I MESSENGER 12-01-2011

BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION

NO 1 ISSUE 12

DEC 1, 2011

I MESSENGER

IMAJ

BLACK ATLAS

performs at DFW/ABJ Gala

7

4

PAGE 1

14

!

Brought to you by Harwood 609 Restaurant and Jazz Club

!

!

Is something happening in HEAVEN? IMESSENGER 9

609 North Harwood Street, Dallas, TX 214.740.0609

BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION

NO 1 ISSUE 12

What’s Happening 12/1

2011, 3-5 pm at the African American Museum Auditorium (3536 Grand Avenue, Dallas).

12/13

DFW/ABJ's 30th Anniversary Scholarship Gala featuring CNN's Soledad O'Brien.

Emcees for the event are Charles O'Neal and Lynne Haze. Honorees are Bob Ray Sanders and Clarice Tinsley.

Ivan Tolbert and Imaj will be performing and Frank Frazier’s art will benefit the scholarship fund.

Log on to www.dfwabj.org for tickets.

12/4 Join Cheryl Smith for the live broadcast of KKDAʼs Reporters Roundtable, Sheʼll be joined by spoken word artist and author Efrem Zemill and Dallas South Newsʼ Shawn Williams at Harwood 609 Restaurant and Jazz Club, 609 North Harwood. Some lucky person is going to win two tickets to anywhere American Airlines flies in the 48 contiguous states, Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean.

Black Nativity: A Reason To Celebrate Adapted & Directed by Donnie F. Wilson December 13 - 18, 2011, 7:30 nightly A fresh and innovative adaptation of Langston Hughes' Black Nativity. The birth of Jesus Christ is played with the birth of Jazz. It's thunder meeting Lightning.

Bishop Arts Theatre Center, 215 South Tyler Street, Dallas, TX 75208 Comedian Steve Harvey The Verizon Theater Grand Prairie 1001 Performance Place

12/10

Writing through Grief at the Dallas Meditation Center, 727 S. Floyd Rd, Richardson 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

Show Begins At 8:00 PM Comedian Charlie Murphy at The Arlington Improv December 15th - 18th

Workshop & meditation

4:00pm - 5:00pm Dallas Public Library Jamal Joseph, author of PANTHER BABY: A Life of Rebellion and Reinvention

CHOCOLATE SECRETS HOLIDAY REVEAL Dallas in Gingerbread & Chocolate WHAT: Chocolate Secrets & Wine Gardens, Inc., Dallas’ premiere chocolate & wine shop will host a holiday reveal party featuring a Dallas skyline created from gingerbread and chocolate by Executive Chocolate & Pastry Chef, Kate Weiser. The evening will also launch the Holiday Handpainted Chocolate Collection featuring egg nog, wassail, peppermint, gingerbread and roasted chestnut chocolates and showcase Chocolate Secrets top chocolate inspired gift items for the 2011 holiday season.

WHO: Pam Eudaric-Amiri, owner of Chocolate Secrets & Wine Gardens, Inc. will host this holiday reveal party, which includes entertainment by Ryan Hagler and photos with Santa.

WHEN: Thursday. December 1, 2011 6pm – 8pm

Doors Open At 7:00 PM

WHERE: Chocolate Secrets & Wine Gardens 3926 Oak Lawn Avenue, Dallas, TX 75219

WHY: Chocolate Secrets & Wine Gardens, Inc. has been recognized as one of the top chocolate & wine stores in Dallas as well as the US and continues to inspire and create delicious confections. This holiday reveal is inspired by all things Dallas and what makes the city unique. It is a celebration of Dallas’ finest! For more information visit www.chocolatesecrets.net.

Fee: $55 (includes copy of "It's Only Temporary" journal) Bring pen & writing pad

For info, call - 214-803-3920 Conducted by Linda Jones, veteran journalist, author and creator of "It's Only Temporary . . . A Journal for Surviving Loved Ones."

Tyler Perry's The Haves & The Have Nots January 13th- 15th , 2012 Opening Night Doors Open At: 7:00 PM Show Starts At: 8:00 PM At The Verizon Theater

Tuesday, December 6 Wednesday, December 7 Thursday, December 8

Join Cheryl, Kelly Kel and Phyllis Alphabet.

• Black Economic History Fact of the Day Join Cheryl, Kelly Kel and • Dr. Linda Amerson is back Phyllis Alphabet. with tips for a healthier • Black Economic History scalp!

Fact of the Day •

Stay tuned for the MAN who is SWAGGER MAGNIFIED!

PAGE 2

Stay tuned for the MAN who is SWAGGER MAGNIFIED!

!

Tuesday 7am Gospel Grooves 9-11am Cheryl Smith Live!

1pm The JTC X-Change with E. Wilson and The JTC team 2-4pm The Wendy Schofield Show 6pm Chat it Up (Teen Talk) 7-9pm Claudia D. Fowler The Queen of Community Conversation 9pm RnB and NeoSoul Music Mix Wednesday 7am Gospel Grooves 9-11am Cheryl Smith Live!

11am-1pm "Think About It" with Miss Community, dianne gibson Live from Catfish Blues 1pm Let's Go Deeper w/Evangelist Jamell Vincent 2pm In The Ladies Room with Lynne Haze 4pm DFWspotlight 6-8pm The Dock Power Hour 8pm SheTalk Sports 9pm RnB and NeoSoul Music Mix

Friday 7am Gospel Grooves 8am Dallas Dialogue w/John Yourse 9-11am Cheryl Smith Live!

12-2pm Da Crossover w/T-Spoon and LeftField 4pm DFWspotlight 5pm The Jazz Lounge

12/11

Monday, December 5

Monday 7am Gospel Grooves 9-11am Cheryl Smith Live!

3pm The Watchfuleye with FHjr 4pm DFWspotlight 5pm The Jazz Lounge 9pm RnB and NeoSoul Music Mix

Thursday 7am Gospel Grooves 9-11am Cheryl Smith Live!

4pm Urban Crusade with Gordon Jackson 8pm The P5 Health, Wealth & Networking Show 9pm RnB and NeoSoul Music Mix

music

Education Archives and History Program (AAEAHP) and the Dallas African American Museum will host a viewing and panel discussion of the documentary, Our Past… Our Strength… Our Story: Documenting the Civil Rights Movement in Dallas County, TX, Saturday, December 11,

DEC 1, 2011

1/21

Friday, December 9

Join Cheryl, Kelly Kel and Join Cheryl, Kelly Kel and Phyllis Alphabet.

Phyllis Alphabet.

• Black Economic History • Black Economic History Join Cheryl, Kelly Kel and Fact of the Day Fact of the Day Phyllis Alphabet.

• Katina Potts and Rev. Potts discuss marriage, the Gospel • S h a w n W i l l i a m s o f • Black Economic History Blogging While Black and a whole lot more!

Fact of the Day

Stay tuned for the MAN who is SWAGGER MAGNIFIED!

Stay tuned for the MAN who is SWAGGER MAGNIFIED!

Stay tuned for the MAN who is SWAGGER MAGNIFIED!

!

