Garland Journal 10 31 18 by Cheryl Smith

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Happy Homecoming

MY TRUTH By Cheryl Smith Publisher

Tricks or Treats

We’re in the throes of yet another election where some great things can happen especially if there is a huge voter turnout. Rain, rain, go away. No voter suppression. No disenfranchisement of voters. No changing polling places at the last minute. No false advertising or lying about critical election information. Early voting has begun. It’s also Halloween time and folks will be out trick or treating soon. There will be all kinds of parties and folks of all ages dressing up and going out with the expectation that they will get a treat. Unfortunately there have been deaths associated with Halloween because there are some sick people out there who will do immoral things like passing out “treats” laced with drugs, razors, and other harmful items. Then there are the weirdos who go out looking for trouble— they just make everything negative. Sound familiar? Voters are coming to the polls expecting that they will elect honest, compassionate, righteous, qualified and conscientious candidates who have common sense. Which brings me to my truth. I love to tell the story of one Halloween for me when I was in elementary school. It was a beautiful Fall day and my brother and I wanted to go out with all the other children IN THE COUNTRY and come back with bags full of candy. Well, Mother wasn't having it! It was a Sunday and she said there was no way she was sending her children out to go trick-or-treating. It was not right. She didn’t care at all that it was October 31st. We had to go the next day. “But Mother,” we protested mildly because we knew we could only say so much. “Everyone is going trickor-treating today, on Halloween.” After all, who goes trick-or-treating in November? Didn’t matter to her. Dressing up in costumes and the thought of ghosts, goblins, witches and other creatures after spending the morning in church, perish the thought! Well, the next day, after school, my mother said we could go trickor-treating. So we put on our costumes, grabbed our bags and hit the streets. I remember Daryl and I standing in the foyer of an apartment building as a neighborhood child teased us. There were NO other children out in costumes. There was also the woman who called for her husband to come to the door and see us in our costumes. They talked about how “cute” we looked! Put yourself in my shoes! Maybe that’s why I don’t like dogs today. I was dressed in a little puppy dog costume that was supposed to be cute but I didn’t feel cute that day. When we returned home, our bags were empty. At door after door, we were told that they didn’t have anything because Halloween was the day before. I know I shed a few tears. And we went home. My mother gave us some money See MY TRUTH, page 6

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Rev. Jackson spreads hope!

As election day rapidly approaches, some high profile activists hit polling places, churches and community events; encouraging citizens to go to the polls. U.S. Congressman John Lewis and the Rev. Jesse Jackson, were among those joining U.S. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, Sen. Royce West (D-Dallas), Fort Worth Democratic Party Chair Deborah Peoples, Pastors Marcus D. King and Ricky Rush, County Commissioner John Wiley Price and others stressing the need to go to the polls. Rev. Jackson and Congressman Lewis have been traveling the country supporting key candidates like, Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gilllum, Texas Senatorial candidate Beto O'Rourke and GA gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams.

I have a felony conviction. Can I vote? By Ricki Fairley

Judge Etta J. Mullin, the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Aiesha Redmond on the campaign trail.

By Emma Lynn

I Messenger Media

Judge Teresa Hawthorne often without lawfully required hearings or holding defendants accountable for actions they were convicted of and/or plead guilty to. Controversial rulings

State vs. John Ogundiran – Defendant John Ogundiran was charged with Aggravated Robbery. The defendant was placed on probation for seven years deferred on July 27, 2017, but he absconded and did not report to his probation officer for 90 days. Subsequently, a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was arrested on September 8, 2017, and ordered to the court’s ATLAS mental health program on October 4, 2017. Ogundiran was continued on probation and absconded again for 90 days and then rearrested. While he was in jail, a competency evalation was ordered on May 4, 2018, that resulted in the

See JUSTICE, page 7

VOL XVIII ISSUE 5 OCTOBER 31, 2018

Dove Marketing (The Cincinnati Herald and The Dayton Defender)

Justice on Trial - Who wins? Judge Teresa Hawthorne, the sitting judge in Dallas County’s 203rd Judicial District Court who received two rare public reprimands in 2017 and was removed from the 2018 Democratic Primary ballot, has made controversial rulings in multiple felony cases over the past several months. A few of the cases in question include Aggravated Robbery, Failure to Register as a Sex Offender and Possession of a Controlled Substance. According to public information available on Dallas County criminal cases, Judge Hawthorne has granted probation, granted early release from probation, and/or dismissed felony cases

OCTOBER 31, 2018

Many people wonder, “Can a convicted felon vote?” and assume the laws have restricted their rights. But that’s not true. While many states have some restriction on felon voting rights, most states restore the right to vote to people after they complete their sentences. In fact, up to 17 million Americans with past convictions can vote right now – they just don’t know it – because the felony disenfranchisement laws in every state can be confusing. RestoreYourVote.org is a website that was developed by Campaign Legal Center, an organization of attorneys working in Washington, D.C. seeking to ensure that every eligible voter has access to the ballot. Learn more about the Center and their work to protect the right to vote at CampaignLegal.org. CLC is working in partnership on this project with the Democracy Initiative Education Fund, a network of 69 civil rights, environmental, labor and civic organizations formed to restore the core principles of democracy and political equality. They have researched the laws in every state to help people understand their voting rights by state. Though they don’t offer legal services or legal advice and can’t guarantee that voting rights will be restored (that power rests with state authorities), RestoSee FELON, page 6

OCTOBER 31, 2018

COMMUNITY CALENDAR October 31 Early Voting 2018 Now – Nov 2nd

Scare on the Square Historic Downtown Cedar Hill for a night of Halloween Fun! Costume Parade, trunk-or-treats entertainment & more. 6pm. Revitalize S. Dallas Coalition: Docents at African American Museum Volunteers for “Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello 10am-4. Contact Ms. Cowley 214-565-9026 Big Boi at Canton Hall 2727 Canton St. Dallas 7pm. Tickets: via Eventbrite. Hallelujah Outing 2018: Welcome to Wakanda at Friendship-West Baptist Church 2020 W. Wheatland Rd. Dallas 6:30pm-8:30pm. W. Dallas Rooftop Halloween Night Masquerade at Altitude on W. Dallas Rooftop 2440 Victory Park Ln. 9pm-2am.

November 1-2 Bishop Arts Theatre Center Collaborates for Day of The Dead, “RITUALE” at 215 S. Tyler St. Dallas. Both days 8pm. Tickets: www.bishopartstheatre.org

Prairie Libraries 901 Conover Dr. Art Club meets twice a month at 5-5:45 p.m. Topic: Watercolor Techniques Jesmyn Ward: Arts & Letters Live at First U.M.C.Dallas 1928 Ross Ave. 7:30pm. Grand Opening Party The Dallas Entrepreneur Center @ Redbird 3662 W. Camp Wisdom Rd., #2044. 5:30pm-8pm. DeSoto Football DeSoto v/s South Grand Prairie at Gopher Warrior Bowl 7-10pm. G. S. W. B. C. C. Presents: 2018 Member Appreciation Mix-N-Mingle at Hilton Garden Inn 800 N. Main St. Duncanville. 6pm RSVP: www.gswbcc.org 2018 Salute Her: Beauty of Diversity Awards at TBAAL 1309 Canton St. Dallas 6:30pm Chic Boutique, 8pm Awards. Revitalize South Dallas Coalition Presents: Job Fair at Dallas Transportation Center 1554 E. Langdon. 9am-11:30am Nobody’s Fool Movie Premier at Studio Movie Grill 10110 Technology Blvd. 6pm OBJET D’ART 2nd Annual Woman X Power Fashion Show at The Hall of State 3939 Grand Ave. Dallas. 7:30pm

November 1

November 2-3

Art Club For Teens Hosted by: Grand

Gospel Night at The Muse Café featuring:

GARLAND JOURNAL

Tommye Young West & CeCe Godbolt at TBAAL 1309 Canton St. Dallas 8pm

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Blvd. Dallas 9am-12. Feat: Froswa Booker-Drew of State Fair of Texas.

2008 Barack Obama became first Black elected President of U.S.

Holiday Vegan Cooking Class with Chef Cynthia owner of Soulgood food Truck at Synclife Coworking Kitchen 4711 Westside Dr. Dallas 10am-12pm.

Willow Grove Baptist Church is proud to offer Grief Counseling. 10/7-12/30/18. 5:30pm. at 1222 W. Kiest Blvd., Dallas. Kim Fincher at 214-371-7325

November 3

Make Up 101 Class (B.Y.O.M.B.) Host: Aminah Wilson at Towne Place Suites by Marriott DeSoto 2700 Travis St. 2pm.

Final Championship Rodeo for Cowboys of Color at Mesquite Championship Rodeo 1818 Rodeo Dr. Mesquite. 7:30pm.

