Texas Metro News 6-9-22

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Groundbreaking held for

Black Music MY Month TRUTH Judge Charles R. Rose Community Park

By Cheryl Smith Dallas Artist Spotlight: Stay tuned...

Nia Simone Sometimes the best laid PUBLISHER

plans are disrupted. You can plan and mark your calendar, but then guess what? Life happens!

That’s right. You map out your life, sometimes in a vacuum and other times, with the help of friends or loved ones. It seems perfect, easy to achieve if you take certain steps.

It sounds easy and you are confident; that is…until life happens.

Which brings me to my truth.

I wasn’t trying to come up with something I planned to be doing into another century.

I was living for the moment.

I asked for friends to help me fulfill a need.

I had a mission: raise funds to help our youth go to college, participate in educational programs and grow.

First Chuck D of Public Enemy gave his support, followed by comedian Dick Gregory (who came almost every year prior to his death in 2017).

I'm talking about "Cheryl Smith's Don't Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-a-thon," usually held in June.

In addition to providing scholarships, internships and fellowships, we even bought a suit for a young man to wear to his high school graduation.

Can you imagine graduating with honors and not having anything to wear to the ceremony?

Well, the Don’t Believe the Hype Foundation has fulfilled similar needs for over 25 years.

In addition to funding trips to journalism conferences/ conventions from Seattle to D.C. and Milwaukee to Baton Rouge; a student in Sen. Royce West’s Dr. Emmett J. Conrad See MY TRUTH, page 13

By Eva D. Coleman

Lifestyle & Culture Editor

The Trust for Public Land and Dallas Parks and Recreation commemorated the start of construction for the Judge Charles R. Rose Community Park in the Highland Hills neighborhood Tuesday. The groundbreaking took place at the future home of Judge Charles R. Rose Community Park at 3200 Simpson Presentation made to Mrs. Charles Rose by Stuart Rd, Dallas, TX 75241, with family members and other dignitaries, Dallas City Councilman Tennell Atkins including Mayor Eric Johnson, and Judge Rose's daughter, State Rep. Toni Credit: Rose Family Rose in attendance.

In June, we celebrate Black Music Month. With Black music being the basis for music of all forms, it penetrates our ears yearround. There’s unmistakably no denying the influence. Oh, no.

Not at all!

Iotas Celebrating 85 Years of Service Iota Phi Lambda Sorority Inc., Psi Chapter, along with National President, Dorothy White; National President-Elect, Charlotte Berry; National Secretary, Tanesha E. Mosley; Southwestern Regional Director, Rosetta Davis; and Past National President, Lillian Parker; celebrated its 85th Anniversary at the Hilton Dallas Lincoln Centre.

Nia Simone

National President Dorothy White and past Psi Chapter President Daphne Hornbuckle

Iotas on the dance floor

reporters. According to Tulsa Deputy Police Chief Eric Dalgleish, the shooter was armed with a rifle and a handgun, though his identity hasn’t been identified.

Officers did, however, say that he is a “Black male.” Notably, it is legal to open carry a rifle in Oklahoma up until the moment someone uses it to kill.

Preston J. Phillips, MD is one of the few

When Revolt Summit 2021 “Be Heard” Talent Competition winner Nia Simone entered the room during a recent listening party in Dallas for her debut single, “Oh No, Not Me,” her petite frame did not match the vocal prowess later displayed. Her sultry and mature sound is grand, and had friends and supporters swaying and singing along.

“Oh No, Not Me” is an anthem of empowerment available on all music platforms. Nia Simone shared that she and her mentor Ms. Keiara collaborated on the title, which is from the song’s hook.

“It was just right to say, ‘Oh no, not me, this isn’t me,’” Nia Simone said. “I know who I am.

I know my worth.”

Nia’s father, Donald Thompkins known around Dallas-Fort Worth as DJ Don Juan, proudly served as the music maestro for

See TULSA MASS, page 7

See BLACK MUSIC MONTH, page 15

see more photos, page 10

Tulsa Mass Shooter Targeted Black Doctor at Saint Francis Medical Building

By Deon Osborne Associate Editor The Black Wall Street Times

A south Tulsa hospital descended into chaos last Wednesday evening after hundreds of Tulsa police officers responded to a mass shooting in which five people died, including the shooter, who police say was a “Black male estimated to be 35 to 40 years old” who

Dr. Stephanie Husen was among the victims

Shooter targeted Dr. Preston J. Phillips

killed himself after the shooting.

Around 4:56 p.m., officers arrived at the Natalie Medical Build-

ing on the Saint Francis hospital minutes after receiving a call that there was an active shooter, police told

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District 4 By Carolyn King Arnold

April 2022, Dallas home prices were up 12.6% compared to last year, yet Dallas has a severe shortage of housing, more to the point affordable housing.

Two stated City of Dallas housing goals; End a severe shortage of affordable housing and overcome patterns of segregation and concentrations of poverty” in Dallas.

A consulting firm, hired to shed light on this major concern stated; City leaders must take significant action and be prepared to spend “significant dollars” if they are serious about building adequate affordable housing and reducing “stark racial disparities” in housing for Dallas residents.

The City of Dallas has incor-

porated equity into its budgeting process, but money, a significant amount of money tied to an earnest commitment is needed to get residential housing below I-30, more directly in District 4 elevated to ground zero to get to the starting point of step one. To that end is “As We Are Now”. District 4 Affordable Living Opportunities Update; Home Repair Activity Update: The Home Improvement and Preservation Program (HIPP) continues to deliver rehabilitated and reconstructed houses throughout District 4, • 10 completed since 2021.

• 11 currently under construction.

• 8 of which are reconstructions.

• 7 more in the pre-construction phase.

Texas Heavenly Homes Development: In the Tenth Street Historic District, the American Rescue

3

Infrastructure: • Phase1: 1.5-million- dollar infrastructure has officially been completed on Denley, May Hall and Moore. This includes new lighting, sidewalks, broadband to activate the housing development and properties being pulled out of the flood zone.

• Phase 2: Currently in process, public works and notice has been submitted. The next step is procurement to obtain a contractor.

• Construction is expected to start in Fall 2022.

• Phase 3: Now in motion, public works will start working with the engineers.

As We Are Now OUR VOICES

• June 9 - June 15, 2022

Plan Neighborhood Revitalization Program (ARPA) has begun.

(The Bottom) • 4 homes have been completed and sold.

• 2 of the homes are affordable, per the agreement signed in 2021.

• 8 of the 10 THH has submitted permits for addresses in Phase I • 5 addresses have received approval.

