Texas Metro News 6-16-22

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MetroNews DELIVERING NEWS YOU NEED

• Vol. 10 • June 16 - June 22, 2022

MY TRUTH

By Cheryl Smith

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They Served Our Country,

Now It’s Our Turn to Serve Them

PUBLISHER

When we think of the least of us!

First we must get rid of all the misnomers and myths about the homeless. Everyone is not lazy, trifling and lacking ambition.

We must also realize that for some, you take away two or three paychecks and it's amazing how easy the realities of others can become aligned with you!

Which brings me to my truth.

Get ready because Austin Street Center is opening a State of the Art Facility and it’s a new home for the homeless.

Regrettably it won’t be enough for ALL of the homeless men, women and children.

We still have a problem and Austin Street can’t do it alone!

Homelessness is a big issue across the country and especially in Dallas where according to a report released by the City of Dallas’ Office of Homeless Solutions, “of the 2,000 beds in Dallas Shelters, the majority are full every night.”

Coupled with Dallas lacking an affordable housing market and the rapidly increasing number of people moving to the area; the importance of the philanthropic community, and agencies like Austin Street Center, is even more significant.

On Thursday, Austin Street Center, a non-profit organization that provides safe shelter and basic needs to men, 45 and older, and women,18 and older; is opening the doors to its new facility that replaces its 30year old shelter.

Located at 1717 Jeffries Street in Dallas, there is now more space to do more for the homeless population that depends on the Center for support they See MY TRUTH, page 13

Cedar Hill’s Braylon Thomas a Finalist for National Kindness Speech Contest

Finalist Braylon Thomas

Celebrating Flag Day with veterans is: Victor Spencer - U.S. Army Veteran, Operation Tiny House Volunteer, Dwight Blue - U.S Army Veteran, Valerie Ballard - Executive Director of Operation Tiny House, Zhantell Quigley - Director of Educational Programs and Training for Achieve and Job Placement Specialist at the Texas Veterans Commission, and Ed Vonder - U.S. Navy Veteran, Board of Directors for Operation Tiny House.

Credit: Asia Alcorn

By Asia Nicole Alcorn Texas Metro News

Tuesday was a fun day for all as the U.S. Army celebrated its 247th birthday on Flag Day and the staff of Operation Tiny House commemorated the day

by honoring veterans at the Tiny Dining Ranch in Southern Dallas County.

It was a time for fellowship, good food and memories as veterans, sponsors, representatives from the VA and community residents gathered at

the Regular Fellows property to pay homage to veterans; those valiant men and women who served in the armed forces.

Operation Tiny House’s Executive Director Valerie Ballard’s late grandmother, Joanna Webb See SERVED OUR COUNTRY, page 6

When factions are at war around the world, and Democrats and Republicans are showing the country how they deal with disagreements; children between the ages of 5 - 18 years old are focusing on kindness and in their 2-minute kindness speeches many could probably solve the problems of the world.

They at least agree on one point, being kind has benefits and will make this world a better place.

Just ask Braylon Thomas. An 11-year old at Cedar Hill Collegiate Prep Elementary, he hopes to follow in the footsteps of OriSee KINDNESS SPEECH, page 6

Opal Lee Continues Fight For Freedom a Year After Juneteenth Becomes National Holiday

By Sylvia Dunnavant Hines Texas Metro News

After years of teaching, founding the Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society, and being a catalyst in the movement to make Juneteenth a federally–recognized holiday: 96-year-old Opal Lee remains a shining example of perseverance and commitment as she continues walking for freedom.

A grandmother to more than two dozen grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Lee is known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” as she got to see

her dream become a reality last year when on June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed Senate Bill S. 475, making Juneteenth the 11th federal holiday.

“I still pinch myself sometimes, because I am not sure that it really has happened,” said Lee, who is not resting on her accomplishments. “Sometimes it is hard to believe that Congress took what we had to offer and moved forward with it.

When the bill was first signed, I wanted to do a holy dance, but my kids say when I do my holy dance it looks like I am twerking!”

See OPAL LEE CONTINUES, page 15

Opal Lee, the grandmother of more than two dozen grandchildren and great grandchildren, is all smiles as her granddaughter, Dione Sims, stands behind her. Sims says she is happy that her grandmother was able to realize her dream of Juneteenth Day becoming a national holiday in her lifetime.

Credit: Sylvia Dunnavant Hines

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• Vol-10

• June 16 - 22, 2022

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• Vol-10

• June 16 - 22, 2022

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Houstonians Gathered in Support of Brittney Griner at Prayer Vigil, Rally

By Grace Boateng

Houston Forward Times

prayer vigil will continue to propel the Administration and the President of the United States to continue to work to secure the release of Brittney Griner and Paul Whalen. Houstonians’ voices should never be silenced until Brittney Griner is brought

you’re in prison there, it’s like you’re waking up to a nightmare.” He likened the food and holding areas as “medieval.”

Reed expressed that Griner would likely face even more challenges due to her being Black and a member of the LGBTQ community as systematic oppression remains a global phenomenon that is alive and well in Russia.

He went on to say “There is no justice in Russia. Brittney and Paul (not another American detainee) will not receive justice in Russia. They’re not going to receive a fair trial; they will not receive a fair investigation. They will be there as hostages until the United States gets them out.”

Reed encouraged Griner’s advocates to demand action from their senators and federal representatives. “Write them, call them, annoy them, don’t leave them alone,” he said. “Tell them you want Brittney home, and you want the rest of the Americans who are being wrongfully detained home, and you want it done now.”

It was confirmed one month ago that the US Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs (SPEHA) was now handling Griner’s case. While in detention in Russia, Griner has receive minimal written correspondence from her family.

Griner’s agent said, “While

After more than 100 days, WNBA star Brittney Griner remains in detainment in Russia.

According to Russian state media, she is to remain in pretrial detention through June 18th.