Sunday 9-11am Gospel Grooves 11am NeoSoul Cafe with Frances Jaye 12-7pm The Jazz Lounge

I Messenger Cheryl Smith, Publisher 2011 IMessenger is a tribute to Le Messager founded by Pius Njawe and The Messenger, an independent magazine, founded by labor activist A Philip Randolph and economist Chandler Owen.

!

IMESSENGER

NO 1 ISSUE 12

BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION

DEC 1, 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...

!

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 Humphries, Doug E. Fresh...

PAGE 3

!

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 - weekdays from 9-11a.m. 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 journalist Max Robinson, musician Billy Preston, entertainer Cab Calloway, artist Ernie Barnes,...

!

!

IMESSENGER

NO 1 ISSUE 12

BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION

DEC 1, 2011

Imaj is talented, beautiful and destined for greatness Imaj Thomas is charting new waters, following in the footsteps of countless of others who traveled paths that were somewhat challenging and blazing a trail for those to come after her.

Imaj is an author, artist, designer and

country/western singer.

She loves country music and hopes to have a successful career in this genre that does not boast many who look like her.

The most familiar African American associated with country/western music has to be Charley Pride. There’s also Cowboy Troy and a few others, but for

the most part, African Americans have not had a significant impact or presence in that arena.

Standing on the shoulders of Pride and Troy is young Imaj and she respects the strides they and others have made for the music they love.

She knows the road was not easy for them and she’s ready to put in the hard work necessary to achieve success.

Imaj grew up listening to all types of music and at a young age, she fell in love with the music of Loretta Lynn and other greats who are enshrined in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

While she loves country music, the talented Imaj enjoys Pop, Opera and soul music and she is fluent in several languages, including Spanish, Japanese, Italian and German.

If the microphone is hot, Imaj is hotter.

She’s ready to perform and you won’t be disappointed.

Folks are paying attention to Imaj as she is making a name for herself appearing in commercials and performing across the country.

Thursday, December 1, Imaj will be the featured performer at the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists 30th Anniversary Gala where CNN’s Soledad O’Brien will be the keynote speaker.

Imaj is excited about the opportunity to perform at the Gala and she will sing some of her most popular hits, including “Blush.” She is also expected to bring a

Federal Court releases new Congressional Maps

Kathleen Hicks running for US 33 The federal court in San Antonio came a step closer to providing equal representation for all Texans and correcting the unfair gerrymandering by Rick Perry and Texas Republicans’ in last spring’s 82nd Legislature.

The map released creates a new minority opportunity district and sends a clear message that voices in this community must be heard.

Declaring her desire to continue representing the citizens of not only Fort Worth but Texas, Fort Worth City Councilwoman Kathleen Hicks has announced her intent to run. In six years Councilwoman Hicks has accomplished

Imaj with Country great Charley Pride

few surprises to display her versatility and range.

The author of Harlow, Imaj is a positive role model for today’s youth. Sure there are other role models that are impressive and worthy of celebrating and then too, there are some images out there that we definitely need to counteract.

Imaj is the type of young lady we need to see more of in the spotlight. In addition to being talented, intelligent and beautiful; she is sweet, compassionate, spiritually grounded, respectful and focused. She wears her purity ring with pride and she has strong convictions. I’m glad that Imaj will have an opportunity what some deemed impossible – job creation, economic redevelopment and revitalization of Southeast Fort Worth.

“There is no area of Fort Worth that I have not worked tirelessly to improve. I want to bring that expertise to Congress: working to bring positive change to our community, creating jobs and a positive future for our children,” Hicks said.

Currently of the 73 women who serve in the U.S. House of Representatives only three: Representatives Kay Granger, Eddie Bernice Johnson and Sheila Jackson Lee are in the Texas House Delegation and in the Senate Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison has announced her retirement. Texans need to add to these powerful voices and Kathleen Hicks is the right woman and the right Democrat to send to D.C.

to showcase her talents.

She’s determined to be successful as an artist and she deserves support.

Sure, I know that young people are listening to other types of music. Guess what, many of their parents are complaining about their children’s choices of music.

So, here’s an opportunity to expand their horizons by introducing them to Imaj.

I guarantee that neither you or your children will be embarrassed, offended or coerced into committing a crime. You won’t be screaming , “cut that crap off,” or “I can’t believe they play that on the radio.”

World peace is her objective. She believes the world would be a much better place if everyone worked toward achieving world peace and through her music and works, Imaj plans to make a difference.

Sure, she’ll focus on singing, writing and designing, but you can expect a whole lot more from her.

Check her out at www.harlownovel.com or Iamimaj.com.

She’s also on Facebook and a number of other social media networks.

Young Imaj is a homegirl, residing right here in North Texas. Too often the home team is overlooked or undervalued. It’s time to start supporting our youth, especially when they are trying to do something positive.

Like Imaj!

--CSL Hicks — who served as the District 8 council aide prior to her election — won the District 8 council seat in 2005 with more than 90 percent of the votes against two opponents. Hicks, the youngest woman ever elected to the Fort Worth City Council, was re-elected to the post in 2007, 2009 and 2011, and held the Mayor Pro Tem position from 2006 to 2009.

She holds a master ’s degree in International Relations from Nottingham University in Nottingham, England. She’s also studied at Oxford University in England. She has a bachelor’s in politics and honors in history from Mount Holyoke College.

Kathleen Hicks will be a fearless fighter for her constituents, who deserve a strong voice, a committed advocate, and positive results.

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 4

!

!

!

IMESSENGER

NO 1 ISSUE 12

BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION

DEC 1, 2011

MCS CONSULTANTS LLC 2710 Thomes Ave. Suite 1689 Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001 www.mcsgrantconsultants.com

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: cherylsmith@mcsgrantconsultants.com.

NNPA Mid Winter Conference

Follow Cheryl Smith 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)

PAGE 5

!

!

!

IMESSENGER

NO 1 ISSUE 12

BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION

DEC 1, 2011

UNCF announces BNSF Railway Scholarship Program DALLAS, TX – BNSF Railway and UNCF–the United Negro College Fund– the nation’s largest and most effective education organization –has announced the 2012 BNSF Railway Scholarship fund.

The scholarships are to reduce financial barriers and help increase access to higher education for lowincome college students from the North Texas region attending any UNCF member institution or other four-year accredited college or university.

Scholarships valued up to $2,000 will be awarded to qualifying students beginning with the 2012 academic year – spring semester.

“We are grateful for BNSF Railway’s long-time partnership in supporting UNCF’s education mission. The BNSF Foundation has helped ensure that hundreds of deserving young people attend college to get the education and skills necessary for success careers,” said UNCF’s Area Development Director Diane Stephenson. “During these difficult and uncertain economic times and with the cost of college skyrocketing, BNSF Foundation’s investment towards the advancement of

PAGE 6

!

Joe Faust- BNSF Railway, Antonio Johnson – KRNB Radio Personality, Lynn Baldwin- BNSF Railway and Diane Stephenson-UNCF

education is playing a critical role in the future economic well-being of our communities and our nation. We commend BNSF for their continued generosity.”

“The BNSF Railway Foundation is proud to support the United Negro College Fund’s proactive efforts to develop our young people and prepare the skilled talent needed to ensure our Nation’s future,” said John Ambler, president of the BNSF Railway Foundation. “By

!

supporting the UNCF’s academic scholarships we can help ensure that outstanding Tarrant County students have the opportunity to realize their full potential.”