2018 Felony2Freedom Conference Host: Coy LeBron Poitier at South Dallas Cultural Center 3400 S. Fitzhugh Ave. Dallas.

HBCU Awards AKA Sorority Inc. Omega Alpha Omega Chapter Ivy Spotlight Awards Frisco. 1pm-3 Venue Forty/50 4050 Belt Line Rd. Addison.

Sister’s United Community Walk Hosted by: Friendship West Baptist Church 2020 W. Wheatland Rd. Dallas 9am-12pm

Holiday Boutique at St. Gabriel Catholic Community 110 Saint Gabriel Way, McKinney 9am-4pm.

Friday Night Live Featuring Brandon Kareem at Allure Jazz & Cigar Lounge 110 Cockrell Hill, DeSoto 9:30pm

The Exchange- DFW African American Market and Vendor Showcase at Martin Luther King, Jr. Rec. Center 12pm-5pm.

1st Friday All Black Affair at Cedar Canyon Dude Ranch 4523 University Hills, Lancaster 7:30pm.

Image Award Celebration. AKA Omieron Mu Omega Chapter Celebrating a Legacy of Women and Service. Matrice Ellis-Kirk, Laila Muhammad Speakers at Sheraton Hotel 400 Olive St. Dallas 11am.

Annual Sisterhood Luncheon Chapter XX VIII by: Ft. Worth Alumnae of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority at Renaissance Hotel 200 Main St. Ft. Worth 11am.

November 2-4 Director’s Choice: “Bodies as Site of Faith and Protest” Presented by: D. B. D. at Wylye Theatre 2400 Flora St. Dallas 7:30pm.

November 2 Dallas NAACP Juanita Craft Freedom Fund Awards & Scholarship Gala at Lofty Spaces 816 Montgomery St. Dallas. 7pm Choice Gala Feat: Emerald City and Kellie Rasberry of the Kidd Kraddick Morning Show at Marriott Legacy Town Ctr. 7121 Bishop Rd. Plano. 6:30p

Duncanville Football vs. Richardson School at Eagle-Mustang Stadium- Richardson 7:30pm. MC Hammer at Lava Cantina The Colony 5805 Grandscape Blvd. 8pm. Legends of Hip Hop at The Theatre at Grand Prairie 1001 Performance Pl. 8pmJokes & Jamz Welcome Rudy Rush of The Morning Rush at Embassy Suites Convention Center 7600 John Q. Ham-

mons Dr. 8pm. Tickets: krnb.com

A Conversation and Book Signing with Robert L. Harris ESQ. “ Goodbye Arkadelphia!” at Paul Quinn College 3837 Simpson Stuart Rd. Dallas 6pm-8pm Dallas Mavericks vs. New York Nicks at American Airlines Center 7:30pm

The Burden: African Americans & The ending impact of slavery Feat: Rochelle Riley at African American Museum in Fair Park. 2pm. DISD Discover-Finding the right school for your child- at Fashion Industry Gallery 1807 Ross Ave. Dallas. 9am-1p Grant Writing 101 Workshop at UNT Dallas Founders Hall, 7400 University Hill

Daiquiris & Chill 2 Party at Blends Daiquiri Lounge 2810 E. Trinity Mills Rd. Carrollton 3pm-9pm. Wine Walk Downtown Garland Shop while you sip! At 915 Main St. 3:30pm-7pm. BK Saturdays Community Dance Class Bandon Koro African at Sammons Center for the Arts 3630 Harry Hines Blvd. Dallas. DallasAfricanDance.com Women of Color Symposium at SMU Dallas Hall 3225 University Blvd. Dallas 1pm

November 4

Bounce, Rock, Skate, Roll, Skate Party at Aloha Roller Palace 311 Gross Rd. Mesquite. 8pm-11pm. 5th Annual Oak Cliff Lively Fest. At Lake Cliff Park, 300 E. Colorado Blvd. Dallas. 11am-7pm. Free. Ying Yang Twins at Lava Cantina 5805 Grandscape Blvd. The Colony 8pm Neo Soul Sundays at Blue Martini 7301 Lone Star Dr. #A-100, Plano. 4pm.

November 5 Dallas Cowboys vs. Tennessee Titans at AT&T Stadium One AT&T Way, Arlington. 7:15pm Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello: Paradox of Liberty 3536 Grand Ave. Dallas 10am.

November 6

Election Day 7am-7pm

Role of the Grand Jury in Felony Cases By Faith Johnson

Dallas County District Attorney

As your Dallas County District Attorney, I am proud of my commitment to connecting with the community. In fact, one of the tenets of my service as the chief law enforcement officer has been community outreach and engagement. Over the last few months in particular, I have had the pleasure of connecting with several community organizations and individuals and many have posed questions about the grand jury and felony prosecution process. Indeed, I am not surprised at the increased interest in these mechanisms of the criminal justice system. This aspect of our prosecution process has been thrust into the spotlight recently in light of social and civil rights issues, such as officer-involved shootings, and particularly, involving the recent shooting of Botham Shem Jean by Dallas Police Officer, Amber Guyger. Some groups do not understand how the criminal justice system works in felony cases. It is important to take a moment to understand how the criminal prosecution process works in felony cases. It is important to me, your District Attorney, that you, the community-members I swore to protect, know that I am doing everything the law allows me to do to seek justice in not only the Amber Guyger case, but in all cases submitted to my office. One point that is critically important to understand is the role of the Grand Jury and why certain cases, such as those involving officer shootings, must be heard by a Grand Jury. STATUTE: All felony cases must go before a Grand Jury. It’s the law. By law, the Grand Jury is comprised of twelve individuals, your peers, who determine whether there is probable cause to believe that a felony offense has occurred. The Grand Jury makes this determination for all felony cases submitted to the Dis-

trict Attorney and hears a limited number of misdemeanor offenses, as well. A quorum of nine jurors must be present to carry out the function of a Grand Jury. In Dallas County, there are four Grand Juries. Two meet every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and two meet every Tuesday and Thursday. Each Grand Jury serves for approximately three months. SELECTION: Determining who serves as a Grand Juror. Grand jurors are selected the same way trial juries are summoned. Potential jurors are sent an official letter requesting them to appear and then empaneled to obtain a better cross-section of the community. The presiding judge shall hear both qualifications for and excuses from service. Ultimately, the presiding judge will empanel the completed grand jury. By law, the Grand jury’s identity and proceedings are secret. In other words, they are not open to the public and their methods, discussions and deliberations cannot be shared. While this idea of secrecy can be difficult for some to understand---especially in high-profile cases— it is mandated by law and necessary to among other reasons, protect the process from any outside influence and should a defendant not be charged with a crime, to shield their involvement in the justice system from the public so that they are truly able to continue their life without the taint or blemish of suspected criminal activity. SYSTEMATIC: The indictment process. When a case is ready to be presented to the Grand Jury, the District Attorney and her representatives present evidence, including the facts of the case and explain the law to the Grand Jury so they have a full and complete understanding what charges are appropriate or not appropriate, based on the law. After reviewing all the evidence including listening to witness testimony, viewing exhibits, etc., a Grand Jury can either decide to True-Bill or No-Bill a case. A No-Bill means the Grand Jury determined there was not sufficient evidence against the

Firing of Megyn Kelly is warranted, says NABJ Washington, D.C. - The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) is monitoring reports that Megyn Kelly's recent offensive comments about blackface Halloween costumes have led to some changes at NBC. Although unconfirmed, several media outlets are reporting that Kelly is in the process of being cut from or reassigned at the network.

accused to indict the case. A True-Bill means that the jurors found the evidence was sufficient to indict based on the law. SERVICE: Your role in the criminal justice system It is important for every citizen who is able, to consider serving on a Grand Jury in Dallas County. Your service on a Grand Jury will not only ensure that your community is accurately represented but will further ensure that individuals who commit serious crimes are indicted and those who did not, are able to continue their lives as a productive, contributing member of society, thereby doing your civic duty to seek justice for all. An individual can serve on the Grand Jury if they are: 1) 18 years of age; 2) a citizen of the United States; 3) a resident of the state and of the county in which the person is to serve; 4) qualified under the constitution and laws to vote in the county in which the Grand Jury is sitting, regardless of whether the person is registered to vote; 5) of sound mind and good moral character; 6) able to read and write; 7) not a convicted felon; 8) not under indictment or other legal accusation for misdemeanor theft or a felony; 9) not related to any person selected to serve or serving on the same Grand Jury; 10) not a previous grand juror from the year before the date on which the term of court for which the person has been selected as grand juror begins; and 11) not a complainant in any matter to be heard by the Grand Jury during the term of court for which the person has been selected as a grand juror. When local residents, business and community leaders serve on a Grand Jury in Dallas County, the greater the chance the outcome will fairly represent people in the community. It is my sincere hope that this explanation of the Grand Jury process aids in the understanding of our criminal justice system and leads to unity, collaboration and peace within the Dallas Community and trust between our residents and the Office sworn to serve.

