d-mars.com Community Journal 42

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February - March 15 2015

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42nd Edition

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Proud To Be

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In the Community…

(LEFT) Town Hall Meeting at Abundant Life Cathedral (RIGHT) Higher Dimension Church Anniversary - Sweet 16 PAGE 6

Personality Determines Design

By Linda Lindsay Contributing Writer Behind every door there is a show of personality.

page 4

PAGE 12

Bishop James W. E. Dixon, II: Modern Day Civil Rights Pastor

Bun B and José Griñan in National Black Spelling Bee Rapper and educator Bun B recently competed in the African American National Spelling Bee Championship at Houston Community College. Get the full story inside.

PAGE 12

page 10

Higher Dimension Church Anniversary - Sweet 16 Join our e-mail list for the latest updates @ d-mars.com

page 6

In Spite of Our Differences

Every individual has a place to fill in the world and is important in some respect whether he chooses to be so or not.

– Nathaniel Hawthorne

February - March 15 2015 3

Journal Behind The

Publisher’s Message

Keith J. Davis, Sr.

SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr.

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis

VICE PRESIDENT Kim Floyd

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla

Office Manager Johnny Ray Davis, Jr.

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES C.T. Foster Eric D. Goodwine Tiffany Black

PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Tony Gaines

As an active member in the Houston community, I have seen the pride our leaders, our activists, and residents in general take in seeing our city be the best that it can be. That’s why the theme of this edition of the Community Journal is Proud to Be - because we are indeed a proud generation. We’re proud of the people like Bishop James Dixon, who is featured in this edition. We’re proud of the accomplishments, the hard work and the dedication of people like Bishop Dixon and others. They exhibit qualities on a daily basis to propel our communities to success. We’re proud of where we’ve been and where we’re going.

That pride leads to a community that takes responsibility for supporting its members and ensuring that each and every person in that community is valued. At the end of the day, a community that strives to keep its area and activities safe for all its members creates a vibrant and caring place that is a pleasant and enjoyable place to live and thrive together. Its a place in which we can all be proud.

As always, thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com When you support us, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes

LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER Angel Rosa

DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden

Contents

Bishop James W. E. Dixon, II: Modern Day Civil Rights Pastor ....................................................................................................... . 4-5

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

In Spite of Our Differences ........................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Contributing Writers Charlotte Jackson Linda Lindsay Valerie Jones

Town Hall Meeting at Abundant Life Cathedral ...................................................................................................................................... 8

Higher Dimension Church Anniversary - Sweet 16 ................................................................................................................................ 8 Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Celebrates Birthday and 20 Years in Congress .............................................................. 10 Personality Determines Design .................................................................................................................................................................. 12 Bun B and José Griñan in National Black Spelling Bee ....................................................................................................................... 12

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4 February - March 15 2015

Bishop

James W. E. Dixon, II: Modern Day Civil Rights Pastor

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.”

– Luke 4:18 Leader of The Community of Faith Church Fights Against Social Injustice

By Contributing Writers “My ministry model is based on Luke 4:18,” said Bishop James Dixon. “It’s a ministry that has more to do with what we do for people rather than what people do for the church.” n July of 1981, at age 18, just two months after graduating from Waltrip High School, James Wallace Edwin Dixon, II became pastor of the church now known as The Community of Faith. He was called to preach at age 15. Upon accepting his pastoral assignment, he became a young leader with a great task before him: leading a church that was founded in 1873 by the legendary Rev. Jack Yates and led by his late grandfather Rev. C. D. Dixon for 50 years.

“Being called to pastor a church at

I

any age is more than humbling. Nobody qualifies without grace,” he said. “At age 18, it was scary. I recall wondering how long could I do this successfully – being young, inexperienced and challenged with youthful proclivities. My fears subsided to my faith – ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’”

It was this Bible verse, Philippians 4:13, which served as his theme for the early years of pastoring. He stands on it

today, 33 years later.