Eligible students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher, be enrolled full-time at a UNCF or other 4 year fully accredited U.S. college or university, have a financial need and be a resident of Tarrant County, Texas.

Applications are online at www.uncf.org. For information about all UNCF scholarship programs visit http:// w w w. u n c f . o rg / f o r s t u d e n t s / scholarship.asp. The deadline to apply for the BNSF Railway Scholarship is January 20, 2013.

For additional assistance or more information call UNCF Program Services at 703-205-3400. To support UNCF scholarships or its member colleges and universities, please contact UNCF North Texas/Oklahoma office at 972-234 -1007 – or go to http:// give.uncf.org/dallas.

A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste!

!

IMESSENGER

NO 1 ISSUE 12

BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION

DEC 1, 2011

Black Atlas celebrates second anniversary with actor Laz Alonso Chuck D, of Public Enemy fame, said one of the best gifts you can give your child is a passport.

An accomplished rapper, author and lecturer, Chuck says that traveling opens your eyes and your mind.

American Airlines helps open your mind further, especially for those thinking about traveling because a wealth of information about travel sites and experiences is shared on the website, www.blackatlas.com.

With Black Atlas, you can see the world through the eyes of others, and even more importantly, you can learn from others’ experiences and you have a great resource whenever you decide to travel.

Just ask actor Laz Alonso. Recently on a trip abroad, he said that he needed to find a barbershop--someone who is skilled cutting a “brother’s head.”

Black Atlas came right to the rescue and he not only got a haircut, but the men in the shop showed him a lot of love. “They were watching ‘Stomp the Yard’,” he said.

“Traveling adds elements to your repertoire,” said Mr. Alonso. “You’re forced to step outside of your comfort zone and grow as a human being.”

Thanks to Black Atlas, traveling has become a lot easier.

RollingOut Urban Style Weekly and American Airlines hosted a V.I.P. reception to celebrate the second anniversary of travel and lifestyle website BlackAtlas.com with actor Laz Alonso.

A graduate of Howard University with a degree in marketing, Mr. Alonso worked on Wall Street as an investment banker before moving to Hollywood, where he has had roles in Stomp the Yard, Avatar, Fast & Furious, Miracle at St. Anna, CSI: Miami, The Practice and the Unit.

He also appeared in music videos by Toni Braxton and Aaliyah, and he hosted shows on the BET network.

Mr. Alonso has served as the celebrity ambassador for the “Learn It Live” series across the country, an interactive Q&A session where attendees learn the inner workings of producing movies, video and social media pieces for Blackatlas.com as well as breaking into the movie industry.

And Mr. Alonso’s presence did add value to the experience as he chatted with attendees and shared his perspective on travel, shopping a screenplay, the Black male experience, the importance of social media networking, and being an actor.

“When you’re an actor, you’re an entrepreneur,” he explained. “You are the CEO of Me.com. Your work speaks for you and so you want to be marketed in a positive light.”

American Airlines has worked with RollingOut to bring awareness to Blackatlas.com, which highlights travel spots of interest to urban consumers, and to showcase the website at events such as Essence Music Festival in New Orleans and the African American Black Film Festival (ABFF) in Miami.

According to RollingOut publisher Munson Steed, the Blackatlas.com project “illustrates a creative urban consumer market program that demonstrates a need in the marketplace for relevant content for African American consumers and travelers on a national and local level. We look forward to many more years delivering exciting programs along with American Airlines.”

At the festive event, culminating the celebration, attendees were entertained by local musicians Natural Change and dined on the exquisite cuisine of Chef Cassondra. Another highlight was the display of art from internationally acclaimed artist Frank Frazier.

Mr. Steed says the partnership with American Airlines for Black Atlas is the type of work that he is interested in. “At Rolling Out, our goal is to not focus so much on negative,” he explained. “We realized it was important to begin to express what we want to see in the world and to support people who support us.”

Traveling the world is just a few clicks away. And if you should happen to board an American Airlines flight somewhere, you have to come back and share your experiences with the Black Atlas family.

Mr. Steed sums the experience up: “Travel is so beautiful. It opens your mind.”

Kim Floyd introduces Mr. Steed

Munson Steed listens as actor Laz Alonzo speaks

Munson Steed of Rolling Out makes presentation, along with Laz Alonso

Ramona Logan (l) of Image Advantage talks with DFWiRadio’s Born2wryte, Kelly Kel and Tyown PAGE 7

!

!

!

IMESSENGER

NO 1 ISSUE 12

BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION

Fort Worth Charms It was a morning of glamour and class at the 34th annual brunch, “Koffee Klatsch,” benefitting a number of causes and presented by the Fort Worth Charms.

DEC 1, 2011

Golden Divas The Golden Ladies of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in West Dallas are the epitome of class. Their annual program was an overwhelming success and highlighted by a great message, praise dancers and an exceptional choir.

Program chairperson, Ms. Vera English

Pastor message was profound!

Mrs. Barbara Steele speaks

Golden Lady President Ms. Nelson

Born2wryte and family members

PAGE 8

!

Judge Don Adams and judicial candidate Maricela Moore.

Praise Dancers !

!

IMESSENGER

NO 1 ISSUE 12

BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION

DEC 1, 2011

“There will be some changes in Heaven” Major changes are underway at Dallas’ all-gospel radio station KHVN 970 on your AM dial, or as it’s popularly referred to, “Heaven 97.”

Although it was named the 2011 Major Market Radio Station of the Year, there’s still room for growth, according to management.

With the appointment of Omar Jahwar as Director of Marketing/ Community Relations, owners have ambitious goals for the next year According to Mr. Jahwar, an appointment of this magnitude has not been done in the history of KHVN. Mr. Jahwar is also the creator and founder of Positive XChange, a social media movement to stop youth violence and positively change youth culture.

He has worked tirelessly to end youth crime, violence and family disintegration by rebuilding neighborhoods through community initiatives within the greater South Dallas /Fair Park area.

Mr. Jahwar has ambitious goals for KHVN. In a year, he hopes to “double the listeners, double awareness and double the revenue.”

“We’ve got to make this become the urban hub again,” he said during a recent news conference. “There’s a serious crisis in our community and the media is a #1 tool for dealing with it.

“I have been doing this (dealing with problem) with gang, in the streets and prisons. Now the media has to embrace that change.”

According to Mr. Jahwar, KHVN will be promoting an agenda of community and spirituality in dealing with societal ills.

“We have to work our way out instead of worship our way out,” he explained, citing scripture and referring to prayer without work.

Mrs. Edna Pemberton (seated) listens as Southwest Center Mall owner Jack Friedler, in from New York, pledges support

“We must change that kind of dynamic.”

Veteran journalist Robert Ashley appears to be the “franchise player” for the “new Heaven” that plans to “take back urban culture.”

A graduate of Grambling State University, Robert has decades of service at the gospel station as a toprated news guy and talk show host.

Mr. Ashley will host the show, Newstalk with Robert Ashley, a onehour program that will allow him to interview national icons and provide a “national perspective with local significance.”

