Texas Metro News 7-7-22

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• Vol. 10 • July 7 - 13, 2022

MY TRUTH

By Cheryl Smith PUBLISHER

Dealing with Financial Literacy I have tried to do a better job of telling people how much I appreciate them. When you can tell them how much they are “tap dancing on” your last nerve, you ought to also be able to share some love.

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TX Legislator Expresses Concern for Poor Women following Roe v. Wade Decision

By Sylvia Dunnavant Hines After the Supreme Court voted on June 24 to overturn the historical ruling of Roe v. Wade there has been a public outcry, protests, and political commentary from across the country, and around the world, as both sides of the abortion issue weigh in on what is next.

Pro-life and pro-choice advocates have taken to the streets to voice their opinions about the rever-

sal of the ruling which declared the Constitution of the United States protects the liberty of a woman to choose to have an abortion during the first two trimesters of pregnancy.

“The first thought that came to my mind after hearing about the Supreme Court’s ruling, was that I couldn’t believe they really did it,” said State Representative Toni Rose, who represents District 110 which includes the communities of Oak

State Representative Toni Rose wants to make sure the community understands that "voting impacts all aspects of our lives."

Cliff, Pleasant Grove and Balch Springs in Dallas County. “I knew that their

decision would have a huge impact on women, especially Black women.”

Representative Rose’s legislative focus has been ensuring that women receive the health care that they need after giving birth. One of her recent accomplishments has been expanding Medicaid Health care benefits for women after childbirth from two to six months.

“My prayer is that no woman would have to

have an abortion, but I just don’t believe that government has the right to dictate this issue. This decision should be made between a woman, her doctor, and her God,” said Rep. Rose.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in 2019, there were 11.4 abortions in the U.S. per 1,000 women ages 15 to 44. (That figure excludes California, Maryland, New Hampshire, See TX LEGISLATOR, page 11

Judge Making Beauty History With Invention

By Stephenetta (isis) Harmon

It was overwhelming for me to hear about the recent passing of Karen Watts Cross.

We’ve known each other for the past decade and we’ve shared some special moments. We were also always complementing one another.

I will miss her but I take solace in knowing we shared our appreciation for one another.

Which brings me to my truth.

I have so much love and respect for Rodney A. Brooks!

When the opportunity to share his words with the I Messenger Media family became available, I seized it and beginning today, you can read Rodney’s words right here!

I met his wife, Dr. Sheila, in 1989 and she welcomed me into the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Communicators in a big way. She’s smart, stylish, loyal, passionate and supportive.

See MY TRUTH, page 15

Judge Shequitta Kelly Credit: LMG Imagery

Shequitta Kelly is not your runof-the-mill judge. By day, the Dallas County Criminal Court judge helps prevent youth from becoming mainstays in the criminal justice system. But, when she’s not in her court gown, she is making history as a beauty entrepreneur.

Kelly is the mastermind behind the Hair Shield, a patent-pending invention designed to help beauty consumers protect their weaves and wigs.

“It’s a satin-lined protective case for you to store your hair

extensions and your wigs so that you can reuse them,” Kelly told Texas Metro News. “It’s like a

Shequitta Kelly is set to become one of a dozen Black women to ever hold a hair patent. bonnet for your extensions.”

Once her patent clears, Kelly will become one of a dozen Black women in history to ever hold a hair patent. Her invention is for people who have been putting extensions in the wrong plac-

es, like drawers, bags, and shoe boxes. When not stored properly, “they get damaged, dry out, and you can’t reuse them.”

This can be an expensive pain point for many. “Wigs, alone, cost $400- $500, easily,” Kelly said.

“And that’s the low end.”

Kelly knows firsthand as she has invested thousands of dollars in extensions over the years.

“As a professional woman, I have to look my best. My grandma raised me, ‘If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you do good.’”

See DALLAS COUNTY JUDGE, page 11

Brittney Griner Writes President Couples need to talk about money – Joe Biden Seeking Help no matter what age

Lack of communication can devastate your finances

By Dorothy J. Gentry Sports Editor

Brittney Griner recently wrote a letter directly to President Joe Biden and the White House pleading for their help in freeing her from Russia.

The WNBA star who plays for the Phoenix Mercury, has been detained since early February in a Moscow airport reportedly over drug charges. Griner, a nine-year WNBA veteran, has played for the Russian women’s professional basketball team, UMMC Ekaterinburg, for the past seven years

Money Talk

By Rodney A. Brooks Brittney Griner Photo: Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images

during the league’s off-season.

Representatives of the 31-yearold Griner released excerpts of the reportedly handwritten letter See BRITTNEY GRINER, page 13

In any successful marriage or relationship household duties are shared. Each person does what they are best suited for, which means one person usually handles finances and pays the bills.

But couples will certainly run into

trouble if one partner completely absolves themselves from finances.

Even if one partner pays the bills, it is critically important that both be involved in the couple’s finances.

Money is the top cause of stress in a marriage and one of top reasons for divorce. That includes people of all income levels. Black couples especially need to talk about money.

We have one-tenth of the wealth of white households, and the pandemic has hurt our finances even more than White Americans.

See COUPLES NEED TO TALK, page 3

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Need to Destigmatize Gynecological Couples Need to Talk cont. from page 1 Health Conversations But many couples avoid dis- Millennials are even more secre-

America is in the midst of a public health crisis and Dallas is showing leadership in addressing the most prevalent and costly health issue affecting women - uterine fibroids.

The Dallas City Council’s proclamation of July as Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month is a first step toward destigmatizing gynecological health conversations so more women can become informed about possible solutions.

The Dallas action underscores similar legislation passed last week recognizing July as Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month in the State of Texas.

Fibroid treatment is at the intersection of healthcare equity and racial justice. Latina and Black women are two to

three times more likely to suffer from fibroid symptoms, including heavy bleeding, severe cramps, pelvic pain, urinary frequency, and reproductive dysfunction including miscarriage, early labor, and infertility.

Eighty percent of women have fibroids by the age of 50. Because

GUEST COMMENTARY information is elusive, many do not know the source of their symptoms and most women do not know they have several options for treatment.

In the United States, almost $8 billion is spent on obstetric outcomes attributed to fibroids, with a cost of more than $17 billion annually in absenteeism and short-term disability.

It is imperative to prioritize resources for research, treatment, and prevention of fibroids and to support a readily available, comprehensive, organized source of information about fibroid risk factors, symptoms, diagnostic techniques, and treatment options.

Fibroid awareness is not a political issue. It is a critical medical, social, and financial issue that disproportionately affects women of color. The exciting news is that the Dallas City Council recognized this, catalyzing conversations that lead to solutions.

Suzanne Slonim, MD, FSIR Fibroid Institute Dallas Jessica Shepherd MD, MBA, FACOG Sanctum Med + Wellness Andrea Arguello, MD, FACOG MacArthur OBGYN

cussions of finance altogether, putting additional stress on both the relationship and their finances.

• Forty percent of couples that live together don’t know what the other makes, according to the Fidelity 2021 Couples and Money Study.

• Forty-four percent of couples say they argue about money, at least occasionally.

• A second report from UBS says only 20 percent of couples in the U.S. make financial decisions together.

So, why are these trends so troubling? Financial planners talk about clients they have had for years, but never met the wife.

In One financial planner told me about a husband who was incapacitated, and the wife needed emergency access to the couples fund.

The problem was her name was not on the investment accounts. He couldn’t even discuss the account with her.

It’s not just with older couples.

tive about their finances than Boomers or Gen Xers. There’s the newlywed couple: She had no idea that he had thousands of dollars in student loan debt until after they were married.

She felt that he had not been honest about bringing that much debt into the marriage, and he was offended that he accused her of hiding out debt.

According to the Fidelity study, couples who talked about finances say money is not the biggest challenge in their relationship and they rated their household finances as good or very good.

Still, that’s not to say that all the couple’s finances need to be mixed together in one joint bank account. In fact, personal finance guru Suze Orman says: “I would never, ever have just one joint account.”

She recommends having a joint bank account to pay joint expenses, if It works for you, but says a couple should have separate accounts as well.

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• July 7 - 13, 2022

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comes to couples and communications: 1. Do a budget. Make sure both partners buy in. One partner should not feel they are sacrificing things that are important.

2. Have an open discussion of finances. Talk frankly about their salaries, debt, savings and investments and credit scores.

3. Set a schedule. Partners should sit down for a financial discussion at least monthly. There should be a set date or time, and it should be on both calendars.

4. Do not let the discussion turn into an argument. Avoid placing blame even if one partner is responsible for most of the difficulties.

5. Focus on shared goals rather than differences. Make sure both spouses feel like their input is taken into consideration.

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

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Uvalde, Race and Guns!

QUIT PLAYIN’

By Vincent L. Hall The useless, predictable tragedy that occurred 352 miles southwest of Dallas County mesmerized and then terrified us.

The jolting images of those hopefilled faces caused our hearts to drop. The news that some of these same children were unrecognizable caused our hearts to fail.

