Texas Metro News

Please wear your mask and wash your hands!

see MY TRUTH , page 3

I WAS JUST THINKING

By Norma dam -Wade s

Three things!

Front Row Left to Right: Sandra Stewart, Veronica Spencer-Austin, Lisa Ross, Sherel Riley, Charda Greene, Carolyn Roberson (Chapter President), Jennifer Stimpson, PhD., Marnese Barksdale Elder, Laura Rodgers, Sue Gainer, Rosalind Bell, Honorable Brenda Hull Thompson, Alice Davis. Second Row Left to Right: Carol Huntley Little, Marilyn Evans, Lauren McDonald, MD, Michelle Thomas, Kimberly Powell, Brenda Raney, Angela Ross, Terri Croxton, Marcia Page (Western Area Treasurer), Claudia Coleman.

Carolyn Roberson Chapter President

Essential Love

By Marva Sneed The essential workers at Charlton Methodist Hospital were shown appreciation and honored for their work on the front lines and even behindthe-scenes at the hospital by a DeSoto ISD Pre-K teacher and artist by trade, Regina Dean.

Accompanied by her sister, Levatta Dean Levels, Ms. Dean

Three organizations received $10,000 grants to address the COVID-19 crisis and an additional $5,000 will be provided in rapid response funds to front-line responders in Arlington, Grand Prairie & Irving who are responding to COVID-19 challenges.

The Mid-Cities (TX) Chapter of The Links, Inc., addressing escalating community needs due to the coronavirus, is providing $35,000 in grants and donations to address COVID-19 specific issues. presented a beautiful painting and a floating tea cup. The sisters rolled up with a red wagon filled full with beautifully decorated gift bags and presented them to the President of the Fellowship of Professional Women, Dr. Cynthia Mickens-Ross.

Dr. Ross, who is also Community Relations Director for Methodist Health System, said she was honored to receive the gifts and would personally give them to the essential workers.

The Chapter is giving 35 for 35 in the form of $35,000 in commemoration of the 35th anniversary of the Mid-Cities (TX) Chapter; which was recognized on April 20, 2020. $10,000 Relief Grants have been awarded to: • Brighter Tomorrows - Domestic and Sexual Violence Emergency Shelter, Irving and Grand Prairie, TX • Irving Cares - - Assistance for Irving residents addressing a Financial Crisis

Special to I Messenger Media

In a conversation with esteemed publishers of the Black Press, the topic of voting was raised. Specifically, someone asked about what is being done to get out the vote.

Good question. It’s a neverending battle and challenge.

Which brings me to my truth.

I would love to have the formula that would encourage folks to do several things.

I’d like for all households to complete the Census 2020 form.

It is critically important that the form is completed so that much needed resources can be allocated.

And in addition to the good that comes out of completion of the form, there are also jobs available.

I received a note from a Census 2020 exec that I know should be of assistance to some: “There is a big recruiting effort going on due to COVID-19. Many people that were hired had start dates delayed and consequently decided to either look elsewhere or changed their mind. There is also a huge employment opportunity with the Census Bureau for those who have been laid off, furloughed or lost their jobs due to COVID-19.”

Just look at that. There are people who want to work and here’s an opportunity with jobs paying in the range of $22 an hour!

Now, I say, if you didn’t complete the form, you don’t need to be eligible for employment!

Find out more information at https://2020census.gov/ Then there’s social distancing,

May 27, 2020

COVID-19 exposes our human vanity

s

b

By Cheryl Smith, Pu li her

Mid-Cities (TX) Links, Inc donate $35,000 to COVID-19 relief efforts

A

MY TRUTH

VOL.8 NO. 33

see LINKS, page 2

Dr. Cynthia Mickens-Ross, artist Regina Dean, and Levatta Dean Levels

(2) ...vanity of vanities! ...

All is vanity. (14) I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.

Ecclesiastes 1:2,14 (KJV) Sounds a bit downcast – depending on your perspective. This Biblical statement takes a deep look at life and concludes that all the hustle and bustle is pointless.

Agree or disagree, the point provokes discussion.

I was just thinking..one of the first casualties of COVID-19 was our dependence on routines that make us look better than our natural selves.

These practices give new meaning to enhanced beauty vs “natural beauty.”

There’s an old joke about a newly-married couple. The new husband is shocked when the new wife begins to remove all her attached beauty boosters – fake hair, eyelashes, face cream, powder, eye liner, eye shadow, lipstick, pads in various places, and enhancements to hold in unwanted extra pounds. The new husband discovered that the woman who stood before him was not the image of the woman he thought he married.

The underlying message is: who are we really?

For centuries different cultures have perpetuated see THINKING , page 5

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MAY 27, 2020

NEWS

METRO BRIEFS

pg. 3

JIM AUSTIN ONLINE JUNETEENTH LIVE STREAMING

EDITORIAL

pg. 4

PERSPECTIVE

pg. 5

CALENDAR

pg. 10

LIFESTYLE

pg. 13

MAILING ADDRESS 320 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway 220 Dallas, TX 75203 WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM 214-941-0110 Cheryl Smith PUBLISHER - EDITOR editor@myimessenger.com

Marion Meadows

Fort Worth, TX…Jim Austin Online is jazzed to announce the launch of the smoothest music festival of the Summer! The Juneteenth Live Streaming Music Festival will take place on Friday and Saturday, June 19-20, 2020 and will stream live on YouTube!

The concert will broadcast from the Warehouse located at 1125 E. Berry Street in Fort Worth, Texas, 76110. Limited VIP venue seating will be available in accordance with ALL COVID-19 social gathering and distancing protocols. VIP tickets are $45, and streaming tickets are $10.

The festival kicks off Friday at 6 PM with a stellar line-up of Zydeco and Blues with FAT DADDY headlining the extravaganza! Also performing are HOLLAND K SMITH, SHERAN KEYTON, JAY-B & THE ZYDECO POSSE and KENYA C! “We are excited to present an incredible weekend of Zydeco, Blues and Jazz for music lovers not only in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area, but around the world,” says promoter Jim Austin. “We want to make sure that we adhere to all of the safety guidelines and do our part to continue to flatten the curve in the spread of the Coronavirus; so, we will have limited venue seating. Anyone who is not able to come and enjoy the festival live can tune in and join the party with us on Facebook!” The festival continues Sat-

urday with an all Jazz line-up beginning at 4 PM with LINNY NANCE & THE TRIO, ROB HOLBERT, JOSEPH VINCELLI, TAYLOR PACE, FACES THE BAND and headliners FINGERPRINTS featuring MARION MEADOWS. Don’t miss this incredible weekend of music! VIP venue seats and streaming tickets are available online at Eventbrite.com. For more information or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, call 817-923-9305.

Jim Austin Online is working in partnership with the United Way of Tarrant County to help raise money for COVID-19 Relief. The concert will also benefit The Artists Outreach and the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum. Jim Austin Online offers a calendar of networking opportunities to help you make new connections and grow your business. As an influencer and online media channel, Jim Austin Online.com promotes entertainment and cultural events in the DFW Metroplex area.

The Juneteenth Live Streaming Music Festival is sponsored in part by DFW Metroplex Jazz, The Warehouse on Berry, Austin Company Commercial Real Estate, CSI Renovations & Roofing, United Carpet Cleaning, Stockyards Podcast Studios, Visit Fort Worth, Radisson Hotel Fossil Creek, Denton Black Film Festival and Tarrant County College District.

