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• Vol. 10 • June 30 - July 6, 2022
MY TRUTH By Cheryl Smith
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NNPA, Transformative Justice Coalition Announce National GOTV Campaign
PUBLISHER
July is Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month Twenty years ago my doctor told me that doctors he consulted with didn’t expect me to live. You see, going into surgery, there was going to be some moving around of “stuff” inside of me and there was a possibility that some blood clots would break away and rush to my heart. Death would result. I survived and still today I thank Dr. William Glaze for not throwing in the towel on me. A few other things happened 20 years ago. Because of my surgery I was unable to attend my annual Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-a-thon; someone I adored, Paula McClure passed; and one of my best friends, someone who I looked forward to sharing war stories with in our senior years, veteran journalist Lawrence Young, died. It was a rough time for me. But there were some memorable times, too. I also had extended visits from my mother, father and stepmother — all at the same time — in my house! Heavy sigh. They too have since transitioned, and there are no words to express how much I would love to be able to entertain them today! Which brings me to my truth. As I look back on the past 20 years and vividly recall the words of Dr. Glaze, who I absolutely love; I can’t help but think about the designation of July as Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month. I’ve known Dr. Suzanne Slonim and her wife, Pam Gerber for years. I was especially See MY TRUTH, page 15
NNPA Secretary Jackie Hampton, Attys. Daryl Jones and Barbara Arnwine, with NNPA Second Vice Chair Fran Farrer, President/CEO Ben Chavis, Chair Karen Carter Richards, Treasurer Cheryl Smith and First Vice Chair Janis Ware.
By Stacy M. Brown Ahead of the all-important 2022 midterm elections, reports show that more than 55 million Americans remain unregistered to vote – and about 10 million are African Americans who are eligible to vote but who are unregistered. Whether the reason is because
of apathy, suppression, or other means, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and the Transformative Justice Coalition seek to get to the bottom of why, with so much at stake, voter registration and GOTV mobilization remain lacking notably among Black Americans across the nation. During the national con-
vention marking the 195th -anniversary celebration of the Black Press of America in New Orleans, leaders of both organizations announced a get-out-tovote campaign aimed at registering and mobilizing GOTV for 10 million more African Americans to vote in time for the 2022 midterms. “The NNPA has talked about
the vote, and there is no better time for us to show our power,” NNPA Chair Karen Carter Richards said during the announcement, at the national convention in the Big Easy. “Let us take the lead and not be on the tail-end so we can show the present-day power of the Black Press,” continued Richards, See NNPA, TRANSFORMATIVE, page 13
Travis Wortham debuts new book Community Advocates Fight for Freedom Creating Monsters or Raising Champions: Regarding Affordable Housing Call for equity and fair treatment elevated community from being homeowners. “You don’t need affordable In the aftermath of Juneteenth, local community activ- housing in areas where the ists are still pursuing freedom housing is already affordable” when it comes to affordable said Darryl Baker, a local fair housing in the Southern Sector housing advocate with the Group Fair Share for of Dallas. all Dallas. “My greatAlthough the Dallas est input has been on City Council recently the fair housing side approved more than regarding what the city $7.9 million in federis doing and not doing. al funds for a planned Affordable housing affordable housing Commissioner can’t just be relegatcommunity in District Lorie Blair ed to be built in South 4, those working in the trenches of that community Dallas. It needs to be built still don’t feel that enough is throughout the city.” Currently the new commubeing done to break barriers that are keeping the minority See COMMUNITY ADVOCATES, page 13
By Sylvia Dunnavant Hines
“What’s Wrong with Deez Kidzs?”
I WAS JUST THINKING... By Norma Adams-Wade
The white clothing on the majority of the guests at Travis Wortham Jr’s book signing and reception Sunday June 26 was an immediate sign that the author and his team had designed the occasion to unify and uplift guests. The event lived up to expectation with about 200 guests hyped to take on the challenge Wortham presented while debuting and signing his new
Businessman Robert Pitre talks with author Travis Wortham.
book at the Fair Park Hall of State. The book is Creating Monsters or Raising Champions: “What’s Wrong with Deez Kidzs?” “We are in the 4th quarter and there’s no more overtime,” See TRAVIS WORTHAM DEBUTS, page 15
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SAVE THE DATE • Vol-10
• June 30 - July 6, 2022
2022
SELF-CARE
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FREE Community Event and Feminine Hygiene Supply Drive Beaumont Saturday, July 9th 9am-3pm
Dallas Saturday, July 16th 11am-3pm
Houston Saturday, July 23rd 10am-2pm
Fort Worth Saturday, July 30th 10am-2pm For More Information
PRESENTED BY: Health & Beauty. Giveaways. Vendors. Screenings. Games. Family Fun!
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What Texans Need To Know About Monkeypox UTSW By Helen King, M.D.
Internal Medicine - Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine
The recent headlines about monkeypox have people around the world worrying whether we’re facing another potential global pandemic. So Helen King, M.D. far, the outbreak – a term for clusters of disease in unexpected places or in higher-than-average numbers – includes fewer than 2,000 confirmed cases worldwide. About 70 of those are in the U.S. The current outbreaks started as travel-related infections and are now being spread person-to-person in at least 40 countries including the U.K., U.S., Spain, and Portugal. At the time of this writing, there was one confirmed case in Texas, in Dallas. Monkeypox is not a novel virus; though we have not seen person-to-person spread to this scale in the past. Prior to 2022, the most recent notable outbreak of monkeypox in the U.S. occurred in 2003 and was limited to 47 cases in six Midwest states. Even during the current outbreak, getting infected with monkeypox in the U.S. is unlikely. If exposed, an overwhelming majority of patients will develop only mild symptoms, which can include: • Backache • Chills • Development of “poxes,” blister-like skin lesions • Fatigue • Fever • Headache • Muscle aches • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and underarms • Rash Over the course of the infection (usually
2-4 weeks), the rash will change from flat patches, to bumps, to fluid-filled lesions that scab over. When the rash and sores break out the patient is considered contagious. Early reports of the current outbreak in the U.S. suggest some unique features of the rashes. The CDC reported on June 14 that many patients are developing rashes that start on mucosal surfaces, such as the mouth, genitals, or rectum rather than the face as traditionally seen with monkeypox. Additionally, many of the rashes have been scattered or localized to specific areas of the body rather than spreading from the face to the extremities. So far, a lower percentage of people are developing fevers, malaise, headaches, and swollen lymph nodes in this outbreak. Most patients will fully recover at home without medical treatment. In rare instances of severe infection, effective treatment is readily available. While the threat to the general population in the U.S. remains low, the COVID-19 pandemic taught us that cautious optimism must be balanced with appropriate precautions. Understanding how monkeypox spreads and what to do if you are exposed is a good first step in containing the outbreak. History of monkeypox The monkeypox virus is named due to its origins in the Congo, and the two predominant strains are Congo and West African. However, researchers are rallying to rename the disease due to the discriminatory and geographic stigmas associated with it. There has been a concentrated effort to move toward more scientific names not tied to specific geographic regions – that’s why the novel coronavirus became COVID-19, for example. According to The Guardian, the World Health Organization is working with partners globally to rename the monkeypox virus strains.
anyone can contract monkeypox through close personal contact regardless of sexual orientation.