There are a million and one forums of discussion around this subject. Since Linda Lydia asked Hailee and me to speak to the NAACP Youth Council, we decided to examine gun violence with a concentration on race and race relations.

For us, the question is whether substantive gun laws will follow the latest sensational slaughter.

This issue deserves volumes, but we will us start with some relative facts about guns and race.

Nationally, Eighty-four percent of gun owners are white. This data was provided as a basis for the May 25th NPR news article, whose title immediately drew attention. “While the gun control debate amplifies, the overwhelming emotion in Uvalde is grief."

The American National Election Study (ANES) from 2012 says that whites make up 63 percent

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of the U.S. population. As a result, their representation among gun owners is higher than their share of the general population by more than 20%.

Conversely, and unfortunately, Blacks make up 13% of the American population but 39% of the nation’s incarcerated persons.

While that comparison may seem insignificant, diving deeper into the numbers will help you understand our reasoning.

“Polls show that whites also make up the majority of those who oppose stricter gun regulations. In a July 2015 Pew poll, for instance, 57 percent of whites said it was more important “to protect the right of Americans to own guns” than to “control gun ownership.” Among blacks and Hispanics, that number was just 24 percent.”

Although common national stereotypes dictate that blacks and browns are more prone to violence, three-fourths of minorities agree that gun control is a factor that ranks highest.

The perception that Black and Brown males are predominantly

DELIVERING NEWS YOU CAN USE

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.

DALLAS DISTRICT 4

By Carolyn King Arnold To all Black people and specifically all Black women and women of color. Regardless of your age and current social economic status, with desire, imagination, faith and persistence all things are possible. This past week two firsts for Black women took place, one nationally and one locally.

Nationally, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson became the first Black woman placed on the highest court in America — she is now a Supreme Court Justice.

Locally, thanks to my colleagues on the Dallas City Council I was voted in as Dallas’ first Black Woman Mayor Pro-Tem.

gun-wielding and dangerous is a tool used by gun lobbyists and sales agents to create a sense of urgency. Crimes against person are more about proximity than race in every instance.

In their logic, “law-abiding” whites need guns to protect them against “legions” of black

and brown criminals. When you say gun control to this segment of Whites, immediately imagine facing non-white predators without firearms and ammunition.

And for them, that's a harrowing thought. The NPR piece went further.

“Research finds that support for gun rights is strongest among whites who are racially prejudiced. In a study conducted by Kerry O’Brien and colleagues using data from the ANES, “racial resentment,” a common measure of racial prejudice, is correlated with both gun ownership and opposition to gun control.

Similarly, those who score high on racial resentment are 25 percent less likely to support “making it more difficult to buy a gun” than whites who score low.”

As we have watched the level of "White resentment" rise in the Trump Era, we can only conclude that the likelihood of severe gun control laws are far from reality.

We have hardly evolved as a nation since the 2012 Sandy Hook event that preceded Uvalde. The only real difference in a decade is that we traded the beautiful photos of innocent white children for beautiful photos of brown children.

The inconsistencies and garbled explanations from Uvalde, especially among law enforce-

ment officials, are troubling. The insidious, conspiracy-loving, realist side of us still asks questions.

If the Robb Elementery children had been in a Highland Park elementary school, would the result have been the same?

Would there have been such a delay? The two groups only lived 352 miles apart, but the value gap is historical and wide. Dr. Eddie Glaude, who wrote a book describing America’s value gap on race, suggests our only hope regarding gun laws, social justice, and social equity.

“The task at hand is not about securing the goodness of the American Idea or about perfecting the union. It is about according dignity and standing to all Americans no matter the color of their skin.” Apparently, perfecting a union that was imperfect in its framing trumps dignity and standing for all Americans.

So to answer your question.

No, we do not believe any substantive, life-saving legislation will come soon. We could be wrong. We pray that we are! But America’s race problem and guns appear to be inextricable.

Hailee Hall, NAACP Youth Council Region VI Youth Representative contributed to this story.

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

The Next First is You!

As Mayor Pro-Tem, in addition to fulfilling my normal duties as a member of the city council serving the residents of District 4, I assist the Mayor in carrying out the Mayoral responsibilities as well as assuming mayoral duties in his absence as the Mayor.

It was my desire and want to become an educator, earn a Doctorate degree, become President of a Homeowner Association and now serving my third term as a Dallas City Council person.

It was my imagination and the ability to confront problems that led to the organization of the District 4 Faith-Based Coalition, #Dallas365 Safe Initiative, Domestic Violence Awareness - It’s Not Your Fault, Knowledge is Power Partnership and D4

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson

Youth GOTV activities.

It was my faith that gave me the confidence that helped earn me numerous honors and awards: Community Service Leader - National Council of Negro Women; Women of Wisdom Recognition and H.I. Holland Education Awards- Elite News; Community Service Leader Gospel Connection Award; and

Who’s Who in Black Dallas.

It is my persistence, the driving force behind my faith that assisted me to win the Dallas City Council seat on my first try, only to lose two years later and pick myself back up to win, that gave me the opportunity to achieve this astounding first.

I start each day with a plan of action making sure I end every day by accomplishing all things that could be accomplished that day. Yes, two firsts took place this past week but the next - first - is you “Black Women.”

Together we will transform today’s Dallas and specifically District 4 into a thriving district where jobs, community pride, respectable affordable housing and the essentials of quality of life are commonplace for all residents.

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The Road Less Traveled

FAITHFUL UTTERANCES

By Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew

Driving to the Austin area is something I can do with my eyes closed. Jumping on I-35 is very familiar and comfortable. Even without a GPS, I know where I’m going.

On this visit, I traveled to some areas that required my GPS and without hesitation, I trusted the map to take me to the desired locations.

On my way back home, I selected the fastest route as an option. I believed that the GPS would take me on the familiar stretch of road, I-35, and without any trepidation, I followed the path. Initially, I thought I was going out of the way just for a bit to avoid traffic but when I found myself on isolated county roads, I became concerned.

It was especially frightening

when the police had blocked off the path I was supposed to take, and I had to go another way that was even more remote. I was traveling through farm areas that had no housing nearby and towns that had less than a thousand residents.

I did not see anyone who looked like me and as a Black woman traveling these backroads with little descriptors to tell others where I was, it caused a lot of anxiety.

As the map brought me closer to I-35, I became elated because where I thought I was headed initially became closer to my reach.

When I approached the access road for the highway, I had not only avoided traffic through Austin, but these backroads took me almost a hundred miles around the major highway. I still reached my destination, but it wasn’t the way I wanted to go or planned when I started this trip.

I learned so much from this experience about walking with God:

1. Blind faith only lasts so long.

I trusted the GPS without paying attention to the route.

Many of us trust God because it’s tradition. Grandma did it. Momma made you go to church. It was the thing to do on Sundays.

The danger in this is that you are relying on someone’s experience instead of building your own relationship with God. If you don’t have a relationship with God, when life gets tough, it is easy to walk away because you haven’t developed your personal walk— you’ve relied on tradition and not God’s truth.

“Therefore, hear the parable of the sower: …This is he who received seed by the wayside.

But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself but endures only for a while.

For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he

stumbles. Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful….” (Matthew 13:3-23) 2. God will take you places that you didn’t imagine. On the start of my trip, I had no idea that I would travel through places I had never seen or even heard of.

I reached my destination but going through that experience reminded me that we always want control but when we ask God to order our steps, we must be prepared to go places that take us down roads that are often uncomfortable and even unfamiliar.

“I will lead blind Israel down a new path, guiding them along an unfamiliar way. I will brighten the darkness before them and smooth out the road ahead of them. Yes, I will indeed do these things; I will not forsake them.” (Isaiah 42:16)

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3. Despite my fear, my faith reminded me that God was there with me. Even in my moments of feeling so alone in the middle of nowhere, God was present. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

(Deuteronomy 6:8) 4. Your road to travel in life might be lonely. “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14) No matter how much uncertainty you are facing as you travel through life, know that God is in control and will bring you over, through, and out to the other side.

Do your part: trust, believe, and watch God work.

Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is the President of Soulstice Consultancy, LLC. To learn more about her, visit drfroswabooker.com.

Reflections on America’s Independence Observance OUR VOICES

By Dr. John E. Warren Because of where America stands today on the ever present issue of race, the following reflections are offered from the first two paragraphs of the Declaration of Independence, signed July 4, 1776. First, the Preamble, which has much bearing on where we stand today as a nation: “When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, they should declare the causes which impel them to separation…”

The Republican Party and all

its state affiliates seeking to abolish voting and civil rights, have provided living proof that the political “Bands” they are connected to do not include us, as people of color. The voter suppression laws, murder of Black people by law enforcement and the biased prision sentences for the murder of Black people such as that given to Derek Chauvin, are clear proof that there is no belief that “that all men are created equal and that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Before we get too excited about the cookouts and holiday celebrations with fireworks across this great land, let us reflect on some of the words of Frederick Douglass which appear elsewhere in this issue as his Fourth of July Speech of 1852 in Rochester, New York. Let’s look at Independence as being incomplete because of the disparity that Douglass found between Black and White. Today such dispar-

Frederick Douglass

ities exist at every level, in spite of the efforts of so many whites who have joined with Black people in the struggle.