On Monday, a rally was held for Griner in Houston as she is a native to the city. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee made a statement prior to the event saying: “Brittney Griner was taken into custody in Russia in mid-February 2022 and shortly thereafter the tyranny of Putin raged and invaded a democratic Ukraine. Unfor- home and we hope many voictunately, I knew that Brittney es will join us on June 6, 2022, at Griner’s destiny was going to be 6:00 pm at the Houston Rockets wrapped up in the leadership of Toyota Center at the corner of the United States of America and Polk and La Branch, in Housthe American people who had ton, TX. Please join us to stretch expressed their outrage and care our hands to our athletic friends for her. across the nation; to the WNBA, Brittney Griner is a hometown and NBA; to our schools; and girl raised in Houston, a grad- to our many friends around the uate of Nimitz High School, ex- nation.” celled in basketball, and went on Trevor Reed, an American to Baylor University where she veteran who was recently recontinued to excel onward to the leased in a prisoner exchange WNBA and an Olympic champi- program after spending three onship. She has received many years in Russian detainment, accolades for her basketball was among Griner’s supporters. prowess, but what has come to He expressed his concern for define her most definitely is her Griner’s safety and is calling on kindness and proclivity for char- the White House and legislators ity and helping others. to work even faster towards GriOn Monday, June 6, 2022, the ner’s release. voices of Houston will be raised Reed described the experiwith clarity to say— Brittney ence saying, “Every day that Griner is a hostage in Russia and the whole community of Houston demands that she be released immediNon Profit Organizations are invited to apply for funding to provide human development ately. Our nation programs or services directly benefiting residents of the South Dallas Fair Park is founded on the community. Applications for the 2022 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the South values of equality Dallas/Fair Park Opportunity Fund (SDFPOF) will be accepted through July 8, 2022. and Democracy.

On Monday, HousThe SDFPOF provides loans and grants to promote economic development and support tonians will stand up with pride in human development initiatives in neighborhoods surrounding Fair Park. NOFA provides their love of Dethe form of application and scoring criteria for the human services grants. A maximum of mocracy, equality, $100,000 will be awarded to fund the projects and services. and justice; and their voices will be Proposals will be submitted on the City of Dallas Bonfire system https://dallascityhall. heard in Washingbonfirehub.com/portal no later than 5 p.m. July 8, 2022. ton, DC, and all To apply for the 2022 Notice of Funding Availability, visit https://sourcedallas. the way to where Brittney is held. We org/2022/01/21/south-dallas-fair-park-opportunity-fund/ hope this rally and

Proposals are being accepted for South Dallas Fair Park Opportunity Fund

sporadic written communication from her wife, family, friends, and global sport community has been a source of comfort for BG during her wrongful detainment, going without real time, regular contact with loved ones is inhumane. It has been over 105 days since BG has heard her wife or family’s voice. It remains clear that Brittney Griner is being used as a political pawn and it is imperative that President Biden do whatever is necessary to return Brittney home quickly and safely.”

On the 100th day of Griner’s detainment, the Women’s National Basketball Players Association made a statement saying, “To everyone listening go to WEAreBG. org and sign the petition, call the White House and call everyone you know. If you know anyone in the Biden administration, CALL THEM.”

Houstonians gathered outside of the Toyota Center to rally and pray in support of Griner’s release.

“This is someone who literally…who literally…has given everything to this city, to this state and to this country, somebody who went to the Olympics in 2016 and 2020 and won the gold, somebody who seven times has been (an All-Star),” Mayor Sylvester Turner told the crowd.

“The WNBA is here. The NBA is here. People from all parts of our city are here. I just want to join the chorus to say, ‘Bring Brittney home. And bring her home now.’”

In addition to his plea for Brittney’s freedom, Mayor Turner also made a proclamation saying, “I proudly proclaim this day (June 6, 2022) as Brittney Griner day in the city of Houston. Bring Brittney home.”

NOTICE OF DART PUBLIC HEARING Discontinuation of Parkland Hospital Shuttle Route 436 The DART Board of Directors has authorized a public hearing, preceded by a virtual pre-public hearing community meeting, on the proposed discontinuation of Parkland Hospital area shuttle Route 436.

Since 2001, DART and Parkland Hospital have had an ongoing partnership to provide shuttle services to rail stations and transit centers adjacent to the Parkland campus to serve patients, staff, and visitors. In 2019, the Board approved an amendment to the site-specific shuttle agreement including Route 436 from Southwestern Medical District/Parkland Station to a group of off-site Parkland facilities.

For a variety of reasons—including shifting of locations for Parkland employees during the pandemic plus related construction issues—the route has had limited usefulness and Parkland has chosen to discontinue funding for Route 436 when the agreement expires in August 2022.

Pending approval by the Board, Route 436 would cease operation on August 24, 2022. Remaining shuttle Routes 434 and 435 would not be affected.

PRE-PUBLIC HEARING COMMUNITY MEETING Tuesday, June 21, at 6:30 p.m.

For a link to this meeting, please visit https://www.dart.org/meetings/publicmeetings.asp

PUBLIC HEARING Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at 6:00 p.m.

DART Board Room – 1401 Pacific Avenue (Akard Station), Dallas TX 75202

Process for Receiving Comments Individuals wishing to speak at the public hearing should contact DART Government & Community Relations at 214-749-2598 to register. In addition, written comments received by noon the day of the hearing will become part of the official record. If you wish to attend the hearing and need sign interpretation, please notify DART 24 hours in advance by calling the TTY number, 214-749-3628. A Braille or taped version of the information will be made available upon request. Written comments should be sent to: DART Government & Community Relations – 7232 Discontinuation of Parkland Hospital Shuttle Route 436 P.O. Box 660163, Dallas, TX 75266-9672 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, visit DART.org, or contact DART Government & Community Relations at 214-749-2598.

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• Vol-10

• June 16 - 22, 2022

QUIT PLAYIN’

By Vincent L. Hall Editor's Note: We are pleased to inform our loyal readers that we have heard you. Although Vincent had announced his retirement, just like Magic Johnson, Randall Cunningham, Michael Jordan, Tina Turner, Deion Sanders, Brett Favre, Justine Henin, Lauryn Hill, Tom Brady, Cher and yes, the GOAT - Muhammad Ali, he is coming back! After a lengthy and grueling but amicable process we were able to reach terms and you can continue reading his insightful, thought-provoking, informative and liberating thoughts on these pages!!!

