our sins.

Christmas is a reminder of our redemption.

Christmas is restoration.

Christmas is reconciliation.

Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is a Buckner International Board Member and currently serves as Vice President of Community Affairs and Strategic Alliances for the State Fair of Texas. She is the author of three books and the host of a podcast for women, The Tapestry.

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Foreign Policy Reset Under Biden

respectability as a return to past foreign policies. This will, more than likely, include uncritical support of Israel (and, in this case, OUR politely ignoring the Palestinians); VOICES continued contention with China and Russia; a possible restoration

By Bill Fletcher, Jr. of US participation in the Iran Among the subjects that have nuclear accord; an insistence on US been the source of speculation as the gate keeper of the Western regarding the incoming Biden/ Hemisphere; and more reliable Harris administration is the matter international agreements. It may, of foreign policy. Trump went much also, involve a renewal of free trade further than previous presidents, agreements. In other words, a very including George W. Bush, in mixed bag and, overall, not one advancing a unilateralist approach that, on its own, will strengthen towards the role of the United States a tendency towards justice, even overseas. What should we expect where there are positive elements. under Biden/Harris?

There is much more, of course, The first thing to be clear on is, but the long and the short of it is that ironically, the essence of Trump’s a peaceful and just future cannot foreign policy. Trump has been be found in the past. It cannot be repeatedly called an isolationist, found in more subtle and ‘rational’ leading many people to believe that attempts at US global dominance, he wanted the USA to withdraw nor with the US being part of the from the world. Nothing could have global oligarchy dominating the been further from planet. A radical the truth. What reshaping of US he wanted was for foreign policy must the USA to not be be undertaken not constrained by only for the future any international of the USA, but the agreements such future of the planet. that it could do We live in a world whatever it wanted, where the slightest whenever it mistake can set off wanted. This, by the regional conflicts, way, is the essence not to mention President elect- Joe Biden of “isolationism” in thermo-nuclear war. the USA. For these reasons, not only can we Biden is cut from a different cloth. not afford to remain passive about Much like Obama, he has been matters of foreign policy. We must very consistent in supporting the take an active approach in pressing expansion of global capitalism and the Biden/Harris for something particularly what came to be known dramatically different. We need, in as economic neo-liberalism. But a nutshell, a foreign policy that dehis approach prioritized a working militarizes; that abandons spheres relationship with other major of influence; that repudiates free capitalist powers, though with the trade agreements that undermine operating assumption that the USA the ability of countries in the global would serve as ‘chairperson of the South to economically develop; board’ among the global powers. and that emphasizes international This approach certainly did not cooperation in order to address the advance peace; in fact, various wars environmental catastrophe. were either initiated or continued I realize that many of us think that under this banner. But it was more discussions of foreign policy are a predictable. luxury. I think that is dead wrong: it Biden ran for the Presidency is a necessity if humanity wishes to under the banner of restoring survive the 21st century. sanity and respectability within the USA. While most of us are in Bill Fletcher, Jr. is the executive editor favor of both, the Biden/Harris of globalafricanworker.com and a past tendency will be to see sanity and president of TransAfrica Forum.

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My personal 12 days of Christmas I WAS JUST THINKING...

By Norma Adams-Wade Today, December 24, is Christmas Eve. A lot is wrapped up in this day – spiritual beliefs, traditions, family togetherness, hustle & bustle of last-minute shopping.

For some, it’s a day off from their nine-tofive job or, at least, time off early from the workday.

The traditions of Christmas are plentiful and varied, depending on culture, country and religion.

Among the traditions is a very familiar holiday Christmas Carol that has one of the most complicated histories I have run across in many moons.

The song is the “Twelve Days of Christmas.”

The Twelve Days of Christmas.

A brief version of the song’s complex history dates back to the 18th Century.

Research does not confirm but indicates that the song began in France as a children’s game of memory in the form of a chant or rhyme without music. Children who forgot or omitted some of the gifts were out of the game. Ultimately the rhyme was published, still without music, in England in 1780.

Historians say that more than a century later, English composer Frederic Austin put the rhyme to music in 1909 using a traditional English folk melody. A study of the carol’s various “gifts” shows that they varied over time depending on which one of about a dozen different writers was recording the lyrics in their publications about old English carols, also known as ditties, ballads or folk songs.

In English composer Austin’s more traditional version the gifts include a partridge, turtle doves, French hens, calling (or “colly” meaning black) birds,

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice-president-elect Kamala Harris share a victory moment.

gold rings, geese, swans, milking maids, ladies dancing, leaping Lords, pipers, and drummers.