Douglass asked in his speech: “Are the great principles of political freedom and natural justice, embodied in that Declaration of Independence extended to us?” It would appear that in 160 years, many of his questions remain unanswered.

The inequality of slavery still exists today in the minds and behavior of many Americans who cannot accept that America is a melting pot of all nations. ”Out of many, one”. That melting pot

includes people of color. The key requirement is that we as people of color must never accept less than equality in all things.

While we may not technically be slaves, as reminded by the recent declaration of Juneteenth as a federal holiday, many of us are still mental slaves to mediocrity and the acceptance of less than what we should have. If some of us remain slaves to inequality and injustice, then the following question Douglass raised is appropriate today: “What to the American slave, is your 4th of July? I answer; a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. To him your celebration is a sham, your shout of liberty and equality, hollow mockery; your prayers and hymns, your sermons and thanksgivings, with all your religious parade and solemnity, are to him, mere bombast, fraud, deception, impiety, and hypocrisy — a thin veil to cover crimes which would dis-

grace a nation of savages.”

In conclusion: what should we do? We should review the America to whom Frederick Douglass spoke. We should weigh against his words how far we have come.

We should celebrate Juneteenth; the 13th,14th and 15th amendments; the Emancipation Proclamation, which had not been thought of when he wrote this speech; Civil rights, Voting Rights and Equal Employment Opportunity as well as an integrated armed forces. While we are remembering and celebrating the U.S. Supreme Court Decision of Brown vs. Board of Education, let us remember that our schools are more segregated now than ever before. Yes, we can take some time out to celebrate that which we should have already enjoyed, as stated elsewhere here.

What is the 4th of July? That which I must still fight for to make real in the lives of those who look like me.

Dr. John E. Warren is publisher of The San Diego Voice and Viewpoint.

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C-Section Knowledge is Power:

Benefits Of New Patient Education And Surgery Protocols Jamie Morgan, M.D.

Obstetrics and Gynecology

About 15 years ago, a set of protocols was developed for patients undergoing colorectal surgery. These guidelines, known as enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), include evidence-based aspects of care before, during, and after surgery to accelerate patient recovery.

Over the years, other surgical specialties have adopted ERAS protocols. Hospitals in more than 20 countries follow ERAS, and we use them here at UT Southwestern. Research has shown that ERAS protocols result in shorter hospital stays, reductions in complications and readmissions, reduced health care costs, and improved patient satisfaction.

The benefits of ERAS have been well-documented in many specialties. We’re continuously refining protocols for patients who deliver by cesarean section (C-section), helping better prepare them for planned – and unplanned – C-sections.

For example, new research from UT Southwestern and Parkland Memorial Hospital has shown that multimodal pain management after C-section – not relying solely on opioid medications – can control pain effectively and may increase breastfeeding success.

If you have had a C-section in the past or know someone who has, you may notice that we’ll provide a few new pieces of information as you prepare for your next delivery.

ERAS and C-section education Depending on where you live, approximately one-third of patients have C-sections.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists estimates that 2.5% of C-sections are done at the mother’s request.

Others are planned, such as in complex pregnancies or if a patient has undergone one or more C-sections in the past.

However, sometimes an un-

Just because a doctor discusses C-section doesn't mean you have to have one.

Credit: CDC

planned C-section is necessary if the mother or baby are at risk.

During prenatal visits, your doctor will discuss with you what could cause the need for an unplanned C-section. However, just because the doctor talks to you about C-sections doesn’t mean you’ll have one.

Rather, we want patients to know what to expect with an unscheduled C-section before it’s time to deliver. ERAS protocols are helping our Ob/Gyn teams prepare patients. In the event of an actual emergency or urgent situation, there is limited time to explain the procedure and patients are typically preoccupied with their medical situation.

C-section protocol changes with ERAS Eating and drinking before C-section The adage was that patients shouldn’t eat or drink anything for eight hours before surgery.

However, ERAS guidelines recommend patients drink clear liquids, juice, and sports drinks up to two hours before surgery, and have a light meal six hours beforehand.

Studies show this can improve outcomes after colorectal surgery, and research suggests that some of these benefits may transfer to other types of surgery. Therefore, we have begun to recommend that some patients eat or drink prior to

C-section to potentially: • Return to normal bowel function sooner • Improve the patient experience • Potentially speed recovery These rules may differ among patients, so make sure you understand the directions from your doctor regarding eating and drinking before a C-section.

Urinary catheter removal We used to leave a patient’s urinary catheter in place for 12 to 14 hours after surgery.

Now, we often take it out right away. We’ve found that this protocol has reduced the risk of difficulty urinating. It also means the patient can become mobile again sooner. Speaking of which, we encourage women to get out of bed and move around as soon as possible after a C-section.

Chewing gum Eating and drinking early after surgery can help the return of bowel function, and studies

your pain along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as Motrin or acetaminophen.

In a recent study, a team of UT Southwestern providers including senior author Elaine Duryea, M.D., found that NSAIDs can effectively control pain after a C-section and may increase breastfeeding rates.

Prior to July 2020, women who had C-sections at Parkland Memorial Hospital traditionally received a morphine patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device for 12 hours after delivery. The device allows patients to self-administer opioid pain medication as needed. After 12 hours, patients would start receiving NSAIDs as needed based on their pain rating.

In July 2020, after discussions with the obstetrics anesthesia team, Ob/Gyns at Parkland changed to a new C-section multimodal pain management protocol in which NSAIDs became the frontline medication

A new protocol for patients after they have had a C-section can help ease their recovery.

Credit: CDC

have shown that chewing gum can have the same effect. We may recommend you chew gum if you are nauseated or not hungry after your procedure.

Multimodal pain relief To help reduce opioid use because of the associated risks, especially in breastfeeding women, we’ve begun to use a combination of non-opioid medications to help control

and opioids were given only when needed based on a patient’s pain rating.

The researchers – including anesthesiologists, Ob/Gyns, and nurses – compared data from before and after the transition to the new protocol. They found that women who had frontline NSAIDs used approximately 4 times less morphine during their stay, reported less pain, and had a similar length

of stay at the hospital.

Approximately 9% of patients in the multimodal group who wanted to exclusively breastfeed required formula supplementation compared to 12% in the traditional group.

How we hope moms benefit from ERAS One of the main intentions when ERAS was developed was to reduce the time patients had to stay in the hospital, which is a worthy goal for most surgical procedures. But for C-sections, we don’t necessarily want to send patients home right away for a couple reasons.

First, there is your baby. Pediatricians often want to watch the baby over the course of a day or two to make sure they are adjusting to life outside the womb, gaining weight, and learning to breastfeed. Also, patients may have conditions such as preeclampsia or chorioamnionitis, a bacterial infection that can occur before or during labor. These patients should not go home right away regardless of how quickly they recover from surgery.

Second, some literature indicates ERAS protocols might increase breastfeeding rates.

This is likely because the patient feels better. She can get up and around faster and focus on breastfeeding instead of post-op pain or complications.

Our main goal in implementing ERAS is to improve our patients’ experience, both under our care and during recovery.

This is why, for example, we try to offer a “gentle C-section,” which brings elements of a vaginal delivery into the operating room.

While obstetrics and gynecology may not have the amount of data other surgical specialties have regarding ERAS benefits for C-section patients, we’re starting to catch up. Cesarean sections are among the most common surgical procedures performed on women – improving the patient experience is always top of mind.

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McKinney Oktoberfest SEP 23 AT 12 PM – SEP 25 AT 7 pm Historic Downtown McKinney 111 N. Tennessee St., McKinney

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Metro Community Calendar powered by On the fourth Thursday of every month thru August 4th, the Dallas Comedy Club will host a monthly stand-up comedy show featuring female or female-identifying comedians to benefit charity from 7:30-9pm at the Dallas Comedy Club.

JULY 8-10 The Camp Exposure Football Invitational (“Camp Exposure”) is a free, all-inclusive, three-day overnight football camp specifically curated for under-represented high school athletes. The highly anticipated event returns for its third annual installment from July 8-10th with on-the-field training at Highland Park High School, and personal and professional development off-the-field sessions at Embassy Suites of Dallas Park Central.

the perfect setting to strengthen civil rights and every form of socio-economic equality in Atlantic City to progress policies that impact Black America.

8-10 p.m, “Rhythm and Rhapsody” will take place at Hamon Hall. The event will bring together poetry, rhythm and dance to show the social challenges in the African American community.

22 Tracy Morgan Live @ The Texas Trust CU Theatre at Grand Prairie

14 The Weeknd live August 14th at The AT&TStadium in Arlington

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See Chris Brown & Lil Baby @ The Dos Equis Pavilion in Dallas!

