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Happy New Year!
MY TRUTH By Cheryl Smith Publisher
Can you help me?
Another year has come to a close and I can’t help but to recap the past year and look forward with anticipation. 2018 was a very exciting year for me because there were so many exciting memories and milestones. Six books completed in a life where I tried to make it matter. Four books completed as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. where service is a priority. I said hello to my newest grandchild, JD, and I said farewell to some very special people including 100 year-old Alyce Goff. There have been some disappointments and many causes for celebration. Everyone can’t handle the emotional rollercoaster. Sometimes help is needed. Which brings me to my truth. December has always been challenging for me since 1969. I remember opening gifts that Christmas morning and hearing the phone ring. Next thing I knew the joy was gone because the news from the phone call was that my 93-year-old grandfather, Remer Smith, had died. Christmas Day was never the same. Then over the years, I’ve endured other losses that have sent me into deep thought; like the death of my father on December 8, 2004 and my Godmother, Liz, who this December marks a decade since she departed. And most who really know me, know of my fondness for the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. You see, growing up Mr. Brown was there for me in times when I really felt alone. He could put a smile on my face and a song in my heart. As a 10-year-old; I remember going to a concert with relatives in Florida. After the concert, we were escorted backstage and given the choice of meeting five nappy-headed, smelly boys, or the Godfather and the songbird, Lyn Collins. I chose the Godfather. After we met and said a few words, he kissed me on my cheek. I was overjoyed! In fact I said then I would never wash my cheek again, but I forgot which cheek it was. I also met Ms. Collins and I was told that I met the boys also, but if I did I don’t recall the boys. Can you guess who those boys were? Well anyway, decades later, I had a phone interview with Mr. Brown. It was wonderful. I told him about that meeting and we talked about family and life. When I told Mr. Brown that my father lived about an hour and a half away from his home in Augusta, GA, he invited me to visit the next time I was in town. Oh how I looked forward to that visit! As our interview came to a close, he asked me if I was coming to his concert in Grand Prairie. I told him “no” but he asked me to. Unfortunately I had already given my tickets to super writer Vincent Hall, but Mr. Brown said no worries, he had me covered. I went to the concert alone and had a great time. See MY TRUTH, page 6
Garland GARLAND JOURNAL
JANUARY 2, 2019
JOURNAL
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VOL XVIII ISSUE 11 JANUARY 2, 2019
Free event promotes healthy living, following annual King Day parade 2nd Annual Realizing the Dream: Healthy Living Expo
Living healthy has to be a priority says organizers of the Don’t Believe the Hype Foundation 2nd Annual Realizing the Dream: Healthy Living Expo which will take place on January 21, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the African American Museum located at 3536 Grand Avenue in Fair Park, Dallas, Texas 75210. The free community event is in conjunction with the City of Dallas' Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration. The expo will be open immediately following the historic annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day parade in South Dallas. “Americans are constantly bombarded with content about healthy living and because of the sheer volume of information circulating, it can be a challenge to decipher what is accurate vs. inaccurate,” said Cheryl Smith, founder of the Realizing the Dream: Healthy Living Expo and Don’t Believe the Hype Foundation.
“This family-friendly expo provides the perfect opportunity for people to start the New Year off right by learning the proper methods to be healthy physically mentally, spiritually, financially, socially and holistically.” Also the expo will feature Friendship West Baptist Church presents the Pastor's 31-Day Health Challenge (see page 6). The Realizing the Dream: Healthy Living Expo will feature informative presentations, panel discussions, live d e monst r at i ons , food, entertainment, giveaways, a
variety of vendors, screenings from Parkland Health & Hospital System and a Sweet Potato Pie Contest.
Garland earns bragging rights
Garland, TX is #1 Hardest-Working City in the Lone Star State
Garland is #8 in Texas according to Livability.com, citing quality of life amenities and education opportunities.
Garland is #4 in Texas, #50 in U.S.
Garland was ranked among the best places to find a job, the happiest cities in America and one of the country's most diverse places to live in 2018.
Garland, Texas Ranked Among Happiest Cities in America
Garland Among “Next Wave" of North Te x a s ' Emerging Cities
Garland listed among top three spots in Texas
Garland was also cited as one of the greenest cities in both Texas and the U.S., and one of the best cities for firsttime home buyers.
Garland is #1 in Texas, #13 in U.S.
Garland is #5 in Texas, #30 in U.S. (top 16%)
Garland is a great place to call home and these 2018 rankings, according to WalletHub, illustrate why:
Garland, Texas One of America's Most Diverse Places to Live
Garland Among 2018’s “Best Places to Find a Job”
Garland is #5 in DFW Metroplex, #10 in Texas and top 1% in U.S.
Garland is #6 in Texas, #48 in U.S. Also, #5 in U.S. for highest employment growth
Garland Among Best Cities to Live in Texas
Garland among top 8 places in Texas. Best & Worst Cities for First-Time Home Buyers Garland is #4 best midsize city in Texas, #37 best midsize city in U.S.
Other sponsors for the 2019 expo include Texas Metro News, Garland See HEALTHY, page 5
Garland Among Texas’ Hottest Rental Property Markets
Garland Among Top Cities for Veterans to Live Garland is #12 in Texas, #62 in U.S. Garland Makes List of North Texas’ Top Outdoor Recreation Spots Garland listed among top 22 spots Garland Among Texas’ Top 10 “Best Cities for Wallet Fitness” Garland is #9 in Texas, #134 in U.S.
Garland ranked among “Greenest Cities” in Texas
Giving is always in season for local charity that awards grants to other charities
NTCGF recipients Frisco, Texas - The North Texas Community Giving Foundation (NTCGF) presented it’s 3rd Annual Texas Big Star Half Marathon & 5K at Collin College Preston Ridge Campus, 9700 Wade Blvd., Frisco, Texas 75035 on April 14, 2018. Over 1800 runners took part in the event that raised thousands of dollars. The NTCGF recently awarded $50,000 in grants to area charitable groups from proceeds gained from Frisco’s first and only endurance event. The North Texas Com-
NTCGF board members munity Giving Foundation Grant Presentation Night was held October 25, 2018 at the Baylor Scott & White Performance Center at The Star. Out of 45 applications received, the NTCGF selected and awarded grants to 16 North Texas based nonprofit organizations. “With sponsors, committee members, volunteers and runners committing their time and finances as the driving force of our race, we’re pleased to facilitate the exchange of critical funds needed by local charities
who work to strengthen our community,” Texas Big Star Half Marathon & 5K Race Director Paul Simon said. The 2018 grant recipients are: 4theOne, Bedstart, Camp Craig Allen, Clayton Dabney, Cornerstone Ranch, Frisco Fastpacs, Grace to Grow, Grant Haliburton, Habitat 4 Paws, Lil’ Warriors, Lovepacs Little Elm, Meals on Wheels Collin County, NBCF, Oasis Center, Stay the Course (22Kill) and Treasured Vessels. The evening of grant presentations included food and
wine provided by Zaytinya at The Star and flowers provided by Simply Blessed. Specific criteria and details about the NTCGF grant application process is accessible on the NTCGF website. We’d like to thank our 2018 Race Partners and Supporters: Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Frisco, Cornerstone Staffing, City Bank, Tri Shop, NBC5, Rock & Brews, Simon | Paschal PLLC, Classic BMW, Greenlayer, Cowboys Fit, Albin Roach Attorneys, Collin College and I Messenger
Media LLC Registration is now open for the 4th Annual Texas Big Star Half Marathon & 5K scheduled for April 13, 2019 at Collin College Preston Ridge Campus. Register early for discounted rates. Established in December of 2014, the 501(c)(3) resulted from a few individuals who wanted to make a positive impact in their community. Today, the foundation is able to assist local nonprofits with their programs and projects through awareness, service and financial support.
