I MESSENGER BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION
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DEC 16, 2011
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KWANZAAFEST 4 LEADERSHIP SOUTHWEST 8 DFW/ABJ 9
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Remembering the HON. KATHLYN JOY GILLIAM 5
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609 North Harwood Street, Dallas, TX 214.740.0609
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BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION Mothers Against Teen Violence - TEXAS Conference on Drug Policy at the Hall of State, culminating with the 12th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Luncheon
What’s Happening Comedian Charlie Murphy at The Arlington Improv. December 15- 18 Soul-stirring musical play, "A Baby Changes Everything", starring the Worship and Fine Arts department at Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church. The play is FREE, and Show times are Saturday, December 17th at 1 p.m. and Sunday, December 18, 7:50a.m. and 11 a.m. "A Baby Changes Everything" is the story of three individuals at the Inn, in Bethlehem, and how their perspectives on people, business and God changed forever, with the birth of baby Jesus. At THE MOUNT, 1233 State Highway 66, Garland. Call 972-276-5218 for more info or log on to www.onthemount.org. 12/17 The S.M. Wright Foundation will host Christmas In The Park for Dallas residents in the South Dallas-Fair Park community. This year through the help of local volunteers and corporations, the Foundation will distribute over 1,000 bicycles and beds will be given to children and youthat 8:30 a.m. Fair Park Automobile Building, 1010 First Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75215 DONATIONS & VOLUNTEERS: Those individuals who are interested in providing a toy, bicycle or financial donation or interested in volunteering, should call (214) 421-1098,log on www.christmasatfairpark.com or call the S.M. Wright Foundation at 214.741.4990 or 214.421.1098. 12/19 LAP DANCE WORKSHOP 7:45PM-9:00PM Instructor: Rashida Gift certificates are available. 214.604.5001 Tryout Tuesdays Buttons Addison, Tuesday December 27th @ 7:00PM No Entertainment Fee You say you have a band, but no one will give you a chance? Well, Buttons might have something for you. Tryout Tuesdays is a monthly musical showcase that gives three bands the opportunity to audition at Buttons for a spot on its musical calendar. The stipulations are that the music must be live (no tracks) and the musicians who audition must also be the same ones performing if selected for a gig in the future; bands must play 30-45 minute sets (all tryouts are on a non-paid basis).For more info: Addison@buttonsrestaurant.com 1/13 Tyler Perry's - The Haves & The Have Nots January 1315, Opening Night Doors Open At: 7P Show at: 8p at the Verizon Theater
UNCF/Brinker International Scholarship Calling all future food nutritionists, chefs, hotel manager and restaurateurs!!! Apply NOW for the UNCF/Brinker International Scholarship
1/21 4:00pm - 5:00pm Dallas Public Library. Jamal Joseph, author of PANTHER BABY: A Life of Rebellion and Reinvention. Jamal Joseph, author of PANTHER BABY: A Life of Rebellion and Reinvention (February 2012) who, in the 1960s, exhorted students at Columbia University to burn their college to the ground. Today he's Chair of their School of the Arts film division. His personal odyssey - from the streets of Harlem to Riker's Island (charged with conspiracy as one of the Panther 21 in one of the most emblematic criminal cases of the sixties) and Leavenworth to the halls of Columbia. The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture are bringing Isabel Wilkerson author of Warmth of Other Suns for their Martin Luther King Day Celebration. Pulitzer Prize winning author Isabel Wilkerson writes one of the great untold stories of history: the decades-long migration of Black folks who fled the South for northern and western cities, in search of a better life. From 1915 to 1970 almost six million Black families -- our cousins/ uncles/aunts/parents -- left the South, "went up North" or "out West to California" and changed the face of America. In Feb. The Third Eye will review the book. Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012 3:00pm FREE at South Dallas Cultural Center 3400 S. Fitzhugh St. South Dallas, TX 214-426-1683
Deadline extended to December 29
Eligible majors that qualify for this scholarship include: Culinary, Food & Beverage, Food Nutrition, Food Science, Food Service, Hospitality Administration, Hotel Management, Restaurant Management. The Brinker International scholarship is designed to help cover the gap between college expenses and financial aid packages for minority students majoring in the food service/hospitality field attending any fully accredited 4-year college or university that have food service/hospitality/culinary academic courses. Students must complete an essay on the subject: Why I am passionate about pursuing a career in the foodservice/hospitality industry, include a resume and one or more letters of recommendation. For more information and to apply, visit www.uncf.org and select the “For Students tab and click on “Scholarships”
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood Dallas, (4023 Oak Lawn Avenue at Avondale, 75219) continues their Winter V Lounge music lineup and event schedule by hosting ALL NIGHT Happy Hours Sunday and Monday from 4 p.m. to close and Daily Happy Hour from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Daily happy hour specials: $2 off all drinks, including wine and beer and cocktails like Martinis, Mojitos, and Margaritas. Happy hour includes $3 off select appetizers.