Parkland targets communities at risk To better reach more vulnerable populations, Parkland initiated phone messaging to residents in Dallas County ZIP codes with higher levels of positive COVID test results to ensure these residents have access to testing and are following general safety precautions. Phone messaging was sent to residents in ZIP codes: 75217, 75227, 75216, 75040, 75115, 75210 and 75215. Additional areas may be added as officials continue to analyze the location and prevalence of positive test results across the county.

SNAP starts online grocery purchases 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.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is piloting online grocery shopping for curbside pickup or delivery as a way to help Texans in need while stopping the spread of COVID-19.

SNAP members can go to the Walmart or Amazon websites and use the Lone Star Card and PIN to purchase groceries for curbside pickup or delivery. Learn more at YourTexasBenefits.com.

Links, from page 1...

•

The Parkland Foundation, Dallas TX • Additionally, $5,000 committed for COVID-19 front-line responders in Arlington, Grand Prairie and Irving who are responding to COVID-19 challenges The Links, Inc. is an international organization, founded more than 70 years ago, by women of African descent to make a positive impact on their commu-

nities. Through the years, The Links, Inc. has raised millions of dollars for worthy causes including education, health care, arts and youth programs.

For 35 years, the Mid-Cities (TX) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has been actively engaged in addressing critical social issues to bring equity to individuals and families. With the continued philanthropy and collaboration of our supporters, members aim to deliver unparalleled impactful service to their communities for years to come.

3

MAY 27, 2020

Focused on the rock FAITHFUL UTTERANCES BY DR. FROSWA BOOKER-DREW

Years ago, I remember hearing this story: “An instructor once stood up before his class with a large empty mayonnaise jar. He filled the jar to the top with large rocks and asked his students if the jar was full.

The students said that yes, the jar was indeed full.

He then added small pebbles to the jar, and gave the jar a bit of a shake so the pebbles could disperse themselves among the larger rocks. Then he asked again, “Is the jar full now?”

The students agreed that the jar was still full.

The professor then poured sand into the jar to fill up any remaining empty space. The students then agreed that the jar was completely full.”

The professor went on to explain what the jar represents in our lives.

The rocks represent the important things in our lives like family and faith. The pebbles are the things that we want but could live without. These are things that are important but not critical like your car or eating at restaurants. The sand is the filler. Things like watching television, spending time on Instagram or Facebook--those things that eat away at our time.

As we go through this unchartered territory, we are coming to a number of realizations: • Life is precious and a gift every day.

• We’ve taken a lot of things for granted always assuming they would be there.

• Some priorities that were important in our lives have now changed and we see that they have not served us well..

The rocks in our life are critical. They are our stability. A life that is meaningful is filled with relationships and a connection to our purpose.

We must focus on those rocks. More importantly, in this celebration of Easter, we must look to the cornerstone that God has given to us. Isaiah 28:16 says, “Therefore this says the Lord God: ‘Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation.” The Bible provides multiple references to the “rock”.

1 Samuel 2:2 “There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” Psalm 18:2 “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

Matthew 7:24-27

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.””

The most important rock in our lives is our faith. It serves as our foundation, our guide, our focus. No matter what we are going through, do not lose sight of the rock and our faith in Jesus. He is our rock!

Stay focused on what is important, friends!

www.grandpasecret.com

My Truth, from page 1... wearing a mask and gloves, while also taking precautions to avoid spreading or catching the coronavirus. Unfortunately there are those who are not taking the virus seriously and it is no wonder when you consider all the misinformation that is being presented.

What we must understand is that as more and more tests are conducted, information we received initially is changing.

Since we’re constantly receiving new information; it is imperative that we are not reckless, that we don’t take chances. Instead we must err on the side of caution.

Now last week, activist Rae Lewis Thornton celebrated her 58th birthday and 37 years living with HIV/AIDS. She has traveled the country stressing the importance of safe sex as one way to prevent the spread of the virus.

We must realize that almost four decades later, there is still no cure for HIV/AIDS.

Many didn’t listen and still in 2020 we are reporting new cases.

So are you optimistic enough about there being a cure for COVID-19 in a few months?

When will we learn?

Good question. You’d better dial back and pay attention to those who know what they are talking about.

Now back to that discussion. In case you forgot, there’s an election soon. That’s right, on July 14, 2020 we need all eligible voters to go to the polls for the run-off election. And yes, you are expected to return to the polls on November 3, 2020 for the general election.

Actually not only expected: urged, begged, threatened, coerced, encouraged; everything but bribed.

Despite the declarations that your vote doesn’t matter or your candidate is not on the ballot. Your vote does count and is very important. If you really want to see the power of the ballot, vote and fill out the census form.

6090 Bonnie View Rd, Dallas, TX 75241 Hours of services may differ Phone: (214) 372-6321

4

MAY 27, 2020

Old, sick and incarcerated THE LAST WORD BY JULIANNE MALVEAUX

There were 4623 incarcerated people over 65 in federal prisons during the first week of May. Until May 12, Paul Manafort, Mr. Trump’s one-time campaign manager, was one of them. The 71-yearold petitioned the court for release to home confinement because of his age, heart condition, and “fear of coronavirus.” Yet the federal correctional institution that housed Manafort had no coronavirus cases, and Manafort had served fewer than two years of his more than seven-year sentence. Recently developed federal guidelines suggest at-home confinement for those at risk who have served more than half of their sentence or have less than eighteen months of jail time left to serve. Manafort meets none of these criteria, but he apparently had enough high-priced lawyers to push his case aggressively.

I’m not as outraged at Manafort’s early release as I am disturbed about the other 4622 elderly inmates, most who lack the resources and access that Manafort had. Nearly forty percent of those incarcerated in federal prisons are African American, many serving very long sentences for drug-related crimes. Many have some of the same underlying medical conditions and “fear of coronavirus” that Manafort had. How many of them will get an early release and the relative luxury of home confinement? The treatment of a wealthy, older white man and a poor, older Black man is vastly different.

Prisons are a breeding ground for the coronavirus. Prisons are overcrowded with social distancing an impossibility since an average cell, about five feet by five, does not allow six feet of distancing. Recent studies show that the COVID19 germs from a loud conversation or a cough linger for minutes, sufficient time to infect anoth-

er person. The notorious Riker’s Island prison has eight times the COVID19 infection rate of the New York City rate. Infection is not a possibility, but a near-certainty. Prison infections are so widespread that some activists describe them as “death camps.”

Older people don’t commit violent crimes (although they commit financial crimes and perjury).

Releasing those over 65 who were convicted of drug crimes and other nonviolent crimes saves money and has little social cost. But incarceration is an economic driver for some communities. Federal prisons employ tens of thousands of people. In some isolated communities, these prisons are a significant source of employment.

Releasing prisoners early may cause layoffs. Is this why we insist on keeping so many people locked up for such long periods?

Parole was eliminated in federal prison in the mid-1980s, allowing “good behavior “ only after 85 percent of a sen-

tence has been served.

But Manafort, citing “fear of corona,” ended up serving less than a quarter of his sentence. Can an old Black man get the Manafort treatment and serve the rest of his sentence in a cushy condo in Northern Virginia? Manafort had a lot less to fear, at his minimum security prison, than a Black inmate might.

Other countries have reacted to corona crowding by releasing inmates in the tens of thousands.

According to David Anderson of the International Legal Foundation, Iran released more than half of its prisoners – 100,000 of 189,000. Palestine is holding emergency court sessions to allow inmates to petition for release.

Other countries seem to understand that COVID and crowding don’t work and are releasing prisoners.