Reprint by popular demand, for Black Music Month

John Howard Griffin, a native of Dallas, was born a White man in 1920.

Like most DJ's, I ain't real crazy about playing requests. Most DJ's have a system and strategy in mind to get the audience to dance upbeat, slow dance, and line dance at the appropriate moments. I'm no different, but my friend, Delton, asked me to do a piece on the 1961 bestseller "Black like Me." He is concerned that so many young people of all races have no clue how astonishing the book is.

So on the 40th anniversary of Griffin’s death (September 9, 1980), l acquiesced to a personal appeal in hopes that we could create some awareness and appetite for this book. Especially

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Black Like Me!

in light of so many Whites who are loyal to the Black Lives Matter cause!

John Howard Griffin was remarkable. By the age of 39, he was so beleaguered and affixed with race in America that he embarked upon a personal mission of research and discovery.

In the fall of 1959, a weathered and obscure Griffin made a visit to a dermatologist in New Orleans.

Griffin was treated with large and accelerated doses of a skin darkening chemical Oxsolaren, sheared the straight hair from his head, and volunteered for Hell’s earthly litmus test; he became a Black man in the Jim Crow South.

For most of us, that would have been enough. But Griffin went “Incog-Negro” for a year, pushing the limits of his personal curiosity and safety by posing as a brother among hostile whites in Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. He discovered no real epiphany for Black folks, but he opened the eyes of White folks in America and throughout the world.

Griffin wrote early on, "The transformation was total and shocking. I had expected to see myself disguised, but this was something else. I was imprisoned in the flesh of an utter

stranger, an unsympathetic one with whom I felt no kinship.”

And that was just the beginning.

Griffin fully exposed himself by thumbing rides and asking favors of unsuspecting people.

He lived among Black people, which meant he lived below his White privilege. Griffin decried his experience, “an important part of my daily life was spent

searching for the basic things that all White men took for granted.”

Delton, a White brother in his mid-70’s, is cool and an oddity among his contemporaries. He is puzzled that most Americans lack a sound historical knowledge of issues like slavery and Jim Crow was really about.

Delton has moved from an

avid reader of every bit of news he could consume to a virtual hermit. He had all he could stand of Donald Trump early on and admits that he cannot contain himself. He just will not watch. Delton praises his time in the military because it exposed him to Black people.

After the book, John Howard Griffin became famous for his literary work and for his unfettered fight for social justice. After regaining his birth pigment and trying to go on with his life, he was haunted by Southern racists who scorned him and even burned an effigy in his likeness. He fled from his Texas home in Mansfield to Mexico and finally back to Fort Worth.

Griffin was a journalist and musicologist.

Unfortunately, he was blinded during his service to the military. Griffin died in 1980 at age 60, of diabetes. He continued to fight racism and ignorance. The BLM movement supported by fair minded Whites in Portland and throughout this nation mirror his spirit.

John Howard Griffin was never “Black Like Me,” but he sacrificed a lot to try and understand.

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

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MetroNews District 4 - As We Are Now “$7.9 Million Approval” 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.

OUR VOICES

By Carolyn King Arnold

Working to create and maintain affordable housing throughout Dallas, promote greater fair housing choices, overcome patterns of segregation and concentrations of poverty through incentives and requirements; that’s the city of Dallas Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Board’s purpose and goal.

However, the real question that must be answered is: What is the difference between neighborhood revitalization and neighborhood gentrification?

When neighborhood gentrification takes place (most often) you’ll see a demographic shift and property values rise.

Wealthier residents move in, rehab or build new homes and replace poorer residents. That happens because the current poorer residents (even though they owned their homes and property) can’t afford to pay the new higher tax rates.

Neighborhood revitalization is a community-oriented approach to economic and demographic shifts. Its focus is not to displace people but to maintain the neighborhood's character while adding new residents from different racial backgrounds earning middle to higher income levels.

Our focus this week in District 4 is Affordable Living Op-

portunities, specifically the Dallas City Council approval of more than $7.9 million in federal funds for a planned affordable housing community — The Terrace at Southern Oaks Project.

The Terrace at Southern Oaks is estimated to take about 24 months to construct. This LDG development will include features such as a swimming pool, business and fitness center, and spacious floor plans. It also speaks highly of how the city of Dallas and the private sector can partner to create mixed-income housing.

The facts remain, District 4 desperately needs high-quality housing that can meet the diverse needs of individuals and families living in this area.

The Terrace at Southern Oaks”

was approved (thank you very much) by the City of Dallas because historically we did not fund infrastructure and housing development plans in low-income areas.

The money for this project comes from the Community Development Block Grant ($4.4 million) and HOME investment funds ($3.5 million). The good news is this project, affordable units on Corinth and others under discussion signal District 4 is on its way to climbing out of the basement of affordable housing opportunities.

Together we will transform today’s 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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MetroNews 5 What’s Love Got to Do with It? Everything WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM

FAITHFUL UTTERANCES

By Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew

I was so honored at my book signing on Thursday to experience so much love and support. It’s a blessing to receive your flowers before you leave the planet. So often we wait or even fail to tell others how we feel about them. I try not to do that. I am grateful that God continues to remind me through my friends the power of love and friendship. I want others to know what they mean to me through my words and actions.

Thursday night was God’s way of allowing me to witness reciprocity at work.

We often assume that people know how we feel about them, or we are inconsistent in demon-

strating our love. I remember as a kid, my grandparents were not super affectionate. It was the era they were raised in and showing emotions could be viewed as weakness. We’ve made that even more difficult for men to show their feelings and build strong relationships that support the many changes of life. Many friendships and even intimate relationships wither away because we do not invest time in showing our feelings, expressing our thoughts, and allowing ourselves to be vulnerable. While we have time, we should give words of encouragement and affirmation to build others up. We are sowing seeds daily by the way we pour into others. It’s not only necessary that we pay attention to how we receive love but how we give it to those around us.