Monkeypox virus cells, as seen under a microscope, are spread through direct contact with infected animals, an infected human’s skin lesions, items that have been in contact with the lesions, or prolonged close proximity with an infected person’s respiratory droplets.
Monkeypox belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus, which includes several animal-associated poxes that can infect humans, such as camelpox that is found in Asian and African camels. Smallpox, which was eradicated in 1980, also belongs to this genus.
Monkeypox skin lesions usually flare up, scab over, and fall off without intervention.
In 2003, the U.S. monkeypox outbreak was tracked back to human exposure to rodents that had been shipped to Texas from Ghana, and then to Illinois. That outbreak was quickly contained to the Midwest, and we hope the spread of this iteration will be contained swiftly as well. How monkeypox spreads Being bitten by or exposed to an infected animal can transfer the virus to humans. The current outbreak appears to be travel-related and from person-to-person spread.
Sparks Flying in Wilmer for Independence Day WILMER, TEXAS – Mark your calendars for the City of Wilmer’s 2nd Annual Sparks Firework Show Friday, July 1, 2022 from 7 to 10 p.m. at 4801 Interstate 45 in Wilmer. Wilmer Mayor Sheila Petta said, “Last year's event was a success, and I am enthusiastic for this year as we will have food trucks, a gaming truck, face painter, balloon artist, and a DJ.” Adding another element to create the spectacular Sparks in the City will be the fireworks show aligned with music, which will be available to tune into at KBEC 1390AM/99.1FM. “I am beyond appreciative for Praise Fellowship Baptist Church and
Mayor Sheila Petta
Padian Properties for their partnership in allowing the City to put on a spectacular 4th of July celebration for all to enjoy,” Mayor Petta added.
“We hope you will join us as we celebrate America’s independence and continue to salute America, land of the free and home of the brave." For more information about this event, please visit www.cityofwilmer.net. To order your free ticket, please visit https://www.eventbrite. com/e/sparks-fireworks-show-tickets-365869544657 The City of Wilmer invites you to register for Nixle alerts by texting “75172” to number 888777. The City of Wilmer invites you to “like” the City on Facebook.com/cityofwilmer and follow us at twitter.com/ welcometowilme1 and Instagram. com/cityofwilmer.
Stateside, the virus has been spread among people through direct contact with monkeypox sores or bodily fluid, such as the fluid that seeps from a patient’s sores or close, prolonged exposure to respiratory droplets. Unlike COVID-19, monkeypox virus is not novel and we have a basic understanding of the disease progression of monkeypox infection and how to contain the spread. Infections typically last 2-4 weeks, and symptoms generally begin 1-2 weeks after exposure. Mild symptoms such as fever and fatigue may come first, followed by skin lesions that flare up, scab over, and fall off without intervention. However, not all cases during the current outbreak have had fever before the rash. Approximately 99% of patients with the current strain of monkeypox make a full recovery, though in severe cases infection can be fatal. Learn more from the CDC. Anyone exposed to the virus can be infected. People who are at increased risk include: • Individuals who have been bitten by or exposed to a live or dead infected animal • Those with immunocompromising conditions such as cancer or HIV/AIDS • Gay and bisexual men comprise many of the current U.S. cases, according to the CDC, though the agency emphasized that
What to do if you are exposed If you don’t feel well, stay home and avoid close contact with others including pets – especially if you have an unusual rash. Call your doctor if you have symptoms and discuss your next steps. Currently, people in the U.S. with monkeypox are advised to quarantine at home until symptoms resolve. The majority of patients will recover without medical intervention. In severe cases, patients may require hospitalization and medication to clear the virus. Vaccines and treatments that are effective against smallpox also have effectiveness against monkeypox. These vaccines have been stockpiled globally in the event smallpox makes a recurrence – or monkeypox defies preliminary data and surges. One silver lining of the COVID-19 pandemic was defining and refining a swift and expedient vaccine distribution process. Right now, there is no directive for mass vaccination like we saw with COVID-19 – even for healthcare providers – due to the very low number of cases and limited spread. However, if you have been exposed, talk with your doctor about whether you need to be vaccinated. People planning to travel to Western Europe or Africa should follow the CDC’s travel notice information to protect themselves and others. Just as we’ve been doing the last few years, make sure to follow basic self-protection guidelines: wash your hands regularly, pay attention to potentially suspicious symptoms, and keep your distance from others if you are experiencing even mild symptoms. We will be diligent in providing the most up-to-date information about monkeypox and how to guard against infection.
Proposals are being accepted for South Dallas Fair Park Opportunity Fund Non Profit Organizations are invited to apply for funding to provide human development programs or services directly benefiting residents of the South Dallas Fair Park community. Applications for the 2022 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the South Dallas/Fair Park Opportunity Fund (SDFPOF) will be accepted through July 8, 2022. The SDFPOF provides loans and grants to promote economic development and support human development initiatives in neighborhoods surrounding Fair Park. NOFA provides the form of application and scoring criteria for the human services grants. A maximum of $100,000 will be awarded to fund the projects and services. Proposals will be submitted on the City of Dallas Bonfire system https://dallascityhall. bonfirehub.com/portal no later than 5 p.m. July 8, 2022. To apply for the 2022 Notice of Funding Availability, visit https://sourcedallas. org/2022/01/21/south-dallas-fair-park-opportunity-fund/
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QUIT PLAYIN’ By Vincent L. Hall "The major problem confronting the United States today is there aren't enough white babies being born. If we don't do something about this and do it now, white people will be in the numerical minority, and we will no longer be a white man's land." –"The Birth Dearth" by Ben Wattenberg My best childhood memories are divided evenly between my maternal grandmother's house in South Dallas, and my paternal grandmother's in "The Bottom." Well, we called it The Bottom then. Nowadays, most of you call it the historic 10th Street District. New name. New faces and new prices will follow. I'm sitting on the porch at 611 Millard St. sometime in the 60s, ear hustling while my paternal grandmother and a neighbor were talking. We didn't have no internet, so in-person gossiping was our social media. The woman from two doors down said that Pete and Nelly's daughter died while she was away in college. Apparently, that's why Pete was drinking so heavily and Ms. Nelly was so distraught.