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JANUARY 2, 2019
Dallas. 7pm-8:30pm 1st & 3rd Monday Info: covent@friendshipwest.org. Reggae Sunday Brunch at Hero’s Lounge 3094 N. 35 Fwy. Dallas. 11am3pm.
January 1
January 2 Happy Birthday to Team member Terry Allen & Newly Elected Media-Related Representative of NABJ
Recurring Events
NPHC-Dallas 2019 Monthly Meetings at African American Museum 3536 Grand Ave. Dallas 6:30pm Wednesdays. Unwind Wednesday’s Comedy Night At Club Odyssey 7439 Westmoreland Rd. Dallas 9pm-2am. 22nd Annual La Virgen de Guadalupe Art Exhibit at Oak Cliff Cultural Center 223 W. Jefferson Blvd. Dallas. 11am-6pm.
GARLAND JOURNAL Skating under the Stars at Dr. Pepper Star Center 12700 N. I35 Fwy. Farmers Branch. 12pm-10pm.
January 5
Sankofa Unplugged Open Mic Night at Sankofa Kitchen 3333 Camp Wisdom Rd. Dallas. 9pm-12am. Tickets: www. sankofakitchen.com. Who Run the World? Girls – All Female Artist Showcase at Aldeez Caribbean Restaurant & Event Center 7879 Spring Valley Rd. Tickets; instaseats.com.
January 3 Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello: Paradox of Liberty at African American Museum 3536 Grand Ave. Dallas 10am-5pm. Ends 1-21-19. Qualified Home- Builders for City of Dallas HIPP Contact: City’s Home Repair; 214670-3644 housinginspections@dallascityhall.com.
Dallas Fashion Week// January 3-62019 Courtyard Marriott 1201 Raiford Rd, Carrollton. 8pm-11pm each day. Dallas in the time of Martin Luther King, Jr. at Hall of State at Fair Park 3939 Grand Ave. Tue.-Sat. 1-5pm Sun. 1-5pm. Now to Jan. 27, 2019. Free Health Screening at Friendship-West Baptist Church 2020 Wheatland Rd. Dallas. After each Sunday service 8:30am-1pm. Location: B123. Dates until 10-6-19.
January 4 Happy Birthday to Team member and our Friend Ptosha Storey
Kappa Alpha Psi “Diamond Affair” Mega J5 @ House of Nupes-108 years of… at House of Blues & Foundation Room 2200 N. Lamar St.10pm.Jay Day 469-213-0961.
Soul Satu r d a y ’s Scout at Bastards of Soul! At Scout 1914 Commerce St. 9pm.
Phantom of the Opera at Music Hall in Fair Park 909 1st Ave. Dallas. 7:30pm-10pm. Tickets: www.phantomoftheopera.com Dates until 1-6-19 Marvelous Marriage Monday’s at Friendship-West Baptist Church 2020 W. Wheatland Rd.
Of Our Past: Exhibition at South Dallas Cultural Center 3400 S. Fitzhugh Ave. Dallas 9am-5pm. ThePower of Laughter Heals the Soul –Feat: A-Train at Clarence Muse Café 1309 Canton St. 7:30pm, Sat. 7:30pm. Community Reception for Elected Officials Host: HWNT Dallas Chapter at Mercado369 369 W. Jefferson Blvd. 5:30pm7pm. RSVP: dallashispanictxcoc.wliinc24.com
WHAT'S GOING ON?
January 2
½ off Wine Wednesdays at Razzoo’s Cajun Café-Firewheel 310 Coneflower Dr. Garland All wines are 1/2 OFF Every Wednesday from Open Close! No Wine is Over $4.50!! 1/2 Priced Wine from Open to Close EVERY WEDNESDAY! Breath – Body – Mind; Yoga for Healing by: Patricia Alonso at Shakti Yoga Center 604 Main St. Garland 6pm. Yoga for healing" is a transformative Yoga class designed to develop deeper internal awareness, balanced energy, and greater physical and mental ease. This class uses yoga as a science to increase vital force, to heal the body, mind and soul. The heart of the science taught in this class is the skillful use of postures and breathe to manipulate energy. A holistic approach to health and well-being that combines posture, breath and meditation to give you the most beneficial therapeutic effect. January 6 Power Women! Permanently Lose Weight & Gain Confidence with 4 Proven Shifts Register for tickets via Eventbrite. During this Free Online Masterclass you will discover how to: Be FULL of ENERGY and CONFIDENCE! Permanently lose weight and thrive at a healthy body weight for good! Overcome Chronic Dieting and enjoy a lifetime of guilt-free eating! Transform your self-criticism into positive encouragement in order to achieve last-
ing change. *** This is a FREE Online Event for General Admission. There is NO COSTS but SEATS ARE VERY LIMITED. *** You will receive an email with the link to attend after your registration is confirmed. January 7
The Trivia Factory at Bar Louie Firewheel Town Center 340 Coneflower Dr. Garland. 7pm-9pm.
Yoga therapy for stress relief by Patricia Alonso at Shakti Yoga Center 604 Main St. Garland 9am-10am. A uniquely designed yoga class for anybody suffering with stress and/or emotional discomfort. Practicing yoga can not only be an effective stress reliever, but also a way to ease symptoms of anxiety and depression. By transferring focus and attention to the body and breath, yoga can help to temper anxiety while also releasing physical tension. This class is designed to calm the mind, relax the body and release tension. We focus in helping student to be inspired, be free and be well. January 9-11 New Year’s Revival at The Potter’s House of North Dallas 10501 Main St. Frisco. 7pm9:30pm. Start 2019 off at TPHND's New Year's Revival with special guests Bishop T.D. Jakes and Pastor John Hannah. We will host worship service nightly from Wednesday, January 9th through Friday, January 11th. Come each night with a heart of expectation. Childcare will be provided in Destiny House North. To avoid long lines and to ensure your child has a slot, please register in advance via the Kid Check Express
Happy Birthday to Team Member and a great guy Vincent L. Hall
Soul Jazz Thursday’s with Dee Lucas at Sandaga813 813 Exposition Ave. Dallas. 8pm-12am. CD Release and Listening Series at TBAAL Clarence Muse Café Theatre 1309 Canton St. 7:30pm. Tickets: $5 via Ticketmaster. Live at SoHo Food, Drinks & Jazz 5290 Belt Line Rd. Ste. 102B, Dallas. 7pm-11pm. #Hack The Culture Networking Services at Impact House/Good Work 1808 S. Good Latimer Exp. Dallas 6:30pm-8:30pm.