Meanwhile, our country, in Anderson’s words, is “addicted to punishment.” In keeping nonviolent inmates incarcerated, we are “prioritizing punishment over public

health.”

The inmates aren’t the only ones at risk.

Correctional officers, lawyers, and visiting family members are also vulnerable. We are so committed to getting a “pound of flesh” from those incarcerated that we refuse to consider the high costs of incarceration.

The coronavirus magnified our nation’s inequality. Manafort is out after less than two years’ incarceration. Thousands who

are old and poor remain incarcerated and vulnerable to coronavirus. Our criminal injustice system is in dire need of reform.

Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, media contributor and educator. Her latest project MALVEAUX! On UDCTV is available on you- tube.com.

For booking, whole- sale inquiries or for more info visit www.juliannemalveaux. com.

Investigate not just Ahmad’s death, but system that let his killers escape TO BE EQUAL BY MARK MORIAL

(TriceEdneyWire.com) – “The sad truth is that Ahmaud’s case isn’t unique at all. He is a representation of the ongoing level of distrust that a large part of our communities have in law enforcement and elected officials and the importance of plac-

ing reform like-minded people in office who will uphold the highest standards of the law for everyone, regardless of color.

The anger and frustration being expressed by professional athletes and people of color all over the country stems from a centuries-long thread of violence against the black body that goes without consequence or justice.”

– Former NFL Player Malcom Jenkins, co-founder of The Players’ Coalition.

The pattern is nauseatingly familiar.

An unarmed person of color is killed by police or by self-appointed vigilantes. Authorities accept, without question, an explanation of self-defense.

It is only after the disinfecting sunlight of public attention arouses outrage that the wheels of justice begin to turn. And so it has been for Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old Georgia man shot to death while jog-

ging in February.

The 64-year-old former police investigator and his 34-year-old son who are charged in his death told police he thought Mr. Arbery looked like a man suspected in several break-ins in the area.

No break-ins had been reported in the area for seven weeks before the shooting.

The father and son, Gregory and Travis McMichael, armed themselves and chased Ahmaud in a

pickup truck before the younger man fired the fatal shots from his shotgun.

No one was arrested.

Shortly afterward, the prosecutor with jurisdiction over the case recused herself, because the elder McMichael had worked in her office. The second prosecutor, whose son worked in the same office also recused himself. But before he did, he made it clear to the police that he accepted the McMichael’s claim of self-defense.

By the time the New York Times published its first account of the killing, two months had passed with no arrests. It was only two weeks later, after a video of the armed chase emerged that the third prosecutor assigned to the case said he would present it to a grand jury.

That same day, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation took over the case from local police. Two days later, Ahmaud’s attackers were see MORIAL , page 10

5

MAY 27, 2020

Overcoming ‘Show and Tell’ challenges for NFL hopefuls during Coronavirus TO BE EQUAL BY SHAUN NAIDOO

As millions of graduating students across the country begin to reimagine what professional life will be like during a global Coronavirus pandemic following their commencement ceremonies, collegiate scholar-athletes had another unique challenge ahead, the 2020 NFL Draft.

It would be no surprise to hear that an overwhelming majority of graduating high school and college students are finding reality difficult to navigate amidst COVID-19 disrupting social normalcy. As college graduates prepare for the job hunt during a Coronavirus pandemic, ZOOM meetings, conference calls and video interviews might be able to suffice for the foreseeable future. But what about students whose ability to demonstrate job performance are judged solely by displaying physical capabilities?

The NFL draft is many things to many people, however for 32 teams, its staff and several hundred athletes across the country it’s a traditional job-seeker, job-employer environment.

The stress, anxiety and uncertainty of potentially not being able to meet your boss in person is a unique challenge for athletes entering this year’s NFL draft. For many the opportunity to showcase skills at NFL Pro Days in front of scouts, coaches and general managers were stripped away.

When a defensive back can’t

demonstrate their pass coverage ability or think ahead of an opponent, how can a standout scholar-athlete prove to the Chicago Bears or the New York Giants for instance that they have what it takes?

As a major portion of our lives continues to be lived in a cloud of habitual technological behavior, several NFL hopefuls are going back to basics as the NFL prepares for its virtual draft, a rarity in its nearly 100-year history.

As private studios, stadiums, gyms and other “show and tell” arenas remain closed due to social distancing requirements, NFL hopefuls like Luther Kirk, TJ Edwards, Brandon Johnson, Ayron Monroe, Erick Browne, Jabari Butler and Khane Pass are helping lead the way for other like-minded scholar-athletes to stand out in a crowded field vying for the attention of 32 NFL teams next weekend.

Embracing the unknown has left many athletes to go back to basics.

The “back to basics” mentality laid the foundation of what helped them play the game they loved. These NFL prospects have found themselves back at their old stomping grounds, interview prepping for their biggest interview yet. Working out in garages, local football fields or just plain old open spaces. They have embraced this uncertainty the only way they know how, which is old fashioned hard work, dedication and perseverance.

These players are coming up with creative ways not only to display talent but to also model characteristics like teamwork that have propelled them to

championships, wins and what any NFL team would consider a leader both on and off the field.

Brothers Kane and Jawon Pass have used this time to push and motivate one another in their hometown of Columbus, Georgia. Relying on what they learned during their time within Pop Warner they are working out and pushing each other to be the best they can be. Instead of training with a professional you can find them in an open high school field perfecting their craft.

As the NFL prepared to evaluate their talent and skill on the field, purposeful agencies like 300 Sports was poised to help make certain each client was commended for their interests off the field as well. Every player has taken up a social cause they desire to create awareness for as the prospects for a larger platform grows. Anti-bullying, mental health, domestic violence and financial literacy are but a few of the social causes that these athletes willingly took up to champion.

As Americans continue to increasingly stay inside maybe we can all learn something from these NFL hopefuls, that remembering where and why it all started can be a source of inspiration and motivation to continue when things get tough.

Naidoo is a licensed NFL agent and attorney who owns 300 Sports LLC an athletic management agency that represents professional and collegiate athletes with integrity, transparency, and passion.

Information can be found at @300_Sports and www.300theagency.com.

Thinking, from page 1... torture practices that make ago about how Camille Cosby no sense – foot binding in vowed to stop coloring her China, corsets that hindered hair to conceal her gray. She breathing in the 1700s, giant kept that vow after she lost her disks that stretched lips in swimming cap in a pool and some African regions, and hair dye streamed down her even stiletto heels in America. wet face and dripped on her On recent television talk shoulders. She has sported and variety shows, newscasts, natural gray ever since. and nighttime entertainment Nighttime hosts Jimmy programs, hosts reluctantly Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel have been forced to show their look disheveled, hair askew, true selves. Forced to shelter- as they host their shows from in-place at home, hosts lost their homes. Their small access to hair children running and makeup through the crews – shattering camera shots or illusions of climbing all over beauty. their shoulders.

There used to Even Lady Gaga be a saying: “Only in one nighttime her hairdresser interview from knows.”

Today, her home wore it’s intriguing to big glasses, hair Foot binding in china hear celebrities pulled back, discuss their natural and looked like the friendly appearance sans the usual average neighbor next-door makeup and hair styles. about to run out to buy Some classic comments have groceries. come from Wendy Williams The kicker may be Roland (The Wendy Williams Show), on Facebook, standing in what Roland Martin (Roland Martin appeared to be his bathroom Unfiltered) and Meghan or at his bedroom dresser.