Beautiful Evening ~ Fabulous Art! Frank & Judy Frazier in conjunction with
Visions In Black! invite you to join us for an
E V E N I N G OF A R T !December 16 - 17, 2011! ! ! ! ! ! 4 - 9 pm Visions in Black Gallery 1718 Ramsey Ave! -- Dallas, TX! 75216 817-368-2149 ****************************************************************************
Featured Artist -Frank Frazier with special guest artists
Ted Ellis - Evita Tezeno - Frank Sowells - Wendell Gorden emerging artists
Norris Munore - Janice Thacker and introducing
Aisha Frazier's Tattered T's & Tutus A portion of all sales benefit the Southwest Black Fine Art Show & The Tom Joyner Foundation.! For more information please contact Frank Frazier at 817-368-2149 or visions@swbell.net!
Support! Black Art!
Tune in to Cheryl’s World on Blogtalkradio.com weekdays at 9a.m. Monday, December 19
Tuesday, December 20 Wednesday, December 21 Thursday, December 22
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Stay tuned for the MAN who is SWAGGER MAGNIFIED!
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Stay tuned for the MAN who is SWAGGER MAGNIFIED!
Stay tuned for the MAN who is SWAGGER MAGNIFIED!
I Messenger
Friday, December 23
and Phyllis J o i n C h e r y l a n d P h y l l i s Join Cheryl and Phyllis Join Cheryl and Phyllis Join Cheryl and Phyllis Join Cheryl Alphabet. Alphabet. Alphabet. Alphabet. Alphabet. • Black Economic History • Black Economic History • Black Economic History • Black Economic History • Black Economic History Fact of the Day Fact of the Day Fact of the Day Fact of the Day Fact of the Day • • Stay tuned for the MAN who is SWAGGER MAGNIFIED!
DEC 16, 2011
Stay tuned for the MAN who is SWAGGER MAGNIFIED!
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Cheryl Smith, Publisher 2011 IMessenger is a tribute to Le Messager, founded by Cameroonian journalist Pius N j a w e a n d T h e M e s s e n g e r, a n independent magazine, founded by labor activist A . Philip Randolph and economist Chandler Owen.
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DEC 16, 2011
SWAGGER MAGNIFIED! September 1 - December 31 -- I am picking the men I think have serious swagger. These men are intelligent, strong, sharp, fierce, competitive, charismatic, spiritual, hard, caring, handsome, smooth, creative, energetic and so much more! Without any NOW...
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Sporting News Editor-in-Chief Garry D. Howard, Fort Worth Star-Telegram Columnist Bob Ray Sanders, Min. Robert Muhammad, NFL Great Emmitt Smith, business mogul Daymond John, noted psychologist Nai’m Akbar, publisher Danny Bakewell Sr., NBA great and business mogul Earvin “Magic” Johnson, singer Charlie Wilson, journalist George E. Curry, former NAACP head and U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume, rapper, author Chuck D., Coach Doug Williams, businessman Charles O’Neal, comedian David A. Arnold, rapper Kool Moe Dee, businessman Jonathan Rodgers, Sports anchor Stephen A. Smith, basketball great Michael Jordan, Rev. Zan Wesley Holmes Jr., actor Billy Dee Williams, comedian and actor Chris Rock, FAMU President James Ammons, singer Nicholas Caldwell, actor/singer Leon, singer Morris Day, actor/rapper Will Smith, business mogul Sean Combs, journalist Ed Gordon, comedian/activist Dick Gregory, NBA great Allen Iverson, Hon. Minister Louis Farrakhan, journalist/historian Lerone Bennett, Rev. Frederick D. Haynes III, Ambassador Ron Kirk, Hon. Nelson Mandela, Rap mogul Jay Z, actor James Earl Jones, actor/director Denzel Washington, NBA star Shaquille O’Neal, actor/author Don Shield, Hon. Willie Brown, Hon. Marc Morial, CEO Oscar Joyner, Journalist Acel Moore, rapper/actor Treach, journalist Dewayne Wickham, businessman Walter Williams, Sen. Royce West, media guru/activist Tavis Smiley, journalist T.J. Holmes, artist/singer Miles Jaye, journalist Roland Martin, singer Hon. Jerry Butler, actor Sidney Poitier, actor Jeffery Wright, Muhammad Ali, entertainer/activist Harry Belafonte, businessman Comer Cottrell, actor Fred Williamson, Dr. Steve Perry, actor Malik Farrakhan, Gen. Colin Powell, Hon. Dwaine Caraway actor Jim Kelly, educator Dr. Frederick Humphrey, Doug E. Fresh, the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., Snoop, the Rev. Joseph Lowery, the Honorable President Barack Obama, actor Samuel L. Jackson, reggae artist Alpha Blondy, businessman and publisher Earl Graves, photographer Jesse Hornbuckle, actor/philanthropist Dr. Bill Cosby, journalist Brian Custer,...
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consideration or input from anyone, I am choosing the men who through personal experiences or history, I find to have so much going on. Stay tuned - I think it’s a great list! What do you think?
THEN...