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12pm-6pm, there will be a Dallas reproductive liberation march at the Main Street Garden Park organized

by The Afiya Center and Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas.

Kendrick Lamar w/ special guests Baby Keem & Tanna Leone @ The AAC in Dallas

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editor@texasmetronews.com 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.

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From July 9th to October 15th, the Dallas Bites and Sights tour will offer an exclusive tour featuring only Dallas black-owned businesses. The tour will feature untold stories of the Black history of Dallas at 4925 Greenville Ave.

Burna Boy live @ The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

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AUGUST Self-Care Fair free community event and feminine hygiene supply drive at After 8 to Educate (Fannie C. Harris Youth Center) 4212 E. Grand Avenue, Dallas.-- 11AM-3PM

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The World According to Andrew on BlogTalkRadio.com 8 am.-10 am. CST. Sundays Tune in for thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news and commentary. Join the call 646200-0459 on Andrew’s World.

Wiz Khalifa w/ special guest Logic at the Dos Equis Pavilion in Dallas!

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113th NAACP National Convention is

8:53-10:53 AM, the Too Hot to Handle half marathon will take place at Norbuck Park. The event will feature a 10K and 5K run.

18 Scarface @ The House of Blues

Kevin Hart live @ The AAC in Dallas!

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.

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Superb Women Our Superb Women!

health, environmental safety and curbing gentrification.

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ERIN E. EVANS You have to check out some of Erin E. Evans’ insightful, thought-provoking pieces. @ heyerinevans or www.erinevans.me

By Cheryl Smith Texas Metro News

2021 was the "Year of the Woman," especially the Black Woman! For 10 months we dedicated this space to uplifting Black women and spreading a message that we need to show love and empower people with love instead of destroying them with hate and disrespect. We celebrate Black Women and call them SUPERB! AND WE ARE KEEPING THE CELEBRATION GOING IN 2022!

MAXCIE TAYLOR Maxcie Taylor is a speaker, author, B.R.A.N.D. Ambassador Coach

Here she is Ms. Curve Texas ’22! Yes, Maxcie Taylor recently won this title as part of the Regency International Pageant and will be competing in Las Vegas this July against other plus size women. As a plus size woman Maxcie is excited to use her platform to share encouragement with other curvy women and to inspire them to go after their dreams regardless of their size. Not only is she a pageant queen, Maxcie is also a social media strategist, and runs a B.R.A.N.D. Ambassador agency that teaches inspiring influencers how to develop their B.R.A.N.D. and monetize their Instagram account. A wife and mother, the mass communications major’s book, “Queen in Me” is on sale.

KIM CLEMONS Fun-loving, energetic and a joy to be around, Kim Dunn Clemons is a wife and mother.

Kim Dunn Clemons hails from Santa Cruz, CA where she attended Santa Cruz

June 2022 fellowships. She is a self-professed “expert in Afro-Caribbean culture, a Florida Gator and Jacksonville Jaguar fan and mom to 2 kitties!”

MADISON CHASE Madison Chase is a trainer, host, author, motivational speaker and ambassador for helping you be your Best You.

Cheryl Smith

High School and graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in Radio, TV and Film Production. Kim is currently a Showrunner/Writer at AMS PICTURES in Dallas – producing “Murder Made Me Famous,” “Scandal Made Me Famous” and “The Price of Fame series’ for The REELZ Channel. Also a former producer with USA networks and programming coordinator KXAS-TV/NBC-5, she is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. TERRI T. THOMAS Terri T. Thomas is vice president and community manager for Chase and she is a “hustler” in a positive way.

For the past 19 years she has held several positions from branch manager to vice president and she is about the community and helping clients improve their personal finances. Terri has a BA in Business Administration and Management from Austin College and she studied her junior year abroad at the La Universidad de Salamanca. A founding member, she is also a board member of the Collin County Black Chamber of Commerce. We especially like that she worked with From Your Heart Ministries to provide dental cleanings to youth in Uganda. And, she has done so much more, including with the North Texas Jobs Corp.

SHANIA WILHITE Shania Wilhite is energetic and a gogetter. She wants to focus on community

A recent graduate of Texas A&M University-Commerce with a degree in public health, Shania attended the School of Health Professions at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center. Shania is a community coordinator for the DEC Network where she is responsible for membership and guest experience, event planning, and facilitates support as well as operational support at the DEC@RedBird. Shania is interested in Animal Welfare • Arts and Culture • Civil Rights and Social Action • Disaster and Humanitarian Relief • Environment • Health • Human Rights • Politics.

HOPE ANGELA IRETI HART She’s a student of life and an activist.

Hope Angela Ireti Hart is constantly evolving and leaving places better than she found them.

An Urban Planning & Community/ Economic Development Consultant, she has enjoyed stints at U.S. Small Business Administration and Prospector Works.

Hope Angela Ireti Hart hails from Oak Cliff and graduated from Justin F. Kimble High School. She received a BA degree in Urban Studies/Africana Studies from Vassar College. Hope also studied at Mountain View Community College, Spelman College and Cornell University where she received a MRP in City and Regional Planning. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Hope’s specialties include: Project Management, Pre-Development, Brainstorming, Proposal Concept & Design, Troubleshooting, Conflict Resolution, Mediation, Community Relations, Public Relations and Networking.

Currently a senior enterprise editor at HuffPost, where she manages a team of reporters and critics who write about arts and entertainment; Erin Evans is a graduate of Howard University with a BA Degree in Journalism with honors (Summa Cum Laude) and she received her Masters Degree from New York University. Yes! She’s an NABJ Baby!!! Her impressive career includes stints at The Root, Black Entertainment Television, Mic, The Movement and NBC News. She specializes in content around social justice, identity and culture. Erin calls herself an amateur cook, but everything she undertakes, she masters! Erin currently resides in Brooklyn but her heart remains in her hometown of Dallas, TX! TONYAA WEATHERSBEE A Florida native,Tonyaa Weathersbee writes and edits projects, speeches and scripts, as well as lecture on topics ranging from politics, social justice and the craft of journalism to issues on Cuba, Latin America and the African diaspora.

Tonyaa Weathersbee is the metro columnist for The Commercial Appeal, the major newspaper of Memphis, Tenn.

Journalist Tonyaa Weathersbee is the bomb. A long-time member of the National Association of Black Journalists, and award-winning journalist, Tonyaa earned a master’s degree in mass communication with a concentration in international/ intercultural communications and a BS Degree in Journalism from the University of Florida. Hailing from Jacksonville, she graduated from William M. Raines High School and she has participated in numerous

A Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts alum and a trained classical ballerina, Madison Chase studied at The Juilliard School. She is CEO and Founder at Madison Chase Fitness, Celebrity Fitness Expert at Madison Chase Fitness and World’s Only 3X Miss Fitness Champion at ESPN. Madison represented Richardson in the Miss America Pageant and she also previously hosted a live weekly fitness segment, “Workout Wednesday.”

Her articles have been published in Eclipse Magazine, www.eurweb.com, www. dallasblack.com, www.eclipsedfw.com, Heart & Soul Magazine, Oxygen, Muscle and Fitness Hers publications. https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=gJh23paKqHo LASHIRL SMITH LaShirl Smith represents some of the hottest in the business and she is all about results and putting her clients first.

LaShirl Smith is the Boss Lady at Group PR and RonSean Productions, LLC. Hailing from Dallas, LaShirl currently resides in Cali and she’s making things happen internationally. She is the president and lead publicist representing celebrities and professional athletes in the entertainment and sports industry. LaShirl received a BA degree in Communications, Public Relations and Advertising from the University of North Texas. A consummate professional LaShirl has branched off into the world of

producing so we’ll be seeing a lot more of her in the future and we salute her because she is the epitome of Black Girl Magic!

DR. INDIA STEWART Dr. India Stewart is an educator, philanthropist and artist. Her work speaks volumes.

Dr. India Stewart enjoyed stints at Dallas College, UTD, Catholic Charities Fort Worth, Center for Transforming Lives, UNT, Texas Women’s Foundation, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and Resource Center of Dallas. A self-described practical idealist, Dr. India is a sociology professor and community advocate committed to building the equitable future we all deserve.

She has served on the Boards of AIDS Interfaith Network, Mental Health America of Greater Dallas, and LifeNet Community Behavioral Healthcare. She also volunteers with Dallas Dinner Table, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Transfer Advisory Subcommittee. She has a Ph.D. in Public Affairs, MS in Applied Sociology, and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from UT Dallas, and a BA in Government and International Affairs from Augustana University.

MICHELLE BROWN Scholarship, sisterhood and service.

That’s what Michelle Brown is about. She embodies the true meaning of sisterhood.