McCain (The View). Not to He gives an impassioned, worry, though. Meghan’s trademark Roland lecture The View co-host Whoopi ordering men to stop hassling Goldberg has remained as him to shave his thinning hair comfortably natural as greens to bald. As usual, Roland was from Gramma’s backyard having none of it. He stressed garden. that he is comfortable with the Wendy talked about skin convenience of not having to flaws on her face that makeup shave a bald head regularly artists had been skilled at and will proudly retain his covering. Meghan -- with receding hair line. her hair uncharacteristically “Y’all think your hair is pulled back in a single pony attached to your manhood. It’s tail, roots showing -- ‘fessed not!” the popular broadcaster up that her family grays exclaimed. “Stop being so selfprematurely. She said she conscious!” rapidly is losing the battle against unwanted grey strands Editor’s note: Because of technical issues, we that appear unannounced are reprinting this column from last week. We many mornings. The usually apologize for the error. light-blonde-haired host later Norma Adams-Wade is a vetsaid she has decided not to eran, award-winning journalist, color her hair anymore and graduate of UT- Austin and Dallas henceforth to rock her natural, native. One of the founders of the much-darker color.

National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), she was inducted That reminded me of a into the NABJ Hall of Fame. magazine article I read years

6

MAY 27, 2020

Mandate My Ass! QUIT PLAYIN’ By Vincent L. Hall

Because it seems as though we’ve been convinced that 26% of the registered voters, not even 26% of the American people, but 26% of the registered voters form a mandate or a landslide. _ Gil Scott Heron “B Movie” lyrics circa Ronald Reagan!

At the age of 62, Gil Scott Heron turned a corner and met his final dead-end street, and for him there ain’t no turnin’ back. (Google Winter in America) No serious survey of Black Music prophecy would be complete without researching, reviewing, or reminding us about Gil Scott Heron.

His value as a lyricist and a liberator was as luminous as it was legendary. He mixed soul, jazz, rap, and revolutionary consciousness. The man had receipts.

Gil was raised in his Grandma Lillie’s house in Jackson, Tennessee.

He was born to mother Bobbie Scott-Heron, a singer in the New York Oratorical Society and Jamaican father Giles Gil Heron, the first Black ever to play for Glasgow’s Celtic Football Team. Gil was formally introduced to the stark realities of Black life in America as a young teen. At age 13, his grandma died and he was forcibly baptized into the streets of New York’s Bronx borough.

It wasn’t long before his ability to think critically and to write effectively caught the eye of his instructors. He attended Lincoln University in Pennsylvania as a result of the influence that writer Langston Hughes had on his life. Even though he only spent two years at Lincoln, Gil later earned a

Master’s degree in Creative Writing from Johns Hopkins University. He also published two novels, “The Vulture” and “Nigger Factory.”

Gil Scott despised and disparaged the status quo, and became famous for his one-man nuclear attack on President Ronald Reagan. Gil released songs denouncing Reagan like; “We don’t need no Re-Ron” and spit poems like “Whitey on the Moon.”

Gil was always considered an expatriate if ever a patriot at all.

Check out more of the B Movie Vibe, and while you’re at it, contrast his subject with the subject that resides in the White House now.

“But, oh yeah, I remember.

I remember what I said about Reagan, I meant it. Acted like an actor. Hollyweird. Acted like a liberal. Acted like General Franco when he acted like governor of California, then he acted like a Republican.

Then he acted like somebody was going to vote for him for president. And now we act like 26% of the registered voters is a mandate. We're all actors in this I suppose.

We all saw Donald J. Trump, like Reagan before him, transfer himself from liberal Democrat actor to staunch if not starchy Republican. And

just like Reagan, he was elected by 26% of the registered voters.

Trump garnered 46% or 63 million votes, three million less than Hillary Clinton. But only 55.7% of all the registered voters voted. Heron said, and I agree, that Trump ain’t got no mandate. We can easily vote his fat funky ass out of office.

To quote Public Enemy and my publisher Cheryl Smith; “Don’t Believe the Hype!”

Spit some mo, Gil!!

“The idea concerns the fact that this country wants nostalgia. They want to go back as far as they can even if it's only as far as last week. Not to face now or tomorrow, but to face backward.” And yesterday was the day of our cinema heroes riding to the rescue at the last possible moment.

The day of the man in the white hat or the man on the white horse - or the man who always came to save America at the last moment - someone always came to save America at the last moment - especially in "B" movies.

And when America found itself having a hard time facing the future, they looked for people like John Wayne.

But since John Wayne was no longer available, they settled for Ronald Reagan and it has placed us in a situation that we can only look at — like a "B" movie.”

Donald John Trump ain’t no John Wayne and there is no White Man in no White hat that can save America now. The only way this movie has a happy ending is if all the colors of America come shining through.

Mandate my Ass! Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and award-winning columnist.

Trump! A Real OG, becomes President then goes to prison THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES BY THOMAS MUHAMMAD

“I’ll tell you the truth when I can,” ABC News’ Jonathon Karlsaid Trump boldly told him during an interview. Yep that’s today’s “Magical Thinking” President Donald Trump!

He was not supposed to be in the White House! After all he wasn’t part of the political insiders, the ones who historically have gotten the nod to serve. Sure he was one of thousands of top political donors, who got in pretending to be a self-made billionaire, but him in an elective office?

Nawaaa!

So now the guy is president and true to form the crook came out and now look at him? He’s been impeached among other things and he recently fired in just under six weeks four Inspector Generals when firing just one could set off WW2 in the US Congress.

And he came into office when his party not only won the White House, they controlled both the Senate and the House. And man that power went straight to his head. The Dude was having big fun!

Politically he came in the spirit of Ross Perot campaigning against the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Most people forgot how NAFTA was extremely unpopular with both the Republican and Democratic parties even when their leaders were!

The Donald seized on that unpopularity and rode it along with the largely unpopular immigration issue into the White House and he acted like a Real Street Original Gangster (OG). With his 70 million plus

Tweeter Feed he forced the Republican Party leaders to completely have his way on any and every subject! Even when it was clear he didn’t know what the hell he was saying.

And his biggest asset was that he didn’t mind lying! He has no scruples!

As a presidential candidate he lied about losing thousands of friends in the Twin Towers that fell in New York on 9/11, when in reality he lost zero friends.

It was simply a way to benefit from the misery of real victims.

Shameless!

His administration is experiencing a money scandal nearly every month, but that shouldn’t be a surprise us!

Remember that theme song that opened his tv show “The Apprentice” each night was “For the Love of Money” by the O’Jays cause heloves money more than life!

He’s had a winning strategy since coming down those Trump Tower escalators denouncing immigration and spewing fire and brimstone against crime in America. And his solution was to close the border between the US and Mexico! He knew that every US President, from George W. Bush to Barrack Hussein Obama has tried in vain to solve that problem for White America.

Obama tried so hard he gained the nicknamed “Deporter In Chief” by American Latino leaders.

So, yes Trump’s been true to his OG status and he has been this way all his life, corrupting everyone he comes in contact with.

But now he’s running out of time! The election is a few months ahead and the statute of limitations is still about two years off! You see the one thing see STRUGGLE , page 12

7

MAY 27, 2020

Queens make own decision ABOUT YOUR HAIR BY DR. LINDA AMERSON

Wigs, Wigs, Wigs! The longer the better to enhance physical appearance. Long hair is a stigma from Tot and Tiaras, to Ms. International Beauty Queen.

Hair extensions are used for added fullness and length, gowns, talent, swimsuits & questions.

Care for your scalp should not be neglected. Regular shampooing, and moisturizing for natural hair, under wigs is very important!

It’s a new day! Many beauty contestants are saying NO to wigs.