Singer Marvin Gaye, actor Calvin Lockhart, singer Teddy Pendergrass and Nat King Cole, comic/ actor Bernie Mac, journalist Lawrence E. Young, entertainer Isaac Hayes, singer Gerald Levert, African activist and publisher Pius Njawe, attorney/media mogul Percy Sutton, Publisher extraordinaire John H. Johnson, atty. Johnnie Cochran, music great Curtis Mayfield, maestro Barry White, orator, writer and statesman Frederick Douglass, humanist Malcolm X, singer Johnnie Taylor, entertainer Lou Rawls, singer Rick James, Coach A.D. Jake Gaither, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Hon. Mickey Leland, entertainer Sammie Davis Jr., the Chief Rocker Frankie Crocker, Tupac Shakur, Hon. Marcus Garvey, Hon. Al Lipscomb, Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, journalist Ed Bradley, Hon. Arthur E. Teele, Jr., actor/comedian Richard Pryor, singer/songwriter Nickolas Ashford. Historian Ivan Van Sertima, musician Donny Hathaway, Hon. Adam Clayton Powell, businessman Alfred Huntsberry, Ossie Davis, actor extraordinaire Paul Robeson, journalist Vernon Jarrett, NFL Great Ron Springs, journalist Gerald Boyd, educator/ inventor George Washington Carver, activist Huey Newton, educator Dr. Carter G. Woodson, NBA Great Maurice Lucas, activist Stokely Carmichael, entertainer Langston Hughes, Gospel great Pop Staples, entertainer Duke Ellington, entertainer Heavy D, Hon. Kwame Nkrumah, entertainer Miles Davis, actor Adolph Caesar, Dr. Percy Julian, musician Grover Washington Jr., activist A. Philip Randolph, activist Denmark Vesey, Nat Turner, singer Tyrone Davis, writer, journalist Paul Lawrence Dunbar, actor Paul Winfield, entertainer Ray Charles, Carl Brashear, journalist Max Robinson, musician Billy Preston, entertainer Cab Calloway, artist Ernie Barnes, Iceberg Slim, businessman Reginald Lewis, businessman Don Barden, THE MAN Joseph Smith, Sam Cooke, boxing great Joe Louis, educator Dr. Asa Hilliard, singer Levi Stubbs, activist Ben Hooks, tennis great Arthur Ashe...
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Thousands help keep KwanzaaFest alive Year 21 may have gotten off to a slow start but it ended with a bang as more than 50,000 attendees, from as far away as New York enjoyed entertainment, fellowship, food and most importantly, thousands of dollars in health screenings and programs. There was plenty to do and a lot of information shared. KwanzaaFest is the place to be every second weekend in December!
Plano church gets Christmas gifts, mentors for single mothers in Dallas area Plano TX….Single mom Tiffany Johnston spent the last few months taking care of her sick mom while struggling to care of her own two children. Her mother died last month after a long hard illness. With Christmas only weeks away, Tiffany is struggling with the grief and the embarrassment of not being able to provide for her children. Tiffany will be among thousands of single moms of small children that find themselves sitting alone on Christmas Day with no presents to open. They are glad that they are able to get toys for their children but secretly saddened because there is nothing under the tree for them. Gifts For Moms, a nonprofit organization that provides Christmas gifts to single mothers, has PAGE 4
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kicked off its 2011 single moms gift drive. This year Chase Oaks Church has stepped up to host the Gifts For Mom’s Christmas event and provide mentoring families. The Plano church added single moms to their Angel Tree and had members of their congregation to purchase Christmas gifts for single mothers. The church is also implementing a mentoring program that matches single mothers with families. “I am blown away by Chase Oak Church. They approached me and offered to help. They have gone above and beyond what I thought they would do,” said Stephanie Ward, Gifts For Moms Founder. “Only a few of the single moms that they are helping are
church members. This is one church that really practices what they preach.” “Chase Oaks Church desires to Make A Difference in our community in as many lives as possible. One demographic that we want to help is the single parents. Single Moms face many hurtles and even barriers as they strive to support their families/children without the benefit of a spouse. These Moms need all the encouragement and hope they can receive in order to have the faith needed to keep moving forward, and Chase Oaks sees it as a privilege to be one of the support partners they can call on,” said John Stanely, Leadership Development & Outreach Pastor at Chase Oaks. Last year, we saw a lot of moms !
asking for spa-type items, this year we are seeing more car, fence and home repairs. “This just goes to show that many moms are struggling just to get basic needs met,” Ms. Ward said. Gifts For Moms is still accepting donation until Dec 23, to accommodate the mothers who didn’t get applications submitted in time for the Angel Tree. “This year, we are asking for donations of gift cards to clothing stores, gas stations, and restaurants. We are also accepting new gifts valued at $30 or more that could be enjoyed by a single mom. To make a donation, go to w w w. g i f t s 4 m o m s . o r g o r c a l l 214.774.2194”.
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IN MEMORIAM
A joy to know, she left memories to cherish - Kathlyn Joy Gilliam When I sat down to write my column this past weekend, the Honorable Kathlyn Joy Gilliam was still alive. I was preparing myself to write something substantive that I hoped her family members would read to her as she lay, gravely ill. Last week I talked to several people who shared their thoughts about this wonderful woman who helped so many. Min. Jeffery Muhammad first alerted me that Mrs. Gilliam’s health was failing. Activist Thomas Muhammad and Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price were others who talked lovingly and respectfully about the first African American woman to serve on Dallas Independent School District’s Board of Trustees. I’ve always been fond of Mrs. Gilliam. She was a true warrior and an unselfish leader. I was well aware of her challenges on the school board, her work in the community--especially with Clean South Dallas, and her efforts with the Political Congress of African American Women. While many seek the spotlight, or the spotlight finds them; Mrs. Gilliam
kept her eyes on the prize. Building a stronger, cleaner, safer community was very important to her. Earlier this year, she and her daughter attended a Justice for John Rally, held for
Commissioner Price. As I stood in line to pay homage to this great lady, I thought about other greats who I have had the occasion to share a moment -- folks like the Hon. Al Lipscomb and Dr. Yvonne Ewell, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, Vernon Jarrett, and Lawrence E. Young, As with them, all I wanted to do was tell her “thanks.” I wanted to tell her that I loved her for being such a dynamic woman and appreciated all of her efforts. Never one to be presumptuous, I took her hand and reintroduced myself to her. Of course, she let me know that she knew who I was.
