Texas Metro News 12-29-22

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MY TRUTH

Dirk's Statue Unveiled

Mark Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks unveiled a 24-foot statue of Nowitzki – featuring his famous one-leg fadeaway – outside the American Airlines Center.

Dirk Nowitzki

Dear Readers:

Three years have been some challenging ones.

I Messenger Media was seriously impacted by COVID-19. We rely primarily on small businesses and at times, corporate America to purchase advertising and churches, schools, community centers and small businesses for distribution.

Additionally, prior to the pandemic we prided ourselves on going where our people are so we attended at least five weekly community events, putting our papers in the hands of consumers.

With COVID-19, most distribution points closed down or traffic came to almost a complete halt. Some businesses closed down or cancelled their advertising contracts and organizations were no longer having banquet, expos, concerts, etc.

Much to our disappointment we were faced with paying more. But we stayed focused and kept our eyes on the prize.

While some took an extended “Corona-cation,” we stayed on the job and added a daily newsletter that boasts a 58% open rate. Our “Can’t Stop, Wont Stop” mentality energized the team.

INNOVATIVE PIVOTING

We reached out to businesses, especially restaurants and we offered them ads in our publications if they would give each customer a copy of our papers with their to-go orders..

For 21 years he was the face of the Dallas Mavericks and a beloved athlete in this city.

On Christmas Day, the gift that has been Dirk Nowitzki was immortalized in front of his family, friends, fans and former teammates on a chilly but sunny day.

“It was emotional,” said Nowitzki, the only NBA player to spend all 21 seasons with the same franchise. “When the thing went up, felt like the sun was just perfect today, just shining right on it.”

The statue sits on the side of the AAC on a street named after him – Nowitzki Way. Earlier this year his jersey was raised to the rafters of the AAC and he is eligible for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023.

Not bad for a kid from Germany who would end up spending all 21 of his years in the NBA with one team in one city.

"You earned it for every fan of the Dallas Mavericks, for every fan of Dirk Nowitzki," Cuban said.

The white bronze statue was made by Omri Amrany, who also designed a few sculptures of other NBA legends, including Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Wilt Chamberlain.

Nowitzki currently sits sixth on the NBA's all-time scoring leaderboard with 31,560 points. He has been named to 14 NBA All-Star rosters, 12 All-NBA rosters and he won an MVP and a Finals MVP.

"Be the best you can be," Nowitzki responded when asked during a news conference with media what he wants his legacy to be.

"Bring everything out of your talent, don’t leave any stone unturned...that was on the court. And I think the coolest thing off the court was how I grew into this community."

The statue includes the shoes and jersey Nowitzki wore during 2011 season – they year they won the NBA Title. At the bottom of the statue, it reads: "Loyalty never fades away."

Money Talk

By Rodney A. Brooks

First of all, let me say, I’m not a grinch. So, I’m not suggesting that you don’t buy your young children the toys and gifts that they ask for. But the holidays are the perfect time to buy gifts for your children (or grandchildren) of any age that will teach them lessons about money and investing and provide them a solid foundation for their financial futures.

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Correspondent

When the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) removed the interim president and CEO tag from Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. in 2014, then NNPA Board Chair Cloves Campbell conveyed to the membership that the civil rights icon possessed the talent and contacts to make an immediate impact.

Eight 2022 - You're Done!

Campbell, the publisher of the Arizona Informant, also highlighted another of Chavis’

Rev. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., National Newspaper Publishers Association president and CEO

NNPA

Let’s start with a little lesson on the stock market. The last two months have been good for stocks, but it’s not hard to remember when stocks fell off a cliff earlier this year. Still, the S&P 500 is down 15 percent this year.

But over the last 20 years the annualized rate of return for stocks is nearly 10 percent. Over the last 10 years the annual rate of return for stocks has been 16.4 percent.

So, think about how a simple gift of $100 invested in the market would grow as your children or grandchildren grow. Let’s do an example.

Invest $100 with a return of 6% to 10% a year and your return will be $2,330 in 20 years. But if you add $25 a month to that initial $100 investment, you will have $14,194. That gives you a sense of investing if con-

See THESE HOLIDAY GIFTS, Page 10 See BLACK PRESS PUBLISHERS, Page 3

Black Press Publishers Honor Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. with NNPA Lifetime Achievement Award

Dirk's statue in downtown Dallas. Photo: Dorothy Gentry

Black Press Publishers Honor Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.

on an interim basis, Chavis, has continued to display the kind of energy seen primarily in individuals less than half his age.

He’s also led the NNPA, representing the 195-year-old Black Press of America, to financial prosperity when newspapers and media companies universally struggle to keep the doors open.

Among the most recent accomplishments under Chavis, the Black Press finally received all-access to the White House.

It was Chavis leading a large contingent of Black Press publishers to Charleston, South Carolina, during the 2020 primary season where they met with candidate Joe Biden.

At the time, Biden trailed mightily in the polls and needed a victory in Dixie to survive.

Chavis’ interview with Biden went viral, the former vice president then received a crucial endorsement from Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.), won the primary, and his campaign rode the wave all the way to the White House.

He’s also brokered deals with or strengthened partnerships with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, GM, Reynolds, AARP, API, and many others.

As he traversed the globe –in protective gear – during the pandemic, Chavis, by his actions and deft deal making, often reminded publishers, partners, sponsors, employees, and others of the catchy slogan he’s lived by since he was a wideeyed 14-year-old serving in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference under Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “A luta continua” – or “the struggle continues.”

Because of his dedication and steadying hand, the historic all-Black woman board of the NNPA unanimously has chosen Chavis as the recipient of the 2023 NNPA Lifetime Achievement Award.

They will present the honor at a special gala during the NNPA’s NNPA’s Annual Midwinter Training Conference.