Equally interesting is the meaning behind the 12 days. Some religious customs observe 12 days of feasts either beginning on Christmas, December 25, or on the day after Christmas, December 26.

The feast days end 12 days later either on January 5 or January 6. Christmas Day generally is considered the first day of Christmas. Each subsequent day is the first, second, third day, etc., until January 5 or 6 that is the twelfth day.

I was just thinking…if those early English composers can vary the gifts to fit their holiday mood, so can I. Here are my personal 12 days of Christmas gifts.

• 1st day. I get harmony between Republicans and Democrats in Congress.

• 2nd. No hunger in the world.

• 3rd. An end to wars and global conflicts, particularly between Israel and Palestine and throughout the Middle East and Afghanistan in Asia.

• 4th. Prison reform, including truth justice for all - not injustice for “just us.”

• 5th. The world truly believing that Black

Lives do Matter.

• 6th. An end to bullying.

• 7th. Kids learning to love reading books again.

• 8th. Reliable cures for clinical depression and drug addiction.

• 9th. The National Rifle Association (NRA) will lose its grip on lawmakers and gun violence will greatly diminish.

(I do not mind gun ownership, just the unrestrained violence from weak guncontrol laws.)

• 10th. An end to physical and sexual abuse of women and children of both genders.

• 11th. Less movie and TV violence and sex and more plots that entertain without those frills used purely for shock value.

• 12th. And on my 12th Day of Christmas, please present me with a successful Joe Biden-Kamala Harris administration that history will record as the trailblazer for a better world that we clearly see on the horizon.

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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Dear President Biden

Don’t Forget about Black Children in Public Charter Schools

By Simeon Gant The inauguration of President-elect Joseph Biden is fast approaching. With less than a month before he is sworn in as America’s 46th President, he is hoping to announce the last of his cabinet picks, including the new Secretary of Education - a position that has many Black public charter school leaders and families urgently reminding the President-elect that they matter too.

“There have been a few names floated in the news already including two union leaders.

We’re not interested in having a Secretary of Education that vows to dismantle public charter schools, especially when more than 3 million families actively choose to send their children to charter schools everyday,” said Dr. Margaret Fortune, President and CEO of Fortune School, a public charter network in California and the national co-chair of Freedom Coalition for Charter Schools, a coalition of Black and Latino charter school leaders and founders from 21 states.

“I’ve had an opportunity to speak to Biden’s transition team twice and I advocated for an expansion of public charter schools led by people of color and strongly urged against the nomination of former National Education Association president Lily Eskelsen Garcia, current American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten or former dean of Howard University School of Education Leslie T. Fenwick.

They do not support charter schools.”

Across America, 3.3 million students are enrolled in public charter schools—70 percent are Black or Latino. In a letter to President-elect Joe Biden and Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris, 40 Black charter school leaders and founders from across the country said, “Our

Geoffrey Canada

schools are some of the highest performing public schools in America.

Many of us founded and expanded our schools with the support of innovative education reforms under President Barack Obama who supported the expansion of public charter schools, as well as holding educators accountable for improving the quality of education for Black children.”

“Until every child has access to a high-quality public education, the American Dream will remain elusive to far too many.

And given the significant disruption to education this year due to the pandemic, the appointment of the Secretary of Education is one of the most consequential cabinet posts of the Biden Administration,” said Geoffrey Canada, founder of the Harlem Children’s Zone, which served as a blueprint for Obama’s Promise Neighborhood program, a cornerstone of his “cradle to career” education policy.

“Mr. Biden must ensure the Secretary of Education is there to primarily serve the needs of students and families. Potential nominees with strong ties to special interest groups cannot be relied upon to put the needs of families first.”

In 2009 Obama and Education Secretary Arne Duncan announced the creation of a $4.35 billion grant program to states known as “Race To The Top.” The administration used the

money from the program to encourage states to embrace education policies including, among other things, charter schools and college and career-ready standards.

Under the Obama Administration student enrollment in public charter schools expanded by over 1.7 million students, according to the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.

His administration created a federal grant program to replicate high performing charter schools.

A Stanford University study found that charter schools do a better job teaching low income students, minority students and students who are still learning English than traditional schools.

“The Secretary of Education must be someone who deeply values unity and collaboration,

is willing to rise above partisan bickering, and will support all public school models that are effective – both district and charter,” said Canada.