That show airs weekdays from noon until 1:00p.m. and will be followed by Community Live hosted

by Rev. David Ferrell and Mr. Ashley.

That show will be “more open to the non-profits,” said Mr. Jahwar.

A few exciting additions to the morning show will be comedian Ken Cox and Pilar Sanders, wife of NFL Great, Deion.

Mr. Jahweh also praised longtime staffer Carmina Barnett. The award winning on-air personality/ program director is what he calls “Heaven’s Poster Child.”

The news conference was one of two events the station has held most recently to announce the changes at Heaven.

They also gathered at The Diner in Cedar Hill.

KHVN is an AM urban contemporary gospel radio station that serves the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The station has had its gospel format since 1985, and is owned by Mortenson Broadcasting. Omar Yahwar talks about vision for KHVN KHVN has a rich history in this community that was led by the late legendary Joe Bagby.

In addition to serving the “We’ve got to make this become community with gospel music, the urban hub again,” he said KHVN also provides broadcast facilities for leading community during a recent news conference. ministries and community news and “There’s a serious crisis in our information.KHVN can be heard at community and the media is a #1 970 on the AM band and worldwide via streaming at www.khvnam.com. tool for dealing with it.”

KHVN’s Robert Ashley (suit) holds court at mixer in Cedar Hill at The Diner.

PAGE 9

!

Dareia Tolbert and KHVN family members enjoy The Diner !

!

IMESSENGER

NO 1 ISSUE 12

BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION

DEC 1, 2011

Holiday w/ Da’Wolfs It was fun for all, and plenty of food with KKDA’s Da’ Wolf and family for the Thanksgiving holiday.

The CW Whitakers, Wolf, Sherri Doll of Ash Britt Jene (where you go for the best pedicures in the WORLD, Cook Teal, and the Jones family, were among the many in attendance for the elaborate spread.

Gospel talent competition comes to Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex Dallas, Texas – In the Door Advertising and Partners team up to host its 1st Annual DFWs Gospel’s Greatest Talent Competition with auditions beginning December 9, 2011 at S.O.W. Ministries in Lancaster, Texas.

Proceeds of the event will go to support the arts in the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex as well as raise awareness of Childhood and Adult Obesity. This annual event showcases local Christian performing artists ages seven and up in the areas of singing, rap, spoken word, and acting.

It offers opportunities through Sponsorship, Donations, and Individual Participants.

"We are very excited about this event and look forward to giving Christian artists a new platform to present their talents. This event is an opportunity to give back to the community through the arts as well as raise awareness of childhood and adult obesity," said Katina Potts, Event Director and Founder.

DFWs Gospel’s Greatest is the first annual individual gospel contest to showcase Christian artists in the areas of singing, rap, spoken word, and acting talent.

Two winners will be chosen for the singing/rap competition from different age groups. One winner will be crowned DFWs Gospel’s Greatest Adult (age 18 and up), and one winner will be crowned DFWs Gospel’s Greatest Youth (age 7-17). One winner will be crowned DFWs Gospel’s Greatest Acting Talent (no age criteria).

Prizes include cash, voice lessons, acting lessons, and more. The event will tour the Metroplex auditioning at four different locations to give everyone an opportunity to participate. For a unique twist, at least 50 people at each location will be given the opportunity to try out with a one-minute monologue for DFWs Katina Potts Christian Performing Arts Scholarship.

We will go from 50 to 10 during the audition process. After the audition process in January, there will be final showcases in February to determine the winners.

For information about registration, location, and dates, visit www. dfwsGospelsgreatest.eventbrite.com.

PAGE 10

!

According to the Center for Disease Control, about one-third of U.S. adults (33.8%) are obese and approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2—19 years are obese.

During the past 20 years, there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States and rates remain high.

In 2010, no state had a prevalence of obesity less than 20%.

Thirty-six states had a prevalence of 25% or more; 12 of these states ( A l a b a m a , A r k a n s a s , K e n t u c k y,

Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia) had a prevalence of 30% or more. Texas is at 31%.

For information and scholarship applications, please contact: T H E D F W S K AT I N A P O T T S CHRISTIAN PERFORMING ARTS SCHOLARSHIP FUND Lancaster, Texas 75146 dfwsgospelsgreatest@gmail.com

Delta Air Lines Feel free to direct additional inquiries to dfwsgospelsgreatest@gmail.com (for performers) or katina @inthedooradvertising.org (for sponsors).

If you or your company would like to sponsor DFWs Gospel’s Greatest feel free to contact us about our available sponsorship packages. Sponsorship will yield the company or individual many marketing and public relation opportunities.

Thanks to Southwest Suburban magazine as well as journalist and community activist, Cheryl Smith for becoming Silver Sponsors to this event.

The DFWs Katina Potts Christian Performing Arts Scholarship Fund is important to its founder due to her love for performing arts, specifically acting.

Since she wasn’t able to attend acting school or get an agent as a child, she has set out to gain her big break as an adult.

In the process, she would like to give others, young and old, a “Boost” in this area because she believes in blessing others as one is blessed.

Having struggled with obesity as a child, the founder created this scholarship fund to address the issue of adult and childhood obesity by providing free boot camps and exercise equipment to schools in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex that have had their physical education budgets cut.

The organization would also like to provide information, support, and assistance for students and parents, throughout the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex.

Reservation Sales Representative positions are a great way to join the Delta Air Lines team. Our mission at Delta is to build an airline operated by people whose commitment to service ensures our customers will always choose to fly Delta.

To fill our Reservation Sales Representative positions, we are seeking qualified people to create a memorable experience for our customers by answering their calls in an efficient, courteous, and accurate manner while meeting all Delta and Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance requirements. The position qualifications include strong verbal and written communication skills, sales and customer service experience or relevant job experience, computer experience, and desire to work in a team environment. Preferred qualifications include previous experience in a call center and/or experience working with customers via phone.

Candidate practices safety-conscious behaviors in all operational processes and procedures.

In order to be offered employment with Delta Air Lines, you must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED equivalent, authorized to work in the US. You must also be able to successfully pass an extensive pre-employment background check and drug test. Must be performing satisfactorily in current position.

The starting pay for this position is $1743.96/month, equivalent to $10.04 per hour.

Upon starting you will be required to successfully complete a paid 4-week training course followed by 1 week of on-the-job assistance. Provided you meet job performance expectations, you can be awarded a salary increase at 6 month intervals for the first 1 and half years and then annually through completion of 10 and a half years of service. This position is full-time with great travel benefits.

During training and your first 6 months of employment, schedules and days off are not flexible. After completing training, you will be assigned a shift and days off based on our operational needs (typically a PM shift with midweek days off). We are open 365 days a year, including holidays. We are recruiting for FULL-TIME positions.

Salary Range Minimum: $1,743.96 Maximum: $3,669.58 Kathy O'Daniel DFW SSS Lead Kathy.ODaniel@delta.com

!

!

IMESSENGER

NO 1 ISSUE 12

BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION

in OUR library

whom we love but don’t always understand,” she asks.

Most readers would agree wholeheartedly, which should make for an enjoyably, quick and entertaining read.

Considering the divorce rate, couples can use any assistance they can get in navigating through their relationship, before calling it quits.

