Texas Metro News 10-6-22

MetroNews

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson feted at D.C. events before retirement

By Cheryl Smith PUBLISHER

What are the adults doing?

Looking back, I now realize how many rituals our family had and how we were expect ed to conduct ourselves during each one.

We didn’t get to question nor dissent.

Parents were there to guide and direct because they knew better. They had been there and done almost everything and we children needed to let experi ence speak!

I know it’s a new day and I am adapting to a different way of living but I must caution folks younger than I am: There are some things I feel “entitled” to because I had to give it, and you are not going to rob me; namely respect!

For example, as a child, grow ing up the pieces of the chicken relegated to the children in my house, were everything but the breasts, followed closely by the wings. I waited in anticipation for the day when I would get to choose; when I would earn, that forbidden piece of chicken.

Then there was that Saturday dose of castor oil. My mother felt we needed to be “cleaned out” so we could start the new week off on the right foot. So cleaning out was what hap pened and today when I com pare what we ate then with what folks are eating today; a lot of cleaning out needs to be happening!

I encountered the long list where every entry began with: “Wait until you are an adult or 18!”

Children like to do what they see adults doing, including:

By Cheryl Smith

WASHINGTON — At several events during the Congressio nal Black Caucus Foundation Leadership Conference in the nation’s capital last week, Con gresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson was feted for her three decades of service.

It was a festive but somewhat emotional afternoon as long time friends, family, supporters, colleagues and employees, past and present, shared stories as Johnson (D-Dallas) held her last Texas Barbecue on Saturday.

Prairie View A&M makes most of Grambling State’s first half woes in State Fair Classic win

Prairie View A&M built up a 27-0 lead by halftime to grab its fifth straight victory over Grambling State.

By Myah Taylor

For the fifth time since 2018, it wasn’t Grambling State’s year.

Grambling, the historically Black university in Louisiana, has not topped Houston-ar ea HBCU Prairie View A&M in the annual State Fair Classic football game since 2017. That losing streak continued on Sat urday night when Prairie View A&M left Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas with a 34-14 win.

Of the 53,971 people who traveled to the game about four

Wiley College Head Basketball Coach, former Duncanville Standout Tiffany Jackson Passes Away from Cancer

By Dorothy J. Gentry Sports Editor

Former teammates, players, coaches, and WNBA players took to social media to mourn Tiffany Jackson who passed away on Monday evening at the age of 37 from cancer.

Reel Shot Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-prof it organization providing opportunities to inspire underrepresented filmmak ers through job shadowing and training with industry professionals on feature and short films. Reel Shot, Inc. kicks off its second motion picture project in No vember.

Reel Shot will offer participants access to industry professionals to learn handson principles regarding motion picture development. This includes produc

tion management, technical execution and the initial development process of film-making. Participants in the program will work side-by-side with professional mentors to help further their develop ment.

“Our focus and goal is to give under represented storytellers a platform to dive into the world of filmmaking with a level of on-the-job training from those already working in the field,” explains

Jackson was named head coach of Wiley College’s wom en’s basketball team earlier this year in April. She is a former assistant coach and standout player at the University of Texas in Austin and was a member of Duncanville High School’s 2003 State Championship Team. Jackson finished with 16 points to earn game Most Valuable Player honors for Duncanville, which went 39-1 that season.

Coach Tiffany Jackson

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (left) with Congressman Bobby Rush (D-Ill.), and former Congresswoman and current Secretary of HUD Marcia Fudge at the barbecue on Saturday in Washington.

Photo: cus / Cheryl Smith/Texas Metro News

Prairie View head coach Bubba McDowell lifts the State Fair Classic trophy after a victory over Grambling in an NCAA football game at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Dallas.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer

Filmmaking

founder, Rock White.

Reel Shot’s first movie project, LowKey Hustle, is now streaming on FUBU (For Us By Us) Network.

For more information or

to support our Reel Shot mission, please visit reel shotfilms.org or email us at office@reelshotfilms. org. Follow us on Face book and Instagram.

Since she took office after be ing elected in 1992, the first nurse to serve in the U.S. Congress has held the event to showcase no table people and programs and welcome her Texas constituents.

Closing out her 15th term, Johnson’s service includes serv ing as chair of the CBC, but also championing causes such as lupus awareness, aid to veter ans, improving transportation, ending homelessness and STEM education.

At this year’s barbecue, all eyes were on her as numerous photos were taken and attend ees received a parting gift that included a bottle of Texas hot sauce.

Johnson reminisced about key moments in history since she was first elected and shared stories about her colleagues in Congress and the many chal lenges they faced as the Demo cratic Party has only been in the majority 10 years during her en tire 30 years representing Con gressional District 30.

As the first African American and woman to chair the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee after being elected to the position in January 2019 and the most senior Texan on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, she is the Dean of the Texas Con gressional delegation and also serves as Dean of the Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona Democrat ic Congressional delegation.

Saluting several members of

My Truth cont. from page 1

drinking alcohol, staying out all night, smoking, wearing certain clothes, not having to tell where you are going and voting!

Which brings me to my truth.

The list should have included, being responsible, paying bills, following the house rules of the people who pay the bills, being

Congress who previously served as chair of the CBC, Johnson laughed as she claimed her term to be the best.

Current and former members of Congress in attendance joined in the laughter as Congressman Jim Clyburn of South Carolina took to the microphone to praise his friend and colleague.

Elected at the same time as Johnson, he recalled how she came in working and never stopped. It was a strong class, he said and “Eddie Bernice became a mother to all of us.”

He explained, “I have never done anything in Congress with out checking with Eddie Ber nice. What she has meant to this country has not been properly measured.”

The senior legislator, who is credited with “breathing life” into a campaign that led to the election of President Joe Biden, talked extensively about John son’s impressive portfolio as he said he prepares for a time when she will no longer be part of the Congressional Black Caucus, which is comprised of mostly Democratic members of the U.S. Congress.

“It’s going to be a sad day to take the oath and not see you,” he told Johnson. “Eddie has been just great for us.”

And for Johnson, who’s been very vocal about her love for her CBC family, she shared her feel ings once again as she pointed out that the members who were very important to her and she

respectful no matter how you are being treated, dressing appro priately, and again, voting (can’t stress it enough).

There are things you have a right to do and other things are your right because of what oth ers have done. Then too, you can abdicate your rights by not voting!

For the record, my grown self

referenced a column she wrote a year ago expressing the same sentiments:

“We can communicate with out saying a word to each other. We can read attitudes without speaking. We can communicate effectively with eye contact.

We are Black in America even when we are of mixed-race par entage or marriage, we find comfort among each other.