Black charter school leaders and education advocates, like Naomi N. Shelton, incoming Chief Executive Officer for the National Charter Collaborative, an organization that represents more than 400 charter leaders of color, also cautioned the Biden-Harris administration against cloaking the teachers union agenda with a candidate from an HBCU. “While we love the Biden-Harris administration’s support of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their graduates, disguising an agenda that does not keep parents and students at the center of the work with a candidate from an HBCU is not going to work,”

said Shelton.

“A current district leader with a track record of innovation and equity should be the frontrunner in leading a post-pandemic education agenda .”

“All charter schools are public schools, and the Secretary of Education must acknowledge this fact,” said Miriam Raccah, Executive Director of Bronx Charter School for the Arts and a co-founder of the Black Latinx Asian Charter Collaborative (BLACC).

“We believe the next Secretary must have a commitment to treating all public schools and public school students fairly with respect to funding, facilities and support. Seventy percent of charter school students are Black and Brown; to deny resources to their schools is a racial equity issue and we won’t stand for it.”

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Virtual and liVe Community Calendar

Human Rights Month December 23 D.O.B. of Madam C.J. Walker first Black Millionaire in 1869 Michael “Hollywood” Hernandez Live Podcast on Facebook @HollywoodHernandez, at 2 pm.

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 Dr. Linda discusses healthy hair and scalp talk, and alopecia talk, on FB Live and DfwiRadio.com.

Online Spiritual Care Sessions Hosted by Friendship-West Baptist Church. 1-2:30 pm. Tickets: https://zoom. us/j/8567036848 The Bear Creek Food Distribution Mon, Wed, & Fri. 11 am-3 pm. 2700 Finley Rd. Irving. Drive-Thru.

SECC Inc. Annual Christmas Day - Feed the Homeless. Event

by Special Edition Corvette Club Inc. 2837 E Ledbetter Dr, Dallas, 10 am CST–12 pm. CST. Info: specialeditioncc@gmail.com 33rd Annual Dallas Holiday Parade Televised Special. Event by 2020 Dallas Holiday Parade on DFW: CW33 Check your local listing. 10–11 am. CST. I’ll Be Home For Christmas. Christmas Morning Service at IBOC Church 7701 S. Westmoreland Rd. 10 am Special Guest Fred Hammond. On the IBOC parking lot, On Campus, Online iboc.org

December 26 Kwanzaa Begins

IBOC Church Community Meal Giveaway. IBOC Drive-Thru Distribution 7701 S. Westmoreland Rd. 10 am in the church parking lot. Free Meals Free Turkeys.

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.

Live Band- NO COVER Feat: Don Diego. At Attaché Cigar, 4099 W. Camp Wisdom Rd. #101, 9-11 pm.

December 24 In 1989 New Orleans, Louisiana’s 1st Black Mayor Ernest Nathan “Dutch” Morial dies 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: 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.

December 25 Christmas Day Valder Beebe Show KKVIDFW.COM FM 89.9. 12 pm.

Umoja-Unity: To remain united in the community 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.

Parkland Free flu shots available at Parkland’s Neighborhood Clinics Saturdays from 8 am-12 pm & 1-4 p.m. at: deHaro-Saldivar Health Center, 1400 N Westmoreland Rd. Dallas, and Garland Health Center, 802 Hopkins St., Garland.

Holiday Observance. Event by Coffee and Politics 101 with Cydney Walker Online with Facebook Live. 10-11 am.

African Drum March: In Memory of African Immigrants Killed

by Police. Event by Texas Live Online Facebook Live. 11 am-2 pm.

December 27 Kujichagulia-Self-Determination: To be responsible for yourself and your community The EPIC Return of BeatStreet Poetry Live Sunday Social.

Hosted by Verb Kulture Ent., . The Free Man2626 Commerce St. 5-8 pm. Tickets: www.verbkultureevents.com/ Parkland Free flu shots available at Parkland’s Neighborhood Clinics Sundays from 9 am-12 pm and 1-4 pm. at: Hatcher Station Women’s Health Center, 4600 Scyene Road, Dallas.

Friendship-West Baptist Church Online Sunday Service. Hear a word from Sr. Pastor Fredrick D. Haynes, III 10-11 am. At www.friendshipwest.org Gospel Brunch at House of Blues, at the House Of Blues, 2200 N. Lamar St. 12 pm. Tickets: Livenation.

December 28 Ujima-Collective Work and Responsibility: To work together Marvelous Marriage Mondays at Friendship-West Baptist Church Register for Virtual event, online at friendshipwest. zoom.us/.../upcpcOmhqz4rqNU 7-8 pm.

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/ The Ultimate Monday Night Jazz Jam with Shelley Carrol, Event by The Free Man, 2626 Commerce St. 7-10 pm.

