T E X A S
MetroNews DELIVERING NEWS YOU NEED
• Vol. 9 • Mar. 18 - 24, 2021
MY TRUTH By Cheryl Smith PUBLISHER
Rep. Sherman files legislation on transparency of catfish mislabeling Truth in advertising is important and it is time out for those merchants who play “dumb” as they serve an inferior and less expensive product; without passing on the savings to the consumer. In a conversation with State Representative Carl O. Sherman (D-109), the deception by businesses needed to be addressed. After all, how could the word “catfish” be in the name of your business and you don’t serve “catfish?”
Rep. Carl Sherman
Which brings me to my truth. This week, I received the following notice: “Next time you order catfish from a restaurant menu thank State Representative Carl O. Sherman (D-109) if House Bill 928 passes this legislative session. Rep. Sherman’s House Bill relates to the sale and identification of Swai fish, since currently restaurants are not required to label Swai fish; resulting in restaurant and food service providers many times mislabeling it as catfish. “I believe in the transparency of proper labeling in regard to the type of fish a consumer is beSee MY TRUTH, page 14
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Black Press Week focuses on
Black Businesses
Pluria Marshall Jr.
Considering the challenges facing Black Businesses and the Black Press as a result of COVID-19, the National Newspaper Publishers Association Fund Black Press Week will zero in on the theme “BLACK BUSINESS Challenges, Responsibilities, and Opportunities Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic.” The two-day virtual activities get underway on Thursday, March 18, and Friday, March 19, from 10 am – 12 noon. NNPA Fund Chair Pluria Marshall Jr., CEO of the Wave Publications based in California, said,
“As a business owner, I recognize the plight of Black businesses today from reducing expenses to generating payroll to managing the bottom-line. During Black Press Week, our objectives are to empower our community and our NNPA members with information that will give them insight into opportunities for funding and resources.” Reportedly, 40% of Blackowned businesses have closed their doors permanently as a result of the pandemic. The challenge now is to sustain the reSee BLACK PRESS, page 2
Brock, NABJ founder, transitions
Journalists are remembering National Association of Black Journalists founder Paul Brock, who transitioned Saturday morning at age 89. Brock played a pivotal role in bringing together the 44 men and women who founded NABJ. Legendary journalist and NABJ Founding President, Chuck Stone, once described Brock as the “Henry Kissinger of Black journalists” because of his outstanding talent at organizing. “Founder Brock played
Paul Brock
such an integral role in the success of NABJ,” said NABJ President Dorothy Tucker.
“His love, compassion, zeal, expertise and persevering spirit were always valued by the NABJ family. His long and fruitful career served as inspiration to many of us that hard work and commitment to community can open many doors.” A distinguished journalist, Paul was an only child, born in Washington, D.C., on February 10, 1932. After attending Howard University in Washington, D.C., Brock set out on his career path. See PAUL BROCK, page 5
Remembering Bishop Omar Jahwar Memorial service Friday, March 19 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Celebration Kay Bailey Hutchison of Life Convention Center 650 S. Griffin St., Saturday, March 20 Dallas, TX 75202 11 a.m. Concord Church 6808 Pastor Bailey Dr. Dallas, TX 75237
Inequities, racial biases called out in Southlake From Staff Reports
Atty. Royce West
Inequities and racial bias are cause for concern in Southlake Carroll independent School District (CISD) and citizens are speaking out. The Law Office of Atty. Royce West has issued a demand letter to the District Superintendent Dr. Lane Ledbetter and School Board President Michelle Moore demanding the adoption and implementation of the Carroll ISD Cultural Competence Action Plan (“CCAP”) or another mutually acceptable Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan. This action was taken on behalf of the Southlake concerned parents group CREED (Cultural and Racial Equity for Every Dragon). The Department of Justice has also been contacted regarding the ongoing issue of racial bias in the CISD. See SOUTHLAKE, page 10
George Floyd Family and House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-SC) receive NNPAF 2021 Newsmaker of the Year Award The National Newspaper Publishers Association Fund (NNPAF) BLACK PRESS WEEK will honor the George Floyd Family and House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-SC) with the Newsmaker Award for Leadership during its two-day virtual conference on Thursday, March 18 at noon. The NNPAF is honored to recognize the George Floyd Family
for their collective effort for social justice, and their leadership on the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act recently passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. Majority Whip James E Clyburn, a former publisher and the highest-ranking African American in Congress, will be awarded the Newsmaker of the Year Award for his pivotal role in galvanizing the Black vote across America.
NNPA Fund Chair Pluria Marshall Jr., CEO of the Wave Publications, based in California, said, “These two awardees are dedicated to advancing the progress of Black people. The Black Press of America is honored to recognize their achievements and express our gratitude for their heroic efforts to improve the quality of life of all Americans.” See NEWSMAKER, page 10
U.S. Congressman and House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-SC)