During Tu e s d a y ' s broadcast of "Megyn Kelly Today," Kelly set off a firestorm of criticism inside and outside of NBC when she said it was OK when she was growing up for white people to dress up as black characters and there was nothing wrong with donning blackface. Colleagues inside NBC, including Al

IN MEMORIAM: Celebrated author Ntozake Shange Dies at 70 By Lauren Victoria Burke NNPA Newswire Contributor

Pioneering poet and playwright Ntozake Shange died on the morning of October 27 at an assisted living facility in Bowie, Maryland. She was best known for her much celebrated Obie Award-winning play, “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/ When the Rainbow is Enuf.” “To our extended family and friends, it is with sorrow that we inform you that our loved one, Ntozake Shange, passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early morning of October 27, 2018. Memorial information / details will follow at a later date,” her Twitter account announced. Shange, who turned 70 on October 18, had suffered multiple strokes over the last few years. She died in her sleep. “I write for young girls of color, for girls who don’t even exist yet, so that there is something there for them when they arrive,” Shange once said. “Zake was a woman of

Roker and Craig Melvin, as well as other journalists, called her comments indefensible and insensitive. Kelly later apologized for her comments, saying that she had learned from the many who spoke out about the subject.

Photo: Barnard College Archives/Wikimedia Commons

extravagance and flourish, and she left quickly without suffering,” said her sister Ifa Bayeza, who was also a writer. “It’s a huge loss for the world. I don’t think there’s a day on the planet when there’s not a young woman who discovers herself through the words of my sister,” she added. Her death is a “a major shift in the cosmos,” said Sarah Bellamy said on October 27. “Ntozake Shange invited us to marvel at the resiliency and power that women of color harness in order to

NABJ Vice President-Digital Roland Martin appeared on "Megyn Kelly Today" providing historical perspective on the issue of blackface and its offensive nature. He stressed the obligation of people in today's society to be educated about various cultures and racial insensitivities. Citing the Kerner Commission

survive a hostile world. She invited us to practice the ritual of loving ourselves.” “R.I.P. Ntozake Shange (#ForColoredGirls) #YouAreBroadwayBlack you will forever be remembered and eternally etched in our minds as The Lady in Orange, a prolific poet, an amazing playwright, and the Black feminist we all aspire to be. Well done,” a tweet from the Broadway in Black Twitter account read. See SHANGE, page 6

Report and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., both occurring 50 years ago; Martin talked about the many ways insensitivity and lack of awareness has contributed to the continued abuse and disenfranchisement of people of color. NABJ President Sarah Glover, who is employed by NBC, said that NABJ would like to see media organizations take bold steps to ensure that diversity and inclusion is practiced on-air and behind the scenes. and that black people and people of color are not affronted.

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Voting Rights Under Attack

A well-respected group of Democrats and Republicans in Washington are in agreement that the federal government is doing very little to protect the voting rights of minority voters in the United States. Describing the government’s refusal to enable its citizens to participate in fair elections, the Commission on Civil Rights, in a recently released report, characterized the electoral climate as dangerous and pernicious. Created in 1957, the eight-member panel investigates civil rights issues in the United

States and recommends measures that it deems necessary to correct injustice. The current Commission consists of six Democrats and two Republicans, and each of them agreed with the report’s conclusions that the state of voting rights was blatantly unfair. The U.S Department of Justice hinders the rights of minority voters, said Catherine E. Lhamon, an attorney, and veteran government official who chairs the Commission. Ms. Lhamon said that the Justice Department had failed in its responsibility to protect minority voting rights. Among its recommendations, the Commission urges the strengthening of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 which was se-

verely weakened in 2013 when the U.S. Supreme Court decided to preclude the Justice Department from stopping what it considered unconstitutional voting procedures passed by state legislatures. The Court’s decision in the case, Shelby County v. Holder, allowed states such as Texas to pass restrictive voter ID laws designed to weaken the voting strength of racial minorities, students and persons with disabilities. Other states controlled by Republican legislators have passed legislation such as the one enacted in Texas in efforts to deny Democratic majorities in voting, knowing full-well that minorities, students and the disabled tend to vote for the Democrat Party because of its progressive stance on

Will Waller County guard or continue to block students' voting rights?

By Royce West

Texas State Senator District 23

For the second time this month, the eyes of Texas and particularly voting rights advocates, have been drawn to the campus of Prairie View A&M University. Prairie View A&M is in Prairie View, Texas, one of several towns in Waller County, located about an hour's drive west of Houston. Two weeks ago, Texas Secretary of State Rolando Pablos had to intervene following a complaint by candidate for U.S. Congress Mike Siegel, that decisions made by Waller County officials would cause election-day delays and confusion, or even worse for Prairie View students. Prairie View's dormitories do not have an official mailing address. Reports say that a 2016 plan agreed to by school and county officials and the local political parties, instructed Prairie View students to choose between two addresses as their place of residence to complete voter registration forms. During the March 2018 primaries, Waller County Elections Administrator Christy Eason found that one of the dedicated addresses was outside the voting precinct that covers the Prairie View campus. Prairie View students were still allowed to vote on campus, but only after completing a change of address form on site. Siegel, who is running against incumbent Congressman Michael McCall, issued a letter to county officials demanding the elections department to fix the address and precinct mix-up themselves, rather than placing election-day burdens on students. After an incident which led to the arrest of a Siegel campaign worker, Pablos arranged a conference call with Waller County, local party officials and Siegel. A joint statement was issued, saying that students' voting rights will not be "impeded, hampered or otherwise delayed" and Pablos promised to have state elections department personnel on sight at the Prairie View campus polling place. Change of address updates can

be filled out after ballots are cast. Then on Monday, Oct. 22, a suit was filed by five Prairie View students, asking for the courts to intervene regarding the county's plan that they say limits on-campus, early voting opportunities. Monday, Oct. 22 was the first day of early voting, but under the county's plan, the campus polling site will not open for early voting until the second week, starting Monday, Oct. 29. On Thursday, Nov. 1, the

Prairie View has a larger percentage of Black and Hispanic residents compared to other Waller County cities which all have majority, White populations. Plaintiffs also charge that the early voting plan was devised without input from Prairie View students or campus officials or that of Prairie View's City Council. Numerous accounts, in addition to the complaint, cite Waller County's long history of voting rights problems dating back to

campus' early voting site closes and moves to a location that's less frequented by students - many who do not have transportation - to an off-campus location a mile away. Early voting is not scheduled on-campus over the weekend, but is available at other locations around the county. The students charge Waller County Commissioners, the Waller County Judge and Eason with acting to suppress the Black student vote. They allege equal protection violations under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and the 14th and 15th Amendments, as well as age discrimination under the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Their arguments continue that Prairie View A&M students and City of Prairie View residents have fewer chances to early vote than residents of surrounding towns like Waller, Hempstead, Brookshire and Katy, even though more people live in Prairie View, which also has a younger voting age population.

at least 1971, when the county tax assessor and voter registrar barred students from voting unless their families owned property in Waller County. And as recently as 2008, the courts intervened when Waller County sought to limit the number of voter registrations that could be submitted by volunteer voter registrars. On Sept. 22, Waller County's commissioners adopted the early voting plan, and in October, by a 3-2 vote, refused modifications, including recommendations by County Judge "Trey" Duhon and the elections administrator, that would have at least lessened voting access problems, if not eliminate them. Even if the Prairie View students are successful in court, damage has already been done. Early voting has already begun and with it, opportunities missed and rights violated. My question is what can be done to enforce voting rights in Waller County? In their case, it seems as if the fox is guarding the hen house.

issues, and its history of being the party of civil rights! The nearly 500 page report points out that in the last five years, 61 law suits have been filed challenging Voter ID laws and other restrictive measures. Its members bemoan the lack of sensitivity by Attorney General Jeff Sessions whose commitment to civil rights was challenged during his confirmation hearings by Congressman John Lewis, Senator Cory Booker and a plethora of fairness advocates who believe that Sessions is vested in seeing a dilution in minority voting participation. Under Attorney General Sessions, the Justice Department has failed U.S. citizens of Hispanic origin and the handicapped, according to the Commission’s report. It

OCTOBER 31, 2018

cites that state officials in Florida recently had to be taken to court to ensure that voting materials were provided to Spanish-speaking voters. The Commission also was alarmed that the Justice Department seemed to ignore the special needs of handicapped voters by not insisting that voting places be equipped with ramps, assisting disabled people access to voting booths without difficulty. The Commission’s report is timely with a major national election just days away. It should give those who find the practices of some state legislatures disgusting the encouragement to vote, to urge their friends and relatives to vote, and to participate in the correction of our local, state and federal governments!