December 29 Ujamaa-Cooperative Economics: To create African-American businesses 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 Vitruvian Lights Hosted by Vitruvian Park. Vitruvian Park 3966 Vitruvian Way, Addison. 5-11 pm. FREE PARKING & ENTRY. Kimbell Art Museum Presents: Queen Nefertari’s Egypt. The One for Whom the Sun Shines. Beautiful Companion. First Royal Spouse. Tickets: www.kimbellart.org/content/tickets

December 30 Nia-Purpose: To build develop the community Ask Dr. Amerson Show at 11am CST Dr. Linda discusses healthy hair and scalp talk, and alopecia talk, on FB Live and DfwiRadio.com.

Michael “Hollywood” Hernandez Live Podcast on Facebook @HollywoodHernandez, at 2 pm. Guests Oak Cliff’s Holiday Stroll, Event by Holy Crust Dallas, Veracruz Cafe (Bishop Arts District) at Veracruz Café 408 N. Bishop Ave. 6:30-19:30 pm. Tickets: Eventbrite.com Walk-In Wednesdays Parkland’s Community Oriented Primary Care Health Centers offer flu vaccines without an appointment from 9 am-12 pm and 1-4 pm. visit https://www. parklandhospital.com/locations.

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.

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Ptosha

from page 1 attended the famed Booker T. Washington School for the Performing Arts and after graduation attended SMU where she was initiated into the Nu Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts.

A series regular on the BET drama “The Oval,” Storey’s hometown fans cheered her performance at the Dallas Theater Center when she played Ruth Younger in “A Raisin in the Sun.” Her film and television credits include Brenda in “Acrimony,” and Chyna in “Empire,” both with Taraji P. Henson She also appeared in “Petals on the Wind” and Tyler Perry’s “If Loving You Is Wrong” on OWN-TV.

Leigh-Ann Rose

Her assistant director credits include “Mountain Top” (Dallas Theater Center); “The Color Purple;” “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope;” “Ain’t Misbehavin’” (Jubilee Theatre) and “Spunk” (WaterTower Theatre); and Stage West’s “Bootycandy.”

Committed to public service and a sense of community, Storey also has returned home to Dallas to support charitable events and causes.

The multi-talented actress also enjoys a multitude of activities that include: aerobics, cheerleading, cycling, racquetball, roller skating, running, Softball, swimming, volleyball, weight lifting, and singing.

Her son, Jordan L. Jones, is also an actor.

PUTTING CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS

THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

By Valder Beebe The year is winding down and Christmas of 2020, looks a lot different for many reasons.

Christmas’ past we would be rushing into the stores, getting gifts for us, family and for those we just felt guilty about not getting a gift. Many of us extended beyond what we could afford.

Others, took help from agencies and organization to get toys and gifts they could not afford, others used their savings to have a merry Christmas. Then there are others who spend as much money as they desire because their lives are rich beyond belief and they buy luxury cars, homes, jewelry and things most of us can only dream of for Christmas.

Then comes COVID-19, changing the face of Christmas from family gatherings, hot chocolate, gift giving (no matter what your budget) to making decisions; should I travel to celebrate with my family; my parents are older and don’t want to spread the virus; and many more reasons. COVID-19 if we can look at it, has put into perspective, what is important. When you cannot buy gifts, celebrate with those you love due to caution, respect or fear, we are forced to ask, what is Christmas really about?

My Truth from page 1

And that is why I am sending out well wishes to the young “brothers” who stole my car this year. I hope they wake up with a new mindset and focus that will make them become productive citizens in life.

Utilizing my skills from years of “Perry Mason,” “Law and Order” and even “Mayberry R.F.D.;” I discerned that these young men smoked marijuana; drank alcoholic beverag-

Each person will define Christmas for themselves but let me lead off. Christmas to me and my husband will be about Gratitude. We are so grateful that God has spared our lives, the lives of our family, friends and church family. We are grateful that people in our community were not impacted by COVID or survived the impact of COVID. We are grateful vaccines are becoming available to America and the World. This Christmas, we have matched our gifts with our beliefs. I did not spend time, money and energy on many gifts, instead I spent time during quarantine collecting silver photo frames and framing photos of our children’s childhoods (now, all have their own families), photos of family and friends, we will share as Christmas

Gifts. At our home, we get the message that we are not in charge of anything, GOD is in control. God is protecting us no matter what the outcome of the plague (we have had multiple family members stricken with COVID). We are Grateful, we get the message and we have put CHRIST back in our Christmas. We see the real meaning of celebrating the birth of Jesus in his humbled state of his circumstances, being born in a stable to poor descendants of King David.