Oftentimes, we share experi ences that we do not share with our closest family members. It’s that common experience of sharing the heartbeat of the Nation that no other experience offers.

We work together; Eat to gether; Travel together; Laugh together; Cry together; Fight to gether; Worship together; Pray together; Workshare together; Plan together; Hurt together; Sit together; Stick together; and support and defend each other — even when we do not wholly agree. We are family!”

On Saturday she was even more candid as she added more expressions to that list, receiv ing loud applause, because for her and others, times were not always fun or good, but they got work done on so many fronts.

Topping off the CBC weekend, Johnson was slated to receive recognition for her service in the United States Congress at the CBCF’s Phoenix Awards. Also honored was Fort Worth’s Opal Lee, the “grandmother of June teenth.”

is a pescatarian.

Will I take castor oil today?

If healthy eating and drinking plenty of water don’t get it, may be a colonic will. It will have to, because I have earned the right to say “NO” to castor oil.

Do I respect my elders, regard less of how they act?

Yep!

And just like I saw adults do ing, I will go to the polls and vote!

As the clock winds down on her historic tenure, the lawmaker hosts her annual barbecue in Washington.

Tiffany

She was also Texas’ Gatorade Play er of the Year that year and was both a McDonald's All-American and a WBCA All-American, and was the consensus No. 2 national prospect. She was also a well-known member of DFW Elite select basketball team. Jackson was recently inducted into the Duncanville ISD Hall of Honor.

Condolences poured out on social me dia as news of her death became public.

“Gone, but never forgotten. RIP Tiffany Jackson. ” – University of Texas Wom en’s Basketball posted on Twitter.

“We lost a beautiful soul to cancer to day. My heart is so heavy. You never know what people are going through. Please al ways remember that. Prayers” Nikki Mc Cray, assistant coach for Rutgers wom en’s basketball, posted on Twitter.

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again!!! A lot of girls growing up wanted to be like Candace Parker and Diana Taurasi. I wanted to be like Tiffany Jackson!!! You will be missed!!!” wrote Mesquite Head Girls Basketball Coach Kelsi Baker on Twitter.

Yolette McCuin, head women’s bas ketball coach at the University of Mis sissippi posted: “My goodness another Angel TJack has gone to the heavens. Life is so short! Tell the ones that you love that love them daily. RIH”

DFW/Elite Basketball posted on Twit ter: “Prayers for the Jackson family. A beautiful mother, daughter, sister, team mate, coach, mentor and friend. Touched the lives of many, just like her father. RIP Tiff. #TJack”

And former WNBA player, head coach and Hall of Famer Tamika Catch ings posted: “Wow… just hearing about Tiffany Jackson Prayers up to her family. Such a blow as she was absolutely amaz ing Going to miss her smile, presence and heart for others #RIH Catchings also

ny had a great career and was an impact player. She was recognized for her allaround game and the fact that she was tremendously mobile and could play multiple positions. She was beloved by teammates, and we share in the sadness of her passing."

Current Texas Head Coach Vic Schae fer said: "We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing Tiffany Jackson,

College for the upcoming season. She will be sorely missed by so many. Our deepest sympathies go out to her family."

Jackson is the only person in program history to have accomplished 1,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, 300 steals and 150 blocks. She currently ranks fifth in school history with 1,917 career points, fourth with 1,039 career rebounds, third with 313 steals and seventh with 181 blocked shots. She is one of only five players in program history to record more than 1,000 career points and more than 1,000 career rebounds.

She also made her mark in the WNBA. She was selected by the New York Liber ty with the fifth overall pick in the 2007 WNBA draft. Jackson would play for nine seasons in the WNBA with the Liberty, Tulsa Shock and Los Angeles Sparks.

Jackson earned a degree in Applied Learning and Development from The University of Texas in 2013.

played for Duncanville High School and led the team to its 1997 championship.

After Duncanville, Jackson went on to a legendary career at the University of Texas from 2003-2007 under Hall of Fame Coach Jody Conradt. Jackson played in 123 games with 103 starts. In her fresh man year with the Longhorns the team went 30-5 and advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 and finished with a No. 4 final ranking in the Associated Press Poll. Jackson was named the National Fresh man of the Year by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association and ESPN.com.

In a prepared statement on the uni versity’s website, Conradt said: "Tiffa

one of the greatest players in the history of Texas Women's Basketball.

“From her days as a player for DFW Elite to her days as a player at The Univer sity of Texas, Tiffany has meant so much to so many people in this great state of Texas,” Schaefer said. “I know she was so excited to be the head coach at Wiley

LEGAL

According to the university, Jackson was diagnosed with stage 3 breast can cer in September 2015 and went into remission in May 2016 after treatment. She joined the Longhorns as an assistant coach in May 2018 after retiring from professional basketball.

She was named head coach of Wiley College in April 2022. Services for the beloved player and coach are to be de termined.

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PLAYIN’

By Vincent L. Hall

Man, what a flashback. As I was about to walk into a local 7-11 store, a 10 or 11-year-old Hispanic broth er spotted me. He got to the door six paces before me, glanced back, and did something that shocked me. He opened the door for me, said “hello,” and smiled!

Man, you can’t imagine how flabbergasted I was. The art of being a gentleman is all but lost in our society. We have allowed blowhards, bullies, and blustery personalities to take center stage. Manhood in America has become aligned with arrogance, self-righ teousness, and myopia.

This young man needed to know that I appreciated him. His parents are developing an old-school gen tleman.

My paternal grandfather, always irascible and moody, insisted that diplomacy was the best policy. Ed Hall said, "It's nice to be nice, but when you can't, kick 'em in the ass." Which meant…be a gentle man for as long as it's feasible, but

We Must Cut The Line

don't be no fool.

Both of my grandmothers were stickler for charm and chivalry and developed some rigor in me that isn't widespread in America anymore. For example, if a woman comes to sit next to a man, he is to stand until she is seated and then he can sit. If she gets ready to leave that seat, he should stand until she is gone.

Try it brothers!

If we were standing, facing a woman who was sitting, we had to ensure that she was not staring into our crotch. That sounds ex treme, but you would be surprised to know how often that law is vio lated and found offensive.

There is no way to gauge how many elevators I’ve missed because there were women present who must be allowed aboard before me. It is difficult for me to walk past anyone without gaining eye con tact and offering my salutations. Mama said you have to speak to them if you didn't sleep with them.

I thank my mother and my fam ily daily for making and molding me into the gentleman I am known

to be. They took the time to teach us chivalry and common courtesy. Courtesy is an essential tool to cre ate and sustain respectful relation ships.

Unfortunately, too many of our young men lack grandmothers or women in their life who require and reward good behavior. So, we should create the type of village

your appreciation. They will feel good about it!