I think sometimes we assume we know what people need based on what’s important to us. Dr. Gary Chapman in his

DELIVERING NEWS YOU CAN USE

• Vol-10

book, The 5 Love Languages®, reveals that each of us has a way in which we connect to others either through words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service and physical touch. This is not only critical to explore for personal relationships with loved ones and friends but also being aware in the workplace that every person responds differently. Our job is to take the time to learn ourselves and others.

Just as we each have a way in which we want to be treated, to be loved, respected and cared for --so does God. We spend so much time making requests of God that we don’t take the time to seek what God wants from us in our relationship. We want words of affirmation and so does God. God desires our praise: • “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise” (Psalm 100:4) • “Let everything that has

breath praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6).

He wants our praise…he doesn’t need it.

God wants us to spend time in his presence through our prayer time and study. We want time with those we love and care about—and so does God. We must be willing to make the time and create the space: • “Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).

• “But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

(Matthew 6:6) God wants us to serve. We serve God by serving and giving to others: • “He has told you, O mortal, what is good, and what does Yahweh ask from you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8 LEB)

• June 16 - 22, 2022

• “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

(2 Corinthians 9:7) • “…Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:16-18) As we look to love others well, let’s make sure that we model that love after what God demonstrates to us. When we seek God first, know that everything else will be added (Matthew 6:33)— even in our relationships.

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

Black Buffalo is Hurting from More than the Massacre THE LAST WORD

By Dr. Julianne Malveaux I was invited to join folks from Black Lives Matter to meet some of the affected in Buffalo, New York, people who have been traumatized by the awful May 14 massacre of 10 Black people and the wounding of more.

I joined Black Lives Matter leaders from all over the country, from Michigan, New York, Los Angeles, Texas and Florida. My BLM colleagues asked me to put the racist attack on Black folks just buying groceries in the context of white insanity and predatory capitalism.

I was humbled to join these warriors, to be called to witness the pain that so many are feeling, and humbled to hug a sister, her name is Frangrance, who was in the Tops grocery store and running out when she heard the shots. She ran out and then tried to run back in because she’d left her daughter behind.

Rev. Julian Cook, the pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church,

opened his facility up to allow people to share how violence had affected them, and Black Lives Matter Grass Roots was there to support them. In addition to those connected to the Buffalo Massacre, I was blessed to have time to connect with Rev. Geneva Reed-Veal, Sandra Bland’s mom, who sports a T-shirt that says “Sandy Speaks.”

Devante Clark, whose brother Stephon Clark was shot dead in his grandmother’s backyard, was also there. So were Andrew and Deanna Joseph, whose son, Andrew Joseph, was executed by a police officer in Tampa, Florida, and Bianca Austin, a cousin of Breanna Taylor’s, killed by a rogue police officer in Louisville, Kentucky.

The pain in Macedonia was palpable. It was so real that you could hold it in your hands. When you went to hug people, they held on, seeking comfort.

It was also that they had experiences to share. More, those from Buffalo understand that the killings at Tops were not just killings at the Tops market.

They were manifestations of vile racism and predatory capitalism that pervades Buffalo.

The Tops market in the eastern

**FILE** The Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue in the Cold Spring section of Buffalo, New York, as seen on a February 2022 afternoon Credit: Andre Carrotflower via Wikimedia Commons

part of Buffalo is the only grocery store there. Tops is one of the largest privately owned companies in Buffalo, and they own more than 150 stores in upstate New York, according to Wikipedia.

They have started a fund to support victims of the massacre, but they have not owned their responsibility for the killings.

Why is there only one grocery store in the eastern part of Buffalo? Anybody who operates a monopoly can extract surplus value from its shoppers. The dozen or so people I talked to said that customer service at Tops was never great.

Why would it be when the store has a monopoly? Without stopping at the East Buffalo Tops

and another one in Buffalo, I can guarantee that prices in the ‘hood were higher than they were in other parts of town.

Tops management would likely say that costs are higher and profit margins lower. I’m not sure that that is the only reason.

Predatory capitalists see communities like East Buffalo as profit centers. They isolate Black shoppers and consolidate their market to maximize their profits.

Why is there only one grocery store in an area that serves as many as 100,000 people, many of whom are poor, carless or without options? Why, in our predatory capitalist space, are there no competitors to provide alternative grocery services?

Black lives matter, and Black money matters, too. So all these corporate folks who are throwing dollars to assuage the pain of the massacres might make a difference by building more grocery stores in East Buffalo.

I felt the pain in Buffalo, the sidewalks spilling over with flowers, stuffed animals, signs and more. The sidewalks are spilling over with pain.

The Buffalo pain is the collective pain of African American people. Much of the pain is the absolute pain of the massacre, and there is also pain from the economic oppression that the people in east Buffalo are experiencing.

A highway bisected a Black community so white folks could gain. Been there, done that, in too many cities. Segregating us makes it possible for racist filth to isolate us.

And yet, through the pain, we rise. Are there investors who would empower Black Buffalo?

Relieve these survivors of their pain? No more thoughts and prayers. Action. Action. Action.

Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist and author. She is the Dean of the College of Ethnic Studies at Cal State LA. Juliannemalveaux.com

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They Served Our Country cont. from page 1 Operation Tiny House.

Tom Cruz, a retired U.S. Army Sergeant, works full-time for One CommunityUSA as the director of their Pathways to H.O.P.E. (Helping Offenders Pursue Excellence) program.

Within this program, Cruz works to help “veterans and other civilian offenders become hardworking, law-abiding citizens.” He knows firsthand of the challenges and obstacles many face.

“I attempted suicide in the military, and I could have gone two paths: I could have still been suicidal or picked myself up like I did while in the military and choose a path of coming out, being productive, working hard, and doing what I do now,” Cruz said.

Thanks to all the support from local, state, and corporate sponsors, since 2017, Operation Tiny House has been raising money and bringing awareness of veteran issues.

Admittedly she is challenged every day as Dallas has the largest homeless population of veterans in the country and even if they get housing, they are always in need of items like food, clothing, personal hygiene, and furniture to help expedite the transition process for veterans.