Ghana proclaims Year of Return to African Descendants

By Lauren Poteat NNPA Washington Correspondent

Paying homage to the past and a hope to a brighter future, 2019 will officially mark the 400-year anniversary since the arrival of the first enslaved Africans to English North America in 1619. In remembrance of the dark history and the celebration of the Black American’s triumph in the midst of grave adversity, the West African country of Ghana has officially declared 2019, the “Year of Return,” for people of color, inviting the global African family to a birth-right journey back to their home country. During a heartfelt ceremony at the National Press Club in Washington D.C., on Sep. 28, Ghana’s President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, offered an official proclamation“Year of Return, Ghana”as the endorsed time of homecoming for Black people. “The time has come for people of African descent to make the journey back home,” Akufo-Addo said. “With historic leaders and creatives like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., WEB DuBois, Maya Angelou, Stevie

Wonder, who have all honored Ghana with their presence and been inspired by Ghana… Ghana has opened its arms wide and welcomes its other brothers and sisters back home. Never again should Africans allow themselves to be enslaved… We are home.” With the announcement serving as the only centrally organized public-private partnership with an African nation, Rep. Sheila JacksonLee (D- Texas) expressed her heartfelt sentiments with the new proclamation and her love for her people. “The continent which I honor and Ghana with its amazing history, will be in the forefront of galvanizing and cementing this wonderful relationship between the nation of the United States of America, the people of the United States of America and the great Republican nation of Ghana with this wonderful President and First Lady, leading us into the 21st and 22nd century.” “Those who have never been, if they go, will experience a certain coming of age, that will be grander than we’ve ever imagined," Jackson continued. The Ghana Tourism Au-

thority under the auspices of the Tourism Ministry will spearhead the year-long calendar of activities in partnership with the Office of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President, the Adinkra group and the Panafest Foundation, led by Executive Secretary Rabbi Kohain. “Our mission to remember what they have done, but to also be worthy of their sacrifices,” Kohain said. “This is not just one event, it’s a historical statement. 400 years has been long enough for people to explain and write and narrate African stories. We must write our own stories. “Ghana is the only African country with a Black star in the center of its flag,” Kohain continued. “That means Ghana is the destination for the return to our roots.” Events scheduled for the upcoming year are said to include the “Bra Fie” Concert hosted by Damien Marley, son of renowned activist and reggae artist Bob Marley, in January, a Homecoming and Investment Summit in June; Panafest and Emancipation in July, Ghana Carnival in November and Afrochella in December.

OCTOBER 31, 2018

GARLAND JOURNAL

EDITORIAL/OPINION

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Fall in Lineâ&#x20AC;ŚGo Vote!

QUIT PLAYINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; By Vincent L. Hall It makes me nervous to the point of exhaustion to listen to some people in this community when it comes to politics. Jesse Jackson and political strategists have always posited that historically, if Black women get to the polls, they intrinsically know how to vote. The final outcomes in Texas and in America will turn largely on how Black women vote. Pleaseâ&#x20AC;ŚBaby Babyâ&#x20AC;ŚPlease! The only way to turn back this megalomaniacal zealot is to have women, and especially Black women, pull

that lever as far to the left as the voting machine will go. Damn right I said itâ&#x20AC;Ś Vote straight Democrat. The Democrats arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t perfect, but at least they ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Republican The time to pontificate and prevaricate about Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two-party system ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t today. There ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t no independents on the ballot in Dallas County for 2018. Vote for the Democrat!! Hillary Rodham Clinton still gets a lot of unsolicited hate these days, but I ran across a piece I wrote when she came through Dallas 14 years ago. She appeared at a swanky Dallas reception, but she was bearing a common grassroots message. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hillary made one statement to the crowd that bears repeating. In essence, she said that the reason that Democrats are perpetually endangered is because we

donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fully understand politics. She has discerned that when it comes to fielding candidates, Democrats want to fall in love, while Republicans just fall in line.â&#x20AC;? Her meaning is obvious. Democrats want a candidate saintly enough to rival Jesus. She or he must be without spot or blemish. It has to be someone who can walk on water without leaving any toxins in the waves. Someone who is so well-rounded and wise that no one could bring a criticism against them. The Democrats want someone who is sinless and pure in thought and tendencies. We want a revered potentate worthy of the papacy... but not too pompous or too self-righteous. We clamor for a Viceroy who vanquishes all evil; but they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be too brutal. Democrats, as Hillary let

on, have gotta Quit Playin. Republicans on the other hand employ a much different ideology. They tend to pick someone woven in the right material and then work with the pattern to make the garment fit their needs. Isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it interesting that Republicans are famous for taking the hard line, yet are willing to make painful concessions for the sake of their party? Ardent anti-abortionists and frugal fiscal fanatics will put their pet issues aside if it means that they could berate and beat up on a Democrat. Republicans and Conservatives are politically astute enough to know that one point of disagreement does not a disqualification make. The perfect candidate is about as rare as the perfect person. Go find one! Democrats have got to mature enough to under-

stand that the downside of being in a diverse party is that we can never get every policy and program that pleases all of us. We also have to gather that if we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get the seat, we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get a damned thing. Nada, nothing, zero, zilch!!! We have to learn that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more profitable to fight over the spoils of war than just fighting the war itself. Alexander the Great didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fight for props, he fought for property. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s get us some! Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s claim every state house and every house that sits near the White House. Do you know how miserable we can make Donald Trump? This sniveling simpleton doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even know how to enjoy a win. Can you imagine Trump being blocked on every side? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for the Democrats to get some real revenge. The old adage was â&#x20AC;&#x153;make love not war.â&#x20AC;? But if the Democratic Party is going

to realize any success in 2018, they are going to have to make war and bid love adieu. Hillary put it right; donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go looking to fall in love, instead search for reasons to fall in line. Or better yet; Quit Playinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;!!! #Beto #Creuzot #Democrat

Early Voting: October 22November 2

Election Day: November 6

VOTE

Know Your Worth, Right Now

By Morgan A. Owens NNPA Newswire Contributor Three words that we often should follow, but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know my worth or even know I was worthy for many years. How many of us feel or have felt that way? We settle for the status quo, we keep our head down to not ruffle feathers. We would rather be loved any kind of way than none at all. What kind of life is that? What kind of worth is that? I struggled for many years over knowing who I was and what I stood for. There is no reason why, other than I let others define what I should look like, how I should feel about myself and accepted how they wanted me to be loved. I found confidence by helping others. In turn, I found my self-worth. I write in my book, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Finding My

Sparkle,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I spent the early part of my life not truly loving myself. I was a victim of bullying, self-doubt, depression and self-hate. Often, I was put down by others that looked like me. I developed a complex about myself â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to the point I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to live anymore, I wanted to be skinny, blonde hair and blue-eyed like my classmates â&#x20AC;&#x201C; then I would be â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;pretty.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; I struggled with my self-confidence throughout middle school, high school and college. My body changed but I still wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t happy. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t until I made a conscience decision to love my body and myself no matter what. I was tired of being unhappy. I found that confidence by helping others. In turn, I found my self-worth. It didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t happen overnight and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still not fully complete, but I know what I do and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t deserve at this point in my life.â&#x20AC;? When I learned to start saying no, my life began to flourish. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I spent over a decade being in relationships that took a toll on my self-esteem. Toxic

BlackPressUSA

relationships that suppressed my growth not only as a woman, but in my career and business. In order to please whomever I was dating I often cancelled my own selfcare plans, such as working out or spending time with my friends and family. My mother told me I was â&#x20AC;&#x153;too availableâ&#x20AC;? and I was. I was willing to compromise my feelings and priorities for another person. When you do that it allows others to walk over you. I use the word, â&#x20AC;&#x153;allowsâ&#x20AC;? because ultimately you are giving them

permission to. I had to learn it was perfectly okay to say â&#x20AC;&#x153;no,â&#x20AC;? and if someone didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t respect that no â&#x20AC;&#x201C; then that was their problem and not mine. When I learned to start saying no, my life began to flourish. You may lose some friends or relationships but that is just Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s way of making room for those who truly need to be in your life. I had to learn this and many of you reading probably are already going through this, or you will â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s okay. You have to be with

okay with letting go, loving people from a far and continuing to grow in a positive light. Harboring negative energy only takes away time where you should be investing in your career, business or own personal health.â&#x20AC;? I found my self-worth. I know what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re thinking: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Who is she to be preaching about selfworth?â&#x20AC;? No, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not an expert, or the most confident woman in the world, but I know what it is like to feel worthless. I also know how it feels feeling worthy. Honestly, I choose feeling worthy any day. Even if I am the only one who believes that I am. When you really think about it, why do we give OTHERS control or authority over our own self-worth? It is ours. Being fully transparent, you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find your self-worth in a day, a week or even a year. The journey can be long and often times emotionally painful but it is necessary! I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get the opportunities I wanted until I became the person ready to receive them. That

journey took me twenty-seven years. While we are building our careers, taking care of our families, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remember our why and our worth. You are worthy. Live everyday as such. My top tips on finding selfworth: Patience Know, that you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find yourself in a day, a week or even a year. The journey can be long and often times emotionally painful but it is necessary! Believe in You How can others believe in you if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe in yourself? Have Faith Without faith any foundation will crumble. Happiness is a choice Nothing more, nothing less. Let it Go Cut the dead weight out of your life. If someone isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t helping you to be better, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid to love them from a far. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not your job to convince them that your worthy of anything.