We have much to be Grateful for; our oldest will be married in December and he and his new bride are nourishing a new baby to be born in 2021. Our granddaughter is expected to have her 2nd child close to my birthday. Our second son is living a wonderful life with his wife and son. Youngest son,

is getting recognition for his musical talents. Our family’s, baby girl was just promoted to Vice President and now nicknamed, Madam Vice President. We have many other accomplishments to celebrate as our oldest granddaughter just received her Master’s degree and our grandson is working toward his Bachelor’s degree.

James and I are, ooooh! So grateful to the blessings God has bestowed upon our family. May you look for God’s blessings Christmas 2020 and beyond.

es; had a serious case of the munchies (a condition that is likely to occur when you smoke marijuana); needed a place to change their clothes; and, they are headed for bigger troubles if they don’t change their ways.

I collected enough of their stuff to gather DNA and there was also a videotape of their crime.

Sadly, however; even with intervention from the mayor’s office, the police department couldn’t complete a report, and couldn’t even return a call.

I would like to say because the focus was not on my little

issue, crime was down but that was not the case.

It is my hope that the necessary resources will be provided so that every citizen can feel safe, protected and heard.

Maybe catching the culprits today could save them from enhanced charges in the future.

To their credit, the culprits dumped everything out of the car. In their haste, they overlooked several money orders and gift cards.

What they did get, however was a lockbox gifted to me from my dearly-departed Mother.

For that alone I wanted to find

them and whip their butts!

Still, I wish them no ill-will.

Instead I wish them intervention because doing what they are doing and traveling the road they are traveling is not a good thing.

It is my wish that we can save our children, help our law enforcement do a better job, support and grow leadership, lift as we climb, take care of the less fortunate, leave no one behind, stay safe, and respect and love!

And we can’t do any of those things, if we don’t first BE SAFE! Wear that mask, wash those hands and stay home!

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

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Fine Dining from page 1

committed than they used to be, but we were ‘all-in’ back in the day.”

The business acumen Price has acquired over the years was developed by others he greatly admires. He credits his first business partner, Alvin Scott, for teaching him so much. Then there’s Charles Bush from Houston, TX, whom he says was the first person he’d met that was a multi-club owner like himself and showed him the ropes. And lastly, the late Charles Bailey, who inspired him the most.

“With every relationship, just about, you take a little something; be it good or bad,” Price said. “So, I try to learn with every relationship that I’ve had.

I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for some older people that put a hand out to take a brother with them and show them the way.”

As an entrepreneur, of all the lessons he’s learned over the years, being actively present proved most valuable.

“You need to be involved in every aspect of your business,” he said. “If you can’t do it, you need to learn it; and the beauty of mine, I was able to learn from

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my first business because it was a success right from day one.”

Price says that involvement taught him that he could live and learn at the same time.

“Make sure the plan is tight, and go in with both feet. And you gotta learn. You’ve gotta go to school all over again,” he said.

With over three decades of answering to himself as the owner of restaurants and nightlife escapes, Price has withstood many tests and feels that while they’re unavoidable, one thing withstands them all.

“My advice is always do something that you love and that you’re going to be passionate about because you’re going to get tested,” he said. “And you’re going to get tested again, and again. So, unless that passion is there, you’re gonna quit because it’s hard to keep going.”

LAUNCHING PAD Over the years, many notables have gotten their start, remain as standing acts or have come through the doors of Price’s establishments.

From Steve Harvey as host at the Vu Cu Rae Comedy Club, Spinderella of Salt-N-Pepa fame as an often-featured deejay or Don Diego Jazz as the resident house band, concerts featuring

DJ’s Steakhouse interior

Robert and Lynell Johhson dining at DJ’s Steakhouse

popular and classic artists are the norm.

Price laughed at what he says is his one regret.

“When I had Steve Harvey at the Vu Cu Rae that I didn’t make him sign a piece of paper that was blank,” he said. “If I’d had him sign that blank piece of paper, I don’t know, it’d be a different world.”

Price shared that multi-award winning artist Erykah Badu worked at the Vu Cu Rae as well.

“She was actually a waitress and Steve Harvey gave her a chance to sing when he built his club down the street from Vu Cu Rae,” Price said. “So he let her sing. The rest is history. I bet he wishes he would have had her sign that piece of paper too!”