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The Real Problem!
Honestly, I had no visual recollection of her, so I made up her image based on what I heard. Maybe that's how we got all those life-size murals of "White Jesus" in our baptismal pools. Hmm? Martha was said to have been beautiful, but "fairskinned" like her mother and not like Pete. Pete was that shiny, well-minted hue of black. Pete fit the bill if you needed a model for a "John Henry, the Steel Drivin' Man" poster. His big bruised hands and bristled brows looked like he was working even when sitting down. The lady said that Martha wasn't Pete's child. She didn't know if Martha had been "born out of wedlock" or not. All she knew was that Martha bled to death. There was something about a coat hanger found in her dormitory room. Children in our day were quite literal. I remember my mother telling one of my aunts that their cousin in Houston had lost a child. I waited until it was established that Mama had hung up the phone. In those days, you didn't say
"one damn word" until your mother was off the phone. I asked, ”Mama, did Aunt Evelyn lose the child in the neighborhood?” AstroWorld was new and close to Aunt Ev's house, so maybe the
child had been lost there. I was horrified then, but one day in my 30s, the two events merged. My Aunt Evelyn had a miscarriage. "Lost her baby" was the community standard before
graduating to "miscarriage." She was shattered because she wanted another baby and couldn't carry the child to full term. But Martha, one of those rare Black college students in her day, didn't want a baby. She wasn't ready for motherhood. Martha or someone helping tried to terminate her pregnancy the way hundreds of thousands of other young women in her generation did. I still can’t grasp what happened. Far be it from me to understand all the ins and outs and questions surrounding abortion. However, any Black man my age will testify to two conversations. First, our moms had a conversation reminding us that we are Black and prone to suspicion and official oppression. Secondly, most of us have a girlfriend or significant other who called us to say that something was missing and something might be coming! Hint, hint! Because of stories like Martha's, especially white Marthas, unwanted pregnancies have been addressed safely and discreetly for over half a centu-
ry. The United States Supreme Court ended Roe V. Wade, and stories about coat hangers and botched abortions obviously had no bearing. Roe passed in 1973, but in 2022, the national maternal mortality rate in the U.S. is 17 per 100,000 live births––but 43 per 100,000 live births for Black women. These are rough times for women and blackness only multiplies the misery. Pro-lifers are for you while you're in the womb. Of course, once the umbilical cord is cut, they don't give a sh!t about you! Next up, same-sex marriage cause that “protected class” ain't producing enough White babies either! Your grinning, shuffling, jive-ass Uncle Thomas has already said so! The old adage was that “anything the White man didn’t want you to know, he put in a book.” You might want to peruse the pages of Birth Dearth. The truth is that every policy decision in this nation begins with and ends with race. And that Mr. Wattenberg is the "major problem confronting the United States today!" For RED America, it ain’t about your Rights, it’s all about the Whites.
Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and an award-winning columnist.
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MetroNews Food trucks receive a green light, Plus - A special announcement: 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 Great food, good prices, an excellent time to try something new and convenient; Those are some of the things people say about mobile street food vendorsFood Trucks. The council members (unanimously) approved the rewriting of the code governing food trailers, trucks, and carts. In months to come, Kiest Park will be programmed with more family fun events for all. The City Council approved this Food Truck Pilot program for Kiest Park which reduces some of the
red tape that is normally required for truck vendors to be on site for events. Special programming of events in the heart of our community will be a major plus for our premier park. Interested Truck and Cart vendors can contact the D4 Staff at (214) 670-0780. Volunteers for the upcoming events can also reach out to the D4 staff for my details on planned events. Kiest Park, located at 2324 West Kiest Blvd.is truly a family-friendly destination stop, surrounded
Kiest Park
Food Trucks
by trees, a creek, and a nature trail. It features a championship softball complex, auxiliary softball fields, a baseball field, a soccer complex, sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, a recreation center and now an experimental mobile-food-vendor park. Special Announcement: Effective last Wednesday I received a council seat upgrade to Mayor ProTem. The Mayor Pro Tem acts as Mayor in the absence of the Mayor and shall have the same duties and powers as the
Mayor when doing so. My appreciation to my colleagues for placing their confidence in me to lead from this position. My pledge remains to District 4 constituents and the City of Dallas residents to make this a place we can all be proud of. 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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FAITHFUL UTTERANCES By Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew
I have realized that my life is the story of relationships. I have been so blessed because of individuals who took the time to encourage, challenge or support me. The last few weeks have been reminders of the importance of relationships that matter. My friends have shown up for me and shown out. They not only tell me how they feel about me, but they demonstrate their desire to see me win. Whether it is text messages and calls to check on me or friends taking their time and talent to host events to feature my work, it has been so wonderful to feel so much love and experience sisterhood. I am my parents only child and
although my cousin grew up with me, his mother was always in his life. Listening to my friends talk about their siblings fascinates me because there are these deep relational ties that cannot be explained that exist between sisters and brothers. Even as a member of a sorority, I have been blessed by some amazing Sorors who are there for me. I have been grateful for my best friends from childhood who are still in my life, and they are my sisters on so many levels. Through good and bad, these women have been there, never giving up on me. They not only offer advice and guidance, but they pray for me. Their love is not contingent on what I do for them…it is a friendship rooted in deep love, admiration, and respect. Once again, they, too, show up for me and I do the same for
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them. It is about reciprocity. I realize that the love I have received is a direct reflection of the love I try to give to others. God knew that we would face difficult seasons in our lives and that in order to deal with the triumphs as well as the tragedies, we need help from others. Sometimes, this help is not always from our family. God is always there for us, but God understood the power of relationships with others. Our success is not solely tied to what we do or know. We can either accelerate our journey with the wisdom, assistance, and direction from others or we can make the process much longer and drawn out when we choose to go at it alone. Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 states, “Two people are better than one, because they get more done by working together. If one falls down, the other can help him up. But it is bad for the person who is
alone and falls, because no one is there to help. If two lie down together, they will be warm, but a person alone will not be warm.” In a world that tells us repeatedly that we cannot trust anyone, we are failing to connect to others that can be trusted. As a result, we are missing opportunities that can change our lives and the lives of those around us. The Bible states that “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17) It is through our relationships with one another that we grow, become better and help one another in the process. We need our families and when we are fortunate to have relatives that are friends, which is a blessing! Yet, God will place others in our path who can love us, too, that are not relatives. Blood relationships are important, but Ruth and Naomi demonstrate what can happen
• June 30 - July 6, 2022
when we choose to allow others into our lives and hearts. “But Ruth replied: Do not persuade me to leave you or go back and not follow you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May Yahweh punish me, and do so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.” (Ruth 1:16-17) Had Ruth not followed Naomi, she could have missed the opportunity to meet her future husband, Boaz. This also teaches us that those God will use to bless us are not always the same age or have the same background. Yet, they can be instrumental in our journey if we are willing to go with them. Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is the President of Soulstice Consultancy, LLC. To learn more about her, visit drfroswabooker.com.