Truck drivers and those who know the code do it regularly. If you can't squeeze your 1978 Cadil lac Coupe De ‘Ville in a lane, imag ine doing it with an 18-wheeler wagging a 53-foot trailer.

Whenever you see a trucker trying to negotiate a lane change,

showing compassion. My mother says if you say thanks well enough, people want to experience your thanks again.

After all, you felt like a butthole when you didn't let a fellow driver cut the line. You felt uneasy after you lie to beggars who ask you for money. You were being mean when the truth is you would gladly donate a dollar than trade places with them.

Being a gentleman is not all about gender or chivalry. Being a gentleman is about showering others with a smidgen of the grace that God showers on you daily. Grandmother Hall said that you might be better off, but you are no better than anyone else.

Publisher : Cheryl Smith Editor: editor@myimessenger.com

OF

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

that plugs that gap.

Believe it or not, good habits are easily encouraged. You can do it in your car!

Say you need to change lanes. After eight other "A-Holes" ignored your turn signal, there was one kind soul who beckoned you to cut the line. For them you roll down the window and wave to show

blink your lights to let the driver know they can cut the line. They will reward you by flashing their trailer lights several times. They just may be carrying that baby for mula you need!

The net result is that we all feel good when we know we did a good deed. There is no greater feel ing than being acknowledged for

So, the next time someone needs to cut the line, think about how great the reward is for such little investment. It may cost you 10 sec onds, but being kind regularly adds years to your life.

Oh, you don't want to live long?

Come on, and I'll let you cut the line. I ain't in no hurry.

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

Let It Be Known: FEMA and the Ad Council

report that said socially vulnerable populations, including Black and Af rican American communities may be more exposed to the highest impacts of climate change.

the Ad Council.

By Dr. John E. Warren

Recently the Deputy Administrator of the Federal Emergency Manage ment Administration (FEMA), spoke to students at Howard University as a part of a new “Ready Campaign” aimed at African American communi ties to encourage advanced prepared ness for storms and all natural disas ters the Deputy Administrator told the students that FEMA was there to reaffirm its commitment to equity and to say loud and clear that every community deserves to be protected from hazards.

After all, September was Disaster Preparedness month.

Mr. Erik Hooks, the Deputy Admin istrator speaking to the students said, “Blacks are the communities that are on the frontlines of climate change and related extreme weather events.”

Hooks also referenced an Envi ronmental Protection Agency (EPA)

With the full knowledge of how se rious this matter is to the Black and African American communities in particular, one must ask why would FEMA and the Ad Council be address ing this issue with an ad campaign based on Public Service Announce ments (PSAs) and college speeches with no dollars to ensure the targeted populations are reached?

How can there be “equity” with no dollars when, in America, issues of public policy – without dollars – are meaningless? FEMA as an agency of the federal government has a budget for everything it does. If the Black Press, including Black Media, is the “Trusted Messenger” of our commu nities for more than 195 years, where are the dollars to support the cam paign?

Let’s look at what FEMA is calling a ‘Readiness Campaign’ based on PSAs running nationwide in Spanish and English. The Ads for this campaign have been developed and provided by

The ads are both print and elec tronic. White Media can afford to run them for free and give the appearance of community service. But let’s take a look at the Ad Council itself.

It was established as a nonprof it in1942; changed its name during World War II and raised monies for the War effort. It reverted to the name Ad Council as a nonprofit af ter the War, and today receives more than 1.8 billion dollars from Media among its 385 donors.

The White Press writes off its do nations to the Ad Council, which, in the past and perhaps still does today, provide print ads to small communi ty newspapers which historically ran them for free when they had no paid ads to run.

One of the large contract donors and participants with the Ad Council on various campaigns is the federal government. The same federal gov ernment that, according to a General Accounting Office report, in recent years spent less dollars with the Black Press than its contracts with the Ad Council.

Now FEMA, on behalf of the feder

al government, is calling for “equity” without spending “equitable” dollars with the Black Press.

We should “Let It Be Known” that mentioning the word “equity” does not in and of itself produce equita ble participation in the programs and policies around us. We applaud the disaster relief efforts of FEMA, the agency’s efforts and its contin ued impact in making the difference between life and death for so many everyday.

With 1.8 billion dollars in Media contributions, the Ad Council could have provided dollars by itself for a paid media campaign for the local and community newspapers like the Black Press. Let us not forget the multi-billion dollar advertising agen cies who also contribute to the Ad Council with write offs while too of ten controlling the trickle down dol lars reaching smaller media like the Black Press.

Let It Be Known that the Black Press will be looking more closely at those who come to us in the name of equity with empty hands.

Say it with me: You Deserve Better

FAITHFUL UTTERANCES

By Dr. Froswa' Booker-Drew

It’s really easy when you are in the midst of a situation to not see the possibilities. At the time, it’s hard to see anything but what is in front of you. It’s also very easy to become com fortable because it’s familiar.

We often believe that walking away from toxic situations is the hardest thing to do. I would say that staying can be equally as difficult, if not worse, for your long-term health and view of who you are. It’s knowing that you deserve better.

When we look in a mirror, we expect to see ourselves. But imagine if you haven’t seen who you really are in years. Looking

at old pictures can remind us of who we used to be—we see ourselves as kids and we may have an idea of what we looked like but there are details that we don’t remember.

For decades, we have seen the adult version of ourselves. Our memories begin to fade affect ing our ability to really visualize the totality of who we are. We are more than what we see in the present.

This happens when we are in environments that damage our well-being. We begin to adjust to the chaos, conflict, and con fusion.

The picture of who we really are and what we can become is jaded. Life has a way of dis torting the way we appear be cause of the traumas we suf fer—neglect, abandonment, disappointments, and rejec tion—are just a few of the expe riences that shape who we are.

We may even externally ap pear to others as having it all together but internally, we are so wounded. We can be torn to pieces because of the pain. Oth ers may not see it because of the way we dress it up, but in actu ality, we are living as a shell of who we could be.

It's tragic when we can’t see who we were created to be. We can become fixated on our physical appearance devoting so much time to covering up the outside without caring for our mind, emotions, and spirit.

The limited view that we have of ourselves affects our think ing, the things we will or won’t do, and even our relationships. We’ll convince ourselves we need to stay in a relationship or a job because we don’t believe there’s more for us. We question if we somehow deserve this.

God sees us so differently than we see ourselves. In Genesis,

when God saw what He made, He said it was good. (Genesis 1:31) “For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is re ceived with thanksgiving should be rejected.” (1Timothy 4:4)

What would happen if we gave thanks to God for all that He created including ourselves and those around us? Our self-talk would change and even the way we talked about others would be different. We would see our value and ultimately, appreciate the value of others even when they don’t see us fully.