Electronic Cigarettes May Save Lives Last Word

by Dr. Julianne Malveaux Smoking kills. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve all heard the public service announcements, seen the ads featuring hard-breathing people dying from lung cancer. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve all heard about what smoking does to lungs and hearts and stamina. And this issue is personal for me. My 90-year-old mama smoked until she was diagnosed with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) more than a decade ago. Until then, she tried almost everything she could to quit â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from the patch to pills to an ill-advised attempt to stop smoking by smoking brands she did not like! Smoking kills, and nicotine is addictive. And it hits African Americans harder than others, although we start smoking later and smoke fewer cigarettes than whites. Still, smoking is associated with the

top three killer diseases for Blacks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; heart disease, cancer, and strokes. But short of outlawing tobacco, how do we stop, or reduce, addiction to nicotine? Municipalities tax cigarettes as a way to provide a financial disincentive from smoking. But research shows that those addicted to nicotine, especially African American smokers, do not adjust their smoking habits in the face of increased prices. (smokingcessationleadership.ucsf.edu/raceethnicity) Entrepreneurs and scientists have also responded by developing market-based smoking cessation products. Nicorette gum, approved in 1984, is an example of the way that the effect of nicotine is somewhat minimized by delivering nicotine without smoke. Similarly, Nicoderm CQ is patch delivers nicotine through the skin. Most recently, Nicorette has developed a mint lozenge. Then there is medication â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the FDA approved Zyban in 1997. Chantix was approved in 2006, and its price has doubled since

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2013. These drugs have had mixed effectiveness in stopping smoking. So, what about e-cigarettes, a way for smoking addicts (they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like it when you call them that) to ingest nicotine in a less harmful way than smoking? I think they are a great way to ameliorate some of the effects of smoking. And e-cigarettes donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the same harmful effects of second-hand smoke. With the majority of Black children being exposed to second-hard smoke thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reason enough to consider e-cigarettes. Lot of folks disagree. They think that selling e-cigarettes promotes smoking, not contains it. They think that flavored e-cigarettes

are attractive to teens and make it easier for them to begin smoking. They would restrict access to e-cigarettes because they are convinced that they are bad for public health. I beg to differ! I think that e-cigarettes are a way for those addicted to nicotine to minimize the effects of their smoking. I wonder if my mom would experience fewer consequences from her years of smoking if she had the e-cigarette option years ago. She was always clear that smoking killed, and when I was a kid and experimented with smoking, was forced to eat a cigarette, upchuck the effects, and be turned off tobacco for life. But as clear as she was, she

struggled with that addiction, and as easily doing a pack a day when she quit. Would e-cigarettes have eased her pain and help her manage her addiction? I think so. (csures.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/ Russell-et-al-2018-Smoking-Transitions-AmongAdult-JUUL-Users.pdf) For sure, using products like the vaping product Juul would have saved her money. A study from LendEdu says that those who switch from cigarettes to the vaporized JUUL product save $58 per month from the switch (lendedu.com/ blog/financial-cost-of-juul). Will they eventually stop smoking? There is no research to support that premise. However, it is clear that vaping is less dangerous than smoking. That, alone, is a reason to make ecigarettes and other products that vaporize nicotine available to the public. Efforts to ensure that young people have limited access to e-cigarettes and other products that vaporize tobacco are appro-

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priate. Efforts to restrict access to others are ill-advised. If we care about those who are committed to smokers and addicted to nicotine, then we will make it easy for them to access alternatives to smoking. E-cigarettes may change, even save, their lives. The ads that tell us that smoking kills tells only part of the story. The other part is that nicotine has major negative health effects, but that those who are addicted can ingest it less harmfully. This should be of particular concern to the African American community, since so many are dying from smoke-related causes. Public policy should embrace, not condemn, electronic cigarettes. And health advocates should not be fooled by the hype of vaping prohibition while smoking addicts are seeking alternatives. Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist. Her latest book â&#x20AC;&#x153;Are We Better Off? Race, Obama and Public Policyâ&#x20AC;? is available via www. amazon.com for booking, wholesale inquiries or for more info visit www. juliannemalveaux.com

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So Much Hate; So Little Tolerance

OCTOBER 31, 2018

Ask ALMA By Alma Gill

By Harry C. Alford

President/CEO of the NBCC

Snapped at in-law Dear Alma,

Political rivalry is as much a part of Americana as “Red, White and Blue.” We expect it and cheer on whatever side we support. Throughout the history of our great nation, elections would bring much debate and comparisons as to whose side or positions would be best for the future of our nation. I remember fearing the thought of Barry Goldwater becoming our nation’s president. I thought he was a maniac – a civil rights hating racist and a war monger. Not too long after that 1964 election cycle, I would be depending on Senator Goldwater to save my future. We were in Army basic training at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina. From there we would go to Infantry Officer Candidate School in Ft. Benning, Georgia. President Nixon decided that we were going to withdraw from Vietnam and, thus, the Army needed to reduce its manpower. They determined to stop us from going to Officer School (i.e. renege on our contracts with the US Army). It seemed like we were destined to be “screwed.” However, one of our compatriot’s mother worked for Senator Goldwater. He called his mother about the betrayal and she quipped “I will tell Uncle Barry about this.” The next day our contracts were back in force. Barry Goldwater had compassion for us and stepped up to protect us. He wasn’t that evil, “fire breathing” mongrel I thought

him to be. The above experience taught me to understand that American politics should be restrained from hatred. There should be tolerance of other views. We should choose our political sides, debate and then elect a winner. Whoever that winner is, he becomes our leader for a set period and will be re-elected or not depending on the popularity of his performance. We move on regardless of the outcomes. This is about the prosperity of America and how we do it is up to the voters. We win some. We lose some. But life goes on under the sweetness of democracy and the guarantee of freedom and individual rights. Sadly, since the latest federal election something has happened to our current state of minds. The political sides – Democrats and Republicanshave become intolerable of each other. The Democratic Party seems to be hurt from the 2016 election. They were so sure of victory that the defeat is not being accepted too well. In more peaceful times we would all say, “If you don’t like it, deal with it at the next election.” That type of patience does not seem to be tolerable any more. Democratic party members are becoming venomous in their attitudes and the making of their new platform. They are so anti-Trump to the point of it being an attitude of

resistance, obstruction and hatred of anything that supports our current Administration. TDS – Trump Derangement Syndrome – is real. Families are being broken up or becoming dysfunctional because of the last election. The current Supreme Court nominee selection process is a great example of this. No matter who President Trump selects for nomination, the Democratic wing of Congress is going to oppose it in a fanatical matter. Trump nominee Brett Kavanaugh seems to have an impeccable record since becoming a judge. His over 300 judicial decisions are mainstream and without question illustrate good juris prudence. However, he is a Trump nominee and, thus, must be stopped by any means necessary, according to the Democratic side of Congress. They have not “thrown the kitchen sink” yet but just about every trick, ethical, unethical or even illegal, is being tried. One example is encouraging a mentally challenged individual to place a formal complaint of sexual assault against nominee Kavanaugh. An alleged act that happened over 36 years ago. She requested discretion about the handling of this. What did they do? They leaked her accusation to the national press and paraded her on national television and gave her a questionable legal representative. They have put an “accuser” who

needs medical help and privacy in a position of traumatic exposure. You must feel sorry for her. If that is not enough, they have two more “accusers” who claim either sexual indiscretion or down right gang rape. Yes, they are trying to paint a sleezy, criminal picture on a human being who has played by the rules and has lived a great, impressive American life. Hopefully, the Federal Bureau of Investigation will settle this matter soon. He has already successfully completed six previous FBI investigations covering the same period of time. However, it would not be too surprising if they try some more shenanigans, moral or immoral, legal or illegal to stop this nomination from going through. The Democratic Congress is going through a mental crisis at the expense of our normal political process. Somehow, I hope this will straighten itself out through the next elections that are coming up. Dear Lord, may our voters and elected officials come to their senses and end this hatred and lack of tolerance. Mr. Alford is the Co-Founder, President/CEO, of the National Black Chamber of Commerce®. Website: www.nationalbcc.org Email: halford@nationalbcc.org