Regretfully I was out of town during the dedication of the Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Collegiate Academy. From all accounts, it was a wonderful program and the facility is state-of-theart. What a wonderful tribute for the woman who had served nearly a quarter of a century on the school board, fighting numerous battles for our children. Long respected for being politically savvy, Mrs. Gilliam was her own woman. She didn’t need anyone to tell her what to stand for and she was always well-informed. She was a voice of reason at times when there were many other voices, but with different agendas and not necessarily in the best interest of the people Mrs. Gilliam was fighting for. She had her eyes on you, whether you knew it or not and at the right time, she let you know. She also knew when
something or somebody wasn’t quite right. Mrs. Gilliam was a true warrior who stayed on the battlefield until the very end. She made this world a better place. Sadly these words were not written prior to her passing; however the saving grace is that over the years she did get to hear and experience the love so many felt. CLS Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011 11AM-2:30PM Viewing@ Lott's Funeral Home 2422 Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard Dallas, TX Thursday, Dec.15, 2011 3pm-9pm Viewing @ Hall of State in Fair Park, South Dallas, Texas Friday, Dec. 16, 2011 11AM Funeral@Christian Chapel CME Temple of Faith 14120 Noel Road Dallas Texas
Statement of Cynthia McKinney on the death of former State Sen. Robert Brown "We all are diminished by Robert's irreplaceable absence. And I have lost a dear friend." It was with shock and disbelief that I received a phone call yesterday evening around 6:18 informing me that State Senator Robert Brown had been found dead in his home. Later, I learned that the coroner reported that he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. I am still stunned and dazed and confused. I don't understand this at all. State Senator Brown and I were working on a project to infuse Georgia politics with a muchneeded added dimension: that is, independent voting. Due to Georgia ballot access and other election laws, it is veritably impossible for voters to declare their independence from both
the Democratic and Republican parties' monopoly over Georgia politics. State Senator Robert Brown came to see how the current political landscape could be improved in our State by widening the political discourse to include voters who consider themselves as "independents." Robert and I talked for hours at a time approximately once a month about the progress of various projects in addition to our independent voter project. We had also discussed putting a newspaper together for Middle Georgia that catered
to the independent voter. And the unresolved situation of Black Farmers was also a part of our conversation. Due to travel commitments, I was late with my "check-in" with Robert and had just mentioned to family and friends last week that I needed to check in with Robert. This news is just devastating. The loss to Georgia is unmeasurable. State Senator Robert Brown loved Georgia. He loved Macon. I endorsed him in his recent run for that city's Mayor. The media demonization of him was such that I received a call
during his campaign from a supporter saying that "they [the media] were treating Robert worse than" the media treat me! I checked in with Robert and we had a laugh about it. It is no laughing matter, however. Despite Robert not winning the Mayor's race, with me he continually discussed his commitment to changing the level of engagement in Georgia politics, particularly of Georgia's Black voters. Robert was a servant leader, never thinking of himself, but always of the people of this State and their needs. I am still in a state of shock and am searching for information and answers. We all are diminished by Robert's irreplaceable absence. And I have lost a dear friend.
NABJ mourns loss of public relations pioneer Ofield Dukes College Park, MD- The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) mourns the loss of public relations pioneer Ofield Dukes, Founder of Ofield Dukes & Associates, a prominent African-American owned public relations firm in Washington, DC. Dukes died early this morning at Henry Ford Hospital in his hometown of Detroit. Born August 8, 1932, Dukes was 79 years old and died after a long bout with multiple myeloma, a rare form of bone cancer. "We are extremely saddened by the loss of our dear friend," said NABJ President Gregory Lee Jr. "Ofield Dukes revolutionized the public relations industry by increasing the visibility of African-Americans working in the field. PAGE 5
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Mr. Dukes will forever be regarded as a standard bearer for public relations professionals of all races. A true giant in the world of PR, he will truly be missed."
Founding Ofield Dukes & Associates in 1969 and operating the firm in Washington for over four decades, Mr. Dukes' clientele included non-profit, political organizations, national and !
international corporations. He specialized expertise in minority affairs, particularly African-American, African, and political affairs. A world-wide traveler, Mr. Dukes was a consultant to many international figures and organizations. As a result of his outstanding professional excellence, knowledge and service, he was recognized as being among the most successful public relations executives in the country. "Mr. Dukes has served as a mentor and a friend to journalists and media professionals around the world. NABJ will strive to keep Mr. Dukes' memory and his accomplishments alive," added Dawn A. Roberts, NABJ Associate Representative. !