As the director of the Blazing Southwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Michelle Brown has an awesome task and she serves with grace and love. She is a recipient of the highest award bestowed by the National Association of Pretrial Services Agencies (NAPSA) – the Ennis J. Olgiatti Award for lifetime achievement in the field of pretrial services. Michelle served as National President of NAPSA, 2004-2006 and is the only African American woman to have ever received this award. She is also the founder of the Texas Association of Pretrial Officers and retired as the Tarrant County Pretrial Services Director after an impressive tour of duty that expanded

more than 20 years. Michelle is a past president and current member of the Fort Worth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

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LAURA COBB HAYES As the National Executive Director of The Urban Specialists, Laura Cobb Hayes is impacting so many lives! And soon, we will be calling her Dr. Laura Cobb Hayes!

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JUDGE TONYA PARKER Honorable Tonya Parker is highly respected and widely honored for her work on the bench and in the community.

Judge Tonya Parker was elected Judge of the 116th Judicial District Court in 2010 and has held the position in 2011. She has also served twice as the Presiding Judge for the Dallas County Civil District Courts. Judge Parker has also served as the president of the Texas Association of District Judges. The recipient of numerous awards, Judge Parker has been a dedicated public servant and community leader. A member of the J.L. Turner Legal Association, Dallas Women Lawyers Association, Dallas Arts District Alliance, City of Dallas Community Development Commission, Dallas Bar Association Board, and more; the SMU Dedman School of Law graduate consistently receives high scores from her colleagues.

SYMPHONY PARSON LOWE Symphony Parson Lowe is full of energy, love and about making this world a better place!

Symphony Parson Lowe studied broadcast journalism at Florida A&M University, where she was initiated into the Beta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. A resident of Midlothian, Symphony is active in the community, working to bring about fairness, equity, inclusion and justice. She’s doing everything from leading marches to feeding the homeless and distributing food kits. Symphony is an NABJ/DFW-ABJ Baby having participated in the DFW-ABC (J) Urban Journalism Workshop as a high school student. In addition to stints at Break of Day Design, Hanley Wood, American Heart Association and Sharecare, she also worked for Service Broadcasting (K104/ KKDA/KRNB) and today she is an event planner for 7-Eleven.

Previously Laura Cobb Hayes served as Chief Executive Officer of The Learning Bridge, Chief Academic Officer and Vice President of Edison Learning, National Director of Foundations for New Leaders for New Schools, Director of Education for the Foundation for Community Empowerment, Senior Director for Texas Education Agency, educator in DISD, AND, a principal in Grand Prairie ISD. Certified in numerous disciplines, the UNT Masters Degree graduate also served as president of Head Start of Greater Dallas (first Black female elected!), Advisory Board member of Dallas Children’s Theater and Board Member of Big Brothers Big Sister of Greater Dallas and also Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and Links, Inc and she may not know Karate, but she knows Taekwondo!

STEPHANIE WARD Stephanie Ward is super-talented, smart, meticulous, beautiful and creative. The world would be so much better if she had more time to put her dynamic writing skills in motion again!

She’s a California Girl, hailing from Oakland where she attended Carver Vocational-Technical High School, and when she arrived in Dallas working for the Dallas Morning News, she was on her job, she was in the community and she was involved!

The San Francisco State University alum then opened Stephanie’s Collections, a beautiful art gallery in North Dallas that drew people from all over for her quality products and services. There was always something going on at Stephanie’s! Stephanie has enjoyed stints at Spicewood Designs, New Lime Media and Gift for Moms.

DANA DAVIS She is “Living everyday with Purpose, Passion, and Promise,” and Dana Davis is enjoying every moment! She’s a star!

Dana Davis is multi-talented and multifaceted. Hailing from Los Angeles CA where she went to Los Angeles Senior High. She then went on to the University of California, Santa Cruz and while obtaining a BA Degree in Business Administration and Management, she was Basileus of her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. After several years in corporate America, Dana took her talents to the world, as an on-air talent for Bobbcat Films, as a speaker/emcee/ host and moderator, as a columnist for Examiner.com and for the past decade as the principal owner of the inHERface Group.

She’s appeared on CBS’s “The Amazing Race,” and Fine Living Channel’s “All Girl Getaways,” and so much more.

Sharon trained cadets at The University of Toledo and continued her education in the Master’s Program for Human Resources Education Technology at The University of Toledo and the University of Iowa. Sharon also attended the University of Dallas where she studied Architectural Technology. She’s a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

CANDACE T WARREN (MAHOGANY THEARTIST) Jazz artist Candace T. Warren is a selfdescribed “lover of all things good, mom, creator, soldier, flower, thinker and a creative mind.”

PATRICIA BUTCHER BARTON Patricia Butcher Barton is a wife, mother, daughter, sister, writer, author, poet, retired licensed vocational nurse.

Retired from Southwestern Bell, Patricia Butcher Barton hails from Corsicana, TX where she attended G.W. Jackson High School and later continued her education at Mountain View College. A best-selling author, this community servant is an absolute joy to be with and around. She has been a writer of poetry and prose since childhood. A wife and mother, she has served as a mentor and source of inspiration and support to so many. In Faithful Remembrances, which she co-wrote with her daughter, LaJuana, readers find words that are consoling and empowering as she helps them cope with life as they deal with grief.

SHARON DOUGLAS Sharon Douglas is the sole owner of Potere Construction LLC with offices in Fort Worth, TX and Atlanta, GA. Sharon Douglas is a graduate of HustonTillotson College in Austin, TX with a B.A. in Business Administration. Sharon also studied Military Science Transportation at The University Texas of Austin and later served in the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant; serving two years active duty and 12 years in the Army Reserve. While serving as a Captain in the Army Reserve,

Candace T. Warren (Mahogany TheArtist) is the host of Jazz Fusion 411 with Mahogany, at 411 Radio Network.

The minister of music at Forest Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, she is also the owner-operator at Jazz BeCuzz. Hailing from Richardson, TX, she is a graduate of Lloyd V. Berkner High School and studied interdisciplinary Music Studies at Berklee College of Music. She also taught piano and voice at Texas School of Performing Arts and Candace is the former minister of music at Hill Chapel CME Church.

KIZUWANDA GAYDEN GRANT, PH.D. She’s brilliant. Talk about analytical, meticulous and always prepared. That’s Dr. Kizuwanda Gayden Grant.

She’s an educator’s educator and advocate. She’s a student’s voice and motivator. That’s because she is passionate, focused and knowledgeable. The Chief Administrative Officer at Paul Quinn College, Kizuwanda Gayden Grant, received See SUPERB WOMEN, page 16

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Lifestyle Metro Calendar powered by Someone Like Me, is a panel with eight queer femme and non-binary artist sworking across mediums and cultures. It will be at the Latino Cultural Center, 2600 Live Oak Street, Tx 75404 through August 20, 2022. **** Wellness Series Kids Creative Movement, gives kids the opportunity to be creative expressing themselves through dance, gymnastics, yoga, and more. Children must be accompanied by a legal guardian during the entire class. The classes are held at Sammons Park, 2403 Flora Street, Dallas, Tx 75201, next to the Center Café. Dress yourself and your child in comfortable clothing. The Wellness Series takes place Tuesdays at 10AM through-Aug 2.

JULY TEXAS FIBROID AWARENESS MONTH 9

by Verb Kulture at Hamon Hall. The performance will be at 8pm at 2403 Flora Street, Dallas, Tx 75201

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Women of Color Executive Coaching Circle 3-5 pm www.ccda.org

23 Karaoke Lic Sync Battle 7225 University Hills Blvd in Dallas at 6p.m.

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Parker County Peach Festival 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM at Downtown Weatherford

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Family Festival / Fiesta de la Familia 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM at Kimbell Art Museum

Shakespeare in the Park, performing a Midsummer Night’s Dream. At the Samuell-Grand Park, July 5th, 9th, 10th, 12th, 16th, 17th, 19th, and 23rd at 8:15pm Location:1500 Tenison Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75223

27 Family Empowerment Expo Waxshachie Civic Center, 2000 Civic Center Lane, Waxahachie 10a-6p

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The 2022 ILIVE Women’s and Girls Wellness & LifeStyle Expo!

University of Texas at Arlington, Texas 10a- 2:30 p 300 W. First Street Arlington, Texas, TX 76017

2022 Texas Democratic Party State Convention

Self-Care Fair free community event and feminine hygiene supply drive at After 8 to Educate (Fannie C. Harris Youth Center) 4212 E. Grand Avenue, Dallas.-- 11AM-3PM

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Kendrick Lamar w/ special guests Baby Keem & Tanna Leone @ The AAC in Dallas

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The Denton County Democratic Party (DCDP) will hold its LBJ-Obama Dinner at the HIlton Garden Inn, 785 State Highway 121, Lewisville. The keynote address will be given by former Texas State Senator Wendy Davis and the guest speaker will be Texas House Rep. Jasmine Crockett.

For tickets call 972-835-7301.

AUGUST 3-7 National Association of Black Journalists / National Association of Hispanic Journalists Convention in Las Vegas

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**** The 7th Annual iLIVE Expo is North Texas largest Wellness and Lifestyle Expo of its kind!

BAMM, Being a Melanin Mom, Inc. cordially invites you to Second Annual Black Owned Experience Summer Expo!