With the theme, “Digital Innovation, Training, and Engagement of the Black Press of America,” the conference convenes on Feb. 1 at the San Juan Marriott Beach Resort and Ste-

laris Casino, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

“I’ve very honored to be considered by the NNPA for this esteemed award,” Chavis remarked.

“I do believe that, if anything, my life represents a life of a freedom fighter. However, I want to emphasize that accepting this award in no way should be interpreted as saying that the struggle for freedom has been completely won.”

Chavis continued:

“We’ve made tremendous progress in the last 100 years, but we still have a lot of progress and freedom to fight for.

“If I’ve learned anything over

Simmons, refer to Chavis as a mentor.

A former NAACP president, Chavis organized the Million Man March and co-founded the Hip Hop Summit with Simmons.

A younger generation of admirers still approaches Chavis in awe of his appearance in the hip hop classic movie drama, “Belly.”

Many of all ages continue to revere Chavis as a civil rights leader and a reverend.

“Dr. Chavis has given meaning to the words of Micah 6:8 in the Bible,” said San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Publisher Dr. John Warren.

Quoting the King James Bi-

of our people, our communities, and the world,” Smith asserted.

“I am so appreciative of his leadership, wisdom, and support,” she added.

NNPA Fund Chairman and Los Angeles Wave Publications CEO Pluria Marshall Jr. called Chavis a potent and stabilizing force.

“For more than ten years, Ben has been a potent and stabilizing force for NNPA and its nonprofit NNPA Fund,” Marshall insisted.

“He is a visionary consensus builder and community advocate whose calm and deft communication skills have helped

“I’m thankful I’ve been able to use my pen as an instrument for freedom. I accept this award on behalf of the Chavis family, a freedom-fighting family fighting for freedom worldwide for over 250 years.”

Westside Gazette Publisher Bobby Henry said it’d been some time since someone has stood on the shoulders of history makers to demand freedom, justice, and equality for all, particularly for Black people after enduring suffering because of the fight.

“I am one to say, because of the strength, courage, and fortitude of the Rev. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., the Black Press of America, the NNPA, and the world are better because of him,” Henry asserted.

“Congratulations, Dr. Chavis. A luta continua.”

While preparing for the conference, Chavis said he was far from finished.

“When I came to this job ten years ago, I came with a sense of optimism,” Chavis recalled.

“Now, ten years later, my optimism has increased exponentially because I see the potential of the Black Press. I’m very pleased to see so many young Generation Z journalists, writers, photographers, and content creators.”

my last 75 years, it’s that when you win freedom to any extent, you must fight to preserve that freedom. You must fight to protect that freedom, endow that freedom, and sustain that freedom.

“Thus, I’m not willing to retire from being a freedom fighter. So, I accept this award as an incentive to keep fighting for freedom for people of African descent, Americans, and those worldwide.”

Chavis has a well-documented history.

The leader of the Wilmington 10 political prisoners, Chavis is also renowned for his early fight for environmental justice.

In the 1980s, he coined the term “environmental racism.”

Chavis has advised many prominent politicians and entertainers – many like Hip Hop and Business Mogul Russell

ble, Warren said of Chavis, “And what does the Lord thy God require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.”

Chavis has served the NNPA and “the people of this country with honesty, integrity, and selflessness, without looking for awards, recognition, or accolades,” said NNPA Vice Chair and Atlanta Voice Publisher Janis Ware.

“Today, we celebrate a man who leads with heart, love for his God, and all people from all walks of life. He is truly a rare human being. One to go down in the annals of human history as special and one for the ages.”

NNPA Treasurer and Texas Metro News Publisher Cheryl Smith also praised Chavis for having “led a life of service.”

“He is a true servant leader who has his finger on the pulse

make the Black Press an even stronger media force in America.”

Marshall continued:

“From his longtime commitment to civil rights to his ardent passion for equity and justice, Ben has consistently proven himself to be the consummate public servant.

“He is more than deserving of this lifetime achievement award, and I am pleased to endorse his selection to this prestigious honor.”

Chavis noted that those sentiments mean a great deal.

“This award is particularly significant because it comes from my colleagues, fellow publishers, journalists, editors, and writers,” Chavis said.

“It reminds me of James Baldwin when he said the pen is mightier than the sword.”

“I think the future in this digital space … it’s not just that we should be in this space but leading the space forward. So, my optimism is still intact and has increased because I’ve seen not only the expansion and success of the Black Press over the last decade, but I’ve seen glimpses of the brighter future ahead.

“The biggest challenge is the economic and equity question. We must work on that to sustain Black-owned businesses, particularly Black-owned media, economically and equitably. That’s the next hurdle, and I will live out my years making sure that we don’t miss a beat in improving the economic equity of Black-owned businesses and Black-owned media companies.”

For discounted resort rates for the NNPA Midwinter Training Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico and for more information, visit http://www.nnpa-events.com.

Jackie L. Hampton, NNPA National Secretary and Publisher of the Mississippi Link; Attorney Daryl Jones, Board Chair of the Transformative Justice Coalition; Attorney Barbara Arnwine, the founder, and president of the Transformative Justice Coalition; Fran Farrer, NNPA Second Vice Chair and Publisher of the County News; Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., NNPA President and CEO; Karen Carter Richards, NNPA Board Chair and President of the Houston Forward Times; Cheryl Smith, NNPA National Treasurer and Publisher of the Texas Metro News; Janis Ware, NNPA Vice Chair and Publisher of the Atlanta Voice.

Photo: NNPA

It’s Always Time for Justice!