I’m a Dog You’re a Cat- Love Lessons From Our Furry Friends could open up the lines of communications, and from there, who knows what will happen?

I’m a Dog You’re a Cat Love Lessons From Our Furry Friends

By Marla Press Relationship books always provide for interesting reads as attempts are made to explain the many differences between men and women.

Interestingly, in I’m a Dog You’re a Cat, author Marla Press points our characteristics that are not germane to either sex.

According to Ms. Press, who was trying to understand her own relationship, “The cat-and-dog relationship seems to work best because its the yin and the yang, opposites attract.

People understand that the cat needs a lot of space and the dog needs a lot of attention.”

She provides various scenarios where clearly the various ways of communicating determine how couples develop and build on their relationships.

In addition to describing the personality traits of dogs and cats, the author explains lessons learned from interactions between males and females.

An animal lover, Ms. Press was in a relationship with “the most incredible love ever,” but she said she couldn’t understand him. She said understanding the metaphor of dogs and cats helped her understand situations that her head couldn’t.

“Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we all had a language to communicate with those

The Good Thing About Grief

Sure there are people who say inappropriate things, either because they don’t know what to say or they think they are saying the right thing.

Hopefully by reading The Good Thing About Grief, more and more people will learn how to deal with grief.

What makes The Good Thing About Grief such a good book has to be the comprehensive look at grief, from almost every angle imaginable.

Dr. Wall is meticulous in her efforts to address grief in a manner that is enlightening and informative. Anyone who has ever grieved before will identify with The Good Thing About Grief. If you’ve ever assisted someone with burial arrangements, suicides or dealing with family dynamics, it’s all in this little book.

Dr. Wall notes that the process is different for everyone.

One of the most significant chapters in the book has to be Questions from the Journey. The answers were so poignant and comprehensive.

The Good Thing About Grief is a mustread. It should be in every home, every religious institution, school, hospital and library.

Thank you Dr. Wall, for laying it all out there--for helping folks through a process that no one looks forward to.

By Dr. Brenda Wall, Ph.D. Best-selling author Dr. Brenda Wall is back with another chart topper, even though the subject may not be as appealing to readers at first.

Offering a source of comfort, The Good Thing About Grief provides observations of “what loss looks like to the ones who sit on the front pew.”

A noted psychologist, Dr. Wall provides insightful messages throughout The Good Thing About Grief.

It is the perfect guide to help someone through the process, which begins with understanding that grief is normal.

“It is difficult to comprehend the degree to which grief can become so emotionally overwhelming,” she writes, as she describes the many ways that people cope with the loss of someone.

Why We Fall - How Not to Sabotage your Career, Your Relationship, Your Life

By Dorothy Burton Dedicated “to those who never saw it coming - the fall. And to those who are one bad decision away from losing it all,” author Dorothy Burton, in Why We Fall - How Not to Sabotage your Career, Your Relationship, Your Life uses biblical references to address the many issues that result in failure.

This book evolved from an article, written by Ms. Burton in 2006 when she was on the Duncanville City Council, Why We Fall Avoiding the Evils of Elective and Appointed Office, and appeared in Texas Town & City Magazine.

There are so many enlightening passages throughout Why We Fall - How

way that you do it.”

There might be some who don’t discover what their purpose is, though and Ms. Burton writes, “The greatest mistake we will make in life is never bothering to discover the reason for our life.”

Complete with scriptures and accented by one of her insightful messages or her original poem, Ms. Burton has provided a blueprint for success, that is not preachy, overbearing and judgmental or holier than thou.

She’s not sugar-coating anything as she candidly talks about the trappings that are responsible for so many failures, without making the reader feel like a failure.

Through her stories, readers may find themselves reading about themselves because the situations are very true to life.

The good news is that whatever the problem or issue, as long as you are alive you can make some changes to avoid sabotaging your lives, careers and relationships--if you learn how.

If you’d like to have your book reviewed, contact IMessenger at www.cherylsmithonline.com

Follow Cheryl on Facebook and Twitter@penonfire

Let’s hear it for the

DEC 1, 2011

Not to Sabotage your Career, Your Relationship, Your Life. I found myself reading one sentence over and over again: “When you discover what your purpose is, you likely will not be able to explain how you do what you do in the

Texas Rangers

Black Girls Rock! always!

www.dallasweekly.com PAGE 11

!

!

!

IMESSENGER

NO 1 ISSUE 12

BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION

DEC 1, 2011

Norfolk falls, Jackson State moves up, WSSU and GSU victorious

By Urban Sports Newswire Arlington, Texas— Winston-Salem State (12-0) held on to the USN Black College Football Poll Top Spot for the fourth week in a row after dispatching California (PA) 35-28 before 7,645 at Bowman-Gray Stadium. The top- ranked Winston-Salem State Rams rode the churning legs of running back Nicholas C o o p e r ' s 11 8 y a r d s a n d t h r e e touchdowns, and Kameron Smith 267 passing yards and two touchdowns. The 12 wins are a WSSU school record for wins in a season, and the quarterfinal playoff berth is the first for a CIAA program. The Rams also snapped the CIAA's nine-game losing streak in the playoffs.

Head Coach, Connell Maynor, was asked about where his team ranks in school history. He replied in an interview, “Greatest team in the history of Winston-Salem State University, and they proved it. Nobody has ever won 12 games, so they proved it.

“We've got 12 wins, and we've got three more wins and we are the national champions.”

“Winston-Salem State represented the CIAA well and got the playoff monkey off of the conference’s back,” said John Posey, CEO of Urban Sports News. “I have received calls recently questioning why I have the Rams ranked number because they are in Division II. My answer is twofold: 1) Splitting HBCU schools into two polls rewards mediocrity. There are a bunch of teams with less than stellar records in other polls; 2) Winston-Salem State is 12-0 and they are flat out good. We stand by our ranking of WSSU. Jackson State, Bethune-Cookman and Norfolk State had their chances to win the National Black College title. Each of them blew games they should have won.”

Winston-Salem State (12-0), Jackson State (9-2), Bethune-Cookman (8-3), Norfolk State (9-3), and Alabama A&M (8-3) occupy the top five spots in the USN Poll for Week 13. Norfolk State dropped two places in the rankings after their 35-18 loss to neighbor Old Dominion. Alabama State (8-3), Morehouse (8-2), Grambling (7-4), South Carolina State (7-4), and FAMU (7-4), and are the next five ranked teams in the USN Poll.

Alabama State beat rival Tuskegee 30-21 and Grambling smothered Southern 36-12 behind Mario Louis and Dawrence Roberts. Louis snared three touchdown passes and Roberts ran for ran for 195 yards on 36 carries. The Tigers earned a spot in the SWAC Championship game opposite Alabama A&M. FAMU (7-4) dropped one place after the Rattlers 26-18 loss to BethuneCookman.

MEAC Conference Champion Norfolk State’s first FCS Playoff run ended with a 35-18 loss to Old Dominion.

“Doug Williams and his staff have done a masterful job after opening 1-4 this season. He has been overlooked for Coach of the Year honors,” added Posey.

PAGE 12

!

earlier by the Black College Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee.