“I can honestly say that from age 18 to my current age of 52, I have seen miracle after miracle happen in my life and ministry,” he said.

As the leader of The Community of Faith, Bishop Dixon (who was consecrated as Bishop in 2003) has been instrumental in not only growing his congregation from 150 to 5,000, but he has also become emerged as a modern

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day ‘civil and human rights pastor.’ His ministry model is one that unabashedly addresses the comprehensive wellbeing of all people, especially the poor and disenfranchised. Yes, it’s sometimes unconventional and nontraditional, but Bishop Dixon makes no apologies!

“Over the past two decades, churches have shifted from battleships to cruise ships,” Dixon explained. “While cruise ships are designed for entertainment, battleships are designed for empowerment. The mega cruise ship has become the model for far too many pastors and churchgoers. But with a dropout rate that is above 60 percent in our inner cities, soaring incarceration rates, generational poverty and Black-on-Black crime and violence as well as other issues plaguing the Black community, battleship-minded churches are required.”

Continuing with the cruise ship vs. battleship analogy, Dixon explained,

February - March 15 2015 5

“cruise ships are not harder to grow than battleships. One promotes a fight while the other sells fun. Cruise ships are normally better funded.”

He goes deeper.

“Today, most people prefer a church on vacation over a vocation. Warriors are prepared to fight,” he said. “The Bible has always been our guide for fighting to overcome opposition to our collective progress. Being on the battlefield for the Lord means fighting against social injustices and inequalities.”

Dixon is an avid reader and student of history and is inspired by the works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., W.E.B. Du Bois, Frederick Douglass and Dr. King’s co-laborer Dr. Virgil Wood, as well as others such as Congressman John Lewis.

“Reverend Dr. William ‘Bill’ Lawson has been an inspiration for decades.

I’ve always listened and learned from sage counsel from figures like Dr. F. N. Williams, Howard Jefferson, Dr. S. L. Gilbert, Sr., Dr. A. L. Patterson, Dr. C. L. Jackson, Apostle E. W. Wilcots and others,” said Dixon. “But my parents, James and Carrol Dixon, have had the most positive impact on my life. I am also inspired by several pastors around the nation for different reasons.”

Dixon identified five characteristics of a great leader: Character, Compassion, Courage, Competence and Confidence. He not only personifies these qualities, but he also encourages others to do the same.

“The Black Church has a history that is rooted in liberation theology. The founder of our church, the Rev. Jack Yates, understood that. He was a former slave who founded Freedmen’s Town, a school, businesses and churches. Harriet Tubman, Du Bois, Dr. King, Rev. Hosea Williams and all the freedom fighters understood that,” said Dixon.

“They preached a Gospel that was relevant to our plight which inspired hope during the most severe circumstances and empowered people to courageous action through faith. That message also insisted on values that produced moral excellence, honorable conduct and civil responsibility. Oppression was never an excuse for corruption and destructive conduct. Now, we are trying to deal with post-modern opposition without those values and voices of organic truth.”

By re-discovering the roots in liberation theology, explains Dixon, the Black Church will fulfill its unique role

in America and the world. The Black Church will revive the consciousness of this nation by igniting all churches to unite under the banner of Love and demanding that every child of God be invited to take their seats at the Table of Brotherhood.

“No one can model love like those who have been distressed and oppressed,” he said.

The needs of our people can be quite demanding. How does the church respond?

“Our ministries have to be relevant in order to be resourceful. If it’s not relevant to the people’s realities, then it’s not resourceful,” he said. “Many churches are spiritually intoxicating – causing people to have a moment of spiritual ecstasy that doesn’t relate to their true experience. The congregation will be intoxicated for a few moments on Sunday, then go back to their real lives of misery.

We need to offer spiritual substance and solutions that impact their lives beyond Sunday.”

Through the Christian Coalition for Progress, Dixon has recently led two successful town hall meetings, one being: “After Ferguson, Where do we go from Here?” Many agree that the town hall meetings were the most impressive they’ve seen.