WAKE UP AND STAY WOKE

By Dr. E. Faye Williams

Aug. 28, 1955, was many lifetimes ago, but, in the evolution of this country, it seems like the blink of an eye. Irrefutably, the racism that is pervasive now was even more pervasive, brutal and accepted as a socio/cultural norm by oppressor and victim alike then. Aug. 28, 1955 was the day that 14-year-old Emmett Till, an African American youth from Chicago visiting relatives in Money, Mississippi, was murdered.

His murder was most heinous. He was abducted at gunpoint from his uncle’s home, beaten beyond recognition. He was then shot to death and unceremoniously pitched into the Tallahatchie River with a large fan tied to his body to keep him submerged. His assailants were Roy Bryant, Carolyn Bryant’s husband, and his half-brother, J.W. Milam. Emmett’s offense? He allegedly whistled at a white woman!

TEXASMetroNews

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

Later Bryant and Milam were acquitted by an all-white jury which, unbelievably, deliberated for only 65 minutes! After acquittal, they bragged about committing the murder. Even later, it was discovered that Carolyn Bryant lied about the circumstances that sent her husband and brother-in-law into a murderous rampage.

We now know that an unserved warrant for kidnapping was issued in 1955 for Carolyn Bryant. Her maternal responsibilities for her children were deemed more significant than her complicity in murder. The deaths of her husband and brother-in-law left her only living participant in that conspiratorial triad.

As more incriminating facts became known, Carolyn Bryant moved around the country. There is no complete record of her residences after leaving Mississippi, but it is known that she fled to Bowling Green, Kentucky, to live with her son. From Dec. 3-5, 2022, I visited Bowling Green for a rally to put focus for the murder of Emmett Till back on Carolyn Bryant, and on the radar of the United States Justice Department and the national conscience, where it

rightly belongs.

A group of us, including Nia 2X, attorney Malik Zulu Shabazz and John C. Barnett went to Kentucky to hold a rally at the address where Carolyn Bryant purportedly now lives. The morning of our rally, we awoke to a cred -

ty! There were more police than there were of us!

Arriving at the site, I thought about Ida B. Wells in the 1890s enduring the dangers of working for ending the lynching of Black people. Over 130 years later and 67 years since 1955, we must

effort, we were successful.

Notwithstanding, it was another 13 years before the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching law criminalized lynching!

Mamie Till-Mobley, Emmett Till’s mother, demonstrated her immense courage by allowing the world to see the horrors of racism by allowing the full display of her son’s body. Her faith in securing justice never wavered, but she died without realizing justice for the kidnapping and murder of her only child.

Since Aug. 28, 1955, while Emmett lay cold and dead, and Mamie suffered from loss that only a mother could know, Carolyn Bryant has lived an unmolested existence provided by a racist justice system and a social structure willing to ignore the horrors perpetrated against African Americans.

ible threat against rally participants. We gave thought to personal security, but, considering the gravity of our efforts, soldiered on.

It seemed like every local police officer was assigned to secure Carolyn Bryant’s home and to protect the guilty par-

still seek justice for Emmett’s murder.

In 2009, Dick Gregory, Janet Langhart Cohen, Mark Planning and I worked diligently for a simple apology from the United States Senate for never having apologized for this dastardly crime. After much

The president and Congress must advocate for the justice denied to Mamie Till-Mobley. The Department of Justice must serve the warrant on Carolyn Bryant to begin the overdue process of attaining justice.

Fair Access to Financial Services is

Vital to Closing the Racial Wealth

to the subprime mortgage crisis’ predatory practices, to the current crypto crisis, Black and brown Americans have never had equal access to or fair treatment in financial services.”

— Sen. Sherrod Brown

have seen the dire consequences of an American financial system that has systematically cut off and shut out individuals, families, businesses and communities of color from access to capital.

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.

“In 2022, in the United States of America, you can be turned away at a bank because of the color of your skin. The wealth and income disparities between white and minority households are a consequence of the unequal access and treatment minorities have faced. From accepting slaves as collateral for loans, to Jim Crow, to redlining,

Recently, I had the opportunity to testify to the Senate Banking Committee at a hearing titled, “Fairness in Financial Services: Racism and Discrimination in Banking,” to shed light on racism in the banking industry and urge passage of the Fair Access to Financial Services Act.

Throughout our work, we

When people of color suffer racist engagement in the financial marketplace, it causes substantial monetary and non-monetary harm. Depending on how the racist behavior occurs, be it systematic, digital, in-person, community members often are unaware they received disparate treatment or a discriminatory outcome. This stems from a centuries-long

strain of the Black and minority community with banking institutions. The exclusionary and biased practices have been widely documented, including the banking industry’s tendency to disproportionately open and operate branches in white/ non-minority communities.

In addition to the reluctance to operate in communities of color, another source of racial discrimination may be bank employees’ discretionary practices in charging costs and fees. Bank employees wield discretionary power in racially executing bank policies — they de-

Dr. E. Faye Williams is national chair of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. Contact her via www.nationalcongressbw.org.

By Marc Morial

Emmett Till, a 14-year-old African-American from Chicago, was tortured and murdered in 1955.

Photo: Courtesy photo

New Wineskins in 2023

ory of Your great goodness, and shall sing of Your righteousness.”