We can easily deceive our selves with the lies we are told about our inadequacies, faults and failures. The Bible tells us about self-deception and how it robs us. “Otherwise, you are de ceiving yourselves. For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, and after observing himself goes

away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” (James 1:23)

The Word of God is our mir ror. It reflects to us who we are and the greatness that lies with in us. Yet, if we allow the world to show us who we are and not God, if we do not make a prac tice of seeking God to define us, we are consistently reinjuring ourselves and others.

God has so much more for you. Just know that YOU deserve better.

To Listen to the Podcast: https://www.audible.com/ pd/THE-TAPESTRY-Podcast/ B08JJNVS4G

Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is the CEO of Soulstice Consultany (drfroswabooker.com) and the founder of the R2 Foundation (r2fdn.org). She is the author of four books including Empowering Charity: A New Narrative of Philanthropy by Baylor University Press and the host of the Tapestry Podcast.

Moving Into the Future

Former DA Faith Johnson Addresses Issues.

I am Faith Johnson and I’m proud to be running for Dallas County District Attorney. Last week I had the privilege of intro ducing myself to you and speaking from my heart of my love for the black community and all of Dallas County. My passion for our very special county, comprised of 31 cities, and her people runs deep. Often I feel like a Mama Bear want ing to protect her and even as the days and nights grow long on the campaign trail, I find myself more passionate and energized than ever to serve this county and her amazing people.

You see, very few people are will ing to step out into a role like this because of what is required to do it excellently. But this isn’t a job to me, it’s a calling. A calling is some thing deeper, more abiding than a job. It reaches into the bedrock of your soul and drives you in a dif ferent way than a job does. Jobs are essential and vital for our lives and economies, but I am privileged to step into this calling on my life and I hope you’ll join me. I can’t do

this alone. I can do what I’m called to do, but I need you to do what you’re called to do. Because I can’t do what you do and vice versa.

A strange thing has happened in our nation and even in Dallas, County. Criminals and lawless ness have begun to be prioritized over law-abiding, hard-working citizens and this has happened before our very eyes. For exam ple, when it is official policy to not prosecute theft under $750, you are communicating that the law of the land allows for thievery up to a certain extent. No parent would

tell their child, “It’s okay to steal son, as long as it’s under a certain amount.” To hear it put in those terms seems obviously asinine. Yet that is the current policy of Dal las County and is coming directly from the current DA’s office.

As I’m out on the campaign trail, I’m talking to all kinds of amazing people who do not feel safe. No one cares what the stats are if they don’t feel safe. Statistics can be shifted and altered to tell whatev

er narrative someone wants to tell. But if your car is carjacked or your son or daughter is murdered, no one would ever say, “Well statistics show that crime is down.” Anoth er asinine statement that is totally disconnected from the experience of the citizen.

As your next DA, my priority is to throw out all policies that know ingly or unknowingly incentivize crime of all kinds in our county. My heart and passion is to restore

law and order and civil, hospitable environments for our law enforce ment officials, our county employ ees, and our citizens. Our law en forcement teams are working their tails off. But if the leaders of justice aren’t doing their part in enforcing the existing laws and upholding justice and righteousness in the land, then we all suffer.

Please come see me at any of my campaign offices listed below and learn more about me at https:// faithjohnsonforda.com. Please take the time to get to know me because we must make it a priority to get to know our county officials and elect strong, competent lead ers.

Again, I am Faith Johnson and I’m asking for your vote on No vember 8th. Join me as we move into the future with a safer and better Dallas!

DeSoto Campaign Office

1223 E. Beltline Rd Ste 114 Deso to, TX 75115

Political Ad. paid by the Faith Johnson Campaign for Dallas County District Attorney

Faith Johnson

October 7

State Senator Royce West is celebrating 29 years representing Senatorial District 23, at the Tower Club, 1601 Elm Street, 48th Floor in Dallas, 2-4p.m. RSVP at 2149GO WEST or email royce.west@ roycewest.org.

PASTORS LUNCHEON

The Pastors Luncheon will be 11:00 a.m. Typically hosted during the State Fair of Texas, this event was designed to create an environment to celebrate congregations and invites clergy leaders from the community to fellowship.

*** Dallas- Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists (DFW/ABJ) honors NABJ award winners at Soiree Coffee Bar, 320 Singleton Blvd Suite 190, Dallas, TX 75212

The keynote speaker is Judge Kim Brown with special guest speaker: His Royal Highness Prince Gharios EL Chemor Royal House of Ghassan www.awayoutproject.org or annas housegala@gmail.com

2022 Dallas HBCU

Invitational  5:00 PM –

Sat, Nov 12, 2022, 7:00 PM CST

Paul Quinn College  3837 Simpson Stuart Rd  Dallas, TX 75241

Tickets: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/2022-dallas-hbcu-invitation al-tickets-381336366337?aff=erellivmlt

This invitational highlights HBCU Women’s Basketball programs over two days! Look forward to action-packed college basketball supporting the women’s sport and culture!

dynamic HBCU women’s basketball teams will go head to head during at Paul Quinn College in historic gymnasium.

Love Wins! Free Weddings

Tie the knot with Hon. Martin Hoffman, presiding! Judge Hoffman will waive his officiant fees all day at George Allen Courts Building. Love Wins! Wedding Receptions: Dallas County Democrats, Dallas-Ft.Worth HRC, and Stonewall Democrats of Dallas present Love Wins! Weddings Reception at Alexandre’s in Oak Lawn.

11

Meet and Greet Fundraiser Dinner Reception, 6:30p.m. 3311 Regent Blvd, Irving. Presented by Sai Business Investments LLC for Judge Mike Jones, Veretta Frazier, District Attorney John Cruezot, Nicole Taylor; Judges Maria Acaves, Nancy Kennedy, Dana Huffman, Mary Brown; Jeca Williams, Dianne Jones and LaDeitra Adkins.

13

The Press Club of Dallas 10th Legends of North Texas Journalism at Texas Theatre. LEGENDS: Ed Bark, Karen Blair (posthu mous), Karen Blumenthal (posthumous), Cheryl Hall, Molly Ivins (posthumous), Verne Lundquist, Murphy Martin (posthumous), Scott McCartney, Laura Miller, Liz Oliphant, Bob Schieffer and Brett Shipp.