January 11
Seafood Boil at Amberjax Fish Market Grille at Trinity Groves 3011 Gulden Ln. Ste. 107, Dallas. 5pm-9pm. Taco Tuesday at Harwood Tavern Sports Bar 333 S. Harwood Dallas. 4pm12am. Enjoy $2.00 Tacos! Free Parking.
January 9
Poets n’ Jazz #3 Feat: SE7EN of Houston at TBAAL Clarence Muse Café’ Theatre 1309 Canton St. Dallas. 9pm. International Gem & Jewelry Show (Winter 2019) at Market Hall 2200 Stemmons Fwy. Dallas 12pm-5pm. 1-11-1-13-19.Tickets: www.intergem.com. Swing Friday’s & Step 2 Parties under 1 Roof at 2155 Ballroom & Events 2155 Marsh Ln. Carrollton. 9pm-1am. Chris Hogan Signing/Discussion at Barnes & Noble Lincoln Park 7700 N. Northwest Hwy. Ste. 300 Dallas.
Vision Night at Friendship-West Baptist Church 2020 W. Wheatland Rd. Dallas. 7pm8:30pm. Eventbrite. New Year’s Revival at The Potter’s House of North Dallas 10501 Main St. Frisco. 7pm-9:30pm. 1-9-11-19.
January 12 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 2019 FoundersDay Celebration at Hyatt Regency 300 Reunion Blvd. Dallas 7pm.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns at American Airlines Center 2500 Victory Ave. Dallas. 7:30pm.
Feeding The Needy! Host: Hollywood Hernandez Live at 1698 Corsicana St. Dallas. 3pm-5pm. Volunteers are welcome.
January 8 Online Faculty Training Course: TOPS Spring 1 2019 By: The National Center for Teaching and Learning. The National Center for Teaching and Learning (NCTL) is happy to offer Teaching Online Pedagogy & Standards (TOPS), a certificate course aimed at training faculty in cutting-edge, online teaching methods. This course is meant to take faculty beyond “best practices” and into a superior standard of teaching. TOPS is specifically for hired online adjuncts or TCSPP faculty. TOPS is an asynchronous online training course with an average workload of 4 to 5 hours per week. The course opens on January 7, 2019, and runs for 4 to 7 weeks, based on when you complete the assigned tasks. Registration closes on January 3. Once you have registered, you will receive an email from NCTL a few days before the course begins with instructions on how to access the Canvas shell. Any questions should be directed to Dr. Wendy Schiffman at wschiffman@thechicagoschool. edu or 312-329-6627.
Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Café Con Nosotros at IHCC Offices 135 S. Jefferson St. Irving 8:30am.
January 6
Bar Louie Firewheel Town Center brings you the nation’s best live hosted trivia night with The Trivia Factory! Trivia Night Mondays from 7pm-9pm! Trivia is free to play and we’ll be giving away gift cards for the top teams at the end of the night.
January 10
C. D. C. Meet-Up at Redbird Entrepreneur Center 3662 W. Camp Wisdom Rd. Dallas. 6pm-8pm. Free RSVP: Eventbrite.
VIP Coaching Day w/Tiana Von Johnson at Meadows Conference Center 2900 Live Oak St. Dallas. 9am-4pm. Tickets: events.r20.constantcontacts.com. Jambo Means Hello! Learn Kiswahili at Pan African Connection 4466 S. Marsalis Ave. Dallas 11am. Call 214-943-8262 to sign up.
Beginner Beyoncé Ballet at Arts Mission Oak Cliff 410 Windomere Ave Dallas.
January 7
January 8
Dallas Theatre Center Presents: Fetch Clay, Make Man. “What does it mean to be a Black man in America?” at Dee & Charles Wylie Studio Theatre 2400 Flora St. Now until 1-13-19. Sliver Stories Storytelling Circle at Bishop Arts Theatre 215 S. Tyler St. Dallas. Weekly Free Interactive Workshops. Contact Tiffany Jackson: 214-948-0716 ext.307.
Star-Telegram Weddings – January 2019 Bridal Show at Will Rodgers Memorial Center & Facilities 3401 W. Lancaster Rd. Ft. Worth. 10:30am-4pm. Yoga & Afrobeats A Sensual Yo g a - B e a t Class at V12 Yoga 600 Harwood St. 2nd Fl. Dallas. 2:30pm.
2019 Public Hearings for HUD Grants at City of Dallas – City Hall 1500 Marilla St. 7pm-9pm.
Soul Jazz Thursdays Feat: Natural Change Band at Sandaga813 813 Exposition St. Dallas. 8pm-12am. 2019 Public Hearings for HUD Grants at City of Dallas – City Hall 1500 Marilla St. 7pm-9pm.
Bothem Jean Light Brigade Host Tiffney Lee Billion at 1400 S. Lamar St. Dallas. 6:30pm-7:30pm Celebrate his Life with Lights.
Friday Night’s Groove W/Muddy Groove Band at Canton Events-Dallas 1204 Griffith St. West. 8pm-1am. . Just us Girls Empowerment Workshop Hosted by: Girls Living Life on Purpose, Inc. at 1401 S. Lamar St. Dallas. 11am-2pm. Free for Teen Girls Register: www.urbanspecilists.org/justusgirls.