(Psalm 145:5-7)

the man.” (Mark 7:21-23)

FAITHFUL UTTERANCES

By Dr. Froswa' Booker-Drew

As we enter 2023, it’s important to spend time focusing and reflecting on the goodness of God. Despite how many challenges we’ve faced, every one of us can identify our many blessings. The mistake that many of us make is that we spend so much time thinking about the things we’ve lost including the pain, and the discouraging situations. Allow gratefulness to guide you into a new year. “I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wondrous works. Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts, and I will declare Your greatness. They shall utter the mem-

Do not allow the problems of the past, rob you of a beautiful new year of possibilities and potential. There is so much that God wants to do in each of our lives. Often, we blame God for our deferred dreams. We blame the enemy for our troubles. We seldom see the decisions we make that create barriers and obstacles for our destiny. God gives us the ability to feel, think and choose. If we don’t like the way our lives look, it’s time for some evaluation of our hearts and minds. “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile

Just as we can make a decision to do what we want--we also can make the choice to something different. We’ve all heard the cliché, “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over expecting different results.” In 2023, let’s make a decision to live our lives for God. We desire the blessings and benefits of God but in order to see the miracles and manifestation of God to fully show up in our lives, we must do our part.

If we want God to do something new in our lives in 2023, we must be willing to do something different. The Pharisees and Sadducees were a group of religious leaders who focused so much on the interpretation of the law that they failed to recognize the new thing that God was doing. We can get so caught up in religious traditions that we miss God in our presence. “No one

sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved” (Matthew 9:16-17).

Bibleref.com states “… that the Pharisees lived lives like old wineskins. When new wine was poured in, the wineskins would break apart and the wine wasted. Jesus however, brought freedom in grace. His grace could not be held in legalistic rules that the Pharisees enforced over others. We cannot alter Jesus to fit our mold of religion, we have to remember that we are the jars, and He is the Potter. He will shape us to learn.”

Do not miss what God is doing. “See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:19) Allow God in 2023 to do a new thing in your life without being restricted to old ways of doing and thinking. This year, focus on relationship versus settling solely for religious traditions that have no significance or ability to transform our lives. Commit to building a relationship with God that goes beyond just going to church on Sundays. It must be a lifestyle that is a part of who we are and what we do. Don’t just ask what would Jesus do…be committed to live a life that reflects who Jesus is.

Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is the CEO of Soulstice Consultancy and the founder of the Reconciliation and Restoration Foundation (r2fdn.org). She is also the author of four books including Empowering Charity: A New Narrative of Philanthropy and the host of the Tapestry podcast.

Stop Normalizing Anti-Blackness

THE LAST WORD

By Dr. Julianne Malveaux

is a 17-year-old Black girl attending high school in Slaton, Texas.

The senior, who transferred to Slaton High School when her parents relocated there from Ohio, hoped to be her high school valedictorian based on her stellar grades.

Instead, she was subjected to regular, vile, racist harassment from white students who showered her with the n—r word, even when she respectfully asked them to “please stop.”

From where I sit, the constant use of the N-word is assaultive and aggressive. Autumn complained to school administrators, who did nothing even though there was a policy that students who used such slurs would be suspended.

Instead, the young lady was subjected to multiple verbal as-

saults and attempted to handle her challenges by asking offending white students to stop using the word.

Their Caucasity was rampant. They ignored her requests, and one day she snapped, yelling and slapping the fellow student who seemed to find the use of a racial slur amusing.

Nobody condones violence, and the use of the N-word is violent. School administrators chose to take no action against the unnamed white boy (who deserves suspension and more, and his parents should be reported to Child Protective Services for raising such a little monster) but suspended Autumn for 45 days, sentencing her to an “alternative” facility where students are required to wear orange jumpsuits (talk about the school-to-prison pipeline) and subjected to extreme so-called discipline.

Rather than submit to such extreme insanity, Autumn ran away from home and was considered a suicide risk. Her parents have filed a lawsuit against the school district and complained to the

Department of Education.

Still, this amazing young lady has had her high school senior year interrupted and besmirched. And the toxic little white boy who taunted her mercilessly has experienced no consequences. We don’t even know his name!

Anti-blackness is at a peak, and it is disgustingly virulent. Black people are being openly massacred by so-called law enforcement officers who face few consequences for their murderous ways.

They claim they fear for their lives. What did Autumn fear when, after enduring racist harassment, she snapped? Who wouldn’t snap after the madness? And why is this so acceptable?

High school administrators say the N-word is “only a word.” But it is also the last word our ancestors heard before they were lynched. It is the word that was used to marginalize and criminalize.

It is a word that sometimes seeps into the lexicon, a word that some say stings less when

uttered as “nigga” instead of “n—r.” But it is also a word that is historically objectionable.

The white administrators who said a word is just a word aren’t so weak on enforcement when other ethnic slurs are used.

They wouldn’t say a word was just a word if they were called out of their name. When a young girl complains about racist hazing, administrators need to stop it.

They should not protect the intellectually challenged white boy who insisted that he could use slurs because he was empowered to do so. Autumn complained. Her parents complained. Nothing happened. The young lady felt powerless and alone.

The entire school system is at fault because they looked away from the madness of racial hazing. But we are also all at fault because we have normalized anti-Blackness.

Racist violence, whether verbal or physical, is the norm in this nation. It seems OK for white folks to haze, harass and demean Black people.

It is unacceptable, and there

need to be consequences, not just for those who attacked and hazed Autumn, but for all of those who choose to haze and attack Black children in education systems all over the nation.

Too many people think that racism is “no big thing.” It’s not a big thing for ignorant, myopi, and unaffected people. But for Autumn, an ambitious young woman who has been scarred by these incidents because myopically ignorant white administrators failed to take action, it’s a big thing.

What action can we take as a collective? What can we do? As we end the year and make those empty resolutions, let’s make one with teeth. Let’s resolve to put an end to virulent anti-Blackness. Let’s support Autumn and every young student dealing with racist administrators. Let’s work to get them out of the jobs they do not deserve. Let’s say no more as emphatically as we can.

Malveaux is an economist, author and dean of the College of Ethnic Studies at California State University, Los Angeles.