As present owner and operator of Vinetti’s, South Dallas Café, DJ’s Steakhouse and Jamie’s Rhythm, with eyes for a sports bar in his purview, the father of six now leaves the overnight duties he’s maintained for so long to his children, and said he is happy to give up the late hours.

See FINE DINING, page 12

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“I was 25 then, I’m a little older now,” he laughed. “So those five or six o’clock in the morning situations are not good for me anymore. I’ll dabble in it a little bit just to guide them, but I want to be at home in the bed at a reasonable hour now.”

While he once considered expanding The Price Group brand beyond Dallas, he quickly realized the importance of remaining where he’s seen the best outcomes.

“I learned to stay in my own back yard; that’s where I have my most success. I’m from here. I was born here. So, this is home,” Price said. “So, when it comes to business and my exposure financially, I like to bet on me, and as sure thing as I can, so I’ve learned to keep it close to home.”

A KNIFE AND FORK IN THE ROAD In addition to clubs that offer food, Price has opened standalone eateries along the way.

His culinary success was crafted in the back of his venues.

“Just about all of my clubs back in the day had kitchens,” Price said. “But back then, we didn’t know how to operate a kitchen, we didn’t know what to do.”

Price credits a visionary, who has since passed away, for the foresight.

“I had a guy…the late Garcia Williams was with me,” Price said. “He used to do all the kitchens. He said, ‘Hey man let me make some money in that kitchen.’ And we would talk, talk, talk and talk. He said ‘You need to get in the food business, something that’s stable, something that you can depend on.’”

Shelley and Lyons and Lyons Cedric enjoying enjoying dinner dinner at at DJ’s DJ’s Streakhouse Steakhouse Shelley Cedric

Price’s first restaurant was the South Dallas Café in South Dallas on Grand Avenue - later changed to Al Lipscomb Way. And 22 years later, still standing as the soul food haven that attracts customers from afar; it’s currently located in the Red Bird area of Dallas on the corner of the southbound side of Marvin D. Love Freeway and Camp Wisdom Road.

Jazzy Wings at DJ’s Steakhouse

Price has ventured into other cuisines, once owning a barbecue restaurant, and a seafood restaurant, Catfish Blues, in Downtown Dallas.

Many of his clubs over the years were made famous for brunches and lavish buffets,

easily transitioning patrons from nighttime to daytime escapes. Price categorizes his currently open club in Addison, TX as a place for pasta.

“We mainly do pastas, catfish and chicken there too,” he said of Vinetti’s. “I’m trying to lean more towards the restaurants than the bars.”

LATEST VENTURE His most recent restaurant venture, DJ’s Steakhouse, has a menu that rivals popular ones for those seeking an upscale experience.

Price says he hopes DJ’s attracts some of everyone, especially those who’ve gone to other places and felt “‘I like Pappadeaux but…I like Perry’s but…a little something is missing,’” he said. “And I hope we fill that void of what was missing through the music, the food, the drinks, the atmosphere. We just fill the void and you say, ‘That’s what was missing… a little soul.’ We say DJ’s Steakhouse with a little soul.”

Price spoke highly about his soulmate and restaurant’s co-namesake.

“It stands for Deanna and James,” he said. “Deanna is my wife and she’s been by my side for 24 years and counting.”

The husband and wife duo were determined to open DJ’s Steakhouse in the former Jaxx Cafe spot with history dating back to 1992. As Addison residents, they’d visited Jaxx numerous times.

Stuffed Pork Chops at DJ’s Steakhouse

Price says that although they secured the location in January 2020, the 40 days in March and April spent inside gave him and Deanna the fortitude to continue with their dream that originated before COVID-19.

“I could have easily just took

the keys back and said, ‘Hey, not gon’ be able to do it,’” he said. “But we decided to press forward because I think this is something that is needed, something that is long overdue.

A high-end restaurant, for us, by us.”

No matter the venture, Price maintains his all-in approach.

Creating the luxurious interior was somewhat of an escape during pandemic times.

“We got it painted and did all the little artwork that you see here,” he said. “And it would be me and her, that was just our little getaway during all the corona stuff. We had a TV on, music playing, and just come in here and do little projects until you see what you see today.”

The restaurant even features a flower-covered wall in which Price takes pride in having placed each flower individually.

He has also taken into consideration the drinks his customers will appreciate.

Price says that many fine steakhouses don’t cater to the spirits enjoyed by African American women and men, however DJ’s will change that by featuring Moscato, Hennessey and Cognacs.

“Everybody’s welcome, but we’re gonna cater to us,” he said. “Down to the collard greens, candied yams and maybe even I could be talking some hot water cornbread.”