***

15

Join Councilwoman Shaunte L. Allen from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm for the “Parenting Under High Stress: Resources for Relief” Sum mit at 1932 S. Hampton Road, Glenn Heights, TX. The Parenting Under High-Stress Summit offers resources for parents and teens. You will receive advice and encouragement from mental health experts and school counselors. And, you can participate in a meditative writing session or a yoga session. Free of charge. Register NOW: https://forms.office. com/r/K9D8ADPDsX

5th Annual Dallas Black College Expo at Paul Quinn College -10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Meet with colleges, communities colleges, uni versities, trade schools. Get incredible information on Financial Aid, 411 for the Student Athlete, Booming Careers, Internships, How to Start a Business and more!

***

Anna’s House 10th Annual Domestic Violence Gala 2022 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, 7p.m.

EARLY VOTING BEGINS

29 Celebration of Life for Thomas Ali Muhammad

The Black Academy of Arts and Letters 11:00a.m.

The Viola’s House presents “Pathways to Redemp tion” Inaugural Black Tie Gala featuring Adrienne Banfield-Nor ris “Gammy” at 7:00pm in the Statler Hotel Grand Ballroom, Dallas.

OUT

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.

Was Just Thinking with Nor ma Adams-Wade “History Class is in Session” Join in on Facebook/@TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio.com at 11 am -1 pm. CST. Wednesdays. Join the conversation call 646-200-0459.

Superb Women

Our Superb Women!

Cheryl Smith

By Cheryl Smith Texas Metro News

2021 was the "Year of the Woman," especially the Black Woman! For 10 months we dedicated this space to uplifting Black women and spread ing a message that we need to show love and empower people with love instead of destroying them with hate and disrespect. We celebrate Black Women and call them SUPERB! AND WE ARE KEEPING THE CELEBRATION GOING IN 2022!

RINA RISPER

Rina Risper is focused on educating, motivating, and immersing herself in connecting with people and businesses.

The publisher of The New Citizens Press, Rina Risper definitely gives a voice to so many and armed with a degree in sociology, she has engaged in consulting, press release services, contacting media, photography, referral services, creating and developing marketing and advertising plans, and image consulting for other businesses. She’s a poet, an activist, and a brilliant strategist who has a sense of humor and love for her people. An active participant in the Black Press Initiative and Black News Link, Rina is bold, committed and resilient and she is celebrating the 21 years as a publisher. Check out her publication at www.tncp.net.

ISABELL COTTRELL

Isabell Cottrell is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and community servant.

Isabell Cottrell was born and raised in Bessemer, AL. At George Washington Carver High School she was Homecoming Queen. She furthered her education at Booker T. Washington and Lawson State Jr. College. She also attended the University of Chicago and The London Business School and the Salk Institute for NonProfit ad Anthony Robbins

Life Mastery Program. She is a former co-owner of the Texas rangers and a Founder Club Member of the Dallas Cowboys Stadium. A marketing guru, she focused on domestic and international marketing initiative. She also played a key role in Proline Corporation’s focus on establishing its presence in Africa.

DEBRA DENNIS

Debra Dennis is respected for her work ethic, gentle spirit, resolve and dedication.

Debra Dennis is the senior news manager for Dallas College. An awardwinning journalist, Debra was a reporter for the Dallas Morning News and Fort Worth Star-Telegram. She received a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Arlington. A talented and focused writer, she is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the National Association of Black Journalists. Debra Dennis is passionate about civil rights and social action, education, human rights, health, poverty alleviation, social service, veteran support, children, arts and culture.

MEKO KROUT

Meko Krout is a self-described executive producer, bestselling author, mother|Public Speaker|A.I.N. Founder and FinTech Geek. The Chief Administrative Officer at BSB Collaborative, LLC, Meko Krout works at GirleeGirlz Getaway, of which she is a co-founder. Meko is also founder of Accessories in the Nude Fashion Showcase. In high demand, she studied at Dallas College after graduating from Justin F. Kimball High School and also attended Health Professions Magnet. Meko has made it her mission to help guide women through personal changes. She’s a bestselling author who is a popular speaker and motivator. Meko is a positive and productive force in the lives of so many.

JOY CAMPBELL

Joy Campbell is just the person you need in your life if you are focused on bettering yourself.

A native of Dallas, TX Joy Campbell is an educator, the owner of a nonprofit, she focuses on helping others through community service and ministry. Joy received a degree in business marketing from Prairie View A&M University. She also has a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Community Development. Also a graduate from The Potter’s House School of Ministry, she owns Guiding Minds Ministry, LLC., focusing on

the rehabilitation of second chance offenders through education. She also has Your Discovery Place, Inc., a ministry that brings people and services together in a positive way. Check her out at www.guidingmindsllc. com.

CHERYL THOMPSON-MORTON

She is kind, she is patient, she is smart and she is loving; that’s Cheryl Thompson-Morton.

Cheryl Thompson-Morton is a leader in promoting diversity and equity in the news industry. A Summa Cum Laude graduate of Drexel University, she is the Black Media Initiative Director for the Center for Community Media at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. A newlywed, Cheryl leads Lenfest’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy, focusing on individual support to journalists of color, investment in news organizations owned by people of color, and newsroom collaboration programs. Meticulous, focused, engaging and brilliant, Cheryl is a team player and a born leader. A trusted advisor to the Black News Link, she’s a joy to work with and her excellent communication skills are a definite bonus.

BELINDA MAY

An entrepreneur, a caregiver to the community and a philanthropist, that’s Belinda May.

The founder of Home Care Network, Belinda May is passionate about providing improved inhome health care in several locations and she serves more than 33 North Texas Counties. A registered nurse, Belinda is committed to knowing more about the clinical component of her business so that she can help others understand the need for her company’s services. Belinda feels she can serve her patients by knowing what their needs are. The City of DeSoto named February 9th as Belinda Day. Check her out at www.homecarenetwork.com

STEPHANIE D. PRYOR

An educator by heart, First Lady Stephanie D. Pryor inspires in the classrooms of the world.

First Lady Stephanie D. Pryor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church (NBMBC) is faithful and active in all services and functions` of the church.

She is a wife of more than 30 years and a mother of four. Stephanie has been employed as an educator for the Dallas Public Schools for almost 30 years. She serves as a Sunday School teacher for the junior girls, and a musician/ choir director for the NBMBC. In Stephanie’s spare

time, she loves spending time with family, exercising, decorating, watching Family Feud, and playing spades. Stephanie is a source of inspiration and support so many and she is positively influencing so many young women.

SYBIL WILKES

Sybil Wilkes is the voice of African American consciousness.

When you want to know the truth, when you want it broken down, when you want to know what’s really going on, then you want to be informed and entertained…tune in to “Sybil Wilkes, for What You Need To Know. Sybil Wilkes has been an important listener resource for decades. She was known as “The Voice of Reason” on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, where she delivered news, information and entertainment with honesty, accessibility and integrity, earning the trust of her nationwide audience. Hailing from Chicago, Sybil is a graduate of Northwestern University, with a B.S. in Political Science and Communication Studies.