After Juneteenth—Reparations Now THE LAST WORD By Dr. Julianne Malveaux Juneteenth, or June 19, 2022, was marked with fireworks and concerts, parades, and proclamations, a big difference from Juneteenth a year ago when President Biden signed the executive order making Juneteenth a federal holiday just two days before its actual occurrence. Last year's hastily implemented plans were replaced by well-orchestrated programs this year. Last year's celebration merited brief chats; this year, there was a nationally televised concert. This year, the media has gone to great lengths to explain Juneteenth, perhaps doubling their coverage from a year ago. Corporations and other organizations are observing or commemorating Juneteenth. I was surprised, for example, by receiving notices of Juneteenth observations from not one but two of the financial services organizations I deal with. A white man at the airport
wished me a "Happy Juneteenth" and while I somewhat appreciated his greeting, it didn't make me happy, mainly because I don't think the word "Happy" should be applied to Juneteenth. Big Dot of Happiness, a company out of Wisconsin, has produced cringe-worthy "Happy Juneteenth" greeting cards. An online search will yield all kinds of products, many presumably not owned by Black people, commercializing Juneteenth with t-shirts, stickers, stationery, and more. Commercialization is the way of predatory capitalism, so I’m not surprised at those who hope to extract surplus profits from the people who want to observe the day when formerly enslaved people were reminded that their enslavement was over. Many who heard the announcement in Galveston back in 1865 were elated, some were angry at being exploited, and some understood that the quality of their lives was not to change immediately or soon. Jim Crow laws, peonage and the sharecropping system, and economic lynching emerged immediately after the passage of the 13th Amendment. The holiday
observation of Juneteenth is a vital way to inject the issue of enslavement into the popular lexicon, if only once a year. But the holiday transcends symbolism only if coupled with decisive action to combat contemporary economic exploitation and virulent racism. President Biden set the right tone when he issued a proclamation a few days before Juneteenth.
He described the day as "a chance to celebrate human freedom, reflect on the grievous and ongoing legacy of slavery, and rededicate ourselves to rooting out the systemic racism that continues to plague our society as we strive to deliver the full promise of America to every American. This Juneteenth, we are freshly reminded that the poisonous ideology of racism has not yet been defeated — it only hides." Now that the fireworks have faded, the barbeque has been di-
gested, and the red soda water has been consumed, President Biden might do more to attack the hidden, and not so hidden, ideology of racism. Has his administration sufficiently tackled pay disparities in federal employment? On Equal Pay Day 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration issued a forceful pay equity statement. Yet, gaps remain, and many are the result of the hidden racism that Biden referred to in his Juneteenth statement. African Americans are more likely than others to work for the federal government and experience smaller pay gaps with the federal government than in the private sector. At the same time, pay gaps remain, and Black employees are more likely to be clerical workers in the federal government than employed in the Senior Executive Service (SES). Connecting the Juneteenth proclamation to a strong statement about economic equity in federal government employment would have been impactful. There are still opportunities for this focus, perhaps incorporating a statement about workers' rights with a strong message
about Black federal workers. HR 40, the legislation to study reparations and offer remedies for economic discrimination against Black people, has enough votes to pass the House of Representatives. Still, it cannot pass the Senate, given its current composition. President Biden has been urged to, through an executive order, establish an HR 40 Commission to examine the reparations issue thoroughly. He could do this with the simple stroke of a pen, putting action behind the strong words he issued on Juneteenth. By embracing reparations to remedy historic racial economic exploitation, President puts teeth behind his lofty sentiments about hidden racism. The federal observation of Juneteenth is an important step forward in our nation’s recognition of enslavement and its foundational contribution to the wealth of this country. Reparations are the necessary next step. We must move from recognition to remedy. 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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The Chains That Bind After Juneteenth OUR VOICES By Dr. John E. Warren
As so many of us completed celebrating our second national holiday, this time in honor of the delayed announcement that all slaves had been freed more than two years before the Juneteenth announcement, the question remains as to whether we all got the message? All one has to do is look at the voter turnout during these midterm primaries in all places other than Georgia.The Black vote, needed now more than ever, has begun to fall away. The chains and bondage of slavery have been replaced with chains of apathy and selfishness. These traits are evidenced in the detachment that many of us reflect in our lack of interest in issues that we don’t see affecting us directly. Too many of our minds are still chained to drugs, alcohol and violence on ourselves, often exceeding anything that racist and white supremists inflict on us with gun violence. As a matter of fact, we kill more of ourselves than mass shooters with assault weapons. The solution to removing these chains is a reflection and awareness that they exist and then a conscious decision to focus on the inclusion of concern for others. We must remember that we, as Black people, have come this far from Juneteenth as part of a collective effort. No one person has made the difference alone. The good news is that there is a new wave as evidenced by those who have marched in protest against the ongoing murder of Black men by law enforcement entities. But we must grow our numbers. Using the hard fought right to vote is one major step toward removing the chains; stopping the violence against ourselves represents another major step forward. Bottom line, let’s add to our celebrations a commitment to building upon the sacrifices of those who came before us. Let’s remove the chains and bondage with the personal involvement mentioned here. Dr. John E. Warren is publisher of The San Diego Voice and Viewpoint.