Autumn Roberson-Manahan

Metro Community Calendar powered by

DECEMBER

31

Old City Park Guided Tour

Sat, 5 – 7 PM

1515 S Harwood St Dallas, TX

7

16

Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo at Dallas’ African American Museum, 10a-6p Call 214-941-0110 for vendor information!

Holiday at the Arboretum

8525 Garland Road

30

It’s a Scavenger Hunt! Garland

Fri, 10 AM – 8 PM

Plaza Garland, 3161 Broadway Blvd Garland, TX

New Year’s Day Sunday Service & Potluck — CityBridge

Sun, 10 AM – 1 PM

CityBridge Community Church, 6400 K Ave Plano, TX

JANUARY

1

Dallas County Democrats 2023 Swearing-In Ceremony

***

Children’s Holiday Tea 2022 at the Heard-Craig Center

Fri, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Heard-Craig Center for the Arts, 205 W Hunt St McKinney, TX

Celebrate the New Year and our reelected and newly elected Dallas County Officials at the beautiful Tower Club downtown. While statewide elections didn’t go our way, Dallas County voters flipped three county seats red to blue, resulting in a Dallas County government that’s nearly all Democratic (one seat remaining out of more than 40) and more reflective of our county!

Time: 1:00-3:00 PM

Tower Club

1601 Elm St 48th Floor Dallas, TX 75201

Afro Soca Love : Dallas Black Owned Marketplace ...

Jn 7 – 8, 2023 Lofty Spaces, 816 Montgomery St Dallas, TX

***

Financial Literacy Workshops Black Amer & PT/FT...

Sat, 4:00 – 5:30 PM

13111 N US 75-Central Expy 1000 Dallas, TX

8

Black History Tour

Sun, 11 AM – 1 PM

Old City Park, 1515 S Harwood St Dallas, TX

10

Mixer & Reception with the FW Metropolitan Black...

Tue, 5:30 – 7:30 PM

National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum, 2029 N Main St Fort Worth, TX

13

Poets N’ Jazz Fri, 7 PM

The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, 650 S Griffin St Dallas, TX

20

Pop at The Muse

Fri, 9 PM

The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, 650 S Griffin St Dallas, TX

MARCH 3

St. Philip’s School and Community Center will host its 23rd Annual Parrish Family Destiny Award Luncheon featuring a conversation with Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Sterling K. Brown, 11:30 am at the Hilton Anatole. The Student Showcase is from 10:30-11:15 am.

CHECK OUT WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM

Time to show your heart some love

February is Heart Month. And heart disease is the leading cause of death in our community and across the country. So, let’s do something about it, together. Every week during Heart Month we’ll be sharing heart healthy tips, from early warning signs to recipes and exercise ideas. Caring for the heart health of our friends and neighbors. That’s community and why so many people Trust Methodist. Sign up for Heart Month emails with tips, recipes, exercise ideas, info on events, and more at:

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

Joyia T. Smith and Ian Bailey 2 years

Torrence and Krisiti Stepteau 29 years

Dr. Brunella and William Uchemba 2 years

Genena Woodson and Leroy R. Armstrong Jr. 7 years

Mr. and Mrs. Hill 7 years

Lyn Senegal-Sanders and Vaughn Sanders Sr. 8 years

Sonia and Deanie Anderson 8 years

Kimberly and Darvee Graham Newlyweds

Cokiesha Bailey and Timothy M. Robinson 15 years

Fair Access Financial Services cont.

termine how much a customer pays in costs and customers may face varying fees depending on who they talk to at the bank. The concerns about racial discrimination and bias in the banking workforce are also not new and are illustrated in analyses of data from mortgage lending lawsuits brought to the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, which illuminated widespread discriminatory practices, including loan officers who “referred to subprime loans in minority communities as ‘ghetto loans’ and minority customers as… ‘mud people.’

The consequences of these acts are reflected in the data: in the National Urban League’s State of Black America 2022 Equality Index, Black Americans are less likely to be approved for mortgages than white Americans, at a disparity rate of 41%.

Traditionally, decision-making authority at banks has been the bastion of middle- and upper-class white males. A clear solution to this issue is to invest and strengthen Black-owned banks, of which there is an

incredible need. In our 2022 State of Black America Report we found that the number of Black-owned banks has dwindled immensely over the years. Between 1888 and 1934, there were 134 Black-owned banks to help the Black community. Today, there are only 19 Blackowned banks that qualify as Minority Depository Institutions.

Due to historic undercapitalization, Black banks are small, with average assets of $363 million compared to $4 billion for all U.S. banks. The small number of Black banks and their small asset size limits their overall impact. A century of data proves that Black banks matter. When there is a Black bank in a community, Black people are more likely to be able to buy a home or secure a small business loan. These institutions help minorities build wealth by providing mortgages, small business loans, and financial services when others will not. That is why the work of uplifting Black banks is so vital.

There is work being done at the federal level and additional bipartisan solutions that Con-

from page 4

gress and the Executive Branch can take to address these ills and barriers. The National Urban League has partnered with both to be part of the solution, because just as redlining and disinvestment in communities of color is contagious, so is “greenlining” and reinvestment in those communities.

In March of this year, the Treasury Department certified the National Urban League’s small business lending subsidiary, The Urban Empowerment Fund, as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), bolstering its ability to deliver vital capital to urban communities. The Fund provides direct loans to Black and other minority-owned businesses in tandem with select Urban League Entrepreneurship Centers, which are currently operating in thirteen Urban League affiliate cities.