KIM EFFIOM

Kim Effiom, Dallas native, is a wife and mother of four children, Kendrick, Tynee, Laura, and Lauren and four grandchildren, Jordon, Kadence, Cailee, and Yoshima.

Kim is a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School of the Performing Arts in Dallas. She has a B.S. degree in Education from Texas A&M University-Commerce and a M.Ed degree in Education Administration from Concordia University. Her new CD, My Father’s Heart, is an outpouring of her deep love of God. She served as choir director at the great New Birth Baptist Church in Dallas for 10 years and she has served as choir director at United Christian Fellowship of Arlington for the past 11 years, Kim also enjoys writing plays, and has written and directed four original plays and adapted two.

AJ BARKLEY

AJ Barkley is a true servant leader and bettering her community is what she is good at!

AJ Barkley is head of Neighborhood and Community Lending at Bank of America. She is responsible for identifying opportunities to drive successful homeownership and small business ownership among low and moderate income borrowers, underserved communities

CHECK OUT OUR SPOTIFY

By Maya Palavali Editor-In-Chief

The wonders of the fair

Bright lights, fried food, fun rides- what more can a kid like?

When I was younger, my family and I would go to the State Fair whenever we could. The cacophony of it all fascinated me.

The interesting people I would meet and stalls of games I could play were in endless supply. I would become a different person at the fair by directing my family around, yelling encouragement at random ride goers and acting like an experienced veteran.

Over the years, each one of our schedules became filled with various events and activities. As we went less and less, the gap between me and the fair grew wide.

When I first went after a while, my most favorite parts of the fair became overwhelming. The bright lights became too much and

IT IS THAT TIME OF YEAR

THE STATE FAIR OF TEXAS HAS ARRIVED

By Angelina Liu

The smell of fried oreos, snickers and funnel cakes wafts through the open field as the sounds of children screaming and carnival rides echo all around the carnival grounds. The famous Big Tex statue casts a friendly wave over crowds of people trying award-winning baked goods and barbecue at the annual Texas State Fair in Dallas Fair Park.

The State Fair was established in 1886 and promotes agriculture, local business, education and community. The fair is the longest running in the nation, spanning 24 days from

Sept. 30 to Oct. 23.

According to the State Fair of Texas website, the fair offers a variety of exhibits focusing on agriculture and livestock. Fairgoers are encouraged to feed

furry friends at petting zoos and learn about different livestock species during the daily guided tours through the livestock barns.

The State Fair is also home to one of

the world’s largest collections of Art Deco structures. By offering a wide variety of educational as well as entertaining exhibits through the grounds.

Maya's Journal

The

Top 10 things to do at the State Fair of Texas

lemonade take a ride on the Swan Boat.

9.

Cotton Bowl: Watch a game at the cotton bowl, one of the most popular games is the Prairie View A&M vs Grambling State

University football game that has been going on since the 80s.

10.

Texas Auto Show: Wanna look at the newest latest cars check out the Texas Auto Show and find over 400 models!

By Kendall Gayle Washington

1.

Watch the opening day parade: each year the fair begins with the annual parade through downtown Dallas

2.

Say Howdy to Big Tex!: Go ahead and get a picture with the face of the State Fair of Texas; he's been there since 1952.

3.

Grab a corndog: Before you go on a ride the first item that you need to grab is a Fletcher’s corn dog.

4.

Ride the Ferris Wheel:The Ferris wheel also known as the Texas Star is 216 feet tall and can carry up to 264 passengers. Not only does the ride give you a view of Fair Park

you get to see the Dallas skyline!

5.

Catch a Live Show: The fair has many live shows, you can find family friendly entertainment in the children’s area. One of the most popular shows is the Lone Star Stampede, a live horse show!

6.

Explore Fair Park: The Texas State Fair is an astronomical sight to me. It is held at Fair Park, a Historic Landmark.

7.

Fried Everything: Grab some fried oreos, funnel cakes, fried chicken, and more!

8.

Ride a Swan Boat: After riding all the rides in Midway, eating a corn dog, and a sweet State Fair

State Fair Crossword

The

of the

the food became too greasy. I became quiet, not like the kid I was in the fair.

My family noticed the shift and asked me about it. I had no answer at the time, but I came up with one as I went to sleep later that night. I realized that I began to think of excitement as a bad type of emotion. I had avoided the fair to focus on other priorities that, in hindsight, did not matter all too much.

I thought of myself as someone who is higher than getting easily excited. I had never noticed until I went to what was once my favorite place.

The fair made me realize that I did not want to continue living my life thinking positive emotions are not worth it. I began to

work on becoming a person that I would be happy with at the start of the next day.

I actively tried to do what I love instead of listening to what I thought was socially acceptable. I have a special connection whenever I go to the fair now.

I get ready like I used to do, with sunglasses and a tote bag on my arm. I beg my whole family to go, even if it is not the most convenient.

I may not go on most of the rides or eat as much fried food, but that does not mean that my enthusiasm is less.

I am not the kid I used to be, but I enjoy it just the same. I encourage you to go to the State Fair and go on rides or eat the food; think about what you love and do it.

You will not regret it.

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rather

do not

Lifestyle

Ex-Students

Freedom Fund

Classical Acade

Annual Dallas Black College Expo

Quinn College

Prairie

fifth straight

by

over Grambling State.

Prairie

hours away from each campus, only a fraction of that crowd wit nessed Grambling shave away at its 27-0 halftime deficit in the second half. Most fans bolted for the exits after vibrant halftime performances from each of the school’s marching bands.

Things began to look less bleak for Grambling midway through the third quarter when true freshman Julian Calvez re placed starter Quaterius Haw kins at quarterback. Calvez, who went 5 for 13 and rushed for 34 yards on Saturday, scored

Grambling’s first touchdown of the night on a five-yard run. The following drive, Calvez found tight end Noah Bean for a fiveyard score.

“You should never feel like you’re out of a football game,”

Grambling head coach Hue Jackson said. “You got to keep playing. Games can turn around very quickly.”

Turn around is what Gram bling did out of the locker room, but those 14 points in the third quarter would not atone for Grambling’s first-half woes — or

its late mistakes. With eight min utes to go in the fourth quarter, Calvez threw an interception at the Grambling 33-yard line. But it was Grambling’s muffed punt returned for a touchdown that put Prairie View up 34-14 and the game ultimately out of reach.

“I think we came out and played a great first half of foot ball,” Prairie View head coach Bubba McDowell said. “We just got to learn how to close it out. Not making it a scare. … The sec ond half wasn’t what we wanted,

but we got the win.”