Induction ceremonies will be held February 18, 2012 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis during the Priority Payment Systems third annual enshrinement ceremony.

2012 Inductees into the Black College Hall of Fame

The Grambling defense completely shut down the Southern running attack. Photo: John Sports News.

“Roberts has taken the pressure off the young Grambling quarterbacks with his running. His runs set up play action and then Mario Louis goes to work on opposing defensive backs. Roberts has gained over 1,000 yards in just nine games. Louis has caught 17 touchdowns on only 39 catches. Defensive Coordinator, Coach Yoshida has revitalized the defense. They look like a different team since their last loss. You heard it here first. Grambling will be a force in 2012. I’d like to make one final note on Grambling and Doug Williams.

Doug has won the SWAC West Title while working without a contract. He is working as an “at will” employee with no job protections. This is a disgrace and we hope Grambling will correct this matter immediately.”

“Finally, Coach Bailey, myself, D’Tara Frank and the Urban Sports News team would like to express our condolences to the family of Heritage Sports Radio Network Communications Director, LeCounte Conway. He passed away in his sleep the night after broadcasting the Florida Classic. We had just talked last Wednesday about some joint projects between HSRN and Urban Sports News. He was a true professional and a friend. I know he’s organizing a sports event to be broadcast in that stadium in the sky.”

Must-see games to watch this week include: 1) Johnson C. Smith vs. Miles College in the Pioneer Bowl; 2) and, Winston-Salem State vs. New Haven.

NEWS & NOTES: -The NCAA Division I Women's Volleyball Committee announced today the 64-team field for the 2011 NCAA D i v i s i o n I Wo m e n ' s Vo l l e y b a l l Championship. Thirty-one conferences were awarded automatic qualification, and the remaining 33 slots were filled

R. Posey, Urban

with at-large selections to complete the bracket. SWAC Champion, Jackson State (29-9), is headed to Lincoln, Nebraska to take on the second-ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers (23-3) on Thursday.

-Tickets for the Winston-Salem State NCAA quarterfinal round playoff game will go on sale today, Tuesday, November 29th at the at the WSSU Ticket Office located at the Anderson Center, the Lawrence Joel Veterans Coliseum Box Office and through Ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices are $15 for general admission and $10 for WSSU students with proper ID (also will honor students from other area colleges and high school with ID). Parking prices will remain the same as in the regular season, $12 for the South Lot (Reserved – no season ticket or game ticket required) and $10 for the East and West Lots.

-The new Alabama State University football complex has housed the Hornets’ football coaching staff since the end of the summer and the last bit of construction has been completed with the addition of the weight room.

However, the most important aspect of completing the building was done today as the complex will now be officially known as the Houston Markham, Jr. Football Complex.

-Urban Sports News will be providing still photography from the Prairie View Men vs. Baylor basketball contest. USN will also be shooting the Grambling women vs. the University of Texas on December 20th. Also, Urban Sports News will be providing all of the game action photos for the SWAC Title game on December 10th.

-James “Shack” Harris (QB, Grambling State University, 1965-68) has been named to the Black College Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2012. He joins 10 others selected from a list of 35 finalists who had been determined !

Willie Brown (DB, Grambling State University, 1959-1963) Harry Carson (DE, South Carolina State University, 1972-1975) Eldridge Dickey (QB, Tennessee State University, 1964-1967) Claude Humphrey (DE, Tennessee State University, 1964-1967) Steve McNair (QB, Alcorn State University, 1991-1994) Willie “Wonderful Willie” Richardson ( W R , J a c k s o n S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y, 1959-1962) Johnny Sample (DB/RB, Maryland Eastern Shore, 1954-1958) Rayfield “Big Cat” Wright (OL, Fort Valley State, 1963-1966) Cleve Abbott (Head Coach, Tuskegee, 1923-1954) Jackie Graves (Former NFL Scout, former director of personnel for the Philadelphia Eagles) The Black College Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee is comprised of journalists, historians and former football executives from around the country. The committee includes Ernie Accorsi, Charles Bailey, Gil Brandt, Charles Garcia, Donald Hunt, Mike Hurd, Ty Miller, Roscoe Nance, Charlie Neal and Lloyd Vance.

USN Thought for the Week: “Success is a journey not a destination. The doing is usually more important than the outcome. Not everyone can be Number 1.”

—Arthur Ashe John Posey, CEO, of Urban Sports News, a fullservice sports media company, has launched an alternative poll to provide a different, and more balanced, perspective to the rankings. The poll is conducted in collaboration with Henry Bailey and a select group of analysts. The USN Poll is released on Tuesday mornings to publications, Sports Information Directors, fans, sports websites, newspapers and to members of the media. Urban Sports News distributes news, photos and features, as well as, provides a wide range of communications consulting services. His work has appeared in 26 countries, numerous publications, media guides, television stations, and electronic media. Urban Sports News provides a wide range of services for a number of corporate and college clients.

!

IMESSENGER

NO 1 ISSUE 12

BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION

IN MEMORIAM Patrice Lumumba Malcolm O’ Neal

Bayou Classic on death watch

By John R. Posey, CEO Urban Sports News

Patrice Lumumba Malcolm O’ Neal (December 7, 1969 November 28, 2011), was an American stand-up comedian, radio personality, and actor who began his comedy career in his native Boston at an open mic at Estelle's Bar and Grill.

He appeared on The Apollo Comedy Hour , Showtime at the Apollo, FNight Videos, MTV’s Apt 2F, Assy McGee, Ed, Z Rock, Yes Dear, Arrested Development, Chappelle Show and The Office, The Jury, and in 2006 and 2007 he joined Opie and Anthony's Traveling Virus Comedy Tour, playing large outdoor concert arenas across the country.

On October 26, 2011, it was announced on The Opie and Anthony Show that O'Neal, a diabetic, had suffered a stroke on October 19.

On November 29, it was announced via Twitter by Gregg "Opie" Hughes that O'Neal had died and his manager Matt Frost released this statement: It is with terrible sadness we must report that Patrice O’Neal has passed away this morning at 7:00am due to the complications of the stroke he suffered on October 19. Many of us have lost a close and loved friend; all of us have lost a true comic genius.

His mother, who was also his best friend, was at his side.

Patrice is survived by his wife, Vondecarlo; his step daughter Aymilyon, sister Zinder, and his mother Georgia. The family wishes to thank all of the fans and friends who have expressed an outpouring of love and support for Patrice these past weeks.

We ask that you please respect the family’s request for privacy at this difficult time.

PAGE 13

!

DEC 1, 2011

The 38th edition of the Bayou Classic was a shadow of the former glory that had many calling the game “The Granddaddy of Black College Classics.”

I have covered 17 Bayou Classics and now have the distinction of covering the largest game (71,000+) and the smallest game (40,000 +). The Bayou Classic has lost 31,000 fans since 2004.

The Super Dome resembled a large tomb, rather than a Football Classic. The announced crowd of 40,000 plus was more like 29,000 in reality. This is a game that is dying and the doctor and his team don’t know how to save the patient.

The firm (NOCCI) hired to manage and produce the event was abysmal and I’m being kind. The media relations, credentialing, parking problems et al were not unexpected as this bunch had no sports or football production experience.