Zerlina Kirk-Reed and her father James Kirk, who is an Army veteran

Murria, inspired her to start the non-profit organization with the purpose of helping to house homeless veterans and for the daughter of a U.S. Army veteran, it is some of the most rewarding work she has done in her life.

“We want to make a difference,” said Ballard.

“Operation Tiny House is helping, one veteran at a time!”

Tuesday’s event featured some of Operation Tiny House’s sponsors who are helping them work toward a new goal: building a Dallas neighborhood filled with tiny homes. Their vision of this location includes about an acre of land that will hold 39 tiny homes, along with a community center and garden.

LLEAD Services, LLC is one of the sponsors who is not only constructing the homes within the neighborhood but also teaching the veterans different construction techniques to help them secure employment.

LLEAD Services Co-Director, Logan Ortiz said he is excited about the upcoming collaboration.

“The primary focus here is to engage the area and make it a community. We want to bring those homeless veterans in and give them the skill sets they need to not only take on home ownership but also get jobs,” Ortiz said.

One CommunityUSA is also a sponsor of

Finalist Braylon Thomas with Dr. Xavier Lewis, principal of Cedar Hill Collegiate Prep Elementary School and school counselor, Tangie Smith.

Credit: Family

Kindness Speech cont. from page 1 on Jean, another Texan, who at nine-years-old captured the National Kindness Speech title in 2020.

This year, Braylon is a finalist and he has made it to the top seven. Now it is up to the people, the voters, to determine the winner.

Braylon’s speech was about

The dining area of one of the model homes for Operation Tiny House

IN MEMORIAM

Joshua C. Johnson 9/15/82 - 6/22/19

Joshua was a National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Communicators/ Journalists (DFW/ABJ) Baby. A proud Paul Quinn College alum, he loved journalism and his community.

My Truth cont. from page 1 need to transition out of homelessness, including shelter, food, clothing, health and mental health services, spiritual support, employment services and education programs.

Fueled by The Help Them Home Campaign Committee, chaired by Megan Burkhart of Comerica Bank, Austin Street Center Senior Director of Development, Myrshem George, and Austin Street Center Chief Exec-

suicide awareness and he said he wants to create a student-led organization to educate students on suicide prevention.

The contest is judged by some of the top youth speakers from across the country, and then America picks the winner!

The last day to vote is Friday, June 17, 2022. You can vote for Braylon at http://wshe.es /4v7ti1Qd Braylon is the son of Jamila and Brandon Thomas. utive Officer, Daniel Roby; $15M was raised for the 60,000 sq. ft. facility that in addition to proving more for housing and a computer lab, also provides space for healthcare, dining, classes and engagement.

Some are doing their part to help the homeless.

We need more who care and will give something to lighten the load and lessen the burden.

Reach out to Austin Street and some of the other organizations and see how you can be of service so they will continue to thrive and be there, should you ever need help!

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

begins Monday, April 18

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• June 16 - 22, 2022

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Open to tennis players from high schools in Southern Dallas

JUNE BLACK MUSIC MONTH PRIDE MONTH Black Male Health Month

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Dallas Southern Pride features rapper, songwriter, and record executive, Yo Gotti, as a headliner for its Juneteenth Unity Weekend celebration, June 16-19, 2022. Yo Gotti will perform at the Mega Party on Saturday, June 18 alongside Dallas’ own superstars Erica Banks and Yella Beezy. The Mega Party will start at 10 p.m. at Amplified (10262 Technology Blvd E, Dallas

The Juneteenth Proceeds will benefit Tennis ExhibiYouth Special Events: tion has family “Celebrity Match” Outreach and fun for everyone.

“New School vs The second anFor more information, Old School” contact: info@cwumcdallas.org or nual event will Gemeral Berry at ourtexas@sbcglobal.net be held at Kiest Tennis Center in Dallas at 7am and featuring the celebrity match with Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Chad West and State Rep. Yvonne Davis.

For more info, Gemeral Berry at ourtexas@sbcglobal.net Camp Wisdom UMC

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Happy Juneteenth

National Newspaper Publishers Association Annual Convention, New Orleans, celebrating 195 years of the Black Press.

Happy Father’s Day

24 From 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Dallas City Hall Plaza - A Free event and open to the public; the “Giants Shoulders on Which We Stand Memorial” and Interfaith Prayer and Praise Celebration.

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Verna H.E.L.P. Seventh Annual Empowerment Prayer and Living Legends Brunch from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Royal Oaks Country Club honoring these living legends nominated for their legendary efforts in making a difference in our community and the lives of others: Margie Aguilar, Co-Founder ISP Studios; Tim Brown, NFL Hall of Fame and Heisman honoree; Attorney Paul Coggins, Partner of Locke Lord and former U.S. Attorney; Lauriston Crockett, CEO of Genostim Labs; Felecia Frazier, Founder and Executive Director of Chocolate Mint Foundation; Charles Haley, former Dallas Cowboys player and NFL Hall of Fame inductee; Ashlee Hunt Kleinert, CEO of D Magazine and Ruthies Food Truck; Libbie Terrell Lee, Executive Director Golden S.E.E.D.S. CDC; Roland Parrish, CEO of Parrish Restaurants; Rosie Stromberg, Dallas Jewish Historical Society; Carolyn Toliver, Benefits Counselor of Community Council of Greater Dallas; and Rev. S.M. Wright II, Pastor of People’s Baptist Church and President of S.M. Wright Foundation.

Juneteenth Legends Awards Fundraiser Gala, featuring Joseph Vincelli, 7-11- pm, Downtown Cowtown at the Isis, 2401 Main St - FW

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The African American Museum’s 33rd Texas Invitational Black Rodeo at Fair Park Coliseum

FREE ENTRY | KID ZONE | INFLUENCER PANELS | SPECIAL GUESTS LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITIES | FLETCHERS CORN DOGS | & MORE!

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.

SPECIAL GUESTS: J KRUZ FROM THE DEDE IN THE MORNING RADIO SHOW VEDA LOCA & JAZZI BLACK WITH RADIO ONE 979 THE BEAT SYBIL WILKES ACTRESS & RADIO PERSONALITY

Legacy West will proudly celebrate the historical, influential, and current contributions of the African American community with the property’s first-ever Juneteenth Fashion Show at 6pm

20 22nd annual Juneteenth William Jordan Blair Memorial Charity Golf Classic Tangleridge Golf Course at 9am

Kendell & Mary Beck Scholarship Gold Tournament at the Golf Club of Dallas, 2222 W.