• 3 are in process.

• 2 lots that are pending per-

mit submission.

• 1 Home has been constructed and closed.

• 4 Homes have been constructed, awaiting closing.

Golden S.E.E.D.S. Development: • Construction to start June 13th on 11 total properties allocated under phase1.

• 4 lots are awaiting final permits.

• 4 lots are addressing floodplain concerns.

Affordable housing isn’t a luxury it’s a must on District 4’s way toward improving our quality of life. This is a brief overview of what’s taking place in District 4.

My next article will address the more than $7.9-million dollars in federal funds approved for a planned affordable housing community.

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

West: Senate Special Committee must consider common-sense gun regulations

Last Wednesday, June 1, State Senator Royce West (D-Dallas) was appointed to the newly formed Texas Senate Special Committee to Keep All Texans Safe by Texas Lt. Governor Dan. Patrick.

The Special Committee, created by the Lt. Governor at the request of Texas Governor Greg Abbott, is charged with examining issues surrounding school safety in the wake of the deadly Robb Elementary School massacre in Uvalde, Texas, during which 19 innocent children and two fourth grade teachers were brutally gunned down by an 18-year-old, using a military-grade, assault rifle.

He thanked the Lt. Gov. for his appointment to the Select Committee, while challenging fellow senators and committee members to look past ideological differences and make a serious effort to examine all causes and factors that

contribute to mass shootings.

"It is imperative that we have an honest discussion as it relates to the intent of the 2nd Amendment, now within the context of military-styled assault rifles that are in the hands of civilians; and too many times in the hands of those who should not have them," said Senator West.

"Other areas that should be explored include mandatory cooling-off periods before the completion of certain firearms purchases and the fact that the majority of Texans and Americans support universal background checks.

"Further, the hardening of schools alone is not a panacea for preventing the loss of lives connected to school shootings," he West said. "Without a discussion about common-sense gun regulations, my concern is that we will issue a report that does little to provide guidance as we head into

the 2023 Legislative Session and more importantly, does even less to make parents feel they can safely send their children to school or have the freedom to frequent the

Sen. Royce West

public venues that's ingrained into all our lives."

Sen. West, formerly a Chief Felony Prosecutor for Dallas County, authored a bill to ban assault weapons during his first Legislative Session in 1993. He has been

an advocate for common-sense gun regulations for nearly 30 years, writing and supporting bills that require trigger locks, would close gun show loopholes and prohibit straw purchases of guns for people who cannot legally buy them. Mental health, along with school security, he adds, are rightly component parts of a healthy discussion with the inherent goal to protect all Texans but should not define its limits.

"Mental health, another issue that I have worked on for years, must be part of the dialogue, including addressing the mental health needs of students who have been removed from the classroom for behavioral problems and those with truancy issues," Senator West said, noting that classroom removals and truancy are known early indicators of possible mental health issues among students.

According to the senator, fund-

ing currently included in the state budget also needs to be evaluated for its effectiveness, including those expended as part of the School Safety Allotment and for the Texas School Safety Center.

"While funding has been appropriated by the Legislature for hardening schools, it still may require voters to approve bonds for the additional security measures to be put in place," Sen. West said.

"School safety, target hardening and mental health dialogue absent earnest discussion about the role that the proliferation of guns has in our society will not get us to a solution that will help ensure the safety of students and school personnel."

The senator said he is looking forward to having discussions with fellow Committee members and colleagues, "Our mission must put politics aside and focus on saving lives."

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Ali – The Greatest - Round One “What’s My Name?”

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, thoughtprovoking, informative and liberating thoughts on these pages!!!

I am the greatest. I said that before I even knew I was.

– Muhammad Ali 1967 was turning to face spring and three impressionable boys were fully engaged. Me, Michael Jackson and Prince were all around eight. James Brown had the three of us dancing to a new smash hit; “Papa’s got a Brand New Bag.” Meanwhile a potent hurricane was predicted for Houston, Texas.

This “pretty” poet/pugilist selfnamed Muhammad Ali publicly rejected his government name, Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr.

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Publisher : Cheryl Smith Editor: editor@myimessenger.com

Address: 320 S.R.L. Thornton Freeway Suite 100 Dallas, Tx 75203 Website: www.texasmetronews.com Phone: 214-941-0110

CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back.

Later, I learned that Clay was named for a powerful and prestigious abolitionist. His parents plotted to emblazon destiny on young Cassius’s conscience by naming him for greatness. B But Ali realized that he could not call himself “The Greatest” with a carefully selected “slave name.”

1967 was a year of wonderment for me. The Vietnam War was televised and I was petrified that I might someday be drafted. The War, though I studied it intimately and daily, was confusing as I had it proffered to me by Walter Cronkite.

If all of Vietnam was a hazardous battleground, what was a “Demilitarized Zone?”

So peace is possible, but the body bag business is booming?

Nothing made much sense to me after JFK was killed three miles from my front door…

Nothing!!

I switched channels to find sportscaster Howard Cosell; a man whom I admired and trusted for one reason…Cosell defended fully the rights of the former Cassius Marcellus Clay to be called

whatever the hell he wanted.

Be leery of the “America the paradise” historians who will whitewash Ali and recast him as some sort of candy-assed, highly cele-

brated conformist, ready-made for a “Wheaties” box. Ali didn’t earn that coveted cereal-box cameo until 1999, after the Olympic torch.

Before Ali became an “acceptable Negro,” most White folks and a lot of Negroes hated him. To this

crowd his first names were uppity, loudmouth, troublemaking and a few other invectives, but they all agreed that his surname was Nigger.

From Clay to Ali, he grew up in an environment that was hostile, hurtful and humiliating to his race. Save that Kumbaya ‘ish!

Black America’s eyes and ears affixed on Houston, Texas. More ears than eyes because televisions were a middle-class luxury. Houston rocketed to fame by landing NASA. Ali’s outspoken arrogance would be tested at the “8th Wonder of the World; The Astrodome.” The Astrodome was the first enclosed football arena and earned Houston a significant amount of tourism.

Muhammad Ali entered the ring intent on delivering a resounding ass-whipping to his opponent and his haters. He paced the ring keeping constant eye contact.

He looked at six-foot-six inch Ernie Terrell like he was a midget.

During the pre-fight hype, Terrell mocked the name change, curry-

ing favor with Whites and Black Christians who despised Ali, Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam.

But watching, I thought Terrell had talked about Ali’s mama. In our community “The Dozens” will get you hurt quickly and seriously; with or without gloves and a protective cup.