In 2010, Kayla Martell won the Miss Delaware Crown. She

tried four times! Three of those times she competed bald.

Perseverance pays off. Kay lost her hair in the fifth grade because of alopecia areata.

She feels more approachable in public when she wears a wig, and people do not worry if she is ill. However, She loves the way she looks bald.

Kayla has been an advocate to encourage young girls diagnosed with alopecia areata.

In 2011, Sandra DuboseGibson was crowned Mrs. Black she contestant began her singing talent with her original song, “I’m Beautiful,” removing her wig after her first few notes.

At 25, she was diagnosed with alopecia areata, which progressed into alopecia totalis.

Sandra is the author of, “My Crown and Glory, It’s Not About the Hair.” She is a mother of two girls, and an advocate for positive selfesteem…with or without hair.

In 2013, Angelica Galindez won Miss Philippines Earth USA, Diagnosed also with alopecia totalis, her drive is to empower other women suffering with alopecia.

In 2019, Dr. Meaghan Dickerson of Houston, was crowned Ms. Plus Intercontinental North America. When she first began her pagenatry, Dr. Dickerson said she did not realize how expensive it was. She had to get used to the glam look and wearing wigs during pageants.

She does not have alopecia.

In 2019, Miss South Africa, Zozibini Tunzi was crowned

Sandra Dubose

Kayla Martell

Pic Credit: Sandra

Miss Universe. She took a stand agains prejudiced beauty standards for Black women. She refused to wear a wig for the pageant…winning the crown with her natural, short unprocessed hair.

I could go on and on about other bold, bald beauty queens, and advocates who

are using their platforms.

Alopecia does not define them. Kudos!

Dr. Linda Amerson, Board Certified Trichologist,. Join us on Ask Dr. Amerson on DfwiRadio.com. 817 265 8854 Hairandscalpessentials.com

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MAY 27, 2020

Dr. Amerson adapts to Temporary Business Closure

Dr. Linda Amerson, Board Certified Trichologist, has adapted to the temporary closure of LA's Hair and Scalp Clinic. We continue to offer our award-winning products to consumers. Our exclusive products are manufactured by a facility in Garland, TX. Premium quality natural ingredients are used to assist with dry, oily, itchy, flaky, inflammed scalps, as well as hair breakage, hair thinning and regrowth.

Everyone may order from our website, and we will ship your product order to you. http://www. hairandscalpessentials.com. We need your support.

In addition, we offer Video Consultations globally! We will schedule an appointment, give a diagnosis, them make a recommendation. We are available to serve you in the comfort of your home.

Call us today - 817.265.8854 http://www.hairandscalpessentials.com We need your support.

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No More Hugs and Kisses...

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9

MAY 27, 2020

Forever Grateful

By Jeffrey L. Boney NNPA Newswire Contributor “Jeffrey, unfortunately, your test came back positive for the Coronavirus.” Hearing those words from the doctor, March 27th, shook me to the core.

Was that a death sentence for me?

Was it a coincidence that my mom years earlier had died in the same month of March?

Was this really how my life was going to end?

The news reports I had been watching and reading reported dire results relative to those who had contracted the virus. Death tolls were rising.

Governors began searching for beds and ventilators for people who were being impacted by this virus.

Honestly, I felt like the odds were stacked against me.

The journey for me started with a very slight cough.

On March 17th, I started experiencing internal digestive symptoms that I initially assumed was a result of me not eating anything that day. It was a Tuesday, which meant it was Press Day at the Houston Forward Times, where I serve as the Associate Editor.

Now, it wasn’t uncommon for me to skip breakfast and skip lunch in order to remain laser focused on getting the newspaper done. However, when I started feeling faint, I decided to get something to eat.

I made my way down to the Reggae Hut around 5:30 pm and ordered the oxtails, rice and peas and the vegetables, along with a beef patty and a Kola Champagne to drink. I made my way back down to my office with my plate and I ate a little bit of the rice and peas; a little of the vegetables; and barely ate one of the oxtails, before closing the container and putting the plate in the refrigerator. That was the last

time I saw that plate or my office.

The next day, I not only had a continuous loss of appetite, I also had stomach pain and was experiencing heavy and unusual bouts of diarrhea. I even had an episode where I went to the bathroom and while on the way, I passed out and was disoriented. I woke up lying on the floor in a sweat, trying to figure out what happened to me. I drank lots of water, tried natural remedies and ceased all of my normal activities. None of that worked or changed my situation.

I self-quarantined and self-isolated for eight days – from Tuesday, March 17th to Wednesday, March 25th.

During that time, I contacted my primary care physician, who informed me that continuing to self-quarantine was probably the best option at the time, considering the symptoms I was experiencing.

I decided to reach out to my good friend, State Representative Ron Reynolds to express my concerns about my health status, as well as get his advice on whether he thought I should go through one of the drive-thru testing sites that had recently opened.

I desperately wanted to get tested, primarily for my peace of mind, but also because I was concerned for my family.

They were still living in the same house as me.

I saw the news. I read the media reports online and on social media. It was clear, based on those reports, that I was not displaying the type of respiratory symptoms that the majority of COVID-19 patients were reported to have been experiencing, such as shortness of breath or having a heavy cough. There were also reports that the only way a person could be tested was if they were elderly or a first responder. I was deeply

NNPA Newswire Contributor

Jeffrey L. Boney shares personal journey of surviving Coronavirus and dealing with emotional and mental anguish

concerned.

A few days after my call with Rep. Reynolds, I received a call on my cell phone from U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee on Wednesday, March 25th. She had heard I was experiencing a health challenge and asked me some questions. Congresswoman Jackson Lee then immediately informed me that she wanted me to come down to United Memorial Medical Center (UMMC) on Tidwell to get tested right away. I wasted no time. I asked the Congresswoman for the address and immediately got dressed to make my way to UMMC. As I was driving to the hospital, Congresswoman Jackson Lee told me that she had already spoken to the Chief Medical Officer for United Memorial Medical Center (UMMC), Dr. Joseph Varon, and that he was prepared to receive me and administer the test.

I was so relieved that I would be able to get tested and get a definitive on whether I had contracted the COVID-19

virus or not.

I arrived to UMMC and was met by Dr. Varon. He walked with me inside to the place where I was to be tested, and he immediately tried to put me at ease. I was told by Dr. Varon that my test results would take anywhere from 24-48 hours to come back, so I waited patiently and eagerly.

As anxious as I was to find out the results on the

following day, I decided to give it another day.

On that Friday, March 27th, things took a drastic turn for the worse, as it relates to my health. I began to cough, and what I thought would be regular phlegm coming out, turned out to be a significant amount of bright red blood.

As this continued to happen, I read entire story @ www.texasmetronews.com

10

MAY 27, 2020

Dallas ISD student wins Mavs’ virtual business pitch competition

By Dorothy J. Gentry Sports Editor

Chloe Mongelli

Morial,

from page 4... arrested.

Appallingly, the defense attorney who leaked the video said he thought it would exonerate the attackers because Ahmaud didn’t freeze when the attackers told him to stop.

It boggles the mind that in the year 2020 there are still people in positions of authority who accept, unquestioningly, the notion that a Black man who fails to heed the orders of a white man on the street deserves instant death.

It seems clear that without the national attention focused on

In the words of the late, legendary performer Prince: “Life it ain’t real funky, unless it’s got that POP!.”

Or in this case, unless your tennis shoes have that pop! And Chloe Mongelli shoes have that and more.