I took the time to go check out the management team’s bios. They seemed to be a local, small-time events firm. The Bayou Classic is broadcast nationally and people come from all over America come to NOLA. Their marketing plan was out of the 20th century rather than social media oriented.

The NOCCI team conducted a fan/bus tour in the dead of one of the hottest summers on record. No one came. Doug Williams never made an appearance. Maybe the NOCCI staff should have asked Doug what it takes to get fans to attend a Black College Classic. They didn’t have a clue.

The website was static and had virtually no information of value to the media.

Monica Pierre, the media coordinator, has yet to return anyone’s call I know.

The online credential application was missing crucial information. How can you send copies of news articles when there is no way to attach them to the online form? I sent an email to Santoria Black (GSU) and Chris Johnson (SU) identifying the problem.

I got a cryptic email from an anonymous NOCCI staffer instructing me to send the information to info@mybayouclassic.com.

This was also the general email address for the fans and anyone else with a question.

I also requested for months to be put on their media email distribution list. I have yet to be added. They seem to think the only legitimate media are the Baton Rouge Advocate and The New Orleans TimePicayune. Given the dearth of post-game coverage, game management might want to consider trying to build relationships with the Black Press, Black sports journalists, website owners, and Black Bloggers. These people have a following.

I have covered more than 2,000 sports events. I have never paid for parking to cover a sports event. Scores of press were told they had no parking pass and would have to pay $25.

Meanwhile, some staff were allowing regular patrons to park in the area reserved for media. This move created a firestorm.

Ninety minutes before kick-off game management rescinded the policy and gave media members a document to get a refund.

People had to leave the press box and field to get in line at a cashier to get their refund.

The Boards of Southern and Grambling should all resign for committing management malpractice for hiring an Anglo-American, politically-connected firm to produce an African-American Football Classic. There were obvious racial tensions underneath the surface throughout the weekend.

More importantly, people who don’t do Black College football were making arbitrary decisions on parking passes, credentials, etc. There were a number of legitimate people who cover HBCU football who were denied credentials. J.B. Carter and Mike Jones have shot HBCU games throughout the last decade. Why can’t they get credentials? They have donated work to both schools.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, Jeffrey Ory, a

COMMENTARY staffer approved a friend of his to shoot the game. My problem with the matter is his friend works for Clear Channel which is a radio conglomerate. He was not legitimate media. He doesn’t cover these schools.

More importantly, he was trying to shoot a game with an amateur DSLR with a 50mm camera. He had no business on the field.

What a joke!

Bickerstaff Entertainment looks better every day. The Atlanta Football Classic, Florida Classic, Magic City Classic and Southern Heritage Classic make the Bayou Classic look like an amateur production.

These Classics have hired competent, experienced people to manage and produce their games. Southern and Grambling decision makers could have randomly picked ten firms out of the Yellow Pages, placed them on a wall, blindfolded themselves, and thrown a dart and would have chosen a better firm than NOCCI. They are that bad.

Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005.

The problems with the Bayou Classic are much larger than blaming it on a hurricane.

NBC and State Farm have far too much control and share in the blame.

The Southern and Grambling Boards and administrators have mismanaged this game in a manner that should be considered borderline criminal.

Rome is burning and Grambling and Southern administrators only seem concerned about getting invitations to VIP events and parties. The event is on life support. The City of New Orleans doesn’t give a damn about this event. New Orleans was a barricaded, armed camp this weekend. Who wants to spend their hardearned dollars to be a prisoner in a police state?

The public has spoken and the reverberations are shaking the foundations of the once-proud Bayou Classic.

John Posey, CEO, of Urban Sports News, has developed a full-service sports media company. His work has appeared in 26 countries, numerous publications, media guides, television stations, and electronic media. Urban Sports News provides a wide range of services for a number of corporate and college clients throughout the country. Mr. Posey is a graduate of Dartmouth and has won numerous awards.

Urban Sports News “We Cover Sports from Another Perspective” Rank

Team

Record

Comment

1.

Winston-Salem State Rams

12-0

2.

Jackson State Tigers

9-2

Defeated California (PA) in NCAA D-II Playoffs 35-28. Next up: Will host New Haven in the Super Region One Championship.

Season over.

3.

Bethune-Cookman Wildcats

8-3

Season over.

4.

Norfolk State Spartans

9-3

5.

Alabama A&M Bulldogs

8-3

6.

Alabama State Hornets

8-3

7.

Morehouse Maroon Tigers

8-2

Lost to Old Dominion 35-18 in NCAA FCS Playoffs. Season over.

Regular season over. Next Up: Meet Grambling for the SWAC title Dec. 10.

Beat Tuskegee 30-21 in 88th Turkey Day Classic. Season over.

Season Over.

8.

Grambling Tigers

7-4

9.

South Carolina State Bulldogs

7-4

Trounced Southern 36-12 in Bayou Classic. Tigers should have scored 50.

Next Up. Meet Alabama A&M for SWAC title.

Season over.

10.

FAMU Rattlers

7-4

Season over

USN Black College Football 2011 Poll: Week 13 Dropped Out of Top 10: None. Moving Up: Jackson State, Grambling. Trending Down: None.

Others Receiving Consideration: Albany State, Elizabeth City, Hampton, Langston, Miles, , and Stillman.

The USN Black College Poll is compiled by John Posey, Henry Bailey and a network of local associates. Contact us at urbansportsnews@yahoo.com or 214-929-8573. Copyright 2011, Urban Sports News. All Rights Reserved.

!

!

IMESSENGER

NO 1 ISSUE 12

BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION

DEC 1, 2011

FAMU Band suspended, director fired, after death of band member

Dr. Julian White dismissed 26 band members for hazing, earlier in the school year. He has hired an attorney to get his job back.

Robert Champion Jr. has always wanted to be a member of the Famed FAMU Marching 100. Robert was happy, his mother said. Here he is shown with a member of a young children’s band, in a photo that he tweeted to his parents at the Florida

Medical examiner says it may take weeks to determine cause of Robert Champion’s death.

Classic just hours before his death. His mother has said that a lawsuit will be filed because she wants to put an end to the hazing culture. Florida Governor Rick Scott has called on Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey to launch an investigation into Mr. Champion’s death.

Robert Champion Jr. didn’t go away to war, to fight enemy troops on another continent. He went away to college, to get a degree and to play in the Marching 100 Band at Florida A&M University.

His parents were not expecting to get a call saying that their 26-year-old son was dead.

So, instead of enjoying the Thanksgiving holidays, they were grieving the loss of their son, the victim of hazing, according to Orange County law enforcement officials.

While several stories circulated about Mr. Champion’s death, more and more stories surfaced about rituals that are dangerous and deadly.

Mr. Champion was living his dream.

He was a drum major, after having played the clarinet before the big promotion.

At a ne ws conference held in Lithonia, GA, earlier this week, his parents talked about how happy he was being in the band, while stressing the importance of putting an end to the violence.

Both FAMU President James Ammons and Band Director Julian White have been vocal about their stances against hazing.

This case is not the first and Florida has tough laws against hazing (see next page).

While there are scandals involving sexual abuse of young boys by coaches a t Pe n n S t a t e a n d S y r a c u s e Universities, the latest headlines are about the death of Robert Champion Jr. and violent hazing acts occurring across the country.