In each of Grambling’s four matchups prior to the contest held in the middle of the State Fair of Texas, the team allowed its opponent to score a touch down on its opening drive.

Grambling made that a fifthstraight game when Prairie View running back Ja’den Stewart rushed two yards into the end zone after a seven-play, 71-yard drive.

Grambling, which had nine penalties for 89 yards, struggled offensively, too. Of its 10 to tal first downs, Grambling had just two in the first half. And if not for Calvez’s efforts, the

end of the third quarter would have marked Grambling’s fifthstraight scoreless period. Saturday’s game was the 74th meeting between the two teams. Grambling leads the all-time se ries with a 51-22-1 record, but Prairie View has won the last five meetings. Both Jackson and Mc Dowell are new coaches at their school this season. Jackson, who famously coached the Cleveland Browns, moved to Grambling af ter a stint at Tennessee State as its offensive coordinator.

PVU Sideline practice- Reyes, Jasso & Villagomez Wideshot of PVU at halftime

TIGER- GSU's Mascot

GSU Drum Major

GSU Head Coach Hue Jackson

Xavier Lodge throws hands in air

PV Court

PVU Coach Lemke pep talks with player

GSU brass line

PV

Photos: Nina Garcia

See more photos at www.texasmetronews.com

and multicultural borrowers across the economic spectrum. She is chairwoman of Women Build Dallas. A native of Temple Hills, MD, AJ has a B.S. degree in Marketing from Morgan State University. A wife and mother, she is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

CAROLYN MCMILLIAN

Carolyn McMIllian is charming, funny, easy going and full of love.

Carolyn McMillian has worked as a billing/medical director for Loncar Lyon Jenkins for more than 20 years and previously she was an executive secretary at Kaiser Permanente. A graduate of Marshall High School, Carolyn has a reputation for being highly efficient, organized and dependable. Carolyn is a example of a leader who is committed because she is a team player who knows how to step up and galvanize, motivate and take charge.

CANDACE SWEAT

It was a joy to have Candace Sweat returning home to North Texas to join the NBC 5 team in April 2019.

Candace Sweat earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and a graduate degree from Florida State University. Candace is the recipient of awards from the Associated Press and the Radio Television and Digital News Association. In 2017, she was part of a team at WRAL-TV that received the National Association of Broadcasters Service to Community Award for the documentary “Black and Blue,” which explored the relationship between local law enforcement and Black communities. As a self-proclaimed “adventurer,” Candace is always looking for enriching experiences, delicious food and interesting people in her community. She has an appreciation for the outdoors and the arts.

SHEWAN FOSTER

Beautiful, talented, smart, fun-loving and full of energy, she’s vested in her community and committed to service.

Shewan Foster is making big moves with Queen Bee Lifestyle Management and DivaSport & Entertainment. She also enjoyed stints at Advantage Marketing Group, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas. Shewan received a BS Degree in Broadcast Journalism from Florida A&M University and an MS Degree in Sports Administration from Georgia State University. Hailing from Atlanta , GA she graduated from Henderson High School. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and she loves getting together with her sisters. This Queen of style is a joy to be around and she can be the life of any gathering.

JULIA DUDLEY NAJIEB

Julia Dudley Najieb is an author, journalist, playwright and television producer and director.

Julia Dudley Najieb is the CEO of Info Media Distribution, creating original video content and online news copy to be distributed through several offline and online news media, video,

and audio podcast platforms. She’s also executive producer and publisher of The ONME Network. A talk show host, Julia has managed and produced original, regional, TV news programming for Bounce TV, local NBC & CBS affiliate TV channels, and nationwide business channel, BizTV. Julia attended Hampton and CSU. A wife and a mother, she received a BA degree in journalism, with minors in French and marketing. Julia is an integral component of the Black News Link. She is also the brains, beauty and BOSSyness of Black Headline News. Check Julia out at www.amptvnow.net.

OCIE KAZEE

The face of grace and style, always wearing a smile, and dressed impeccably, Ocie Kazee is about taking care of business. Ocie Kazee hails from Dallas, TX and is a member of the L. G. Pinkston High School Class of 1973. A graduate of Southern Methodist University with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, she received her MBA in Business, management and Marketing from Abilene Christian University Ocie has served as District Director for State Rep. Eric Johnson. She was also an analyst for JPMorgan Chase, Washington Mutual and Xerox Capital Services. Ocie is always helping someone and providing service with a smile.

L. SHONNY DEBOUSE-YOUNG

L. Shonny DeBouse-Young is a Social Entrepreneur, Community Advocate and Outreach Director.

L. Shonny DeBouse-Young describes herself as a charismatic business management executive director, nonprofit co-founder, minister, and community advocate with diversified experience in many areas. Currently the executive director of community engagement and outreach at Mona’s Heart Outreach, Inc. she has worked as the principal owner of DBA Paradigm Market Solutions, as Executive Director of SAN Enterprise LLC, Director of Communications at Destiny Pointe Christian Center and owner of Sassie Face Cosmetics.

ROBIN J. WILLIAMS

Robin J. Williams is bright, energetic and a consummate professional.

Robin J. Williams is the president of the J Williams Group (JWG), based in Plano, TX. A graduate of UCLA with a Bachelor’s Degree in political science, she received a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Michigan; and she has certifications from the American Institute of Certified Planners and LEED AP BD+C. Robin has served as president of the Sci-Tech Discovery Center Board. She also enjoyed stints as an environmental Lanner for Halff Associates and senior planner for Parsons Brinckerhoff. Robin is a certified meeting facilitator and is experienced in extensive public involvement and outreach

SUPERB WOMEN

coordination – conducting public meetings, hearings, and workshops.

ANGELIA WILLIAMS

A leader, a team player, a servant — Angelia Williams. Her extensive portfolio includes stints as Vice President of Futures Operations Clearing for Citi, Senior Manager Mortgage Operations for Sourcepoint, Executive Director of Florida

A&M University Rattler

Boosters, Inc., Corporate Operations Trainer for IBERIABANK Mortgage and Marketing Director for Soul Purpose and Senior Mortgage Underwriter for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. Angelia is a graduate of Florida A&M University with a B.S. Degree in Business Administration and Management where she was initiated into the Beta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, She received her MBA Degree in Human Resources from the University of Dallas. The National Recording Secretary of the FAMU National Alumni Association, she is also a member of The Links, Inc.

DR. CHERYL CARR

Everyone can use Dr. Cheryl Carr, “Your Work Doctor,” in their lives!