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We Celebrate #BLACKDADS TO BE EQUAL By Marc Morial
“What it meant to be a newly freed Black man and a father in 1865 mirrors what it means to be a Black man and a father today: providing for and protecting your family, nurturing your children’s sense of self-worth and identity, defying stereotypes, resisting oppression, keeping the faith, and reckoning with the understanding, as Smithsonian Institution secretary Lonnie Bunch observed, that emancipation is ‘process that is still unfolding — not simply a day or a moment of jubilee.'” — Johnathon Briggs
In the 50 years since Father’s Day became an official national holiday, this is the second time it has fallen on June 19 — Juneteenth, which was designated a federal holiday just last year. While the timing may be a coincidence, the intertwining of the two holidays is an opportunity to reflect on the unique nature of Black fatherhood — both today, and on the day when Union Army general
Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to deliver General Order No. 3 informing the people of Texas that all enslaved people were free. Among the many horrors of the “peculiar institution,” as white southerners euphemistically referred to slavery, perhaps the most agonizing was the wrenching of children from their parents. “Night and day, you could hear men and women screaming … ma, pa, sister or brother … taken without any warning,” a formerly enslaved woman told an interviewer from the Federal Writers Project in 1938. “People was always dying from a broken heart.” After emancipation, thousands of formerly enslaved people placed newspaper ads hoping to reunite with loved ones. Last Seen: Finding Family After Slavery, an online database of these ads, calls them “testaments to their enduring hope and determination to regain what was taken from them.” But the brutality of family separation as a means of maintaining white supremacy did not disappear with emancipation. Jim Crow took over where the slave auctioneer left off.
In 1965, a federal report, “The Negro Family: The Case For National Action,” commonly known as the Moynihan Report, popularized the enduring myth that absent fathers are the biggest obstacle to obstacle to racial economic and political parity. The Moynihan Report is not just a classic case of blaming the victim, it is the original case. Psychologist William Ryan actually coined the phrase in direct response to the report. “By focusing our attention on the Negro family as the apparent cause of racial inequality, our eye is diverted,” Ryan wrote. “Racism, discrimination, segregation, and the powerlessness of the ghetto are subtly, but thoroughly, downgraded in importance.” In the decades since its publication, research has debunked not only the conclusion of the Moynihan Report, but its premise. Not only are missing Black fathers to blame for racial inequality, Black fathers aren’t even missing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the majority of Black fathers actually live with their children. And, whether they live with their children or
not, Black fathers are more involved with their children than those of other racial and ethnic groups — 70% were likely to have engaged in childcare tasks every day, compared with 60% of white fathers and 45% of Hispanic fathers. The myths about Black fatherhood have never aligned with the loving and joyful experience that most of us know. I was blessed with a wise and loving father who was my greatest mentor and role model. I have been triple blessed to be a father to three children who are the source of overwhelming pride and unending joy. The ugly stereotypes of the past are being replaced with loving images of Black fathers pushing strollers, fixing their daughters’ hair, dancing, cooking and playing with their children. The National Urban League wishes a happy Father’s Day — and happy Juneteenth — to every family as we take our inspiration from everyone working to create a better world not only for their own children but for all children.
Marc Morial is president/CEO of the National Urban League.
“When You Can't Change the People around You, Then You Must Change the People Around You" ROLLING BACK ROE V. WADE SAYS TO AMERICANS VOTE CHANGE NOW AND ALWAYS. BIG MAMA SAID By Terry Allen Lucille “Big Mama” Allen’s lessons are always appropriate for the time. When I first heard them, I did not give them the intense reverence I give them now. I hear Lucille “Big Mama” Allen in other people all the time. This one ‘change people” statement is resonated by communication powerhouse, Eddie Reeves, all the time during our Zoom calls. My biggest regret is that I had to hear her speak wisdom and I took IT lightly until another influencer repeated them to me again before Lucille “Big Mama” Allen’s playbook resonated. Let me remind you that we lived in a house built by my grandfather and grandmother. Born in 1906, Lucille “Big Mama” Allen’s was right in the midst of in
the era of lynching, Jim crow and segregation. Right there in the middle of strife, she was an influencer. Today, she could be compared to modern influencers like Michelle, Kamala, Gayle, Oprah and Iyanla. Lucille “Big Mama” Allen wanted us to know that no matter what knocked us down, we could get back up and be the purveyors of change and prosperity. Her playbook recipe, “You can't change the people around you, but you can change the people around you,” was saying we, when we do not have the power to get others to change then we must gather ourselves up and be around people who support our best outcomes. Be mindful that Big Mama was a Black woman who lived in the 1900s. I saw what Big Mama experienced years after she had spent decades suffering from issues that would make today’s woman falter. She had no power, yet she was the perfect example of a Black Girl Rocks role model. In June 2017, the Georgetown
Law Center on Poverty and Inequality released Girlhood Interrupted: The Erasure of Black Girls’ Childhood, a report that presented the findings from our quantitative analysis of a form of gendered racial bias against Black girls: adultification. 1. This bias is a stereotype in which mainstream Americans view Black girls as less innocent and more adult-like than their white peers, devoid of any individualized context. In other words, adultification bias is not an evaluation of maturity based on observation of an individual girl’s behavior, but instead is a presumption — a bias applied generally to Black girls. 2. I saw what Big Mama experienced years after she had spent decades suffering and it shocked me then as it does now. So now with the lawmakers of the land overturning Roe V. Wade, I see millions of women mostly non BIPOC taking to the streets to protest.
A small representation of America has made the decision that the majority of US adults disapprove of and about half of the US call the decision a step backward for America. So, we see millions protesting. Big Mama would say “You can't change the people around you, but you can change the people around you.” Big Mama knew she could not publicly protest but she could vote. So, while protests are good, it is time to use the voting power to change people. We need you to vote. Big Mama because of you, I will vote. I hope you will understand just how crucial it is to incubate empowering relationships. Email me if you can change people and make an impact at TerryAllenPr@gmail. com
Terry Allen is an award-winning media professional, journalist, and entrepreneur. He is also the founder of City Men Cook and 1016 Media. Reach him at terryalllenpr@gmail.com
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BLACK MUSIC MONTH PRIDE MONTH Black Male Health Month
1980s Nostalgia Night · 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Arlington Museum of Art
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Tracy Morgan Live @ The Texas Trust CU Theatre at Grand Prairie
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Kevin Hart live August 11th & 12th @ The AAC in Dallas!
14 The Weeknd live August 14th at The AT&TStadium in Arlington
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*** Outlaw Music Festival: Willie Nelson and Family, 3:15 PM at Dos Equis Pavilion *** Independence Day Celebration 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM at Klyde Warren Park
3 Addison Kaboom Town 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM at Addison Circle Park *** SoESE Management and Round the Clock Entertainment present R&B Saxophonist Tim Cunningham at Soul Food Restaurant, 925 W. John Carpenter Frwy, Suite 100, Irving, TX For more info contact Mr. Crawford at 817.583.0019
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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.