Throughout the contest I could see Ali constantly mouthing something to Terrell, but couldn’t make it out. Camera angles and close-ups were not nearly as refined then, but Ali allowed him to stay conscious long enough to finish this speech he was spitting.

A few days later I learned that the whole while he brutalized Terrell, he was asking him “What’s my name? What’s my name boy?

Terrell finally had to say his name. My middle daughter, Alison was named partially for Ali, because the name Ali means “Greatness” around the world.

Ali is “The Greatest” because he named it and claimed it. Ali made Black beautiful and us proud and was the progenitor of a movement.

Ali whipped his non-believers and made them acquiesce. Greatness requires bearing the sacrifices that come with your beliefs.

BTW…What’s your name?

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

‘What Are We Doing?’

OUR VOICES

By Marian Wright Edelman The funerals for the 10 Black community members who were murdered while grocery shopping in Buffalo on May 14 are not even over — but it happened again.

This time, children. Thursday should have been the last day of school and the start of summer vacation for teachers and students at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.

Instead, on May 24, 19 fourth graders and two of their beloved

Credit: kat wilcox on Pexels.com

teachers were shot to death in their classroom. They were murdered by a shooter who had legally purchased two AR-style rifles and 375 rounds of ammunition starting on May 17, the day after his 18th birthday. As our colleagues at the Children’s

Defense Fund-Texas put it, “The only thing extraordinary about yesterday’s tragedy in Uvalde is how ordinary it is.” What a shameful indictment of our nation’s failure to act and protect children.

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.)

struck a chord with millions of Americans as he spoke passionately on the Senate floor hours after the shooting. Sen. Murphy was the Congressman representing Newtown, Connecticut when 20 first graders and six adults were shot to death at Newtown’s Sandy Hook Elementary School in December 2012, so he is no stranger to responding to indescribable tragedies. He is also no stranger to watching many of his colleagues respond to gun tragedies by defiantly refusing to take action to protect children, not guns. On Tuesday, Senator Murphy asked all of them: “What are we doing?”: “Just days after a shooter See WHAT ARE WE DOING, page 7

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The Definition of Insanity

FAITHFUL UTTERANCES

By Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew

I’ll never forget an uncle of mine who was just different.

He lived in the world on his own terms. For many, he was eccentric. Despite some of his interesting clothing choices and his nomadic ways, he was someone I adored. I didn’t see him regularly but when he did show up for a visit, it was always a treat to hear a colorful story that for some would be make believe but for me, it was an opportunity to learn more about this relative who was not traditional by any standards.

He always so loving and supportive even when he shared stories about his pursuit of an-

gels and gold. At the time, mental health wasn’t something so prevalent and because we didn’t have the language to understand his condition, he was always labeled as crazy. I was never embarrassed of him because in being embarrassed, I was basically taking ownership for his life and decisions knowing I didn’t have the ability to change him. I loved my uncle dearly because of who he was.

It wasn’t until later in life that I began to understand that his way of life often caused conflict for others. They wanted him to be something he couldn’t become. He was never going to get a professional career as a banker, but his odd jobs allowed him to take care of himself and live in a house he owned. I remember other relatives placing a standard on him of what they thought he could be if he only did x, y, or z. They

were frustrated and yet, their feelings never changed my uncle, never changed who he was or the life he chose. It was ultimately a waste of energy, but it was also an unwillingness to accept that everyone is not the same. Having those expectations of others is unfair to them but also to ourselves because we don’t get to enjoy who they are because of a false narrative we’ve created about who they should/could/would be.

It's interesting that we serve a God who created all types of people who are different in so many vast ways. God never saw diversity as a problem and yet, as humans, we are constantly on this rampage of trying to diminish others, find ways to categorize people as other to make ourselves feel more important, special, or elevated.

When God created the earth and everything in it, he saw that

it was good: “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). It would be wonderful if we allowed ourselves to see the good in others instead of always finding fault, focusing on what’s wrong, and trying to assimilate people into becoming what we think is best. Condemnation is dangerous. It creates an opportunity for us to believe that we are better than others and to develop a standard based on our thinking. If we are not careful, we will identify what’s wrong with everyone else instead of taking the time to see our own faults, failures, and limitations. We become what Jesus said about the Pharisees: “whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness” (Matt. 23:27) We become hypocrites and not of any use to those we are around.

We end up leading with judgement instead of love.

Strangely enough, we do this to God. We place unrealistic expectations not only on others but on who God is and should be in our lives based on our limited lens and life experience. When you choose to make your view so small, you also limit God from becoming huge in your life and the life of others. Changing ourselves is difficult. It’s insane that we then want to change people to become like us. Allowing God to be in control is the key. We would have a lot more peace and joy in our lives if we allowed God to be in charge instead and yet, we keep doing it.

Now, that is truly the definition of insanity.

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

Summer Vacation, Reconsidered THE LAST WORD

By Dr. Julianne Malveaux Students everywhere are anticipating, or already experiencing, their summer vacation.

It means freedom from daily classes and the opportunity to break, “chill,” and perhaps attend a summer program for many.

We know, however, that there is knowledge erosion over the summer, especially for students who don’t continue to read or learn. Race matters here. Lower-income parents often can’t afford summer programs.

In other cases, they count on older children to be caretakers for their younger siblings, which means they may have to forego opportunities for continued learning.

There are year-round learning or staggered learning opportunities in a few school districts. However, students

are “off” from late May or early June to August or September.

Some parents aggressively seek summer programs to keep their children intellectually engaged. Others face significant barriers to keeping their children involved in the learning process.

Parents must be encouraged to find summer learning experiences for their children. More importantly, we need to reconsider this notion of summer without learning.

Some schools assign summer reading lists, but to the extent that learning is interactive, reading in a vacuum may not be optimal for enhancing education. It’s better than nothing, but why such a low bar? Why aren’t school districts more forcefully providing summer opportunities?

The achievement gap is real, and it starts before children are enrolled in school and continues through higher education.

Upon preschool enrollment, data (sometimes disputed) suggest that young white children are exposed to 30 million more words than young Black

students. Other exposure gaps are cultural (who goes to museums, cultural performances, or libraries), physical (involvement in sports), and social.

These gaps show up when students take standardized tests or are measured against prevailing cultural “norms.”

Learning has to be both yearround and lifelong. This isn’t just about students but also about the adults who guide them.

When was the last time you read a book, checked out a museum, or expanded your horizons? You can’t encourage your children to be lifelong learners unless you are one yourself.