Perhaps one of our greatest achievements to date, however, will be the opening of the National Urban League’s new headquarters, the Urban League Empowerment Center. Our new home is not just a home for us, it is a $242

state has a plan available. Like mutual funds, you can open a plan with as little as $100.

million, 414,000-square-foot investment in the community. Our Empowerment Center is one of the most significant economic development projects in Harlem’s recent history. And in constructing it, we are leading with our values. In addition to affordable housing, we are using minority and women-owned contractors and businesses throughout the building’s conceptualization to construction — from our owners’ representative to our construction firms to our professional services firms. Our project — built in one of the toughest real estate markets in the world — is on time, on budget, embraced by the community, and slated to open fully by early 2025.

In 2010, Congress passed, and the President signed into law the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Not only did this bill prohibit some of the most outrageous practices witnessed by predatory banking lenders, but it also created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). We are disappointed by recent actions and court rulings aimed at preventing the CFPB from using its existing authority to protect consum-

ers from racial discrimination when seeking mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, bank accounts or other financial services. Just two years after banking executives named themselves allies in the fight against systemic racism, these lawsuits feel like a betrayal to communities who have been too long discriminated against by these institutions.

The Fair Access to Financial Services Act has an opportunity to build upon the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010 and regulatory protections by ensuring that all Americans have equal access to goods and services offered by financial institutions and that they are held liable if they do not comply with these standards. The legislation would prohibit banking and other financial institutions from conducting discriminatory practices and services on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, or sex — closing the gap and fulfilling the spirit of the Civil Rights Act to ensure that all people in this country have access to economic equity and empowerment. Congress must take action to advance and pass this critical piece of legislation.

Marc Morial is president/CEO of the National Urban League.

tinuing to contribute regularly. Here are some great financial gifts for kids.

Mutual Funds

Mutual funds will let you invest as little as $100 if you agree to automatic contributions. Mutual funds are safer than stocks because each fund invests in hundreds of different stocks. That makes them less risky. Some of the larger mutual fund companies are Fidelity Investments, Vanguard, American Funds and Franklin Templeton Investments.

Stocks

Most financial advisors recommend that new investors start out with mutual fund. But parents for years have gifted children a single share of stock. That way they can watch it grow or buy more as they age. Boomers will remember that Baby Bell stocks were chosen by parents often. But sometimes toy

companies, retailers or even automakers.

Let’s say you buy one share of Disney. Right now, the stock is selling for under $100 as the company is undergoing some management turmoil. Besides the theme parks, Disney is in the movie business and the streaming business. The Motley Fool, an investing website, has picked Disney as one of the 10 best stocks for investors right now.

Footnote: If you had invested $1,000 in Disney 10 years ago you would have doubled your money.

I am not recommending Disney stock; I’m just using it as an example. If you had invested $1,000 in Amazon 10 years ago you would have $7,653 today.

529 Plan

I’ve written about them several times. A 529 can be used it to pay for college or for private school tuition. Just about every

You can keep control of the money as it grows and turn it over to the child when he or she turns 18 to help with college tuition. They (or you) can also use it to pay private or trade school tuition.

You can also set up the account so friends and family can contribute.

Savings bonds

Savings bonds have long been a favorite gift of parents to their kids. Series EE or I savings bonds will earn interest for up to 30 years. Right now, the rate for Series I is 6.89%. To check current rates, go to https://treasurydirect.gov.

And for the big kids

Finally, I want to suggest a gift for your big kids, whether they be Gen Z or Millennials. Buy them a one-time sit down with a financial planner. You can find one locally that may agree to a minimal rate. Prices can vary.

You can contact one of the mutual funds which also provide the service. Cost could be as little as $300 or even less. It could also be considerably more, but I’m sure you can keep the cost low with the right person. If you already have a financial advisor, they might do it for free.

It could help you adult children towards a more solid financial future. The financial advisor may tell how to better save or if they are putting enough money

in their 401(k), for example.

Your grown children may not listen, but you might also be helping them achieve a solid financial future and help close the racial wealth gap.

Rodney A. Brooks is a Texas Metro News Columnist and Senior Fellow at Prosperity Now. The author of Fixing the Racial Wealth Gap: Racism and discrimination put us here, but this is how we can save future generations, he has written for USA TODAY, The Washington Post and National Geographic.

Lifestyle Metro Calendar powered by

DECEMBER

28

Black Hollywood New Year’s Eve Party

Dec 31, 2022 – Jan 1, 2023

Exhibition - The Negro Motorist Green Book

Wed, 10 AM – 4 PM

Irving Archives and Museum, 801 W Irving Blvd Irving, TX

***

Pop-Up Craft: Drum: Dec. 28 from 2 to 3 p.m. at Forest Green Branch Library, 9619 GreenvilleAve.

***

Midway Tower, 4230 LyndonJohnson Fwy # 600 Dallas, TX Dec. 29-31

***

Steppers New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball Step into 2023! At Crowne Plaza 7050 North Stemmons Freeway Dallas. A two day event. 5pm. Friday to 1 am Sunday New Year’s Day. https://bit.ly/3iyV9YF

***

The Light Park

13

The MLK Comedy Kick-Off Corey Holcomb & Friends hosted by Tony Roberts at the Majestic Theatre ***

15

The R&B Kick Back featuring TYRESE, Anthony Hamilton and Donell Jones at Texas Trust Theater at Grand Prairie

16

FEBRUARY 04

The Black Academy of Arts and Letters - Dallas Tickets

Celebrations of Light Kwanzaa: Dec. 28-30 at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young St., Dallas.

***

The Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. are collecting COLLECTION SITE Starlight Event Center 1010 Parkerville Rd., Cedar Hill TX.