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app. January 13 “Dramapalooza” at Grandville Arts Center 300 N. 5th St. Garland 2pm. Dramapalooza, created in 2003, gives adults with various disabilities the opportunity to learn all about musical theater performance and production. Each year, a group of 15 to 20 performers embarks on a journey to learn lines, songs, dances and more in an intense, three-week program culminating in a public performance. Join us on Sunday, January 13 at 2 p.m. in the Brownlee Theater at the Granville Arts Center. Admission is FREE and open to the public. For more information, contact Holford Recreation Center at 972-205-2772 or HRC@GarlandTX.gov. January 17 GISD Skyward Family Access Workshop by Garland ISD Family and Community Engagement Department 410 Stadium Dr. Garland. 6pm-7:30pm. Garland ISD Skyward Family Access allows parents to access their student's information and communicate with the district and teachers. In this parent workshop, parents of GISD students will learn: How to login and/or register for your GISD Skyward Family Access Account. How to locate and complete student forms required each year for GISD. 1. School Choice 2. Transportation Requests 3. Free and Reduced Lunch Participants should already have an email
account which they can access before they can register for a Skyward Family Access Account. Participants must have a child currently enrolled in the Garland Independent School District. January 19 Northeast Dallas Mardi Gras Gala 2019 by Northeast Dallas Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc. at Courtyard by Marriott Allen at the John Q. Hammons Center 210 E. Stacy Rd. Allen. 6pm-12am. The Northeast Dallas Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. is hosting its 3rd Annual Mardi Gras Fundraiser. This year we are proud to partner with Garland Independent School District’s Foundation honoring the achievements of graduating seniors in pursuit of higher education. It is our goal to give a financial gift to students with an economic need and a desire to succeed post high school. We are also honored to continue to support our very own Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated Foundation. An evening of fun in the spirit of Mardi Gras. The Mardi Gras Gala will be a night to remember while supporting a good cause. Your ticket includes dinner, live entertainment, an auction, and so much more. 6:pm is jazz cocktail hour featuring Apt 4B. The ballroom doors will then open at 7:30 pm for dinner while being serenaded by Unfaded Brass Band and Martha Burks Band. This event is expected to sell out as always, so please purchase your tickets early. 30th Annual MLK Parade and March Hosted by: Garland NAACP MLK Parade and March - Saturday, January 19, 2019
Butterfly I emerge from this darkness changed. Leaving behind so much of what was me; whole but with missing parts. Pushing myself through a realization that does not include you, physically. Your transformation complete. Mine ... only beginning. La Juana and Patricia Barton authors of Faithful Remembrances - Volume I
“Excellence is our tradition... Service is our legacy”
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GARLAND JOURNAL
Unnecessary and Imprudent Behavior
lack of empathy by some of those in power in WashBy Congresswoman ington for peoEddie Bernice Johnson ple who do not have resources beyond the The shutdown of our federal govpay that they expect to receive for ernment, the result of President the work that they perform, many of Trump’s intemperance and incongruthem living from one pay period to ent request for $5 billion dollars to construct a wall at our nation’s south- the next. The sad thing is that the president ern border, is callous and blatantly knew full well that support for the unfair to nearly 800,000 federal workmoney he demanded did not exist in ers whose lives have been disrupted. the Senate. Rather than face reality It is yet another example of the
From the Capitol
he chose to listen to rigidly-partisan members of the media and some in Congress who suggested to him that he could forget about their support in the 2020 presidential election if he did not draw a line in the sand. And that is exactly what he did. He drew a line in the sand, dragging his shoe across the landscape as the winds began to whip up sand and toss it in the faces of federal workers, ending any thought of a joyful holiday season for many of them. Those who encouraged President Trump to ignore the reality that he faced reminded him that he had promised voters in the 2016 primary and general elections that he would
build a wall and that Mexico would pay for it. For their part, Mexican government officials informed him immediately that they would not pay for a wall. So much for promises! Disgustingly, this shutdown is rooted in a campaign promise, and the fear that those who believed it will turn against the president if it appears as though he misled them. What is taking place is no way to run a government, and it certainly is no way to treat the dedicated men and women who come to work each day to ensure that government functions properly. The president seems to believe in
Closed until further notice
Speaking the Truth By Beto O’Rourke
The government of the greatest country the world has ever known, the wealthiest, most powerful nation on the planet: closed until further notice. This shutdown – hundreds of thousands of our fellow Americans working without pay during the holidays, basic government functions no longer available to the taxpayers who fund them – didn’t have to happen. The Senate passed a compromise government funding bill two days ago, 100–0. The men and women who can’t agree on what to name a post office were able to unite and unanimously agree on how to fund the entire government. But maybe it was intended to happen. Maybe in the face of an investigation that seeks the facts surrounding allegations of collusion with a foreign government and obstruction of justice within our own government… as one aide after another pleads guilty… as the stock market tumbles… as men and women intent on keeping their dignity and their conscience flee his administration…
perhaps the President calculates that by adding to the blizzard of bizarre behavior over the last two years and shutting down the government at Christmas, while his own party still controls each branch of it, the institutions that we need for our democracy to function (and to ensure no man is above the law) will be overwhelmed. From a President who promised action, we got distraction. But my concern for the country goes beyond the immediate pain and dysfunction that this shutdown will cause. Beyond even ensuring that this President is held accountable. What’s happening now is part of a larger threat to us all. If our institutions no longer work, if we no longer have faith in them, if there’s no way to count on government even functioning (three shutdowns this year alone), then perhaps ultimately we become open to something else. Whatever we choose to call it, whether we openly acknowledge it at all, my fear is that we will choose certainty, strength and predictability over this constant dysfunction, even if it comes at the price of our democracy (the press; the ballot box; the courts; congress and representative government). If there were ever a man to exploit this precarious moment for our country and our form of government, it’s Trump. Sending 5,400 troops to U.S. border
communities during the midterm elections. Organizing Border Patrol “crowd control” exercises in El Paso on election day. Defying our laws by taking children from their parents, keeping kids in tent camps, turning back refugees at our ports. Calling the press “the enemy of the people” and celebrating violence
against members of the media. Pitting Americans against each other based on race and religion and immigration status. Inviting us to hate openly, to call Mexican immigrants rapists and criminals, to call asylum seekers animals, to describe Klansmen and neo-Nazis as very fine people. Seeking to disenfranchise fellow Americans with made up fears of voter fraud. Isolating us from the other great democracies as he cozies up to dictators and thugs. Lying again and again. Making a mockery of the United States – once the indispensable nation, the hope of mankind. So we can engage in the immediate fights about blame for this latest shut-
down… fall into his arguments about a wall, or steel slats, at a time of record border security and in the face of asylum seekers – our neighbors – fleeing the deadliest countries in the world… we can respond to his name-calling and grotesque, bizarre behavior… or we can pull up, look back at this moment from the future and see exactly what is happening to our country. We are at risk of losing those things that make us special, unique, exceptional, those things that make us the destination for people the world over, looking for a better life and fleeing countries who lack our institutions, our rule of law, our stability. If ever there was a time to put country over party it is now. This is not about a wall, it’s not about border security, it’s not about Democrats and Republicans. It’s about the future of our country – whether our children and grandchildren will thank us or blame us. Whether we will lose what was fought for, made more perfect, by the men and women who risked and lost their lives at Antietam, on Omaha beach, in Jackson, Mississippi… whether we will be defined by greatness and ambition or pettiness and fear. Whether we will continue to live in the world’s greatest democracy, or something else. In the short term – let’s pass the funding bill that was agreed to by the Senate 100–0 just a few days ago. Send it to the
JANUARY 2, 2019
3
the colloquium, “my way or the highway.” Someone needs to tell him that government is not a one-way thoroughfare. It is more like a two-lane highway where there are proper rules of behavior and order. Those that prudently navigate it do not simply remove their hands from the steering wheel when it appears that things are not going their way. That leads to chaos! That leads to government shutdowns and harm to innocent people. Congresswoman Johnson represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives.
President with the confidence that we represent the people of this country and that we are willing to override his veto if he cannot respect their will. Show that government can work, that we can see past our immediate differences to serve the greater good. To put country over party. To put country over one man. To do what we were sent here to do. In the longer term – we must strengthen all of our institutions at the very moment they are called into question. Some clear opportunities for Congress: Ensure that our representatives in government reject PAC money, corporate and special interest influence. Demand that they hold town halls in our communities, listen to and respond to their constituents. Show America that they are working for us and for no one else. Take action on the most urgent issues of our day: climate change, healthcare, endless war, income inequality, immigration, the vibrancy of rural communities and inner cities, education and criminal justice reform. Define the goal in each area, build the coalition to achieve it, find the common ground (between parties, between branches of government), and move forward. Prove that our system of government – whatever its problems – is still the best thing under the sun. It’s action vs. distraction. One will save our democracy, the other will lead to its end.