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DOJ and FTC must do more to rein in corporate excesses Free and competitive markets are the foundation of a strong economy (WASHINGTON) – The House Judiciary Committee Subcommittee o n I n t e l l e c t u a l P r o p e r t y, Competition, and the Internet held an oversight hearing on the antitrust enforcement agencies. The top federal officials charged with enforcing antitrust laws, Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz and Acting Assistant Attorney General Sharis Pozen of the Department of Justice Antitrust Division, testified before the subcommittee. House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) made the following statement: “It is worth noting that under this administration the Federal Trade Commission and the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice have done more to enforce our antitrust laws than under the previous one. However this gives me little comfort. “American and transnational conglomerates continue to engage in unlawful and anticompetitive conduct. Companies like Google, Monsanto, and Goldman Sachs often act with impunity when it comes to engaging in unlawful and anti-competitive practices because they know they can exploit gaping loopholes and a government whose antitrust and criminal enforcement resources and commitment are weak. “Strong antitrust enforcement is critical to our nation. Free and competitive markets are the foundation of a strong economy.
“Weak antitrust enforcement stifles job creation and weakens the economy. The phrase “Too-big-tofail” sums it all up: Companies like AIG, CitiGroup, and the Wall Street predators are so large that our entire economy depends on their success. Yet three years after a recession that stemmed from Wall Street excesses, not one Wall Street CEO has gone to prison. The result is an economy that has become too concentrated and distorted. “In each case when our federal antitrust enforcers have stepped up, they have helped restore competition to the market to protect consumers. The Justice Department’s successful challenge to block the H&R Block/ TaxACT merger, ongoing suit to block AT&T’s proposed acquisition of T-Mobile, and the FTC’s 2010 settlement with Intel are wins for consumers. Promising developments may come with the Justice Department’s challenge against Blue Cross Blue Shield’s conduct in Michigan and the FTC’s work on the anti-competitive pay-for-delay agreements among pharmaceutical manufacturers that keep generic drugs off the market. “As Google attempts to purchase Motorola, as Verizon teams up with the new Comcast-NBC-Universal on shared service ventures, and as the whims of Wall Street Investment firms wreak havoc on the global economy, we need consumer and competition-oriented antitrust enforcement to become a top priority for our government.”
Give the Gift of Relaxation that You Can Enjoy Also Buy 3 $60 Massage Envy Gift Cards, Get a Free Massage Dallas Fort Worth, TX -- Dec 08, 2011 / (http://www.myprgenie.com) -Give Massage Envy gift cards this Christmas, and you, too, can enjoy a relaxing massage. Massage Envy clinics in the DFW Metroplex are offering a free one-hour massage session with the purchase of three gift cards of $60 or more (or one gift card at $180). Gift cards must be purchased by Saturday, December 24. "When you give a Massage Envy gift card, you give the gift of relaxation," said Lance O'Pry, Massage Envy Regional Developer. "And a free massage is yours to experience when you buy three gift cards of $60 or more. You deserve a little pampering during the holiday season. Think of it as 'three for you, one for me.'"
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Kimbro brings message of empowerment to Metroplex Noted educator, author and lecturer, Dr. Dennis Kimbro will speak in the metroplex this weekend for the c u l m i n a t i n g e v e n t o f t h e 2 0 11 E.M.P.O.W.E.R (Empowering Minorities to Plan and Organize for Wealth and Education within Reach) series. In “A New Beginning,” Dr. Dennis Kimbro, will share his findings in his ground breaking seminar entitled, "Strategies for Extraordinary Achievement," at a free event, Saturday, December 17, at the Naveen Jindal School of Management at UT Dallas, 6:00 – 8:00 pm. “The 2011 wealth management workshop series has been attended by hundreds of members of the Dallas/ Fort Worth community and we’re excited to be bringing back Dr. Kimbro, who spoke at our inaugural event, to make a presentation for the final workshop,” said Irv Ashford, Senior Vice President of Community Development & External
Affairs for Comerica Bank. characterized as one of “Through initiatives like this, the most insightful and Comerica Bank is helping scholarly writers in the more DFW residents achieve field today. financial success during As a lecturer and these chal-lenging economic researcher in the field of times.” m a n a g e m e n t , Presented by Comerica entrepreneurship and Bank, other sponsors of the human potential, he workshop include the Dallas encourages his readers to Chapter of National look within to extract the Association of Black keys that underlie all Accountants, Naveen Jindal accomplishment. He School of Management at received his B.A. and UT Dallas, Urban Financial Dr. Dennis Kimbro M.A. degrees from the Services Coalition, The University of Oklahoma, National Forum for Black Public and a doctorate from Northwestern Administrators, and 100 Black Men of University where he studied wealth and Greater Dallas/ Fort Worth. poverty among underdeveloped Few individuals impact the day-to-day countries. management of organizations and With his course work behind him, Dr. institutions as Dr. Kimbro. A tireless K i m b r o c o m b e d t h e c o u n t r y e d u c a t o r, a u t h o r, a n d B - s c h o o l interviewing scores of America's most professor, Dr. Kimbro is universally notable achievers. Eventually his
Giddings hosts annual Mayors Dinner Representative Helen Giddings, (D-Dallas) is one who knows the importance of discussing state and local issues with area leaders. For that reason, she makes it a priority to host a dinner each year to engage in an informal conversation and get input from the mayors of District 109. T h e D a l l a s M a y o r, B e s t Southwest Cities Mayors, and their guests were in attendance. Dr. John Price, President of the University of North Texas at Dallas also attended. Giddings touched on key issues that are important to southern Dallas county residents, such as education and the need for economic growth. Each mayor gave a brief overview of what's happening in their respective cities. Collectively, they all agreed that education is the key ingredient in developing a healthier economy. D r. P r i c e s p a r k e d a n interesting conversation in regards to improving higher education and how UNT Dallas will have a significant impact in the Dallas region. Giddings said, "I'm excited about the future of UNT Dallas. I believe that the school will continue to grow and improve the Dallas/Ft. Worth area by providing access to higher education close to home". Everyone seemed enthused by the fact that UNT Dallas opens the window of opportunity for a better educated populous while providing a much needed economic boost to Southern Dallas County. PAGE 7
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inquisition led to the question: How can impoverished black Americans pull themselves out of their poverty and reach their full potential? Dr. Kimbro's writings have influenced readers from the streets of Melbourne, Australia, to Johannesburg, South Africa to Seoul, South Korea, to Reykjavik, Iceland; to the boardrooms of General Motors, Walt Disney Corp., HewlettPackard, Frito-Lay, and Citigroup to name a few. He has addressed the Ohio State 'Buckeye' and Notre Dame 'Fighting Irish' football teams as well as the Kansas City Royals Baseball and the Denver Nuggets basketball teams. He has appeared on the Today Show, Larry King, CNN, and has been featured in Success!, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and USA Today on numerous occasions sharing the keys to success and achievement.