11:00 AM – 3:00 PM CDT Lofty Spaces, 816 Montgomery Street Dallas, TX

2nd Annual Carnival Festival at Cravens Park, 400 Cravens Park Drive Arlington, Tx 76018, at 1-7pm RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-caribbean-carnival-festival-tickets-303928116177?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

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Bastille on Bishop 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM at Bishop Arts District

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The Elevator Project is having a Rhythm and Rhapsody show.

Rhythm and Rhapsody is a live show, with music, storytelling, poetry, and dance. Rhythm and Rhapsody is being presented

Send your calendar items to editor@texasmetronews.com

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TX Legislator Expresses Concern for poor Women cont. from page 1 and the District of Columbia).

“Women are still going to have abortions. The people that are going to be impacted are those people who don’t have the resources to go to another state to have a safe abortion,” said Rose.

Rose predicts that the loss of federal protected abortions will cause women to revert to going underground to seek assistance in terminating unwanted pregnancies.

In the absence of safe abortions, history has painted a dark picture of women seeking self-induced methods to terminate their pregnancies which include hangers, the ingestions of toxins such as bleach, or falling to cause trauma to the fetus.

Although some of these efforts might not be successful, they could cause lasting damage or even death, according to experts.

Prior to Roe v. Wade, the CDC reported that the mortality rate due to illegal abortions for nonwhite women was 12 times higher than that of white women.

“After hearing about the Su-

preme Court’s decision, I knew that it was just the beginning for the potential of the voice of the human being to be taken away,” said Nakia Davis, founder of Heels on the Move to Heal, a Dallas-based nonprofit organization dedicated to spreading awareness and education on sexual assault, domestic abuse, and human trafficking.

Davis was the victim of a rape as a teenager and that act resulted in a pregnancy, so she is well aware of how important it is being able to take advantage of a safe abortion.

“Although I am 100 percent pro-life, I still believe that we as individuals should have the right to control our own lives and control our destiny,” said Davis, who as a minor had no choice in the reproductive decisions that was made after her rape. “This includes whatever path God has for us to walk down. I believe that in taking the right away from a person to decide about their lives, we are falling down a dark path.”

Nakia Davis considers herself to be pro-life, after being forced to have an abortion due to a teenage rape.

Teen Survivor Aborted the Fetus of her Rapist Today Davis, also known as “Kia D,” is a source of inspiration and support for others because she didn’t let her circumstances ruin her life. Armed with several degrees, including a Ph.D. in Psychology, the mother of two,

who just celebrated her one year wedding anniversary on July 4, 2022 is a voice for women and has actually created a digital radio platform; where she is also a talk show host, sharing information and empowering listeners.

Based on previous statistics, Rose says the recent high court’s decision will impact Black women, women of color and poor women more than other groups.

“The only solution to this is voting, I know people don’t understand it but voting on all levels impacts every part of our lives: the food we eat, the cars that we drive and the roads we drive on,” said Rose.

The fight for safe abortions is now left to individual states.

Some states have already banned abortions with no exception for incest or rape, and this includes Texas.

“We will not be able to make the necessary policies and changes, if we don’t have the numbers,” said Rose, who is committed to using her legislative voice to be effective on women’s

health issues. “We don’t have the numbers in some areas that we should have because people don’t come out to vote. We are going to do all we can to fight. We must get our community to understand how not voting impacts the community.”

Rose believes that the inability to terminate unwanted pregnancies will lower the rate of high school completion, increase single mothers, and raise the rate of premature births.

The CDC currently estimates 700 women in the US die from pregnancy-related complications. Based on their records a full-term pregnancy is more dangerous than a medical abortion.

They also reported Black women experience maternal mortality two to three times higher than White women.

According to Guttmather Institute, a research organization that supports abortion rights, some 40 million women of child-bearing age will live in states where abortion will become more difficult to access.

Judge Making Beauty History with Invention And she’s not alone. Beauty is big business, especially for Black women who spend upwards of $500 billion yearly on beauty purchases — including hair.

“It’s an expensive industry and we are just pouring into it,” she added. But even with financial success, Kelly admitted that she likes to save coins more than spend them. And hair was, literally, on the chopping block.

From Judge To Entrepreneur Her breaking point came while trying to piece her extensions that were falling apart back together before a hair appointment. After a few hours of Googling acceptable ways to save her pricey hair pieces, she started drawing out and sewing her very first shield. “I’m not a beautician, but it just makes sense to me,” Kelly said.

After realizing it worked, she made a second, better one. A couple of her friends in merchandising noted that there was nothing on the market like it and encouraged her to get it manufactured.

“I had no intentions of being an entrepreneur on top of being a full-time judge,” she explained, but their response was convincing. She researched resources and invested in a lawyer to file a provisional patent for her in-

It’s really trial and error — and there’ve been a lot of errors!”

She experienced setbacks while getting her logo designed and teaching herself how to make a pattern. Her biggest challenges were finding a manu-

Judge Shequitta Kelly's invention: The Hair Shield

vention. She also learned that entrepreneurship can be quite humbling.

“I’m a book-smart person. If you give me the book, I will read it. I can apply it,” said Kelly. “Entrepreneurship isn’t like that.

Credit: Instagram

facturer and getting to an affordable price point — for her and her product.

“To get the price that I wanted, I had to up the quantity,” she said. Kelly ended up with 1,000 Hair Shields and no customers.

“I just had way too much because people didn’t know what the Hair Shield was. So, it was me trying to just get them to buy it. First, you’ve got to explain what it is. Then, you’ve got to convince them that they need it.

And, I’m not a salesperson. I’m a judge!”

Fortunately, she found her footing with the help of her husband, who happens to be in sales. Today, her consumer base has grown from friends and family to virtual strangers looking for a beauty fix.

That, Kelly said, has been her greatest reward. “That is something I made in my little bitty closet, just because I was having a moment […] And, so to know that my little baby is now being purchased all over the world — I’ve gotten people to purchase my product from overseas. And, to see that they believe. They’re like, ‘Hey yeah, this is a great idea. Not only that, I need it.’

That’s been so rewarding.”

Making An Impact As she grows her beauty empire, Kelly is focused on her

cont. from page 1

brand becoming a household name. “I want my Hair Shield to be known just like the wave cap or Kleenex,” she said. She also looks forwards to offering a full haircare lineup.

“I want the Hair Shield [brand] to expand, to be more of a haircare product — not just for extensions, but for your own hair,” Kelly shared.

Kelly, the judge, is now comfortable as Kelly, the entrepreneur. But, she’s not building a brand to quit her job. She’s building a brand to help consumers save money and to bring money back into the community.

“I hope to one day be able to use the Hair Shield as a brand that pours back into my community,” said Kelly. “As it grows, I can start employing people from within the community.

“I understand what it’s like to struggle and need a good job.

I want to be that person that gives them a good job. And if it’s through the Hair Shield, oh my God, that’d be such a blessing.”

Learn more about the Hair Shield at thehairshield.com.

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Brittney Griner Writes President Joe Biden Seeking Help cont. from page 1 on Monday, July 4, per ESPN’s T.J. Quinn.

Below are excerpts of the letter: "I'm terrified I might be here forever…I realize you are dealing with so much, but please don't forget about me and the other detainees…Please do all you can to bring us home."

"On the 4th of July, our family normally honors the service of those men who fought for our freedom, including my father who is a Vietnam War Veteran," another excerpt read. "It hurts thinking about how I usually celebrate this day because freedom means something completely different to me this year... as I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I'm terrified I might be here forever."

"I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I believe in you. I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore. I miss my wife!

I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know they are suffering so much right now. I am grateful for whatever you can do at this moment to get me home."

Per ESPN’s Quinn, Griner’s representative said they would not release the entire letter or detail how it got to the White House.

Since her detention, Griner has been allowed to send and receive monitored notes to friends and family through her Russian attorneys.

Per reports, the White House National Security Council confirmed the White House has received Griner's letter.

"We believe the Russian Federation is wrongfully detaining Brittney Griner," NSC spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said Monday. "President Biden has been clear about the need to see all U.S. nationals who are held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad released, including Brittney Griner. The U.S. government continues to work aggressively -using every available means -- to bring her home."

Griner's trial began on Friday, July 1 with her appearance in court and is scheduled to continue Thursday. She is charged with trying to smuggle hashish oil into Russia.

Per reports, Griner has not en-

tered a plea but there is talk that she may plead guilty, knowing that Russian officials would require an admission of guilt as part of any deal to send her home.

House of Representatives Pass Resolution In addition to playing in the WNBA and overseas, Griner competes as part of Team USA Women’s Basketball and won gold medals in the 2016 and 2021 Olympics. Like most WNBA players, she plays basketball overseas in the offseason, most recently in Russia.

Since being detained she has received an outpouring of support from teammates, athletes of other sports, entertainment personalities and various government officials advocating for her release.