Still, it is time for us to think about these summer vacations.

The notion of having summer off comes from an agricultural model where young people had the summer off to help their parents harvest crops.

With the number of family farms plummeting, children aren’t needed to work in agriculture. From my perspective, they are needed to be in classrooms, libraries and museums.

Rethinking education means

spending money, though, and as our national student body has become more diverse, there seems to be less interest in spending money on education.

Higher-income parents can pay for the supplemental education programs that their children need. Lower-income parents scramble for opportunities and have to balance their economic situation with their children’s learning needs.

There are lots of objections to reconsidering summer vacations. Parents with several students worry about coordinating schedules if calendars are changed, and different children are off at different times.

Teachers, who savor their summers off, wonder about the financial implications of a more extended school year.

And culturally, we are all used to the model of “summer off,” and it will take some adjustment to change that.

Other countries do more with education and achieve better results. Nearly everyone (98%) 15-24 years old in Costa Rica can read.

That country spends 8% of its GDP on education, compared to 6.4% in the United States.

Worldwide, students spend between 175 and 220 days a year in school, with the United States hovering at the lower end, with about 180 days a year.

Our K-12 education is often lacking, especially for students of color. Why aren’t more people speaking up more forcefully about educational access?

The hybrid education introduced by COVID could be a model for summer education.

At the very minimum, it provides us with some of the alternatives we need to consider if our nation is educationally competitive.

The traditional model isn’t working, and it exacerbates the achievement gap. If we genuinely believe that “children are our future,” we must reconsider the concept of a two- or threemonth summer vacation and implement year-round learning.

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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Biden’s Executive Order on Policing a Necessary Step Forward TO BE EQUAL

By Marc Morial “Our criminal justice system must respect the dignity and rights of all persons and adhere to our fundamental obligation to ensure fair and impartial justice for all. This is imperative — not only to live up to our principles as a Nation, but also to build secure, safe, and healthy communities. Protecting public safety requires close partnerships between law enforcement and the communities it serves. Public safety therefore depends on public trust, and public trust in turn requires that our criminal justice system as a whole embodies fair and equal treatment, transparency, and accountability.” — President Biden, Executive Order on Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety In the two years since Minneapolis police murdered George Floyd, police have killed more than 2,000 people in the United States — even more in 2021 than in 2020. Black Americans remain nearly three times as likely as whites to be killed by police.

Yet many in Congress still refuse to act.

President Biden’s executive

order on policing, issued on the anniversary of Floyd’s murder, incorporates several elements of 21 Pillars for Redefining Public Safety and Restoring Community Trust, the National Urban League’s own plan for enhancing public safety and restoring trust between communities and law enforcement.

The executive order, which directly affects about 100,000 federal law enforcement officers, sets forth a model for state and local law enforcement agencies and uses carrots and sticks and incentives to encourage those agencies to make the same kind of reforms. It represents a measure of meaningful change and a critical acknowledgment of the pervasive systemic racism that has shattered the trust between police and communities of color.

But it is no substitute for the broad federal legislation we have sought, or for the full implementation of our 21 Pillars in every community across the nation.

On June 9, I’ll join Gwen Grant, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, for the latest stop in our 21 Pillars Tour, which already has included events in Louisville, Kentucky, Columbus, Ohio, and Chicago.

In each of these cities, trust between the police and the communities they serve was broken. In Louisville, the officers who shot and killed Breonna Taylor in a botched raid

escaped consequences after prosecutors misled a grand jury. In Columbus, police used physical violence, tear gas and pepper spray against peaceful protesters without provocation in what a federal judge called “the sad tale of officers, clothed with the awesome power of the state, run amok.” A recent study of Chicago Police found that their misconduct is a group

vation of life, dignity, trust, and safer communities: collaboration, accountability, changing divisive policies, transparency, and elevated standards for hiring and training police. The Tour is aimed at familiarizing communities with the plan’s objectives, amplify the issues and concerns relevant in each city, and advocate for policy solutions.

President Joe Biden signs an executive order on police reform in the East Room of the White House on May 25, 2022, the second anniversary of George Floyd's death.

phenomenon, involving more than 1,000 “deviant, even criminal” officers, that inflict outsized harm in communities of color.

And in Kansas City, officers are accused of excessive and deadly force against Black and Brown Kansas Citians, constitutional violations, and discriminatory patterns and practices.

The 21 Pillars centers on five key themes that are fundamental to the protection and preser-

With the incorporation of several elements of the 21 Pillars into President Biden’s executive order, the plan already is having an impact. Key provisions of the order include: • Bans on chokeholds and carotid restraints by federal law enforcement officers except where deadly force is authorized. (Pillar 10) • New federal standards and training for use of force. (Pil-

lars 4, 9, and 20) • Restrictions on the use of noknock entries by federal law enforcement officers. (Pillar 10) • Creation of national law enforcement accountability database. (Pillar 14) • Requirement for the use and activation of body-worn cameras by federal officers, and policies that provide for expedited release of footage. (Pillar 15) • New models and federal funding available to innovate new responses to persons in crisis, as an alternative to police intervention (Pillars 4, 9, and 21) • Restrictions on the transfer of the weapons of war to police departments (Pillar 12) • New screening and training tools to counter bias, and strengthen investigations of law enforcement agencies that violate civil rights … so that all persons can have faith and confidence in the equity and fairness of the criminal justice system (Pillars 18, 19, 20, and 21) Social parity, economic empowerment, and civil rights cannot be achieved in a world of unjust policing.

President Biden’s Executive Order, guided by the principles outlined in 21 Pillars, can be the basis for safer, more effective, and community-centered law enforcement across the nation.

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

National NAACP Lynches Its Own OUR VOICES

By Dr. John E. Warren A “lynching” has been defined as the illegal killing of a person or persons without due process of law. While most of the lynchings in America have been racial terrorism in nature, with Whites killing Black men, women, and children by this method, it appears that the National NAACP (National

Association For the Advancement of Colored People), has moved from fighting such illegal actions to committing them against their own members. According to the Justice Coalition, a coalition of NAACP members seeking redress of the issues of the National Organization illegally taking over branches and state organizations, the National Organization has taken action against no less than 52 branches, chapters, and individuals throughout the country.

Recently, the second president of the City of San Diego NAACP Branch was suspended

for a three-year period.

The reason given, “She didn’t put the Nationally appointed Administrator of the Branch on the bank accounts”, even though no reason was actually given in

writing for the receivership, as required by the National organization’s Constitution and Bylaws. Where there was the filing of a complaint, there was supposed to be a statement of the allegations and the opportunity to respond. This was not done.