A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc, Dr. Cheryl Carr received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and her MBA from Southwestern College after receiving a B.S. degree from the University of Maryland in Munich. In addition to certification In industrial and Organizational Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, she received a Doctorate of Business Administration, Leadership and Organizational Development/Positive Applied Psychology from Argosy University Chicago. Also a community servant, she has volunteered as a reading tutor for Reading Partners, a Court Special Advocate for Genesis Women’s Shelter and Support; and she is an adjunct professor and mental health expert.

JANICE BISHOP LEMELLE

Janice Bishop LeMelle is a professor, counselor and PR consultant.

A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, a charter member of Pi MU Chapter at Baylor University where she received a B.A. Degree in Sociology and Communications and a Master’s Degree in Sociology and Gerontology, Janice Bishop LeMelle sure knows how to inspire and uplift others! A licensed Christian Counselor, she is also a professor at Dallas College (Mountain View). She has also taught at the University of North Texas at Dallas, Dallas Baptist University, Tarrant County Community Colleges and Texas Woman’s University. A wife and

mother, she is the owner of Jebi Unlimited, representing artists, managing and booking talent, helping companies secure sponsorships and planning events.

KABRINA LUCKEY GREEN

Kabrina Luckey Green focuses on bettering herself, her colleagues and work environment. She stands for justice.

A consultant at Verizon Communications, she received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Logistics, Materials and Supply Chain Management from the University of North Texas. She also received her MBA in Strategic Leadership from Amberton University. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Kabrina is a servant leader. She is an advisory board member of the MINT Foundation and a past board member of the Dodd Education and Support, Inc. Kabrina is a graduate of Wilmer-Hutchins High School.

LISA ROGERS

Lisa Rogers, PhD is an educator, author, trainer, speaker and private tutor.

A special education teacher for more than 21 years, Lisa Rogers, PhD., has also enjoyed stints at Kaplan University, Westwood College, Waco Independent School District, Cesar Chavez Academy, and Parkdale Elementary

School. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from Baylor University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Grand Canyon University, and a PhD in Leadership for Higher Education from Capella University.

ANGELA JOHNSON

Angela Johnson, PhD is an author, entrepreneur and a scholar.

The Founder and CEO of Angela Arnell Johnson LLC, she has served as executive director of Deaf Action Center and Vice President of Development for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University where she received Bachelors of Applied Arts & Sciences, Interdisciplinary Studies, she received a Master of Business Administration in Executive Leadership, a Masters of Arts in Women’s Studies and a Doctor of Philosophy in Multicultural Women and Gender Studies from Texas Woman’s University. She also has a certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from SMU.

L. MICHELLE GIPSON

L. Michelle Gipson is charming, loving and a consummate professional.

A freelance writer, L. Michelle Gipson has worked as a proposal manager and bids & proposal specialist at EF

Johnson Technologies, Inc.; as a proposal development coordinator and pharmacy care coordinator for US Bioservices; and in several positions for CVS Health. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in English with an emphasis on creative writing and a Master of Arts in Biblical Theology from North Central University.

LOLA WILSON

Lola Wilson is a leader, businesswoman and community servant.

Lola Wilson is a senior consultant with Espy Sports Group, providing high-level branding and marketing. She has served as a deputy director for Biden for President; regional director for Beto for Texas; acquisitions assistant for Panini (NBA Summer League); executive assistant for West Brand (Kanye West); marketing coordinator for Compound Entertainment; and executive/personal assistant to Roy Williams. Lola received a Bachelor of Applied Science in Theatre from Clark Atlanta University and she was 1st Attendant to Miss UNCF, 1st Runner Up to Miss UNCF and Miss Black & Gold. Her volunteer efforts have extended to Minnie’s Food Pantry, North Dallas Food Pantry and Greater Cornerstone Baptist Church.

SHEILA SOLOMON

Sheila Solomon is a podcaster on Chicago Media Talks and strategic alliance manager at Rivet360.

Sheila attended Hampton University, graduating with a degree in Mass Media Arts. A former adjunct journalism instructor at Columbia College - Chicago, Sheila hails from Virginia where she graduated from Newport News High School. She is the president of the Board of Directors of Journalism Funding Partners and has enjoyed stints at Bay City News, The Obsidian Collection Archives, City Bureau, Chicago Tribune, Daily Press, and Charlotte Observer. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Sheila is a life member of the National Association of Black Journalists, National Association of Hispanic Journalists and Native American Journalists Association. Highly regarded and decorated, Sheila is a team player and a fearless leader.

KELIA BAZILE

Kelia Bazile is often praised for her servant leadership style.

Recently promoted to Vice President of Operations at Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Kelia Bazile has an impressive portfolio that includes 27 years in leadership at Taco Bell. Kelia wears a smile that is infectious and is described as “high energy.” She is described as a versatile leader with a proven track record of building sales and maximizing

profit by developing and leveraging the talent of a diverse leadership team.

She received her Masters of Business Administration from Dallas Baptist University. Hailing from Vacherie, LA, she graduated from St. James High School.

A wife, mother and grandmother, this matriarch is a consummate motivator, mentor, and supporter. Family is very important to Kelia and she leads by example.

DR. SYBRIL BROWN

They call her Dr Syb. Dr. Sybril Brown, affectionately known as “Dr. Syb,” is a Vanderbilteducated, Harvard-trained, two-time Emmy awardwinning multimedia journalist, author, international speaker and presenter. Dr. Syb is a Professor at Belmont University, where she is close to celebrating her 20th anniversary. A board member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and TEDx Nashville, Dr. Syb earned her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Vanderbilt University, her M.Ed. in College Student Personnel from Loyola University of Chicago and her B.A. in Broadcast and Electronic Communication from Marquette University. She has also been a faculty consultant for the Association of American Colleges and Universities, a general assignment reporter at WTCF, assistant professor at Middle Tennessee State University, senior public affairs officer at Vanderbilt and desk assistant at WBBM. A well sought after speaker, her passions include volunteering.

DR. “LISA PEARL” THOMPSON

She has an infectious smile waiting for you to match her loving heart!

From Northside Elementary in DeSoto, Lisa Pearl attended Skyline High School and then it was off to college where she received her journalism degree from Southern Methodist University, Next it was an MBA from Prairie View A&M University. She also studied educational administration and leadership at the University of North Texas, and received her doctorate degree from Texas A&M University. She has taught at several universities, including North Carolina A&T State University, Argosy and Prairie View And &M. Her research interests are: School community relations, School board/superintendent relations, Crisis communication and Women’s leadership. An active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Lisa is a sisterfriend, always sharing an encouraging and positive word. A servant leader, Lisa is committed and involved and a team player. Beauty and brains, she’s the real deal and the smile is genuine!