If you know of any high school or college students interested in sharpening their communications skills or pursuing a career in journalism, there’s still time to apply for the DFW/ABJ Urban Journalism Workshop.
www.dfwabj.org
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CLASS ACT Dr. T’keyah Crystal Keymah
Actress extraordinaire T’keyah Crystal Keymah brought her one-woman show to the Black Academy of Arts and Letters. Dr. Curtis King, Hamilton Sneed and Dr. Irma P. Hall were among the many in attendance during the two-night run. After the show, she signed her book, Some of My Best Friends
LEADERSHIP SOUTHWEST ALUMNI PARTY WITH A PURPOSE LSW Alumni Association President: Ella Goode Johnson chairs evening of fun, dancing, prizes and more at the Bienvenidos in Lancaster. Some area children will be very happy, thanks to Leadership South West alumni.
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DFW/ABJ’s 30th
It was a gala affair as the members of the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists celebrated 30 years of Achievement, Advancement and Advocacy at the Fair Park Music Hall, with CNN’s Soledad O’Brien as the speaker and honorees were Bob Ray Sanders and Clarice Tinsley. Photos by Freddie Watkins
DFW/ABJ 30th Anniversary Gala Ebook To view ebook photo album: http:// flipbook360media.com/DFWABJ/web/ flipviewerxpress.html For payment information: http://www.pbase.com/dfw/ photo_gallery
Hasson S. Diggs Account Manager www.ebooksys.com 1100 North Fielder Plaza Suite 516 Arlington, Texas 76012
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DEC 16, 2011
In the Spirit of Kwanzaa Principal Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) The National Black United Front (NBUF) Dallas Chapter presents’
A Discussion: “The F.B.I. War on Tupac Shakur & Black Leaders” Tuesday, December 27, 2011 7:00-9:30 PM Spring Plaza (ICDC) 4907 Spring Avenue Dallas, Texas 75210
Moderator: Thomas Muhammad, Chairman National Black United Front-Dallas Panel: Robert Ashley, KHVN-AM (Heaven 97’Radio) Talk Show Host/News Dir Silk Littlejohn-Gamble, President Arlington Branch NAACP Aaron Michaels, Founder New Black Panther Party Nayrok Badu, Singer/Hip Hop Artist Gordon Jackson, Editor - Dallas Weekly Newspaper
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BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION
in OUR library Reviewed by Cheryl Smith cheryl@cherylsmithonline.com
Can You Hear Me Now? The Inspiration, Wisdom and Insight of Michael Eric Dyson By Michael Eric Dyson The phenomenally intelligent, articulate, charismatic, profound and eloquent Dr. Michael Eric Dyson is back again with another page turner, full of his musings on various topics from President Barack Obama and love and relationships, to preachers and wisdom. The only thing better than reading the brother, is hearing the brother. An outstanding orator, Rev. Dyson can speak to the masses, at any level, bringing them around to a deeper understanding about everything from scripture to rap lyrics. His delivery is almost intoxicating as the words flow off his tongue, tickling your eardrums and stimulating your brain. Sure he’ll use a lot of big words and he’ll use some slang and Ebonics, but one thing you can be assured of, he’s going to break it down to the least common denominator and always leave you thirsting for more while also helping you to grow. Can You Hear Me Now? The Inspiration, Wisdom and Insight of Michael Eric Dyson provides a perspective on so many issues that he is sure to be quoted extensively by anyone attempting to elevate their game by providing well thought out and researched analysis. While enjoying his words in Can You
Hear Me Now? The Inspiration, Wisdom and Insight of Michael Eric Dyson, take time out to enjoy the photos of Rev. Dyson, with President Obama, his equally dynamic wife Marcia, Beyonce and Oprah. The Georgetown University professor knows what he is talking about, plain and simple. No one can say it better than he, “I’m attempting to excel at the height of my profession and at the top of my game, like Michael Jordan. I have no bones about that. I want to represent on that level where people go, ‘Damn, did you hear what that brother said?’” Well, if you didn’t hear what he said, you can read it again and again. Start building your library with Rev. Dyson’s other 16 books. You will find them equally as exciting and informative as Can You Hear Me Now? The Inspiration, Wisdom and Insight of Michael Eric Dyson.