We were at my niece’s 5th birthday party. I’m pregnant, and it has not been easy. My MIL [mother-in-law] arrived and started greeting everybody. Then she asks how “baby Orlando” is doing. I didn’t answer her because we have not picked out a name for our baby. She started calling my unborn son by her father’s name about a month ago. This time, I had decided enough was enough. I snapped and told her that wasn’t his name and we would let her know when we had one. Then I left the room before I said something I would really regret. I know that the tone of voice I used was not the best, but I still can’t get over what happened next. My MIL left. She didn’t say goodbye to anyone; she just got in her car and left. She made me feel guilty for the rest of the party. Was there something I could have done better, or should I just chalk the whole situation up to my MIL’s a control freak? Sherry, Olney, Md. Hi Sherry,

“The Magnificent Seven” – Donald is Denzel By Miles Jaye "The Magnificent Seven” is a movie. In it, a rich, psychotic villain, Bartholomew Bogue, used his ragtag army of mercenaries to take over a town. He forced townsmen into hard labor deep within the recesses of a nearby gold mine. The town’s people were terrified by this dreadful, vile man. Their one effort at defiance, their one feeble attempt to stand up to the villain was met with swift and murderous rebuke. The cowardly Sheriff was on Bogue’s payroll, so he was no help. The cruel man’s henchmen set the town church ablaze, but in the very next scene, a hero appeared over the ridge, in classic cinematic slow motion, dressed from hat to boots in all black, riding a matching black stallion—it was Denzel. “The Magnificent Seven” is fiction, the modern-day remake of a classic Western. In real life, however, a rich villain has taken over the town—your town and towns all across America. He promised to reopen mines in West Virginia, steel mills in Pennsylvania, build a wall on the border between the U.S. and Mexico, and drain the swamp, but instead he’s robbing the country blind for his family, himself, and his rich compadres. Like Bogue, the real-life villain also has an army of mercenaries. He has Sheriff’s, lawyers, Judges, and politicians on his payroll, so there will be no justice—no help is on the way. Evangelicals, preachers and ministers of every denomination run the gamut of complicity to complacency. The churches are on fire and Denzel is not coming. No hero is riding over the ridge to save the day. Who will save America? Ironically, sadly, again we’ve fallen victim to trickery and slight-

Luke Grimes (l), Haley Bennett (c), and Denzel Washington (r), stars of 2016's remake of "The Magnificent Seven"

of-hand and somehow been convinced we no longer need leadership. We don’t need a hero! Tina Turner sang “We Don’t Need Another Hero” “Out of the ruins, out from the wreckage Can’t make the same mistakes this time We are the children, the last generation We are the ones they left behind And I wonder when we are ever gonna change? Living under the fear, till nothing else remains We don’t need another hero, We don’t need to know the way home All we want is life beyond the Thunderdome Looking for something we can rely on There’s got to be something better out there. love and compassion, their day is coming All else are castles built in the air…” College-educated, possessing all of the trappings of success from home ownership and stock portfolios to Greek organization and Me-

ga-church memberships and yet again, we’ve been distracted by the random. Our favorite sports teams are more important than our family team, our neighborhood and community teams. How could we be so intelligent, yet so blind. We’ve always needed leadership, but somehow we’ve been convinced that even our most revered heroes from Old and New Testaments are irrelevant in today’s times. Harriet Tubman, Nat Turner and Sojourner Truth are reduced to mere folklore. Civil Rights leaders are passé. We’ve quit studying Abraham, David, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and forgotten that it took Moses to free our people and when his job was done, Joshua took over— to lead. We’ve gone from quoting Martin, Malcolm, Marcus, and Medgar to quoting Kanye. These are the words of heroes: “I freed a thousand slaves. I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves.”“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” – Harriet Tubman

“I had a vision – and I saw white spirits and black spirits engaged in battle, and the sun was darkened – the thunder rolled in the Heavens, and blood flowed in streams – and I heard a voice saying, ‘Such is your luck, such are you called to see, and let it come rough or smooth, you must surely bear it.” “Having soon discovered, to be great, I must appear so, and therefore studiously avoided mixing in society, and wrapped myself in mystery, devoting my time to fasting and prayer.” – Nat Turner “Truth is powerful, and it prevails.” “I am not going to die, I’m going home like a shooting star.” – Sojourner Truth Trump has been compared to the Bogue character for obvious reasons, however, to his constituents, Donald is Denzel. To people who attend his rallies, Red State voters he’s convinced Mexicans, Muslims and women are evil, NATO and the U.N. are pointless, Kim and Vladimir are our friends and that Black folks have set the churches on fire, it is Trump rising over the ridge, dressed in white on a white steed come to save the day. Who will save us?

Ahhh, maybe something else happened that you failed to mention, because from what I’ve read, Miss Do Right – you did wrong. Ok, so your MIL has pre-named her grand baby. So what? It’s just a nickname and all in fun, I’m sure. Why are you so mad about that? You and your husband will have the final say. We’ve got hungry children in Africa, and this has you all tied in a knot. TBT, you delivered a stinger Mz. Mommie to Bee! You insulted your MIL at the party in front of everybody, and for no good reason. She didn’t make you feel guilty; that was your conscience trying to have a conversation with you, but you weren’t listening. Call your MIL and apologize –now. Let her know your hormones have been all over the place lately. Ask her over for tea, out to lunch, shopping or whatever. Fix this before baby boy is born. There’s too much joy ahead for you and your family to let this foolishness block your blessings. 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.

OCTOBER 31, 2018

GARLAND JOURNAL

FELON, continued from front page reYourVote.org provides the best information available to make rights restoration accessible for citizens with felony convictions. Processes can be complicated and unclear in some states. With the help of RestoreYourVote.org, individuals will no longer have to wonder whether they have the right to vote and will no longer have to ask, “Can I restore my right to vote?” Using this website is completely anonymous. Willie Mack of Tuscaloosa recently contacted CLC’s Blair Bowie because he tried to register to vote and was denied. Blair works with the Alabama Voting Rights Project, a joint project with CLC and the Southern Poverty Law Center

to help Alabamians with past convictions restore their voting rights. He checked Mack’s record and found that he had a trafficking conviction from 1990, which is disqualifying. Blair told Mack that the trafficking conviction was disqualifying and that he would need to get a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote. But Mack insisted that his conviction had been reduced to possession with intent to distribute, a non-disqualifying conviction. After some digging, Blair couldn’t find any proof in the Alabama criminal record database of the information that Mack provided. Mack was able to secure and fax to Blair court minutes of his case and various appeals,

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MY TRUTH, continued from front page

showing that his conviction had, in fact, been reduced several years post-sentence. John Paul, an organizer with the Alabama Voting Rights Project and Mack went to the registrar in Tuscaloosa with that record in hand. Together, they advocated for Mack’s rights. Mack was able to register to vote for the first time in his life. Mack texted Blair: “This feeling is the best.” CLC is working to help others across the country through its Restore Your Vote campaign. The campaign includes a resource that helps to educate those with past convictions in all 50 states about their rights, as well as on-the-ground efforts in Arizona, Nevada and Texas. #RestoreYourVote

and we went to the corner store (do they have those anymore?) and the store owners treated us with candy and hot cups of tomato soup. Years later my mother would laugh whenever I reminded her of that episode and she would deny it ever happened; like she did when we talked about the regular doses of castor oil we received. I can even laugh about both scenarios and I survived the day after Halloween. But there have been quite a few times when the day after election day, I felt even worse than I did after that Halloween.

You see, I have opened my eyes on the day after election day and felt like I had been tricked. I don’t want to have that feeling again, ever, after election day. I want a bag of treats in the form of bold leadership that will do what is right, instead of what is expedient or benefits a few. I want leaders who want to be on the right side of history. I want the people to take over the parties and stop playing vicious games. There are so many lessons to be learned from my truth. I don’t expect something for nothing. Buy what you need and

don’t beg for anything. Having a spiritual base is important. Most parents, through trial and error, tried to do the right thing. Can we say that politicians are doing the right thing? Will we be able to survive the continuing assaults? Will election day become synonymous with Friday the 13th or October 31? When will the tricks stop? Will we have anything to laugh about the day after election day? Who gets the last laugh?

NTOZAKE SHANGE, continued from page Shange was also the author of the novels Sassafrass, Cypress & Indigo, Liliane, and Betsey Brown, a novel about a Black girl who runs away from home. Shange was also awarded a Guggenheim Foundation fellowship an in April 2016, Barnard College announced the acquisition of Shange’s papers. But her most celebrated and famous work, was the 20-part poem depicting the lives of women of color. The poem was made

A Way Out of This

Do you

Out of the darkness, be drawn to the light.

know this

It will warm and comfort you and turn your day from the night.

man?

into the stage play and a published book in 1977. In 2010, Tyler Perry made her work into a film entitled a “For Colored Girls.” The recent book by Donna Brazile, Yolanda Caraway, Leah Daughtry, Minyon Moore, and Veronica Chambers, entitled “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics,” was a play on the famous work by Shange. Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent journalist and writer for NNPA as well as a political analyst and communications strategist. She appears regularly on Roland Martin Unfiltered and can be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke

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It will show, without a doubt, that your strength comes from Him. Everything imaginable rearranged by death.