As Price further reflects on the words of the late Garcia Williams and the longevity of the South Dallas Café, he hopes for a similar future and possible expansion of DJ’s Steakhouse.

“Through recessions, no matter what, pandemics… it’s still going,” he said. “So, food did prove to be a winning item.”

DJ’s Steakhouse is located at 14925 Midway Road in Addison. To make reservations or for more information, visit djssteakhouse.com.

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SAFETY

BIG MAMA SAID,

“Christmas is a spiritual blessing not a physical present” BLACK CARD

By Terry Allen As I opened the front door of the home my grandfather built by his own hands, Big Mama shared her standard holiday message. She shouted “Christmas Give!”

The chant was more than a greeting because I could see her eyes sparkling and her smile radiated from across the room.

I asked her, “What do you want for Christmas Big Mama?”

She paused for a brief moment, stared at the bible on her bureau and said “Honey, God has given me all these years on this Earth so all I need is for my family to gather, praise God and love each other.”

We both shouted “Amen” and laughed out loud,then she would say, “Now baby, what did you get me?”

Every family member who came in the door got that famous “Christmas Give” greeting.

If I were to fashion my life around Big Mama’s chant- “Christmas Give,” I would count the blessings of being around those who genuinely connect and care for me. Big Mama took her wings in 2003 at the young age of 97, yet she left a legacy of having a healthy heart, a passion for forgiveness and an attitude of gratitude.

This shows that “Christmas Give” is a spiritual blessing not a physical present. My healthy heart is full of grace, joy and newfound renewal.

As we close 2020, we want to gather with family; open gifts and share hugs of love. Yet we are in a pandemic where a gathering can be a danger to our family and a hug can be a death sentence for loved ones who are atrisk.

So please do not attend large gatherings and stay within a COVID-19 tested and closed family circle.

Additionally, do not fray from local, county and state laws. Adhere to national mandates. Stay Safe!

Stay Home!

TAKE A PERSONAL AD OUT IN THE PAPER AND SHOW YOUR LOVE FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY FOR THE NEW YEAR. Pandemic fatigue is real. As people get used to the presence of a life-threatening disease in the air, they do not adhere to the rules as closely. Let’s do our part to protect ourselves and others.

Let your heart stay healthy and protect our BIG Mama(s) from a disease that has killed hundreds of thousands of our Beloveds. This will ensure that we will have many more “Christmas Gives” to come. Am I right?

Email me at terryallenpr@gmail.com Let me know what you are doing for “Christmas Give.”

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

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AT THE MOVIES

By Hollywood Hernandez SAFETY is a new movie available on Disney Plus. It tells the true life story of Clemson safety Ray McElrathBey, played very ably by Jay Reeves.

He’s an outstanding freshman football player but his life is turned upside down when his mother is sent to drug rehab and he has to sneak his young brother, Fahmarr, played by 11-year-old Tadeous J. Mixson, onto campus to live with him in his dorm room.

Ray’s girlfriend is played by Corinne Foxx.

She’s the daughter of Jamie Foxx and SAFETY is her first feature film. She’s sweet and helpful in the film and is a strong part of Ray’s support system for his little brother. A real tender moment in the film is when she teaches Fahmarr how to dance for his first school dance.

Director Reginald Hudlin (HOUSE PARTY) does a great job of mixing in some comedic moments with the melancholy drama of the film.

As more and more people learn about Ray’s situation with his brother he eventually has to tell the head coach and face a SEC commission to get permission to raise his brother while on a college scholarship.

The NCAA has strict rules about family members receiving any kind of special benefits, such as a free meal or even a ride to school.

The football scenes in the movie are incredible.

The movie was actually shot in Memorial Stadium in front of a stadium filled with extras and all of the game action has the feel of a real football game.

SAFETY is a very inspirational film and shows the love between two brothers. It’s also an example of the old saying that it takes a village to raise a child.

While in the beginning Ray tries to take care of his brother on his own he eventually learns that his friends and teammates want to pitch in and do their part and there is no shame in accepting that help.

The two brothers eventually ended up on The Oprah Winfrey Show and got the opportunity to

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Poems for f e i r G s a m t s i r Ch The Bells are Ringing Silver Bells ringing in the sounds of Christmas.

Awakening your heart to a season of great joy, even now.

May new sounds of Christmas mingle with the old and provide for you a beautiful melody that will sustain you this Christmas.

The Reason In the festive time of Christmas, even Santa bows his head.

To thank the babe, in the manger, for all that is done or said.

Joining the host of people who face Christmas with heavy hearts.