Last month the House of Representatives yesterday passed H.Res. 1132, Rep. Greg Stanton’s bipartisan resolution calling on the Russian government to immediately release Griner and expressing support for efforts made by the U.S. government to secure her release.

“Not a day goes by that we aren’t thinking of Brittney and working to get her home,” said Stanton. “We will continue to push for her release and make sure that she is not forgotten.”

“I’m grateful for this overwhelming show of support from Congress. We need to be doing all we can to keep Brittney’s case on the forefront and finally put an end to this nightmare,” said Cherelle Griner, Brittney’s wife.

“This resolution sends a clear message: securing Brittney's release must be the highest priority of the U.S. Government, and we know the American people support every effort made to bring her home,” said Terri Carmichael Jackson, executive director of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association.

Stanton introduced the resolution last month with Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee and Colin Allred of Texas. Griner grew up in Houston, Texas and graduated from Baylor University.

In May the U.S. Department of State released a statement saying they considered Griner to be wrongfully detained by the Russian Federation, which means the Department, led by the Special Presidential Envoy for Hos-

tage Affairs, will seek to negotiate her release.

WNBA Honors Griner The WNBA are using their 26th season to “acknowledge the importance” of Griner to the league.

Griner’s initials and jersey number (#42) are featured along the sideline of all 12 WNBA courts.

The Mercury, Griner’s team for nine years, has been granted both roster and salary cap relief so that it can carry a replacement player until Griner, who will be paid her full salary, returns home and is ready to get back on the court.

The league has also named Griner as an honorary All-Star

for the 2022 season and she will be honored at this weekend’s AllStar activities in Chicago.

Additionally, every WNBA market will support “BG’s Heart and Sole Shoe Drive,” which is in partnership with the Phoenix Rescue Mission. Griner founded the initiative in 2016 to support the homeless population.

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CAMP EXPOSURE RETURNS JULY 8-10TH: ELITE ATHLETES LACE IT UP FOR BOTH ON-THE-FIELD AND OFF-THE-FIELD PRO DEVELOPMENT The Camp Exposure Football Invitational (“Camp Exposure”) is a free, all-inclusive, three-day overnight football camp specifically curated for under-represented high school athletes. The highly anticipated event returns for its third annual installment from July 8-10th with on-thefield training at Highland Park High School, and personal and professional development offthe-field sessions at Embassy Suites of Dallas Park Central.

Sponsored by Vista Bank, the multi-day experience will invite elite players from the DFW Metroplex, to a day of “exposure” for athletic skills training (similar to the NFL Regional Combine drills). Professional instruction will be delivered by collegiate and NFL coaches such as Josh Hicks (Ezekiel Elliot and Melvin Gordon’s trainer), Chris Harris, Jr., Brandon Carr and Dezmon Briscoe; just to name a few. Off-the-field topics will be explored with expert speakers proficient in Mental Health, Spiritual Health, Identity, Nutrition, Relationship Skills, Financial Literacy, and The Business of the Game.

“The Camp Exposure Football Invitation is an opportunity for all high school football players – some with next-level (Division I / NFL) talent, as well as those who are preparing for a career right out of high school,” said Camp Exposure Co-Founder Jeremiah Hatch.

“This once-in-a-lifetime experience gives these athletes a platform to enhance their football talents, cultivate their life skills, develop their character as young men, and to set the foundation for their professional brands and careers,” added Camp Exposure Co-Founder Tyler Patmon.

“It was essential for us to partner with Vista Bank and Highland Park High School because we share a similar dream to love our neighbors and serve our communities,” Camp Exposure Co-Founder Lubbock Smith said. “However, I also believe that there is something greater -- albeit deeper -- that has connected us to a dream bigger than our own: a vision of restoring and healing Dallas

altogether, so that all communities can thrive. That starts here with these 100 young men and their families.”

“I truly respect the three young men leading this effort, and with Vista’s focus on financial literacy in South Dallas, it was a natural fit to support Camp Exposure,” noted Vista

Bank President & CEO John D. Steinmetz.

“That said, when Highland Park Athletic Director Johnny Ringo and Coach Randy Allen, along with Oak Cliff’s Carter High School Head Coach Spencer Gilbert joined in, I knew we had something special. South Dallas and Highland Park co-

ming together to elevate these talented young men over more than just football, teaching them ‘how to fish’ through financial literacy, character, leadership, and community service will actually change lives.”

“When Coach Allen and I heard about the amazing work that Camp Exposure is doing,

to not just elevate elite athletes, but strengthen these young men holistically, we were all in,” added Highland Park Athletic Director Johnny Ringo. “The opportunity to unite the South Dallas and Highland Park communities around our common love for the sport is something truly special.”

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Big 3 Basketball Sets Up For Month-Long Dallas Stay Photos and story by Dorothy J. Gentry Comerica Center in Frisco was the site of Big3’s Week 3 of 3x3 basketball action. The Center was rocking with basketball, fans, rappers, VIPs and more the July 4th weekend.

Players including Joe Johnson, Royce White, Swaggy P. and Baylor University’s Isaiah Austin, and teams like Aliens, Power, Tri-State and Enemies along with head coaches like Lisa Leslie, Rick Barry, Gary Payton, Nancy Lieberman and more excited fans with thrilling plays, wild courtside gesturing and fun moves.

Big 3 founder and legend Ice Cube was front and center the whole weekend and thanked all the Big3 fans for coning out for the first of five consecutive

My Truth

cont. from page 1 Enough about her, tho.

Through her I met Rodney, and I immediately had mad respect because he is also smart, stylish, loyal, passionate and supportive.

I respected his work because he was good, darned good, in an area that wasn’t considered sexy and headline grabbing unless you had a lot of it — money!

The author of the bestseller, “Fixing the

weeks in Frisco.

The remaining schedule for Big3, all at Comerica Center in Frisco, is as follows: Week 4: • Friday, July 8th, 7 p.m. CST • Sunday, July 10th, 2 p.m. CST Week 5: • Sunday, July 17th, 2 p.m. CST Week 6: • Saturday, July 23rd, 6 p.m. CST • Sunday, July 24th, 12 noon, CST Week 7: • Saturday, July 30th, 12 noon, CST • Sunday, July 31st, 2 p.m. CST Week 8: • Saturday, Aug. 6th, 12 noon CST • Sunday, Aug. 7th, 2 p.m. CST For ticket information visit https://big3.com/tickets/ Racial Wealth Gap: Racism & Discrimination Put Us Here. But This is How We Can Save Future Generations", Rodney is the former deputy managing editor and personal finance and retirement columnist for USA Today.

Rodney realizes that financial literacy is an area where many are not as knowledgeable as they should be and he is not blaming them. There’s a reason and he breaks down the causes.

And while there are banks and other financial institutions that tout their financial literacy programs, there’s still a

huge divide that was especially evident as we dealt with the pandemic and saw multi-million dollar corporations receiving stimulus checks while small businesses with less than 50 employees sought other relief or for some, shut their doors.

A huge shoutout to those that were able to pivot and weather the challenges, and there were many.

There were also others, who had they had a plan, and a relationship with a banking institution; would have been able to thrive or at least maintain.

The Small Business Administration does

What Did We Expect?

THE LAST WORD

By Dr. Julianne Malveaux As soon as the Supreme Court announced its decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, a decision that allowed states, not the federal government to legislate women’s bodily autonomy and right to choose, those who support abortion rights took it to the streets.

They gathered with enthusiasm fueled by outrage that a right established nearly fifty years ago has been snatched back. They gathered outside the Supreme Court, and at state capitals and state courts, angrily chanting “we won’t go back.”

They have pressured the White House, imploring President Biden to do something to preserve abortion rights at the federal level.

They have rightfully excoriated Maine Senator Susan Collins (R), who voted to confirm all three of the most recent conservative justices Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Comey Barret, saying that she believed them when they asserted, under oath, that they believed that Roe was a precedent that could not be overruled.

I agree that the Dobbs decision was wrong and infringes on women’s bodily autonomy.

But I wonder what those who took it to the streets expected when the a terrible trio joined the Supreme court.

Rabid Republicans have been trying to overturn the Roe decision for decades, mistakenly describing themselves as “pro- life.”

They support life in the womb but not in the world, failing to fund Medicare expansion, the child tax credit, affordable and quality housing and education, and other things that support a quality of life for children and their parents.

Taking it to the streets after the fact may be emotionally satisfying and move-

ment-galvanizing, but it is too little too late.

As soon as the three conservative joined the court, Roe was bound to be overturned.

Instead of acting and strategizing, activists are impotently reacting. The only way Dobbs can be reversed now is to both expand the Supreme Court and elect people at the state level that will support women’s bodily autonomy.

The Dobbs decision has racial reverberations. Black women are lower income than others, and more likely to have abortions, mostly for economic reasons.

Many are mothers of several children and simply cannot afford one more. The removal of their bodily autonomy has economic consequences for women when unwanted pregnancies can cause interruptions in education and employment.

While laws exist to prevent discrimination against pregnant women, these laws are often unevenly enforced, and women of mod-

not have data on how many Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) applications were denied, but I know business owners who didn’t “waste” their time applying.