COLLECTION DATES (TIMES)

THURSDAY, 12-29 (FROM 5 TO 7PM)

FRIDAY, 12-30 (FROM 5 TO 7PM)

SATURDAY, 12-31 (FROM 7 TO 8AM)

Contact Bridget Nevels at DA1913.ERT@gmail.com

30

1800 W. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, TX 76006

The Light Park is open at Hurricane Harbor in Arlington. The drive-through light show features millions of Christmas lights and festive music. Check out TheLightPark. com/Arlington for more information on tickets, times and more

JANUARY

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Wed, Dec 28 – Thu, Dec 29 2500 Victory AvDallas, TX

***

SOUL JAZZ THURSDAYS with Natural Change Band

AT SANDAGA at Sandaga 813, 813 Exposition Ave. Dallas. 8PM-12AM. www. sandaga813.com

Jerry Pinkney Day and Kwanzaa Celebration: Dec. 30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Register online to receive a link to the virtual event.

31

END OF THE YEAR VENDOR BASH!! Sat, 11 AM – 5 PM

Music City Mall Lewisville, 2401 S Stemmons Fwy Lewisville, TX

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2023

06

2023 Equity IndicatorsSymposium

4th Annual Equity Indicators Symposium. The Symposium will be centered around the recently adopted Racial Equity Plan (REP) aimed at addressing disparities found in the Dallas Equity Indicators Report* published in 2019. Paul Quinn College from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. as part of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Week. Register at https://bit.ly/2023EquityIndicatorsSymposium. 14

105.7 Smooth Winter VII featuring Fantasia and Joe, with Special Guest RC Gritz at Texas Trust Theater at Grand Prairie

The Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo will be held at the African American Museum. Vendors, entertainment, health screenings and more. Powered by Comerica Bank. Call to reserve your spot today

214-941-0110

Sat, 4 PM 1309 Canton St Dallas, TX 10

Valentine’s Felt Friends + Black History Inventors Mon, 12 – 1 PM Mesquite Arts Center, 1527 N Galloway Ave Mesquite, TX

Friday, January 6

Clarence Muse Cafe Theater

DOWNTOWN DALLAS COMEDY - Feat. B Cole

By La Juana Barton

December 1, 2022

Ed Bell Construction is a Dallas based heavy highway contractor doing business in the North Texas market since 1963. With clients such as TxDOT, Dallas County Public Works, and the Cities of Dallas, Fort Worth, Richardson, and Mansfield (plus many others), we have a strong backlog of work in the highway market locally.

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Call issued to Support Black Businesses

Haynes: "Buy Black"

By Cheryl Smith Texas Metro News

When Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III, of Friendship-West Baptist Church, announced 100 Days of Buying Black in acknowledging the 100th Commemoration of the Tulsa Race Massacre, we joined the movement. December 31, 2021 marked 100 days of featuring Black Businesses. and we decided that the struggle continues and we must also. So enjoy reading about more Black-owned businesses and please support.

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A Musical Giant Has Passed

By Arise Rejoice News Service

The musician and lyricist responsible for such great hits in the 1960s and 1970s such as ‘Back Stabber,’ ‘Didn’t I Blow Your Mind This Time,’ and ‘Then Came You,’ died on Thursday.

Thom Bell, one of the major creative minds behind what was known as the “Philadelphia Sound,” was 79 years old when he passed in Bellingham, Washington where he lived with his family.

A prolific songwriter, arranger and producer, Bell was a member of the trio that included Leon Huff and Kenny Gamble. Their prowess earned them the name the ‘Mighty Three.’ The music and lyrics that they wrote equaled that produced in Detroit’s Motown, according to numerous music historians.

The individuals and groups that Bell and his colleagues created musical magic for include

The Spinners, The Stylistics, The O’Jays, The Delfonics, Dionne Warwick and James Ingram. Many of the singles that they produced were listed in the Top 40, and several went gold and platinum.

Trained as a classical pianist, Bell was born in Philadelphia. Both of his parents, Anna and Randolph, were proficient musicians who encouraged their son to pursue excellence in his craft.

Still a teenager, Bell and Kenny Gamble formed a singing duet named Kenny and Tommy.

As his musical career evolved, he became the pianist for house bands at the Apollo Theater in New York, and the Upton Theater in his hometown.

The legendary collaboration with Gamble and Huff was created in the late 1960s. In the early 1970s the group worked with music titans such as Johnny Mathis, Elton John and Deniece Williams. Bell was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2016 he was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame.

Throughout his career, Bell insisted that no ethnic labels be placed on his music. He refused to be branded.

Bell’s survivors include his wife, Vanessa; four sons, two daughters, four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and one sister.

Pioneering Symphony Orchestra Performer Dies

By Arise Rejoice News Service

Elayne Jones, one of the very first Black percussionists in a major American symphony orchestra, has died from Dementia, according to her family. Ms. Jones was also one of the first female principal musicians for the San Francisco Symphony which she joined in 1972. Throughout her career she led efforts to increase the number of minority and female musicians in symphony orchestras throughout the country. At the time of her passing she was 94 years old.

was that she paved the way for women and non-white players in the mostly-white world of classical music,” said Rick Kvistad, the principal percussionist of the San Francisco Opera Orchestra.

es and patterns of racism in the music industry. Recognized as one of the nation’s great young talents, Ms. Jones was selected as a substitute for the New York Philharmonic. She was the first Black person to perform with that orchestra, according to its records.

Included among the other major companies she performed with are The New York City Opera and the American Symphony Orchestra. She was also one of the founders of Symphony of the New World, a racially and sexually diverse company.

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Two years after joining the prestigious west coast organization, she was denied tenure which led to her filing a sexual and racial discrimination suit against the orchestra. Ms. Jones departed in her third year, dissatisfied that she was still without tenure, and convinced that she was the victim of racial bias.