“After Bishop Dixon’s town hall, I was challenged to do something,” said District Attorney Devon Anderson, who attended both town hall meetings.

“That’s why I gave the first $1.9 million for body cameras for Houston Police and Harris County Sheriff’s officers.”

Dixon also launched Black Men Rise and held a symposium at Texas Southern University on ‘Fighting Crime from the Inside Out.’ More than 700 Black men attended and were empowered to reimage and refocus as leaders in our community.

Through Black Men Rise, Dixon is recruiting Black men to come to the front lines to rescue, restore and reposition the Black family and community. Several strategic initiatives are planned, one being the Black Families Rise March on April 4, 2015 (the anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination). The theme for the march is ‘One Family, One Future!’

“We’re calling for all African Americans to participate in the Black Families Rise March,” Dixon said. “We’re hoping 1,000 Black men will rise and bring themselves and their families – especially children – to the Black Families Rise March. Women are urged to attend.

“The modern pastor is CEO of a forprofit business and his chief concern is for increase of members and dollars. Bishop Dixon departs from that pattern because his chief concern is for the betterment of his people which includes community outreach and the raising of quality of life for the members of Community of Faith and for people outside of Community of Faith.”

– Rev. William A. Lawson Bring the kids and friends. Visit www. blackmenrisetogether.com to register.”

The Christian Coalition for Social and Economic Progress already includes scores of local pastors and churches, as well as a number of professionals and civic leaders.

“Presently, we are working on the Move the Dollar Campaign with the D9, Urban League, NAACP, business chambers and other churches,” Dixon said. “We’re advocating support for Black-owned businesses. That’s how we increase jobs, reduce crime and build strong communities.”

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Maintaining multi-generational connectivity is important, according to Dixon.

“Generational disconnects are detrimental to progress. I want to challenge the generation of 40- to 60-year-olds to instill in the younger generation the same values that were instilled in us from our parents and grandparents,” Dixon said. “I believe the 40-60-yearold generation – which includes myself – is a bridge because we are connected to our seniors who survived oppression and instilled in us the values we needed to make it. We are also connected to the younger, hip-hop generation. We need to make sure that the up-and-coming generations of Black people know how good God has been to us. The Black church has to be supported.”

Dixon transparently acknowledges that his life hasn’t been easy and that some of his difficulties have come as a result of his own mistakes.

“Like everyone else, I have faced personal struggles, financial challenges and cyclical ministry seasons,” he said.

“Like Paul, I know how to have much and also how to make it with very little. Champions meet challenges with faith.”

And through his ministry and community involvement, he is already taking the initiative to better his community and stand firm as a leader and pastor for civil rights. He praises The Community of Faith for its support, fierce loyalty and faith.

“Our challenges have made us wiser and stronger champions for the Kingdom of God,” he said. “With the strength we’ve gained, we are better prepared to do greater works for God. We believe that we are destined to produce generations of Kingdom Warriors for the Kingdom of Christ.”

Dixon acknowledges that that this work isn’t easy, that needs are overwhelming and the opposition is huge.

“I’m often challenged by the fact that my compassion outweighs my competence, capacity and sometimes even my courage,” he said. “But my faith in God and belief in people keeps me rising to new levels of confidence and optimism. In the words of Kurt Carr, ‘I’ve seen God do it!’ My dream is to see our nation rise to fight poverty, illiteracy, injustice, poverty and racism as ferociously as we fight terrorism…and blue states and red states become the United States: one nation, under God. It starts with Love!”

6 February - March 15 2015

In Spite of Our Differences

I

By Charlotte Jackson Contributing Writer

took a really bold step this past Saturday. As I sat in church and heard a message about having the faith and courage to be all you are called to be, I realized I needed to take a road trip.

It was a beautifully clear day with perfect weather to travel – windows open and the music turned up loud.