The Dallas ISD middle school student’s “Different Pop” idea won a virtual business sales pitch on Thursday sponsored by the Dallas Mavericks, mobile banking services provider CHIME, and education technology innovator EVERFI, Inc.The Venture Entrepreneurial Expedition is an educational initiative designed to teach students to think entrepreneurially about business and life.

Mongelli was one of five students– including Olivia Brown, Iman Johnson, Roderick Linson and Amanda Ruiz – from Dallas ISD’s Ignite Middle School. These five finalists were chosen from nearly 2,000 middle-school students who entered the competition.

The students were to start a shoe company from scratch and then pitch and try to garner support – including financial – from the panel of judges.

All of them had two minutes to pitch their ideas. Each participant received a pair of Curry 7 sneakers and a Seth Curry jersey. the case, there would have been no justice for Ahmaud. And that, as much as Ahmaud’s death itself, is what must be investigated.

This week the Washington Post revealed that the elder McMichael was stripped of his law enforcement certification and power to arrest a year more than a year before the shooting because he repeatedly failed to complete required training. He also was he was stripped of his powers to arrest people in January 2006 because of an undisclosed infraction.

Furthermore, the Glynn County Police Department, which led the investigation before the Georgia Bureau of Investigation

“None of these shoes are right for my feet,” Mongelli exclaimed after opening her pitch holding several pairs of shoes then dropping them to the floor. “Hello, I’m Chloe and I’m going to be talking about my new sneaker company, Different Pop.” “So, what if I told you I could sell you your exact shoe size for your exact foot type with memory foam or gel paddings or none, based on your choosing – plus an outside waterproof base for all outside activities,” Mongelli asked the judges. “It’s also a pop of color. You believe me? I call it Different Pop because my company gives your feet the support and comfort with art”.

Mongelli continued discussing her shoe business idea adding that all people “have different tastes, or a different pop. For $65 apiece, you can show off your own pop in a variety of colorful shoes.”

Her winning business pitch – which included sharing 10 percent of profits with investors and 10 percent with a different charity each month – also netted her a brand-newASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 Laptop computer and an Ultimate Fan Experience at a future Mavs game.

Initially speechless after finding out she was the winner, Mongelli found her voice and thanked the judges on behalf of all the participants.

took over the case, has a history of corruption and scandals.

Glynn County Police Chief John Powell was indicted for perjury and witness tampering four days after the Arbery shooting. He remains on administrative leave.

The police department lost its state certification in 2018 because it did not meet basic policing standards. Only 12 percent of the police force was African American, even though African Americans make up 26 percent of the county’s population.

Last year, the county’s drug task force was disbanded after a state-led investigation found extensive misconduct by Glynn County officers.

“We all practiced so much for this and we all are winners at the end of this and weall appreciated this so much for you guys just doing this for us,” she said. “We appreciate your presence so much. Thank you so much.”

Marshall congratulated the students as well. “Congratulations to all of you and Chloe congratulations for coming in as the winner. And to everyone else, clearly you are all winner to get to this point,” she said.

“It took a lot of hard work and dedication. I am so impressed with your research and your heart for the community,” Marshall said. “You are amazing, amazing young people and our future is in good hands.”

Thursday’s business pitch competition closed out the year-long curriculum provided digitally to nearly 2,000 middle school students in a variety of school districts throughout the DFW Metroplex.During the spring semester at-home learning, students were asked to build a business plan and pitch for a new sneaker brand. To do so, students evaluate the market, build a development plan and determine how to bring awareness of the new brand to their local community.

Judges scored the students based on their intro or hook, general idea, need for the product in the community, pricing, target audience, creativity and overall presentation.

A lieutenant with a long history of violent behavior shot and killed his estranged wife in 2018 before taking his own life. The wife’s family is suing the department for failing to intervene.

Without the persistence of Ahmaud’s family to seek justice, the corruption would have been allowed to fester.

Meanwhile, another tragic killing, the death of 26-year-old Breonna Taylor, has risen to national attention. The EMT shot to death

by Louisville police executing a no-knock search warrant. The police were not wearing body cameras. Her family have sued the police and the case is under review.

The National Urban League

stands in solidarity with the other civil rights and social justice advocates and activists who have called on U.S. Attorney William Barr to investigate these killings and the work of the police and prosecutors involved.

An unsigned note left at the spot where Ahmaud was killed reads: “Ahmaud – I am so sorry. I should have stopped them. I am so sorry.”

We, as a nation, should have stopped them, and must stop it from happening again.

Marc Haydel Morial is an American political and civic leader and the current president of the National Urban League.

11

MAY 27, 2020

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12

MAY 27, 2020

Struggle, from page 6... he hadn’t counted on was the Repubs losing power and boy he was completely shocked when they lost the House! He was scrambling around asking what is “Mid-Terms” when told of the new Democrats oversight as they took 40 seats and charge of the Majority.

He’s even screamed that he wants Obama in prison along with former Vice President Joe Biden. And it really hit him when in a recent televised interview Biden emphatically committed that if he’s elected he won’t pardon him.

Keep in mind that it is well established that the only thing keeping him out of prison is that he’s president. Which means if he loses, he’s prison bound!

Right! Don’t pass go, go directly to jail!

Why not a little Monopoly joke for a fake billionaire, lol!

You don’t think this is serious just remember his former lawyer Michael Cohen is currently serving time for their crime and it’s a State case, so there’s no pardon powers Trump can count on to keep himself out! And he’s pissed off a whole lot of people in both parties!

So you damn skippy he’s desperate!

He’s got to win this election baby! Even if it means sacrificing thousands of

American lives to do it!

This Coronavirus thing jacked up his reelection plans as he was going to run on the economy!

He’s so desperate he’s tried to play doctor floating a deadly idea of people should inject Clorox for the virus.

And, if his hypocrisy wasn’t bad enough he’s now finding out just how important those Mexicans are! He’s been denigrating them for over three years to find out it’s primarily Immigrants who were very critical to the nation’s food supply. Let’s chant all together, “Build That Wall!” Lol! So we know who he is right? As my homey, the late Dallas singer Willie Hutch sang, call him “Slick!”

Remember Slick ain’t got no regrets, Slick ain’t got no sorrow, if he don’t get you today, he’ll get you tomorrow!”

Until then The Struggle Continues...

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MAY 27, 2020 THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

BRAVO: Married to Medicine Dr. Jacqueline Walters

By VALDER BEEBE

This year, National Women’s Health Week came as the nation and the planet is dealing with a Pandemic.

That’s why it’s more important than ever to recognize the issues affecting women’s health according to Dr. Jacqueline Walters – a practicing OB/GYN in Atlanta, Georgia who is one of the stars of Bravo’s hit show, ‘Married to Medicine’.

As a trusted health and lifestyle expert, Dr. Jacqueline Walters, affectionately known as ‘Dr. Jackie’ on Bravo’s MARRIED TO MEDICINE, has garnered the respect of her peers, patients, and the public with her blend of passiondriven clinical knowledge and compassion. She has a passion for prevention, especially when it comes to women’s health.

In the Valder Beebe Show studio. Dr. Jacqueline explained why National Women’s Health Week (May 10-16) this year provided special challenges with the stress of quarantines, a pandemic and sheltering in place.The US Department of Health and Human Services points out that heart disease, breast cancer, osteoporosis, depression and autoimmune diseases are the top five health

issues facing women.

Dr. Jackie is featured in the Valder Beebe Show THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW to remind women to take care of themselves.