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Kendrick Lamar w/ special guests Baby Keem & Tanna Leone @ The AAC in Dallas
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NNPA-CELEBRATING THE BLACK PRESS!
photo credit: Mark Mahoney See more pics, page 9
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Parker County Peach Festival 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM at Downtown Weatherford
Family Empowerment Expo Waxshachie Civic Center, 2000 Civic Center Lane, Waxahachie 10a-6p
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From Risk to Reasons Performance & Workshop
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
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 2700 Swiss Event Space 2700 Swiss Ave. Dallas, TX 75204 Hosted by Dr. Jasmine Ward, Black Ladies in Public Health For providers pushing Black women’s power and pleasure in HIV prevention and care
JULY TEXAS FIBROID AWARENESS MONTH 1 What’s Your Truth? Self-Love Soul Sesh with Taylor Morgan 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 2700 Swiss Event Space 2700 Swiss Ave. Dallas, TX 75204 Celebrating and elevating Black women’s sexual health and power
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Kendrick Lamar w/ special guests Baby Keem & Tanna Leone @ The AAC in Dallas 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
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National Association of Black Journalists / National Association of Hispanic Journalists Convention in Las Vegas
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at The Warehouse, 1125 E. Berry St. in Fort Worth. Class starts at 7pm. Join Brenda and Reginald Rhodes at SwingLineDanceClass.Eventbrite.com
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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.
The 7th Annual iLIVE Expo is North Texas largest Wellness and Lifestyle Expo of its kind!
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 17 Family Festival / Fiesta de la Familia 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM at Kimbell Art Museum
23 Karaoke Lic Sync Battle 7225 University Hills Blvd in Dallas 6p.m.
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Weighing in on Supreme Court decisions MIRANDA Since 1966, citizens could count on protection against self-incrimination by prohibiting sanctions against police officers who fail to advise a suspect of their Miranda Rights: You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in court. You have the right to talk to a lawyer for advice before we ask you any questions. You have the right to have a lawyer with you during questioning. If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed for you before any questioning if you wish. If you decide to answer questions now without a lawyer present, you have the right to stop answering at any time. The Supreme Court has voted to limit the ability to enforce those rights, noting that suspects who aren’t warned about their right to remain silent can no longer sue an officer under federal civil rights laws. ROE v. WADE In 1973, the Supreme Court issued a 7–2 decision that protected a pregnant woman's right to an abortion. This month, both decisions were overturned. Here are perspectives from members of our Editorial Team: ANGELINA LIU
Roe v. Wade I’m annoyed and angry that Roe v. Wade was overturned. I believe that the government should not decide what women do with their bodies. Women should have a choice when it comes to their bodies. Being
pro-choice is not pro-abortion. Pro-choice gives her and other women an option on whether they want an abortion or not. Overturning Roe v. Wade is a step backwards. Miranda Rights Miranda Rights not being read impacts uneducated people. Educated people are protected because of their knowledge about Miranda Rights. People from lower economic backgrounds are not and that is unfair. Angelina Liu is a senior at Coppell High School.
NYCORTA MABRY, JR.
Roe v. Wade It seems like there's so many other issues that should be focused on which makes me question why it is so important to them. Obviously, they want some type of control, but I feel like it has to be deeper than that. What is it that they're gaining with overturning those rules? With everything taken away and stripping women of their right to think for themselves, we’re trying to get back to a place of freedom; financial and emotional. Miranda Rights My parents are police officers, so I know a bit about Miranda rights and how important they are. There are several instances when officers have not treated brown and black individuals with the same spirit that they might with others. So you've already had that situation happen and then you add this into the equation. It just gives us another opportunity for an officer whose job is to protect and serve to use his authority to demean. Now, because they're protected by law, they can legally do it. Nycorta Mabry, Jr. is a junior at Grambling State University
MAYA PALAVALI
Roe v. Wade It’s a catalyst to who is in charge. It is worrisome for everyone, especially in minority communities, but it’s important for us to not lose hope. I found out on Instagram, but I’m honestly numb to it because we’ve become so desensitized to the things going on in the world as a result of social media.” Miranda Rights I think it is disappointing. I was just finding out about the Miranda Rights situation but there are communities that will be affected.”
other different situations like people who have been assaulted, or young women or people who are pregnant and they have to carry a baby full term, but that doesn't guarantee that they're gonna make it through the pregnancy. Miranda Rights It will cause a lot of damage more than anything because people should know their rights, but some people are not knowledgeable about that stuff. So if they were to be arrested, there are possibilities that they will incriminate themselves.
Roe v. Wade I am a mother. It's just a lot to take in. It was a tough decision, but I made the decision that was right for me and what I believe in, and I also believe that women should have a choice. It's very frustrating to see men making rules about women's bodies, what they can and cannot do. I'm very disappointed. The decision isn't going to prevent people from getting abortions. It's just gonna prevent women from getting or anyone from getting safe abortions because people if they want one, they will go out of their way to make it happen. This is actually going to harm so many people. Because of this one decision along the process, you have to think about so many
Kendall Washington is a senior at Bishop Dunne High School.
INIYA V. NATHAN
Asia N. Alcorn is a Senior at the University of North Texas.
KENDALL WASHINGTON
Maya Palavali is a senior at Coppell High School.
ASIA N. ALCORN
of people need to understand what they're entering when they are being arrested and being taken under police custody. A lot of people don't know the rights that they have. They may be uneducated, they may be homeless and they don't know what's going on. They don't know the current events. So I believe it is unfair that people aren't being read their rights."
Roe v. Wade "I believe Roe v Wade being overturned is unfortunate, especially when the people who made the decision were concerned about babies being murdered. They were more concerned about the white population declining because the white people were afraid of being the minorities. I also believe that the reason why people get abortions most of the time isn't because they don't want to have a baby is because of their health reasons. Or in some cases, because the woman was raped and she doesn't feel comfortable having the baby or because she can't afford to have the baby, or because it may be sick, and it needs to, it wouldn't be able to make it. So there's a lot of reasons why people behind why people have abortions. I also believe that the people who are pro life really aren't pro life, and that they should be more concerned about getting rid of the death penalty. They should be more concerned about African American men being killed by police." Miranda Rights "I believe that Miranda Rights being taken away from citizens is definitely wrong because a lot
Roe v. Wade It was a shock to see in the beginning they were even thinking about overturning Roe v. Wade. I hoped if the majority of the people didn’t want it to be overturned then it wouldn’t be. However, we know that now to be false. I wish the people had more knowledge about what was going on before a decision was made. It’s not fair for someone to just say, ‘Well, I’m conservative and anti-abortion, so therefore abortion shouldn’t be legal.’ The entire point behind the initial ruling is people should have a right to privacy. Now, I’m trying to comprehend how this new ruling is going to affect everyone else and other rulings related to privacy. Miranda Rights: I genuinely don’t see any good coming out of this ruling. People should know their rights when they get arrested; it’s a basic norm. These rights were created specifically to prevent self-incrimination. There's a possibility people could be arrested falsely and or unfairly. I feel as though this new ruling only protects the police and not the victims. From a political standpoint, I believe protecting the police over the people isn’t the right thing to do right now. Iniya V. Nathan is a senior at Coppell High School.