Pleasure By Eric Jerome Dickey Pleasure is exactly what N e w Yo r k T i m e s bestselling author Eric Jerome Dickey is bringing to his readers in his latest novel, Pleasure. From the very first page sexual gratification appears to be the primary goal and maybe not just for the characters in Pleasure, especially Nia Simone Bijou. The Trinidadian born writer is living in Atlanta and there’s plenty to explore there. Here’s an interesting character, who appears to have it all--that is except for “absolute, uninhibited sexual satisfacttion.” As she searches for that elusive pleasure, she does what she must, even if it includes, and it does, pleasuring herself. There will probably be many readers
who will identify with Mr. Dickey‘s latest heroine, who says, “I need to be touched. I need to find an unselfish lover. A lover with an open mind. I deserve to find pleasure that surpasses my imagination.” Get ready to meet some interesting characters as this successful writer seeks pleasure, something she thinks about constantly. Mr. Dickey provides exploit after exploit of sexual freedom as Nia observes and participates in acts of pleasure, however still remaining unfulfilled totally, even at the hands of the twins, Karl and Mark. That’s right, after telling her ex that they were not equally yoked, that he didn’t satisfy her, Nia finds herself in a hotel suite with the brothers, but much to her chagrin, as she is reliving her wonderful night with the “Mandingo” twins she arrives home to see her ex waiting outside of her home, with a $20,000 ring. To her credit, Nia remains firm but things don’t end there. Logan is as persistent with his desire to have Nia as she is with her desire for pleasure. Pleasure is an interesting, thoughtprovoking read. With all the drama and sexual exploits, you might catch yourself asking “what next?”
Yes, I Can Set My House in Order! Your Guide to Building a Financially Successful Life If there was ever a time to get your house in order, it has to be during these tough economic time, according to Keith Carter, author of Yes, I Can Set My House in Order!-Your Guide to Building a Financially Successful Life. Stressing the importance of financial literacy, the a u t h o r writes in his
DEC 16, 2011
introduction that if you have your finances in order, your “house can truly be a home.“ In Yes, I Can Set my House in Order! Mr. Carter lays the blueprint for financial success and stability, saying that “God wants us to set our houses in order: make our houses strong; build our houses on Him, the solid rock; and start building brick by brick.” Yes, I Can Set My House in Order!-Your Guide to Building a Financially Successful Life is easy-to-read and very helpful with the exercises at the end of each chapter. Goal setting exercises, scriptures, budgeting forms and chapter reviews are very helpful for those interested in getting out of debt, building a nest egg and easing the strain many feel because their finances are not in order. This book should be required reading, especially for high school and college students. Mr. Carter has assembled information in a way that is easy to comprehend and move to action. Readers will be able to take the information he has provided and apply it to their lives to make the n e c e s s a r y changes. A financial consultant and ordained minister, Mr. Carter leads workshops on the subject. He knows what it is like to be facing financial ruin and he knows what it took to get his life and his house in order. To order a copy of Yes, I Can Set My House in Order! 1-888-580-0937 or www.yesicansetmyhouseinorder.com
If you’d like to have your book reviewed, contact IMessenger at www.cherylsmithonline.com
Black Girls Rock! always!
Follow Cheryl -Facebook and Twitter @penonfire
www.dallasweekly.com
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DEC 16, 2011
Author prepares for new year E. Arabis Zemill is going to start the new year off right. First he is going to celebrate his birthday on January 1, then he’s going to be making the rounds, sharing selections from his book, Thoughts in Vision -Poetic Works of Love, Life and In s p i r a t i o n , a n d h i s C D, featuring Never Give Up On Love.
A Dallas native and a graduate o f S o u t h e r n Me t h o d i s t University, E . Arabis Zemill has spent nearl y three decade s working for UPS. Although he began writing at the youthful age of 12, he never really pursued his love of the art, like he is doing today. He explains his works as, “the sum total of a continued excursion through the many journeys of life. It is a train that begins at the depot of your imagination, w hose stops include love personified with all its splendor, beauty and passion, life and its struggles from humble beginnings to celebrated moments of achievement.” While he still works for UPS, he’s also is focused on a future that includes more books and recordings. Open the microphone and he’s ready to flow. “I’ve struggled through many trials but now I feel I’m on the other side of the storm,” he explained. “So here I am, writing books, started my own company, singing and writing songs, designing slogans for tshirts and writing scripts for movies. I believe for all things there is a season. This is my time and I look forward to sharing my gifts with you.” Here’s a gift that won’t disappoint. His works are thought-provoking, inspiring and a joy to read and listen to. Check out E. Arabis Zemill at www.attentionrequired.com
POLICE have not apprehended Pookie the serial rapist. If you have information, call Crime Stoppers at
877.373.8477 Also, if you want extra protection, check out Street Safe at www.streetsafe.peopleguard.com PAGE 12
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DEC 16, 2011
Join Foundation 56 for
Wear your pink and get ready to party! Instructed by Chabria Saturday, December 17, 2011 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Mark Cuban Center 1800 Bonnie View Road, Dallas $5 per person The class is FREE for breast cancer survivors Space is limited. To reserve a space call (214) 379-7454 or send an email to info@bradiejames.net by Thursday, December 15, 2011 at 5 p.m.