Just digest this fact: there were companies that returned a total of $436 million in PPP loans!

So there is some good to come out of social media, putting people on blast and holding them accountable!

Shame on those who received and kept the money although they knew better.

Then too, shame also on the fraudulent who benefited from several COVID relief

programs to the tune of $100 billion, according to the U.S. Secret Service and CNBC. Maybe just maybe should the occasion ever arise again, they will be in a better position, with the assistance of Rodney!

So tune in every week and I am sure you will grow with the knowledge that Rodney shares. We are also hoping that we will be able to bring Rodney to town from time to time. He is a trusted voice with a wealth of experience and he knows how to relate.

Can you dig it?

est means often lack the resources to bring this discrimination to court.

Women of modest means may also face barriers in traveling to get an abortion in a state that allows them.

Missing work, paying for services and paying for transportation can cost as much as a thousand dollars. Some employers, like Starbucks, Yelp, Microsoft, PayPal say they will pay up to $4000 for employees who

passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. Instead, states have passed legislation to chip away at voting rights, passing new restrictions, gerrymandering, and worse.

What if the outcry of outrage about finding for Dobbs had been directed, months ago, toward the Senate’s failure to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. Then, perhaps, we might be in a better position to preserve abortion rights, and other rights.

Unfortunately the same women who decry the loss of their bodily autonomy thought so little of voting autonomy that they failed to turn out in droves when both the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the Freedom to Vote Act failed in the Senate. Now, Democrats are hoping that the Dobbs decision will motivate people to get out and vote for Democrats. But Democrats have been asleep at the wheel, trying so hard to mollify Republicans in the name of compromise that they’ve turned off those who want more immediate action. President Biden has been leading the party since January of 2021. Why has nothing been done since

must leave the state to get an abortion. But do women really want their employers to know the details of their health status?

Voting has consequences, which seems to be why the Senate has been so opposed to

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SUPERB WOMEN

her doctorate in higher education from the University of North Texas. She is also the Senior Director of Compliance Title IX Coordinator at Paul Quinn. Prior to attending UNT, Grant studied mathematics education at Columbia University, Teachers College and Grambling State University. A brilliant speaker, Dr. Grant is a leader and a team player. She is result-oriented and a joy to work with.

HONORABLE KATHLEEN HICKS The Honorable Kathleen Hicks is a born leader. A fierce advocate and champion of the people, she speaks truth to power.

Kathleen Hicks served as a City Councilmember for the City of Fort Worth and was the youngest woman ever elected to the Fort Worth City Council. She eventually served as Mayor Pro-Tem. Currently the executive director of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Tarrant County, she is a member of the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Kathleen attended Mount Holyoke where she received a bachelor’s degree in politics and then a Masters degree in International Relations from the University of Nottingham. Her board service includes the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra.

HON. CHARLETTA ROGERS COMPTON Hon. Charletta Rogers Compton is the president of Rogers & Associates, Creative Productions.

Dallas College Board of Trustees member Charletta Rogers Compton received her associates degree from Mountain View College and her Bachelors of Business Administration from Dallas Baptist University. She also received her certification as a contract compliance administrator. She has an extensive portfolio serving on the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, Kimball

United Neighborhood Association, Southwest Dallas Neighborhood Association, Dallas County Heritage Society, University of North Texas at Dallas Long-range Planning Team, North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency, Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau, Dallas Together Forum and Association of Community College. She has received the Minority Business News’ Women Who Mean Business 2000 Award; D/FW Minority Business Development Council & Minority Business News’ 1997 Helping Hands Award; and the Dallas County Heritage Society’s Heritage Award.

DR. PORCHIA JAMES There’s so much to Dr. Porchia James. She’s a veteran, a dentist, a member Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, and more!

Dr. Porchia James is an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon and owner of About Face Oral & Facial Surgery. She was an assistant professor in oral & maxillofacial surgery at Meharry Medical College where she was also the chief resident and she served as a general dentist in the United Air Force. Dr. James received a BS Degree in Chemistry from Xavier University of Louisiana, a DDS (Doctorate of Dental Surgery) from Meharry Medical College, and an AEDG-1 from US AirForce. She’s smart, talented, beautiful and this member Delta Sigma Theta Sorority can put a smile on your face!

CANDICE ORDERED STEPS JOHNSON Candice Ordered Steps Johnson serves as a motivational speaker, mentor and workshop leader, helping others to discover their own conversation through PRAISE!

The owner and CEO of Bingeworthy Books, Candice Ordered Steps Johnson attended Duncanville High School and she is an author, choreographer and entrepreneur.

She is the Artistic Director of the award-

winning Ordered Steps Productions Dance Company, which is a “body of Believers dedicated to healing hearts and bringing souls closer to Christ through dance!”

Candice served as the official choreographer for The Black Academy of Arts & Letters’ Emmy-nominated program, “The Civil Rights Concert” that aired on CBS. For workshops, bootcamps, speaking engagements, dance ministry consultations, appearances & more, please contact: 469.231.4482 or ordered. steps@yahoo.com.

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June 2022 cont. from page 9

Brenda is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and community servant leader. A life member of the National Council of Negro Women, Brenda holds leadership organizations in several organizations, including Top Ladies of Distinction. She has received numerous awards for her service and leadership.

A psychologist by trade, Dallas native Dr. Myrna Dartson studied educational psychology and Counseling Psychology at Texas A&M University after receiving her undergraduate degree in psychology at Xavier University of Louisiana. Dr. Dartson was an adjunct professor at Paul Quinn College. She specializes in individual and family therapy and psychological testing (IQ, forensic, pain management). Dr. Dartson is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Knights of Peter Claver, Ladies Auxiliary. She is also a classically trained pianist and vocalist.

DR. MICAELA DARTSON Dr. Micaela Dartson is a Doctor, Producer, Filmmaker, Screenwriter, Novelist, Former Professor and Alpha Kappa Alpha Woman!

BRENDA KING MURPHY Yes, Brenda King Murphy can take care of your taxes! She’s the owner of B&B Tax Services!

Introducing a Diva—Brenda King Murphy!

She’s stylish, loving and a consummate professional; always doing something for somebody! Dallas’ own Brenda King Murphy attended Franklin D. Roosevelt High School.

When she walks into a room she turns heads!

HERDERCINE NASH A registered nurse and licensed massage therapist, Herdercine Nash cares about people and her community.

DR. MYRNA DARTSON The talented and loving Myrna Dartson, Ph.D is a sought-after speaker, professor contributing author and more!

SHARON CROCKETTALEXANDER Looking for an educator who is passionate about children and their learning experience, meet Sharon Crockett-Alexander.

Sharon Crockett-Alexander is the director of Additional Days School Year at Communities Foundation of Dallas. She has enjoyed stints in leadership as a principal fellow, an assistant principal and school principal for Dallas ISD. Sharon received her BBA from Jackson State University, a BS in Elementary Education and Teaching from University of Missouri-Saint Louis and a Master of Education – MEd, Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of North Texas. She has additional Texas Education Agency certifications in Elementary Education – Early Childhood – 4th grade teacher and English as a Second Language Early Childhood and School Principal.

Dr. Dartson’s work on the big screen through Two Chix Flix Entertainment.

A Dallas native, Dr. Micaela Dartson graduated from High School for the Health Professions Magnet and attended Xavier University of Louisiana. After graduation she attended Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Dartson previously taught at Paul Quinn College. She is involved in the community through several organizations including: Dallas Screenwriters Association, Women In Film-Dallas, FAST Screenplay Member, American Podiatric Medical Association, Dallas Podiatric Medical Association, and American Professional Wound Care Association. Extraordinarily talented, we’re looking forward to seeing

Hailing from Delhi, Louisiana, Herdercine Nash graduated from Esther Toombs High School and studied Nursing at Howard Community College/EL Centro College.

She’s a wife, mother and grandmother who’s been married for 62 years! Such a loving person, she was a mentor and source of support and inspiration to so many. If you didn’t know better, you would think that she was an alumnus of Southern University because she has been so supportive of the school. Also a loyal supporter of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Herdercine is known for being compassionate and knowledgeable. She doesn’t mince words and her opinion is valued.

RASHEEDAH SMITH Rasheedah Smith is an Associate Banker with JP Morgan Case and she is totally committed to anything she undertakes.

We need more Rasheedah Smiths, because she builds meaningful relationships with clients aligning them with the knowledge, tools, and resources, they seek, so that they can make wise financial choices on how they use and grow thier money, and build wealth for future generations. passionate about life, she teaches fun and high energy spin classes and she is also a avid photographer and digital artist.

Rasheedah has also enjoyed stints at Fitness Connection as a fitness instructor; at JuiceLand as a Manager; Dallas College as an instructional assistant; and as a program assistant at 2M Research. Rasheedah is an NABJ/DFW-ABJ baby; having participated in the DFW-ABJ Urban Journalism Workshop and she attended UTA.