Members protested, just as they have done in other states, but to no avail.

It appears that the motivating force is to get hands on whatever dollars have been raised, regardless of the volunteers and tireless hours contributed by local members in support of the organization as a whole.

During this whole period of allegations, the San Diego Branch and members of the community repeatedly asked the national office for a list of charges and the opportunity to respond, upon learning of the appointment of the Administrator. There was mention of a special election when no formal complaints were filed within the Constitutional requirements of time, following the last election.

The now former Branch President and Executive Committee members met with the AdminSee NATIONAL NAACP, Page 13

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cont. from page 1

Black doctors in Tulsa compared to the number of White doctors, in a city that orchestrated a massacre against Black residents of Greenwood and the destruction of Tulsa’s only Black hospital in 1921.

Since the shooter is also Black, many have questioned why The Black Wall Street Times mentioned his race. Considering the widespread racial disparities in Tulsa, in Oklahoma, and in the nation, the loss of even one Black doctor is felt keenly in the Black community.

Tulsa Police have released the identities of the deceased: Dr. Preston J. Phillips, Dr. Stephanie Husen, receptionist supervisor Amanda Glenn and William Love were killed. The shooter shot and killed himself following the attack.

According to Tulsa Police Chief Wendell Franklin, who spoke with CBS News, the gunman had recently undergone back surgery and called the clinic repeatedly complaining of the pain. Dr. Preston performed the surgery.

“We have also found a letter on the suspect which made it clear that he came in with the intent to kill Dr. Phillips and anyone who got in his way,” Franklin said. “He blamed Dr. Phillips for the ongoing pain following the surgery.”

According to City Councilor

Jayme Fowler, who represents the district in which Saint Francis resides, the shooter entered the hospital and allegedly told multiple people to clear the area and that he was looking for a Dr. Philips.

“The shooter could not find this physician, and that elicited, you know, his behavior at the shootings,” Fowler told CNN. Elected officials release statements Meanwhile, police roughly 50 miles away in Muskogee, Oklahoma say a bomb threat at a home there is connected to the Tulsa mass shooting at Saint Francis.

According to 2 News Oklahoma: The Muskogee Police Department says they got a tip from Tulsa police about the possible bomb on Park Place North near Country Club. Investigators did not find an explosive device but the home is still a subject of the investigation.

Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum arrived on the scene of the shooting in Tulsa Wednesday evening and asked for the community to pray for and support the victims, their families, and hospital staff, calling the hospital workers “heroes.”

Oklahoma Republican Governor Kevin Stitt, who signed a bill in 2019 that allowed for

What are we doing? cont. from page 4

walked into a grocery store to gun down African American patrons, we have another Sandy Hook on our hands. What are we doing? There were more mass shootings than days in the year. Our kids are living in fear every single time they set foot in the classroom because they think they’re going to be next. What are we doing? Why do you spend all this time running for the United States Senate? Why do you go through all the hassle of getting this job, of putting yourself in a position of authority, if your answer is that as the slaughter increases, as our kids run for their lives, we do nothing. What are we doing? Why are you here if not to

solve a problem as existential as this? This isn’t inevitable. These kids weren’t unlucky. This only happens in this country. And nowhere else. Nowhere else do little kids go to school, thinking that they might be shot that day.

Nowhere else do parents have to talk to their kids as I have had to do about why they got locked into a bathroom and told to be quiet for five minutes just in case a bad man entered that building. Nowhere else does that happen except here in the United States of America. And it is a choice. It is our choice to let it continue . . .

“What are we doing? Why are we here? What are we doing?”

What are we doing? Poli-

residents to buy a gun without a permit, also released a statement on Wednesday.

“What happened today in Tulsa is a senseless act of violence and hatred. Sarah and I are praying for the families of those who lost their lives and for those who were injured. I am grateful for the quick and brave actions of the Tulsa Police Department and other first responders who did their best to contain a terrible situation. I have offered Mayor G.T. Bynum any state resources that may be needed, and I ask all Oklahomans to come together in support of the Saint Francis Health System community and to grieve with those whose lives have been forever changed.”

Assault-style weapon purchased on same day of shooting Oklahoma clearly has some of the most relaxed gun laws in the nation. The assault-style weapon found on the scene was purchased the same day of the shooting, three federal sources briefed on the situation said.

The handgun was purchased on May 29. Both the rifle and the handgun were classified as semiautomatic weapons.

“It was just madness inside, with hundreds of rooms and hundreds of people trying to get out of the building,” Tulsa police Capt. Richard Meulenberg said.

On the federal level, President ticians who immediately say things like “now is not the time to politicize this” almost inevitably actually mean “it will never be the time.” Too many of these leaders have no intention of taking any steps to prevent this.

They do not want to act. They are not going to stand up to the gun lobby. They are not willing to protect children instead of guns.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz had both been scheduled to join former President Donald Trump among the featured speakers for the National Rifle Association (NRA)’s national convention in Houston on May 27. In 2015, Governor Abbott said on Twitter: “I’m EMBARRASSED: Texas #2 in nation for new gun purchases, behind CALIFORNIA. Let’s pick up the pace Texans.”

Following the mass shootings at a Texas church in 2017, a Tex-

Biden has recently tried to combat gun violence by targeting the purchases and sales of ghost guns, unserialized and untraceable firearms that can be bought online and assembled at home.

It’s unclear, however, if any current federal law or executive order would’ve prevented this latest mass shooting.

The White House released a statement on Wednesday: “President Biden has been briefed on the shooting in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The White House is closely monitoring the situation and has reached out to state and local officials to offer support.”

The mass shooting at Tulsa’s Saint Francis medical complex comes amidst over a dozen mass shootings around the country since a gunman killed 19 children and several adults

O God, forgive our rich nation where toddlers and school children die from guns sold quite legally.

O God, help us never to confuse what is quite legal with what is just and right in Your sight. as high school in 2018, and the back-to-back mass shootings in El Paso and the Midland-Odessa area in August 2019, Texas lawmakers responded by making it easier rather than harder to buy and carry guns in their state.

Texas has now been the site of four of the nation’s 10 deadliest mass shootings, including the deadliest mass shooting at a place of worship, the deadliest mass shooting at a military institution, and, after the murders

at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas on May 24, just one week prior.

Saint Francis released a statement Wednesday evening asking for prayers: Saint Francis Health System is grieving the loss of four members of our family. As a faith based organization, the only recourse we have at this moment is to pray while we navigate this tragedy.