A musician for more than half a century, Ms. Jones encouraged women and racial minorities to apply for positions in major companies throughout the United States, and around the world. “I think that her greatest contribution to percussion

Ms. Jones was born in New York City and was raised by her mother, Ometa, and her father, Cecil. Her parents had a piano in their home, and she learn to play it as a young girl. Ms. Jones graduated from the prestigious School of Music & Art and attended Julliard on a music scholarship. One of her major supporters when she was a student was Duke Ellington, the famous musician.

In New York, Ms. Jones worked with the National Urban League to identify instanc-

Ms. Jones was a major proponent of ‘blind auditions’ which allow musicians to audition from behind screens so that no one can see their racial or sexual identities. The practice decreased the chance of bias, Ms. Jones argued. Many orchestras use it while hiring talent.

For a number of years, Ms. Jones worked as a freelance musician in New York City. Her autobiography, “Little Lady with a Big Drum,” was published in 2019. Ms. Jones is survived by two daughters, Cheryl and Harriett; one son, Stephen and three grandchildren.

Thom Bell

Elayne Jones playing timpani with the San Francisco Symphony, 1973, © Elayne Jones

R.H. Boyd announces the passing of Dr. Bobby L. Lovett

NASHVILLE, Tenn.- / PRNewswire/ -- It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dr. Bobby Lee Lovett, award-winning author, Emeritus Professor of History and former Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Tennessee State University, former member of the R.H. Boyd Board of Directors, and current member of the R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Committee.

Dr. Lovett was born in Memphis, Tennessee where he completed his public-school education at Booker T. Washington High School. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science at Arkansas AM&N State College (now known as the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff). He continued to earn his Master of Arts and Ph.D. degrees in American History at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

A passionate educator, Dr. Lovett began his work teaching history in the Memphis Public School System (1969-1970) and

at Eureka College (1970-1973). He joined Tennessee State University in 1973 as a senior professor, where he continued to teach history and African American history for 30 years until his retirement in 2010. He proudly served thousands of students as the Dean of the TSU College of Arts and Sciences for more than 10 of those years. His commitment to inspiring the next generation of leaders through knowledge was one of his many great accomplishments.

Dr. Lovett's historical expertise led him to author over eight books on American and African American History. His most recent books A Touch of Greatness: A History of Tennessee State University, The African American History of Nashville, 17801930: Elites and Dilemmas and How It Came to Be: The Boyd Family's Contribution to African American Publishing from the 19th to the 21st Century have been nationally recognized by historical institutions and universities across the country.

His 2005 book, The Civil Rights Movement in Tennessee: A Narrative History, won the "Tennessee History Book Award" by the Tennessee Library Association and Tennessee Historical Commission. His research and articles have appeared in numerous documentaries, history books, encyclopedias, and scholarly journals.

ing Citizens Bank, R.H. Boyd Publishing Company, the Tennessee Historical Society, the Nashville Historical Society, the Editorial Board of the Tennessee Historical Quarterly, and the Advisory Board for the Tennessee Civil War Heritage Area. Dr. Lovett was a founding member of the Planning Committee for the Nashville Conference on African American History and Culture. He also served two terms on the Editorial Board of the Arkansas Historical Quarterly.

It was a big hit. Folks would joke and say things, like: “I am going to Hall’s Chicken to get my two piece and a paper!” Or, “Nothing like going to Black Jack Pizza and getting a pizza and a paper.”

The campaign went over so well that we had business owners contacting us to get involved.

In addition to running the ads, we featured the businesses in our publications, and we ran their ads on our websites, social media platforms, in our daily enewsletter and on a daily podcast where we provided critical information for our audiences.

We believe in under-promising and over-delivering. We felt as though it was important to stay focused on continuing to provide news and information. We wanted our readers to know that we are here for them during tough times and we will be with them for all times.

It has been a challenge for us but instead of furloughing or down-sizing, we pivoted and worked to keep everyone paid, clothed, housed and fed. We applied for grants and we helped one another with everything from babysitting to delivering food.

No, we didn’t receive huge checks from a flawed system that has folks going to jail for their fraudulent claims or multi-million/billion dollar companies receiving million dollar stimulus checks. Instead we relied on limited resources and support from those who value the Black Press and journalistic excellence.

Hopefully you will stay with us in 2023. We’re going to pump up the volume because we can’t stop, won’t stop.

The Black Press will be here for you, because we love hard. We work hard and we love hard.

And we can do so much more with your support. If you like what we’re doing, log on to www.texasmetronews. com and help us to do even more.

Dr. Lovett was not only a pillar in the Tennessee historical community. He was also a civically engaged leader in the Nashville community throughout his life. He proudly served on the Board of Directors for many organizations includ-

Dr. Lovett was a faithful member to the historic First Baptist Church Capitol Hill for more than 35 years, where he served on the Board of Trustees. He was also a lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and a former member of Nashville's Chi Boulé chapter of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity. After his retirement in 2010, he enjoyed gardening, traveling across the country lecturing, and writing history books.

Dr. Lovett held many titles

and roles during his accomplished life, but his favorite role was being a father and husband. Dr. Lovett was married for over 38 years to Mrs. Lueatrice Green Lovett, a former educator in Nashville Public Schools. He was the proud father of five children: Todd, Bridget, Kenyatta, Catherine, and Leigh. His children blessed him with five beautiful grandchildren: Omari, William, Kiersten, Kyle, and Kennedy. He is also survived by his younger brother, Julian Lovett, his aunts, Annie Hill and Josephine Ivory, his uncle, George Cotton, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The homegoing service for Dr. Bobby L. Lovett will be held at First Baptist Church Capitol Hill on Friday, December 30, 2022, at 12:00 pm CT. There will be visitation at the same location beginning at 11:00 am CT.

The family requests guests to wear black or dark attire. Masks are required for the visitation and homegoing service.

Dr. Bobby L. Lovett