Miles Musings: “MURDER” The history of guns dates back to the 10th Century when the Chinese used combustible agents to fire shrapnel out of bamboo shafts toward an enemy—thus, the firearm. Fast-forward to modern handguns. If you place your two hands together, fingertip-to-fingertip, the average modern handgun could easily be placed in the palms of even a small pair of hands. When one considers roughly 40,000 lives lost to gun violence in a year, about the same number as highway fatalities, half of opioid overdoses, it’s hard to believe that such a relatively small device could be the tool of so much carnage. The primary tool of murder by firearm is not the rifle, the AR-15, or the Uzi, but the handgun-- the 9mm, the 45 automatic, and the 38 among others. The handgun is easily concealed in a holster, a purse, a glove box, under the driver’s seat, in a pocket or the waistband of your jeans. Now with the ever-popular concealed weapon permit, it’s all legal, and the Stand Your Ground laws make it even more appealing to own and carry. The history of murder, according to the book of Genesis, dates back to brothers Cain and Abel. William Shakespeare’s most famous murder scene may have been Julius Caesar’s at the hands of Senators of the Roman Senate. American history is ripe, if not rich, with murder. Presidential assassinations, Rock Stars, Civil Rights leaders, mobsters, gang bangers, and countless innocent victims struck down by the
squeeze of a trigger on a handgun. I first learned about “murder” on television and in movies where motive and opportunity were always used to build plot and drama. Raymond Burr in “Ironside” and “Perry Mason”, Angela Lansberry in “Murder She Wrote,” Peter Falk in “Columbo.” Then there were the cop shows—"Dragnet,” “NYPD Blue,” “Hawaii Five-0,” and “Law and Order” to name a few. Then came the Westerns, affectionately known as “Shoot ‘Em Ups” with a murder in nearly every episode. One could argue, Westerns made “gunplay” more popular than any other genre of entertainment. What I learned was that “murder” comes in various forms, varieties, and degrees, as it is technically a legal term. “Murder” is the intentional or premeditated, and unlawful taking of another human life. Merriam Webster simply says “murder” is, “the crime of deliberately killing a person”, commonly referred to as 1st Degree Murder. Merriam Webster also says, “manslaughter” is the crime of killing a person without intending to do so,” or, “the unlawful killing of a person without express or implied malice,” known as 2nd Degree Murder. All cat-
MILES’ MUSINGS
By Miles Jaye
R&B and jazz singer, violinist, author, award-winning writer, and record producer. www.milesjaye.net
egories of murder fall under the broad heading of “Homicide”, “the act of killing another person.” Murder, or taking a human life, is arguably the most serious crime a person can commit. This, regardless of means or method,
be it stabbing, strangulation, poisoning, or shooting, so when candidate Trump said “I could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn’t lose any voters.”, I knew then that this was a depraved, morally corrupt, spiritually bankrupt individual, with no sense of right
or wrong. I knew then that Donald Trump, the person, was completely absent of conscience, and therefore, quite dangerous. Interestingly, while researching “murder”, I stumbled on the phrase, “to get away with murder”, meaning to succeed in doing whatever one chooses without being punished or suffering any consequences. I found the meaning strikingly relevant to today’s political climate. Today it seems, powerful men in high places, or as they’re referred to in Ephesians 6:12, “spiritual wickedness in high places,” are being exposed for their wrong doing, for their association with the same wretched man, and for somehow believing they will get away with murder. I for one, was not surprised when, Trump referred to Neo-Nazis and Klansmen in Charlottesville as “good people,” even as a young woman lost her life as a result of the violent protests. I was not surprised by Trump’s depraved indifference to the murder of Washington Post journalist, Jamal Khashoggi. And, I was not at all surprised by President Trump’s indiffer-
ence to the death of a second Guatemalan child while in U. S. Border Patrol custody. “They say I have the most loyal people…” said Donald Trump proudly, “… where I could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn’t lose any voters. It’s like incredible!” Who else would find humor in such a detestable notion but a sociopath? Of equal importance, who would allow someone clearly displaying mental disorder, to go unchecked about the business of the nation? Senators Ryan, McConnell, Cruz, Menendez and other silent Republican senators should be leery, as anyone found to have witnessed a murder but having done nothing to prevent it may in fact be held, in some way, to some extent and to some degree, responsible for that life. As for retiring Secretary of Defense, Gen. Mattis, “retiring in protest” may be a grand gesture, however, it may go down in history as turning a blind eye to crimes in progress. That said, beware the Ides of March! www.milesjaye.com
Join Miles Jaye in concert at The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, January 18 and 19 in the Clarence Muse Cafe. Tickets are $25.
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JANUARY 2, 2019
GARLAND JOURNAL
EDITORIAL/OPINION
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Just do what you did!!!
QUIT PLAYIN’ By Vincent L. Hall “What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun! – Ecclesiastes 1:9, NIV Ecclesiastes 1:9 is one of the most quotable scriptures in the bible. Whether you wear holy garments, or you’re a committed layperson, this verse aligns with most of our personal experiences. Ain’t nothing new; everything under the sun is recycled, refurbished or reimagined. This wisdom even seeps into the synapses of atheists, agnostics and them folks my mama calls “heathens.� For the un-
churched there is a parallel idiom; “Don’t reinvent the wheel.� B-Movie� actor and former President Ronald Reagan made it personal; “Dance with the one that brung ya!� Proven past practices are schematics for future successes. Inasmuch as our roads and bridges are crumbling as our water and sewer lines are corroding, we need to put some money into infrastructure that will create new jobs for our economy. Now that Congress finally passed the First Step Act of 2018, we’ll need a lot more jobs. Nothing stifles the pace of recidivism like good, honest work. Even before that jail reform measure was enacted, we were heading toward recession. Donald Trump whipped out the American Express and gave his fellow millionaires and corporations a big gift. They got the tax cuts that will create trillion dollar deficits. The rest of us “Average Joes and Josephines� are stuck with the wrapping
paper. So let’s reenact another piece of legislation in 2019. Call it whatever you want, but let’s recycle, refurbish or reimagine the Workers Progress Administration of 1935. It put 8.5 million people to work over an eighty e a r period. L e t’s just do what we did! The W P A erected more t h a n 100,000 buildings, 80,000 bridges, and 2/3 million miles of highway and road improvements. Democratic President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, issued an unprecedented executive order that bears repeating. The WPA put millions back
to work, put Roosevelt in our history books and put common sense to the test. This national initiative was a comprehensive and compassionate plan that eased the suffering of America. We aren’t hurting yet, but Trumps tariff games, a stumbling stock m a r ket and global instability are about to take their toll. There w e r e a l s o some creative programs administered under the auspices of the WPA. There was the Federal Art Project, the Federal Writers’ Project, and the Federal Theatre Project. A shade less than 10,000 drawings, paintings, and sculptured
works were produced and many of the public buildings that were erected were fancied with murals and art. Theatrical productions introduced new and innovative thinking. There were some 4,000 musical performances each month. The WPA also established and deployed an education program and supervised the activities of the National Youth Administration, which sought and succeeded at training and employing young Americans for almost 10 years. Remember back before Reagan took all of the social worth out of social programs? Each state had large strategically placed mental hospitals that cared for a range of mental and birth maladies. It provided a safe haven for those who suffered and reduced the burden that local police agencies face today. Criminal activity is just a fraction of the job officers do every day. For example, the Dallas County Jail capacity is roughly
6700 inmates. Approximately 40% of those booked in must be treated for mental ailments. Dallas County was already modeling the process, but the new “Sandra Bland Act� makes it mandatory. Drug addiction could be addressed on a wholesale basis. Homelessness would reduce dramatically. Human capital is infrastructure too. Saving Americans will save America! We got potholes and busted water mains and gas line explosions and outdated airports and overly congested roadways and a litany of other fixable issues. We could create a program that recaptures .60 on a dollar. We can create a market for entrepreneurs and small business. We can remake the “middle class.� There’s nothing new under the sun, so let’s do what we did in our brightest days. Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist and award-winning journalist.