Hoping to bring joy to those that find that grief has turned their spirits dark.

Because someone they love will be missing and won’t be gathered around the tree.

So, please mingle both faith and love this Christmas and your spirits will lift, just wait and see.

tell their story on national TV. By the way, in real life the brother’s drug-addicted mother was convinced to sign away her rights to Fahmarr and Ray has been his legal guardian for the past 14 years.

SAFETY is a crowd pleaser that you will enjoy from the opening kick-off to the final gun.

On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate SAFETY a JUMBO!

Hang a ball, string some lights or even deliver a Christmas card.

If you call upon Christmas memories, the path you’re on won’t be so hard.

So when you see dear Santa and you’re reminded of all he gives.

Remember the gift of your loved one and the fact that Jesus lives.

La Juana Barton

MetroNews

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• Dec. 24 to Dec. 30, 2020

CADNET CLASSIFIEDS

Do you know this man?

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Miscellaneous

Will it matter when it is your sister, mother, aunt or grandmother or

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I saw angel wings, faint, but high.

I felt your soul lifting to the sky.

All pain and suffering, you left down here.

No tears nor sadness, as He drew you near.

Gentle sounds of wings on high.

Fly, fly, to Heaven fly.

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HughesNet is a registered trademark of Hughes Network Systems, LLC, an EchoStar Company.

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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.

TEXAS METRO NEWS TEAM WISHES YOU

T E X A S

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Sipho Gumbo WITH LOVE FROM MARVA

By Marva J. Sneed On a recent “From Marva with Love” show; wife, mother, philanthropist, and entrepreneur Sipho Gumbo shared information about her wonderful products.

Sipho received her Bachelor’s degree in Traditional African Literature and Thought and her graduate certificate in Healthcare Administration. She continued her education and received her MBA in International Business.

Sipho is the creator and founder of Yangu Beauty and Munhu, Inc., a non-profit that supports

and educates children orphaned

by AIDS. Sipho said she has always been passionate about helping her community and inspiring others to embrace and love themselves for who they are.

Yangu Beauty, a scientifically advanced Dallas-based skincare company designed for women of color is proud to announce its recent partnership with the Neiman Marcus brand.

MS: Welcome to the show Sipho. Tell us about your journey, that got you where you are today.

SG: We started in 2016. I have super super sensitive skin and I could not find products on the market. So I said let me try to use the products that I used when I was little in Africa. And we built up Yangu Beauty which is the

DELIVERING NEWS YOU CAN USE

• Vol-9

Sipho Gumbo

skincare line we are talking about and then we did a lot of research to find out what will work...

I did a lot of traveling around the country as well as the small trade shows here in Dallas… One of the most visited churches I went to was the Friendship-West Baptist Church and many times I was invited to go and share the products. And then from there, we went to other states. Last year we decided to go up to New York State to a beauty trade show to

meet with buyers...

To attract those buyers to stop and come by and talk to you is quite a feat. We managed to be successful at the event because three of our products were chosen for best in the show. We were very excited to be a small brand and be chosen. Then we went to Los Angeles in January where we managed to be in the final three. It was in L.A. where we met with the Neiman Marcus buyers.

MS: I’m interested in the name.

Where did you get your name from and what does it mean?

SG: The name Yangu means

• Dec. 24 to Dec. 30, 2020

15

“mine” so Yangu Beauty means “my beauty.” And Yangu is from the Zimbabwe language Shona and also in Swahili; it means the same -- my beauty. I used this name, one because of the ownership it’s our skin that we need to take care of with our methods and also one of our leading oil products in the line is Yangu Oil, from a Cape Chestnut in Cape Town in South Africa.

There was so much more to the interview with Sipho Gumbo. To hear the full interview go to BlogTalkRadio. cm/Cheryl’s World link: http:// bit.ly/3aghynl or on Facebook. com@TexasMetroNews.

Find Yangu Beauty at Neiman Marcus Department Stores.

Tune in to “From Marva with Love” Fridays from 11 am- 1 pm.

“From Marva with Love” BlogTalkRadio.com/Cheryl’s World Texas Metro News email: marvasneed@myimessenger.com

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• Dec. 24 to Dec. 30, 2020

MO’ BETTAH WINGS 11am-10pm Monday-Saturday 12-8 Sunday 2860 E. LEDBETTER DR. (Inside Valero) DALLAS, Tx.75216 (469) 899-7927

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Thanks for your cooperation and continued support of Black Jack Pizza!

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Our menu is filled with so many delicious items.

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We have Bar-B-Q plates, Crab boils and so much more.

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