Out of respect for the families, we are not commenting on or releasing names of those lost or injured at this time.

We are sincerely thankful for the quick response by the Tulsa Police Department, first responders and EMS agencies. And, our deepest gratitude extends to the members of our own Saint Francis family who cared for their own during this incident.

of these 19 children and their teachers, the second deadliest school shooting. Does this make Governor Abbott proud? Or will this shooting finally be enough to lead some of our elected politicians to new choices?

Gun violence is now the leading cause of death for children and teens in our nation. A child or teen is killed with a gun every two hours in America. More preschoolers under 5 are killed with guns than police officers in the line of duty each year. In a nation where nearly all voters support common-sense gun safety legislation like universal background checks and two-thirds of voters support a nationwide ban on the sale of assault weapons, it doesn’t have to be this way.

What are we doing?

Edelman is founder and president emerita of the Children’s Defense Fund.

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Dallas Southern Pride has added 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. and will be held at Amplified (10262 Technology Blvd E, Dallas, Texas)

18

1889: Hattie McDaniel, stage and screen actress

22-25 National Newspaper Publishers Association Annual Convention, New Orleans, celebrating 195 years of the Black Press.

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.

10

NTheknow’ Presents The Cigar Lovers Friday Mixer at 5pm @ TK’s in Addison, 14854 Montfort Drive

11

The Ultimate Holistic Festival 2022, Mind Body Spirit at Armstrong Park, 100 James Collins Blvd. in Duncanville. Sponsored by the Global Holistic Movement and you can reach them at theultimateholisticfestival@ gmail.com. For more info, www.Globalholisticmovement.org

African American Museum’s 33rd Texas Invitational Black Rodeo at Fair Park Coliseum, Tickets on sale $10 and up

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The Juneteenth Tennis Exhibition has family fun for everyone. The second annual event will be held at Kiest Tennis Center in Dallas.

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Happy Father’s Day Happy Juneteenth

Red Bird Lane, Dallas. For more info, contact Bro. Michael Dade or Bro. Abron Young ThetaMuSigma1914@gmail.com

25 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.

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

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.

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Taste of Dallas -- Taste Tour - Friday 12:00pm to 9:00pm, Saturday 11:00am to 9:00pm and Sunday 11:00am to 8:00pm at Dallas Market Hall, 2200 North Stemmons Frwy, Dallas, TX 75207 Locally Crafted, an all-inclusive, 21+ yrs and older only, limited ticket culinary sampling experience featuring 50+ craft brews & wines from Pegasus City Brewing, Turning Point Beer, Manhattan Project Beer Co., Matchbook Wine, Reddy Vineyards, and more complemented with delicious tasting from favorites like The Mitchell, La Onda, Nuri Grill, Meso Maya, Will Call Bar, Grazing Locally with Amor Y Queso and much more.

12

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

18

Line up at 5000 Dolphin in Dallas. Ride ends at Kiest Park.

A complimentary respite for the Brothas, courtesy of Litehouse 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.

19 Juneteenth and Father’s Day Nick Cannon Presents: MTV Wild N OUT, Dos Equis Pavillian, Dallas

starts at 7p.m.

Black Violin: Impossible Tour

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

GUNAA-Metro DFW Chapter presents A Day at the Races with special guests: GSU President Rick Gallott, Athletic Director Dr. Trayvean Scott and Head Coach Hue Jackson, 1-6:30 pm at Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie, 1000 Lone Star Parkway. www.gsumetrodfw.com

Elite Experience Events

14

7 PM – 10 PM Stand-Up Comedy and R&B show* From $19 · Arlington Music Hall

16 AT&T Performing Arts Center presents An Evening with

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.

9

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

Texas Black Invitational Rodeo at the Fair Park Coliseum, 1438 Coliseum Drive.

Doors open at 6p.m. and Rodeo

Melanin Manifest Presents: Pull Up and Register to Vote Brunch, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM 4 The Culture Studio, 115 N Carroll Ave, Dallas, TX 75226 Free event with Brunch, Live poetry and 3 DJs. https://www.melaninmanifestival.com/events/pull-up-andregister-to-vote-brunch

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Dallas Juneteenth Festival

Black Music Month LGBTQ+ Pride Month 10

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

4pm

CITY MEN COOK

at African American Museum

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

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.

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Iotas Celebrating 85 Years of Service

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MetroNews 11 “Just Pray About It”-Changing the Narrative around Mental Health in the Black Community WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM

By Chante Gamby Contributing Writer

While May is Mental Health Awareness month, many people are not aware of what mental health is, and why it is important to each person, family, and community. According to SAMHSA’s 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, “Sixteen percent (4.8 million) of Black and African American people reported having a mental illness, and 22.4 percent of those (1.1 million people) reported a serious mental illness over the past year”.

People not included in this count can include those who experience mental health issues but lack a diagnosis due to lack of access to mental health services and also those who feel like they need to stay silent about their mental health due to the stigma of mental health in the black community.

While we may not know the actual number of people in the black community who live with a mental illness, we can understand why so many African-Americans may experience a threat to balance within their mental health. Recent studies have shown that it is highly predictable that blacks will experience some type of mental health

distress due to trauma and the many forms that may take, such as systemic racism, generational trauma, etc.

However, because mental health is sometimes seen as a weakness within the black community, many individuals find themselves in a space of trying to figure out how to deal with it on their own, from emotional eating, alcoholism, and drug use, to name a few, which may further exacerbate both mental health and physical health issues.

So, how do we address this? First, it is important to understand what mental health is. Mental health is comprised of our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It impacts how we perceive ourselves and the world around us.

It also impacts how we communicate socially, inclusive of work, family, and church contexts. In this context, every human has mental health, just as we all have physical health-mental health does not mean mental illness.

Like physical health, when our mental health is properly attended to, we often tend to feel a sense of overall satisfaction within our lives.

It does not mean that life is no

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longer stressful, but we find that the stress is manageable and does not overwhelm us. We can make decisions about our lives with a sense of clarity and are also able to enjoy certain aspects of our lives.

We are also able to create and sustain mutually supportive relationships and a sense of purpose in our lives.

When our mental health is ignored, it can lead to illness, which can often be seen within the sustained conflict in relationships, difficulty in making decisions in one’s life, and lead to an overall dissatisfaction with our lives.

This illness can come from multiple sources such as genetics, trauma, etc., just like a physical health illness. For some, it can also lead to death.

So, what can we do about this?