Although weakened by sadness, muster all you might. Weep if you must but keep moving towards the light.

La Juana and Patricia Barton

authors of Faithful Remembrances Volume I

Autos Wanted GOT AN OLDER CAR, VAN OR SUV? Do the humane thing. Donate it to the Humane Society. Call 1-855-558-3509

Allowing you to see the good times and find strength in them

Outlining the measure of the dash that you dwell on earth.

CADNET CLASSIFIEDS

POLICE have not apprehended “Pookie” the serial rapist. We know he has attacked members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and there is a $5,000 reward offered by Crime Stoppers. If you have ANY information, PLEASE call Crime Stoppers

877-373-8477 Come on PEOPLE! Don’t you CARE? Will it matter when it is your sister, mother, aunt or grandmother or maybe YOU?

District 7-5A Standings

District 8-6A Standings

McKinney North (6-3) (3-2) Mesquite Poteet (7-1) (4-0) Sherman (4-4) (3-1) Texarkana Texas (2-6) (0-4) Tyler (5-2) (4-0) West Mesquite (2-5) (1-3) Wylie East (1-8) (0-5)

Berkner (2-6) (1-4) Duncanville (7-0) (5-0) J.J. Pearce (5-3) (3-2) Lake Highlands (4-4) (3-2) Molina (0-8) (0-5) Richardson (5-3) (3-2) Skyline (5-2) (4-1) W.T. White (1-7) (1-4)

District 9-6A Standings

District 10-6A Standings

Allen (8-0) (5-0) Dallas Jesuit (2-6) (1-4) McKinney (2-6) (2-3) McKinney Boyd (2-6) (2-3) Plano (4-4) (3-2) Plano East (6-2) (3-2) Plano West (0-8) (0-5) Prosper (7-1) (4-1)

Garland (1-7) (1-4) Lakeview Centennial (4-3) (2-3) Naaman Forest (3-5) (3-2) North Garland (5-3) (2-3) Rowlett (6-1) (4-1) Sachse (5-3) (5-0) South Garland (2-6) (0-5) Wylie (3-5) (3-2)

District 11-6A Standings Longview (8-0) (4-0) Mesquite (5-2) (3-1) Mesquite Horn (1-7) (1-3) North Mesquite (3-4) (1-3) Rockwall (6-2) (4-1) Rockwall Heath (2-7) (1-4) Tyler Lee (2-6) (1-3)

courtesy of maxpreps.com

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Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the above classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it is illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. Toll free numbers may or may not reach Canada.

WWW.GARLANDJOURNAL.COM

GARLAND JOURNAL

OCTOBER 31, 2018

Hollywood Hernandez LIVE By Hollywood Hernandez

"The Hate U Give" is heavy "The Hate U Give" is based on a young adult novel by Angie Thomas, a Jackson, MS author whose mission is to focus on the "Black Lives Matter" movement. It's directed by George Tillman Jr, who directed the 1997 movie, Soul Food, and other movies about African American life like "Barbershop," "Roll Bounce" and "Notorious." As a team, the writer and director deliver an Oscar-caliber film that is thought-provoking and asks a lot of questions about why we continue with the epidemic of shootings of young black

men in the African American community. Amandla Stenberg plays Starr Carter, a high school student who is trapped in two worlds. She lives in a predominantly African American neighborhood where drugs and violence are a way of life and she attends a white, upscale high school that her parents enrolled in her not just to increase her chances of going to college but for her own safety. The young actress is brilliant in her role. The entire cast gives a great performance including Regina Hall as her mother, Anthony Mackie as the neighborhood drug lord

and Common plays her uncle, who is also a cop. Starr has to make some very adult decisions after her childhood friend, and her first crush is killed by police in a traffic stop where a white police officer mistakes a hairbrush for a weapon. "The Hate U Give" asks some questions that most of us have never considered. For example how a black officer would react to an African American boy if he was in the same situation. It also asks why is there is so much hate by cops aimed at young black men? "The Hate U Give" is a

"must see movie." You'll leave the theater with a heavy heart and the movie will surely open up a new dialogue on police shootings. However; in the end, the movie has an uplifting message that will leave you wanting more. The good news is the author is working on a new book called "On the Come Up" which will be released in 2019. The movie is rated PG13 and has a run time of 2 hours and 13 minutes. I highly recommend this movie. On my "Hollywood Popcorn Scale," "The Hate U Give" rates a JUMBO.

THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW: Toni Braxton on Lupus board Music Awards, seven American Music Awards, and may other personal and professional accolades. Toni is open and candid about living with the lifelong disease, Lupus. Lupus is a disease which the The Valder Beebe Show immune system attacks healthy tissue. My days have been It affects about 1.5 million blessed! Americans, mostly women. This week the Valder Are you aware of someone Beebe Show invited who is living with Lupus? I best-selling R&B Artist, am. My Food IQ Girls busiBroadway and TV Actress, ness partner, Sandra Hart Toni Braxton into our is living with Lupus and studios. Throughout her doing awesome, but it has career, Braxton has sold taken a lot of work on her over 67 million records, inhealth. cluding 41 million albums It’s also an everyday batworldwide. tle for those with Lupus. She has won seven Toni appeared as a guest Grammy Awards, nine Billon the Valder Beebe Show

to share care and a b o u t pain relief finding a products, solutions making to probthem an lems that essential she expart of an perience ve r yd a y es from routine suffering for Braxfrom Luton, who pus and has long its imsuffered Award-winning singer and pact. from the actress Toni Braxton She has painful partnered and debilwith Uncle itating efBud’s the trusted collec- fects of Lupus. tion of natural hemp-inJoining Toni in the interfused products. Braxton view, 22-year-old Garret opens up to the Valder Bee- Greller, who co-created be Show audience about this line at just 17 years her journey with Lupus old, after suffering for and how the hemphealthy years with arthritis pain. brand has helped. Greller shared his jourUncle Bud’s specializ- ney and how the safe and es in skin care, personal effective hemp infused

products are making their way to the masses and promise to provide much needed relief to those suffering from debilitating pain. This interview was produced for: Uncle Bud's VBS: Toni you stated at the beginning of our conversation that you have Lupus. This is a disease that adversely affects anyone who lives with this disease. Uncle Bud’s products provides relief? TB: For me having Lupus is like living with the flu every day my body is achy. I have Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is the most common form of lupus and is generally considered more serious than the other three forms.... For me Lupus im-

Judge has write-in campaign despite record, defendant being ordered to Terrell State Hospital in Terrell, Texas. A bench warrant was signed on August 24, 2018, to bring Ogundiran back to court. He returned to court in October and Judge Hawthorne found him competent and discharged his probation releasing him early from probation, even though he had absconded several times in the past and never complied with the conditions of his probation to attend the ATLAS mental health program. On a seven-year probation sentence, Judge Hawthorne released the defendant early after doing less than 14 months on probation with no court or mental health services. State vs. William Cody Rose Defendant William Cody Rose was charged with Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The defendant’s original listed offense was Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child on December 11, 2006, where his victim was a seven-year-old boy. Rose served an eight-year sentence and once released from prison, he was required

to register as a sex offender but failed to remain current with his registration requirements. Both the prosecution and defense had an agreed plea for the defendant to have two years deferred, non-reporting probation, plus remain current with his sex offender registration. Rose entered a plea of guilty to Failure to Register as a Sex Offender on September 6, 2018. Judge Hawthorne stated to the defendant in open court, “if you bring me back proof that you registered as a Sex Offender then I will discharge his probation early.” Rose was ordered to bring back proof that he had updated his registration with the Department of Public Safety Sex Offender Registry. He returned to court one week later on September 13, 2018, and submitted proof of his registration to Judge Hawthorne where he listed his address as in a tent at the wooded area (transient). Neither a physical address was listed nor an actual city where he could be located for compliance checks by the Sex Offender Registration department. However, Judge Hawthorne accepted a convict-

ed sex offender’s proof of registration with no address to track his whereabouts as sufficient and discharged him from community supervision after seven days on probation instead of the two years previously agreed upon by the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office and the defense. State vs. Carlos Sanchez Defendant Carlos Sanchez was charged with state jail felony Possession of a Controlled Substance Under One Gram. The defendant agreed and plead guilty to the reduced charge of a Class A misdemeanor Attempted Possession of a Controlled Substance on February 27, 2018. Both the defense and the State agreed to a guilty plea of 12 months deferred probation and signed the required paperwork. A judgment was signed and submitted to the court clerks. Within 30 minutes of the original plea Judge Hawthorne discharged Sanchez from probation by signing an order dismissing proceedings and granting early release from probation without a hearing or either party being heard on the record. Following that action, Judge Haw-

thorne returned and found the defendant not guilty on the agreed plea of guilt, again without a hearing or either party being heard on the record. As it pertains to terminating probation early, Judge Hawthorne’s ruling in this case does not adhere to the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 42.12. Section 20. Reduction or Termination of Community Supervision, which states the following: (a) At any time, after the defendant has satisfactorily completed one-third of the original community supervision period or two years of community supervision, whichever is less, the period of community supervision may be reduced or terminated by the judge. (b) This section does not apply to a defendant convicted of an offense under Sections 49.04-49.08, Penal Code, a defendant convicted of an offense for which on conviction registration as a sex offender is required under Chapter 62, as added by Chapter 668, Acts of the 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1997, or a defendant convicted of an offense punishable as a state jail felony. This section of the Penal