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NNPA, Transformative Justice cont. from page 1 Community Advocates cont. from page 1
Attorneys Daryl Jones and Barbara Arnwine of the Transformative Justice Coalition
who publishes the Houston Forward Times. Attorney Barbara Arnwine, the founder, and president of the Transformative Justice Coalition, and her board chair and fellow lawyer Daryl Jones, told a captivated panel that their organization had recorded 72 voter suppression tactics to prevent a large population from casting ballots. Among them are strict voter laws in many Republican-led states, deceptive practices like robocalls; early voting cuts; and voter intimidation. “Black voters did our share in 2020,” Arnwine remarked, adding that “This is a great opportunity for us; we’ve got to make this happen.” “Ninety-three percent of all eligible Black voters registered in Georgia. Yet, in the 2021 Georgia Senate run-off, 93 percent of all registered Black voters turned out. That’s why people don’t understand where the real power is.” Along with NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., Richards, NNPA Executive Board members Janis Ware, Fran Farrer, Cheryl Smith, and Jackie Hampton, Arnwine and Jones announced that the groups would utilize a multi-vehicle “VOTERCADE” to get out the vote. They said individuals riding in new and COVID-safe tour buses would hit swing states ahead of the November elections to register and mobilize GOTV for 10 million new Black voters. Chavis said artists from Roc Nation, the company run by hiphop magnate and business mo-
gul Jay-Z, would accompany the VOTERCADE in some cities. Music superstar Stephanie Mills also pledged to “get on the bus with the Black Press and the Transformative Justice Coalition.” Chavis said he’s convinced other celebrities will also join the national GOTV campaign. “The first form of voter suppression is self-suppression,” Dr. Chavis asserted. “This last primary election showed that some of us were keeping ourselves from voting. There are 55 million unregistered Americans eligible to vote, and 10 million are African Americans.” He continued, “What if those 10 million were registered? We wouldn’t have worried about Donald Trump or the craziness of what the U.S. Supreme Court is doing now. Elections have consequences. The overturned Roe v. Wade, the overturned gun laws – are consequences of elections.” With more than 235 African American-owned newspapers and media companies serving as members, the NNPA represents the Black Press of America. The Transformative Justice Coalition’s mission includes the systematic change that achieves racial justice, gender, economic and social justice, and human rights through public education and engagement initiatives that attend equally to hearts and minds as well as the social systems and structure in which they exist. Further, the coalition dedicates itself to informed civic engagement and equal voting rights for everyone.
They use a voting rights map of shame to inform the public of threats to America’s democracy, how to protect their voting rights, and steps to take to ensure the ability to cast a ballot and make sure it’s counted. The organization also seeks the restoration of voting rights for ex-felons. “[Anti-voting rights organizations and individuals] have trained 10,000 people to be poll disruptors to go to only Black polling sites,” Arnwine said. “They’re not sending them to white polling sites, and if you watched the [Jan. 6] hearings, this is a concentrated effort to disempower Black voters.” According to Davis, more than 18 million people are eligible to vote but don’t know it. “They are the felony disenfranchised,” Davis explained. “They are confused. It’s intentionally done in various states. For example, in some states, you never lose your right to vote, and in some states, you can run for office if you’re incarcerated.” The VOTERCADE would help educate voters and explain what’s legal, among other things. “We’re calling on all 235 NNPA members,” Dr. Chavis encouraged. “That call and response from our brothers and sisters are vital. It’s movement time, it is time Get-Out-The-Vote. “With the Transformative Justice Coalition, the NNPA will help move our people forward to get out this vote. In 2022, we will make the critical difference in the midterm elections in terms of increasing Black voter participation throughout the country.”
nity development will be an apartment complex of 300 units. The project is called The Terrace at Southern Oaks, and the first units are anticipated to be available as soon as Fall 2023. Non-subsidized rates will range from $900 up to approximately $2,000 monthly. “The money the city is spending for apartments could be better used to help people in the community become homeowners of single-family homes,” said Baker. “This would be a better use of our tax dollars than paying developers for building an apartment complex. “I understand that home ownership is not for everyone, but some of the funding could be used to help give assistance to those that are facing challenges in getting their own home.” Baker and his organization recently filed a complaint with the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to investigate the City of Dallas’ policies and practices regarding affordable housing. The complaint includes allegations that Dallas clusters subsidized affordable housing development in the Southern Sector of Dallas. Baker is committed to working on providing equity in housing for all minorities. “When affordable housing is truly implemented it will no longer look like there is a rich part of town and poor part of town," he said. "I think that is where we must at least start. People who work in lower paid jobs need to have affordable options closer to where they work. Ideally, they should be able to live within a 30-mile radius of where they work. “Many times, people live in South Dallas, but they work in North Dallas, Plano, or Frisco. They are making an 80mile round trip to low wage jobs with no benefits. There is no doubt that all work is honorable. You have people that work as clerks and cashiers, and housekeepers. At the end of the month, they barely have enough money to pay rent, put food on the table and pay
for transportation to and from work.” As a community advocate, District 8 Planning and Zoning Commissioner Lorie Blair is also focusing her efforts to make sure that decades of injustices in housing don’t continue to plague residents of South Dallas. “It infuriated me that as we celebrate Juneteenth, the city is still wishing to be segregated and prey upon those that have little or nothing," said Blair. "One of the developers suggested that in order to get past the rule that states a single family and multifamily dwelling must have a buffer, he will get permission to build a lot next to a single-family home with the promise of building an 8-foot fence.” Blair realized that just having an 8-foot fence as a barrier between a multifamily dwelling and a single-family home could present some potential problems. She also questioned if this solution would be acceptable in other areas of Dallas. Blair said she doesn’t want unsuitable work arounds to impact those in her community. She is aggressively working to make sure that living conditions are improved and that affordable housing is not just affordable but also attainable. Both Blair and Baker say they are committed to making sure that affordable housing means freedom to those in the minority community that have had to historically deal with various inequalities in housing in the Southern Sector of Dallas. “I just want to know, when is the city going to stop and say the minority communities are worthy to have the same dignity and respect as every other community.,” added Blair. “Just because they don’t have the finances doesn’t mean they don’t have the right to live in circumstances that are comparable to the least of other communities. “They are entitled to live comfortably and with dignity like everyone else. I don’t care who you are as a minority, everyone is entitled to live with some sort of dignity.”