As I sang along with Brian Courtney Wilson’s latest release “Worth Fighting For,” I reflected back on the past 3035 years and tried to see if I could put a finger on where the roadblocks were added to the greatest relationship of all times and came to a crash.

Was it when I decided that I would not continue to attend college if it meant living at an all-white dormitory where the only minorities were our maids and waiters? Did the relationship go off the road when I was told that if I did not

want to live there and attend the University of Texas, that I needed to get a job and move out? (Was it my response of packing up what I treasured and leaving in the middle of the night for a threemonth road trip?) Did the fence get put up when I moved out and began to live my own life? Perhaps when I humiliated some people by filing for a divorce from an abusive husband, it was the last straw.

Then again, marrying outside of my race seemed to seal the deal.

I started thinking back on what it was like before. There were so many nights that my dad sat up helping me memorize The Preamble to the Constitution as well as teaching me things that textbooks could not share about history. What about the excitement he had when I returned home from Washington, DC as a sophomore and wanted to tell him every detail of the trip?

His unmatched excitement when we hosted an exchange student from Ger-

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many. What about the look of pride on his face when I received the acceptance letter from UT as well as placed in a statewide journalism competition?

Before I knew it, I had arrived in Palestine. As I sat at the light, wondering if I had made the right choice, I closed my eyes and asked God to be with me. I opened my eyes, drove a little slower for those last nine miles and pulled up at my dad’s home. As I got out of the car, I thought about turning back. As I knocked on the door (Dunt dunt dunt dunt) and he knocked back (Dunt dunt) as he opened the door, it was as if the weight of the world had been lifted.

The next two hours were filled with laughter, lots of catching up and, unfortunately, several interrupting phone calls. When I could tell he was getting concerned about how long it would take me to drive home, I stood up and promised to call him once I made it.

I handed him a copy of “Love.Period.

When All Else Fails” and he gave me a hug. He then said, “Yes, in spite of our differences, I am proud to be your dad.”

Only God knows what the future holds but I know who holds me. Today, for the first time in years, I am proud to be hard-headed, stubborn and determined to live each day as if it is my last.

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8 February - March 15 2015

In the Community…

To View More Photos, Visit Our Website www.d-mars.com and Click on ‘Photos’

Higher Dimension Church Anniversary - Sweet 16

Town Hall Meeting at Abundant Life Cathedral

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10 February - March 15 2015

In the Community…

To View More Photos, Visit Our Website www.d-mars.com and Click on ‘Photos’

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Celebrates Birthday and 20 Years in Congress

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12 February - March 15 2015

Personality Determines Design

o Introvert – Less tolerant of physical stimulation, shy away from bold colors, prefer cool colors: blues and greens

• They will organize furnishings around the edge of the room, rather than filling the center of the room

• Prefer more space between themselves and others

B

By Linda Lindsay

Design Tips

Contributing Writer

ehind every door there is a show of personality. No matter how similar or different, our homes have their own individuality.

Individual personalities are what we are proud of, which is presented within the design of your living space.

Your space can show a feeling of order: it can have eye catching controlled placement or a touch of femininity…you can be a collector of things, you can make bold personality statements or use calm colors to create a space of peace.

Designing your scheme beginning with the architecture of your home can easily help define your style, creating a space of interest.

The perfect oasis will allow you to show your impression and reveal who you are.

I urge you to show reflections of all who live in the home. It comes down to personalizing your background, making it a mirror that reflects your personality.

A designer can do it for you, but it is much better if you do this for yourself. All you have to do is to select what you want, then bring in the designer to assist you in bringing out your personality.

Clues for Designers If you are a person that is adventurous with your hairstyle, this usually means that you will be happy to experiment with your interiors – more eclectic.

If you like a very neat, “no hair out of

place” hairstyle, this tells me you have a pretty controlled-looking environment.

Your clothing also tells me what type of client you are and how much out of the box you will go out of your comfort zone, in regard to interiors.