Code of Criminal Procedure is applicable to all three of the aforementioned cases. Regarding granting early release from probation, there are certain requirements that must be met. Judge Hawthorne did not follow the law stated above in these three cases. Rare public reprimand In a rare move, in November 2017, the Texas Commission on Judicial Conduct issued a Public Reprimand to Judge Hawthorne. The Commission, responsible for investigating allegations of judicial misconduct, reprimanded Judge Hawthorne for using her influence to interfere in her nephew’s criminal case in Lubbock County, and for shaming a jury for their verdict in an unrelated rape case in her court. The state agency further concluded that Judge Hawthorne’s conduct, as described above, constituted willful and/or persistent violations of three standards of the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct and conduct that is inconsistent with the proper execution of her duties, in violation of the Texas Constitution.

pacts my heart. I found Uncle Bud’s completely by default, I used it and forgot about it because my body was completely pain free. I don’t endorse anything but brand product, Uncle Bud’s I thought the world should know about it. Visit ValderBeebeShow. com for the complete Toni Braxton interview. More Award-Winning Valder Beebe Show THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW ValderBeebeShow.com, Youtube.com/valderbeebeshow, 411RadioNetwork.com SoundCloud. com/valderb e eb eshow, PChatman Network.com and VBS affiliate broadcasters.

continued from front page

2018 Election Judge Hawthorne, who originally ran for office as a Republican in 2006, switched parties in 2010 and won the bench in the 203rd Judicial District Court as a Democrat. She was unopposed and won re-election in 2014. However, after being removed from the 2018 Democratic Primary Election ballot due to unlawful incompletion of the required filing paperwork to be a Primary candidate, Judge Hawthorne was removed from the March 2018 ballot after losing the legal battle to seek re-election. Hawthorne’s current term on the bench is set to end on December 31, 2018. The judge filed to run as a write-in candidate in the current mid-term General Election in an attempt to remain on the bench. There is no Republican challenger on the ballot for the 203rd Judicial District Court. Former Dallas County Assistant District Attorney Raquel “Rocky” Jones is the official Democratic candidate for the 203rd.

Early Voting Locations Garland

Mesquite

Plano

Richland College-Garland Campus 675 W Walnut St

Florence Recreation Center 2501 Whitson Way

Carpenter Park Recreation Ctr 6701 Coit Road

South Garland Branch Library 4845 Broadway Blvd

Lakeside Activity Center 101 Holley Park Dr

Christ United Methodist Church 3101 Coit Road Collin College - Spring Creek Campus

2800 E. Spring Creek Pkwy Davis Library 7501 Independence Pkwy Haggard Library 2501 Coit Rd Harrington Library 1501 18th St

Parr Library 6200 Windhaven Pkwy Plano ISD Administration Center 2700 W. 15th St Richardson Richardson Civic Ctr 411 W Arapaho Road

Rowlett Rowlett City Hall Annex 4004 Main St Sachse Sachse City Hall 3815 Sachse Road

OCTOBER 31, 2018

WHAT'S GOING ON?

October 31 Boo Bash Trick-or-Treating at Firewheel Town center 245 Cedar Sage Dr. 5pm-7pm Join us at Firewheel Town Center for a safe outdoor Trick-or-Treating experience the entire family will enjoy! Bring your lil' pumpkin to the mall and Trick-or-Treat at participating stores from 5pm-7pm *WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. There will be an assortment of candy, stickers and other fun treats distributed by participating retailers, while supplies last. November 1 Dia De Los Muertos at Downtown Garland Square 520 W. State St. 6pm-8pm Join us at Garland’s historic Downtown Square for the second annual Dia De Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, event. Learn more about this unique Mexican tradition of celebrating the memories of loved ones who have passed. This one-of-a-kind event features colorful cultural performances by Garland ISD students, calavera face painting, ballet Folklorico and mariachi performances, and altar displays. Bring the kids out to enjoy bounce houses, face painting, gaga pit, craft tables and more! While you’re there, enjoy Downtown’s eclectic restaurant scene, special food vendors and partake in a new twist on an old tradition. Bring items to share with others for a community altar to honor loved ones who have passed. (Please note, items may not be returned.) #FunNeverDies

GARLAND JOURNAL

November 3 Final Championship Rodeo for Cowboys of Color at Mesquite Championship Rodeo 1818 Rodeo Dr. Mesquite. 7:30pm. Calf Roping, relay, steer riding, barrel racing, and etc. Half time show included. Wine Walk Downtown Garland See Downtown Garland in a whole new way! Shop while you Sip! 915 Main Street Time: 3:30-7pm (early bird online tickets can be picked up at 3pm, on location event ticket sales begin at 3:30 and walk will officially begin at 3:30) Online ticket sales price $15, online ticket sales will end Friday, November 2nd. At Event ticket sales price $20, day of ticket sales will begin at 3:30 and end at 4:30. Get your tickets now to receive a commemorative 9 oz. stemless wine glass with our first event logo along with an event passport, restaurant coupon book, 12 different wine samples supplied by "He Wines She Dines" at our 12 participating downtown merchants & 1 prize drawing ticket! Enjoy wine varieties of Reds, Whites and Rose's at our stops and enjoy tent vendors as you walk along with live music, Hope to see you there! Prize Drawing on the square at 6:30 Live music by: Sabrina & Gypsy Blue 5:30-6:30. The Driftin Outlaws 7-8:30 NOVEMBER 6

VOTE IT'S ELECTION DAY! November 7

November Women’s EmPower Brunch Hosted by: The Every Heart Project at The Egg & I Restaurants 3328 E. Hebron Parkway Ste. 100, Carrollton. 11am-1pm. November 8-11 23rd Annual “Neath the Wreath Holiday Gift Market” at Plano Event Center 2000 E. Spring Creek Pkwy 11am-4pm. Tickets: eventbrite.com November 8 Art & Wine Walk Downtown Plano Host: Plano Magazine. 998 E. 15th St. 5pm-9pm Recurring events thru 12-13-18 Tickets: www. visitdowntownplano.com Theme for November: Neon Night. Join us for the Downtown Plano Art & Wine Walk 2018 Season, presented by Plano Magazine! Participants sample select wines at their favorite shops while enjoying live music, art exhibitions, and special discounts. November 9 Headshots and Handshakes Series Dallas Edition Host: Selah Education & Empowerment Center at African American Museum 3536 Grand Ave. 7pm-10pm Performance by Syleena Johnson and Lamman Rucker Tickets: eventbrite.com 23rd Annual Garland Purchasing Vendor Expo at The Atrium at the Grandville Arts Center 300 N. Fifth St. 11am-2pm November 10 The SOS Band, Con Funk Shun & Lakeside at Music Hall at Fair Park 909 1st. Ave. 8pm.

WWW.GARLANDJOURNAL.COM November 17 The Return of The Prodigal Daughter Stage Play at The Plaza Theatre 521 W. State St. Garland Show Time 5pm. Tickets: www.mgkproductioninc.org Legends of Blues- Betty Wright at Music Hall at Fair Park 3921 MLK Jr. Blvd. Dallas. 8pm “This is Me” By Peace by Peace Exhibit at Frisco Fine Art 7227 Main St. Frisco 7pm November 20 Coffee on Frost- Garland Hosted by Frost Rosalind Coffee Company 107 N. 6th St. Garland 8am-10am. On Tuesday, start your morning with a cup of coffee on us. Rosalind Coffee Company will be brewing it fresh, so be sure to bring your friends, stay awhile, and get to know your neighbors. We can’t wait to see you there! Investment and insurance products are not FDIC insured, are not bank guaranteed, and may lose value. Insurance products are for solicitation in the state of Texas. Investment and insurance products are offered through Frost Brokerage Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Frost Brokerage Services, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Frost Bank. Additionally, insurance products are offered through Frost Insurance. Deposit and loan products are offered through Frost Bank, Member FDIC. November 24 Bull Ride Express at Mesquite Championship Rodeo 1818 Rodeo Dr. 7pm. Tickets: hiphopcowboy.com Come Out and Enjoy an Action Packed Night, of Bull Riding & (the always exciting) Pony Express!! Plus Barrel