To begin with, we need to challenge common messages about mental health in our communities.

While spirituality is an important part of maintaining mental health, telling someone that they should “just pray about it” is not enough. Typically, we don’t just pray when we have a physical health ailment and believe that it will miraculously go away.

Instead, we engage in lifestyle changes, take medication if needed, and seek additional support from professionals. Similarly, our mental health may require those steps as well.

If you feel like your mental health is suffering, reach out to mental health organizations such as Therapy for Black Girls, Therapy for Black Men, and Innopsych to talk to a mental health professional.

Secondly, search for spaces that normalize mental health.

Organizations such as Chicago-based Coffee, Hip-Hip and Mental Health (CHHMH) and the Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM) regularly hold events where you can go and learn about mental health so that you can define mental health for yourself, and find support from others. Spaces like these can also help you create change that can help you maintain your mental health, such as exercising, journaling,

• June 9 - June 15, 2022

and engaging in other self-care activities.

Finally, start to build your own healthy support team. Let people know how they can support you and consider asking them how they might like to be supported.

If you find that you do not have anyone that you feel safe discussing your mental health with, consider joining a support group.

Organizations like Safe Black Space offer healing circles to create black-centered support around cultural and racial trauma.

Above all, know that you are not alone.

The narrative around black mental health is changing as more of us are engaging in our own healing process and seeing the benefits of owning our mental health, instead of letting others define it for us.

Owning your own mental health means that you are creating your own narrative, which helps us heal and not only strengthen ourselves, but also our friends, families, businesses, and communities.

Chante’ Gamby is a writer passionate about social justice and empowering others to live their healthiest lives. You can follow her on Facebook at Fringefam, Instagram@ fringegram, or on her website, www. fringefam.com.

BIG MAMA SAID:

YOU NEED TO CALL A SPADE A SPADE AND END THE GAME! BLACK CARD

By Terry Allen If Lucille “Big Mama's Allen had lived her prime during this new digital season, then her rules of thumb taken out of her playbook would be trending every week.

It would be a bestseller.

Today, she would say, "My Baby Boy, (that is what she called me), be very aware of someone who appears helpful and belon-

ging but they are really very dangerous and powerful with no skin in the game. You have to call a spade a spade, baba” Lucille “Big Mama” Allen wanted us to know that no matter, that the Okey Doke is real. FYI, the term, "okey-doke," means some sort of trick, game, scam, attempt to fool, shortchange, deceive or mislead; which was re-popularized by President Obama. He had a Big Mama too!

She said to reduce the hidden agenda and call a spade and make sure you are dealing with individuals that have “skin in the game,” meaning dealing with those who have cultural history

and a vested interest and expertise.

Big Mama said that would reduce you from being swindled; hood-winked; backstabbed by hidden agendas or novices unaware of the impact of our culture and activity history.

Now you know that the mainstream's dictionary defines calling a spade a spade as to speak plainly without hidden and false pillars. But what happens when a perfectly direct phrase takes on a more indirect and disguised meaning over time?

To be clear in this reference, a spade was not an item in a deck of cards but a gardening tool.

That being stated, the early usages of the word "spade" did not refer to either race or skin color.

Yet in our intrinsic cultural experience, Politicians and commentators have also frequently used the expression. After returning to the United States after World War I, the scholar and civil rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois wrote in his famous 1919 editorial "Returning Soldiers" about the struggles of African American men: "We stand again to look America squarely in the face and call a spade a spade. We sing: This country of ours, despite all its better souls have done and

dreamed, is yet a shameful land."

In the late 1920s during the Harlem Renaissance, "spade" began to evolve into code for a Black person, according to Patricia T. O'Connor and Stewart Kellerman's book, Origins of the Specious: Myths and Misconceptions of the English Language.

The Oxford English Dictionary says the first appearance of the word spade as a reference to blackness was in Claude McKay's 1928 novel Home to Harlem.

In this new post-George Floyd moment we have created the new DEI teams in corporate America and they are denying See BIG MAMA SAID, Page 15

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National NAACP Lynches Its Own istrator. They provided answers to all questions raised.

No National response, nor response to months-long requests for a hearing until the Grievance Committee, just a few weeks ago, called President Maxwell to a hastily arranged hearing.

That hearing excluded local member observation for more than an hour before being told their presence would serve no useful purpose.

Mrs. Maxwell was subsequently notified that she has been suspended for three years because she did not put the Administrator’s name on the Branch checking account.

It is interesting that while Mrs. Maxwell’s pleas for Due Process went unanswered; the actions against the North Carolina NAACP Chapter resulted in a Parliamentary Opinion dated December 18, 2021, concerning the North Carolina state election of Officers on October 23, 2021. Please read the following

excerpt from that opinion: “Although the pandemic of COVID-19 initially led many to make exceptions to rules – we must also keep in mind that

Those affected by recent national NAACP actions. Photo: NAACP Justice Coalition Clearly, the San Diego Branch was not afforded the Due Pro-

that Mr. Johnson would ignore such concerns as those raised

by San Diego and other California Branches when one considers that he was brought under

Those affected by recent national NAACP actions.

democracy, dignity, and freedom must be upheld. Using the principles of the democratic processes to educate and take all lawful action to further these objectives include appeal, reconsideration, and repeal of rulings against democratic principles. Those actions must be explained when the organization” seems to counter its ideals.”

My Truth cont. from page 1

Leadership Program received a scholarship for the past 25 years — the Dr. Betty Shabazz Academic Excellence Scholarship— and aspiring journalists received over $50,000 between the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists scholarship program and Urban Journalism Workshop.

Usually our biggest fundraiser, the celebrity bowl-a-thon, is held in June and people from all over come to support.

With major corporate and community support this much-anticipated event was always a success. We are grateful to the “leaders,” celebs and media; as well as the community members who participated.

In spite of COVID-19, we have still awarded scholarships and provided internships.

Although we haven’t had the bowl-athon since 2019, we did have the Healthy Living Expo at the African American

Credit: NAACP Justice Coalition

cess being given to the North Carolina Branch, when the San Diego issue was supposedly already before the National Organization.

Letters and newspaper articles concerning the San Diego Branch were sent to the homes of all the National Board Members as well as Mr. Derrick Johnson, as National President.

It is especially interesting

Museum on Dr. Martin Luther King Day last January and we were able to provide scholarships through that effort.

I asked someone when were they going to open up a facility and they said “when COVID is over!”

I told them that would be a long time, because the way things are going, COVID is part of our reality as other epidemics have become.