If you follow fashion strictly, you will be open to changing your environment based on trends. When I see someone who has their own style, they will be open to a very eclectic mix of style.

Here are questions that will help a designer gain insightful clues that express who you are proud to be.

• Are you reserved?

• Does everything have to match?

• Do you have a specific space for specific items?

• Are you graphic?

• Are you romantic?

• Do you need to be in charge?

• Are you confident?

• Do your like warm and cuddly things?

• Do you like nature?

• What are your favorite sounds?

• Are you an

o Extrovert – Outgoing, thrill seeker, sociable, risk taker

• You will be able to tell this personality based on elements showcased in their space. This person will usually have bold and exciting color schemes.

• They also like to have lots of things around them – associated with finding clutter (not necessarily ordered clutter) and must have things to look at, which creates stimulation to the environment around them.

Always start your design with who you are and what you want to see, allowing you to unite the rooms with your personality.

Within your home, you have your own personal territory. This is an environment in which you have a degree of control and order, therefore you can decide if you want to project yourself and how you want to project yourself.

In the environment of your home, you wear what is around you the same way you wear your clothes. For some, you may want to project a particular impression to the world that you are creative, intelligent, thoughtful or that you know the latest trends and want to show them off by entertaining often.

Or, you might be a person who doesn’t care about showing off to the rest of the world. You just want to impress the ones who are close to you, creating an environment that is cozy and friendly…only inviting a selected group of friends who you already know well and want to reassure them that through the design of your home you are the person that they think you are.

Every room you enter will tell who you are.

By being able to create fusion with the best of the old and show what is good about the new, you will be able to fuse your heritage with modern – making it a part of your daily lifestyle. It is an eclectic mix, keeping it all balanced creating your perfect oasis that you call home....Proudly.

Linda Lindsay Flip Flop Designer

Bun B and José Griñan in National Black Spelling Bee

R

apper and educator Bun B recently competed in the African American National Spelling Bee Championship at Houston Community College. Bun B was too tall to compete with Houston area middle school students, but in the Celebrity Spelling Bee, he demonstrated how literacy and spelling are important to the students’ everyday lives and their futures. The Black Voice host Jose’ Grinan served as MC of the event.

The Bee was created to fill the gap for students and educators who believe that spelling leads to more avid readers, which increases vocabulary and comprehension levels. The visionary behind the spelling bee, Robert Garner, believes “there is power in literacy

and education. We want to bring our culture back to what’s important—literacy. Society tells us we are not doing well in education. There is a need for a community program like this. We are trying to bring awareness by any means necessary. We want to make EDUCATION A SPORT! Let’s make education the Super Bowl of our community.”

Jacqueline Terrell, Executive Director, has fond memories of studying spelling words and competing in her school spelling bees.

“There are many students in classrooms across the country who do not have the chance to improve their vocabularies through spelling because it has been removed from district-approved curriculum,” she said.

The AANSBC is in its fourth year.

Spelling bees have been held in Hou-

ston, Philadelphia and Los Angeles.

This spring, AANSBC will host a workshop for teachers and community workers who want to include spelling in their conversation about education.

They are also organizing “spelling boot camps” this summer for students

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who want to learn to improve their knowledge of spelling techniques.

There is no better way to commemorate Black History Month in 2015 than to come out and support the competitors of this year’s spelling bee!

If you are an individual or corporation interested in sponsorship, email Jacqueline Terrell at info@bee-aboutit.org or visit www.bee-aboutit.org.

Sponsors and believers in education, at the time of this printing, include HCC Trustee Carroll G. Robinson, Power Finance of Texas, Big Star Ford, Silverlake Church, Generator SuperCenter; Rodney & Etter, LLC, Attorney-at-Law Richard Raymond, AllChem, Mosaic Bar, YK Creative, The Harris Law Firm, Houston Branch NAACP, Houston Area Urban League, d-mars.com, TaxBrainiac and Houston Forward Times.

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