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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Lifestyle Metro Calendar powered by JUNE Black Music Month LGBTQ+ Pride Month

20-24 Dallas Metroplex Musicians’ Association’s William S. Mitchell Sacred Choral Music Workshop, to convene Monday through Friday, June 20 - June 24, 2022, 7:00 P. M. until 9:00 P. M. The Concert will be held Saturday, June 25, 2022, at 4:30 P. M. Pearly Gate Baptist Church will host this endeavor. It is located at 6021 University Hills Drive, Dallas, Texas 75241, Dr. Thomas J. Payne, Senior Pastor, and Dr. Robbie Moore, Pastor.

16 AT&T Performing Arts Center presents An Evening with

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Soledad O’Brien

*** Martin: The Reunion will air on BET+ featuring Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, Carl Anthony Payne II and Tichina Arnold and paying tribute to Thomas Mikal Ford who suffered an anuerysm and died in 2016.

Wellness and Daisha Board Gallery at 12pm. Brothas, join us for a unique meditative experience curated by Sherri Doucette of Litehouse Wellness. You’ll enjoy light bites, art and a guided meditation accompanied by DFW’s dopest cellist Jordan Jones at the Daisha Board Gallery that showcases work

by BIPOC and LBGTQ+ artists.

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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Sigma Lambda Chapter 12th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament benefitting the Alpha Merit Group, Inc. Shotgun Start 8am at the Golf Club of Dallas, 2222 W. Red Bird Lane, Dallas

Nick Cannon Presents: MTV Wild N OUT, Dos Equis Pavillian, Dallas

18 Line up at 5000 Dolphin in Dallas.

Ride ends at Kiest Park.

Texas Black Invitational Rodeo at the Fair Park Coliseum, 1438 Coliseum Drive. Doors open at 6p.m. and Rodeo starts at 7p.m.

Black Violin: Impossible Tour

at AT & T Performing Arts Center 8pm - 10 pm Tickets link: www.attpac.org/on-sale/2020/black-violin

Elite Experience Events Dallas Juneteenth Festival

Lofty Spaces 816 Montgomery St Dallas, TX For vendor Info contact Ms.Clara 832-461-6729 Tickets on eventbrite

Stand-Up Comedy and R&B show* at Arlington Music Hall 7 PM – 10 PM www.BlackAccessGranted.com

CITY MEN COOK

at African American Museum

Stedman Graham Lecture Series at 1125 E. Berry in Fort Worth at The Warehouse. 4pm

Complimentary respite for the Brothas, courtesy of Litehouse

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Happy birthday Jamille Bradfield North Texas Juneteenth Celebration 10am - 8pm Powered by: Elite News, Heal America, Stand Together Foundation Golf Tournament - Fair Park 3809 Grand Avenue Dallas, TX 75210 Free event Tickets on eventbrite

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4th Annual DFW HBCU Alumni 5K Run/Walk Scholarship Event at 7:00am at Mike Lewis Park, 2410 N Carrier Pkwy, Grand Prairie Texas https://linktr.ee/incrhouse

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The Ultimate Holistic Festival REBIRTH, 9am-5pm Celebratiing Life and Wellness at the Armstrong Park and D.L. Hopkins Senior Center, 100 James Collins Blvd. in Duncanville There will be a Too Vegan Chef in Dallas Contest, African Dance Festival and more.www.globalholisticmovement.org

Funky Calavera and Push ‘N’ Pull Present DJ’s & Ceviches event DJ’s playing house music all evening & Sugarman’s slinging craft cocktails and all night long 6 - 10 pm - Happy Hour 6 - 7 pm 1165 8th Ave., Ft. Worth, Tx 76104

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11:00 AM to 2:00 PM--A Memorial Balloon and Floral Ceremony for the 30 City and County leaders that assisted with the START and EXISTENCE of Verna’s H.E.L.P. Foundation “HELPING EVERYONE LIVE POSITIVE.”“THE THIRTY SHOULDERS WE STAND ON OF GIANTS.” Honoring the Late Frank and Judy Lott, Honorable Elsie Faye Higgins, Mayor Annette Strauss, Gloria Hogg, Murdine Berry, Olga Mae Rabourn, Mr. J.B. Jackson, Honorable Albert and Lovie Lipscomb, Pastor George W. Pryor, Pastor S.M. Wright, William and Mozelle Blair, Comer J. Cottrell, Lawson Ridgeway, Attorney Louis A Bedford, M. T. “Buddy” Minyard, Judge John H. Wittington, Judge Cleo Steele, Fred Meyer, Norman Moorehead, John Stemmons, Peter and Betty May Stewart, Dr. Charles Mitchell, Mayor Jack Evans, Poncho Medrano, Mayor Starke Taylor, and Mayor Robert Folsom.

National Newspaper Publishers Association Annual Convention, New Orleans, celebrating 195 years of the Black Press. Publisher Bobby R. Henry of the Westside Gazette will be honored and featuring Stephanie Mills..

JULY 10 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

15 2022 Texas Democratic Party State Convention

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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

Send your calendar items to editor@texasmetronews.com

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MetroNews Dallas-based African American Filmmakers Bring Legacy Story To Life

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The hard-won legacy of the 1936 Hall of Negro Life is remembered in the film Rising: The Hall of Negro Life produced by the City of Dallas Office of Arts & Culture, Southroad Pictures, and Limeville Entertainment.

Airing on KERA at 7:30 and 10:30 pm on June 17, 2022, the film is partially funded through Inspire Art Dallas, Fair Park First, and the National Park Service.

In spring of 2020, the Office of Arts and Culture (OAC) received a $50,000 grant from the National Park Service (NPS) to research and interpret the historic legacy of the 1936 Hall of Negro Life.