Dr. Jacqueline Walters is a philanthropist, health expert, women’s advocate, and awardwinning OBGYN on a mission to

Dr. Jacqueline Walters

impact the lives of millions. This Board-certified OBGYN lives by the philosophy “work hard, play hard.” After graduating from the University of Mississippi and Alcorn State University and earning her medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, she completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology from the Medical Center of Central

Georgia and Mercer University.

Dr. Jackie is a two-time breast cancer survivor.

VBS: Welcome, Dr. Jackie.

First, during this Pandemic what are you and the stars of Bravo’s Married to Medicine, doing on the show to educate the public during this Pandemic?

JW: Not a lot we can do, but social distance, wear masks and boost our immune system.

VBS: Believe it or not Married to Medicine is in the position to be a role model. Viewers emulate the behavior of what they view on TV. JW: Well, we at my facility wear masks, wash our hands and practice social distance.

This is the protocol for all who enter my office.

VBS: National Women’s Health Week, what recommendations do you have for women and especially those who are mothers?

JW: Beyond, take care of yourself every day, I’ve written “Queen V: Everything You Need to Know About Sex, Intimacy, and Down there Health Care…..”

Dr. Jacqueline Walters full interview…….YouTube.com/ valderbeebeshow

Valder Beebe hosts the Valder Beebe Show on FM and streaming TV: ValderBeebeShow.com, 411RadioNetwork.com; SoundCloud.com/valderbeebeshow FM Broadcast: KKVI FM 89.9, KRER FM 102.5; Streaming on ROKU & Amazon Fire: YouTube/ValderBeebeShow; VBS affiliate broadcasters; BMIA, PChatman Network [Roku TV].

AT THE MOVIES

THE WRETCHED BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ

THE WRETCHED is a very uneven movie. It’s a teenage angst movie and it’s a horror movie that’s not really all that scary. The movie is about Ben, played by John Paul-Howard who goes to work for his estranged father at a boat dock after his mother sends him away for the summer.

It’s a coming of age film about a teenager whose parents are going through a divorce. While living with his father Ben encounters a thousandyear-old witch who’s posing as his neighbor next door. The witch and is here on earth to steal men’s souls.

The witch has that ugly-body transformation similar to the little girl who steps out of the TV in THE RING. That is the only scary thing about the movie.

The majority of the movie is about the young man trying to fit in an upscale community as a working class dock worker.

The pace of the movie is really slow It takes Ben what seems like forever to find

something on his search for paranormal activity. The recent SCOOB! does a better job at handling a mystery and it’s more entertaining, too.

THE WRETCHED is on Prime Video. It’s not rated but it has some disturbing images.

The movie runs 1 hour and 45 minutes and on my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate the movie a MEDIUM.

14

MAY 27, 2020

WANTED: Residents to join conversations about racial equity in proposed bond 2020

Dallas ISD’s Racial Equity Office (REO) is calling on communities in the city’s southern sector to help define what racial equity will look like in Dallas ISD’s proposed Bond 2020 package of school and facility improvements. REO has scheduled a series of community conversations to support its Equity in Bond Planning process.

Under the leadership of REO, Dallas ISD has proposed investing $41 million in 2020 Bond Program funds to create school-community hubs in neighborhoods of color that have faced historic segregation and financial disinvestment. To assess the present-day impact of discrimination on students and families, REO is using a measurement tool called the Community Resource Index, or CRI. Developed by the nonprofit organization, the Child Poverty Action Lab, the CRI is a way of looking at how past discrimination continues to affect commu-

nities, families, education, economics and health.

REO’s Equity in Bond Planning process aims to address inequities in ways that improve student academic achievement and increase opportunities for student success.

REO is proposing to create four school-community hubs in the neighborhoods served

by Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt, L.G. Pinkston, and H. Grady Spruce high schools.

To jumpstart the planning process, REO has scheduled virtual community conversations from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, for residents served by H. Grady Spruce High School and Tuesday, June 9, for neighborhoods served

by Lincoln High School. REO plans to share with residents their area’s CRI data and collect input from students, families and residents about how the school-community hubs can improve life for students and their families. Future meetings will be held for parents and residents of the Franklin Roosevelt and L.G. Pinkston high school communities.

Leslie Williams, Dallas ISD Deputy Chief of the Racial Equity Office Community Conversations Timeline and Objectives Racial Equity Office, says staff will June July August September spend much of the time in these conInterviews and Workshops Workshops Present versations listening.

Focus Groups Identify Com- Design and priConcepts “We want to hear residents’ reaction at Spruce and munity Needs, oritize programs to Board of Community Lincoln High to the CRI data and Assets and for school comTrustees Engagement learn how they see School Opportunities munity hubs the connection of current problems to past redlining and segregation,” said Williams. “The bottom line is we want the community to help us help improve student outcomes.”

Residents of the Spruce and Lincoln school communities can visit the Racial Equity Office webpage for more information and to register to join the community conversations via Zoom or by telephone.

(214) 371- 3020 Spanish interpretation will be available, and participants will have the opportunity provide input 4845 S Lancaster Rd. Dallas, TX 75216 and ask questions.

Hall’s

Honey Fried

Chicken

FROM MARWA WITH

BY MARWA SNEED

Dorothy Jones of Black Jack Pizza On “From Marva with Love,” we heard from Dorothy Jones, the owner of Black Jack Pizza in Dallas, TX. With two locations, Black Jack Pizza is Black-owned and a family-owned business with a staff of family and close friends.

This group works together to present an atmosphere where customers from all over the metroplex come and enjoy eating away from home.

MS: Ms. Dorothy can you tell us a little bit more about Black Jack Pizza and why you started it?

DJ: Well I’m going to tell you about Black Jack Pizza, We opened and we’ve been there about 30 years or more and it’s been a very great opportunity for us. Our customers just love us and we love them. And my son always wanted a pizza place and I’m keeping the dream alive. We have the best customers in the world.

MS: Being in the community, what are some of the things that Black Jack Pizza is part of?

DJ: In the City we are a part of the NAACP and we also have a Prayer Line in the City. We pray and at times like these we really need to pray. It’s praying time because the whole world is paralyzed. The city is opening up but I’m not going to open up for dine-in because I don’t have the room. If one somebody gets to eat there then everybody will want to eat there. We will still continue to do take out.

MS: Tell us about the work you’ve done with Lincoln High School.

DJ: Oh yes, we worked with Lincoln High School and sent

the students to summer camp with Coach Bishop. And when they were 40-0 we gave them a huge pizza party. It was a surprise the day they came, I was really busy, but I went and got a cake that had 40-0 on it. We had the Lincoln Basketball Team on one side and my customers on the other. It worked out perfectly. There is a way to do whatever you want to do and God will bless you to do it.

Black Jack Pizza has two locations 2536 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Dallas, TX 75215 (214) 565-1025 and 2120 N St Augustine Suite 100 Dallas,

Dorothy Jones

TX 75227 (972) 329-1414. Ms. Dorothy says since COVID-19 “No More Hugs and Kisses...

JUST GOOD FOOD! There was so much more to the interview with Dorothy Jones. Go to BlogTalkRadio. com/Cheryl’s World to From Marva with Love https://bit. ly/2Sn3L4F to hear the full interview.

15

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Do you know this man?

HE IS A SERIAL RAPIST

He targeted members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. but this is more than about a sorority. We’re talking about a community.

Come on PEOPLE! Don’t you CARE? Will it matter when it is your sister, mother, aunt or grandmother or maybe YOU?