White churches have a moral responsibility to stand up
Speaking Truth to Power By Rev. Jesse Jackson
In 2019, we will commemorate 400 years since the first 20 slaves were transported by ship from Africa by white slave traders and landed in Jamestown, Va. Now four centuries later, race remains a central dividing line. Today, for example, the racial wealth gap exposes a stark difference. The median wealth of a white household (median
means half are above and half below) is 12 times greater than that of a black household. The median wealth of a white household is $134,430, of blacks it is $11,030. This is virtually all about equity in a home, the leading source of middle-income wealth. African-Americans still suffer from de facto segregation, after years of being red-lined from decent neighborhoods. In the financial collapse, African-American households suffered the worse. Black unemployment rose twice as much as white unemployment in the Great Recession. Middle-class black families, lacking inherited wealth, were targeted for the most aggressive and leveraged home loans. When the bust came, they were the most at risk and suffered the greatest loss of homes. The wealth gap is not erased by educational attainment, by full-time
employment, by getting the right occupation. The typical black family with a head of household working full time has less wealth than a white family whose head of household is unemployed. Median wealth for a black family whose head has a college degree is about 1/8 that of a median white family similarly educated. African-Americans are constantly told to pull themselves up by their bootstraps. In the black church, for example, ministers repeatedly preach the need for discipline, self-reliance, faith and hard work. Yet even those who succeed still remain behind. The divide has deep historical roots. Two-hundred forty-six years of chattel slavery (1619-1865), only twelve years of Reconstruction (18651877), 19 years of Black Codes, KKK and white citizen council violence (1877-1896), 58 years of legal apart-
Trump, Furloughs & Federal Sector Labor Unions Speaking Truth to Power by Bill Fletcher, Jr.
ne of the most interesting aspects of the December federal shutdown is that Trump was unapologetic in identifying that it was his intent to bring it about. Normally the President or Congress will trade blame in anticipation of the shutdown but not in this case. That Trump NOW blames the Democrats is irrelevant and transparent. He made it clear on national television that he was going to shut down the government unless he got his toy; excuse me, his wall. We have been through shutdowns before. They are not fun, particularly for federal workers and federal contract employees. While federal workers eventually get paid, when it comes to contract employees, there is no guarantee that they will see a dime. So, the government shuts down, even partially, and many of the rest of us who are not employed by the federal government shake our heads and express frustration, but then go on with the rest of our lives. Federal workers and contract employees don’t have it so easy. Which is why the unions
that represent federal workers need to do more to make shutdowns and furloughs other than an afterthought. Yes, they must keep their members informed about developments on Capitol Hill; yes, they must encourage their members to call their Congressional Representa-
tives and the White House; but at the end of the day, is that it? One of the central challenges for unions representing federal sector workers is the same for all public sector workers: they have not linked their issues sufficiently with the issues and the concerns of the people that they serve. Let me give you an example. The political Right loves to attack what they allege to be bloated government, but if you were to ask any regular person whether they want funds cut that go into inspecting foods, they would look at your cross-eyed. If you were to suggest to someone boarding an air-
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plane that funds should be cut from air traffic control, they would probably want to throw you out of the plane. In other words, when it comes to the specific things that are offered by government, there are normally not significant objections. Yet, the political Right is allowed, time and again, to trash government and government workers as if they are all sitting on their rears smoking cigars. This is precisely the time to remind the public of the role of government workers and to also remind the public of the damage that Trump is doing in order to secure his ‘toy.’ But to remind the public means to be in the streets, visiting organizations and visiting elected political representatives. It means demonstrating and staying in the public eye. It means taking advantage of radio talk shows as well as social media. It means creating a situation which is anything but normal. That is what federal labor unions need to be doing at this moment. And doing so with all deliberate speed. Bill Fletcher, Jr. is the former president of TransAfrica Forum. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and www.billfletcherjr.com. Read his new novel The Man Who Fell From the Sky from Hardball Press.
heid with nearly 5,000 African-Americans lynched and, even since the 1954 Brown decision, ongoing racial discrimination. During the recent midterm elections, I was constantly asked whether African-Americans would vote in high enough numbers and margins for Democrats so that candidates white and black had a chance to be elected. Democrats seem almost satisfied if 20 to 30 percent of whites turn out to vote for black or progressive white candidates. What responsibility do white people have to register and turnout for progressive black and white Democrats running for office? The nation is facing many morally relevant social, economic and political crises — voter suppression, income and wealth inequality, criminal justice reform and climate change — that
Please see JACKSON, page 7
A 2019 Challenge in Memory of Robby Gregg
The Last Word By Dr. Julianne Malveaux I’m leaving 2018 behind, with its myriad trials and tribulations. For me, many of the challenges revolved around the unhealthy atmosphere in Washington, D.C., and that’s not likely to change. But many of the challenges, joys, and sorrows were also personal. One of them was the loss of Robby Gregg, Jr., a diversity expert and consultant at Cook Ross, a diversity and inclusion firm in the DC area that was founded by my dear friend Howard Ross. Robby died unexpectedly at 58, just a week before Christmas. Alarmed at not having heard from him, a friend went to his home and found him gone. Unless you are part of the D&I community (as diversity experts call themselves), connected to Wake Forest University (Robby was a 1983 graduate), or part of the vast Maya Angelou extended family (Robby was one of Dr. Maya’s students at Wake, and an ardent supporter of the Maya Angelou school in Washington, D.C.), you probably wouldn’t know Robby. He was a man worth knowing. I’m writing about Robby because his memory has challenged me to make a 2019 resolution. I am going to endeavor to listen more, especially to people I disagree with. I’m going to seek some of these people out for conversation, and I’m also planning to have tea or a meal (without knives – halfway joking)
with a few of them. While I will never let go of my commitments to social and economic justice, to racial parity, and to reparations, knowing Robby made me realize that it is also important to open oneself up to thought-provoking conversations with those we disagree with. Robby and I had been friends for a while, but he was no fan of my confrontational style, and he didn’t mind telling me. He was offended by my Facebook page, which is a combination of policy analysis, organizing, and personal sharing. Because I live in a gentrified neighborhood where, in my opinion, my melanin-deficient neighbors can be entitled and inconsiderate, with a sprinkling of racism thrown in, I vent on my page about the brads and the Beckys. And Robby didn’t like it. He responded that if I didn’t like my neighborhood, I should move from the home I’ve lived in for 20 years. Not. I became so angered by his suggestion that we began to avoid each other and cease interaction. An unpleasant encounter at a social gathering (I was wrong to carry our disagreement into that space) prompted me to reach out, and the result was a wonderful three-hour lunch where we offered each other the gift of listening. I think we both walked away feeling affirmed, if not in perfect agreement or alignment. We could agree that we loved and respected each other and shared common values, even if our ways of going about things was different. Robby and I shared an appreciation for Howard Ross, the founder of Cook Ross and author of Belonging: How Our Need to Connect is Tearing Us Apart (Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2018).