In the wake of an investigation, Dr. A m m o n s f i r e d D i r e c to r W h i te , effective December 22, 2011. The longtime director, who worked under the tutelage of the legendary William P. Foster, would have celebrated his 40th anniversary at FAMU next year.

Both graduates of FAMU, Drs. A m m o n s a n d W h i te h a v e m a n y supporters.

Alumni, students, and the man on the street all have opinions about the incident.

While some are lining up in support of Dr. White, who they say reported hazing activities and also suspended 26 students earlier this semester because of hazing allegations; others are saying that more has to be done because hazing has become a way of life for a lot of HBCU bands, sororities and fraternities.

Celebration of Life Service for Mr. Robert Champion, of Decatur was held Wednesday, November 30, 2011, 11:00 am; Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, 2340 Clifton Springs Rd., Decatur, GA; Rev. Jerry Black, Pastor/officiating eulogist.

PAGE 14

!

!

!

IMESSENGER

NO 1 ISSUE 12

BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION

FAMU Alumni President issues statement TALLAHASSEE, FL -- The Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University National Alumni Association (FAMU NAA) extends our heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the family of our beloved Drum Major Robert Champion. We stand ready to support Florida A&M University’s president and the appointed task force that is investigating the marching band’s practices and circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Champion.

Under state law, the FAMU Board of Trustees (BOT) is ultimately responsible for implementing policies that govern the university and its leadership. No person, organization, or entity, outside the university president or the BOT, has the authority to dictate the hiring or firing process at this university. Therefore, we endorse only legitimate and administrative procedures required to bring deliberate and analytical conclusions to both the university and law enforcement investigations in progress, based on accuracy and facts.

We urge all educational institutions to use this tragedy as a teaching opportunity to prevent any action that can potentially harm and diminish the integrity of any institution or program.

We call on all alumni, faculty, administrators, staff, and students to help us affect change that will yield positive results for generations to come.

For more than 124 years, Florida A&M University has been an institution of excellence for young people from all walks of life. The university has consistently been ranked number one in awarding baccalaureate degrees to African-American students in various majors. Established for more than a century,

Florida Hazing Law 11006.63

hazing prohibited.--

(1) As used in this section, "hazing" means any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for purposes including, but not limited to, initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution. "hazing" includes, but is not limited to, pressuring or coercing the student into violating state or federal law, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug, or other substance, or other forced physical activity that could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the student, and also includes any activity that would subject the student to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment, or other forced activity that could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the student. hazing does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions or any activity or conduct that furthers a legal and legitimate objective.

(2) A person commits hazing, a third degree felony, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, when he or she intentionally or recklessly commits any act of hazing as defined in subsection (1) upon another person who is a member of or an applicant to any type of student organization and the hazing results in serious bodily injury or death of such other person.

(3) A person commits hazing, a first degree misdemeanor, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, when he or she intentionally or recklessly commits any act of hazing as defined in subsection (1) upon another person who is a member of or an applicant to any type of student organization and the hazing creates a substantial risk of physical injury or death to such other person.

(4) As a condition of any sentence imposed pursuant to subsection (2) or subsection (3), the court shall order the defendant to attend and complete a 4-hour hazing education course and may also impose a condition of drug or alcohol probation.

(5) It is not a defense to a charge of hazing that: (a) The consent of the victim had been obtained; (b) The conduct or activity that resulted in the death or injury of PAGE 15

!

DEC 1, 2011

Sexy Abs with Kelly Rowland and Hollywood Trainer Jeanette Jenkins Fitness DVD now available

FAMU’s marching band has provided educational opportunities as well as international exposure for many talented students, and created leaders. The FAMU National Alumni Association has proudly supported the university for the past 110 years since the association was organized in 1901.

As official investigations into this tragedy proceed, we stand with the family of Mr. Champion and the university, prepared to examine the full scope of its findings and to support its recommendations. We support the mission of Florida A&M University, and in that spirit we support the care, development, and welfare of our most valuable assets -- our students. We support all actions taken for the betterment of Florida A&M University.

----Thomas Mitchell Sr

FAMU Drum Majors a person was not part of an official organizational event or was not otherwise sanctioned or approved by the organization; or (c) The conduct or activity that resulted in death or injury of the (Los Angeles, CA – Just in time person was not done as a condition of membership to an for the holiday season, international organization. superstar and X Factor UK Judge

Kelly Rowland releases her highly

(6) This section shall not be construed to preclude prosecution anticipated *Sexy Abs* fitness DVD for a more general offense resulting from the same criminal with acclaimed fitness expert and transaction or episode.

(7) Public and nonpublic postsecondary educational institutions whose students receive state student financial assistance must adopt a written anti-hazing policy and under such policy must adopt rules prohibiting students or other persons associated with any student organization from engaging in hazing.

(8) Public and nonpublic postsecondary educational institutions must provide a program for the enforcement of such rules and must adopt appropriate penalties for violations of such rules, to be administered by the person at the institution responsible for the sanctioning of such organizations. (a) Such penalties at community colleges and state universities may include the imposition of fines; the withholding of diplomas or transcripts pending compliance with the rules or pending payment of fines; and the imposition of probation, suspension, or dismissal. (b) In the case of an organization at a community college or state university that authorizes hazing in blatant disregard of such rules, penalties may also include rescission of permission for that organization to operate on campus property or to otherwise operate under the sanction of the institution. (c) All penalties imposed under the authority of this subsection shall be in addition to any penalty imposed for violation of any of the criminal laws of this state or for violation of any other rule of the institution to which the violator may be subject.

(9) Rules adopted pursuant hereto shall apply to acts conducted on or off campus whenever such acts are deemed to constitute hazing.

(10) Upon approval of the anti-hazing policy of a community college or state university and of the rules and penalties adopted pursuant thereto, the institution shall provide a copy of such policy, rules, and penalties to each student enrolled in that institution and shall require the inclusion of such policy, rules, and penalties in the bylaws of every organization operating under the sanction of the institution.

!

Founder of The Hollywood Trainer, Jeanette Jenkins.

This 42-minute core-focused *Sexy Abs* workout DVD, part of The Hollywood Trainer Celebrity Series, is NOW available for sale at www.thehollywoodtrainer.com.

Starting with a fun heart-pumping standing warm-up, *Sexy Abs* includes six chapters of abs training, giving fans access to Kellyʼs own sexy abs workouts developed by Jenkins.

The chapters can also double as stand-alone workouts for people short on time.

Sexy Abs is designed to improve core strength, tone and flexibility and additionally be integrated as a part of a fitness regime that includes cardio, total body training and a healthy meal plan.

The DVD retails for $24.95 with a special pre-sale price of $19.99.

Jenkins, founder and President of The Hollywood Trainer is the author of The Hollywood Trainer Weight-Loss Plan: 21 Days to Make Healthy Living a Lifetime Habit and creator of the highly successful Bikini Bootcamp, part of her internationally successful Hollywood Trainer DVD Collection, created to inspire and motivate men and women to live a healthy life. !

IMESSENGER

12/1/11

PAGE 16

!

!

!

IMESSENGER