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Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201

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

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MAY 27, 2020

MAY 20, 2020

May 27 & 28, 2020 DeSoto High School Class of 2020 Graduation held over a two-day period on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 and Thursday, May 28, 2020. May 27: 10 a.m.. to Noon – Virtual Graduation (Live Streamed) May 27: 1 p.m.. to 3 p.m. – Mini Ceremonies (Pre-Selected Groups) May 28: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Mini Ceremonies (Scheduled by Alpha order for all students) Live-streamed at www.

DeSotoISD.org/Graduation.

May 27, 2020 Ask Dr. Amerson ‘Animals with Alopecia’ at 11am CST on DfwiRadio.com Expert guest is Dr. Alison Diesel, Professor at Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine, share about animals who they see with alopecia and skin conditions. Tips on hair & scalp care, & alopecia. #ScalpDoctor #39yrveteran #7yrhost A Message For You. with Marva Sneed comes to you From Marva with Love, bringing you COVID-19 information on how to get the help you need, News, Resources, Music, and Encouragement. 11 am-1 pm. CST. Facebook/@CherylSmith and BlogTalkRadio.com.646-200-0459.

Paul Quinn College #NationBuilding w/ Michael Sorrell every other Wednesday at 12:30 pm CST on Facebook & Twitter Live. Follow along for updates: @ MichaelSorrell Twitter, @MichaelJSorrell Facebook, @MichaelSorrell Instagram, @ Michael J. Sorrell NNPA’s Live Publishers Broadcast Hosted by Stacy M. Brown Journalist/Correspondent 12pm CST 1pm EST. Live on Facebook/BlackPress USA, Vimeo, and YouTube. John WarrenSan Diego Voice, Karen Carter Richards- Houston Forward Times, Jim Washington- Dallas Weekly, Jackie Hampton Mississippi Link.

May 28, 2020 Singer Gladys Knight of Gladys Knight and the Pips is Born in 1944 A Message For You, hosted by Cheryl Smith publisher of Texas Metro News, Garland Journal and I Messenger.

She is a veteran journalist and FAMU graduate, who currently serves as Secretary of the National Association of Black Journalists. Join in on Facebook/@CherylSmith and BlogTalkRadio.com at 11 am- 1pm. Questions ask Cheryl at 646-200-0459

Virtual Community Calendar Grown Folks Jazz, hosted by Sam Putney from the Skip Murphy Morning Show every Thursday on Facebook. com/JimAustinOnline. At 7:30 pm.

Guest: Taylor Pace

A Message For You, hosted by Cheryl Smith publisher of Texas Metro News, Garland Journal and I Messenger. She is a veteran journalist and FAMU graduate, who currently serves as Secretary of the National Association of Black Journalists. Join in on Facebook/@CherylSmith and BlogTalkRadio.com at 11 am- 1pm. Questions ask Cheryl at 646-200-0459.

May 29, 2020

June 2, 2020

From Marva with Love with Marva Sneed 11:15 am. Ebony Smith, Founder of Yoga N Da Hood Yoga N Da Hood makes wellness accessible to EVERYONE! 11:45 am Akwete Tyehimba, Owner of Pan African Connection Book Store and Art Gallery. 12:15 pm Denice Ford Perfect Health Holistic Institute, Denice is a Certified Herbal Health Coach.

May 30, 2020 A Message For You. I Messenger Media is continuing to provide our readers and listeners with thought-provoking, informative, enlightening and entertaining news and commentary. 1:00 pm on BlogTalkRadio.com and Facebook Live.

Partnering with the Facebook Journalism Project.

Virtual Community Conversation-South Texas with Sen. Royce West. Join Senator Royce West on a Virtual Community Conversation across Texas by attending this virtual town hall!

This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about Senator West’s experience, his vision for Texas, and ask questions.

Register: www.mobilize.us 6pm CST

May 31, 2020 Andrew’s World with host Andrew Whigham III on BlogTalkRadio.com 8 am.-10 am. Tune in for thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news and commentary.

Join the conversation at 646-200-0459 on Andrew’s World.

A Message For You. I Messenger Media is continuing to provide thought-provoking, informative, enlightening and entertaining news, and commentary. 1 pm. on BlogTalkRadio.com.

NBPRS Dallas and NABJ Media Related Task Force presents the “Virtual” Happy Hour with host Terry Allen every Sunday 5:30 pm CST. Reg. for meeting; https://bit.ly/36swTxk Bring your best drink and enjoy online networking!

June 1, 2020

A Message For You, with Anthony Council Morehouse student and I Messenger Media intern. Anthony brings that perspective from those born in this century.

Valder Beebe Show That Celebrity Interview, daily shows on 411RadioNetwork.com & SoundCloud.com/valderbeebeshow; On-Demand (schedule) YouTube. com/valderbeebeshow.

June 3, 2020 Ask Dr. Amerson ‘’Sexual Assault Awareness’ at 11am CST on DfwiRadio.com guest is Author & Life Coach Maurita Brown shares information about a topic which is often swept under the rug. Statistics given and resources. Tips on hair & scalp care, & alopecia, #ScalpDoctor #39yrveteran #7yrhost Hollywood Live! With Michael “Hollywood” Hernandez on Hollywoodlive.com from 2 pm-4 pm. Guests: Michelle Priest & Don Diego.

A Message For You. with Marva Sneed comes to you From Marva with Love, bringing you COVID-19 information on how to get the help you need, News, Resources, Music, and Encouragement. 11 am-1 pm. CST. Facebook/@CherylSmith and BlogTalkRadio.com. 646-200-0459.

Goals Don’t Have Feelings Dr. Stacia Alexander. Top Achievers Nonprofit Lawerence Mann and Jalen Brunson Building Athletes for resiliency at 7pm at Facebook/@ GoalsDon’tHaveFeelings www.PositiveInfluences.org Facing challenges today for blessings tomorrow. Dallas Office: 469.227.7847.

1987 Dr. Mae C. Jemison becomes first Black woman astronaut.

June 5, 2020 From Marva with Love 11:15 am Terry Allen CEO of City Men Cook and CEO 1016 Media, He hosts the biggest Sunday Dinner on Father’s Day. 12:15 pm. Joseph Abrahams CEO Invest in your Success. How has COVID-19, the Lockdown, and job loss effected the community?

June 6, 2020 1931 Baseball great “Say Hey Kid” Willie Mays is Born A Message For You. I Messenger Media is continuing to provide thought-provoking, informative, enlightening and entertaining news, and commentary. 1 pm. on BlogTalkRadio.com.

NABJ Webinar: How They See Us | Black Male Media Project Moderated by: Bill Whitaker, This is an NABJ initiative designed to accurately reflect the contributions of black males in the media, and promote networking, mentorship, and professional development of black males working in the media. 1:00 pm CST. Reg-

NNPA’s Live Publishers Broadcast Hosted by Stacy M. Brown Journalist/Correspondent 12pm CST 1pm EST. Live on Facebook/BlackPress USA, Vimeo, and YouTube. Nab’a Muhammad- Final Call , Chicago, Dr. R.B. Holmes, Jr. - Capitol Outlook Newspaper Tallahassee, Fl., Trennie Williams- Silver Star News- Memphis, Karl Rodney- New York Carib News.

June 4, 2020 A Message For You, hosted by Cheryl Smith publisher of Texas Metro News, Garland Journal and I Messenger. She is a veteran journalist and FAMU graduate, who currently serves as Secretary of the National Association of Black Journalists. Join in on Facebook/@CherylSmith and BlogTalkRadio.com at 11 am- 1pm. Questions ask Cheryl at 646-200-0459.

ister: bit.ly/HowTheySeeUs.