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Travis Wortham debuts his new book
Wortham Jr. stressed as he urged guests to join him in his crusade to win the battle and save the lives and futures of today’s youth. “With how crazy our world has become, we’ve got to go out there and get these kids,” Wortham urged. “Politicians can’t fix this.” Practically everyone in the room knew what Wortham was talking about and had come to show their support for his cause. The book is a primer on how to avoid mistakes parents make that produce troubled and atrisk children and in turn how to raise successful children. Wortham Jr. told the audience that the book had been on his heart for about 40 years and that he has been refining and completely it during the last five years -- resulting in the book launching and signing Sunday. A counselor, trainer, speak-
Wortham’s son Travis III, (standing at Lt) talks with the audience.
Moderator Robert Ashley and author Travis Wortham preparing to speak.
Businessman Robert Pitre explains his Life Guide for America map.
the Bishop College and Texas A&M University-Commerce graduate said his book gives many examples of behaviors and happenings that cause parents to fail in raising their children. Then, on the other hand, he also gives many examples of practices and routines that allow parents to successfully raise champion children. He gave examples of chapters that detail mistakes men make as fathers and husbands and, conversely, actions and behaviors that help fathers reverse bad behaviors and learn to succeed at parenting. The book also includes a chapter that counsels women about how to improve their parenting and family relationships. Additionally, the book explores topics that include gangs, drugs, sex offenders and sex trafficking, bullying and aggressive behavior. Positive topics include building wealth, pre-marital counseling, and restoring men to their families. Many of his resource associates were at the book signing
My Truth
and Latina women are more susceptible to fibroids. Are we genetically predisposed to grow fibroids? While some believe that if their mom had fibroids they will automatically have them; this is not the case. Now if you eat some of the same things and lead the same type of lifestyle as your mom; well, you just might find yourself contributing to the “hereditary” narrative. When I was diagnosed with fibroid tumors, Dr. Glaze and I had a talk about what path to take. There were several paths: myomectomy (an operation to remove fibroids while preserving the uterus), hysterectomy (surgical procedure to remove
the womb - uterus), wait and see, participate in a UT Southwestern (UTSW) program to reduce the tumors, or take shots at home as a way to reduce the tumors. Now sometimes I can be a little utilitarianistic (here I am making up a word); thinking I could save the world. I opted for the UTSW study because if they could find out something and fix the problem; I could be part of saving wombs around the world! In addition to self-administered daily shots I had to change my diet: no hormone-induced meats (tumors feed off of them), no caffeine, nicotine or dairy products. What does that tell you?
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interested in Dr. Slonim because of her work with women suffering with fibroid tumors. She’s considered an expert! You may have met her out in the community, attending events, participating in community fairs and educating folks on fibroids; or you may have heard her on KRNB 105.7, interviewed by the Diva with A Voice, Lynne Haze. Technology is far more advanced in 2022 than it was last century and I am happy for those who have benefited from the advances and efforts of Dr. Slonim, who realizes that Black
er, and consultant on all youth and family issues, Wortham’s background includes some 40 years as an administrator with troubled and at-risk youth in juvenile residential facilities in Texas and also counseling their families. He founded and owns The Wortham Group consortium of resource professionals on family and youth issues, some of whom gave input for his book. Speaking at the book signing,
and more than 20 associates gave brief remarks about their areas of expertise and how they have collaborated with Wortham throughout his career. Radio personality Robert Ashley moderated the program. Those who gave remarks included Vincent Gaddis, Dr. Richard Broussard, Rev. Carey Dowel, Vince Nelson, Rev. Chris Simmons, Amon Rashidi, Antong Lucky, Nia Maat Khepera, Phyllis Bills, Joy Weaver, Darrin Hemphill, Michael Bland, Jan Tennyson, Steve Robinson, Robert Pitre, and Nicole Craig, I was just thinking…how much better would the world function if much of Wortham’s advice from his book were practiced in families, schools, and society? Wortham is available to discuss and sign his book at various public and organizational gathering. Contact him at cell
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Poster of Wortham’s book signing.
214-399-7171 and email travis. wortham@att.net. To purchase the book, contact Derrick I. Temple Sr., founder/managing member with Urban Publishing House, LLC, P. O. Box 1684, Oxnard, CA 93032, phone 805609-4951, email urbanceo@urbanpublishinghouse.com, web www.urbanpublishinghouse. com.
Gang prevention activist Antong Lucky talks with the audience.
Dallas native Norma Adams-Wade is a University of Texas at Austin journalism graduate, and retired senior Staff writer at The Dallas Morning News. In 1974, she was The News’ first Black full-time reporter who covered news city-wide. She followed her mentor Julia Scott Reed, hired in 1967 as first Black on staff, who wrote a column about the Black community. Adams-Wade is a National Association of Black Journalists founder and was NABJ’s first southwest regional director. norma_adams_wade@yahoo.com.
Some things are not good for you or the tumors! At the end of the UTSW program, there was a significant reduction in my tumors. But the damage was done and I remember celebrating until they returned and in 2002, it was determined that surgery was necessary. After the surgery, I spent the next year writing columns focused on females, specifically younger women; telling them things I wished I had been told when I was growing up. Hopefully I made a difference in someone’s life then, today and the days in between. As each day passes I have been committed to making those who prayed for me proud that I made
it out of surgery and back into the world. Through the efforts of many, maybe, just maybe fewer women will have to go under the knife and suffer the many symptoms and discomforts associated with fibroid tumors. This July, I hope you will join me, and others, in learning and sharing more about fibroids. Plan to attend the Self-Care Fair, Saturday, July 16, 2022 at 11a.m., at After 8 to Educate (Fannie C. Harris Youth Center) 4212 E. Grand Avenue in Dallas. There are also events throughout the month. Just log on to https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/dallas-self-care-fair-texas-fibroidawareness-month-tickets368394867967?aff=ebdssbeac.
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