Our communities have been in a state of pandemonium for a long, long time.

We must survive COVID-19 and we must continue working for our future.

As far as the Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-a-thon goes; we’re looking forward to gathering again, one day.

In the meantime, let’s continue supporting our youth. Please give today. I’m calling on everyone who cares about our future, all who have participated in the past, previous scholarship winners or benefactors, let’s all continue to lift as we climb!

And stay tuned right here because we will be inviting you back out again soon and we are prayerful that we will see your face in the place!

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scrutiny in 2013 by the Mississippi Secretary of State for the mingling of funds from his One Voice non-profit organization with that of the Mississippi State NAACP while he was State President.

That state audit revealed, according to documents made available at the time by then NAACP member Kathryn Perry, that Mr. Johnson’s 2012 Form

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cont. from page 6

990 for his One Voice charity, paid him $120,000 as Executive Director.

The audit also revealed that Johnson received $1.78 million in revenue but had an operating loss of $122,581. That same year, the organization spent $164,500 on travel; $548,684 on salaries; and $539,733 on consultants.

While reimbursements were supposedly made to clear things up, one must ask how Mr. Johnson went through this personal ordeal in Mississippi, yet he was not concerned about issues affecting his branch members as National President of the NAACP. It appears that now might be a good time for the national NAACP to take a close look at its leadership as well as its Board of Directors.

Today’s need for the NAACP at all levels of the organization is too great during these difficult times.

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

Ed Bell Construction Company An Equal Opportunity Employer June 1, 2022 Ed Bell Construction is a Dallas based heavy highway contractor doing business in the North Texas market since 1963. With clients such as TxDOT, Dallas County Public Works, and the Cities of Dallas, Fort Worth, Richardson, and Mansfield (plus many others), we have a strong backlog of work in the highway market locally.

We are currently hiring for the following positions: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Pipelayer (Underground) Dozer Operator (Earthwork) Roller Operator (Earthwork) Form Setter (Structures, Paving) Rough Terrain Crane Operator Boom Mobile Crane Operator (CDL) Motor Grader Operator (Earthwork) Concrete Finisher (Paving, Structures) Laborer (Earthwork, Underground, Paving) Loader Operator (Earthwork, Underground) Excavator Operator (Earthwork, Underground) CDL Drivers (Water Truck, Haul Truck, End Dump) Work Zone Barricade Servicer-must have DL and be bilingual with clear English

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Black Music Month Dallas Artist Spotlight: Nia Simone cont. from page 1 the listening party event, beaming with so much pride to play his daughter’s song. It was truly a family affair as Nia’s mother floated throughout the crowd, encouraging supporters to buy t-shirts emblazoned with “Oh No, Not Me” across the front. She watched as her daughter captivated the entire lounge area of Aloft Dallas Downtown.

“Nia’s been on stage all of her life and we just really affirmed her at a very young age, we realized, ‘This girl has something special, this is different,’” LaTara Thompkins said.

She spoke about recognizing Nia’s gift, supporting her vision and creativity, all while helping her remain grounded.

“One of the things that we’ve shared with Nia all of her life,

‘You don’t have to be on the red carpet to be walking in your gift.

There’s room for your gift. Your gift will make room for you,’” Ms. Thompkins said. “Just letting them realize everything isn’t about glitz and glam and teaching them how to be humble, grateful and thankful while supporting their direction and where they’re going.”

Nia Simone was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. Before capturing the attention of Diddy and many other industry greats, she found her stride at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts of which she is a proud graduate.

“Going to Booker T., collaborating with other artists, and even vocal teachers and private teachers; I knew this was what I wanted Artist Nia Simone with supporters and friends at Dallas listening party

Nia Simone's father Donald DJ Don Juan Thompkins

Nia Simone's mother LaTara Thompkins

Big Mama

cont. from page 11 the community a seat at the table again.

I have had many conversations with multiple veteran and crucial community leaders and organizations that are being denied a seat at the table because with the new DEI leadership who mostly do not have, as PR pro Pam Purifoy would say, “no skin in the game,” are denying traditional and impactful initiatives.

They are refusing any continued engagement in pivotal partnerships and engagements that are masterfully branding unions between culture and commerce. Many culture-centric events and programs are being taken out of marketing consideration and placed in a DEI inbox to be denied.

So, what does all of this mean for people who want to, well, "call a spade a spade?"

I urge caution. Be aware of the false barriers and outcomes in the DEI movement.

BIG Mama is shaking her head!!

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

to do when I worked with other ensembles and different artists, and collaborating with them just made me realize, I want to do this forever,” Nia Simone said.

In speaking about challenges new artists face, The Clark Atlanta college sophomore advises those entering the industry to avoid seeking perfectionism.

“Everything is not going to be perfect. You’re going to have

to work on it, and, as much as they say practice makes perfect, it doesn’t, it just gets you better and better and better,” Nia Simone said. “Just try not to be such a perfectionist as an artist because you will eventually go through milestones and obstacles throughout your journey.”

While “Oh No, Not Me” is smooth and will have you proclaiming your value, Nia Simone

Photos: Eva D. Coleman

hopes the song inspires others to keep moving forward in remembrance of who they are.

“I hope they walk away feeling empowered, strong, knowing that they know their worth, they know who they are and just know they are worth everything,” she said.

Follow Nia Simone on instagram at real_niasimone, TikTok, YouTube and Twitter at realniasimone.

Free Summer Tech Program Seeks Dallas Teens

From Staff Reports

A technology program that teaches high school students STEM-based skills is coming to Dallas.

Charlotte-based Youth Technology Apprenticeship Cohort (YTAC) taught hundreds of students and recent high school graduates digital skills such as coding and video game design which has changed the course of their professional lives.

Many who have completed the program went on to land paid internships with major companies like Bank of America, Wells Fargo and LendingTree. Others were able to find employment

in select fields with starting salaries of $55,000 a year.

“YTAC has helped hundreds of high school kids from around the country see a new future,” said Tariq Bokhari, executive director of Carolina FinTech Hub, which runs YTAC. “This is about finding folks that don’t have opportunities

and getting them excited about a new door that once they open, they learn a whole new world exists.”

YTAC is in such demand, it’s expanding to 14 cit-

ies, including Dallas. High school students and recent graduates are encouraged to apply at https:// stiegleredtech.org/ytac.

The deadline is June 13.

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NOW BOARDING. Step aboard DART, and start your summer of travel on the right foot. We offer fast and convenient service to DFW International Airport and Dallas Love Field, every day of the week.

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