Given both the historical significance of the story, itself, and the importance of properly showcasing it, OAC commissioned two of Dallas’ prominent Black filmmakers. The film was directed by Lindell Singleton and King Hollis of Limeville Entertainment and Southroad Pictures.

“The Hall of Negro Life was

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a watershed moment for African-Americans. What happened over that summer altered the trajectory of the push to obtain equity, recognition and social justice. It’s a story that had to be told and we’re pleased to bring it to life for this generation,” said Singleton. “It was an incredible discovery,” said Hollis. “To know about the city I grew up in, not knowing our contribution to civil rights, our contributions to the image of African Americans during that century.”

“This is an important film because it documents a little known story about the history of African Americans in Dallas,” said Dr. W. Marvin Dulaney, President Association for the Study of African American Life and History Rising recalls the events that occurred in the middle of the Great Depression when determined Black Americans of Texas lobbied for the opportunity to tell their story at the

Dr. Marvin Dulaney

“Rising: The Hall of Negro Life,” a documentary about seminal civil rights exhibit in 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition

world’s fair, a first in the fair’s history.

Fraught with broken promises from the state legislature, the ultimate story of character and courage altered the tenor and trajectory of U.S. race relations.

The exhibition was finally approved with fewer than 100 days to show time through the extraordinary efforts of A. Maceo Smith, who lobbied in support of federal funding to underwrite the exhibition.

“The Hall of Negro Life is a significant cultural moment in

Dallas’ history. This exhibition of African American culture, achievement and history has been under appreciated and neglected as part of our city’s history.

The film captures this inspiring story and the lasting legacy of The Hall of Negro Life beautifully,” offered Benjamin Espino, Interim Director, Office of Arts & Culture Visited by 400,000 Americans and visitors from across the globe, four site-specific murals framed the entrance to the pavilion.

Painted by Aaron Douglas, the

Dallas' Arthur Muhammad's latest Feature, Bid For Love, Premieres on BET+ Bid for Love, the new feature film by director, writer and producer Dallas' own Arthur Muhammad debuts June 23 on BET+.

The film stars Basketball Ball Wives star Tami Roman, Dawn Halfkenny (BET’s Saints & Sinners) and Blue Kimble (Tyler Perry’s Ruthless, Being Mary Jane and P Valley).

Muhammad was signed on to direct by executive producer Lawainna Patterson, on whose life story the film is loosely based. Bid for Love follows Sasha (Halfkenny) who after being recently released from prison has found love with Malik (Adrian Lockett).

A slow and methodical manipulation begins as Malik tries to alienate Sasha from family and friends. Her therapist (Roman) gradually helps her avoid the same pitfalls that landed her in prison during her past relationship with ex-boyfriend Memphis (Kimble).

Muhammad said he was thrilled to reunite with fellow Texan, Halfkenney, for the project “It was a pleasure working with the cast. This is the second time I’ve had the pleasure of working with Dawn. Our first project together was First Impression

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which also aired on BET. Dawn is originally from Killeen, Texas; so, it was nice to have her in the lead role in a film shot in Dallas.”

Muhammad’s other film projects include Carter High (Charles S. Dutton and Vivica A. Fox) and First Impression (Elise Neal, Thomas Mikel Ford and Kel Mitchell). He is currently in post-production on Recession Proof (Clifton Powell), in production on No Better Love (Karli Redd) and pre-production on TWELVE, a horror film written by Muhammad; while pursuing his MFA. Production on Bid for Love wrapped in June 2021. The production company is Sisters of Freedom and Erick S. Gray and N’Tyse were writers on the project.

• June 16 - 22, 2022

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most important Black artist of the early 20th century, these murals welcomed visitors to the exhibition with a clear message of the importance of African American’s contributions to American culture in 1936. The hall also feature the Hall of Music, Arts, and Literature curated by Dorothy Porter; The Hall of Medicine and Public Health; The Hall of Religion; and the Hall of Medicine.

For five months the federally funded exhibition was operational on the grounds of Fair Park during the Texas Centennial Exhibition then it mysteriously closed with no explanation. Out of the embers of destruction, a civil rights movement was born.

Being involved with the creation of this most important eye-opening documentary has been a joy, a great learning experience and a perfect vehicle for Inspire Art Dallas. “ Gail Sachson, MFA and Co-Founder of Inspire Art Dallas.

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

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Chef Liz Rogers Shares Ice Cream Brand based on her Southern Roots

By Danielle Sanders Managing Editor

Chef Liz Rogers shares her Southern family heritage through her ice cream baked from scratch in its entirety and intertwined in a super-premium ice cream base. Chef Liz Rogers is the Founder, President, and Executive Chef of Creamalicious Ice Creams. As one of the only African American-owned national ice cream brands in mass production, Chef Liz crafts her blissfully Southern artisan desserts by celebrating her roots and community. The award-winning flavors are inspired by Chef Liz, and her family recipes passed down from four generations in the South.

Creamalicious is a 2-in-1 dessert that pairs freshly baked pastries with homemade ice cream.

Flavors include: • AUNT POONIES CARAMEL POUNDCAKE • SLAP YO’ MOMMA BANANA PUDDING • RIGHT AS RAIN RED VELVET CHEESECAKE • THICK AS THIEVES PECAN PIE • PORCH LIGHT PEACH COBBLER • GRANMA GIGI’S SWEET POTATO PIE • UNCLE CHARLES BROWN SUGA BOURBON CAKE Under the watchful eye of her mother and grandmother, Chef Liz honed her passion for cooking while growing up in Cleveland, Ohio. Her never-ending love and enthusiasm led to opening hot-spot restaurants.

She has been highlighted in the media for her highly sought-after food and inspiring work with the community. With Creamalicious Ice Creams now launched nationwide, Chef Liz is looking forward to sharing her Southern roots and fusion of flavor.

Chicago Defender: What inspired such a line of decadent treats?

Chef Liz Rogers: Yeah, I’m an executive chef and restauranteur by trade. Ice cream is the world’s number one dessert.

Everybody loves ice cream or

some rendition of ice cream. I wanted to get the ice cream to taste exactly like a dessert, like a piece of sweet potato pie. We have four generations of family-owned recipes. It’s about family. It’s about love. It’s about going back to the days when you were younger and going to your grandmother’s house after church and having a slice of peach cobbler after dinner.