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now pose an existential threat to the next generation. Why does the white church remain so silent in the face of these mounting crises and denial of justice and opportunity? In Birmingham in 1963, with dogs biting children, high-pressure fire hoses knocking down peaceful protesters, bombers blowing up churches and Dr. King in jail, many white church leaders chose to attack Dr. King’s non-violent methodology rather than to fight for a non-discriminatory Public Accommodations Act. One would have thought when the four little girls were bombed in the 16th Street Baptist Church, white churches would have at least held prayer services or services of reconciliation. Instead, most attacked Dr. King as an outside agitator, as if he had set
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It’s a great read about the ways our human tendencies to belong work both for us and against us. Part of the book recounts Howard’s journey around the country talking and listening to people who voted for 45, some of whom regret their vote, and others who stand by it. He walked away with a more nuanced understanding of 45 supporters, which he shares in the book, along with techniques for having civil, even friendly, and informative conversations. When I interviewed Howard a few weeks ago, he threw out the suggestion of lunching with those with whom I have profound disagreements. I scoffed at it, considering it an utter waste of time in many cases. The day after our interview, Robby Gregg, Jr. was found dead, and I wondered if there was a message in his passing for me. After all, had we not had that delightful long lunch, my friend and I would not have had rapprochement. So, in memory of and in tribute to Robby and, equally importantly, to do my part in exploring the possibility of more civility in our discourse, I’m challenging myself to do more listening. And I’ll promise an opponent at least three minutes of uninterrupted time, as long as I’m not on the air. I’m challenging you to do the same. Not just in the name of Robby Gregg, but in the interest of community. Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist. Her latest book “Are We Better Off? Race, Obama and Public Policy� is available via www.amazon.com for booking, wholesale inquiries or for more info visit www.juliannemalveaux.com
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Journal, I Messenger, Service Broadcasting (K104 FM and KRNB FM), Urban One (97.9 The Beat and Majic 94.5 FM), 106.1 KISS-FM, KHVN-HEAVEN 97, the African American Museum, Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists and Heroes House.
Sweet Potato Pie Contest
Think you have the best recipe in town? Enter one or more of three categories — traditional, pie with a twist and diabetic-friendly. There
is no entry fee, but all contestants must complete and submit an entry form by January 14, 2019. For details, call (214) 941-0110 or log on to www.texasmetronews.com. Founded in 1995 by veteran journalist and newspaper publisher, Cheryl Smith, the Don’t Believe the Hype Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides scholarships for college students. A portion of the proceeds generated by the expo will benefit the foundation’s scholarship efforts.
Johnson announces $4.4 million for Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Clinic, UT Southwestern Medical Center Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson has announced that the Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Clinic and UT Southwestern Medical Center have been awarded more than $4.4 million in grant funding by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The two medical facilities received $4,166,624 and $243,000, respectively. “Every American needs health care, and it is the most fundamental of human rights that the government must ensure,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “As a non-practicing registered nurse and a Member of Congress, I’ve witnessed the transformative impact better health care can have on a community. It’s important to remember that in addition to quality administration of health care, health care research can bring long-term and wide-ranging benefit. That is why I am particularly delighted to announce these two grants to the MLK Family Clinic and UT Southwestern.” The award to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Clinic will bolster the facility’s health care delivery and administrative procedures. The clinic has been serving southern Dallas County since 1986 and offers preventative, pediatric and women’s health care. UT Southwestern has garnered a well-deserved reputation as one of the most prominent medical research entities in the nation, and the grant will fund new research into arboviruses, such as West Nile, that are transmitted through mosquitos and tics. “In spite of the attention and focus of many committed professionals, Texas has the nation’s highest number of uninsured Americans,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “It is my hope that this funding will help lower that number and ultimately bring better quality of life to the people of District 30.”
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5
Ask ALMA By Alma Gill
MY FAMILY IS A TRIP Dear Alma, I need advice about a terrible family situation that involves me and all of my siblings, and it’s breaking us apart. I am one of nine children. We were all born and raised in the South. My parents farmed their land and taught us how to do it, too. We never liked it and couldn’t wait to leave, go up North and go to college. We all attended various colleges and universities and never returned home…all but one of my brothers. He stayed in North Carolina and helped my parents until they died. After they died he moved into the house on the property and has been living there ever since. He has kept up the property and paid the taxes on it. Now my brothers and sisters want to sell the farmland and split the money. My brother who stayed says the house should be his and he doesn’t want to sell it. We are totally divided. Six of my siblings have decided to take my brother to court and force him to sell the land. Only the one brother says we shouldn’t sell. And I don’t care either way. We’re all in our 60s, distinguished folks with profitable careers. We’re active in our respected churches and ready to retire if not already retired. I love my family, and if you met us, you’d never believe what’s going on behind closed doors. I don’t understand why we can’t talk to each other and just get along. I want us to settle this before one of us dies and we never get to resolve the issue. What can I do? J.C., Houston, Hey J.C., Close your eyes, think back to the time when your daddy was farming his land, mama at the window, both watching their children grow – chests pressed, full of pride. Your father worked hard to tend the land and leave something to his children. Now everything he worked for is about to be jeopardized, and for what? You and your trifling brothers and sisters – yes, I said trifling – are fighting each other like you’re on an episode of Judge Judy. That is ridiculous and just plain sad. Your mama and daddy gave all they had, and what are ya’ll doing? Trying to give it away for some coins that will be spent in a month’s time. Your brother didn’t take the bus up to the city and try to tell you and your siblings what to do with your space, time and dimes, so don’t try to regulate his life now. Give him the house, period. Take the rest of the land and divide it evenly. Each person can do what he or she wants with his or her portion. It’s just that simple. You might not like it, but when your brother sacrificed, stayed home and properly maintained and cared for the house, your parents and the land, he earned extra. Your brothers and sisters are so focused on a few grains of sand that they are missing the beach in all its magnificence. There are other ways to make money. Taking your brother to court is not one of them. Grow up and act like mama and daddy are still watching, chest pressed, full of pride. Alma
Alma Gill’s newsroom experience spans more than 25 years, including various roles at USA Today, Newsday and the Washington Post. Email questions to: alwaysaskalma@gmail.com. Follow her on Facebook at “Ask Alma” and twitter @almaaskalma.