Bradie James' Foundation 56 Foundation 56 is a breast cancer outreach program dedicated to providing access to quality services and resources for breast cancer patients and survivors. WWW.BRADIEJAMES.NET
It’s a new day!
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9-11a.m. weekdays Bringing you informative, insightful, thought-provoking discussions, guests and information! PAGE 13
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DEC 16, 2011
Skyline student expresses frustration over officiating Note: D’Arika Green sent this letter to the University Interscholastic League, which exists to provide educational extracurricular academic, athletic, and music contests. Greetings, My name is D'Arika Green, and I am currently a student at Skyline High School. I am contacting you in regard to last night's (Dec 10) game against Southlake Carroll HS. As there were tons of questionable calls made by the referees, the first and most important concern is the safety of the spectators. During the fourth quarter, there was a wild fox running back and forth in the stands on the home side (Skyline) that frightened spectators. A wild animal? How was this allowed to happen? There were people who were afraid and startled, and a panic took place. What if the fox had hurt someone? What if everyone, as afraid as they were, hurried to exit the stands and people were trampled? That is such a dangerous situation that shouldn't have happened! And I do not believe that I am the only individual that finds it extremely ironic that Southlake Carroll's head coach's nickname is "Silver Fox"! According to a tweet by Southlake player Alec Deutsch (@AlecDeutsch), "Operation #FOX was a success!! Totally worth the 6 months it took to train him to run in front of the other team...” clear evidence that the incident was planned well in advance of Saturday's game. Additionally, when the fox was spooked off, he ran down to the field DURING a play, and no interference was called. There were numerous Southlake fans in the press box on the home side, which was possessed by Skyline during the duration of the game. I do not believe that
the press box should have been opened to spectators or anyone who was not media personnel or was not affiliated with the media at a HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GAME! According to the UIL rules, spectators were not allowed on the field, then why would they be allowed in the press box where the game was being reviewed?! Now, shall we move on to the logistics of the football game? During the last two minutes of the game, the onside kick was not caught at the fifty yard line. Instead, it was recovered near the forty-five. Also, the ten yard kick only went a total of NINE yards, and NO ONE from Skyline touched the ball, yet it was given back to Southlake? Countless fans, reporters and photographers, coaches and players, performing groups and radio personnel were shocked by this type of refereeing. Everyone, including Southlake knows that the calls are questionable; therefore, on behalf of Skyline High School students, parents, coaches, players, performing groups, teachers and staff, and alumni, we feel it utterly necessary to have the ENTIRE game reviewed, especially the last three minutes, that should result in a public apology from the officials, coaches and players of Southlake Carroll HS, a rematch, and/or the trophy/game handed over to the coaches and players of Skyline HS. I would like a personal and PROMPT response to this message, considering the outrage of everyone affiliated with Skyline HS, Dallas Independent School District and the ENTIRE city of Dallas. Thanks for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Best Regards, D’Arika Green
Black Girls Rock! always!
SECOND CHANCE PERSONAL LOANS!!! NO COLLATERAL REQUIRED!!! Due to the current stats of a miserable economy, a special loan program named Second Chance Personal Loans has been created to help individuals and families needing financial assistance. Loan amounts range from $1,000 to $49,000. There is NO COLLATERAL required to secure a loan. If you have a job, you can qualify for a Second Chance Personal Loan.
• Poor credit or No credit history is acceptable • Amount of outstanding debt is not a factor • Must be currently employed • No collateral required • No liens required on property or hard assets • Easy repayment terms • Minimum 10% cash contribution towards required loan A Second Chance Personal Loan can be used for a variety of purposes such as: • Debt elimination or consolidation • Paying off existing student loan debt • Paying off credit card debt • Paying off a mortgage • Supplementing retirement • Starting a business • And much more… The Second Chance Personal Loan program was designed to help the millions of struggling families and individuals to receive a Second Chance to get back on stable financial ground. Many people because of circumstances not under their control need a fresh and Second Chance. If you would like additional information on how to apply for a Second Chance Personal Loan, simply send an email to consultant@mcsgrantconsultants.com. Cheryllynnsmith@mcsgrantconsultants.com
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DEC 16, 2011
HOW TO RECEIVE A $100,000 FINANCIAL AID GRANT Millions of families are suffering financial hardships due to a serious down-turn in the economy. Because of this, a special grant program is now available to assist individuals and families needing financial assistance. The proceeds from the grant can be used for the following: • College funding
• Supplementing retirement
• Paying off existing student loan debt
• Starting a business
• Paying off credit card debt
• And much more…
• Paying off a mortgage
As long as the proceeds of the grant are not used in any illegal manner, there are no restrictions on its use. For free information please send an email to: cheryllynnsmith@mcsgrantconsultants.com.
Want to keep up?
NNPA Mid Winter Conference
Follow Cheryl on Facebook and Twitter @penonfire
Wednesday, January 18 - Saturday, January 21, 2012 1-800-578-0500 Reference: "NNPA" OMNI ROYAL ORLEANS HOTEL 621 St. Louis St. New Orleans, LA 70140 Single room/King bed Rate: $169.00 + tax (per night) Double occupancy/Double bed Rate: $189.00 + tax (per night)
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DEC 16, 2011
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