Chicago Defender: What’s behind the ice cream flavor names?

Chef Liz Rogers: Each flavor has a story and history behind it.

For instance, Aunt Poonies Carmel Poundcake is named after my godmother. She made all of her pound cakes and cornbread in a cast-iron skillet. This skillet is 150 years old and has been in my family for generations. So this isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. It brings you into the brand and captures consumers.

Chicago Defender: It is significant to have an ice cream brand created by a black woman on shelves in stores. What were the challenges you faced, and how did you push through those to be sold across the county in national chains?

Chef Liz Rogers: There are no African American ice cream manufacturers on the shelves.

So the biggest challenge was getting retailers to believe that we had a great product and could keep up with the demand.

It was challenging looking for investors and support too. You have to convince a person to believe in the vision, and you have to get them to understand what you’re trying to do. It was about finding and developing strategic partnerships but also not waiting for opportunities. You have to be willing to create opportu-

nities for yourself. You can’t be afraid of rejection.

So many minority businesses are extremely undercapitalized, so you have to put a lot of sweat equity into your brand and have a plan to make it work, and you must have a solid team.

Chicago Defender: Now, is there one flavor of your ice cream that is the most popular right now?

Chef Liz Rogers: Yes, the slap your mama banana pudding is a top seller. Besides the catchy

name, this dessert is made with pure banana puree and actual banana pudding. Most banana ice creams are just a vanilla base with artificial banana flavoring. Since ours has real banana pudding with homemade shortbread cookies intertwined in the ice cream base, it tastes like the banana pudding you are used to having. I really think that’s what makes it such a huge seller.

Chicago Defender: What do you love most about what you do?

Chef Liz Rogers: It’s really about the dream. At my core, I am an entrepreneur. I’m an artist and a creative. I wanted to bring that culinary artistry into this pint because other than that, it’s just ice cream. We want to inspire others to go for their dreams no matter how hard or how “out there” they may seem.

If you have a passion, go for it and never be afraid to fail. Chase your dream until you catch it.

It’s a dream come true for me to be one of the first African Americans and the only African American ice cream manufacturer in mass production globally. I want to open those doors for other entrepreneurs that have ice cream brands and other sweet shops that have dreams of being on the shelf as well.

The Creamalicious Brand can be found in stores at Walmart, Target, Meijer, and more. In addition, the brand ships online nationwide at their website, https://www.socreamalicious. com/.

Danielle Sanders is a journalist and writer living in Chicago. Find her on social media @ DanieSanders20 and @DanieSandersOfficial

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Dallas Wings Honor Activist Opal Lee

By Dorothy J. Gentry The Grandmother of Juneteenth, Ms. Opal Lee of Fort Worth, was honored at Sunday’s WNBA Dallas Wings game at College Park Center in Arlington.

The 95-year-old Lee, known for her walks across the country in an effort to get Juneteenth designated as a national holiday, sat courtside right next to the Wings bench. She was honored before the game against the Se-

attle Storm with a customized “Juneteenth” jersey emblazed with the No. 19 on the back. She also took photos with both the Wings and Storm players. Lee visited the Wings practice earlier in the week as well.

Dallas Wings and Ms. Opal Lee

Photos: Dorothy J. Gentry

Dallas Wings GM Greg Bibb and Ms. Opal Lee

Ms. Opal Lee enjoys game

Ms. Opal Lee with Black Lives Matter shirt

Ms. Opal Lee

Ms. Opal Lee smiling

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Ms. Opal Lee is presented with Wings Jersey

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Opal Lee Continues cont. from page 1 In celebration of Juneteenth, Lee will continue her 2.5 mile walk in Fort Worth on June 18, 2022, representing the two and a half years that it took Texans to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Abraham Lincoln.

The newly-recognized national holiday, a combination of the word June and the nineteenth day of the month, is a celebration of the end of slavery. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, Texas didn’t find out about it until Union soldiers arrived in Galveston on June 19th in 1865.

From this point on, the date has been celebrated with prayer, feasting, singing and dancing.

Lee’s historic commitment led her to walk over 1,400 miles from Texas to Washington, DC to make sure the holiday was not only recognized in Texas, but around the country.

“I felt like if a little old lady in tennis shoes started walking to Washington DC, somebody would notice,” said Lee. Lee’s capitol crusade received national attention which garnered her over 1.5 million signatures to help declare Juneteenth as a national holiday. She started walking from Fort Worth, Texas in September of 2016.

She reached Washington, DC in January of 2017.

“We were still building momentum by the time we reached the White House.,” she said. “Can you imagine if we had three million people on the same page?

The author of Juneteenth: A Children’s Story, Lee believes efforts such as hers can change the country and she is determined to keep her tennis shoes on as this weekend she will lace up her shoes again when she continues her historic Annual Walk for Freedom in Fort Worth, Texas.

“I want freedom for everyone. People think we are just talking about freedom for

Blacks, or Freedom for Texans. However, I am talking about freedom for everyone and most people don’t understand that. With homelessness and unemployment on the rise, people are in economic bondage.”

She continued, “In the education system, we have been told that we can’t tell the truth. People need to know what has actually happened so that they can heal from it. This is the only way we can be sure that it never happens again.”

Ms. Opal Lee is not resting with Juneteenth being a nationally recognized holiday. She is continuing to walk for freedom with the June 18, 2022 Walk in Fort Worth, TX. Credit: Sylvia Dunnavant Hines

With admiration and support, Lee’s granddaughter, Dione Sims has been helping her during her Juneteenth journey.

“God, knew the time that we would be living in, he knew that there would be a need for someone like my grandmother to be here during this moment, to be the grandmother of Juneteenth,” said Sims. “He knew that her efforts would help to usher in healing to America by acknowledging our past so that we can get past it to move to our future.”

Only four years from her hundredth birthday, Lee is forging forward with her commitment for freedom.

“I hope that through my efforts for freedom people understand that none of us are free until we are all free,” said Lee.

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