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JANUARY 2, 2019
GARLAND JOURNAL
MY TRUTH,
continued from front page When I visited him in his dressing room, we had a great time. Before I departed he kissed me on both cheeks so I wouldn’t forget this time! I had such a good feeling and that feeling was with me a few year’s later when I received word of his passing. So many people called to see how I was doing. That two years prior my dad had passed just added to the feeling I was experiencing. While some would never understand the connection, it doesn’t take understanding to show concern. And sometimes in our busy world, we don’t take time to be concerned about others and what they are going through. That is why we should all be open to
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For that and other reasons, mental health is a component of the Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo at the African American Museum on January 21, 2019. We need to address the issues effecting our families and communities. Mental illness is real. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Sometimes you need someone to talk you through the challenging times in life and sometimes you need medication. Sure folks point to December but every month can be challenging and the Center for Disease Control reports that December is not the month when most suicides occur. Still the holiday cheer does make one reflect on those not there to share the times, which could lead to depression. There is help. Let’s get it and give it!
counseling.
There is so much going on in the world that it is sometimes hard to navigate effectively. Also, when you consider all the chemicals that enter our bodies and how many babies are coming here filled with mind-altering chemicals; well, the need for psychological intervention is important.
Saturday, January 5, 2019, 1:00 - 4:00 pm Concord Church, 6808 Pastor Bailey Drive, Dallas, TX US 75237 Introducing: The first-ever Fierce Women of Faith Day Party! A fun day filled with panels, delicious food, and much more! A keynote presentation from Arian Simone on how to create a fearless life! We are bringing women together for a half day filled with panels, workshops, delicious food, hot chocolate bar and much more. Help us create a welcoming space to celebrate, highlight and lean in together as women. Featured Speakers: How To Win & Be Fearless with Keynote Arian Simone Mom Talk with Julie Richard 2019 Vision Boarding with Marty McDonald Teen Talk with E'Mya Goree
A Way Out of This
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Hollywood Hernandez LIVE
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By Hollywood Hernandez
Bumblebee Bumblebee is a Transformers prequel set in the 1980s and it’s a bit different from previous Transformers movies. While it still has the great CGI special effects, Bumblebee has a different feel to it. First, Michael Bay is not directing this installment. It’s directed by Travis Knight who is probably best known for his 2014 animated film The Box Trolls. It also features a teenage girl as the main character, Charlie (played by Hailee Steinfeld), who’s lost her father and is trying to adjust to her life with a new step-father, as a young girl on the verge of turning 18. Also, the 1980s era setting
gives the movie the feel of some classic 80s movie like Back to the Future and ET. It also includes a pretty gnarly 80’s soundtrack. When the movie starts a civil war is raging on Cybertron, the Transformers home planet. Autobot leader Optimus Prime, who only has a small part in the movie, sends his young lieutenant B-127 on a mission to earth to secure a base and to wait for the arrival of the Autobots on their new home. But “Bumblebee” is followed to earth by two Decepticons who injure him and damage his voicebox leaving him unable to speak.
Young Charlie finds him in a trash pile at the marina and takes him home to rebuild him but quickly finds out he’s not your average VW Beetle. The two Decepticons who traveled to earth to destroy Bumblebee, one voiced by Angela Bassett, convince the government agents on the trail of Bumblebee, led by John Cena, to allow them access to US satellites to track down the rebel Autobot. One of the flaws of the movie is Cena’s character. He’s a bit one dimensional as the federal agent in charge. Bumblebee is a chance for the fan-favorite Autobot to show what he’s got. While I
kept waiting for more Autobots to come to his assistance in this movie, he is a one-man army. The movie has a lot of heart. It’s funny and the scenes with Bumblebee and Charlie are the best parts of the movie. For me, this is the best of the Transformers movies. The movie is rated PG-13 for violence and has a run time of 1 hour and 53 minutes. On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate Bumblebee a LARGE.
THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW: VH1 LOVE & HIP HOP: MIAMI - AMARA LA NEGRA
The Valder Beebe Show
I LOVE MY JOB! I authentically share my feelings about working because ‘God will always dream a
bigger dream.’ Coming from the high technology sector to interacting daily with the stars and celebrities of today, is so much fun! I do hope you can relate to ‘doing what you love and loving what you do.’ Rolling Stone Magazine Calls Her One of “10 Artists You Need to Know”: Amara La Negra. The international rising star heats up winter in VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: Miami. There is more to love on VH1 this winter. The cable network is expanding
Monday’s #1 cable franchise “Love & Hip Hop” to two nights a week kicking off with “Love & Hip Hop: Miami,” premiering in January, with “Love & Hip Hop: New York” also airing each week. Returning for the new season is international entertainer, entrepreneur, and model Amara La Negra. Amara has been vocal about being a proud Afro-Latina challenging the colorism she faces in the entertainment industry. –Text provided by Amara
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azine printed in a recent issue that they call you one of “10 Artists You Need to Know.” You’re an international rising star, and you’re heating up VH1 Love and Hip Hop: Miami. Congratulations on all of those accolades.
La Negra’s representing publicist. VBS: Rolling Stone Mag-
ALN: It’s truly an honor for me even to have Rolling Stone Magazine to know of me. I’ve put in so much work these past years and for them to consider me to be one of the top artist to be on the lookout for, truly means a
Jackson, the bombs. Recently in Alabama, I witnessed a stark contrast. One extreme was the excitement in anticipation of the Georgia/Alabama SEC championship football game. When a young African-American athlete, Jalen Hurts, replaced an injured Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback, every Alabamian of every political persuasion, right, left and center, was pulling for him. With Hurts’ remarkable display of skill, Alabama won the game. He not only won the game, he arguably beat George Wallace and the legislators who earlier locked blacks out of the University of Alabama. He beat Bull Connor who unleashed the dogs on demonstrators and the KKK
lot to me. VBS: You are coming back for VH1 Love & Hip Hop: Miami, season 2. What are we going to see? ALN: You know, you are going to see a lot of drama. You are going to hear a lot of music. You are going to see betrayals and envy. I don’t want to say fights, but a little bit of fighting…..ha ha ha…... Amara La Negra’s complete interview can be VIEWED on ValderBeebeShow.com,
continued from page 4 on Freedom Riders. He beat the KKK bombers who watched as the church was decimated and four little girls were murdered. The other extreme was witnessed in Hoover, Ala., where E.J. Bradford was shot in the back by a policeman. That police officer is still on the payroll. The patterns and prejudices of the old South are hard to overcome. Here once more, the white church has the opportunity and the responsibility to stand up, to serve as a Christian witness. White voices of moral authority and inclusive leadership are needed now as much or more than ever.
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JANUARY 2, 2019
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